University of South Carolina Scholar Commons

February 2009

2-3-2009 The aiD ly Gamecock, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 University of South Carolina, Office oftude S nt Media

Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/gamecock_2009_feb

Recommended Citation University of South Carolina, Office of Student Media, "The aiD ly Gamecock, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009" (2009). February. 19. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/gamecock_2009_feb/19

This Newspaper is brought to you by the 2009 at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in February by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. dailygamecock.com

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 VOL. 102, NO. 87 ● SINCE 1908 Weather TODAY HIGH 52° SG campaigns go online

page. Taylor Cain, a second-year history “Tell all of your friends, classmates TONIGHT Internet presence may prove student and another VP candidate, is a and co-workers about Carmel’s important for upcoming elections supporter. Facebook searches show that presidential run and refer them to LOW 27° dozens of students have joined multiple www.PopForPresident.com for more Josh Dawsey groups. information,” Shalabi wrote. “Change STAFF WRITER Cain said the use of Facebook and Web your profile default picture to the sites defi nitely helps with campaigning. campaign’s logo. Invite all of your USC Gone are the days of just giving TOMORROW “I’m able to reach a greater number to friends to this Facebook group.” speeches and shaking hands. In a fast- students that I may not be able to have In the end, will all the online HIGH 44° paced world where much communication a face-to-face interaction with,” Cain campaigning make a difference? happens over the Internet, all seven said. “I’m not sure how many students Presidential candidate Meredith Ross candidates for the highest offi ces in USC visit the Web sites, although I do hope said she thinks so. Student Government have Facebook Inside it’s a large number. But I know students “The number of people who groups, and the six candidates running checked their Facebook numerous times vote in our elections is extremely for vice president and president have a day, so the opportunity to get the word disproportionate to the number offi cial Web sites . SPORTS out through it has been a tremendous of students there are,” Ross said. “Online communications are changing help to our campaign and others as “However, I think things like Student Government elections for the well.” Facebook are great tools to increase better because they allow more people Drew Kirchhofer , the current leader awareness about elections and to be involved,” said Alex Stroman , a in Facebook supporters in the presidency hopefully improve that.” second-year political science student race, knows Facebook support doesn’t After the campaign ends, Stroman and a vice presidential candidate. “No guarantee a vote either. But during the said he hopes SG will continue matter how hard we try, in a university voting period of Feb. 16 to 17, he said using media to communicate with of 30,000 students, it is impossible to social networking will likely increase students. meet every single student.” the number of votes candidates receive. “Hopefully, we can continue to According to Facebook, Stroman is “Social networking is becoming use the ‘onlinea world’ to change leading the race for VP. Stroman has important since the voting is online,” Student Government here at 775 members in his group, and while he the second-year political science student Carolina by working to get more admits the 775 aren’t guaranteed votes, said. “You can send them messages students in charge and involved once he said he’s pleased with the results he’s online on the day of voting and they’re the campaign is over,” Stroman seen . already in front of their computer.” said. Men’s basketball looks “We are so excited to be the largest It’s not just the candidates who are to settle the tie for fi rst campaign group, for any office, on using online tools. Supporters are Facebook,” Stroman said. “We closed Comments on this story? E-mail place in the SEC East in becoming involved as well, campaign our group to only people registered [email protected] representatives said. today’s game against on Facebook in the South Carolina In a message posted on Carmel Florida. network, and so all 775 of those people Matin’s Facebook group for presidency, are students at the University of South one of her campaign managers, Ramie See page 7 Carolina.” Shalabi , lists four ways to campaign For a clear indication that Facebook for Matin. Three of them involve the support doesn’t guarantee a vote, Internet . THE MIX though, look no further than Stroman’s

