The Daily Reveille - July 21, 2009

NEWS A new poll shows college students experiencing more anxiety, page 3.

CRIME

Man arrested after reportedly being caught masturbating in Patrick F. Taylor Hall, page 3.

OUT-OF-DATE BOX Old Alex Box not to be torn down until after football season, page 5.

THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Volume 113, Issue 152

Summer Edition

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

BR COMMUNITY

Tiger Land hotspot set to receive facelift

New Harry Potter movie breaks box office records in Baton Rouge, around world

By Mary Walker Baus Contributing Writer

my!

Potter, Granger and Weasley, oh

Audiences across the world joined these three friends for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in theaters last week for the largest midnight opening show in history, bringing in around $22 million to the box office.

“It completely sold out,” said advertising senior Corey Ikerd, Rave Motion Pictures assistant and marketing m a n a g e r.

By David Helman

“We sold 3,000 tickets. We sold every seat in the building. It was bigger here than last year with the ‘Dark Knight,’ which was explosive for us.”

Ikerd said the theater has 3,200 seats in all.

Ikerd said the midnight opening of the sixth Harry Potter movie brought in so much business that the compressors for the soft drink machines broke, and they could no longer serve soft drinks.

Brian Rutherford, Rave Motion Pictures manager, said the theater sold 2,300

Contributing Writer

It’s seems the University’s famous TigerLand district had lost one of its many landmarks during the last several weeks.

Tiger Bar, one of the neighborhood’s oldest establishments, closed its doors to the public earlier this month, causing concern that the watering hole had gone out of business for good.

However, if everything goes as University alumnus Van English hopes it will, the bar will return to the Tiger Land night life by early August.

“Tiger Bar’s been around forever,” English said. “We’re hoping to revamp it and change the energy of the place up.”

English is the new co-owner and proprietor of the bar, which will be known as “The Box” upon reopening.

“I’ve been working in bars since I was 18, and I was a finance major at LSU,” English said. “This opportunity kind of fell into my hands through a bunch of crazy circumstances, and I’m really excited about the future.”

University students will perhaps remember Tiger Bar most prominently for its LSU sports theme, as the name indicates. English said

POTTER, see page 4

lsureveille.com

Log on to see Potter fans discuss the new movie.

ADAM GERIK / The Associated Press

Sydney Frano, Brian Tyne and Sean Swanson extend their wands while waiting for the midnight showing of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” on July 14, in Peoria, Ill.

BAR, see page 7

WEATHER

Heat poses threat to dogs, other pets B.R. experiences hottest summer in decades

By Steven Powell Contributing Writer

While most Baton Rouge residents choose to wear shorts and a T-shirt during this summer’s excessive heat, some continue to wear a fur coat, even through the most grueling days of summer.

Mark Acierno, veterinary clinical science professor, said extreme heat af-

fects pets more than people, and even simple exercises such as throwing a Frisbee or running can be dangerous in high temperatures.

“Pet owners have to remember dogs are wearing a fur coat,” he said. “On top of that, dogs don’t sweat, so they have a harder time getting rid of excess heat.”

Common signs of dogs overheating are excess panting, change in behavior, lethargy, mental abnormality and collapsing, Acierno said. However, he said most dogs rarely exhibit warning signs.

Acierno said when dogs show signs of overheating, owners should hose them

down and immediately seek medical attention. When dogs get overheated, they start to form blood clots, and their bodies start breaking down, causing most dogs to die quickly, he said.

“Many times, dogs go into shock and have seizures,” said Sam Hasse, veterinarian at Jefferson Animal Hospital.

“Sometimes it can cause permanent damage, such as kidney damage.”

Hasse said leaving pets in a locked car is extremely dangerous because the car’s temperature can reach more than PETS, see page 7

MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille

Patrick Redmond, Baton Rouge resident, throws the frisbee for his dog, Tehbaud, Monday at the Raising Cane’s Dog Park.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 2

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Iran election Economic dispute escalates to indicators up more new phase than expected TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s election dispute has moved beyond the drama of mass street protests to a new phase: a fight for power within the ruling religious establishment itself. The conflict escalated as the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, backed by hardline clerics and the Revolutionary Guard, issued a warning to the opposition in general and powerful cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in particular. “The elite should be watchful, since they have been faced with a big test. Failing the test will cause their collapse,” Khamenei said Monday in a speech marking a religious holiday. “Anybody who drives the society toward insecurity and disorder is a hated person in the view of the Iranian nation, whoever he is.” The opposition was emboldened when Rafsanjani stepped into the fray with a Friday prayer sermon that sharply criticized the leadership’s handling of the postelection crisis.

NEW YORK (AP) — More plans to build homes, higher stock prices and fewer people filing firsttime claims for jobless aid sent a private-sector forecast of U.S. economic activity higher than expected in June. It was the third straight monthly increase for the New York-based Conference Board’s index of leading economic indicators, and another sign pointing toward the recession ending later this year. The index rose 0.7 percent last month. Wall Street analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a gain of 0.4 percent.

May’s reading was revised up to a gain of 1.3 percent from 1.2 percent, while April was scaled back to 1 percent growth from 1.1 percent. The group also said activity in the six-month period through June rose 2 percent, with an annual growth rate of 4.1 percent.

That’s the strongest rate since the first quarter of 2006. The index is meant to project economic activ-

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009

STATE/LOCAL ity in the next three to six months.

If these conditions continue, “expect a slow recovery this autumn,” said Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein. The Conference Board’s leading indicators index bottomed in March after peaking in July 2007. The decline accelerated last fall after investment bank Lehman Brothers collapsed and credit markets froze. “We’re now getting data which points to stabilization,” said Josh Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at research firm MFR Inc. “The overall signal they’re sending is the slide in economic activity is poised to end. The jury is still very much out in terms of what happens after that.” Many analysts expect modest economic growth in the fourth quarter after the gross domestic product posted the worst six-month performance in about 50 years at the end of 2008 and beginning of this year. Stocks rose on Wall Street after the betterthan-expected index reading and on reports that commercial lender CIT Group had reached a deal with bondholders to avoid bankruptcy.

The Dow Jones industrial average added about 50 points in afternoon trading, and broader indices also gained.

La. Gov. Jindal thrust back into national scene BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal sharply criticized Democrats’ health care plans Monday, thrusting himself back into the national spotlight for the first time since his awkward rebuttal of President Barack Obama’s policies in February. Jindal, a former state and federal health official, also scheduled two days of appearances on national TV news shows on both Fox News and CNN to talk about health care, said the governor’s spokeswoman, Melissa Sellers. In an editorial posted Monday on the Web site Politico, Jindal complained about federal government spending and opposed the House Democrats’ proposed health care overhaul. He says the Democrats’ plan is likely to drive up unemployment and federal debt and will force most Americans into a government-run health program.

“Our federal government is currently just flinging stuff against the wall, in trillion-dollar chunks, to see what sticks,” Jindal wrote, criticiz-

TODAY ON

Read The Daily Reveille’s blogs, including the “Dog Days” summer sports blog and “The Soapbox” opinion blog.

lsureveille com See pictures of dogs cooling off and playing at the dog park.

SNAPSHOT DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Javier at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM

ing business bailouts and the federal stimulus package — and omitting his use of $1 billion in stimulus money in Louisiana’s budget. The 38-yearold Jindal, considered a possible future GOP presidential contender, had been largely missing from national appearances and commentary the past few months after he was panned for his nationally televised rebuttal to Obama’s address to Congress in February. Sellers, however, tied the governor’s quieter national profile to the Louisiana Legislature’s regular session, which ran from April through June. She said Jindal had repeated interview requests from national TV shows, but waited until the session was over before accepting. By picking health care, Jindal has focused on an issue ever-present in the news and a policy area in which he is closely familiar. The governor once worked as Louisiana’s health secretary and later as an assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under former President George W. Bush. “The Governor has an extensive background in health care, and he is troubled by the government-run health care plan that Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi is trying to quickly push through Congress,” Sellers said in a statement.

