The Daily Reveille — March 4, 2009

SNAPSHOT

lsureveille com Log on to see landmarks around campus.

NEWS: Weekend arrests include heroin, sexual assault and obscenity, page 4.

SENIOR CITIZENS Tonight’s matchup the final home game for five Tigers, page 7.

THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Volume 113, Issue 101

Rising up to the challenge

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Professional sports teams boost New Orleans economy, residents

By Rachel Whittaker Sports Writer

Athletics in New Orleans have helped unite the city’s people for years.

And after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005, New Orleans residents like Ryan O’Malley found athletics as a rallying point in the face of disaster.

O’Malley, accounting senior, said his family

has held Saints season tickets all his life, and he followed them even during the 2005-06 season when the team played four games in Baton Rouge and relocated to San Antonio for most of the year.

The Louisiana Superdome, the Saints’ home venue, suffered $142 million in damage, according to Superdome spokesman Bill Curl.

Construction began in March 2006 to get the NEW ORLEANS, see page 11

photo courtesy of Ted Jackson / The Times-Picayune

The Louisiana Superdome and New Orleans Arena shine against the backdrop of the New Orleans skyline Oct. 5, 2006. The Saints and Hornets have aided the state’s economy and given hope to its residents.

SENATE

NATION

Bill that would allow concealed Student GPAs on the firearms on campus introduced rise across country

Sports ........................ 7 Opinion ................... 12 Classifieds ............... 14

7:20 a.m.

8:20 a.m.

Noon 3:20 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

BILL, see page 5

By Adam Duvernay

lsureveille.com

Eliminating an exception in the law that prohibits carrying firearms near schools, courthouses and governmental buildings, House Bill 199 was largely criticized by University officials last year.

“This is not a bill that was supported by us, city or campus police, or students of various student organizations,” LSU System President John Lombardi told The Daily

Weather

Index

Concealed handguns could be in the pockets, purses and holsters of licensed University students on campus if a recently filed bill becomes law.

Identical to a bill submitted last year, House Bill 27 would allow college students, faculty and staff with a license for concealed firearms to carry them on campus.

Rep. Ernest Wooton, R-Belle Chasse, filed the bill Monday. A former Plaquemines Parish sheriff, Wooton filed the measure last year and said he would re-submit the bill at every session as long as he is in the Legislature, The TimesPicayune reported on Tuesday. Last year, the bill was approved by the House Committee he chairs, 11-3, but was abandoned on the House floor after it fell seven votes shy of the 53 needed to pass.

Broadcasts

By Kyle Bove Chief Staff Writer

Log on to see what students think about receiving grades they haven’t earned.

Staff Writer

Few students would turn down a high grade from a professor.

But when high grades are given to every student, the value of each is called into question.

The national average grade for college students has significantly increased during the last 20 years, according to a report by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, an independent, non-profit GRADES, see page 5

TODAY PARTLY CLOUDY

THURSDAY PARTLY CLOUDY

FRIDAY PARTLY CLOUDY

71

76

79

52

56

59

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Nation & World

PAGE 2

WORLD NEWS

on the web

LSUREVEILLE.COM

Gunmen in rickshaws attack cricket team

TUESDAY’S POLL RESULTS

Do you think Baton Rouge traffic has gotten worse since last year?

Swiss mountain rescue plays out over Web site Twitter

24 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE POLL.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

Do you support the bill that allows concealed weapons on campus?

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

LONDON (AP) — An Alpine rescue in the Swiss Alps played out over the blogging Web site Twitter ended in tragedy after a snowboarder was found dead, British media and Swiss authorities said Tuesday. Police in the Swiss canton of Valais said a 29-year-old fell off a cliff in foul weather Monday evening near Verbier, a ski resort near the French border popular with British tourists. British media identified him as Rob Williams, an entrepreneur. Another snowboarder, identified as Jason Tavaria, also 29, was found unscathed nearby, police said.

GO TO LSUREVEILLE.COM TO CAST YOUR VOTE

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A team of heavily armed gunmen, some traveling in rickshaws, ambushed Sri Lanka’s national cricket team Tuesday as it arrived for a match, killing six police guards and wounding seven players. The brazen attack heightened fears that Pakistan is becoming increasingly unstable.

The assault bore striking similarities to last year’s three-day hostage drama in the Indian financial capital of Mumbai. Working in pairs, the attackers in Lahore carried walkietalkies and backpacks stuffed with water, dried fruit and other high-energy food — a sign they anticipated a protracted siege.

NATION, STATE AND CITY BRIEFS

Obama suggests buying stocks, defends plan

TODAY

wednesday, march 4, 2009 bcm dinner & tnt worship Every Thursday night. Dinner (free) at 7:15pm.

TNT Worship Service at 8:00pm. The BCM is at the corner of Highland & Chimes. All LSU students invited! lsubcm.org Genesis Tutoring-free!

Monday-Thursday 5-9pm in 326A Student Union For more information call 578.4339 showtime at the cotillion auditions WCA Activity Center March 4th, 5th,s and 9th 6:30-8:30pm lsy student real estate assn.

Meeting Thurs. March 5, 2009 @ 6:00pm P. Taylor Rm 1118 Place your occurrence today! Deadline: 2 business days before occurrence is intended to run. Occurrence must be placed by noon.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trying to pump up the nation’s confidence, President Barack Obama said Tuesday that Wall Street has been hammered so hard that “buying stocks is a potentially good deal,” and he dispatched top aides to Capitol Hill to defend his plans for pulling the economy out of its deep recession. The stock market slipped ever lower, and Republicans suggested Obama was “cooking the books” in rosy recovery predictions. After being accused for weeks of being too negative about the economy, Obama recently has shifted to a more positive tone.

He and his aides still say recovery won’t come quickly, but they are becoming more aggressive in declaring that the government’s efforts will work.

GERALD HERBERT / The Associated Press

President Barack Obama meets with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Tuesday in the White House in Washington, D.C.

Jindal proposes touger Evangelist sues school over speech policy drunk driving law (AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal wants to toughen the penalty for drivers who refuse to take a Breathalyzer test when they are suspected of drunken driving. Jindal says the current law seems to encourage the refusal to submit to the test. He wants the penalty for refusal to submit to match the penalties for failing the test. The governor’s office says right now, a person who refuses the test faces a driver’s license suspension of 180 days on a first offense. Jindal wants to change that to a minimum penalty of two years license suspension.

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) 578-4811 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-16 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semiweekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual mail subscriptions are $115. 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-16 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge made an initial ruling Tuesday in favor of a Louisiana university being sued by a Christian evangelist who claims he was threatened with arrest if he didn’t stop speaking on campus. U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle refused to grant a preliminary injunction requested by the Alliance Defend Fund, a Christian civil rights group that claims Southeastern Louisiana University stifled traveling evangelist Jeremy Sonnier’s constitutional right to speak on campus.

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

KYLE WHITFIELD TYLER BATISTE GERRI SAX ALEX BOND NICHOLAS PERSAC KATIE KENNEDY JERIT ROSER ROBERT STEWART SARAH AYCOCK DANIEL LUMETTA KIM FOSTER ZAC LEMOINE JAMES HARALSON LAUREN ROBERTS

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production News Editor Deputy News Editor Sports Editor Deputy Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor Online Media Editor Reveille Radio Director Advertising Sales Manager

Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 3

RECREATION

Grad student uses unicycle as main transportation Unicycler: Walking isn’t as efficient

By Leslie Presnall Staff Writer

While most students choose to walk or ride a bicycle to class, Matthew Huber takes a more unusual approach — he unicycles.

Huber, geology graduate student, can often be seen riding his unicycle through the Quad, around the lakes, on the Parade Ground and even down the ‘Riding Indian Mounds. “ W h e n around on I got here, I game day ... started lookand falling ing at bikes,” in front of he said. “I was to find [people] is looking some way to get across camon the better than embarrassing pus walking beside.’ cause walking Matthew Huber is not efficient geology grad student around here.”

Huber, who learned to ride the unicycle while he was an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, decided to purchase one for $75 dollars when he moved to Baton Rouge.

“I thought ‘I just need to get a unicycle. That would be a lot better than getting a bike,’” he said.

Huber lives in Nicholson Apartments and uses the unicycle as his primary mode of transportation. He has ridden the unicycle as far as downtown and even to the Wal-Mart on College Drive.

“I almost never have to drive anywhere,” he said. “I can go pretty much anywhere I want on the unicycle.”

