The Daily Reveille - July 28, 2009

NEWS Some upscale restaurants choose price bundling to appeal to customers, page 3.

WEATHER El Niño returns, brings possibility of cooler temperatures, page 3.

ALMOST HERE

SEC coaches gathered to answer questions about the upcoming season, page 5.

THE DAILY REVEILLE Summer Edition

WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Volume 113, Issue 154

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Lights, Camera, Student Actors La.’s growing film industry boosts need for extras, other positions

BUDGET CUTS

University eliminates Vice Chan. position University Relations to be restructured

By Kyle Bove Senior Writer

By Xerxes A. Wilson Contributing Writer

lsureveille.com

At first glance it could look like any library, restaurant, bar or student workplace with people mulling Log on to see around like any typical day. But reporter Xerxes after that initial Wilson glance, the fabricated nature talk about of the moment being an extra. quickly becomes apparent.

Movie sets are becoming a more common sight throughout Louisiana, and more stuEXTRAS, see page 4

photo courtesy of Daniel Lachman

Daniel Lachman, photography senior (left), yells directions at an actor in a recent film.

Citing recent fiscal hardships, Chancellor Mike Martin announced Friday that the University will eliminate the position of Vice Chancellor of University Relations — ousting the position’s current holder, University alumnus Rusty Jabour.

“It’s been a deep honor to serve my alma mater in what has been a hallmark op- RUSTY JABOUR portunity in my vice chancellor of career,” Jabour University Relations said on Friday.

In a memo addressed to the University Relations staff, Martin said recent funding cuts are causing the University to restructure some of its administration.

Martin said the University will be looking at “a new administrative/leadership approach for University Relations” during the next POSITION, see page 4

MUSIC

Facility Services employee to release gospel album Robinson’s childhood influenced by music

By Kyle Bove Senior Writer

Music, once just an excuse to skip middle school health class, became a passion, obsession and, most recently, another career for University electrician Ronald Robinson.

“I’m excited,” Robinson said. “All my life I’ve been trying to get to that national level.”

Robinson, who has worked at the University for three years, signed a one-year recording contract with Tate Music Log on to listen Group in February. His to Robinson showing off his first album, entitled “I musical talents.

Raise My Hands,” hits store shelves and iTunes on Sept. 15.

“I Raise My Hands” is a gospel album featuring 12 tracks written, composed and sung by Robinson. He also played every instrument — lead guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums — on every song except “Rain Down,” on which fellow musician

Jay Norman lent a hand on the drums.

Robinson grew up playing music in church and is now the Minister of Music for both the Israelite Baptist Church and the Greater Mt. Gideon Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. He started playing guitar in his father’s gospel group when he was just 7 years old.

When faced with having to choose between health class or band class in junior high school, Robinson picked the least

lsureveille.com

GOSPEL, see page 4

photo courtesy of Ronald Robinson

University electrician and gospel singer Ronald Robinson performs at the Unity of Faith Christian Church in Plaquemine.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 2

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Israel on Iran: Anything it takes to stop bomb

AP source: Jackson doc gave him drug before death

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel hardened its insistence Monday that it would do anything it felt necessary to stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, just the ultimatum the United States hoped not to hear as it tried to nudge Iran to the bargaining table. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates reassured Israel that the new Obama administration was not naive about Iran’s intentions, and that Washington would press for new, tougher sanctions against the Iranians if they balk. He didn’t say what those might include.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak used a brief news conference with Gates to insist three times that Israel would not rule out any response — an implied warning that it would consider a pre-emptive strike to thwart Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“We clearly believe that no option should be removed from the table,” Barak said.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson’s personal doctor administered a powerful anesthetic to help him sleep, and authorities believe the drug is what killed the pop singer, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, said Jackson regularly received propofol to sleep, a practice far outside the drug’s intended purpose. On June 25, the day Jackson died, Dr. Conrad Murray gave him the drug sometime after midnight, the official said. Though toxicology reports are pending, investigators are working under the theory that propofol caused Jackson’s heart to stop, the official said.

Murray, 51, has been identified in court papers as the subject of a manslaughter investigation and authorities last week raided his office and a storage unit in Houston. Police say Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect. Murray’s

lawyer, Edward Chernoff, has said the doctor “didn’t prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.” When asked Monday about the law enforcement official’s statements he said: “We will not be commenting on rumors, innuendo or unnamed sources.” Murray became Jackson’s personal physician in May and was to accompany him to London for a series of concerts starting in July.

He was staying with Jackson in a rented Los Angeles mansion and, according to Chernoff, found an unconscious Jackson in the pop star’s bedroom the morning of June 25.

Murray attempted to revive him but could not. Police searching Jackson’s home after his death found propofol and other drugs, an IV line and three tanks of oxygen in Jackson’s bedroom, and 15 more oxygen tanks in a security guard’s shack.

Propofol can depress breathing and lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Because of the risks, propofol is only supposed to be administered in hospitals. Instructions on the drug’s package warn that patients must be continuously monitored, and that equipment to maintain breathing, to provide artificial ventilation, and to administer oxygen if needed “must be immediately available.”

TODAY ON

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TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009

STATE/LOCAL

Report: Nagin e-mail box not storing sent items NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin’s e-mail box has not been storing “sent” items, an issue raised in a report by a technology group hired by the city as it faced a public records lawsuit over Nagin’s messages. The city ended its contract with the Louisiana Technology Council earlier this month, when city technology chief M. Harrison Boyd said the group used flawed methods and reached unfounded conclusions.

The council has stood behind its findings — work it called “an initial success” in the report. When asked about the issue of sent emails, Nagin spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett said the city “cannot comment on preliminary findings that have proven to be inaccurate.” She also referred to comments made

by Boyd and the city attorney, who on Monday threatened a lawsuit if the council didn’t turn over data gleaned from city servers. The finding about a lack of “sent” mes-

sages was included in a July 6 report by the council and which the city made public Monday. Technology council President Mark Lewis said his group planned to turn over 18,000 items recovered as part of its work. He said those items include notes, calendar items and e-mails, though Lewis could not say how many e-mails. He said the council recovered a Nagin email box it believed had been intentionally deleted and was in the process of trying to “disseminate” its contents when its contract with the city was terminated. The city hired the council to help determine whether more e-mails could be found as part of a lawsuit. New Orleans station WWL-TV requested Nagin’s e-mails from July 2008 to December 2008. The city discovered about 150 e-mails and blamed a faulty server for not being able to produce more. Nagin, as part of the lawsuit, was said to receive 50 to 100 e-mails a day and send up to five a day. At a news conference July 1, a technology expert working with the council, Christopher Reade, said potentially years’ worth of Nagin’s e-mails had been deleted and that he believed it took a “technically competent human action” to do that. that notion.

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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

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MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille

Log on to see what it’s like to pull an all-nighter in the Red Stick. You’ll also see pictures of the Faculty Club restaurant and the University’s cows.

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

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. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

THE DAILY REVEILLE B-16 Hodges Hall • Baton Rouge, La. 70803 JERIT ROSER • Editor

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009

Campus Crime Briefs SIX PEOPLE ARRESTED ON CRIMINAL TRESPASSING CHARGE Three adults and three juveniles unaffiliated with the University were arrested at the Hilltop Arboretum on July 19 for criminal trespassing, according to Capt.

Russell Rogé, LSU Police Department spokesman.