Weather TODAY

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THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

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THUNDERSTORMS THUNDERSTORMS

FRIDAY

NOW HIRING BROADCAST SALES EXECUTIVES LSU Student Media is now hiring students interested in working with advertising and underwriting with KLSU & Tiger TV. Contact Emanuel at BroadcastSales@KLSUradio.fm

SATURDAY

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THUNDERSTORMS THUNDERSTORMS

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Log on to explore Middleton Library, see people play basketball at the Rec and ride campus transit.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009

Campus Crime Briefs MAN ARRESTED AFTER REPORTEDLY MASTURBATING IN PATRICK F. TAYLOR HALL Police arrested a man unaffiliated with the University on July 14 after a facility services employee reported him masturbating in Patrick F. Taylor Hall at about 10 p.m.

Tuan Hoang Nguyen, of 14425 Jefferson Blvd., Baton Rouge, had been banned from campus several times before, said Sgt. Blake Tabor, an LSUPD spokesman.

Tabor said the facility services employee was checking the rooms in Patrick F. Taylor when she saw Nguyen masturbating

while looking at pornography on a computer.

After seeing what looked like semen near the computer, officers arrested Nguyen for obscenity and remaining after being forbidden, Tabor said.

Nguyen was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

MAN ARRESTED FOR REMAINING AFTER BEING FORBIDDEN A 29-year-old man was arrested near Cypress Drive on July 16 at about 12:18 a.m. after police discovered he had previously been banned from campus.

Justin A. Weber, of 15580

George O’Neal Road, Apt. 525, Baton Rouge, was riding a bike through parking lots on campus with another man when an officer stopped to ask why they were in the area so late, Tabor said.

When the officer discovered Weber had been banned from campus before, was arrested and issued a misdemeanor summons for remaining after being forbidden.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA A 22-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested for simple possession of marijuana at about 1 a.m. on July 16.

An officer was patrolling the area near West Chimes Street when he smelled the odor of marijuana near the Music and Dramatic Arts building, Tabor said.

He saw Stephen A. Chapman, of 1135 Lake Drive, Woodworth, and another man sitting in a car near the building.

The two men were smoking a marijuana cigarette, Tabor said.

The officer questioned the two about it, and Chapman said the cigarette was his.

Chapman was issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

The cigarette contained 1 gram of marijuana.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA A 23-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested for simple possession of marijuana on July 17 at about 8 p.m.

Police discovered Dwight Lewis, of 4525 West Brookstown Drive, Baton Rouge, was in possession of marijuana after they stopped the car he was a passenger in for improper lane change, Tabor said.

Lewis had a napkin filled with about 6 grams of marijuana, Tabor said. Lewis was issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

The driver of the vehicle was

PAGE 3 issued a traffic citation.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL CARRYING OF A WEAPON A 45-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested for remaining after being forbidden and the illegal carrying of a weapon on July 19 at about 8:30 p.m.

An officer saw Kenneth Womack, of 1125 West Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, sitting in the insurance parking lot near the corner of Highland Road and West Chimes Street.

The officer recognized Womack as being previously banned from campus and questioned him.

When the officer discovered Womack had a box cutter in his possession, he arrested Womack for remaining after being forbidden and the illegal carrying of a weapon.

Womack was issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

HEALTH

Poll: More students report having anxiety, depression University sees more people seeking help

By Natalie Roy Contributing Writer

Stress over grades, student loans, relationships and work are only a few of the factors affecting the recent trend of increased anxiety and depression among college students, according to a new Associated Press-mtvU poll.

The survey, which examined the emotional health of undergraduate students ages 18-24 from 40 colleges, showed 13 percent displayed signs of being at risk for at least mild depression, based on the students’ answers to medical practitioners’ questionnaires for diagnosing depression.

In addition, the study found 85 percent of the 2,240 students surveyed reported feeling stressed in their everyday lives.

Students described having difficulty sleeping and loss of energy and appetite in conjunction with depressed thoughts, and attribute these problems to school, work and most importantly, the recent economy.

“The world is more complex now,” said Dr. Christopher Garner, clinical psychologist at the University’s Mental Health clinic.

“A lot of students are having to work and go to school full-time … and more stress can lead to depression. They could also be affected if they’ve had a family member that’s lost a job. The psychological impact of the economy could have a huge role in this [trend].”

The Mental Health Services’ experiences with students affected by depression reflect the national trend, Garner said.

“I’ve been around since 2000, and we’re busier … in terms of the number of students trying to access our services,” Garner said.

“The vast majority — probably 8

or 9 out of 10 students that walk percent in the 2008-09 academic into my office — have some sort year. of depressive or anxiety disorder And Vincent said while this or a combination of the two. It may seem insignificant, the 11.3 seems to be the common cold of percent increase and roughly mental illness.”

140 new Mental Drayton VinHealth visitors recent, director of affirm University Mental Health students’ increasServices, said he ing issues with also noticed the mental health and, increased activmore specifically, ity at the Mendepressive illtal Health clinic, nesses.

Christopher Garner which is open five According to clinical psychologist days a week and an American Coloffers confidential lege Health Assoconsultations available to students ciation annual assessment of the by appointment.

University, 18 percent of Univer“In the 2008-09 academic sity students surveyed reported deyear, we saw 1,360 different stu- pression as an impediment to their dents in the Mental Health clinic,” academic performance - which Vincent said. “In the same time correlates with the 18.2 percent of period the year before, we saw national college students who re1,222 students.” ported experiencing depression in Taking into consideration the fall 2008 - and indicates more stuchanges in student body popula- dents are feeling depressed than tion, the percentage of students are actually seeking help. who visited the Mental Health “A lot of students … may clinic grew from 4.3 percent in experience depression, but don’t the 2007-08 academic year to 4.8 necessarily come into the Stu-

‘‘

‘Students seem to be more forthcoming now about their mental health issues.’

graphic by ELLEN ZIELINSKI / The Daily Reveille

dent Health Center,” Vincent said.

“They may get no treatment or … see a family doctor. Also, if it’s a fairly normal depression, it may take care of itself within a few weeks to 3 months.”

Vincent and Garner both said the stigma attached to seeking mental help often deters students from coming to the Mental Health clinic. However, with the stigma becoming less influential, colleges nationwide, including the University, are seeing more students seeking the help they need.

“Students seem to be more forthcoming now about their mental health issues,” Garner said.

But the discrepancy between the number of students who report having depressive tendencies and those seeking help still exists.

Garner said the the lack of knowledge about mental health often contributes to the lack of students seeking help. Sometimes students don’t understand exactly what differentiates depression SIGNS, see page 7

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

EDUCATION

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

New diploma program SG highlights ongoing initiatives Late-night bus causes controversy route in the works isiana had a drop-out average of 6.9 percent for grades 9-12, while East Baton Rouge had a 9.8 percent drop-out average for grades 9-12.

Erwin said CABL agrees with

By Steven Powell the program’s intent — to lower the drop-out rate — but said better Contributing Writer options already exist.