Huber received his first unicycle as a gift from his parents for Christmas as a joke when they couldn’t think of anything better to give him.

“They went to the store and got a kiddy unicycle,” he said. “I learned to ride it, but the entire unit was too small for me. It was nearly impossible to ride.”

Huber began to teach himself to ride a few days after Christmas and was proficient by New Years.

He said holding onto the wall and falling down helped him to become skilled at riding.

“I got poles, and I used the poles to prop myself up,” he said.

“I eventually got rid of the poles.

I’ve just ridden ever since then.”

Huber said although he has ridden his unicycle daily for years, he still has a number of embarrassing accidents.

“The thing about the unicycle is when you’re sitting on it, you’re almost vertical,” he said. “If the unicycle slips out from under you, you go straight down. So unless I’m really going fast or doing something a little more difficult, I’m going to just fall on my feet.”

But one day on his way to class, Huber’s shoe laces got caught in the spokes of the wheel, throwing him on his back and leading to a crash that resulted in a broken shoe

lace and backpack strap.

“Riding around on game day, having a bunch of people chant ‘Unicycle, Unicycle!’ and falling in front of them is on the embarrassing side,” he said. “Nobody beats me up, but they laugh at me.”

Huber has joined Critical Mass, a bicycle organization that travels as a group through the city, but he said it’s frustrating because he isn’t able to keep up with the other cyclists. Huber said his uni-

cycle will travel up to 10 miles per hour.

“When I ride around the lakes, if there are people jogging, I usually Log on to see pass [them],” he said. “But people Huber ride his unicycle on running pass me.”

Huber said he campus. has the most fun riding along the levee and riding fast downhill.

“One great spot that I love going is down the Indian Mounds,” he said. “I just love riding down those.

I haven’t yet been able to ride all the way up. I’ve tried several times, but it’s just too steep.”

Huber said he doesn’t know many others who ride a unicycle in Baton Rouge, but students are always

lsureveille.com

SAHIR KHAN / The Daily Reveille

Matthew Huber, geology graduate student, balances on his unicycle Saturday on the Parade Ground. Huber taught himself to ride the unicycle after he received one for Christmas as a joke and now uses it as his main form of transportation.

asking to learn.

“I will let anybody who wants to learn try it,” he said. “When you’re actually learning, it takes a few days to let your body adjust.

No one has signed on to that commitment.”

Contact Leslie Presnall at lpresnall@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

Campus Crime Briefs SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED LSU Police Department officers arrested a 45-year-old registered sex offender from Florida on charges of sexual battery and obscenity for allegedly forcing a University student to touch his penis at a fraternity party.

During a party at the Lambda Chi fraternity house on Oct. 26, Kenneth James Griffith, of 879 South Eugene St., forced a woman to touch his genitals, Detective David Heroman said. A complaint was filed that night, and an LSUPD investigation proceeded.

On Feb. 18, WAFB aired a Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week announcement, giving a description of Griffith and a phone number for tips. About 15 minutes after the announcement, Crime Stoppers received a tip identifying Griffith, according to a news release on crimestoppersbr.com.

Griffith was arrested Feb. 19 and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF HEROIN A man unaffiliated with the

ADMINISTRATION

Lower parking fee sought for some staff

By Ryan Buxton Contributing Writer

A new Staff Senate resolution seeks to attain an “equitable parking fee” for Facility Services staff who work the night shift.

Staff Senate Resolution 02-09 asks the Office of Financial and Administrative Services to reconsider the amount charged to after-hours workers who occupy the reserved lots for only a short period of time.

The night shift for these workers, most of whom are custodians, begins at 3:30 p.m. The employees park in a reserved lot near the building where they will be working that night. But the lot is only reserved until 4:30 p.m., when the Easy Streets gates open.

“They are only parked for one hour while Easy Streets is in effect,” said Chad Gothreaux, Staff Senate president-elect.

Because of the short time they are using the lot while it’s reserved, night shift workers are offered a prorated parking plan at 50 percent off of the full price. They pay $104.50 per year, half of the $209 fee for parking plan B, which allows access to lots at the center of campus.

These workers and the Staff Senate feel this cost is still too much for one hour of parking per day. The resolution seeks a prorated hourly fee.

“These are some of the lowest paid employees on campus,” Gothreaux said. “They should only

be charged for the time the lots are reserved.”

Gothreaux acknowledged night workers have other options besides paying the parking fee, including parking on the outskirts of campus and using the jitney service, which transports members of University faculty and staff.

But if all the after-hours employees used the jitney, Gothreaux said, the system would be clogged and ineffective.

Kim Gardiner, assistant director of Facility Services, said not parking in a reserved lot creates a safety issue for the workers.

The Staff Senate unanimously passed the resolution at its February meeting, and it will now be sent to the provost for consideration.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

University was arrested on Feb. 26 at about midnight for possession of heroin, among other charges. His companion, a female University student, was arrested for simple possession of marijuana.

Officers patrolling near the intersection of Dalrymple and Highland drives saw a vehicle make a traffic stop, and smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officers asked the driver, 20-year-old Daniel J. Bienvenue, for consent to search his vehicle, said LSUPD spokesman Russell Rogé. Bienvenue agreed, and officers eventually found a plastic bag filled with marijuana.

Bienvenue and the passenger, 22-year-old University student Rose M. Lee, denied the marijuana belonged to them. The officers then arrested the two. When searching Bienvenue’s body, officers found a syringe in his pocket, a plunger for the syringe in his sock and a small plastic bag filled with heroin in his shoe, Rogé said.

Rogé said Bienvenue told the officers he had just gotten out of a rehabilitation facility in Michigan and was keeping the drug on him to hide it from his girlfriend.

Lee, of 10 Savannah Ridge Lane, Metairie, was issued a misdemeanor summons for simple possession of marijuana and released. Bienvenue, of 4233 Bordaux Drive, Kenner, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and not having a driver’s license. He was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

STUDENT ARRESTED FOR SIMPLE BATTERY, SENDING VULGAR TEXT MESSAGES A University student was arrested for simple battery on Feb. 26 at about 2:30 a.m. after pushing his exgirlfriend in McVoy Hall, Rogé said.

LSUPD officers responded to McVoy Hall after a female University student called about her ex-boyfriend, Kurt Manning, 19, of 1007

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 West Ashland in Louisville, Ky., sending her vulgar text messages, defacing her room door and shoving her.

The victim told the officers she broke up with Manning recently, and he had been sending her angry, explicit text messages ever since, Rogé said. She said she was in McVoy Hall looking for a friend when she saw Manning in one of the rooms. Manning had been banned from McVoy Hall because of a different offense.

After a confrontation, Manning shoved the victim. He had written a vulgar message on her door before she arrived, Rogé said.

Manning was charged with criminal trespassing, simple battery, simple criminal damage to property and improper telephone communications. He was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

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

wednesday, march 4, 2009 GRADES, from page 1

organization working with education leaders in America.

“Grade inflation” affects a student’s grade point average in exactly the same way economic inflation affects a citizen’s dollar — as more good grades are given away, the value of each falls.

While most universities set a limit on the number of a particular grade a professor can distribute in a given class, the number of students receiving As is higher than ever.

Because student evaluations of teachers influence instructor salaries, promotions and tenures, professors may feel pressure to inflate grades, according to ACTA’s report.

The report said many professors, especially those who teach arts and humanities, show less interest in rigorous grading. They depend more on subjective class discussions and participation.

“I’m not sure there has been much grade inflation, but the conversation has occurred,” said Chancellor Michael Martin. “To take one variable and to say that the faculty is too soft or the students too lazy is unfair without more research.”

GPAs for College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences students have increased each year since 2006. However, GPAs of undergraduate students as a whole has fallen, according to data from the Office of Budget and Planning.

BILL, from page 1

Reveille in June 2008. “We believe that there is sufficient recognition of the difficulties of implementing a bill of this type that ... This will not succeed.”

Chancellor Michael Martin couldn’t be reach by press time, but an official statement from the University is expected.

Meg Casper, chief spokeswoman for the State Board of

THE DAILY REVEILLE

When he discovered he was being too lenient with his students, Kevin Cope, Faculty Senate president and English literature professor, decided to change his grading scale.

To compensate, Cope adjusted his curriculum to incorporate more quizzes per semester. Cope moved away from standard five- to sixpage essays and began assigning more “fact-oriented writing exercises.”