Police responded to a complaint about people trespassing in

the arboretum after hours at about 10 p.m., Rogé said.

The names of the three juveniles could not be released, but the adults involved were Eric M. Chauvin, 18, of 424 Pasture View Drive, Baton Rouge; Christopher G. McNeil, 17, of 12350 North Lakeview Drive, Baton Rouge; Lane H. Abston, 17, of 18640 Glen Eagles Drive, Baton Rouge.

All six were issued a

misdemeanor summons and released, Rogé said.

THREE PEOPLE ARRESTED ON SIMPLE BATTERY CHARGE One adult and two juveniles unaffiliated with the University were arrested for simple battery at Herget Hall on July 21 at about 2 p.m.

Rumeall Morris, 18, of 1201 Hickory Drive, Bogalusa, was arrested for simple battery after he and two 16-year-old juveniles — whose names were not released — allegedly punched another 16year-old in an elevator, Rogé said.

All those involved were attending a football camp being held at the University.

All three were issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

LSU EMPLOYEE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF DRUG DISTRIBUTION AND FELONY POSSESSION Police arrested a man unaffiliated with the University for felony drug possession on July 23 at about 7:30 p.m. just before arresting the man who allegedly sold him the drugs — a facility services employee for the University.

Police pulled over Jeremy D. Paul, 22, of 3937 Lassen Drive, Baton Rouge, on West Lakeshore Drive for an illegal lane change, Rogé said.

When Paul stepped out of the car, police noticed a large bulge in his pocket. Paul then emptied his pockets, revealing about 60 grams of marijuana, Rogé said.

Paul told police the man who sold him the drugs — Jerramie

PAGE 3 M. Selders, 24, of 4164 Sarasota Street, Baton Rouge — was still on campus, Rogé said.

Police then found Selders in the University Laboratory School parking lot, Rogé said.

Selders — a Facility Services employee for the University — was arrested for distribution of Schedule I narcotics and felony drug possession.

Selders had about 64 grams of marijuana on him when he was arrested.

Paul and Selders were both booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

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

WEATHER

NOAA says El Niño has returned, could affect storm season More rainfall, cooler temperatures expected

By Steven Powell Contributing Writer

It’s been three years since its last occurrence, but National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists have confirmed it has returned — El Niño.

El Niño is a tropical Pacific Ocean phenomenon, associated with warming of ocean temperatures across parts of the Pacific, said Mike Halpert, NOAA’s climate prediction center’s deputy director.

Halpert said El Niño has differing effects across the country, but it typically causes increased rainfall and cooler than

average temperatures along the Gulf Coast.

“We typically see below average temperatures in the South because of more rainy and cloudy he said.

‘The last days,” “However, it real usually means freezes, significant fewer because alEl Niño though temperwas during atures are lower than average, the we’re not get’97-’98 ting arctic air below winter.’ and freezing level Mike Halpert temperatures.”

NOAA climate Halpert prediction center said El Niño deputy director does have benefits, which include suppressing hurricanes. The Gulf region typically sees fewer

hurricanes during an El Niño year, Niño was during the ’97-’98 winhe said. ter,” he said. “Since then, we’ve Barry Keim, University cli- mostly seen a lot of weak El Nimatologist, said although El Niño ños.” lessens the numThe increased ber of tropical rainfall caused by storms and hurriEl Niño can cause canes in a season, damage to sevit doesn’t mean eral parts of the the Gulf Coast is country, such as safe. landslides in CaliHurricane fornia and floodAndrew pounded ing throughout the Mike Halpert Louisiana in 1992 Southeast, Halpert — an El Niño NOAA climate prediction center said. deputy director year.

Keim said El Niño typiLouisiana sees cally occurs every two to seven more spring flooding during El years, lasting for about a year, Niño years — some of the worst Halpert said. He said the last El floods on record occurred during Niño happened in late 2006, but El Niño. it was weak and mostly insignifi“It’s going to be an interestcant. ing winter and spring,” he said.

“The last real significant El “Especially since we’ve had such

‘‘

‘I’m fairly confident [El Niño] will strengthen some through the winter.’

a dry summer.”

A storm hasn’t been named in 2009, but Keim said it’s too early to call it a slow year.

He said the first named storm of 2004 didn’t come until July 31, but the season had 15 named storms.

“It’s way too early to write off the season,” he said. “The real heart of the season starts in early August.”

Halpert said this year’s El Niño is weak right now, but it’s expected to strengthen during the winter months.

“There’s really no way to tell exactly what will happen,” he said. “I’m fairly confident this will strengthen some through the winter, but after that, all bets are off.”

Contact Steven Powell at spowell@lsureveille.com

ECONOMY

Baton Rouge restaurants offer fixed-price menus Expert says price bundling is common

By Steven Powell Contributing Writer

With the unstable economy, a few restaurants around town have turned to a fixed-price menu option – but this time, it’s not just the restaurants most would expect.

A fixed-price menu — a special deal usually offering an appetizer, entrée and dessert for one set price — has become popular with casual dining restaurants such as Chili’s or Applebee’s, and now a few upscale restaurants have picked up the idea.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is offering a “Summer Prix Fix” option — a three course meal, including a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert, for $35.95.

“We’re trying to be competitive with value in the economic market,” said Randy Canda, Fleming’s employee.

Galatoire’s Bistro is also

offering a dinner menu special, Weathers said the idea of bunavailable through the end of Au- dling items uses psychological gust. concepts, playing upon how people The menu offers a three course perceive certain items and prices. meal, with a choice from three ap“There is a lot of psychology petizers, four eninvolved in martrees and two desketing,” he said. serts, for $29.95.

One example is Peter Weathmarking prices at ers, marketing pro$9.99 instead of fessor, said price $10. It’s all about bundling is very how the consumer prevalent in marperceives the price keting and has aland special offer.” ways existed in one Ruth’s Chris Peter Weathers form or another.

Steak House startmarketing professor “Price buned offering a fixeddling encourages price menu about a some customers to buy more than month and half ago with their lunch they initially planned,” he said. “In special. this case, the goal for restaurants Chris Bachman, Ruth’s Chris is to get people who would have general manager, said the menu inpurchased only an entrée to get an cludes a choice of salad, entrée and appetizer and dessert as well. Some a side dish, for $19.95. customers come out ahead and Bachman said the restaurant some spend more.” changed the lunch menu to appeal Weathers said a fixed-price to the lunch crowd. menu can be a good deal for cus“Most people think of Ruth’s tomers who planned on ordering Chris as a ‘sit here forever and have multiple courses because of the to- a meal’ type restaurant,” he said. tal price for multiple items is lower “We’re trying to get people in and than if purchased individually. out quickly so they can stop in dur-

‘‘

‘Price bundling encourages some customers to buy more than they initially planned.’

ing their lunch hour.”

Bachman said the restaurant hasn’t promoted the new special much, but lunch-time business has picked up a bit since it was created.

The fixed-price lunch menu is strictly a lunch-time feature – there are no plans to try a dinner menu option, he said.

Though other Ruth’s Chris restaurants have offered discount programs, Bachman said the Baton Rouge location has not participated because the average check amount here is lower than Ruth’s Chris national average.

“I know we’re considered to be a higher end restaurant,” he said.

“But I feel like because of what we offer, we are still competitive in the industry.”

Elise Disbennett, animal science freshman, said she is a frequent restaurant goer, but never takes advantage of fixed-menu options.

