After receiving a prestigious award, Southern Univeristy physics professor Dr. Diola Bagayoko continues to work hard in providing academic achievement for undergraduate and graduate students. The chairman of the physics department received the 2009 American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Lifetime Mentor Award at their annual meeting in February. Bagayoko has been a member of the AAAS dating back to the 1990s, which he has involved himself in the association’s various selection of publication, particularly in the Science Magazine where he was profiled in 2007 about the Timbuktu Academy mentoring activities for students at the university. Bagayoko said he was surprised and delighted to win this award because this is a fiercely competitive award, there is only one per year and there are many applicants. “We always consider awards as recognition on the one hand of past effort and result and an invitation to even do more,” he said he told the AAAS during the ceremony. Bagayoko was chosen by the AAAS selection committee for his outstanding accomplishment of getting a significant amount of African American graduate students to receive their doctoral degrees in physics and chemistry. The AAAS has noted that 21 students have been mentored INSIDE CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 NEWS............................. 3 SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BATON ROUGE, LA. STATE & NATION................4 SPORTS ...................... 5 CLOUDY HIGH 65° | 45° LOW VIEWPOINTS......................7 A&E ...................... 8 Physics professor Dr. Diola Bagayoko speaks to students about the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan during Thursday’s Save SU Rally. PHOTO BY TREVOR JAMES/DIGEST See AMBASSADORS page 3 Members of R&B group Mint Condition field questions for students regarding the music industry during a Q-and-A session. PHOTO BY NORMAN J. DOTSON JR./DIGEST BY PATRICK GALLOWAY DIGEST STAFF WRITER See BAGAYOKO page 3 See GROUP page 3 TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM VOL. 55, ISSUE 10 ESTABLISHED IN 1928 STATE & NATION WTC workers urged to settle Pot worth $657 million. PG. 4 SPORTS SU football wrap up spring Also: SU women close in on bid. PG. 5 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Weezy hauled off to jail Rapper begins 1-year sentence. PG. 8 BY BILLY WASHINGTON DIGEST A&E EDITOR The music industry is known as a shady industry. Before an artist becomes famous and rich with platinum selling albums, the artist must first know the ins and outs of the business or long days of hardships and struggles will follow. There is a need for more information to be delivered to the masses on certain topics pertaining to the business side of the music industry and the Music Department of SU was blessed to hear informative words during a question and answer dialogue with Mint Condition earlier this month in the Dubose Auditorium. Mint Condition is well known for many hit singles such as 1991’s smash hit “Breaking My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” “You Send Me Swinging,” “So Fine,” and “What Kind of Man Would I Be.” They have also produced 6 albums and are currently working on a new project. Mint Conditions longevity of 20 plus years is due to their knowledge and understanding of the music industry. “We’re here today to help you build a career and not a moment”, said Mint Condition’s lead vocalist Stokley Williams. “One you must focus on your craft, two you must focus on your business and three you must focus on technology and this is what the industry looks for,” continued Williams. Networking also contributes to a successful career because it’s sometimes not what you know but who you know. The Internet is now the most popular way to next work nowadays with social sites such as My Space, Face book, Twitter, and etc. Prime example of the internet being an open door and networking foundation is Soulja Boy, who initially started his rap career by posting the very popular “Crank That Soulja Boy” on YouTube. He later signed with Interscope Records and Collipark Records. The five-member band also received words of wisdom from artists like Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. “They not only wanted us to be great artists, SU professor earns award The Ambassadors of Southern University held a SU Ambassador Retreat earlier this month in the PBS Pinchback Engineering high tech room to give an outline and orientation to the newly selected volunteer ambassadors. The orientation mainly focused on professionalism during the 45 minute to an hour tour experiences. SU Ambassadors were instructed to arrive 15 minutes before a scheduled tour, wear southern paraphernalia, and be responsible. They also must know key information and history surrounding the campus. They should are asked to be knowledgeable of the number and names of student organizations, the names of buildings, background information about the buildings and the historic heroes these buildings honor; the Southern University Presidents from 1914 until present and other information about the university, present and past. Dontrail Dobison, sophomore mass communications major and SU ambassador Student Coordinator, stressed the importance of professionalism during the orientation because there was once an occasion when an ambassador wore pajamas to conduct a tour. “Please do not show up to do a tour with pajamas on. You all represent SU when conducting a tour, so you not only reflect yourself, but the university as a whole,” Dobison said. The SU ambassadors program was created in spring 2002 to assist prospective students and their parents. The program was also established to increase the capacity of student applications and enrollment. Since 2002, the enrollment rate and BY BILLY WASHINGTON DIGEST A&E EDITOR Student guides go through paces R&B group gives adivce
Transcript
After receiving a prestigious award, Southern Univeristy physics professor Dr. Diola Bagayoko continues to work hard in providing academic achievement for undergraduate and graduate students.