“As a result, I saw two things: on the one hand, the drop rate for my class increased, but on the other hand, students were better able to perform with regard to the history of British literature,” Cope said.

Cope said students were expecting certain grades when they scheduled their classes. When those students didn’t make the marks they expected, they often withdrew from the class or complained.

“When grade inflation is established, they become slightly annoyed or peevish if they are not making the grades they’re expecting,” Cope said.

Some departments are realigning grading policies. By this fall, University public relations students can expect fewer As. Though the numbers are still being decided, the public relations department of the Manship School of Mass Communication plans to raise the bar for an A from its current 10-point scale.

“It’s something we’ve talked

about because we are concerned that the A-students earn in class should really mean something,” said Lisa Lundy, public relations head. “It should really represent a significant achievement on their transcript.”

The blame for inflation lies with the professors assigning the grades and the students and University administration. Students are part of a “consumer culture” which can infect the world of higher education. Students who pay often outrageous sums of money to attend a university can feel entitled to good grades, according to the ACTA’s report.

“If the word is out that you can expect a certain grade in a certain class and that does not happen, it can become distressful for students,” Cope said.

Most schools show a serious focus on improving their national standings. Some universities are motivated to inflate students’ scores because higher grades are an important factor in national rankings.

Cope suggested the University issue a statement on the meaning of each letter grade.

Martin said he believes it is important for student grades to be representative of effort and knowledge. He said there were no plans to implement grading regulations.

Regents, told The Times-Picayune on Tuesday that Higher Education Commissioner Sally Clausen has not seen the bill.

“We will approach it from a campus safety perspective and not a Second Amendment — right to bear arms — issue,” Casper said.

The bill states that while University officials can’t prohibit carrying firearms on campus, they would have the right to create rules or regulations about the storage of

firearms, according to The TimesPicayune.

The bill is designed to enhance safety for students and faculty who have the credentials to carry handguns, Wooton said last year.

This year’s Legislative session begins April 27.

Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

THE DAILY REVEILLE

ECONOMY

Road, bridge dollars from stimulus package up for vote in Louisiana

By Melinda Deslatte The Associated Press

(AP) — The Jindal administration will try again today to get legislative backing for a plan to spend Louisiana’s first dollars from the federal stimulus package, about $300 million, for road and bridge work.

The top leader in the state Senate, however, said he’ll recommend that lawmakers only approve a portion of the spending while they await further details from Gov. Bobby Jindal about how much of a multimillion dollar state surplus Jindal wants to spend on road projects.

The joint House and Senate budget committee, which must approve the spending plans before the work can begin, plans to review the transportation proposal at a Wednesday afternoon meeting. Though lawmakers had previously complained of his absence, Jindal said he won’t make a personal pitch to the committee.

“Certainly, the ball is in their court. We’re fine with them making changes as long as they meet the federal criteria,” the governor said Tuesday.

But he warned that any additions or deletions lawmakers want to make to the list need to be done quickly. He said the state needs to get a list of transportation projects to

federal officials by March 19.

Rather than approve the full list, Senate President Joel Chaisson said he’ll recommend that the committee approve enough of the spending to meet the federal requirement that half the money be obligated within 120 days.

“We can’t delay any further on those projects because of the federal timelines. The others, we have a little bit more time to look at our priorities,” said Chaisson, D-Destrehan.

For the rest of the stimulus transportation money, Chaisson said

he’ll suggest the committee delay again until lawmakers get more details about how much of an $865 million state surplus the governor wants to pump into highway projects.

Lawmakers stalled the stimulus proposal two weeks ago when the governor was getting prominent national attention for his opposition to parts of the stimulus.

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

wednesday, march 4, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

BASEBALL

PAGE 7

Tigers blowout UNO, 19-3

By Casey Gisclair Chief Sports Writer

lsureveille.com

LSU junior first baseman Sean Ochinko was batting .125 on Friday when he hit a soft ground ball up the middle against Central Florida.

The ball looked to be an easy out for the slow-running Ochinko, but it kicked off the second base bag and allowed the Tigers’ first baseman to record an infield single. “ Y o u take hits any way you can get them,” he said following Friday’s game.

“The first weekend, I Log on was hitting the to follow a live ball well and blog of just didn’t find tonight’s any holes. But game against when you get Miss. Valley. one of those, it gives you a lot of confidence.”

Since the infield single, Ochinko has been on fire at the plate having recorded hits in 13 of his past 16 at-bats, including a 3-for-4 performance with seven RBI in Tuesday’s 19-3 win against the University of New Orleans at Maestri Field at Privateer Park in New Orleans.

Ochinko had RBI hits in the first, second, fourth innings, including a grand slam in the second inning.

BLOWOUT, see page 9

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

MARCUS THORNTON #5, guard

TERRY MARTIN #13, guard

GARRETT TEMPLE #14, guard

M. Thornton is the 10th player Martin had seven straight Temple only needs 37 minutes in LSU history to score at least games with double figure points to break the record for most 1,000 career points in two years. in the 2007-08 season. minutes played in LSU history.

JERIT ROSER / The Daily Reveille

CHRIS JOHNSON #21, center

JERIT ROSER / The Daily Reveille

QUINTIN THORNTON #32, forward

Johnson is the second all-time Q. Thornton recovered from a shot blocker in LSU history with torn pectoral injury to become a 161 blocks. consistent defensive force.

No. 12 Tigers celebrate senior night, face Vanderbilt in PMAC tonight

By Amos Morale Sports Contributor

Quintin Thornton — “the enforcer.” Garrett Temple — “the defender.” Marcus Thornton — “the scorer.” All have taken on different roles as LSU basketball players.

But they share one thing: They’re seniors. And they will be honored Wednesday night at senior

night when the No. 12 Tigers (25-4, 13-1) host Vanderbilt (17-11,6-8) at 6:45 p.m. in the PMAC. “They’ve had a huge impact on me in a short period of time — as people and as basketball players,” said LSU coach Trent Johnson.

Every player said they had a unique LSU experience.

Guard Garrett Temple played his first season on a team that made it

lsureveille.com Log on to follow a live blog of tonight’s game against Vanderbilt. all the way to the Final Four.

“Obviously, my freshman year was a special year,“ Temple said.

“Playing multiple minutes as a freshman and us going to the Final Four was special.”

The Baton Rouge native didn’t think he would end up playing as much as he has, but now he’s 37 minutes away from playing more than any other player in LSU history.

Center Chris Johnson had to SENIORS, see page 10

SOFTBALL

Tigers try to dust off rust tonight against Nicholls Tournament in Ga. rained out last week

By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor

ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

LSU freshman pitcher Brittany Mack throws a pitch Feb. 14 during the Tigers’ 6-5 extra-inning win against Texas A&M.

Preseason excitement surrounded the opening of the softball program’s new Tiger Park. But few could have predicted the Tigers would have played this many games at home with so little action on the road.

LSU will play its 11th straight game in the new stadium tonight when the Tigers host Nicholls State.

Rain and snow prohibited the Tigers (11-4) from playing in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga., last weekend.

The Tigers were also rained out in Hammond against Southeastern Louisiana on Feb. 18. Aside from the season-opening Paradise Classic in Hawaii, those games

were the only road contests LSU had scheduled up to this point.

“When you are starting to get into a groove, you want to stay in that groove,” said LSU coach Yvette Girouard. “You want that continuity.”

The Tigers enter tonight’s matchup with a five-game winning streak and are ranked No. 22 in the ESPN/USA Softball poll and No. 19 in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 poll.

LSU has managed to remain in the rankings despite early concerns about the health of the pitching staff. Senior Dani Hofer and junior Cody Trahan have been dealt with wrist and back injuries, respectively, all season.

But Girouard said the Tigers haven’t had problems in the circle so far.

“I don’t think the problem has been pitching,” Girouard said. “I think the problem has been hitting.”

LSU freshman shortstop Juliana Santos said the Tigers have concentrated on improving an offense that has scored 49 runs in 10 games in the new park. LSU has an 8-2 record at home this season.

“We’ve been coming out an hour early every day for early hitting,” Santos said.

“We’ve been focusing on our timing, which is a big issue.”

Girouard said the team needs to produce hits when it has runners in scoring position.

“It’s what we call ‘prime-time at bat’ — stepping up in an RBI situation,” Girouard said.

The Tigers last faced Nicholls State in a doubleheader in the old Tiger Park on Oct. 17 in the LSU Collegiate Classic. The Tigers won, 3-1 and 9-2, respectively.