Alum educates campus on HPV Soldier on fi rst skydive

Assistant professor also leads fi ght “Even if your boyfriend got an STD test, lands dying instructor you couldn’t know if he had HPV,” Anderson against cervical cancer, teaches prevention said. “Since it’s so easily transmitted, everyone attached to instructors. Robert Johnson gives his should take every precaution possible by always Rider gives CPR Rebecca Cuozzo Steele, 49, gave instructions THE DAILY GAMECOCK using condoms and women should get the take on the hit-and-miss after guide suff ers as the plane climbed. He told Gardasil shot,” she said. spy thiller “Taken” Pharr he loved skydiving, A USC alum developed a campaign that However, Anderson said HPV can be mid-air heart attack having jumped more than starring Liam Neeson. helped educate students about cervical cancer detected early on in women using pap smears. 8,000 times. using a theme that was simple, but effective: She said if it is caught early enough, the cancer Jeffrey Collins See page 6 Th e Associated Press They were the last of about “HPV — Common Infection. Common or pre-cancerous cells can be removed. 10 skydivers to jump out of Reality.” “Students can go to the Student Health Strapped to his dying the plane. Pharr enjoyed a Danielle Anderson, a 2008 graduate and Center here on campus to receive the Gardasil instructor a few thousand minute of free fall as the cold exercise science student, wanted to make sure shot or get tested,” she said. feet from the ground on his air rushed by. students across campus were aware of this According to the Gardasil Web site, the shot VIEWPOINTS first skydive, Daniel Pharr “He pulled the chute,” disease by making cervical cancer the center of is the only cervical cancer vaccine that will found himself fl oating toward Pharr said. “It got super her independent study. protect against four types of HPV. Columnist a house and some trees. quiet. It’s eerily quiet up “I hope that the campaign will raise Brandt said there are a series of three The military taught the there. I made the comment Mandi awareness and bring people’s attention shots spread out over six months, which 25-year-old soldier not to to him, ‘It’s surprising how Sordelet to the disease,” Anderson said. can cost an estimated $120 to $140 . panic. And TV taught him quiet it is.’ And he’s like: Anderson said cervical cancer is one The shot will protect against 70 percent calls to pull the toggles on the ‘Welcome to my world.’” of the most preventable cancers and of cervical cancer cases and 90 percent of already-deployed parachute A few seconds passed, and students out MANDI people should take advantage of the genital wart cases . SORDELET to steer. Pharr asked his instructor on skimping vaccine. Anderson said the campaign was Th ird-year So Pharr grabbed the right another question. This time, “Cancer has affected almost everyone ANDERSON designed to raise awareness because, on the tips public handle and pulled to avoid Steele didn’t answer. Pharr in some way,” she said. “If there’s a way “Who would not want to stop the spread relations the house and tugged again repeated his question. No when dining to prevent one type, everyone should do it.” of cancer?” she said. student to miss the trees, landing answer. out. With the help of Arnold School of Public The campaign posters revealed that this safely in a fi eld about a third “And then I just looked Health assistant professor Dr. Heather Brandt, disease is a common reality to many students See page 4 of a mile from their intended up at him and he looked like who developed an HPV awareness campaign on campus. Anderson hung about 125 posters landing spot. he was conscious, but just for South Carolina, Anderson said she aimed to in 18 buildings throughout campus in hope Pharr said he wrestled out talking to him, I realized give students basic facts on the disease during that students would stop and read the vital of the harness binding him something was wrong,” Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January. information that could help save their lives. to his instructor, George Pharr said. “So at that point “Most all sexually active women get HPV One message spoke about a way that women “Chip” Steele, and started I realized I was just going to Online Exclusive at some point in their lives. However, very few could prevent HPV for themselves by getting CPR trying to save him from have to do what I had to do women ever get cervical cancer,” Brandt said. the Gardasil shot. The other two messages an apparent heart attack. to get down to the ground Anderson said HPV is extremely common referenced that HPV is the most common Steele was later pronounced and try to help him.” not only across campus but also statewide, STD on campus and only 37.5 percent of dead, but the tragedy could The pair ended up about making South Carolina one of the areas with female freshman got the Garadsil shot. have been worse: Other a third of a mile from the SG the highest risk for cervical cancer cases. instructors at the skydiving airstrip where they were Anderson said there is no way to detect HPV school told Pharr if he had supposed to land, blocked in men, unless a man shows signs of genital Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@ pulled the toggle too hard, from the spectators by trees. warts. sc.edu 09 the chute would have spun Pharr’s CPR failed to revive out of control, and he could Steele. be dead, too. “My only thing walking CERVICAL CANCER FACTS: “They told me afterward away is that I wish I could • HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. that it was amazing that I have helped him,” Pharr said. • Around 20 million: the number of Americans who are currently infected with HPV SG ELECTIONS 2009 knew to do that. This is “I tried as hard as I could • 6.2 million: the number of people who get a new genital HPV infection each year my survival instinct at that — all my training, I did Stay updated throughout • 44.8 percent: the highest rate of infection found in women age 20 to 24 years old point. I just kind of did what everything I could.” the week about this • 27.4 percent: the second-highest rate of infection among women age 25 to 29 years old I had to do,” said Pharr, After paramedics arrived • The virus can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, which makes this virus very easy year’s Student Govern- taking a break Monday from and stepped in to diagnose to acquire, Danielle Anderson said. ment election news in our his job at Fort Gordon near Steele, Pharr asked them to • “Research shows that HPV is highly prevalent among both men and women with the Augusta, Ga. call his girlfriend, Jessica special elections tab. highest rates found among college students,” Dr. Heather Brandt said. “College students The jump was a Christmas Brunson, and mother, who are an ideal population to target for HPV education and promotion efforts as well as to gift from Pharr’s girlfriend. was watching from the instill the importance of regular cervical cancer screening for college-aged women.” The two went to Skydive airstrip. — Information from Brandt’s research called, “HPV Vaccination: Public Health Education and www.dailygamecock.com Carolina in Chester on Acceptability Issues.” Saturday to jump from Comments on this story? E-mail — Compiled by News Editor Liz Segrist 13,500 feet in the air while [email protected] TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 pageTWO