“It’s just a lot of food,” she said. “I don’t eat much, so even an entree is too much food.”

Matthew Caillet, history graduate student, said he only dines out

“every so often,” but likes to take advantage of specials, such as different menu options.

“I usually just get an entree,” he said. “But, if I have coupons or there are special menu options, I’ll get other things, depending on what the special offers.”

Canda said Fleming’s fixedprice menu, a popular choice, began last winter with its winter menu, and continued with a spring and summer menu. He said plans for a fall menu offer are in the works.

“We’re not sacrificing quality or damaging our brand,” he said.

“We’re still offering good food, just smaller portions at a reasonable price.”

Weathers said the general idea of price bundling works and is alive and well in today’s market.

“Almost all businesses use price bundling in some form,” he said. “For example, Cox Communications bundles cable, phone and internet, and all fast food restaurants offer a value meal.”

Contact Steven Powell at spowell@lsureveille.com

PAGE 4 GOSPEL, from page 1

boring option for him — music.

The least boring soon became the most exciting as he learned to play the trombone, saxophone, trumpet and tuba throughout his middle school and high school years in Covington.

“That’s basically how I learned to play music,” Robinson said.

Although he was offered a full scholarship to the University for his tuba playing, Robinson had to work instead.

After five years in the construction business with his uncle, Robinson started playing music for his church. Inspired by contemporary Christian artists like Michael W. Smith and Keith Green, Robinson began writing his own music as well.

He tried recording his material at several studios, but was never satisfied with the results. That’s

EXTRAS, from page 1

dents are using the growing film industry as an opportunity to both make ends meet and pursue their dreams.

Many students find the easiest way to get involved in the industry is as an extra, said Andrei Constantenescu, extra casting manager for Glorioso Casting, which is based in Shreveport.

Extras are typically hired through Web sites like Craigslist.com and paid to play normal people found in the scene’s background.

“The extras are the atmosphere of the film,” Constantenescu said. “A movie would not look good or right or have any sense of reality without extras.”

Normal extras are typically paid $50 to $100 for a day of work depending on the budget size of the production. That day could entail waiting around for 17 hours until the director needs the extra, said Hank Langlois of Redflix casting.

“The first time I just wanted to see what a movie set was like,” said Ryan Sands, theatre studies senior. “I just wanted to see what all goes into a movie, so it was interesting. But when I did my second extras job, I was actually strapped for cash.”

Some extras are chosen to fill featured extra roles which may entail a specific look or speaking role. These featured extra spots typically get paid $100 to $150 a day, said Carol Bloodworth of Fruition Talent and Media talent Agency.

Sands described waiting to be used as the most difficult part of extra work.

“It was really easy days especially for featured extras,” Sands said. “All we did was stand

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009

when Robinson took matters into instead of its own, an opportunity his own hands by building his own Robinson is still grateful for. He recording studio in his backyard said it allowed him to have nearly — appropriately dubbed Outback total control of the project.

Studios.

Robinson said he wants his alRobinson contacted Tate Mu- bum to be a source of encouragesic Group about sellment for listening some of his gosers. pel songs in January, “One thing sending the OklahoI’ve learned, I ma-based publishing don’t care how company a few of his close we are to recordings. He never Christ, we’re thought he’d be asked still going to to be the voice of his have trials,” he Ronald Robinson own work. said. “But it’s University electrician “It just blew me important how away,” Robinson said we come out on about hearing the good news spill the other side of those.” from his answering machine after “I Raise My Hands” is laced returning from an anniversary cel- with descriptions of Robinson’s ebration with his wife Tizi. struggles, tales from his past and From there, Robinson began the gospel. One of his favorite recording and mixing songs for “I songs on the album, “Holding On,” Raise My Hands.” Tate allowed was written at a time when relationRobinson to record in his studio ships with friends turned sour.

“Your friends are going to turn their backs and sometimes your family can’t help you, but the only one you can truly hold onto is the Lord,” Robinson said.

Another song, “Think About the Bridge,” describes Robinson’s history and growth.

“It just talks about my upbringing and where I came from and always remembering the people that prayed for me when I was doing whatever I thought I was big and bad enough to do,” Robinson said.

“You know, Mama was still home praying for me.”

After his album’s release in September, Robinson will go on tour, playing 12 gigs at churches across the country. His album is available for purchase now at tatemusicgroup.com.

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

around and cheer occasionally ... that make it better than the averand we got paid a little more than age student job, Lachman said.

“I worked as an extra in $500 in four days. The most difficult part of the job is keeping ‘Harold and Kumar: Escape from yourself entertained because you Guantanamo Bay’ in Shreveport, are there for a minimum of 12 and there is a scene that has either a bottomless or topless pool hours each day.” party depending Daniel Lachon which scene man, photograon the DVD you phy senior, startchoose to watch,” ed as an extra and Lachman said. has progressed “But I worked as to higher paying one of the five jobs on the film guys on that scene, set. and there were 30 “I payed for Daniel Lachman naked women on my car and a lot of photography senior the set. So it was a my photo equippretty interesting ment through film, so [the film industry] has been a experience to be around 30 naked major contributor to my liveli- women for two nights ... and gethood,” Lachman said. “Some- ting paid $200 a night for it.”

Sands said one of his favorthing like a restaurant waiter job is really steady. But in film, it’s ite parts of being an extra was the freelance, so you can only work opportunity to interact with difon a film while it is shooting. So ferent actors.

“The late, great Bernie Mac you make a lot of money is spurts whereas a waiter makes money was on set for a film I did a few constantly. But I would say there years back,” Sands said. “He was is more money in film than the really cool like one of those guys who was always goofing around average student job.”

While he does admit that the with the cast and making sure pay is great when working on people were not bored.”

Lachman said he is considerfilm, Lachman said he is often exposed to the “dark side” of the ing pursuing a career in cinematography. industry.

“I have aspirations to work “It’s really a messed up industry,” Lachman said. “There in what they call ‘above-theare a lot of delusions of grandeur. line jobs’ like cinematographer, When people think of the film in- director, producers — basically dustry, they think it’s exotic and the jobs that have the creative glamorous, and to an extent it outlet,” Lachman said. “Moving is. But really on the level where up can start with being an extra, college students have time to but is all about connections. It’s work, you see the underworld of who you know, who you talk to, the film industry. There is a lot who likes you, and who wants of deadbeats that work on set ... you back.”

Amy Dyess, creative writand being an extra sucks because they treat you like sheep and are ing senior, also plans to turn her experience working on film into sometimes condescending.”

But there are often unexpect- a career. Dyess works in those ed highlights to working on film above-the-line aspects of film

and has worked in Los Angeles.

Dyess also won Best of Film in the University’s Digital Media Festival during the spring semester.

Dyess is a film and media arts minor and said the University is adding more classes with a film aspect to the curriculum.

“As long as the state and people demand that we keep up with our film industry tax incentives, film studies will continue to evolve at LSU,” Dyess said.

“I see more and more interesting classes that involve film aspects ... even in architecture ... which you study the architecture in great films and how to incorporate architecture into your film.”

Chris Spellman is a University graduate and has worked in the art department for films like

‘Knocked Up,’ ‘Superbad’ and ‘Pineapple Express’ in Los Angeles and Louisiana.

“Students have a great opportunity right at their doorstep and all they have to do is make some phone calls and opportunities, and the film industry are remarkably right there,” Spellman said.