Despite the victories, the Tigers aren’t RUST, see page 10

PAGE 8

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

University keeps pace with gender equality in athletics New Tiger Park continues compliance

By Rachel Whittaker Sports Writer

The University campus was buzzing in February with the opening of the new Tiger Park and Alex Box Stadium.

The old Tiger Park was the Tigers’ home for 12 seasons, and LSU volleyball coach Fran Flory said the completion of Tiger Park says a lot about the University’s attention to women’s athletics.

“The softball stadium is the first venue for women’s athletics with a true women’s-only athletic facility that I’ve ever been part of in my 20-plus years of coaching,” Flory said. “It was a monumental experience and really a landmark for all of us at LSU ... The fact that LSU has built a [$12 million] facility for one female sport is

wonderful. Twenty years ago, it new stadium. wouldn’t have happened.”

The lawsuit, settled in 2001 Associate Athletics Director after a unanimous ruling from the Judy Southard and Senior As- Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, sociate Athletic Director Herb said LSU was biased and “posVincent said LSU sessed a highly is in full complidiscriminatory ance with Title IX ‘It was a monumental athletics system.” of the Education- experience and really Terms of the al Amendments settlement inof 1972, which a landmark for all of cluded monetary forbids gender compensation to us at LSU.’ discrimination the plaintiffs and in athletics at their attorneys Fran Flory schools with fedand “LSU’s conLSU volleyball coach eral funding. tinued public supLSU endured port of women’s a seven-year lawsuit beginning in athletics,” which Southard said 1994 involving gender equity vi- the athletic department has made olations, bringing about a lack of known now more than ever. opportunities for female studentSouthard said LSU goes athletes. Two softball players and three soccer players filed the lawsuit before their sports were enacted at LSU. When the lawsuit headed for trial, LSU created a women’s soccer team in 1995 and a softball team in 1997, in a

‘‘

viÃÌÞ iÃÊ vÊÌ i ÌÊÃ ÊÀ V > `Ê> ÃÌÊv> ÕÃ

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

(Left to right) Gymnastics coach D-D Breaux, volleyball coach Fran Flory, women’s golf coach Karen Bahnsen, soccer coach Brian Lee and track & field coach Dennis Shaver prepare to throw the first pitch of the first game in the new Tiger Park.

For up-to-the-minute news updates, visit lsureveille.com

through a certification process with the NCAA every 10 years.

She said the last certification began in 2002 and was finalized in 2005.

“We really get down into what

Wednesday March 4 10am-2pm Union Ballroom

our offerings are and make sure we’re meeting the needs of our student-athletes in an equitable manner,” she said. “We made EQUALITY, see page 9

-« Ã Ài`Ê Þ

#AMPUS #ROSSINGS (IGHLAND s #AMPUS #ROSSINGS "RIGHTSIDE s #AMPUS #ROSSINGS 6ENUE "RIDAL "OUTIQUEs,OUISIANA #ULINARY )NSTITUTE s $OMINO S s 0LANNED 0ARENTHOOD 2ESIDENTIAL LIFEs-ELLOW -USHROOM s $ON #ARTER S !LL 3TAR ,ANES s 4IKI 4UBING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

happen.

“If our men’s basketball a commitment when we went team charters a plane to fly to through our last certification pro- Tennessee, the women’s team cess to do some dramatic facility also does,” she said. “It may be improvement for our men’s and a number of our women’s basketwomen’s sports, ‘We strive to provide ball teams have and we’ve prothe absolute best different schedceeded with that ules outside of possible for all ... conference. That plan over the course of the last dictate the regardless of gender.’ may seven years.” men’s travel budOne allegaget is a lot larger Judy Southard tion the five fethan the women’s, associate athletics director male students not because we’re made against not providing the LSU was that the athletic depart- same things for the women as we ment refused to allow the wom- do for the men when we make en’s volleyball team to travel to a those trips.” tournament in Hawaii, but it perFlory said she can see clear mitted the men’s basketball team differences in her own team’s to make the same trip. Southard travel accommodations since the said there’s no way discrepan- lawsuit. cies in travel funding between “We’re not allowed to put men’s and women’s teams would more than two girls in a hotel

room on a team trip,” Flory said.

“That didn’t happen before the lawsuit. You put four or five people, whatever you needed to do to stay within the budget. And in terms of meals, the door is wide open for us to feed our team the same as the football team if we wanted to.”

Vincent said the bottom line for LSU athletics today is equal opportunity to “compete for championships and graduate.”

Southard wholeheartedly agrees with that motive.

“What is important to know is it is our goal,” Southard said.

“We strive to provide the absolute best possible for all studentathletes and all our coaches, regardless of gender.”

business on campus,” according to LSU’s radio broadcast team.

He is expected to play tonight when the Tigers return to Alex Box Stadium to face Mississippi Valley State.

First pitch for tonight’s game

has been moved up to 5 p.m. to allow fans to attend the LSU men’s basketball game against Vanderbilt.

EQUALITY, from page 8

‘‘

BLOWOUT, from page 7

LSU picked up right where it left off in the weekend sweep of Central Florida and scored six runs in the opening inning.

The Tigers took advantage of three walks and a hit batter by UNO pitcher Jim McGonigle to lead the ‘You take inning.

Ochinko hits any and senior third baseman way you Derek Helenihi each had two can get RBI hits in the inning. them.’

The Privateers answered Sean Ochinko with a run of junior first baseman their own in the first inning on an RBI single by designated hitter Jerad Comarda.

But LSU quickly took back control in the second inning and pounded out four hits and six runs in the second inning to go ahead 12-1.

Ochinko’s grand slam — his first home run of the season — capped the inning.

Freshman pitcher Chris Matulis made his second start of his career for LSU. Matulis struggled in the early innings but found a comfort zone in the middle innings and pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Spencer Mathews pitched the final 3 1/3 innings for LSU to preserve the win.

One Tiger who was not able to join in the hitting parade was sophomore outfielder Chad Jones.

Jones had to “take care of

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

PAGE 9

PLUCKERS WING BAR Trivia at 8. $4 34 oz Mother Plucker Mugs.

If you don’t like our wings, we’ll give you the bird.

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS Trivia and Karaoke Night 5-10pm: $5 Domestic Pitchers, $6 Abita Pitchers

Contact Casey Gisclair at cgisclair@lsureveille.com

9-10:30pm Vicky Christina Barcelona 12:00-1:30pm Palo Alto 7-8:30pm Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

PAGE 10 SENIORS, from page 7 wait for his opportunity to contribute.

“It just feels like yesterday just coming in as a freshman and watching guys like Glen Davis, Tyrus Thomas and Darnell Lazare — big guys before me,” Chris Johnson said.

Johnson saw limited action his first two years before moving into a starting spot last season. Johnson is the second all-time shot blocker in LSU history with 161 blocks.

Both Marcus and Quintin Thornton transferred to LSU from junior colleges.

“It felt like I was never going to get to the [Division-One] level,” Marcus Thornton said.

Quintin Thornton agreed.

But both players have made an impact on the team.

Quintin Thornton has been a defensive presence inside the paint, and Marcus Thornton has led the Tigers in scoring both of his seasons as a Tiger.

Marcus Thornton is the 10th player in LSU history to score at least 1,000 career points in just two years.

“I just cherish the two years I’ve had with these guys,” Marcus Thornton said. “These guys are going to be my friends from here on out.”

Guard Terry Martin sat out LSU’s Final Four season after transferring from Texas Tech in 2004.

“I wasn’t expecting what we did,” Martin said. “So it was good to experience that even though I couldn’t play. It just had me ready for the next three years that I was going

THE DAILY REVEILLE

to be here, so it was kind of disappointing in the following seasons.”

Even with pomp and circumstance, the Tigers know they have a game to play against a team that allows the second-fewest points in the Southeastern Conference.

“You look at them on video tape and watch how they demolished a very good South Carolina team,” Trent Johnson said. “Obviously we need to be ready to play — and play well.”

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings said in the SEC coaches teleconference this week he doesn’t recall seeing a team this dominant in the conference.

“Their shooting, their field-goal percentage, their 3-point percentage, free-throw percentage, their blocks,

their steals, everything is better ... their assist totals,” Stallings said.

“They really are having a dominant year other than just what’s happening in their final scores.”

And the Tigers want to make sure they continue to dominate.

“I’m trying to go out on top as I know my fellow four seniors are,” Temple said.