The chairman of the physics department received the 2009 American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Lifetime Mentor Award at their annual meeting in February.
Bagayoko has been a member of the AAAS dating back to the 1990s, which he has involved himself in the association’s various selection of publication, particularly in the Science Magazine where he was profi led in 2007 about the Timbuktu Academy mentoring activities for
students at the university. Bagayoko said he was surprised
and delighted to win this award because this is a fi ercely competitive award, there is only one per year and there are many applicants. “We always consider awards as recognition on the one hand of past effort and result and an invitation to even do more,” he said he told the AAAS during the ceremony.
Bagayoko was chosen by the AAAS selection committee for his outstanding accomplishment of getting a signifi cant amount of African American graduate students to receive their doctoral degrees in physics and chemistry.
The AAAS has noted that 21 students have been mentored
physics professor dr. diola Bagayoko speaks to students about the university’s Quality enhancement plan during thursday’s save sU rally.
PHOTO By TREVOR JAMES/DIGEST
See ambassadors page 3
Members of r&B group Mint condition field questions for students regarding the music industry during a Q-and-a session.
PHOTO By nORMAn J. DOTSOn JR./DIGEST
By PATRICK GAllOwAydiGest staFF Writer
See bagayoko page 3
See group page 3
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM VOL. 55, ISSUE 10
estABLished in 1928
STATE & NATION
wTC workers urged to settlePot worth $657 million. PG. 4
SPORTS
SU football wrap up springAlso: SU women close in on bid. PG. 5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
weezy hauled off to jailRapper begins 1-year sentence. PG. 8
By BIlly wASHInGTOndiGest a&e editor
The music industry is known as a shady industry. Before an artist becomes famous and rich with platinum selling albums, the artist must fi rst know the ins and outs of the business or long days of hardships and struggles will follow.
There is a need for more information to be delivered to the masses on certain topics pertaining to the business side of the music industry and the Music Department of SU was blessed to hear informative words during a question and answer dialogue with Mint Condition earlier this month in the Dubose Auditorium.
Mint Condition is well known for many hit singles such as 1991’s smash hit “Breaking My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” “You Send Me Swinging,” “So Fine,” and “What Kind of Man Would I Be.” They have also produced 6 albums and are currently working on a new project. Mint Conditions longevity of 20 plus years is due to their knowledge and understanding of the music industry.
“We’re here today to help you build a career and not a moment”, said Mint
Condition’s lead vocalist Stokley Williams. “One you must focus on your craft, two you must focus on your business and three you must focus on technology and this is what the industry looks for,” continued Williams.
Networking also contributes to a successful career because it’s sometimes not what you know but who you know. The Internet is now the most popular way to next work nowadays with social sites such as My Space, Face book, Twitter, and etc. Prime example of the internet being
an open door and networking foundation is Soulja Boy, who initially started his rap career by posting the very popular “Crank That Soulja Boy” on YouTube. He later signed with Interscope Records and Collipark Records.
The fi ve-member band also received words of wisdom from artists like Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey.
“They not only wanted us to be great artists,
SU professor earns award
The Ambassadors of Southern University held a SU Ambassador Retreat earlier this month in the PBS Pinchback Engineering high tech room to give an outline and orientation to the newly selected volunteer ambassadors.
The orientation mainly focused on professionalism during the 45 minute to an hour tour experiences. SU Ambassadors were instructed to arrive 15 minutes before a scheduled tour, wear southern paraphernalia, and be responsible. They also must know key information and history surrounding the campus. They should are asked to be knowledgeable of the number and names of student organizations, the names of buildings, background information about the buildings and the historic heroes these buildings honor; the Southern University Presidents from 1914 until present and other information about the university, present and past.
Dontrail Dobison, sophomore mass communications major and SU ambassador Student Coordinator, stressed the importance of professionalism during the orientation because there was once an occasion when an ambassador wore pajamas to conduct a tour.