Louisiana public school stuAlthough John Dilworth, East dents struggling with academics Baton Rouge Parish School Sunow have a new path to a diploma. perintendent, could not be reached Governor Bobby Jindal re- for comment, Chris Trahan, East cently signed legislation creating Baton Rouge Parish School Sysa career diploma option for Louisi- tem communications director, said ana public high school students, as Dilworth is in support of the new a way to decrease drop-out rates. diploma system.

The career diploma allows stuSixty-eight Louisiana Board of dents passage into high school un- Elementary and Secondary Educader lowered LEAP tion approved high test standards and school programs puts them on a path exist for students to a vocational, or opting for a voskilled worker, cacational career, reer.

Erwin said. He Under the old said the programs standards, stumix technical dents had to score skill classes with Approaching Bathe normal cursic and Basic on riculum and leads Barry Erwin the English and to a GED. While Math section of president of Council for a Better La. a GED still isn’t the state’s LEAP a high school ditest to pass into 9th grade. Under ploma, Erwin said a GED has more new standards, students will earn options in the work world than the passage to 9th grade under the ca- career diploma. reer diploma with an Approaching “The new diploma opens Basic or higher score on either the doors for schools to herd struggling English or Math section of the test, kids into this diploma to make the according to the Louisiana Depart- numbers look better in the end,” ment of Education. he said. “The best option is to wait Barry Erwin, president of until students have gone through Council for a Better Louisiana, said at least two years of high school, CABL is against the new diploma to give them time to make an insystem because it lowers academic formed decision.” standards, allowing students to Erwin said some employers pass into high school without pass- are also against the legislation being the LEAP test. cause it would lower the quality of Erwin said the new legislation future workers. also offers students an “easier way “We’re not saying every asout,” offering the new diploma sys- pect is negative,” Erwin said. “We tem to all students, including those want to keep kids in school, but who have passed the LEAP test. also don’t want them to take an “It traps 8th grade kids on a easier route that leaves them in a track to a diploma that only allows dead end situation.” a limited number of options in the future,” he said. “At that age, it’s Contact Steven Powell at too early to make that decision.” spowell@lsureveille.com For the 2006 school year, Lou-

Opposition: system may lower standards

‘‘

‘We don’t want [kids] to take an easier route that leaves them in a dead end situation.’

POTTER, from page 1

seats on Friday, 2,500 seats on Saturday and 1,800 seats on Sunday.

He said there is usually a 45 to 50 percent drop in seats sold between the first and second weekend for a movie such as Harry Potter.

“It’s interesting that a series of books is so immensely popular that students, kids and adults read it,” said June Pulliam, English instructor at the University. “That’s such an uncommon thing in our culture right now. You have adults [in the theaters] who aren’t just accompanying children. The adults seem to be about as serious as children are.”

The first book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” was published in the U.S. in 1998. Harry, the protagonist of the entire book series and movie

franchise, is only 11 years old in the first book, as were many of his fans when they picked up the book for the first time.

“I was the same age as [Harry] was when [the first book] came out,” said Ikerd. “It’s a character that, as a child, you can watch grow up. He grew up with me. I think people are attached to Harry Potter more than any other character.”

Ikerd said the sixth film is his second favorite behind the third movie, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Mary Dean, medical physics senior, said she has read all seven books of the series, and that the sixth movie bothered her because they left a lot of the original plot out of the movie.

Even though some are critics of the movies, others have loved them all.

By Xerxes A. Wilson Contributing Writer

Student Government is spending the summer working on various initiatives to be implemented during the fall semester.

“Summer is such a bad time because everything is in progress and nothing is concrete,” SG Vice President Martina Scheuermann said.

One concrete initiative for the coming semester is the new night bus routes taking students to and from campus and local nightlife attractions.

Although details have not been finalized, new nighttime routes will begin when Tiger Trails begins servicing campus on August 1, said Noah Miller, SG director of transportation.

The new routes will take students from a bus stop near the University Recreational Center to local nightlife attractions with emphasis on the East Boyd and Tiger Land areas, said SG President Stuart Watkins.

Scheuermann said there will also be a route that will transport students from various parts of campus to the drop off point.

Miller said there will be three routes running at night on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. One route will run late in the afternoon sometime around 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. The next route will run 8 p.m. through midnight and the last route will run until 3 a.m.

Miller said the exact times and routes for the night buses have not been finalized and a representative with First Transit was unable to comment on the specific plans until receiving approval from Gary Graham, Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation director.

“Other major universities in the Southeastern Conference have night routes that go to different bars and nightlife attractions,” Watkins said. “LSU needs the same type of system to offer to the student body for safe transportation.”

“I think we’re in an age where people are interested in super-natural, super-human, spiritual, christian-god, new-age [things],” said Maurice Swinney, of Gonzales, La. “Everybody is trying to tap into this power source that nobody really understands, and everybody has this sense of urgency to learn more about. And so when you have an easy book like ‘Harry Potter’ that reads well [and] allows the mind to create vivid images, it’s just one of those pieces that ... people can easily tap into.”

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

Since the start of the year, University police department have recorded 28 DWIs on campus, said Maj. Helen Haire, LSU Police Department spokeswoman.

“These new routes could obviously lower the number of DWI and traffic incidents on campus,” said Sgt. Blake Tabor, spokesperson for LSUPD. “But it’s also, as always, going to be up to students to be responsible and use the service for it to make a difference.”

“Another initiative we got a lot of student interest in was putting snack machines in Middleton Library,” Scheuermann said. “We have that finalized, and a snack machine will be put by the scantron machine on the first floor of Middleton in the next two weeks.”

SG is also working on a memorial to honor students who have passed away while at the University.

“When [Kiran Kumar Allam] and [Chandrasekhar Reddy] Kom-

ma passed away last year after the tragic murders on campus, there was a reaction from the international community, and they wanted to show some kind of memorial for the death of these students,” Scheuermann said.

Scheuermann said the memorial is to be named after Alum and Kumar but will recognize in some way every student who has passed away while at the University.

Watkins said plans for funding and location of the memorial have yet to be made. “[Effective initiatives] don’t have to be big programming or big collaborative efforts from many departments it can be small tangible things, like vending in Middleton, that people get the most out of,” Watkins said.

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009

Bring the Walls Down Demolition of old Alex Box Stadium slated for the end of 2009 football season

PAGE 5

RECRUITING

Former NFL player’s son commits to LSU football Washington switches from hoops to gridiron

By Robert Stewart Contributing Writer

By Andy Schwehm Contributing Writer

Now that the new $34.5 million Alex Box Stadium has one season and a national championship under its belt, the old stadium has become a thing of the past.

The old stadium is being overrun with weeds, the scoreboard that once flashed runs now flickers on and off and the attendance sign outside the stadium facing Nicholson Drive has been in shambles since Hurricane Gustav.

All of these factors mean the demolition of the historic site is approaching fast, according to Eddie Nunez, associate athletic director for operations and

project development.

Part of the reason for the delay to the demolition is because of the upcoming football season, Nunez said.

The construction would cause safety issues and fenced off areas around the demolition site and would take away parking and other valuable space around Tiger Stadium.

Nunez said the plan for the remainder of this year is to remove all the bleachers and some of the lighting, along with other smaller parts, before football season begins. He added some of the stadium parts may be auctioned off.

DEMOLITION, see page 6 GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Buckets and crates lie across the home plate area at the overgrown old Alex Box Stadium. Plans for the ground where the old stadium stands remain uncertain.

Evan Washington made a deal with his dad a couple of years ago that changed his athletic career.

Washington started out as a basketball player at DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas. But his father, Marvin, convinced him to switch to football after his basketball career didn’t quite flourish.