If sophomore guard Bo Spencer is unable to play because of a sprained wrist, Trent Johnson said he would consider starting Quintin Thornton and Martin.

RUST, from page 10 taking Nicholls State — which is on a six-game winning streak — lightly.

“You have to throw the fall out of the window. Nobody is playing to win it all in the fall,” Girouard said.

“The team in the fall is always a whole different team in the spring.”

Girouard said she expects to give all her pitchers “a couple innings” Wednesday night.

Freshman pitcher Brittany Mack, who has been named Louisiana Sportswriters Association Softball Pitcher of the Week already this season, said she looks forward to getting back on in the circle for the first

time since her no-hitter performance against Texas State on Feb. 21.

“Going to Georgia felt like too long of a week off,” Mack said. “We need to make sure we don’t underestimate anyone.”

Santos said Monday is normally the team’s day off, but after the rain outs the team practiced on both Monday and Tuesday to prepare for tonight’s game.

“We’ll be excited to play a game and quit being rained out,” Santos said.

Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com

Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com

viÃÌÞ iÃÊ vÊÌ i ÌÊÃ ÊÀ V > `Ê> ÃÌÊv> ÕÃ

Wednesday March 4 10am-2pm Union Ballroom

wednesday, march 4, 2009

-« Ã Ài`Ê Þ

#AMPUS #ROSSINGS (IGHLAND s #AMPUS #ROSSINGS "RIGHTSIDE s #AMPUS #ROSSINGS 6ENUE "RIDAL "OUTIQUEs,OUISIANA #ULINARY )NSTITUTE s $OMINO S s 0LANNED 0ARENTHOOD 2ESIDENTIAL LIFEs-ELLOW -USHROOM s $ON #ARTER S !LL 3TAR ,ANES s 4IKI 4UBING

wednesday, march 4, 2009 NEW ORLEANS, from page 1 Superdome ready for the Saints to play in it. It was the biggest construction project to any American stadium in history.

That time and effort came to fruition Sept. 25, 2006, when the Dome reopened for the Saints’ first home game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons.

O’Malley said that night is one he will never forget.

“It was so awesome to see that rush of everyone in the Dome, to see so many people get so excited about the Saints,” O’Malley said. “It was the best Saints game I’ve ever seen. I still have my ticket from that game.”

The Saints would go on to win the game, 23-3, behind a blocked punt that led to a Saints touchdown just minutes into the game.

“Our seats were right behind that end zone,” O’Malley said. “It was so loud, yet so much fun. The people in our sections were highfiving and getting so excited.”

Mary Beth Romig, public relations and communications director for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, said having sports to lean on is something special for the city.

“Sports are a spiritual thing for us here,” Romig said. “We were asked in the national and international media if a sporting organization

THE DAILY REVEILLE could mean that much to a city, and I said, ‘Absolutely.’

The spirit of the teams reflects the spirit of the people who returned.

And it’s crucial to our well-being.”

Sports psychologist Eric Duchmann said sports can be “a tremendous beacon” for a city, particularly in post-Katrina New Orleans.

“Athletics give a common cause for a city, something that the community can focus on and rally around,” Duchmann said. “It gives them a diversion from the hardships and experiences there every day. We all know it’s a game in reality, but it’s also something that stands for strong values about how to live life, overcome adversity, and stay positive and focused — all the different things that are a sign we can overcome.”

Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, said athletics have helped New Orleans residents take their minds off the stress of Katrina’s aftermath.

“Sports are something that is in our DNA here,” Cicero said. “Citizens of New Orleans needed something they could rally around besides concentrating on FEMA and rebuilding, where they would live and their jobs.”

The New Orleans Arena, where the Hornets play, also sustained damage after Katrina, causing the team to relocate to Oklahoma City for two

seasons.

Duchmann said the return of the Saints and Hornets to New Orleans provided an emotional spark for residents.

“Particularly in New Orleans, which celebrates any good cause for a party, the teams coming back and having good years fit even more into what [the city] needs to put the past behind them,” Duchmann said.

The Saints finished 10-6 in their first season back and reached their first NFC Championship game in team history. The Hornets were Southwestern Division champions and reached the Western Conference semifinals when they returned to the Big Easy last season.

Curl said SMG, the Superdome management company, spent $77 million on post-Katrina renovations — including a new roof, replacement of the Dome’s outer skin and various improvements inside the stadium.

Curl said having the “crown jewel” back has been invaluable to the city’s economic life.

“The Saints sold out season tickets for the first time in history in their first season back after the storm,” he said. “The Hornets had a run of 13 consecutive sellouts, and they’ve been doing extremely well this season with an exciting team.

We’ve also had a packed house for the Sugar Bowl and the BCS championship, so the business of

sports has been very good.”

New Orleans was the first city to host three major college football bowl games in one season: the 2007 New Orleans Bowl, the 2008 Sugar Bowl and the 2008 BCS championship game. LSU faced Ohio State for the BCS title, and the game set a Superdome attendance record with 79,651.

Curl said the “newer, more accommodating” Superdome and the team involved in bidding for largescale sporting events helped the city land several events in the near future.

New Orleans will host the BCS championship and its fifth men’s basketball Final Four in the Superdome in 2012 and the women’s Final Four in the New Orleans Arena in 2013.

The Superdome will host a men’s NCAA regional semifinals and finals in 2011, and New Orleans had already won the first and second rounds of the men’s NCAA tournament in 2010.

“That run of NCAA basketball events is four years back-to-back with March Madness in New Orleans,” Curl said. “No city has done that in recent history. That is a great accomplishment for us to be that successful and bring those events to New Orleans.”

Cicero said the city is also hoping to make a pitch for the 2013 Super Bowl and 2014 NBA All-Star

PAGE 11 Game. New Orleans was the host of the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, and the sellout game was broadcast in 215 countries in 44 languages.

Romig said the ability to land such big events is largely because of the city’s marketability.

“We are in such a walkable, compact city, and the games themselves, the hotels and all the fine restaurants are all so close to each other,” Romig said. And this is what New Orleans does. We do big events, including sporting events, better than anyone.

Hospitality is what we do best.”

Romig said marketing what New Orleans is all about is something to which the city cannot assign a dollar value.

“When you have an event such as the NBA All-Star Game or a Final Four, and people keep talking about the road to New Orleans, and they show ... scenes of street life and all those colorful things that come along with the city outside of the actual games, that’s the kind of marketing we can’t afford,” Romig said. “It’s an invaluable opportunity for New Orleans to showcase itself to the world.”

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 12

OUR VIEW

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

Concealed weapons on campus are still a bad idea Controversy arose throughout the state’s college and university community last year when Rep. Ernest Wooton, R-Belle Chasse, proposed a bill to allow licensed handgun owners to carry concealed weapons on campus.

The House committee Wooton chairs passed the measure, 113, but Wooton pulled the bill off the floor in the last stages of the Legislative session.

Wooton proclaimed back then

that as long as he is in the Legislature, he would file the bill in every session. And he stayed true to his word Monday.

Wooton proposed an identical bill Monday — a measure we think is unnecessary.

He argued last year the passage of the bill would increase the safety of people who have to be out and about on campuses late at night.

For the bill to become law, a

loophole would have to be made in a current law that prohibits carrying handguns near courthouses, schools and government buildings.

Having easy access to weapons does little to prevent harm, and one could argue everyone walking around with a concealed firearm increases the risk of injury.

The fact this bill failed in the Legislature last year should send a message to state congressmen and

residents.

Numerous university officials across the state — including Chancellor Michael Martin — opposed the bill then and feel the same way now. Student Government passed a resolution supporting the bill last spring — a resolution then SG President Cassie Alsfeld later vetoed.

We admire Wooton’s continuous determination to try and do what he believes is right for the

safety of college students and faculty across the state.

But awareness and increased security measures by trained professionals have worked for the most part in the past. And there’s no reason to believe they won’t continue to do so.

Guns aren’t the answer to everything.

Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com

LOUISIANIMAL

Pope spreads word against advocacy of new eugenics Pope Benedict XVI recently praised advances in genetics but also issued another shocking caution to the world.

The pope said geneticists allow for “a glimpse of the possibility of new conquests” and the anticipation of “authentic progress for the whole of humanity” at the Pontifical Academy for Life on Feb. 21.

Benedict pressed the scientific community to avoid the temptation of “genetic reductionism” — which he claimed would reduce mankind to merely reproducing new individuals, “as is the case with all other animals.”