“Please do not show up to do a tour with pajamas on. You all represent SU when conducting a tour, so you not only refl ect yourself, but the university as a whole,” Dobison said.
The SU ambassadors program was created in spring 2002 to assist prospective students and their parents. The program was also established to increase the capacity of student applications and enrollment. Since 2002, the enrollment rate and
By BIlly wASHInGTOndiGest a&e editor
Student guides go through paces
R&B group gives adivce
and graduate students to join. Students must be in the upper 35 percent of their class, have a grade-
point average of “B” or better and 20 semester hours in social science courses.
There is an international initiation fee $40 and an additional local chapter fee of $10. If you are interested in joining Pi Gamma Mu pick up an application from Dr. Shawn Comminey, Louisiana Epsilon Chapter Adviser, in Room 429 of Higgins Hall.
CSS SEMInARSThe Center for Student
Success is offering three seminars at Stewart Hall’s Lawless Auditorium in the upcoming days.
CSS will offer its “Discovering Your Learning Style” seminar today at 2 p.m. The session is designed to help students discover their unique learning styles.
CSS is also offering its “Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy” seminar Wednesday at 1 p.m. This seminar is designed to help students understand what they need to do to stay in good standing at the university and gain an understanding of the SAP policy.
CSS’s “Effective Note Taking Skills” seminar is slated for Thursday at 3 p.m. This seminar is designed to teach students effective note-taking skills that will help with time management while taking
PEER TUTORInGPeer tutoring is available
in the Center for Student Success in Stewart Hall Room 107. Available hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. Follow the Center for Student Success on Twitter to see exciting upcoming events: www.twitter.com/jaguar_nation.
BAPTIST STUDEnT UnIOnWant to become a
member of the Baptist Student Union? Want to fellowship with other students during the week? Need a place to worship? Need a place to attend for bible study, special events and trips? Need a quiet place to study? Need a place to relax and watch television?
Join the T.J. Jemison Baptist Student Union, located at 724 Harding Blvd., across from LaCumba’s Den and the tennis courts. For more information, call 225.774.8924.
lOS JAGUARES lATInOSLos Jaguares Latinos,
Southern University’s Spanish Club, meets Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in Room 320 of T.T. Allain Hall. If you are unable to attend the meetings but still like to participate, please send your name, contact number and valid e-mail address to [email protected]
PI GAMMA MUPi Gamma Mu, the
international honor society in social sciences, is inviting juniors, seniors
nURSInG SCHOOl APPlICATIOnS
The Southern University School of Nursing is accepting applications for the Fall 2010 semester until April 1. Applications are available online at www.subr.edu. Click on the Academic Affairs link and follow the School of Nursing Undergraduate Program link.
All students must meet the following criteria: have been admitted to SUBR, have a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or above, submission of SAT/ACT scores and writing proficiency and completing of all courses listed in the first three semesters of the nursing curriculum plan with a minimum grade of “C.
BEEP MEETInGSBEEP Meetings are held
every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in T.T. Allain Room 222. These meetings are open to all majors. For more information contact Toni Jackson at 225.771.5640 ext. 222 or at [email protected].
and reviewing notes.
CAREER AwAREnESS AnD PlAnnInG SEMInAR
The SUBR league of BEEP associates and the National Urban League will host the Career Awareness and Planning Seminar (CAPS) March 17-19. The event is a three-day activity of career planning exercises, workshops, counseling and lectures that places emphasis on the selection of realistic career choices, the charting of career paths, resume preparation, the development of good interviewing skills and life skills.
The event is open to all majors campuswide. Partici-pating companies include Shell Oil, Cox Communications, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Entergy, USDA, Beehive Technologies, Johnson & Johnson, ExxonMobil, Holly-wood Casino, Raytheon, Target, Chevron, National Urban League and more.
For more information, contact Toni Jackson at 225.771.5640, ext. 222 or [email protected].
JAZZ BRUnCH & SIlEnT AUCTIOnThe Southern University
Center for International Education will hold its Sixth Annual Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction Saturday, March 20 in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The brunch is held annually to raise money for scholarships to support students and faculty members as they participate in the center’s Study Abroad programs held in Mexico, Africa, China and Belize. The international education program also assists faculty members in their quest to work in other countries as well as those from other areas who come to the U.S.