Q & A with PIC OF THE DAY USC ADMINISTRATOR

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and Alpha Weeekek Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc present The Pretty Poodle EEricric MMorris,orris, a ttheatreheatre aandnd Book Club. They’ll discuss “A Raisin in the Sun” by ddanceance departmentdepartment ffacultyaculty Lorraine Hansberry on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in the mmemberember andand thethe USCUSC dancedance Russell House, Room 203. pprogramrogram pproductionsroductions managermanager For more information contact: Natasha Hopkins at hopkinnl@mailbox. Q: What do you like to do in your free sc.edu or Caitlin Hunt at [email protected]. time? A: I like to go canoeing. Not so much in • Phi Sigma Pi, a national South Carolina, but I go on lots of rivers in co-ed honors fraternity, is holding rush events Georgia. all this week. The Hannah Carroll / THE DAILY GAMECOCK organization is recruiting new members from all Q: What do you enjoy the most about This statue of St. Francis of Assisi is located in a sanctuary of the Episocpal academic disciplines that Cathedral in Columbia. He is known to watch over the animals and the environment. have a minimum 3.0 GPA. your job? Today w il l be Va lent i ne card making for senior A: I get to work with lots of really talented Local National World citizens from 5 p.m. to 7 students and a very acclaimed faculty. p.m. in the South Quad Even before President FRANKFORT, Ky. — WASHINGTON — Waste Social Room. Formal rush Barack Obama moved Kentucky’s governor will ask and corruption that marred sessions will be held at 7 to close the infamous President Barack Obama on Iraq’s reconstruction will p.m. Sunday and Monday Q: What’s one thing you’ve always Guantanamo Bay lockup, Monday to speed up federal be repeated in Afghanistan in the Gressette Room wanted to learn, but never had the time several communities were aid dollars as costs spiral past unless the U.S. transforms in Harper College on engaged in a furious game $45 million for emergency the unwieldy bureaucracy the Horseshoe. Attire is to take a class? of hot potato over who will work to restore power, hand managing tens of billions business casual. inherit the prisoners. out water and food and clear of dollars in infrastructure A: How about speaking French, I’d like to Now, members of debris across the state hit projects, government Congress are tossing the hard by an icy winter storm watchdogs warned Monday. • USC will host the next learn that. spuds — at each other. last week. The U.S. has devoted Healthy Carolina Farmers A Colorado congressman Obama signed federal more than $30 billion to Market Feb. 10 from 10 suggests sending terror emergency declarations last rebuilding Afghanistan. a.m. to 2 p.m. between Q: Where are you originally from? detainees to any military week for Kentucky, Arkansas Yet despite the hard lessons the gates on Greene prison, rather than his state’s and Missouri after ice and learned in Iraq, where the Street in front of the RH. A: Augusta, Ga. federal penitentiary, where snow was blamed for more U.S. has spent nearly $51 Cash payment is due to they put the Unabomber . A than 40 deaths in nine billion on reconstruction, the farmer at the time South Carolina congressman states and for power outages the effort in Afghanistan is of purchase. This event Q: What is your favorite performance said to send them to the that peaked at 1.3 million headed down the same path, is co-sponsored by SG already-famous prisons customers from the Southern the watchdogs told a new and the South Carolina out of all that you have seen? in Kansas. A Missouri Plains to the East Coast . panel investigating