Emphasizing the old axiom the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, Benedict explained why man is more important than mankind: “In fact, he carries with him the power of thought, which is always drawn to the truth about himself and the world.”

From there, the pontiff explained

the difference of the modern threat compared to the eugenics of yesteryear. While the ideological and racist manifestations have largely faded, a new mentality has inched to the forefront of human consciousness — one that justifies the measure of life and dignity according to desire.

“There is thus a tendency to privilege the capacities for work, efficiency, perfection and physical beauty to the detriment of other dimensions of existence that are not held to be valuable.”

Eugenics is defined as the selection of desired characteristics with the intention of improving future generations.

This theory, sprouting from Social Darwinism — the theory that advocated a “survival of the fittest” approach to society — allegedly would hastily improve the lot of fit humans over the less suitable. Consequently, eugenics became a science shortly after its advent.

This is no joke to those wellversed in history. Eugenics, on the contrary, is a very real threat — Big Ben noted it was such an imminent danger it found expression in the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The inherent dignity and equal and inDaniel Lumetta alienable rights Opinion Editor of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world — according to the Declaration.

The respect owed to life is nonexistent when those deemed unfit for life are punished from conception.

In the often forgotten or ignored depths of American history lies one of the ugliest sins of this nation’s past — a stake in the international eugenics movement that

often consumed even some of the most famous American personalities — from some of the most influential writers and thinkers to former presidents and world leaders.

The reason the science failed to pick up was because of its most eminent proponent — Hitler. Thus, American scholars tried to erase the stain on the national ego by ignoring it uniformly and excluding it from history textbooks entirely.

But the pope saved his sharpest rebuke for last, decrying discrimination based on real or presumed genetic factors as an act of violence against all humanity.

From early eugenics opponents, like author G.K. Chesterton, to today’s Bishop of Rome, the Catholic Church has consistently battled this recurring elitist phenomenon.

By acknowledging worth results not from achievement but from existence, Benedict made apparent there are few greater advocates for world

peace and stability than organized religion in general, and the Catholic Church in particular.

Biology should never become an element of discrimination, as the pope warned.

The world must amass a culture “that concretely testifies to solidarity with those who suffer, razing the barriers that society often erects, discriminating against those who are disabled and affected by pathologies, or worse — selecting and rejecting in the name of an abstract ideal of health and physical perfection...

“Confidence in science cannot forget the primacy of ethics when human life is at stake.”

Daniel Lumetta is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Metairie.

Contact Daniel Lumetta at dlumetta@lsureveille.com

BURNS AFTER READING

Sense of entitlement a worrying trend to professors

In a recent study, a third of students surveyed at University of California Irvine said they expected B’s just for attending class lectures.

Another 40 percent felt they deserved B’s for simply completing the required reading, according to The New York Times.

Professors nationwide have encountered similar feedback.

Many observed these grandiose expectations stem from a sense of entitlement, a trait emblematic of today’s collegiate society.

“I noticed an increased sense of entitlement in my students and wanted to discover what was causing it,” said Harvard professor Ellen Greenberger.

Greenberger related entitlement to increased parental pressure,

competition among peers and family members and a heightened sense of achievement anxiety.

In his research, Dennis Gaylord found that compared to prior ages, our generation generally holds a more cynical view toward authority and absolute logic. Results also indicated our age bracket has a much more liberal approach to today’s social issues.

These findings also suggested — although our generation’s intellectual ingenuity exceeds that of previous cultures — our emotional maturity and ability to handle conflict indicate a lack of personal efficacy.

Though no generation is impervious to adversity, ours has been spoiled into expecting any and all effort to be rewarded.

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board

KYLE WHITFIELD TYLER BATISTE GERRI SAX DANIEL LUMETTA MATTHEW ALBRIGHT TRAVIS ANDREWS ERIC FREEMAN JR.

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Opinion Editor Columnist Columnist Columnist

Our minds process information quicker, but many of us lack the ambition to put our sense to good use, possibly for lack of inspiration.

Conversely, prior cultures were generally instilled with more initiative to overcome adversity. Much of our modern advancement can thus be accredited to their enScott Burns during fortitude.

Columnist For example, past generations looked at higher education as an often unattainable goal. Once college was readily accessible, however, those generations viewed it as a necessary bridge to

financial prosperity.

Now college is a stage in personal development rather than a medium for long-term success.

Further, previous generations drew a distinct line between work and play. Our generation’s collaborative stance is work should be enmeshed with leisure and personal passion.

Today’s students outlook on jobs reflects their tendency to pursue enjoyable academic courses rather than potentially valuable ones.

According to this logic, blending work and play is perfectly viable.

And unlike our parent’s generation, ours generally seeks pleasure over profit.

To some extent, this tendency

presents a dilemma.

While personal satisfaction should be held in higher regard than financial equity, we shouldn’t necessarily anticipate a free ride on the pleasure train.

This means we shouldn’t avoid taking initiative or expect things to come easy.

It helps to understand the dynamics of those before us — not only to identify their blunders but also to emulate their successes.

Scott Burns is a 19-year-old political science major from Baton Rouge.

Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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.

“The death of one man is a

tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic.”

Joseph Stalin Soviet Communist leader Dec. 18, 1878 - March 5, 1953

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009

NIETZSCHE IS DEAD

Opinion

PAGE 13

Indulgences innocent despite perceptions, past

Tradition is one of the most powerful forces that influence long-standing religions. As with almost any aspect of human interaction, religions often look to the past in matters of doctrine and practice.

Usually, relying on tradition is beneficial — a way of linking believers with a long history of faith, a way of connecting with religious beliefs rooted in the ancient past.

Tradition is also a powerful means of stabilizing a community, of using tried and true methods of managing a congregation.

But tradition can also cause problems, especially when relied upon too heavily.

No organization or religion is as much testament to the powerful influence – both positive and negative – that tradition can have on the way it operates than the Catholic Church.

Recently, the church has resurrected an ancient and controver-

sial practice – indulgences.

Indulgences remove “the temporal effects of sin,” specifically reducing or eliminating time spent in purgatory. It is important to note an indulgence does not forgive sins — it merely reduces the punishment caused by sins.

Generally, indulgences are earned through some form of penance, like a pilgrimage or prayer ritual.

The practice of offering indulgences fell out of favor, largely because of negative historical connotations the practice carried.

In medieval times, widespread corruption within the church led to abuse of the indulgence tradition, when greedy clergy began selling them to the highest bidder and claiming they held powers beyond their intended scopes – namely, claiming they could absolve all sins.

Martin Luther was extremely critical of the indulgence system of his day, and the system was one

of the abuses of power that led to the Protestant Reformation.

This year, the Vatican declared, in honor of one of the most influential Christians ever, anyone who makes a pilgrimage dedicated to St. Paul and gives a confession will be given a Matthew plenary indulAlbright gence, which Columnist removes the time the recipient spends in purgatory altogether.

The church’s decision to reinstate a practice with such a storied and sordid past is raising some eyebrows.

This is unfortunate because the tradition of indulgences is not in itself a questionable practice, and the common perception of indulgences is largely inaccurate.

Indulgences are not, as the name might suggest, a way for wealthy individuals to use their money to indulge in sinful activities. Nor are they a method of buying forgiveness. During the Council of Trent in 1563, the Catholic Church officially banned their sale.

Neither can an indulgence be purchased for a future sin – a Catholic cannot earn an indulgence that will allow them to commit a sin free of retribution.

The tradition of pilgrimage and penance as a way of proving repentance is a fundamental part of most religions, and few would take issue with its practice. And in the modern era — where far more people are educated, where institutions are held to higher standards and where news of suspect behavior spreads almost instantaneously — the potential for abusing indulgences is minimal.

But, unfortunately for Catho-

lics, the steadfastness of long-held traditions can sometimes prove to be a disadvantage.

Although the church’s efforts are entirely innocent, it will prove extremely difficult – if not impossible – to overcome the stigma associated with the tradition. As long as the term “indulgences” exists, the shadow of their abuses in the distant past will continue to haunt public perception of their execution.

As powerful and enriching as traditions can be, once those traditions are sullied, they will always bear a stain – even if that stain is more the fault of relatively few abusers than the real intent behind it.

Matthew Albright is a 20-year old English and political science sophomore from Baton Rouge.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

COMMON CENTS

Marx’s communist theories not worthy of respect Of all the textbooks sold at the LSU Bookstore, Karl Marx’s “Communist Manifesto” is probably the most controversial.