The silent auction includes items from various countries and other items donated by local patrons. Tickets are $35 each, and the amount is tax-deductible. For more information, call 225.771.2613.
THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 SATURDAY, MARCH 20THURSDAY, MARCH 18 FRIDAY, MARCH 19
HI - 67° / LO - 46° 0% CHANCE OF RAIN
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SHOwERSSUnnySUnny
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group from page 1
and earned their doctoral degrees in physics and chemistry by the Timbuktu Academy, which is a huge number compared to what normally happens at a bigger university. They may not graduate one in a few years, Bagayoko said.
“We have gone way over 21 students since the award time,” he added. “Three or four others graduated and there are 17 additional ones who are physics, chemistry, or engineering major in graduate school right now.”
The AAAS has also acknowledged Bagayoko’s efforts in working one-on-one with undergraduate students through weekly seminars, which are held every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 102 of James W. Lee Hall. One of the seminars is of great importance because students work to ensure that they have the tools for effective studying, and that they participate in summer resource sites all around the country.
The AAAS also acknowledged his work as the director of Timbuktu Academy in creating resource centers around the university. One resource center which is located in Room 236 of William Henry James Hall contains many scientific magazines and journals that keep students updated on the new developments in science.
Bagayoko is well known for his 130 refereed publications in physics, teaching, mentoring
and learning. He stated that his publications have increased to 150 since previously recorded in 2006.
For the physics department new developments are enhancing the learning environment, and providing financial assistance for students. “We are working on two proposals, which are to provide additional money for scholarships, so that we can support many more students, take them to conferences and pay for it, and support the summer resource program,” he said.
Bagayoko also noted that there are some important agencies that provided help for this accomplishment, like the Department of the Navy’s Office of the Naval Research, which funded the academy at a level about $600,000 for 10 years in a row. Other notable agencies like NASA, National Science Foundation and the Louisiana Space Consortium also provided funding for students’ studies and research.
Bagayoko provided advice to students and professors alike, aiming to be successful in the field of physics and chemistry, demonstrating why he is deserving of the award. He referenced to the Power Law of Human Performance that states that with adequate practice anyone can be excellent in anything.
“So the key to success really is the exposure, the approach to studying and spending the time needed to exercise, solve problem and practice.”
student application request has increased from an estimate of 7,000 students to approximately of 8,000 students.
The SU ambassadors mainly consist of about forty students. Majority are freshman students, which in turn is a positive aspect for SU because, according to Dobinson, they can be more involved with SU and the retention rate will remain high.
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, over 100 tours are conducted on campus. The tours are a better way of out of state recruitment because the tours give a vivid insight of the HBCU campus lifestyle and experience. Before the SU Student Ambassadors program started in 2002, there were only 3 recruiters that traveled throughout the nation; therefore, the tours are
supposedly more convenient for students to talk one on one with college students and gain information from someone who is actually enrolled at SU.
“My reason for doing this is to help incoming freshman as well as middle school students to be more enlightened on how to handle a college process, what’s going on at our campus, and how our college will best suit them,” said Henry Maiden, a junior history major and SU Student ambassador.
“As an incoming freshman, I found the experience to be hard. I didn’t know anything about college and I really didn’t know anything about Southern, so I feel like I’m obligated as a junior to help someone that’s new to the college experience,” continued Maiden.
but they wanted us to be astute businessmen within the industry,” said Williams.
According to Ricky Kinchen, bass guitarist of the group, having dreams and working tenaciously toward those dreams can help create a successful and profitable music career.
“We all grew up the same way,” Kinchen said. “Everybody wanted to be a star and we wanted to be like the Jacksons. You have to go for it all the way. My brothers are very musically inclined but they weren’t focused and I wanted to do it for real. That’s why I’m where I’m at today,” Kinchen expressed.
Homer O’Dell, lead guitarist, also offered a few words of encouragement.
“If you’re going to do it, You need to be the best producer or artist that you can be,” he said.
“Your mind has to be creative and you need to be persistence and find out how to get in touch with artists currently involved in the music
industry,” continued O’Dell.All of the elements, which are hard work,
perseverance, and networking, were thoroughly explained by the members of Mint Condition but they gave the last and probably most important element of them all and that is having faith in your supreme being.
“We would not have been successful if it wasn’t for God,” said Williams.
“Evoking to a supreme being is essential to accomplishing any endeavor or task.” Williams continued.