“For people who are coming out of college and looking the economy the way it is and the world’s state of affairs, you can still go out and pursue your dreams. I am a living example of that.”

‘‘

‘I’m excited. All my life I’ve been trying to get to that national level.’

‘‘

‘In film, it’s freelance, so you can only work on a film while it is shooting.’

POSITION, from page 1

few weeks.

Jabour said ‘It’s been a he understands deep honor the University is going through to serve my “ h i s t o r i c a l l y alma mater tough times” in was has and will help been a the University with its restruchallmark turing efforts.

To date, opportunity.’ this is the high- Rusty Jabour est University University Relations position to be Vice Chancellor eliminated because of budget cuts.

Jabour has been at the University since January 2008.

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009

NFL

Goodell reinstates Vick to NFL

QB could play as early as October

By Barry Wilner Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Vick is back in the NFL. Now all he needs is a team to play for.

Vick, free after serving 18 months in prison for running a dogfighting ring, was reinstated with conditions by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday. He could participate in regular-season games as early as October.

Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games — if he can find a team that will sign him. A number of teams have already said they would not.

Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007 after the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback admitted bankrolling a dogfighting operation on his property in Virginia.

At the time, Goodell said Vick must show remorse before he would consider reinstating him.

“I accept that you are sincere when you say that you want to, and will, turn your life around, and that VICK, see page 7

PAGE 5

Ready to Roll

SEC football coaches, players attend annual Media Days

quarterback if the season started right now.

“If we had to start today, I would start Contributing Writer Jordan Jefferson,” he said. “But I believe our Football fans finally got offense will function extremea taste of the mania surroundly well with the idea that our ing the upcoming season last quarterbacks are a little bit week, as the Southeastern more veteran.”

Conference held its annual Jefferson saw time in Media Days. mop-up situations for most of When all 12 SEC-memlast season before he took over ber schools and almost 1,000 the starting role just before journalists got together to talk halftime against Ole Miss. He Les Miles football in Birmingham, Ala., completed 49 percent of his LSU football coach the expected plethora of interpasses for 419 yards and four esting jock-talk ensued. touchdowns in two starts, including a 38-3 pasting of Georgia Tech.

MILES NAMES A STARTER “TODAY” He also rushed for 211 yards and a touchFall football camp is still two weeks out, MEDIA DAYS, see page 6 but LSU coach Les Miles has his starting

By David Helman

‘‘

‘If we had to start today, I would start Jordan Jefferson [at quarterback].’

photos by BUTCH DILL / The Associated Press

LSU coach Les Miles [top] and Florida senior quarterback Tim Tebow [above] answer questions last week at Southeastern Conference Media Days.

RECRUITING

Blackmon accepts surprise LSU offer on Thursday Mathieu’s decision a ‘no-brainer’

By Robert Stewart Contributing Writer

photo courtesy of MICHAEL DEMOCKER / The Times-Picayune

St. Augustine defensive back and LSU commitment Tyrann Mathieu (right) breaks up a pass intended for Chalmette wide receiver Jeremy Steeghs (left) during the teams’ matchup on Oct. 19, 2007.

Dexter Blackmon wasn’t on LSU’s recruiting radar until last week.

Blackmon, a 6-foot-3-inch, 265-pound defensive lineman, committed to LSU on Thursday, pushing the Tigers’ list of 2010 commitments to 20. But LSU didn’t notice him until he and his father attended a camp last Sunday through Wednesday. “[His father] got a flier [about the camp], stuck it on the fridge, and they just decided, ‘Well hey,

let’s go over there, and let’s see what it’s all about,’” said Sonny Shipp, recruiting analyst for Scout. com “After everything was said and done, LSU offered, and after him and his dad talked about it, he decided to jump on it.”

Shipp said Blackmon’s father, Dexter Sr., coaches him at Selma High School in Selma, Ala. The elder Blackmon played college football at Southern in Baton Rouge.

“The school that he goes to, Selma, Alabama, it’s a real rural community,” Shipp said. “They don’t have the resources to be able to go out and get good video to send out on their kids, and so his dad is probably reaching out to his contacts, reaching out to people that he’s met from college ball through the recruiting front.”

Blackmon only had an offer from Troy and received interest from Alabama and Auburn. But after working out at LSU’s camp, the LSU coaches saw some qualities in Blackmon they liked.

“They think he’s one of those rare guys that can play on the outside that can also play on the inside,” Shipp said. “You don’t see that with a lot of guys.”

TYRANN MATHIEU The decision to play football for LSU was an easy one for Tyrann Mathieu.

Mathieu, a defensive back at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, committed to the Tigers on July 21, finalizing a decision RECRUITS, see page 7

PAGE 6 MEDIA DAYS, from page 5

down.

“He’s bigger and stronger than he’s been. In my opinion, the experience that he had in his true freshman year will benefit him tremendously,” Miles said. “So many times you want to get on the field ... then you realize you have cadence, stems in motions — the ability to execute the offense becomes a little bit harder to do than when you’re standing on the sideline where it appears easy.”

‘TEBOWGATE’ To very few people’s surprise, Florida senior quarterback Tim Tebow quickly took precedence over the proceedings.

Tebow was not among the three unanimous selections to the SEC coaches’ preseason AllSEC team, a snub that elicited quite a stir given his credentials — one Heisman trophy, two SEC championship rings, two national championship rings and a touchdown tally of 110.

“I really don’t think this will be something that I will think

THE DAILY REVEILLE about too much,” Tebow said. “[I’ll] probably get asked about it a few more times. [It] really won’t be some‘I thing that I’ll focus on. I realreally ly have enough have to be motivated enough about.”

The entire to be affair turned out to be a motivated misunderstandabout.’ ing — former Florida legend Tim Tebow Steve Spurrier a c c i d e n t a l l y Florida quarterback left Tebow off the ballot and quickly reversed course to make the Gator QB a unanimous selection — disappointing any hopes of an escalation in the Lane Kiffin vs. Florida affair.

KIFFIN DEFENDS JACKSON COMMITMENT Speaking of Kiffin, the firstyear Tennessee coach fielded question about his signing of Louisiana’s top cornerback prospect, Janzen Jackson, last spring.

The last-minute nature of Jackson’s switch from LSU to Tennessee in February had many LSU fans complaining the Volunteers had landed Jackson by offering his father, Lance Guidry, a job on their coaching staff in the future.

“Anybody who said that, that’s just that, to me, is a typical reason why when people recruit so well, all of a sudden people want to accuse them that they’re doing something wrong or accuse them of cheating because they got beat,” Kiffin said.

Kiffin has been a part of both of the coaching staffs that have lured five-star prospects away from Louisiana in recent years.

He was the offensive coordinator at Southern California when the Trojans signed super recruit running back Joe McKnight from John Curtis High School.

SABAN DONS PURPLE AND GOLD As if they needed any more reminders of Nick Saban’s days with the Tigers, LSU fans are in for a walk down memory lane

this November when “The Blind Side” premieres in theaters.

The film focuses on former Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher and his college recruitment in 2004. Several of the SEC’s familiar faces play minor parts, including former coaches Tommy Tuberville and Phillip Fulmer, as well as Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt and Saban himself — wearing his old color code of purple and gold.

“I’m hopeful all of our fans will understand that the movie is an historical event. When this happened and it occurred, that was the part of history where I was. I think we all try to represent that,” Saban said. “It’s no disrespect to LSU or anybody involved at LSU. We have special memories of the times and things we accomplished there.”