It’s hard to calculate the number of souls communism has snuffed out of existence. Estimates for Joseph’s Stalin’s regime range between 3.5 to 60 million, and estimates of the deathcount of Mao Zedong’s brutal rule vary from 19.5 to as high as 75 million, according to The Black Book of Communism.

Despite these immeasurable tragedies, Marx is still given far more respect than he deserves.

Marx’s economic theory — and hence his moral judgments, utopian vision, depressing psychology and unrealized predictions — are largely based on a concept called “surplus value.”

Because employers pay employees less than the value they contribute, Marx argued laborers are systematically exploited by the capitalist system.

The silliness of this position can be seen in your daily life.

Imagine a cashier at Raising Cane’s making $7 an hour. For the sake of argument, assume he allows an additional $10 of chicken and toast to be sold every hour. In Marx’s view the $3 an hour “surplus value” the cashier provides for Raising Cane’s is extracted from him by exploitation.

When looking at any social situation, it is imperative to separate the voluntary from the coercive.

No one forced the cashier to give part of his value to Cane’s. He chose to work there.

And this isn’t just rhetoric.

In a very real way, the Cane’s fry cook could quit his job, take out a loan from the bank, buy out the

Blockbuster Video across the street and set up his own chicken shop where he could work without surrendering any value.

But his additional value would come with tremendous costs. Our young entrepreneur would lose any benefits from specialDaniel Morgan ization as he Columnist switched from working one aspect of the fast food industry to every job. He would have to reinvent his own recipes and his own special sauce to compete with the reputation found across the street.

Standing on his own two feet, he would no longer be protected from potential lawsuits, and his income would unpredictably vary with the success of his industry instead of staying at a stable $7 an hour.

For some innovators, the risks of starting a business are worth the potential payoff, and society benefits from their creativity.

But for most, the challenges involved in starting a business make giving a pre-existing firm your surplus value a worthwhile trade.

The source of the surplus value Marx railed against is not exploitation but the freedom to choose.

Employees choose to surrender their surplus value for the benefits a company provides.

And the existence of this choice increases the wages of employees. Because of a “selfish” desire to better their own circumstances, workers will constantly drift toward companies providing

the best-paying jobs.

Ironically, Marx’s prescription to the problem involves an increase of state power and a decrease in freedom.

The “Communist Manifesto” includes 10 planks to connect capitalist countries to communism.

These steps include an increase in income taxes, abolition of private property, a national bank and other decreases of individual freedom.

That his philosophy has resulted in an increase in exploitation should not be surprising.

To be sure, exploitation can exist in the labor market without the presence of the state. People have a tendency to abuse power, and abuses of power can be found outside governments.

But within the nasal cavities of government, these infections fester and expand.

To better the lot of the masses, we must increase their freedom and subject Marx’s theories to the derisive laughter they deserve.

Daniel Morgan is a 21-year-old economics major from Baton Rouge.

Contact Daniel Morgan at dmorgan@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

HELP WANTED

PAGE 14

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY Got something to sell? Want to make an announcement? Need to find an apartment or roommate?

With the potential to reach over 33,000 LSU students, faculty and staff, there is no better way to advertise. Not only do we print twice a week, but there is no additional charge to place your classified ad on the world wide web at www.lsureveille.com. Just click “classifieds,” where your ad can be viewed on our website, that averages up to 65,000 unique visitors a week. For more information, please call (225) 578-6090.

PLACE AND PAY FOR YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE @

www.lsureveille.com

35¢

PER WORD, PER DAY

CLASSIFIEDS INDEX HELP WANTED PERSON A L S FOR S A L E FOR RENT T YPING R O O M M ATES SEEKING TICKET S LOS T A N D F O U N D T R AV E L M I S C E L L ANEOUS

CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

The Daily Reveille is not responsible for the content of any classified and reserves the right to reject any ad. Advertisers must agree to accept the type sizes and styles of The Daily Reveille. No refunds will be made for errors in the classifieds, as ads are proofed by the person placing the ad. No refunds will be given in the event of an overrun, as advertisers select thier own dates in which to insert the ad. In the event of error, immediate notice must be given to the staff: the publishers are responsible for only ONE incorrect insertion. All claims and adjustments must be made no later than 15 days after publication.

Deadline for ads is 12 noon two working days prior to the print publication date.

ADS MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE BY CHARGE ON OUR WEB SITE AT CLASSIFIEDS.LSUREVEILLE.COM.

Classifieds HELP WANTED EARN EXTR A MONEY Students needed ASAP Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper No Experience Required Call 1-800-722-4791 SMOOTHIE KING SK at 4965 Government is hiring for all shifts. Call or stop by to pick up application. 225.927.5080 PBRC S TUDY: PBRC is looking for people to participate in a new research study. The purpose of this study is to determine how your body weight today impacts your health in the future. Participants will be placed on a higher calorie meal plan for 8 weeks. All meals will be provided to you at no cost.

Earn up to $3800. Call 763-3000 WAITERS & BAR TENDERS Needed for catered events, private parties, good pay, flexible hours, serving/catering experience preferred, but not required, email at_your_service_staffing@yahoo.com GET PAID CASH AND REWARDS for taking online surveys. www. CashToSpend.com P A R R A I N ’ S S E A F O O D R E S T AU R A N T Now Hiring Waitstaff, Host, and Bar Positions Apply Mon - Fri 3225 Perkins Rd 225-381-9922 P A R R A I N ’ S S E A F O O D R E S T AU R A N T Now Hiring for All Kitchen Positions Apply in Person Mon - Fri 3225 Perkins Rd 225-381-9922 PARKVIEW BAPTIS T PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed flex days no degree required 293-9447 PARKVIEW BAPTIS T PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed 3-6 p.m. flex days. no degree required 293-9447 DON’T MISS THIS OPPOR T U N I T Y! 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 WEB DESIGNER Looking for entry level web designer/ developer with HTML/ CSS experience. Flexible hours. Apply online at http:// jobs.immense.net RUNNER/FILE CLERK NEEDED. Located off of Essen Lane. Student friendly hours.

225.767.5055 STUDENTPAY OUT S. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue.

100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys.

INTERNSHIP AVA I L ABLE Looking for an intern to assist with accounting & tax related projects. Computer/ General Office Skills Business/ Accounting Majors Strong MS Office & Excel Skills Email resume to: jobs@advantous.com TENNIS INS TRUCTOR Lamar Tennis Center - USTA Tournament experience a plus. Work with after school junior program, summer camps. jwahlborg@ymcabatonrouge.org 225.612.2420 Y OUTH FUN-FITNESS INS TRUCTORS Exerfit is looking for high energy, responsible instructors to run fitness/game oriented

classes for youth. Spring/summer jobs available. Fax resume to (225) 706-1634.

TJ RIBS NOW HIRING SERVERS AND BUSSERS. APPLY IN PERSON - 2354 S. ACADIAN THRUWAY, BATON ROUGE, LA. **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** NEED HELP CONTROLLING HUNGER? The purpose of this study is to determine if a breakfast drink made with a natural product will help reduce hunger and prevent over eating. Looking for females ages 1850. Earn up to $120. Call NOW 225.763.3000

POOL TECHNICIAN $15/pool - Pool cleaning techs needed. Will work around school schedule. Weekly pay. We supply truck, fuel, plus commission on chemical sales.

Email resume to todd@russellpools.com I M M E D I A T E O P E N I N G S ! Wo r k a r o u n d y o u r present school/work schedule! Emp dis counts avail/emp ins avail/d.d avail.

A p p l y i n p e r s o n T O D AY. M c A l i s t e r ’ s D e l i 6808 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge L A 225810-4000

I M M E D I ATE OPENING FOR part-time market research interviewers. $8 for each 10minute interview. Must be available in BR through Dec., 2009. Contact Mary.

225.928.0220

THAI KITCHEN “HOME OF THE FRIDAY NIGHT KARAOKE, SUSHI AND SPORTS BAR” NOW HIRING DAY OR NIGHT SERVER, BUSSER AND DAY HOSTESS W/ CASH TIP EVERY DAY NO EXP REQUIRE APPLY @ 4335 PERKINS RD(SOUTHDOWN SHOPPING CTR) 225.346.1230

GOLF COURSE HELP NEEDED Looking for individuals intersted in working at The Oaks @ Sherwood Golf Club. Cart/Range duties mostly. Call Blaine. 225.955.1603

SURVEY RESEARCHERS NEEDED!! LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab is now hiring survey researchers for weekend and night work only. Must have a clear speaking

ANIMAL CARETAKER NEEDED for part-time position at Animal Hospital. Experience preferred. Call 275-2284 SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. www. GetPaidToThink.com BAR TENDER HELP NEEDED Looking for bartender help at The Oaks @ Sherwood Golf Club. If interested call Blaine.