The whole discussion was appreciated by the students in attendance and plan to take the advice given into consideration throughout their future music careers.
“This forum was very insightful to me because I want to be big and a star. I want to write my own songs and I want to own my own record label,” said Brittney Jackson , senior vocal performance major.
NEW YORK (AP) — Regu-lators on Friday shut down banks in New York, Florida and Louisiana, raising to 30 the number of failures this year of federally insured banks.
The Federal Deposit Insu-rance Corp. was appointed receiver of Park Avenue Bank in New York, Old Southern Bank in Orlando, Fla. and Statewide Bank in Covington, La.
Park Avenue Bank had $520.1 million in assets and $494.5 million in deposits as of Dec. 31.
The FDIC said the bank’s
deposits will be assumed by Valley National Bank, based in Wayne, N.J. Valley National agreed to pay a small premium to assume all of the deposits. It also agreed to purchase essentially all of Park Avenue Bank’s assets.
Park Avenue Bank’s four branches will reopen beginning Saturday as offices of Valley National Bank.
It was the second New York bank to be shuttered this week. On Thursday, the FDIC closed LibertyPointe Bank, which
catered largely to the Orthodox Jewish community in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Valley National is also taking on LibertyPointe’s assets and deposits.
Old Southern Bank had $315.6 million in assets and $319.7 million in deposits, as of Dec. 31. Centennial Bank in Conway, Ark. agreed to acquire the deposits for a premium and purchase virtually all of Old Southern’s assets.
The seven branches of Old Southern will be reopened Monday as branches of Centennial Bank.
Regulators shut down La. bank
NEW YORK—Lawyers and city officials expressed confidence Friday that they can get ground zero responders to sign on to a settlement that would pay up to $657 million to workers who developed health problems after toiling in the ruins of the World Trade Center.
Thousands of workers who claim to have been sickened by dust and debris will have three months to decide whether to accept the package. If 95 percent don’t say yes, the deal is off.
The decision will be a complicated one, but a lead attorney for the firm that negotiated the settlement said most of the feedback from clients so far has been good.
“By far, the calls are running very positive. The clients are quite relieved that an end is in sight,” said Marc Bern, a senior partner with the law firm Worby, Groner, Edelman & Napoli, Bern LLP, which negotiated the deal.
Still, with 10,000 plaintiffs involved in the case, success isn’t assured. Only $575 million of the settlement is guaranteed. Some workers will qualify for only the minimum payment of $3,250. Any award they get
could be depleted by a third or more once the plaintiffs’ lawyers take their cut.
A representative of one victims’ group expressed reservations Friday that deal doesn’t contain enough cash.
“From what I’ve seen, I don’t think you’re going to get 95 percent of the people to opt in,” said John Feal of the Long Island-based FealGood Foundation. He noted that some workers could wind up getting only a few thousand dollars for illnesses that will bother them for life.
“This is far from fair,” he said. “Look, if you’ve got cancer and are going through chemo and medical bills, $1 million goes pretty fast.”
Other ground zero responders were more optimistic. Martin Fullam, a retired New York City fire lieutenant who was diagnosed with the diseases polymyositis and pulmonary fibrosis after putting in long hours at ground zero, called the settlement “a good thing” and said he would probably sign.
“I trust my lawyers,” he said, although he added that he wanted first to see how much money he stood to receive.
Fullam noted that no cash payment would make up for the damage to his body. The 53-year-old needed a lung transplant,
takes a battery of medications and was back in the hospital again last week for a heart problem.
“This is something that affects the rest of my life. I’ll never work again. It has taken years off my life. The quality of my life is not what it was. I feel there is a certain value in there,” he said. “It’s not about getting a lot of money and moving to Florida and buying a boat.”
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who must approve the settlement, declined to reveal his initial impressions of the deal Friday during his first hearing on the subject.
Hellerstein said he needed more time to make sure the deal is “fair, appropriate and just to all affected.” He said he would hold another hearing March 19 to let people weigh in on the deal, in a limited fashion.
“It’s not going to be a planning board meeting,” he warned.
The settlement was announced Thursday evening after years of court maneuvering and then two years of tough negotiations between lawyers for the plaintiffs and the WTC Captive Insurance Co., an entity set up by Congress to help the city deal with the mountain of legal action related to the trade center cleanup.