BLUEGRASS REVISITED In the spirit of remembering Saban’s time in Baton Rouge, one reporter at Media Days asked him for a recollection of LSU’s famous 2002 Bluegrass Miracle, a last-second hail mary touchdown

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 to beat Kentucky, nearly seven years after the fact.

“There was about a 30 mile an hour wind that day, and we were fortunate to be able to game manage to get the wind in the fourth quarter by the way the coin toss went and all that stuff,” Saban said. “The Kentucky players actually misjudged the ball. That’s what created the tip. Devery Henderson was the key running guy that’s supposed to play the tip.

And it just worked out that way.”

But Saban said he remembers the fallout from the play more than the “miracle” itself.

“I’ve always been told by mentors, that the worst thing your team can do is play poorly and win,” he said. “We played poorly that day and won. And we got our rear ends kicked in the worst defeat in all the time I was at LSU the next week because of that.”

The Tigers lost, 31-0, to Alabama, the only time LSU has failed to score a point this decade.

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009

school to recruit Porter as an offensive lineman.

Shipp said was several years in the “When he started thinking making. about it, then he started looking “When he started thinking at his potential to get to the NFL,” about possibly having the oppor- Shipp said. “Then he was looking tunity to play colforward to playing lege ball, he said if on the offensive LSU offered him it line in college.” was a no-brainer,” Shipp said it Shipp said. “When will take Porter a Miles then extendwhile to get used ed the offer after to offensive line, he checked out of but he will evencamp on Tuesday, tually pick up the Sonny Shipp he said he didn’t position.

Scout.com recruiting analyst think twice about “He’s got it.” some good feet, Mathieu is rated as a one-star and he’s got a good first step,” recruit by Scout but a four-star re- Shipp said. “And obviously 6-footcruit by Rivals.com. Mathieu had 4, 290 pounds, he’s got the size.” offers from Tulane, Florida InterPorter also had offers from national and Miami of Ohio and Nebraska, Mississippi State and was also high on Tennessee and Florida State. Shipp said Florida Alabama’s recruiting boards.

State was Porter’s biggest suitor “From sources I’ve talked to, besides LSU. both of those schools thought that “I think he liked it, but it was they could slow play him, mean- a little too far from home,” Shipp ing that they could keep pursuing said. the higher ranked cornerbacks that they had on their board,” Shipp said. “Then they thought they could Contact Robert Stewart at fall back on Tyrann.” rstewart@lsureveille.com Shipp said Mathieu, 5-foot9 and 160 pounds, is a very agile player with big hands that can help him cover big receivers.

“At 5-foot-9, [receivers] are going to have an advantage over him,” Shipp said. “So with those big strong hands that he has, if he can get them up and get them on them, that kind of compensates for his size.”

RECRUITS, from page 5

‘‘

‘When Miles then extended the offer ... [Mathieu] didn’t think twice.’

JORDAN ALLEN Jordan Allen, a 6-foot-6-inch, 250-pound defensive end from West Monroe High School, committed to LSU on July 18.

Allen continues a tradition at West Monroe of high-profile players from the North Louisiana school calling Baton Rouge home for their college career. Former Rebels to play at LSU include Bradie James, Rodney Reed and Andrew Whitworth.

“It’s also a situation where whenever LSU recruits a kid out of West Monroe, it’s gonna be tough for somebody else to come in and get him unless they’ve got some pretty strong ties to some out of state schools,” Shipp said.

Allen also had offers from other Southeastern Conference schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas.

“He probably had somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 to 25 offers,” Shipp said.

Shipp said Allen’s best attribute is his aggressive nature that goes along with his size and speed.

“You’ve got some of those defensive linemen who are soft,” Shipp said. “They don’t have that mentality to where they just want to get out there and they just want to knock the guy’s ass off basically.

Jordan, I guess you could say he’s got a mean streak.”

ELLIOT PORTER The chance to switch positions was too good for Elliot Porter to pass up.

Porter, at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, is a three-star defensive tackle from Archbishop Shaw in New Orleans according to Scout.

But Shipp said Porter, who committed July 18, LSU was the only

VICK, from page 5

you intend to be a positive role model for others,” Goodell said in his letter to Vick. “I am prepared to offer you that opportunity. Whether you succeed is entirely in your hands.”

“Needless to say, your margin for error is extremely limited,” the letter said. “I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you and to dedicate yourself to rebuilding your life and your career. If you do this, the NFL will support you.”

Goodell said he spoke to numerous current and former players and coaches as he weighed his decision and that the responses were “very mixed.”

“I do recognize that some will never forgive him for what he did,” Goodell said. “I hope that the public will have a chance to understand his position as I have.”

Vick, once the highest-paid player in the league, said he was grateful for a second chance.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League,” Vick said in a

statement released by his agent, Joel Segal. “I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given.

“As you can imagine, the last two years have given me time to re-evaluate my life, mature as an individual and fully understand the terrible mistakes I have made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward,” he said.

The announcement came after a busy first week of freedom for Vick, who met with union leaders and Goodell on consecutive days last week. His 23-month federal sentence ended when an electronic monitor was removed from his ankle on July 20 at his home in Hampton, Va. He met with DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, last Tuesday and, on

PAGE 7

Wednesday, with Goodell at a security firm in Allendale, N.J. Goodell said Vick agreed to undergo psychiatric testing, which determined that he was capable of returning to the NFL but needed continuing counseling.

He said keeping Vick from playing at the start of the regular season wasn’t a form of punishment, but a chance for the quarterback to gradually transition back into the league.

“I have thought about every alternative, but I think this gives him the best chance for success,” Goodell said. “We are not looking for failure here. We are looking to see a young man succeed.”

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

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 8

TRAVEL

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Europe faces same problems, issues as United States When I left for France in early January to begin a six-month study abroad stint, the country was at a crossroads. George W. Bush was handing over a nation that more than three quarters of its citizens thought was on the “wrong track.”

And while many were optimistic about his replacement, they were concerned about whether he could really lead the country out of the deep mire augmented by a financial meltdown and two wars overseas.

I was one of those Americans

who was less than optimistic about the state of affairs. America — I thought — was not living up to it’s name and mission.

It was easy to be under the impression that Europe was doing things the right way. On issues such as the War in Iraq and global warming, they seemed to be asking the hard questions and making effective decisions in governance.

I quickly realized that many of the problems existing in the U.S. — such as immigration, racism and

waste — exist in Europe at similar levels. Politicians pander, citizens are divided and societies take steps backward, just like in the U.S. Mark Macmurdo Being Columnist in Europe also allowed me the unique ability to experience

first-hand a foreigner’s views of the U.S. It’s true that many Europeans I crossed were upset with the way we have handled things the past few years. I could hardly blame them, as I shared many of their views.

But whether or not they agree with us, most Europeans still recognize the U.S. as the world’s trendsetter and leader. Through these conversations I developed a sense of pride and patriotism from all of the attention and feedback.

I realized that though we are not perfect, we are still the ones leading the way. All we have to do is get back on the “right track.” And we will.

Mark Macmurdo is a 22-year-old economics and history senior from Baton Rouge.

Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com

Socially significant

Line between Facebook, real world getting blurry

For most people, Facebook is just a tool — an application they use to connect with old friends and dig up dirt on new ones.

But Facebook is more than just an application — it’s a social structure.