“Evan just wanted to go play basketball,” said Claude ‘He Mathis, Evan Washington’s high school finishes the football coach. “He made a deal with his block. He dad that if his dad makes sure didn’t see him being that you the basketball player know he’s he thought he would be, he was going to there.’ bring him over his sophomore year, and Claude Mathis he did.”

DeSoto High School The younger football coach Washington, a 6-foot5-inch, 285-pound offensive lineman from DeSoto, Texas, committed to LSU to play football last week.

He was LSU’s 16th commitment for the class of 2010. Two more recruits have committed since then — West Monroe defensive end Jordan Allen and Archbishop Shaw defensive tackle Elliot Porter — bumping LSU’s total up to 18.

Evan Washington, a Scout.com fourstar recruit, had offers from just about every major football program, including LSU, Auburn, Miami, USC and every Big 12 school.

“If I told you all of them, we’d be on the phone for a long time,” Mathis said RECRUIT, see page 6

BASEBALL

LeMahieu signs with Chicago Infielder turns pro after soph. season

By Staff Reports LSU infielder DJ LeMahieu signed with the Chicago Cubs and will forego his final two seasons with the Tigers, LSU team spokesman Bill Franquez said in a news release Monday.

LeMahieu, who switched from shortstop to second base for the Tigers last season, has joined the Cubs’ Rookie League team in Mesa, Ariz.

LeMahieu joins an organization that already has former LSU infielders Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot on its major league roster.

This year marked the second time LeMahieu was drafted. The Detroit Tigers chose LeMahieu in the 41st round in 2007 following LeMahieu’s senior season of high school.

The Cubs’ second-round pick becomes the fifth member of the 2009 College World Series champion to join a professional roster.

Outfielder Jared Mitchell and first baseman and catcher Sean Ochinko will forego their senior season to begin their professional

careers.

Pitchers Louis Coleman and Nolan Cain will start their careers after finishing their eligibility at LSU. Designated hitter Blake Dean will return for his senior season.

Left fielder and infielder Ryan Schimpf has yet to announce a decision whether to come back for his senior campaign or sign with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

The deadline for players to sign professional contracts is August 15.

MARK SALTZ / The Associated Press

Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

Former LSU infielder DJ LeMahieu makes a throw for an out during the Tigers’ 3-2 win on May 30 against Baylor in the Baton Rouge Regional.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 6 RECRUIT, from page 5

with a laugh. “Every BCS school — you name it, he had [an offer].”

Marvin Washington has had quite the influence on Evan’s football career.

He played in the NFL for 11 seasons with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos.

“If it weren’t for his dad, he wouldn’t be playing [football],” Mathis said.

Mathis said Evan Washington didn’t really become a good football player until he finally developed a mean streak during two-a-day practice sessions last season.

“I told him, ‘You’ve got to get mean. You’re not mean enough.’

And he did,” Mathis said. “When he put a kid on the ground on his back that day in practice, I’m like ‘Yeah, he’s going to be a heck of a player.’”

Mathis said Evan Washington is just as good of a pass blocker as he is a run blocker and that his quick footwork allows him to finish blocks.

“When Evan gets you locked up, he finishes the block,” Mathis said. “He makes sure that you know he’s there.”

Mathis said Evan Washington’s quick feet can also be attributed to his time spent playing basketball.

“Basketball has helped him out a lot until he got to football,” Mathis said. “After football, [his quick feet] just became even better. So I think basketball had a lot to do with it.”

Mathis said Evan Washington will be able to pick up the college game quickly because of his work ethic.

“When he gets to the college level, it’s just going to be touching this kid up,” Mathis said. “He is an unbelievable worker. He gets the job done. So when he gets to the college level, if I had to try to find something, it would probably be his first step, where he’s planting.

That’s about it.”

Mathis said the only LSU coach he has talked to about Washington’s commitment is wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy. He said McCarthy likes Evan Washington’s mean streak, footwork and size.

“How can’t you like a kid that’s 295 pounds full of muscle?”

Mathis said.

Contact Robert Stewart at rstewart@lsureveille.com

DEMOLITION, from page 5

“Some of the bleachers are going to other schools in the LSU system that have requested them,” Nunez said. “Some of the lighting may also go to other LSU System schools. As far as the actual seating bowl, we are going to fence it off and keep it secure for the football season. We will try to utilize as much of the area around the stadium as possible as parking for the season.”

Another issue with tearing down the facility is that it is a state building, according to Gary Graham, University director of parking, traffic and transportation.

“You have to get everybody and their brother to sign off on it, and that’s what is holding everything up,” Graham said.

What is more uncertain about the site is its future, which both Graham and Nunez said is up for debate.

“We are going to bring the stadium down, but it’s just a question of what we are going to do with it,” Nunez said. “There are so many things on the table right now, but nothing has been 100 percent decided on.”

Graham said some discussions have been centered around making the site a parking garage, although other suggestions, like a mall or more married housing, have been

suggested.

“There have been some preliminary discussions,” Graham said. “But as of now, it’s on hold as to which way we are going to go with it.”

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri said he was pleased the 2008 team could send the “old lady” out in an appropriate manner. He added he would like to see some type of plaque as a reminder of the stadium.

“I think without a doubt we have to put something there to memorialize what was once a spot on campus that attracted thousands of people and created a lot of exciting moments,” Mainieri said.

OTHER UPGRADES Nunez said some other upgrades and demolitions are also happening with a few other stadiums around the University’s campus.

One of the upgrades coming up in the summer of 2010 is the surface of the Bernie Moore Track Stadium, according to Nunez.

“We are putting a new skin on the entire competition area,” Nunez said. “In doing so, we are going to look at widening the lanes and come back with a whole new surface. The surface that we have out there right now is OK, but it’s not at the level that we want it to be.

We need to have a first class facility

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Tall grass has overtaken the fences in the old Alex Box Stadium since its closure.

for our student-athletes.”

The decision to wait until next year was a combination of the amount of other construction going on right now and budget cuts, according to Nunez.

The track is 10 years old, but it has a lot of patches on it, Nunez said.

“The design work will be done fairly soon,” Nunez said. “But instead of starting this summer, or starting in the fall and affecting the whole track season, we sat down with coach [Dennis Shaver] and asked him if we can make it through another year. He said, ‘Absolutely.’”

While those upgrades are happening, another demolition will be happening to an old park — Tiger Park.

He added the bleachers and lighting will also be given to other LSU System schools, and Nunez said its future is also up in the air..

“That’s another work in progress,” Nunez said. “We will leave it as a grass field there for the time being until the master plan takes shape, which might be a parking garage in the future.”

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 PETS, from page 1

100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

He said some owners come back after only 45 minutes to find their dog dead in the car.

While Louisiana summers always pose a threat to pets, this summer has been unusual in terms of heat.

Jay Grymes, WAFB chief meteorologist, said this year is the longest run of days at 98 degrees or above, dating back to at least the 1930s.

“The high temperatures themselves are not rare,” Grymes said.

“The prolonged run of days with high temperatures is what’s rare.”

Grymes said the extreme heat felt in late June to early July was caused by a persistent range of high pressures in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere, centered over the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley.

Grymes said this occurrence is “rare, but not unusual.”

“When this happens, it not only inhibits the chance for rain to occur, but also reduces cloud cover,” he said. “It causes the air to heat up because there are more sunny days than normal, and the earth doesn’t have a chance to cool down.”

Hasse said when dogs pant,

THE DAILY REVEILLE

they are blowing out and sucking in hot air, so their body temperatures remain pretty close to environmental temperatures.

Brett Berryhill, veterinarian at Staring Plaza Veterinary Center, said a dog’s normal body temperature is between 100 and 102.5 degrees.