By DAVID B. CARUSOassociated press Writer
Page 4 - Tuesday, March 16, 2010
state & nationwww.southerndigest.com
in this June 25, 2007, file photo, ground Zero clean-up worker Mary elizabeth Bishop of New York city, left, and her attorney Marc Jay Bern, talk to reporters outside the rayburn House office Building in Washington. Bern, a senior partner with the law firm Worby, Groner, edelman & Napoli, Bern LLp, was a member of the team that successfully negotiated a settlement between more than 10,000 ground zero rescue and recovery workers and New York city that could pay up to $657.5 million to first responders and recovery workers sickened by dust from the destroyed World trade center.
PHOTO By SUSAn wAlSH/AP PHOTO
Workers urged to take $657M
New fi eld house, new coach, new quarterback, new dynasty … new program.
Fans gathered at A.W. Mumford Stadium to witness the new tradition of Southern University football in the annual spring game — and all eyes were on fi rst year head coach Stump Mitchell.
“Offensively and defensively we had some bright spots and we also had some bad spots,” said Mitchell. “Offensively when we got the ball in the red zone, we moved the ball fairly well.”
Jeremiah McGinty took most of the snaps at quarterback. McGinty is the only quarterback on scholarship. So perhaps McGinty is the future of the program.
Meanwhile, for the fans that were in the midst of watching the young quarterback take snaps under center, the brunt of the criticism was being saved for the wide receiver position.
“It’s an open season,” Mitchell said. “And I’m not really pleased with what I’m getting from the receivers.”
The receivers had a tough time holding on to the ball, dropping several passes as they were being evaluated by coaches.
As for the defense, it came in and went several possessions before giving up a touchdown in the scrimmage.
Free safety Jason House, who led the nation in interceptions with 10 last season, picked off a pass, one of three for the fi rst-team defense.
“I felt the defense is progressing, it’s a learning curve trying to learn a new system,” said defensive coordinator O’Neill Gilbert. “But I believe that once they learn the system and play mistake free football we have a chance to be a pretty good defense.”
So, was the offense effective late in the game because the defense was tired? Or was it because the defense made mistakes.
“We got to get our assignments down and we got to get the intensity higher,” said defensive end Jordan Miller.”
If you’re wondering, yes, the defense is well aware of what happened during the scrimmage. Or what didn’t happen.
“Discipline, if it’s one thing that could be said that they have given us is discipline,”
Miller said. That’s all they talk about discipline, discipline, discipline.”
SU will open the 2010 season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against
Delaware State in Orlando, Fla., at Cirtus Bowl Stadium on Sept. 5.
The game will be televised on one of the ESPN networks.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - Page 5
SPORTSwww.southerndigest.com
by morris dillardDIGEST SPORTS WRITER
Southern running back Gary Hollimon races upfield during the team’s spring scrimmage.
Photo courtesy of su student media
Southern’s freda Allen(40) and Jamie floyd (5) celebrate winning the SWAc regular season title outright after defeating Texas Southern in the regular season finale.
Photo by aPril buffington/digest
www.southerndigest.comg online @
Fans get fi rst look at Mitchell-led Jagaurs
Moments like the one fans witnessed during the Southern University women’s team regular season finale have been rare for the university.
The Southern University women’s basketball team won their first outright Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season title since the 2005-06 season with a 61-53 victory over Texas Southern.
“These kids have worked really hard,” said head coach Sandy Pugh.
So what’s next? Now, SU is positioned to win SWAC and clinch a berth into the NCAA Tournament for the third time and fourth overall postseason appearance under Pugh. The Jags made the NCAA Tournament in the 2001-02, 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons while playing in the Women’s NIT last season.
SU will be the top women’s seed in this year’s Farmers Insurance SWAC Basketball Tournament at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City.
The Jaguars continued their winning ways, edging Arkansas-Pine Bluff 64-60 in the tournament opener and advancing to the finals with a 67-55 triumph over the same TSU team they met two weeks ago at the end of the regular season.
Southern was slated to take on Alabama State in the SWAC Tournament final Saturday at press time. SU defeated the Lady Hornets in their previous two regular season meetings.
First, SU clinched a share of the regular season title with a win over Prairie View. The win gave head coach Sandy Pugh her third regular-season championship during her 10 year at SU.
This is third conference title under coach Pugh and the first time since the 2001-02 season SU completed the regular season undefeated (12-0).