Within this structure, the things we say take on different meanings.

This can lead to a series of miscommunications that often result in what I like to call “Facebook status rage.”

Facebook status rage is what happens when someone takes another person’s Facebook status personally and decides to let it all out, often via another Facebook status update.

For a hypothetical example, my imaginary friend Mark likes to frequently post lyrics to his favorite Spin Doctors songs.

I’ve been sitting at my computer reading these updates for a few days now, and I’m getting tired of them. Instead of just ignoring them, I decide to fight back.

My response status “I think it’s really lame when people post the same lyrics over and over again,”

is posted, and I feel better about myself.

But Mark may not even read that status and, most importantly, may not understand the status relates to him because meaning is contextual and depends heavily upon the social situation.

The things we say mean different things in different social contexts.

People often use the information gathered from locations, previous conversations and a myriad of other psychological tools to determine what the things we say actually mean.

But in situations in which the context is missing or foreign, individuals are often left with only their personal information as a means of understanding.

Reading Mark’s hypothetical status updates triggered something within me.

But my response didn’t take into account the context in which Mark was posting, specifically that the status was posted on Facebook.

I used the information gathered in my own context to react to

something on Facebook.

This situation can be confusing because Facebook is a strange new animal that merges social situations and can create an unclear sense of context.

Facebook has this effect because of its stature as a social structure, which comes about as a side effect of the site’s enormous popuSkylar Gremillion lation.

Columnist Facebook had limited and few social consequences early in its existence.

Early adopters of the network spent a majority of their time existing in the real world because there weren’t enough other Facebook members to really form extensive social networks.

Within a few years though, Facebook became incredibly popular. This success created an easily observed ubiquity among college-

aged students.

One must only walk through any University computer lab to see several students on Facebook talking to friends, viewing pictures or looking at their friends’ profiles.

Facebook has seen a recent flood of older and less computersavvy users also as a result of an expansion of the site’s ubiquity.

Facebook has become a social structure. Many people have invested time in it, and it began to matter to them.

As more people joined the service, more people’s real-life social networks also became a part of the site.

This further increases people’s desire to spend time on the service, and slowly their social networks begin to merge.

As these social networks began to merge together, the line between Facebook and real-life starts to become a little bit blurry. That blur also extends past the silly concept of Facebook status rage and into other aspects of people’s social world.

Most people don’t really want

to take into account the effect that social networking sites have on their daily existence.

It’s hard for many people to lend credence to a Web site actually manipulating the events of their lives and those of people around them.

But most people also don’t think about how much time they spend cruising Facebook.

Researchers are just starting to take notice of how powerful the Internet, and social networking sites in particular, are.

Their papers and projects that poke and prod users will take at least a few months to be published, but their studies will only serve to empirically prove the information analytical users have already figured out — things like facebook matter in people’s lives.

Skylar Gremillion is a 26-year-old sociology graduate student from Plaucheville.

Contact Skylar Gremillion at sgremillion@lsureveille.com

SNAPSHOT

University meets, exceeds students’ expectations Students undoubtedly enter the University with expectations. While plenty of these expectations are met, one of the best parts of college ends up being ... the unexpected.

One thing students surely will experience is the all-nighter they often dread. Put off studying until the last minute? Who doesn’t? You have an entire night to blow off sleep the same way you ignored your daily dose of learning.

Teachers will tell you it’s a terrible idea — and a lot of the time it actually is.

I’ve turned some pretty good

result out of all-nighters, but I’ve also really screwed some things up — often by deliriously procrastinating even further. What a waste of a good night’s sleep.

Not that every all-nighter has to be scholarly. I’ve spent many a night partying or hanging out all night — “just living the dream,” I always say.

Little known fact: Louie’s actually closes from about 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday nights for cleaning. I guess they’ve got to sometime.

One thing students may not expect when they head to LSU are the

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI

Editor Managing Editor

MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Columnist

TRAVIS ANDREWS

Columnist

SCOTT BURNS

Columnist

SKYLAR GREMILLION

Columnist

animals on campus.

Sure, there’s Mike. But there’s plenty of horses, cows and chickens and whatnot worth checking out over by the vet school.

Or if you’re like a couple ladyfriends of mine, you can Jerit Roser just drive by and scream, “Hey, Editor cow!” I’m still not sure why that’s funny, but they loved it.

I also recently discovered the Faculty Club restaurant is not just for faculty. Sweet! I advise checking it out. It’s not half bad.

And then there’s the opportunity to walk on the field in Tiger Stadium.

LSU students don’t rush the field because it generally hints that the fanbase is somehow surprised by the success, so I’m not really sure when the average student will get a chance to enjoy this.

But, as a former sports writer, I did. And while my first time put me about 5 feet from Demetrius Byrd’s

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.

touchdown catch against Auburn in 2007, I’m pretty sure it’ll be an aweinspiring experience no matter what your circumstances.

Just make moves and find your way — legally of course. Run for homecoming or something.

Jerit Roser is 23-year-old mass communication major from New Orleans.

Contact Jerit Roser at jroser@lsureveille.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY “If you didn’t have some sense of idealism, then what is there to sustain you?”

James Carville political consultant Oct. 25, 1944 —

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Nietzsche is Dead

PAGE 9

James Carville getting into politics in Afghanistan

America has many exports, especially intangible ones. American cultural phenomena and businesses — McDonald’s being an obvious example of both — have spread across the world.

A more esoteric American export is political savvy — as the world’s dominant power, and as a nation governed by an elite class of political warriors, few countries have as deep a reserve of political expertise as America.

Recently, America stepped up its professional exports to Afghanistan in a big way — James Carville is heading to the war-torn country to offer his considerable expertise.

Carville, a University alumnus, is a Democratic adviser who made a name for himself as lead strategist for Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. After gaining national prominence, Carville became a television pundit, hosting and appearing on a wide variety of news programs.

Now Carville is going to try to help another man get elected president — this time on the other side of the world.

Carville has announced he will help Ashraf Ghani attempt to usurp

incumbent Hamid Karzai in the upcoming elections. Despite plummeting popularity ratings, Karzai currently has a commanding lead of 20 percent — and Ghani is in a distant third, behind optometrist Abdullah Abdullah.

The political adviser claims he honestly thinks Ghani can help Afghanistan — and Ghani has said Carville is providing his services for free.

Carville, who has advised international candidates before, acknowledged the task is going to be difficult.

But the pundit said, “I always believe in being optimistic. Optimistic and on the offensive, that’s my motto.”

If the concept of the drawling Carville offering his services to a dark-horse candidate in Afghanistan — where explosions and gunfire are still commonplace, even in urban areas — seems at least a little weird, you’re not alone.

Neither Carville nor Ghani has eased the oddity of the partnership.

The Afghan contender said of Carville, “This is a Louisiana boy who understands. If you understand New Orleans, you understand Afghanistan.”

Carville responded with a glib, “Yeah, I felt a little bit at home, to be honest with you.”

The jokes are, of course, references to the one common factor between politics in Louisiana and Afghanistan — a reputation for corruption.

This hardly reflects well Louisiana — or perhaps worse — it doesn’t reflect well on Afghanistan.

In many ways, the awkward corruption jokes are a good symbol of why Carville’s decision to asMatthew Albright sist an Afghan Columnist politician is so strange. Although Carville is certainly no slouch when it comes to politics, especially upsets — the Clinton election he was largely responsible for engineering was in many ways a total upset — his eagerness to work for an underdog campaign in a completely alien social climate seems almost absurd.