wartime Agriculture Department. Republican says let those who Kentucky Gov. Steve contracts. For more information A: Th e ballet called Hatfi eld-McCoy, it’s support closing Guantanamo Beshear said he will ask “Before we go pouring please contact Healthy based on the family feud in Kentucky and a take them. the president to upgrade more money in, we really Carolina Coordinator “We ought to put ‘em in the federal response by need to know what we’re Holly Harring at (803) Kentucky legend. Alcatraz and let our good declaring a major disaster, trying to accomplish (in 777-0597. friends in San Francisco which would open the door Afghanistan),” said Ginger deal with these deadly for immediate financial Cruz, deputy special combatants,” said Sen. Kit assistance. The current inspector general for Iraq Bond, R-Mo., backing his disaster declaration provides reconstruction. “And at what Kansas colleagues. for federal assistance with point do you turn off the The not-in-my-backyard material, such as generators spigot so you’re not pouring stakes are high, and no and bottled water being money into a black hole?” wonder — Who wants to distributed by the Federal Better cooperation among The USC community wants to know what your organization has going be the place that picked up Emergency Management federal agencies, more fl exible on this week, and The Daily Gamecock wants to help you spread the where Guantanamo left off? Agency. contracting rules, constant “We’ll become like The Democratic governor oversight and experienced word. If your organization has an upcoming meeting or event you want Guantanamo Bay. It was said the tab for the cleanup acquisition teams are among publicized, contact [email protected] or stop by our offi ce in probably a really nice place already exceeded $45 million, the changes urged by the until we started using it for the threshold for receiving a officials in order to make the Russell House, room 333. the purpose it’s used. Now major disaster declaration. sure money isn’t wasted and “Carolina Briefs” submissions should include the time, place, name and a it’s synonymous with that,” “That number may well contractors don’t cheat. said Tim Holverson, the increase,” Beshear told The Cruz, along with Stuart description of the meeting or event, as well as a contact person for any Leavenworth-Lansing Area Associated Press. Bowen , the top U.S. questions. The description shouldn’t exceed 50 words. Submissions should Chamber of Commerce Kentucky had the most official overseeing Iraq’s executive vice president. “We power outages last week, reconstruction, delivered be sent no later than 5:30 p.m. two days before publication. don’t want to be a community a state record of 700,000 a grim report to the The Daily Gamecock reserves the right to edit, condense or hold any that is synonymous with customers. By Sunday night, Commission on Wartime that.” the figure had dropped to Contracting. Their submission. Last week, Obama less than half that. Still, it assessment, along with ordered the prison camp at could be weeks before some testimony from Thomas Guantanamo Bay, Cuba shut people have power again. Gimble of the Defense down in a year. A task force “It’s going to be a long haul Department inspector has 30 days to recommend for us,” Beshear said Sunday general’s office, laid out a where to put the 245 as he toured hard-hit areas in history of poor planning, remaining detainees. and around Elizabethtown. weak oversight and greed that soaked U.S. taxpayers and undermined American forces in Iraq. Bowen, who has made 21 trips to Iraq since he was appointed in October 2004, said the U.S. has financed a wide array of projects in Iraq.