“When a dog is overheated, it’s best to hose it down to cool it off before bringing it in,” he said.

“Otherwise, the dog is still overheating on the way to the vet, and it could start to fry the brain.”

Tannesha Gant, local dog owner, said her dog is drinking more water and sleeping a lot more than normal since temperatures started heating up.

“She’s not wanting to play as much, and we can only go outside late in the evenings,” she said.

“Lately, she’s usually still sleeping when I leave in the mornings.”

Carson Bourgeois, biology sophomore, said his dog, Hooch, doesn’t want to go outside much during the summer.

“We’re going on shorter walks now since temperatures have been higher,” he said. “Now when we go to the dog park, he’s ready to go after 20 minutes.”

Acierno said dogs with shorter noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, will have a difficult time maintain-

ing temperatures because of natural breathing trouble.

Josh Chapman, mechanical engineering senior, said Zeke, his short-nosed dog, recently experienced a minor overheating.

“His eyes were swollen, and he couldn’t catch his breath,” he said. “Luckily, it didn’t take long for him to cool down, and he was fine.”

Chapman said Zeke used to stay outside for 30 minutes to an hour, but now stays out only 10 to 15 minutes.

“He only likes to come out to the dog park around dusk,” he said.

“During the winter and spring, we could leave him out all day. Now he stays inside.”

Acierno said if possible, dogs should be kept inside when outdoor temperatures are high, though if put outside, dogs should have adequate shade and water. He said the best time for exercise is after sundown, when temperatures become bearable.

“If they are displaying signs of overheating, seek vet care immediately,” he said. “However, it’s extremely important to focus on prevention.”

PAGE 7

SIGNS, from page 3

from normal sad or lonely moods.

“There are two main symptoms of depression … one of which has to be present to be [considered] major depression,” Garner said. “The first is a persistently depressed mood on … more days than not, for most of the day over a period of two-plus weeks.

The other is … a persistent decreased ability to experience joy or pleasure out of things that you normally would.”

Disturbances in sleep, appetite, weight, energy level, concentration, and decision-making and hopeless kinds of thinking should also serve as warning signs to students, Garner said.

And with nearly 10 percent

of adults in the U.S. suffering from depression, according to the study, Vincent said it is important for students to start taking care of their mental health early.

“Mental health is like physical health - you need to constantly take care of yourself,” Vincent said. “Are students going to be sad … worried … and homesick?

Absolutely. But when it gets to be excessive and preoccupies your time and your thinking … that’s a clue it should be looked at, and students shouldn’t … hesitate to do this.”

Contact Natalie Roy at nroy@lsureveille.com

Contact Steven Powell at spowell@lsureveille.com

BAR, from page 1

while the bar is undergoing renovations, he and his partner, the bar’s former owner, “Tiger Todd,” plan to keep the general theme intact.

“I’ll be interested to see what it’ll look like,” said Mike Modica, biology senior. “It’s probably not gonna make me go there any more often.”

English said the overall plan is to update the bar’s 21-year-old image.

“It’s been a mutual effort on our part because the bar’s been around for so long, but it needs a facelift,” English said. “We’re adding a patio to the front, we’ve built a new bar inside and we’re going to be adding new TVs ... It’s a new look you’ll be able to see from the road.”

English hopes to be finished by early August, but the timeline could vary, as he is doing most of the renovations himself.

“It’s costing a lot of time and a lot of effort,” he said. “We’re trying to make a classy place with a new look ... I don’t want to give away too much because there’s going to be a few surprises.”

The thought of a refurbished establishment in Tiger Land is exciting to many bar-going students.

“That’s great. I don’t go out much ... because honestly [Tiger Land] is dirty, and I know a lot of my friends feel the same,” said Sophia Malone, undecided sophomore. “One of them being remodeled could make it the new place to go.”

The Box hasn’t decided on an age limit, or an opening date, as of yet.

“We’re really pushing for the first half of August, and then we can schedule grand opening celebrations for the week or so before the school year starts,” English said.

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

PLUCKERS WING BAR Monday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades.

Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas.

Wednesday: Trivia at 8. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs.

Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. $3 Margaritas and Pluckers Lemonades.

BOGIE’S Wednesday: Free Drinks until 10pm Music by 6 Pac Deep

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 8

TRAVEL

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Feeling homesick because of worms in the Big Apple

When I landed an internship for a fashion magazine in New York City, I expected three things: fast walking, tall buildings and the devil wearing Prada.

I imagined I would be just like Anne Hathaway wearing Chanel boots and hailing cabs with K.T. Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See” playing in the background. I often think of myself as Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, running errands for Miranda Priestly but the Big Apple

just isn’t as glamorous as it is on the big screen.

New York City is dirty. It smells bad. There are rats, and homeless men make sexual suggestions. But I absolutely love it all.

Being in Manhattan is like being in several places at once. There’s Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Korea and that mini Disneyland plopped right down in the middle of 42nd and Broadway called Times Square.

But after walking out of my

dorm room day after day, seeing the Empire State Building and the lights of Times Square becomes so routine, and I realize, it’s the little Leslie Presnall things from home I miss.

Columnist For example, the dollar menu.

According to a lady in McDonald’s, I would have to travel to New Jersey to enjoy the affordability of a dollar menu.

Also, in New Jersey, I could find a Wal-Mart. I’m considering a day trip to tide myself over until I’m home again.

You won’t find free parking lots here either. Parking in Manhattan can cost you on average $60 daily.

Most people take pictures of the normal tourist sites — the Statue of

Liberty, Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge — but I have pictures of the one free parking lot in Manhattan. It’s a grocery store right on the edge of the island. Discovering a free parking lot shouldn’t have been the highlight of my day, but that’s when I realized I missed the South.

Contact the Leslie Presnall at lpresnall@lsureveille.com

SOCIALLY SIGNIFICANT

‘Bruno’ offers mixed messages on gay community Sasha Baron Cohen’s first large scale movie, “Borat,” was a tremendous financial and critical success.

It both entertained audiences and also functioned as a tongue-incheek examination of xenophobia in the United States.

Those looking for that same combination in Baron Cohen’s new film, “Bruno,” are going to have to look a little harder. “Bruno” does challenge American society, but its attempts to lampoon homophobia while generating laughs confuses more than it enlightens.

If you’ve heard anything about the movie during the last few weeks, you’ve probably heard some rather polarized opinions on it.

Most people seem unable to find a middle ground with the film and can’t decide if the movie hurts the national view on the gay community and culture, empowers it or does nothing except make people laugh at the movies excessive use of penises.

Baron Cohen plays Bruno, a German fashionista trying to get work in the U.S. after his fashion commentary show is canceled in his home country. Bruno’s campy actions throughout the film attract the derision of nearly everyone he meets

until he figures out the problem — he’s gay. The remainder of the film involves more wacky escapades as Bruno tries to straighten-out and eventually embrace his homosexuality.

There are some really funny moments, but those moments all float in the tension that surrounds the U.S.’s relationship with gay culture.

The problem is “Bruno” doesn’t present a clear and concise message about those relations; it splits its views into three different perspectives that all fail to accomplish anything.

The first view is that “Bruno” hurts the gay culture because it glamorizes negative stereotypes.

The movie does present a rough stereotype of a gay male, particularly an obsession with sex and a heavy focus on material culture.

But the images used are completely ridiculous, and it’s highly unlikely that anyone who wasn’t already knee-deep in the anti-gay movement would ever believe any of Bruno’s antics to be real.

The second view is that “Bruno” helps national impressions of gay culture by exposing the homophobia and ignorance of the average Ameri-

can in the same way that “Borat” exposed xenophobia in the heartland.