Remember that Carville’s background is essentially identical to the

average LSU student. He is going to be advising a campaign on how to win the votes of a demographic that is about as far removed from his own roots as possible. He will be devising strategies and advertising campaigns designed to court an electorate utterly removed from his in terms of religion, class, ethnic background, and almost any social norm that counts.

In short, if Ghani’s campaign fails miserably, no one should be surprised — even if a proven American political advisor is on his campaign.

But what if Carville does win?

If somehow Carville manages to come up with winning strategies, and Ghani manages an upset, it could mean many things. A Carville victory, despite his lack of affinity with Afghan voters, might mean that maybe we’re not so different after all — maybe we all, on some level, look for the same things in politicians.

Maybe the American public and the Afghan public aren’t as different as we think.

It could also mean a Westernstyle democracy — the type of democracy Carville manipulates so masterfully — is beginning to take root in the general public.

Or it could just mean Carville is incredibly good at his job.

At this point, this is all speculation — Ghani’s campaign has a long way to go. The candidate’s only hope is to gain enough votes to prevent Karzai from obtaining a majority, which will be difficult. And that’s only the beginning of the battle.

Many analysts even point out Carville’s involvement might actually cause more damage than good, since U.S. influence in that region is hardly something to brag about.

But then again, Bill Clinton hardly looked like he would even win the nomination in 1992, let alone provide a challenge to the then-invincible George H.W. Bush.

Either way, Carville’s involvement in Afghan politics is a fascinating one, and it might teach us a great deal about how the U.S. relates to a region that has traditionally despised it.

Matthew Albright is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Baton Rouge.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

Removing forces from N. Korea is inadvisable Editorial Board Harvard University

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (U-Wire) — With Iraq and Afghanistan taking up the airwaves, it’s easy to forget that for the past 50 years, thousands of American troops have been stationed in South Korea. This commitment is scheduled to decrease in 2012, when the U.S. will hand over wartime operation control of forces back to the Korean military. This gesture is only the latest scaleback for the American military in Korea, which has been dialing down its presence during the past decade.

On a day-to-day basis, the slow withdrawal of American forces does not make a big impact on Korea. The troops here have few protective duties; they serve as “tripwire,” insurance against a possible North Korean attack. However, this tripwire will likely become a vital part of international security in the next few years. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is a dying man. He has not prepared his 24-year old son and heir, Kim Jong-Un, for succession. Now the world is stuck with a boy-king who is ill-trained to fend off power-hungry generals bred on Pyongyang’s “military first” policy.

Such is the North Korea of nightmares, where nuclear weapons are not a carefully-kept international tease, but a valuable trump card in a close domestic power struggle.

Faced with this situation, it seems absurd that the U.S. military plans to scale back in any way.

There are 28,500 American troops in Korea right now, and that is a

good price for détente on the peninsula. The peace and stability of Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai are of great interest to the U.S. To this end, the present deployment is a cheaper solution than attempting North Korean regime change, and more effective than placing sanctions on a government that will let its people starve rather than cooperate.

Just as Americans should recognize the benefits of troops in Korea, so should South Koreans.

The public here has often been unreasonably hostile towards the U.S. troop presence. In the 2002 Winter Olympics, after a Korean speed skater was passed over for the gold medal after being judged to have blocked an American skater, there were protests here against American troops. That same year, anti-American sentiment broke out throughout the country after two Korean schoolgirls were accidentally run over by a tank during an American military training exercise. These outbursts of conflict reflect simmering anger among Koreans at the relative weakness of their military, compared to their highly productive economy. Since the end of the Korean War, the South Korean economy has developed enormously. The fact that their military ability remains inadequate is more than a little confusing and embarrassing to them.

But despite their fierce national pride, under the present circumstances, I think it’s possible that South Koreans will discard their stereotypes of American troops and recognize the benefits of their pres-

ence, at least until the North Korean regime stabilizes. The Korean border is 40 kilometers from the Seoul metropolitan area, in which half the population of South Korea lives.

Across it, North Korea has around 1.2 million troops—the fifth largest land force in the world, because the Kim regime prioritizes bullets over bread. South Korea presently spends 3 percent of its GDP on defense, and without American troops that number would certainly go up, at precipitous cost to the Korean economy.

And, in fact, to some degree such recognition is already happen-

ing—in the past three weeks, legislators of the ruling Grand National Party have joined the traditionally less Washington-friendly Democratic Party to ask America for a reconsideration of the 2012 transfer.

In the midst of this political jockeying, life for American GIs in Seoul goes on. A group of us Harvard interns celebrated the 4th of July at Yongsan Army base, the headquarters of the U.S. military in Korea. We had expected a quintessentially American festival, but the one we got was also distinctly Korean. At Yongsan there were plenty of hamburgers and bratwurst, but

the main attraction was a Korean pop concert featuring A-listers the Brown Eyed Girls and SG Wannabee. The crowd was a mix of Korean and American army families.

The 8th Army Band featured both Korean and American soldiers, and they played both Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Korean folk songs.

The festival was a balance between two very proud cultures; hopefully such understanding can be reached on more serious military matters as well.

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

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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 Internship Wanted: Poli Sci or International Relations majors to participate in government simulation. 225.922.7109 ENTRY LEVEL ADMIN NEEDED!!! Fast Paced, recession proof Contracting company is looking for hard working graduates who want to join an organization to grow with into the future. Must be highly organized, energetic and have great attitude. No exp necessary, will train. Microsoft Office a MUST! Please email resume to Employment@jasperinc.org Now Hiring Hampton Inn & Suites I/10Reiger Rd. Front Desk clerks needed. Dependable individuals may apply in person. Address is 11271 Reiger Rd. Baton Rouge, La 70809 225.751.4600 After School Child Care For 7 yr old girl w/Autism who is friendly, loving, & fun - able to understand language, but not very verbal.

Potty-trained. Pick up after school (3:15pm/ Broadmoor Elem) to work on play/language skills for few hours. Pref majors - speech pathology, Spec. Ed., social wk. Will train. Reliable trans/clean driving record. Salary DOE, plus gas $. 225.620.8458 CERTIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER The Baton Rouge International School is looking for a certified Kindergarten Teacher for the school year 2009-2010. Please send your resume at brisla@yahoo.com www.louiescafe.com

Classifieds

RESPONSIBLE DRIVER NEEDED The Daily Reveille is looking for a responsible STUDENT to train for a management position with our distribution department. Work begins by 6 am every day Mon-Fri. You must have own vehicle, be reliable and trustworthy and willing to make $15 an hour. Call Pauline to arrange a ridealong THIS Tuesday or Thursday for a fall-spring position. You only have 2 chances to earn a spot. Pauline 225-328-6873.

Survey Takers Needed: Make $5-$25 per survey. GetPaidToThink.com CERTIFIED SCiENCE TEACHER The Baton Rouge International School is looking for a certified science teacher for upper elementary and middle school for the 2009-2010 school year.

Please send your resume at brisla@yahoo.com.

Fashion forward children to junior boutique in Towne Center recently featured in US Weekly, is looking for fun, outgoing, fashion oriented employees to join our team. Experience preferred. Please contact Carri at The Little House and Co. Excellent pay and flexible hours.