— Th e Associated Press

FAMOUS SLAW DOGS $ 99 2FOR 2

PAGE 4 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 Faculty books

should not be EDITORIAL BOARD Editor disregarded BRAD MAXWELL Managing Editor Copy Desk Chief AMANDA DAVIS EDDIE MANN Professors’s useful works News Editor Sports Editor available on campus, allow LIZ SEGRIST MICHAEL AGUILAR

opportunities for students Th e Mix Editor Viewpoints Editor COLIN JONES PAUL BOWERS

Sanctioning the Design Director Photography Editor nightmare that is the MORGAN REID ALAN TAUBER University Bookstore makes me uneasy, but it does have one attraction uncommon IN OUR OPINION to others in the area. It has a special shelf dedicated to faculty authors. Tucked Mother shouldn’t count back in an alcove next to the mundane, more polite letters commonly known as on media to raise kids fi ction, this shelf highlights RESISTANCE IS FUTILE Oprah Winfrey has done a lot of things for a lot of the latest and people. But should she be expected to pick up the check greatest in a for raising 14 children? host of topics. Tipping should be standard That’s what Nadya Suleman, a California mother who Most of gave birth to octuplets last week, is asking Winfrey and us have been who are simply cheap. a server. All jobs are other media moguls to do. Suleman, who was already forcibly Students should give They’re the ones who difficult, no argument an unemployed single mother of six children — all coerced into justify their stinginess there. But anyone in the TRAVIS MAY bartenders, waitresses below the age of eight — before she had the octuplets, purchasing by claiming the cliché, service industry cannot is asking these people to sponsor her children and give Sixth-year faculty- what they deserve “There’s no law saying I express exactly how her a television show. English penned College students, what have to tip.” disappointing it is do a She is also asking for $2 student textbooks. do you have against No, you are correct. genuinely good job all It is not Oprah’s, or million for interviews Most of us tipping? Likewise, there is no law night, then get stiffed on she has been in. know that these are usually I’ve only been working saying I have to serve the tips. It is a proverbial anyone else’s, job to While we understand stupid, overpriced and in the bar industry for you. If you hand me $5 kick in the stomach. Be that raising one child can required. What you will three years, for a $4 drink and ask somewhat sensitive to ensure the children’s be expensive, let alone find in the faculty section, but I have for the change back, their situation and throw 14, Suleman should not however, are not textbooks. friends who chances are I’ll label you down an extra buck if well-being. expect the media to help Instead, they are have been a douche then ignore you they mixed your drink raise her them. It is not opportunities. It seems trite, slinging for the remainder of the or served your food. Oprah’s, or anyone else’s, job to ensure the children’s I know, but our professors drinks for evening. For those looking for well-being. That responsibility should fall solely on do publish outside of their almost a This will result in a loophole, there are MANDI Suleman. teaching duties. After all, decade. you only receiving 1/3 instances when it’s OK to SORDELET She shouldn’t expect to get paid for her interviews this is a research institution They taught of the drinks you want keep your “hard-earned” either. Being interviewed on television is a privilege for far above an educational one. Th ird-year me the and only wasting one- money to yourself. most, and having your story told should be enough of a Research is a paying gig. public ropes and third of my time. If you For instance, if the reward. It seems to us she is exploiting her situation. With all the fuss about relations how to tell want to whine about the service is horrible, Which brings us to the children. Suleman brought 14 rising costs in education, we student who will tip bitchy bartender to your don’t tip. Like other children into the world with little to no means to support would be doing ourselves from who won’t. I quickly buddies, that’s fine. If occupations, serving them — what about their well-being? Trying to get a a favor to become more noticed a pattern. you’re “that guy”, I don’t is only rewarded if the reality TV deal or corporate sponsorship in order to raise active in the process. Make Guess what, students? want you filling a bar service is good. them is irresponsible. no mistake, the primary You guys are the worst. stool that someone more If the bartender or It can be all too easy to turn to the media when you function of a university is And I demand to know willing to tip should be waitress messed up a have a problem. But when you have a child or 14 to to produce, not instruct. why. sitting in. simple order several think about, rolling the reality TV dice shouldn’t be an For anyone interested in As a fellow student, What these kids fail times or gave you option. graduate studies, the time I can sympathize; we to realize is that most something you didn’t to get educated was last have loans, rent and food servers are not getting want, then you have semester. It was boring, to worry about — why paid by the hour, or are every right to keep your CORRECTIONS overpriced and required. waste an extra dollar relying on a salary that cash. Other than that, If you see an error in today’s paper, we want to know about it. Now we start moving on someone who mixed falls below minimum there’s no reason you E-mail us at [email protected] forward. our drinks? If you want wage. For those in can’t shell out a couple Try an experiment. to save money, that’s the food and beverage dollars in gratitude. Consider your major. understandable. What industry, tips are the I promise tipping isn’t ITʼS YOUR RIGHT What one professor sticks I don’t understand is only