Again, “Bruno” does expose the bigotry and homophobia of several Americans, but many of the bits and antagonistic actions that Bruno performs would be problematic to nearly anyone.

T h e worst of these antics are Bruno’s frequently unwanted sexual advances that are so aggresSkylar Gremillion sive, they’d Columnist be terrifying regardless of your sexual orientation.

The final argument is that “Bruno” does nothing and it’s just a funny movie.

This is the argument that appeals to the population that most needs to think about meaning in this film.

“Bruno” muddles the image of homosexuals and the gay community and actually makes the whole line blurrier. That will most likely keep people from thinking actively about the way the media and most of

America relate to gay culture.

Given its mixed message, “Bruno” doesn’t seem to do much except confuse people. But that confusion is perhaps the best thing Bruno could have given us.

“Bruno” challenges us in a way that I don’t believe it was intended to do, and that’s because “Bruno” is the kind of film that demands a reflexive attitude.

We have spent several years looking outwardly at the way various facets of society reflect and alter relations between various groups of people.

In that way, the gay culture and community are little different than many other marginalized groups — they are often looked at as a unified other.

By looking outwardly, we create abstractions that push people further and further away from each other.

We then criticize these abstractions without empathy.

From there we measure these abstractions and in turn look for them to fit into the little niche we carved out for them in society.

People often try to look for easy answers as to how all of these concepts and ideas can fit together, but

they will never find them because easy answers don’t exist anymore.

“Bruno” is a great example because within the film there are legitimate cases for all three arguments, even when those arguments conflict with each other.

Bruno helps, hurts and does nothing to the gay community and its relations with the rest of the country all at the same time.

I don’t know what Baron Cohen’s plan was when he filmed “Bruno.” I suspect the idea of making money was equally important as exposing homophobia in the U.S. — but that’s a whole different column.

What’s most important here is that “Bruno” illustrates the complexity of the situation that we are in and should remind us of the human element that is always present.

The fact that Bruno is a caricature makes it evident that sometimes looking inward for examples of society’s problematic relationships is more important than looking outward.

Contact Skylar Gremillion at sgremillion@lsureveille.com

SNAPSHOT

Whatever your style, there’s an activity for you

When you go to orientation as an incoming freshman, you get the line, “There’s something here for everyone,” a lot. But if you think about it, it’s very true.

Whether you consider yourself a scholar, an athlete or just a friendly student, you can find something to entertain yourself here.

If you are an athlete, but not of the superior caliber needed to “make the team,” go to the Rec.

They offer classes for social exercisers, or you can visit the weight room with your iPod for a little one-on-one time.

I was too intimidated to visit both of these places when I was a freshman — everyone looked so much more in shape and knowledgeable than I — so I followed my friends to the basketball courts and tried my best to participate.

But if you would rather spend some time with a good book,

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI

Editor Managing Editor

MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Columnist

TRAVIS ANDREWS

Columnist

SCOTT BURNS

Columnist

SKYLAR GREMILLION

Columnist

there’s a giant library in the Quad for that.

Middleton houses thousands of volumes and resources useful to a college student. And I don’t know Ellen Zielinski about you, but I Managing Editor think the smell of books is intoxicating.

But seriously, crack one open every once in a while. You might be pleasantly surprised at the depth it brings to your papers and projects — research is a crazy thing. Plus, the whole effect of the library is very calming, and maybe you’ll obtain some knowledge through osmosis.

And if you are just a people person, I suggest riding campus transit. Sounds a little weird, but it can be very interesting, and it

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author.

Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

also saves money. I lived in Burbank Commons sophomore year, and if I wasn’t in a rush, I would take the bus to school, and often met very cool people on my way to campus.

Or, if you’re an all-around type of person, try your hand at all three.

Contact Ellen Zielinski at ezielinski@lsureveille.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY “Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?”

Ernest Gaines American author Jan. 15, 1933 —

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Nietzsche is Dead

PAGE 9

Demons make for good horror, but dangerous ideas ror.

Exorcisms make for good hor-

The concept of a possessed little girl with solid black eyes and a rotating head — and disturbing projectile vomiting — is now a classic horror image for good reason.

But do demons actually exist?

And do they actually posses people?

For some religious people, the answer is a definite yes.

Recently, a charismatic church made headlines when a video of a purported exorcism in their sanctuary was posted on YouTube. The video shows members of Manifested Glory Ministries, a nondenominational church in Connecticut, gathered around a boy, who lays writhing on the floor.

As the crowd’s chanting and the boy’s convulsions intensify, certain phrases become audible over the confusion: “You demon, loose yourself!” “You sex demon...you snake!”

“You homosexual demon, get up on outta here!”

As the video progresses, it becomes increasingly obvious what is happening. The church members are expelling — or believe they are expelling — a “demon of homosexuality” from the young man.

It is, to put it lightly, an eerie scene.

The question of demons —

actual spiritual forces of wickedness that directly influence the world we live in — is an ancient one, and its one that continues to be addressed within the modern American faith community.

As a graduate of Parkview Baptist High School, right here in Baton Rouge, I personally experienced the deeply-held belief in such spiritual forces that some Christians have.

Our junior year, we were required to read Christian author Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness.”

The novel directly addresses demons, juxtaposing the spiritual struggles of real-life Christians with the invisible war between angels and demons that occurs all around them. Demons directly posses teenagers, driving them to drink and do drugs. Sometimes, the spirits intervene more directly — at one point, one of them drives his sword through an engine block to stall a Christian’s car.

More humorously, the school board once tried to ban the Harry Potter books, because they “glorified dangerous and evil dark magic and sorcery.” Needless to say, more practical administrators and faculty and a skeptical student body meant that the Potter phenomenon still lived at Parkview.

But the most breathtaking exposure to the belief in demons and

exorcisms was my experience with, of all things, a Latin teacher named Mr. Collier.

Mr. Collier once directly asked us who in the room had exorcised a demon. When, as you might imagine, no one raised their hand, he looked at us incredulously. “This is the problem with our country today — we don’t have enough young people willing to stand up and fight against the spiritual forces of darkness!”

Mr. Collier believes pas- Matthew Albright sionately that Columnist demons exist — in fact, he believes that he had once been possessed by a demon of alcoholism. He told us several times of his exorcism, in which he claims that his neck was swollen to tremendous proportions and a deep voice emanated from his throat, laying claim to his life.

After his pastor removed the demon, Mr. Collier never had a drink again in his life.

Whatever these stories may make you think of my high school, it was an excellent place of learning that left me perfectly ready to face college. And I still carry a deep re-

spect for Mr. Collier — as a teacher, and as a human being, whose faith defeated alcoholism and led him to a lifetime of service.

Which is perhaps the most fascinating — and perhaps dangerous — part of the equation: not everyone who believes in angels and demons is a lunatic. In fact, a 2008 Pew Forum study indicated that as much as 68 percent of Americans in some way believe spiritual forces besides God work in the universe.

It’s obvious to anyone who has talked with someone like my Latin teacher that the concept of spiritual forces that directly affect the world is very real — and very powerful — to those that believe in them.

But as powerful as the concept may be, it is equally as dangerous.

Although it is true that demons do appear in scripture — Jesus “exorcises demons” in the gospels — there is mounting theological evidence that this was largely metaphorical, if not actually misinterpreted (Biblical references to Lucifer, a name many associate with Satan, actually reference astrological phenomena). Equally heavily-cited evidence is contained in the writings of Paul, and this evidence is even more metaphorical.