Ashley Augerson had 11 points and four assists. Dribbling the ball with the shot clock clocked at two seconds, Augerson tried to pass, nobody was open, so she made the play herself, converting-clinching the game.
Hannah Kador scored 15 points and six rebounds. Despite being the leading scorer, Kador’s late corner 3-point shot helped put the game out of reach.
“We played a solid 40 minutes of basketball,” said Pugh. “We wanted to concentrate on executing”.
The SU unanimously outscored TSU 21-0 and executing in the paint leading 16-5 in second chance points.
“If we can get to the paint for our mid-range, that’s what we want to do,” said Pugh.
SU seeks SWAC sweepJags focus attention on SWAC Tournament, NCAA Tournament bid
by morris dillardDIGEST SPORTS WRITER
www.southerndigest.comPage 6 - Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I’m loving it!Have it your way! It’s Sonic good! It’s better than fast food,
it’s Wendy’s! Louisiana…Fast! We don’t make it…til you
order it! Those are slogans of
some of the top fast food chains in America. I swear, these restaurants will take over the world soon. You would think that since these restaurants make tons of during peak hours (7-9 and 11-1), the workers would be a little bit nicer when serving your food. I mean really think about all those sausage biscuits, hot-n-spicys and large sweet teas they sell during just one day.
Here are a few complaints that my friends have come across when spending our money that our parents give us or that we earn at work study. I never understood why fast food workers were so unhappy and disgruntled. I didn’t fill out your application, so please direct your attitude elsewhere.
1. Can I have a little more ketchup or sauce? Why do the workers get an attitude when you ask for more sauce to go with your tater tots, onion rings or curly fries? It’s not coming out of your salary so you can just keep the “humph” to yourself and give me more than one ketchup. Thank you!
2. Why are my fries cold? I mean you had me pull up and wait for my food and I still get lukewarm, cold or soggy fries! So you mean to tell me you had all that time just to give me cold fries.
3. Does the shake machine break every night after 10? Or has it already been cleaned for the night and you don’t want to make my shake because you will have to re-clean it? Wait…isn’t that a part of your job?
4. How come Popeye’s slogan is “Louisiana…Fast” but it takes them so long to fix your food. I mean did you have to go kill the chicken? Most people have to turn their car all the way OFF when waiting on their “Two piece and a biscuit.” I just want to know what takes them so long. I mean it’s not like you sell burgers, salads, chicken, hot dogs, etc. The only thing on your menu is CHICKEN!
5. Who knew cheese cost so much? FYI: McDonald’s have the double cheeseburger for $1 but now it’s the McDouble (the same thing as the double
cheeseburger just with one piece of cheese). Now the double cheeseburger is like $1.39. Who knew cheese cost that much?
6. When did it become my problem that you added mayonnaise or pickles when I clearly said, “NO MAYONNAISE!” or “NO PICKLES!” I’m sorry you didn’t listen carefully or didn’t pay attention when I stated my order. But there is no reason for you to huff and puff because I bring my order back and ask for a new one, made the way I asked for it.
7. I know McDonald’s now has “all white meat” chicken nuggets, but what were we eating when we were still getting Happy Meals? Was it like half white meat and half unknown?
8. If the bathroom isn’t clean, what makes me think the kitchen is spic-and-span? Seriously, most people are afraid to touch the door handle and the sink handles so tell me again why I want your $1 McDouble? Oh, that’s why because its $1!
I hope I have offended anyone who works at fast food restaurants. I just said what everyone else has been thinking or is afraid to say. Maybe you will get a glimpse on the patrons are being treated at your respective place of employment.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - Page 7
VIEWPOINTSwww.southerndigest.com
1. So the Ques have “Atomic Dog,” the Kappas have “Flashlight,” and the Alphas have…”Choppa Style?”
2. Aren’t they supposed to be the smart ones?
3. Is it true the Comptroller’s Office employees went to a “training session” last week?
4. Wonder if someone’s check still comes up miraculously missing like the DIGEST student checks?
5. Who are we kidding…isn’t this Southern University?
6. Should Ralph Slaughter go to the Office of the Ombuds to see if they can help him get his job back?
7. What if the Ombudsman backstabs him and tries to become system president?
8. Will this make his title “ombudsident?”
9. Did anyone know that “our little paper” has won state, regional and national awards?
10. Since the DIGEST is just a “little paper” does that mean Tony Clayton reads it?
11. Who told Tony Clayton he was just grrrrrrrreat?
12. Will Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton save us from…? Never mind – next question.
13. Who actually studied for midterms?
14. How many people just said “fudge it, I’ll take that class next semester?”
15. Did Lil Wayne have a really bad case of the cavity creeps before he went to jail?
16. Who can blame him?17. Which Lil Wayne song will
the prisoners sing when they see him in the yard?