Must be able to work most saturdays till 5 and afternoons till 6. 225.757.6730 Now Hiring For FALL! Child Care Center near LSU now hiring for Fall Semester. Afternoon Teachers needed 2:305:30 Mon-Fri. 225.766.1159 Pre Vet Students: Armstrong Veterinary Hospital looking for veterinary assistants. Flexible hours. Email resume to armstrongvet@aol.com or call 225.756.5193 STUDENT & SUMMER WORK Local BR company expanding Fast! **$15.00 Base/appt** Flexible Schedules No experience nec Customer sales/ svc Ages 17+ Apply NOW:225-927-3066 www.collegestudentwork.com Small law office seeks part time runner/ courier; flexible hours, willing to work around school schedule, dependable transportation required. Call 225.298.0770 Parkview Baptist Preschool Preschool Teachers needed flex days no degree required 293-9447 A. C. Lewis YMCA Openings Now hiring for the following positions: Extended Day Counselor: M-F afternoons 2:456pm. Pay Rate $7.25-$8.00 Extended Day Site: Director. Responsible for the oversight of the extended day school sites.

M-F afternoons 2:45-6pm. Pay Rate $8.00$8.75.

Please e-mail resume, apply in person, or contact Eddrick Martin if interested. emartin@ ymcabatonrouge.org 225.924.3606 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 Part Time Dental Office Help Needed for Highland Road Dental Office.

Good opportunity for Pre-Dent and Hygiene Majors. 225.769.7640 Pick Up/Delivery Driver Needed - Busy

Dental Laboratory has position available. Must be neat in appearance and have clean driving record. Drug screening required. 225.201.0880 Part-time Office Clerk/Courier Small law firm located at entrance to CCLA seeking a part-time Office Clerk/Courier. Must work a minimum of 20-24 hours per week.. Position available immediately.

Duties to include, errands, computer work, (Excel, MS Word, WordPerfect), accounting, and other office duties. Fax Resume to (225) 208-1084, or e-mail to katie@jlaw.net.

P/T Receptionist / File Clerk needed for small BR law firm. Must be dependable, responsible, and MUST be able to work afternoons. Salary DOE. Prefer long-term (at least one year), not just one semester. Interest in law or law school goal desired. Email Resume’ and availability to LadyJayne@aol.com or fax: 756-5676

For Sale

unit, washer & dryer in apt, 1 blk from campus, $600/ month 832.693.1887 832.693.1887

bank. No Pets. Walk or bike to school. On the LSU busline. Leave a message. 978-1649.

HOUSE for RENT near LSU 3 Bedroom, 2 bath house. Wood floors, large living/ dining room Central A/ C and heat. Washer/ Dryer. $1,650 225.337.0032

3bd2bahouse rent$1260 WESTHAVEN SUB 6 mi.from LSU on BURBANK lg.den/ kit, fenced yd.2car gar.504.481.5118 504.780.2583

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 Sharlo Townhome For rent 3BR 2BA $1400 Updated with new appliances and carpet. Washer and dryer, 2car garage.

On LSU bus route. Call Michael for details 225.650.5158 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 1 BR 1 Bath Gated, Pool, Well lit parking, Brightside area, $650/mo, $650 Deposit, 1 Year Lease 225.752.7783 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.

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.

WalK To Campus 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes.

Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789

Furniture 5 Pc Dining $450, Coffee & End Tables and TV Stand $450 (matches Dining)...

Sofa & Chair $300 pics avail. dageaux@sbcglobal.net 225.252.1877 225.252.1877

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

95 Chevy Corsica White 4dr A/C CD Player $1500 call 225.588.0561

Tigerland 1 & 2 BR flats and TH. wdfloors, pool w/s paid $525 -$725 225.615.8521

Paw Blankets July Only Sale of $34.99 Order online: www.purpleandgoldblankets.com Car for sale--- 1997 Nissan Sentra 4 cyl,4 door, power, low mileage, good condition. $2,000.00 225.774.5863 225.774.5863

For Rent Very NICE 2 Story House--3BR/2BA--W/D and D/W--367 Stoney Creek--$1500--Call Rusty 225.892.8702 University View For Rent 3BR/2BA $1750 Unit has wood floors, new carpet and updated fixtures throughout. Closed in upstairs loft for privacy. Includes washer and dryer. Contact Michael for leasing info. 225.650.5158 Beautiful Garden Home 3 BR/2 Bath, Siegen & Perkins, $1500/month 225.769.6368 Chateau du Cour in tigerland Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com Must rent 1/4 bdrm $300 bonus Furnished, secure apt. 1 bdrm in a 4 bdrm

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Highland Road 3 br 2 ba $950-$1300 225.769.1079

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.

3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo Burbank Estates On the Bus Route, 1/2 mile from campus 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms $1500 Water included in rent All Appliances Included www.deanflores.com 225.767.2227 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath $1575/ Month Arlington Trace Condo 2405 Brightside on LSU Bus Route Parking for 3 Cars, All Appliances Included, Nice! Available for Lease Beginning Aug 1, Last One! 310.989.4453 1 Bd 1/2 ba Apartment for Rent available immediately, $901 water, cable, internet included, half off first month’s rent 225-933-9097 Spacious Condo 2br/2ba $950 Carport, wshr/ dryer alarm sys. Near resturants and shopping center Contact Sheila Hyde 225324-6619 IDEAL PLACE TO LIVE & STUDY Near Walk-Ons and Co-op Bookstore on Bur-

3Br/2ba Spacious Condo $1500/mo near LSU in Gates at Brightside.

Gated community with pool. 504.908.8579 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 You Will Love williamsburg 4065 Burbank Drive. $475. No Pets. www. lsubr.com for picture and floorplan. 978-1649.

LSU SOUTH GATES APT Walk to class. Downstairs: 2 BR 1 bath apt. w/ living & dining rooms. Hardwood floors, furnished kitchen. Avail. Aug 1st. $650 mo. plus deposit 4212 Oxford Ave corner of Parker.

225.924.1585 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 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 3bd 3ba LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOUS biggest unit. right by clubhouse. $1650 plus util.

713.248.9107

Roommate Wanted 2BR - 4119 Burbank Available soon. www. lsubr.com for pictures and floor plan. No pets.

445-0039. Please leave a message.

Great Apartment Near Campus Need male roommate to share newly refurbished, nicely furnished apartment-2 bedrooms,1 bath, living room, dining room and all new full kitchen. Central AC and hard wood floors throughout. Rent averages $525 each including cable, utilities and high speed internet. Great view of LSU lakes, only 1 block away. Walk or bike to campus. No smoking/no pets. 225.938.1010 M/F Roomate needed 3 bd/3.5ba Summer Grove on Brightside. $525/mo. Well furnished, new appliances, tile flooring, pool/clubhouse, gated. Move in as soon as you want.

225.229.0106 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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 (225) 927-2114 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 ROOMMATE NEEDED Roommate needed in a 3 br/2 bath house in Summerwood neighborhood. $390 a month with a private office. Females preferred. Contact Brittny 601.297.2886 roommate needed New home located I-12/ Millerville ten minutes from LSU. 2 rooms available. Rent @ 550/month-includes all utilities.

225.278.7638 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 Roomate Wanted! All utilities paid. Wireless internet. 4 BR, brand new house in Nicholson Lakes 3 miles south of LSU, with very nice furnishings in the common areas. 550 / month.

(225) 933-8732.

Personals

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 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.

Say “Hey!” next time we pass. 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

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, July 28, 2009