Instead of interpreting “spiritual forces of darkness” as actual malevolent entities hell-bent (literally) on

corrupting humanity, Paul’s admonitions are likely in reference to the forces we fight within ourselves.

Mankind has plenty of dark forces at work within itself. Why is it necessary to believe that we need scaly, sulfurous demons to corrupt us?

This is the fundamental problem with demonic possession. It serves as a kind of metaphysical cop-out — instead of owning up to the flaws, sins, and evil deeds we do all by ourselves, it’s much easier to just say “the devil made me do it.”

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I just don’t like the thought of an invisible monster subtly influencing my thoughts and actions.

Maybe it’s a demon of cynicism that prevents me from thinking like Mr. Collier.

Or maybe I’m just wary of allowing myself to think that the flaws in the world that need fixing aren’t of our own making and can be fixed merely by casting them out with holy water.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

President Obama goes back to community college Editorial Board University of Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Community colleges are colleges, too.

President Barack Obama recently announced a plan that recognizes the importance of community colleges. He’s proposing a 10-year, $12-billion investment in community colleges to improve their ability to educate America’s workforce.

The plan, called the American Graduation Initiative, sends a message from the Obama administration that it hasn’t forgotten about those for whom a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university isn’t a realistic possibility. It’s Congress’s job to reinforce Obama’s admirable commitment to community colleges by passing the initiative.

Obama announced the initiative Tuesday at Macomb Community College in the nearby Detroit suburb of Warren. Obama proposed a number of methods that would improve community colleges nationwide by helping them provide online courses and modernize facilities. The AGI pledges to make earning an associate’s degree easier. It encourages meritbased scholarships and classes that work around full-time schedules.

Obama’s goal is an additional 5 million associate degrees by 2020.

The AGI will be funded by an elimination of subsidies the fed-

eral government pays to banks that run student loan programs.

Now it’s Congress’s turn to follow Obama’s initiative and make it happen — because Obama was right when he said that jobs requiring a college degree would grow faster than jobs that don’t.

This is especially true for Michigan. As the state loses its manufacturing base, its future will depend on job growth in fields that require college degrees.

With college tuition rising across the country, the need for quality community colleges is greater than ever. Community colleges could offer affordable schooling for people who need it — and Obama’s AGI could drastically improve the quality of this affordable education.

Community colleges provide essential educational opportunities and ensure that our workforce can change with the demand for jobs. And improving the accessibility of community colleges will help this happen. Giving tools for community colleges to design programs around work schedules and provide online courses will help students already in the workforce.

The option to train for a job in a high-growth field while maintaining a full-time job will entice more to take advantage of this opportunity. And since the federal government is paying for these improvements, community colleges will

be able to keep their tuition low — something that all universities need to do better.

Community colleges provide an education for people who can’t

afford a four-year college education. Obama’s new plan to bolster such important institutions could help bring the nation out of this economic slump, and Congress

should ensure this becomes reality.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

Photo courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 10

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If yes, you may be eligilbe for “Bodhi Body,” a new, mindfulness/ meditation-based treatment program for body image concerns conducted at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

You may be eligible if you are: Female Age: 21-45 Haven’t experienced any eating disorder symptoms in the past year Call Today 763.0939 or 763.3004 Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer nanny needed with possible live in option.

2-3 days/week. 30 minutes from lsu campus.

225.235.0908 225.235.0908 computer/system technician We are a small law firm looking for a computer/ system technician to maintain a network of about 20 computers and 3 servers. Students are

welcome to apply.

Job functions include: - Troubleshooting all equipment- Maintaining system and network security - Ordering, installing, and training on any new equipment and software needed Skills needed: - PC hardware and software troubleshooting (Windows XP) - Knowledge of Windows Server 2003, Terminal Services, Microsoft Exchange, and basic networking Please submit resume and salary history to katie@jlaw.net or fax to 225-208-1084.

Campus Ambassadors Wanted Be a campus leader, gain real marketing experience and get paid representing top brands for P&G’s ReadyU. Go to www.repnation.com/ readyu to apply!

HELP WANTED Student Workers Needed to work at the Athletic Facilities/Maintenance and Events. Please contact Pam LeBlanc 225.578.0895

Don’t Miss this one... Here’s your chance to own a Crescent Condo with over 1000sqft for $295,000. Luxury Gated Community w/ many amenities. Best Priced Condo for sale at The Crescent Condominiums located on Stanford Avenue. Marketed by Realtor Jamie Ourso with CJ Brown Realtors. Call Today! 225.802.7159 Paw Blankets July Only Sale of $34.99 Order online: www.purpleandgoldblankets.com

For Rent FREE RENT Summerwood Villas 3BR/2BA Condo $1400 Latter & Blum Prop. Mgmt.

225-297-7888

Seeking enthusiastic students who love working with children for local after school program. MWF or T Th 1:30-5:30 Now hiring for Fall semester. Call 975-0131 Please leave a message.

FURNISHED TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT 2 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath Townhouse for Rent $1,200.00/ month; FULLY FURNISHED; Lake view; Call 225.291.4085 or 225.718.9227 for more information.

Recording Studio Office help needed. Must be able to work Tue & Thur. 4hr each day.

Hours are flexible around class schedule. For more information contact Sockit Studio 225216-0167

3bd 3ba LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOUS biggest unit. right by clubhouse. $1650 plus util.

713.248.9107

!BARTENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 xt127

2 BD 1.5 Bath Cottage Close to LSU. Fenced back yard, private parking, 2-story, W/D, $1,200/mo. 7951 Bayou Fountain Avenue. Available August 1. 225.330.9286 or 225.757.0494.

Small law office seeks part time runner/ courier; flexible hours, willing to work around school schedule, dependable transportation required. Call 225.298.0770

BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES. Pre-leasing for summer and fall. 2br 2.5 bath pool, w/ d. $900/ mth $500 dep. 955-6480 southlandpropertiesinc.com

FT Project Assistant- Advantous Consulting, LLC is seeking a Project Assistant to assist our team with tasks related to Business Incentive Projects. Must have strong MS Office Skills, Time Mgmt./Organizational Skills, and a strong attention to detail. Bachelor’s degree required.

Email: jobs@advantous.com

3 bed condo by lsu campus Burbank Estates On the Bus Route, 1/2 mile from campus 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms $1600 225.767.2227 www.deanflores.com

www.louiescafe.com

For Sale 02 Honda Civic LX White 96K mi. Good Condition. $6000 OBO. 225.931.7029 Dell laptop-Excellent Cond. Must sell Inspiron E1405-15”screen. Loaded w/Vista, Microsoft Premium Office, Bluetooth, CD/ DVD RW, Intel Core2. Will negotiate! $1200 225.413.6382 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FALL 2009!! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

FOR LEASE 561 East State St. #2 2BR/1BA $850.00.

View other available Rentals at www.keyfindersbr.com or call Keyfinders Realty 225.293.3000 GATED FAMILY COMPOUND: 12 MIN AVAILABLE AUGUST 1ST: 4 br/3.5b Country Home in a gated family compound on a working sugar cane plantation. Central H/A, ceiling fans through-out, satellite dish, W/D, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal included.

Open front porch and back brick patio. Some furnishings provided at no extra cost, if needed. $2,000/month (225) 753-4304, 505-6161 225.753.4304 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR FALL 2009! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

NEW Constru Condo Apartments Affordable, New, Nice 2&3BR Units on Range Ave in Denham Springs 276-3134 3b/3.5b arlington trace condo

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Only 1 unit left!

All Appliances Included 2405 Brightside 225.767.2227 You Will Love williamsburg 4065 Burbank Drive. $475. No Pets. www. lsubr.com for picture and floorplan. 978-1649.