18. Mrs. Officer? Lollipop?19. How many people saw
the women’s basketball team win the SWAC regular season title last week?
20. Who left after the women won? Does that mean that the women should play last?
20 Questions
I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT
I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.
L e t y o u r v o i c eb e h e a r d !
S e n d a . . .L e t t e r t o t h e e d i t o r
BREANNA PAUL
SUBMISSIONS POLICYThe Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to [email protected].
EdITOrIAL POLICYStaff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.
Did you find it difficult to prepare for
midterms?
Kendra martin
NEW ORLEANSSOPHOMOREPSycHOLOGy
“No, I actually didn’t find it difficult to prepare for midterms because I took time out to actually study for my tests.”
MARTIN
terahgibson
NEW ORLEANSSOPHOMORE
BUSINESSMANAGEMENT
“No, I had enough time to prepare for all my midterms.”
GIBSON
courtneycurley
NEW ORLEANSfRESHMAN
SEcONDARy EDUcATION
“It was kind of hard to prepare for my midterms being a full-time worker
and full-time student. I don’t feel I had enough time to prepare, but I know I did well on my midterms.”
maxcostello
cHIcAGOSENIOR
SOcIOLOGy
“I’ve found it difficult for midterms simply because it’s so much to study and not enough time.”
sPeaK outby trevor jamesDIGEST PHOTOGRAPHER
cURLEy
cOSTELLO
Fast food, schmast food
NEW YORK—After saying goodbye on concert stages and online video streams, Lil Wayne had nothing to add as he was sentenced Monday to a year in jail for having a loaded gun on his tour bus.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper delivered only a brief bow to fans and supporters as he was led out of a courtroom in handcuffs to start serving his sentence.
With that, Lil Wayne headed off to face his punishment in a case that had shadowed him as he became one of music’s most prolific and profitable figures in recent years. Arrested in July 2007, he pleaded guilty in October to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He admitted he had the loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic gun on his bus.
His lawyer, Stacey Richman, said the rapper was resolute as he was taken away.
“He knew what he had to do,
and he’s doing it,” she said.Lil Wayne arrived later Tuesday
at the Rikers Island jail complex, where he was being held apart from the general population of inmates because of his fame. He has a cell to himself but the option of spending time in a TV room with 17 other inmates who also have been separated from the general population because of notoriety or other reasons, according to the city Correction Department.
It wasn’t immediately clear what work assignment he might have, if any. The 27-year-old rap star could be released in about eight months with good behavior.
Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, is going behind bars with his career in full throttle. His “Tha Carter III” was the best-selling album of 2008 and won a Grammy for best rap album. His latest album, “Rebirth,” was released last month.
He made a point of leaving fans with fanfare, from a “farewell tour” in recent months to a series of videos on the Web
site Ustream on Sunday.“Law is mind without reason
... I’ll return,” he wrote on his Twitter account Monday morning.
Dozens of fans jockeyed with photographers waiting on the courthouse steps Monday afternoon, cheering as Lil Wayne, fellow rapper Birdman and others arrived. Shouts of “Oh, man” and “Keep your head up, Weezy!” — a nickname he often uses — erupted in the courtroom as he was sentenced.
Although Lil Wayne had agreed to go to jail, a number of roadblocks kept him from starting his sentence in recent weeks.
First, his sentencing was postponed in February so he could undergo surgery on his bejeweled teeth. Then, a fire shut down Manhattan’s main criminal courthouse while he was on his way there last week.
He told Rolling Stone for a story last month that he planned to keep working while behind bars.
“I’ll be still rapping in there, have a gang of raps ready when I come back home,” he said.
by jennifer PeltzASSOcIATED PRESS WRITER
Page 8 - Tuesday, March 16, 2010
arts & entertainmentwww.southerndigest.com
Rapper Lil Wayne is handcuffed at Manhattan criminal court, Monday, March 8, 2010, in New york, after being sentenced to a year in jail in New york city for having a loaded gun on his tour bus in 2007.