225.955.1603 R E C E P T I O N I S T NEEDED! FULL & PART TIME RECEPTIONIST NEEDED FOR BUSY SALON! TUESDAY-SATURDAY...

SATURDAY’S ARE MANDATORY!!! JOB DUTIES INCLUDE ANSWERING MULTIPLE PHONE LINES, ASSISTING & SCHEDULING CLIENTS, & EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS. PLEASE APPLY WITHIN 5172 CORPORATE BLVD. BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 225.928.7155 HELP WANTED LUNCH CREW BARTENDER 244 LAFAYETTE FLEXIBLE HOURS APPLY N PERSON JEFFERSON BAPTIS T CHURCH is seeking Sunday Morning paid nursery workers from 8:30am- 12:30pm. Contact Casey at 225.923.0356 BOYS & GIRL S CLUB Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® Servant Leader Intern For Summer 2009 Interns are responsible for the front-line care and nurturing of children. Excellent leadership development opportunity at the historic CFD Alex Haley Farm in TN. Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history. Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to character, humility and servant leadership. www.brclubs.org 225.383.3928 WHO’S YOUR PAPA? Papa Murphy’s, the Official Pizza of YOUR LSU Tigers, is NOW Hiring!

Team Leaders Team Members Apply at any Papa Murphy’s Store Please mention you saw our ad in The Daily Reveille!

Papa Murphy’s is locally owned and operated by Arkel Food Service ****ATTENTION**** ACCOUNTING Business Majors Incredible Job Opportunity!!!! Now Hiring Part-Time Accounting Assistant Work Directly Under the Controller of the Largest Supplier of Bedding in the Southeast. Great experience. Flexible Hours Competitive Pay Please email resume to: Rhonda@mdserta.com 225.231.1240

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 voice, be friendly, willing to communicate with people over the phone, and to follow set procedures. Pay is competitive, $79/hour. Flexible hours! Great place to work! Prior experience a plus but not required.

Contact Kathryn Rountree, Operations Manager, krount1@lsu.edu to set up an interview.

S TUDENT WORK Local BR company expanding Fast! *$15.00 Base/appt* Flexible Schedules No experience nec Customer sales/ svc Conditions Apply Ages 17+ Apply NOW 225-927-3066 www.collegestudentwork.com !BAR TENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided.

Age 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 xt127 DRUSILL A SEAFOOD is now hiring...wait

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 staff, bartenders, bussers, cashiers and kitchen help. Apply in person at 3482 Drusilla Lane.

FOR SALE L AND FOR S ALE Near LSU Lakes, City Park. 77x236ft $125,000. DavidEngle.net, Engle Realty 225.937.4003.

TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. U N I T S R E A D Y F O R S P R I N G & F ALL 2009!! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale s t a r ting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy -Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location.

Location... Star t Living.

3/3 CONDO INCOME PRODUCING Gated: 3/3 1700SF $206,000 Almost New. The Gates At Brightside. 1.5 from campus.

Income producing while your student lives free. 407-353-0564 Susan

FOR RENT 2BR/2BA - NEAR TOWNE CENTER 7550 LaSalle Gated Condo, Balcony, Granite Countertops, Wood and Travertine Floors, Stainless Appliances, 10ft Ceilings, Walk In Closet, W/ D Included, and much more! $1,250 mo. Call 225.413.0482 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1110 / M O N T H 5291 S. 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.

Available Now 225.978.7400 *L A K E B E A U P R E ’ T O W N H O M E S * Reserve your place now for Summer/ Fall ’09.

2br/2.5b - $1300/ mo.

3br/3.5b - $1650/ mo.

Featuring Clubhouse with Pool, Tennis Court, Gym. All Appliances Included.

Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERL AND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..7722429 mckproperties.com TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. U N I T S R E A D Y F O R S P R I N G & F ALL 2009! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve y o u r u n i t t o d a y ! Wa l k t o c l a s s ! 3 0 0 0 J u l y St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Star t Living.

FOR RENT 1 Bedroom in 3 BR Condo, $475/mo, all utils pd, gated parking, very good cond, Tigerland, 4518 Y A Tittle 504.864.9283 L U X U R Y A PA R T M E N T F O R S U B L E A S E 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Apartment for sublease beginning April 1, 2009. Rent is $1212.00 per month until August 2, 2009. Renter may renew lease if so desired. Dining room table, bedroom set, and living room set also for grabs for $1500.00 call for details.

225.223.0847 A R L I N G T O N T R AC E Reserve yours now for Summer/Fall ’09.

2bed/2.5 bath - $1,300/monthly 3bed/3.5 bath - $1,650/monthly All appliances included.

Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 FOR RENT !!!! L A K E B E A U P R E LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOMES 2 BEDROOMS $1250.00 TO VIEW ALL RENTALS GO TO WWW. KEYFINDERSBR. COM 225.293.3000 HOUSE FOR RENT Beautiful 3/2ba house on lake in Nicholson Lakes sub all amenities LSU area must see 1500/mo 225933-3477 225.751.4212 1 B R / 1 B A F O R L E A S E ! M U S T SEE!! $950/mo includes all utilities including electric, cable & internet. All appliances are included! Gated community. across from city park. www.keyfindersbr.com 225.293.3000

CRESENT CONDO FOR LEASE Luxury 1 bedroom condo with unbelievable ammenites for lease, at the Cresent at University Lake, $1500 a month. Please contact: 225.678.0133 WALK TO L SU 1 and 2 BR FLATS and TH, pool, laundry center. University View Apartments on West Parker. Call Hannah 767-2678. NO PETS.

ROOMMATES R O O M M A TE NEEDED AS A P to share 2br/2bth off Highland w/ male student. $395/ month, all utilities except electricity free. Now through July. avenez1@tigers.lsu.edu MAS TER & REGUL AR BEDROOM pvt bath $370. Reg. room $260. Nice house. W&D. Alarm etc. No lease needed. $250 deposit.

225.921.1209

PERSONALS GIRL NEEDED FOR girl needed for laundry and creation of tasty ice cream treats hungrymandirtylaundry@yahoo.com M ATCH MADE IN HEAVEN matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match. our friend emily is quite the catch. so if you have wit and a good bit of height, you may make the match just right.

FEIS T Y FELINE LOOKING FOR LOVE This kitty is a bad boy who just got kicked out of his home. MEOWW! Please pick me up! I need some love! My name is Reggie and you’ll find me roaming around state street.

Careful, though.... I like to pounce! *TIRED OF BEING HEAR T BROKEN* Smart, shy, Independant LSU Junior girl looking to hang out with a nice, smart, sensible, cute guy for friendship or possibly dating. damselindistress86@gmail.com

PAGE 15 LF1M Gay gaming male seeks other gamer guy.

Those that play together stay together! lsugaymer@gmail.com HELLO BOYS! I’m a 21-year-old looking for someone special to play with- I’m super cute and tons of fun. I love me some burly men so facial hair is a must. Give me a call, big boys!

985.351.6040 BOOT Y HUNTER Looking for a cute pirate to shiver me timbers. Ask me about my Midnight Madness. Find out at www.themidnightmadness.com SEEKING CHARITABLE, outdoor loving individual. Must love animals and the occasional hiking or camping trip. Drop me a message at HighpointingForAmerica.org *BE MY LOVE* Tall, Dark & Handsome, Brown, LSU Junior looking to hang out with and possibly date an outgoing, smart & independent girl. Join me over Coffee!

With Love!

prince28charming@gmail.com GLUTEN-FREE Gluten-intolerant student seeking to meet other participants of gluten-free lifestyle! celiad650@gmail.com I WANT TO BE YOUR DERIVATIVE so I can lie tangent to your curves. Nerdy ndn chick seeking an intelligent and attractive conversationalist. Ladies only, please—I’m tired of natural logs approaching the asymptote. sheenyinabottle@hotmail.com SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date.

Races open. I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@gmail.com

LOST AND FOUND FOUND DOG Neutered, male mixed-breed.

Black, tan, & white mixed. Found in Arlington Plantation area. 225.718.3476

PAGE 16

THE DAILY REVEILLE

wednesday, march 4, 2009