IDEAL PLACE TO LIVE & STUDY Near Walk-Ons and Co-op Bookstore on Burbank. No Pets. Walk or bike to school. On the LSU busline. Leave a message. 978-1649.

Chateau du Cour in tigerland Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com For Rent in Brightside Estates 3BR/2B Condo Gated, Pool, Volleyball court, on bus route, 3 parking spaces call or email at Talbots@cox.net call 225.266.9063 3 Bedrooms/2 Bath Condo In Brightside Estates. Gated community. Spacious upper unit. All appliances with washer & dryer. Available August 1st. $1,500.00 a month with $1,500.00 damage deposit. Also available for purchase. For more information, call 504-250-5555 Tigerland 1 & 2 BR flats and TH. wdfloors, pool w/s paid $525 -$725 225.615.8521 3BR/2.5BA 1500sqft $1125/Month South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet 225.978.7400 3000 sf Executive Home 6 miles to LSU - Prestige Location Hot Tub & 3br 2.5b + Office - $2800/ mo Rent to Own - 706.717.0591 http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/ apa/1261061492.html Walk to LSU 1 and 2 BR FLATS and TH, pool, laundry center. University View Apartments on West Parker. Call Hannah 767-2678. NO PETS. 1 BR / 1 Bath Located in small, quiet complex. Great location! Walk to LSU Inclds. d/w, central a/h, semester lease terms. No Pets! $465 w/ $350 deposit Drex Gomes Properties 225.928.2864 3 Bed/3 Bath on Brightside $1650/ Month, Free Optional Monthly Maid Service!

2405 Brightside on LSU Bus Route Arlington Trace Condos Parking for 3 & All Appliances Included Available for 1 Year Lease Beginning August 1st. hollisleech@yahoo.com 310.989.4453 WalK To Campus 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes.

Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 Highland Road 3 br 2 ba $950-$1300 225.769.1079 1 Bd 1/2 ba Apartment for Rent available immediately, $901 water, cable, internet included, half off first month’s rent 225-933-9097 LSU Area 3 BR / 1 Bath House

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 Newly Renovated! Great location, Walk to campus. Inclds. hrdwd flrs, tile in kichen & bath, new frig., d/w & washer/dryer.

Large rms, Very nice!

Price of rent inclds. lawn care. $1100 w/ $500 deposit Drex Gomes Properties 225.928.2864 www.keyfindersbr.com Houses, Condos & Apartments For Lease in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Keyfinders Realty 225.293.3000 3bd2bahouse rent$1260 WESTHAVEN SUB 6 mi.from LSU on BURBANK lg.den/ kit, fenced yd.2car gar.504.481.5118 504.780.2583 Sharlo House For Rent 2br/2ba; 2003 remodel with all appliances; 40’x40’ enclosed yard; $1200/ month. 225.405.9580 225.405.9580 225.405.9580 roommates wanted Nicholason Lakes.

4br/2ba furnished. 2 rooms available. $550.00mth/550.00 deposit. All utilities included (including wireless high speed internet).

225.933.8732 Beautiful Garden Home 3 BR/2 Bath, Siegen & Perkins, $1500/month 225.769.6368 3Br/2ba Spacious Condo $1500/mo near LSU in Gates at Brightside.

Gated community with pool. 504.908.8579 1 BR/ 1 Bath Condo Very nice! Unique flrpln includes all appl. w/ washer/ dryer. Berber carpet & tile. Very convenient to LSU. Semester Lease Terms. No Pets!

350 South Acadian Gallery Condos $495 w/ $350 deposit 225.928.2864 FOR RENT NEW TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH CONDO; RENT IS $1,100.00 PER MONTH; 9 FT. CEILINGS, CERAMIC TILE FLOORING, ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDING WASHER/ DRYER IN UNIT; CONVENIENT TO CAMPUS, INTERSTATE AND SHOPPING 225.413.9800 CHARMING VINTAGE 3B2BA COTTAGE newly renov, hrdwd fl thruout, W/D, CA/CH, ofstrt prkng, scurty mntring, yardman, bike to LSU, ap & lease. $990 225.344.1700

Roommate Wanted ROOMmATE NEEDED Seeking roommate for 2BR/2.5B condo in Lake Beau Pre’.

Only $550 plus utilities!

Gated Community featuring luxury pool/ jacuzzi, game room, tennis courts, media room, gym, and only 2 miles from LSU. Email bbrow22@gmail.com for more details HOUSE OFF HIGHLAND RD. Female needs two female roomates for 09-10 year. New house, built last year.

Fabulous 3BR house off Highland, less than 1 mile from campus. Your own BR and Full Bath! $450/ mo each.

Call Jim Talbot (225) 927-2114 Roommate Needed Male roommate needed for house near LSU. Private bedrooms, baths, new construction.

Available 8/1/09. $500 mo/split utilities. Call today for more info! 504.430.6278 Roommate Needed Male grad seeking roommate to share 2BR/2.5B Lake Beau Pre Condo Only $575 ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!!

Gated, Pool, Gym, Tennis Court 225.247.0567

ROOMMATE NEEDED! Third roommate needed for a 3 bd/2 ba house in River’s Edge, off of Brightside! Rent is $425/mo plus 1/3rd utilities. Great location!! 870.866.6000

THE DAILY REVEILLE Personals Say “Hey!” next time we pass.

LOOKING FOR: Non-fratstar. A guy who really knows how to use his cargo pockets. A man who can describe himself with a cute graphic T. Gelled hair preferred. You can find me onstage at Reggies. Come by and buy me a Jager shot or shoot me an email. missindependent@gmail.com No summer love? Hopeless romantic looking for a cute girl who knows what she wants and likes to be treated well. If your idea of a nice night is a movie on the big screen and a bottle of wine, let me know.

504tigerguy@gmail.com English Tutor needed in Summer or whole year. Undergraduate or graduate students in English Department a must. Salary negotiable. bob_ysxiang@yahoo.com or 225.578.7621 Fratty? Then I don’t want you. I need a guy that doesn’t wear khaki shorts, polos and frat straps. If you’re my man then go to Bogies... you should be pretty easy to see in that place.

Still seeking sugramama Sexy 22yo s/w/m looking for an attractive, adventurous cougar 25-42 years old. Do not be shy! I will make your dreams come true. Tell me about yourself when you take me out for lunch! brokeinbr@ gmail.com hey! You always seem to be walking to your car as I am walking to class. Last week you actually waved at me (I think it was at me!).

This has been going on for quite a few weeks, but we both get “surprised” looks on our faces every time we see each other.

looking for my match to fill the little opening in the jumbeled sock drawer of my heart.

White female who is into snake charming, chainsaws & sealing envelopes with hot wax.

Seeking male companion with high ACT score, high cheekbones and high self esteem. No Weirdos PLEASE! allthegoodonesweretaken666@yahoo.com

LSU Guy Looking for love in all the wrong places. Finally decided to put this up here. I’m 22 going to graduate next May. I need a sweet girl who is content being herself. I like movies, going out to dinner, traveling, and of course LSU Football.

Tigerlovin22@gmail.com girl needed for laundry and creation of tasty ice cream treats hungrymandirtylaundry@yahoo.com Seeking charitable, outdoor loving individual. Must love animals and the occasional hiking or camping trip. Drop me a message at HighpointingForAmerica.org SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date. Races open.

I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@gmail.com

Miscellaneous You Could Win $25 just by registering at redsticklive.com by July 31. One winner announced Aug. 1. Info at redsticklive.com/ contest.html.

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, July 21, 2009