means to live a disease. The goal of The Daily in school and area of study. out in your mind as being using that excuse after because the $2 an hour The next time you Gamecock’s Viewpoints page We also invite student leaders informative and interesting? running up a $100 bar paycheck doesn’t quite sign the dotted line, is to stimulate discussion in the and USC faculty members to Take that name and submit tab of drinks that you pay the rent. remember that. Your University of South Carolina submit guest columns. Columnists it to the oracle known as defi nitely didn’t need. Then there’s the work servers will thank you. community. All published authors should keep submissions to about Google. With any luck, you Then there are the kids that goes into being are expected to provide logical 500 words in length and include should get a personal Web arguments to back their views. the author’s name and position. site, an Amazon book list, The Daily Gamecock encourages Guest columns are limited to three university links and so on. If readers to voice opinions and offers per author per semester. they have written, lectured, Phelps needs to rebuild image three methods of expression: letters The editor reserves the right to or reviewed anything, fi nd it to the editor, guest columns and edit and condense submissions for and start reading. Athlete’s actions were actions? Not his millions and still smoke weed, feedback on dailygamecock.com. length and clarity, or not publish Boring, I know. Just read of fans or the people he more power to you,” the Letters and guest columns at all. a few words between bites of irresponsible, require represents as an American student said. “I think that should be submitted via e-mail to All submissions become the chicken fi nger. Olympian? Confusion people need to learn that [email protected]. Letters property of The Daily Gamecock Once you have all the more than apologies indeed abounds. they don’t get to dictate must be 200 to 300 words in length and must conform to the legal necessary information, Well, I hope he at least As for regret, I can only how celebrities live their and include the author’s name, year standards of USC Student Media. you are reading for the got the pot for free. hope that his apologies lives. I’d have liked to see most important part: the The notorious snapshot were sincere and not an you make that stand, but I About The Daily Gamecock opportunity to ask questions. of Olympic gold medalist effort to salvage his image realize why you felt you had Consider this example: Michael Phelps taking or his sponsorships. Are we to apologize.” Editor CONTACT INFORMATION “Dr. Madden , why is it a hit from a bong has naïve enough to think this Overlooking the blatant BRAD MAXWELL Offi ces located on the third fl oor of the Russell House Managing Editor Editor: [email protected] that you have to speak a been the subject of much was the fi rst time? Will it misspelling of the word AMANDA DAVIS News: [email protected] Copy Desk Chief Viewpoints: [email protected] foreign language to make a media attention in the be his last offense? “medals”, I have to find Th e Mix: [email protected] EDDIE MANN cocktail? In addition, does last day or so, and has Phelps said, “I engaged fault with another part Sports: [email protected] Assistant Copy Desk Chief Online: www.dailygamecock.com including this line resonate also, unfortunately, been in behavior which of this dissertation. The LYDIA DISABATINO Newsroom: 777-7726 Design Director Sports: 777-7182 with any particular literary confirmed was regrettable and writer feels that celebrities MORGAN REID Editor’s Offi ce: 777-3914 tradition? What are your by the demonstrated bad judgment should be exempt from Assistant Design Director Fax: 777-6482 LIZZIE ERICKSON feelings concerning the role ... For this, I am sorry. I MEAGEAN DUGGER, JIMMY prominent public examination. Their News Editor GILMORE, JAMES KRATCH, LIZ SEGRIST of authority in 21st century athlete promise my fans and the private lives should be held JAKE LUCE, KYLE MOORES, Assistant News Editor fi ction?” himself. public — it will not happen to the same standards as MARIN MUELLER, TY KARA APEL ZEIGLER And so on. OK so Phelps made again.” those of any regular person. Viewpoints Editor Public Relations Director The Daily Gamecock PAUL BOWERS is the this conversation never EMILY no comment Yeah, it won’t happen But what most people seem CAM BYRD Assistant Viewpoints Editor editorially-independent Graduate Assistant happened. The point is WEITHMAN other than again. On camera. to forget is that celebrities DARREN PRICE student newspaper of the JESICA JOHNSON Th e Mix Editor University of South Carolina. that it could and, more to state his And for those blithely are not regular. They face Student Media Director Th ird-year COLIN JONES SCOTT LINDENBERG It is published daily during importantly, should. broadcast apologies. unaware of current events, public scrutiny, but also Assistant Mix Editor Faculty Adviser the fall and spring semesters ELLEN MEDER Venturing out into the world journalism There the best part of the story? It enjoy public adoration and ERIK COLLINS and nine times during the Sports Editor Creative Director summer with the exception of of something other than student seems to be all happened during Phelps’ other special treatment. MICHAEL AGUILAR EDGAR SANTANA university holidays and exam surveys and anthologies can controversy, November 2008 visit to Does this man deserve Assistant Sports Editor Business Manager CHRIS COX periods. Opinions expressed be difficult. E-mail, after- or at least confusion, about Gamecock Country. Now a millions of dollars in CAROLYN GRIFFIN The Daily Gamecock Photo Editor in are Advertising Manager class conversations, office what Phelps did wrong. The new Facebook group called sponsorships, and to have ALAN TAUBER those of the editors or author SARAH SCARBOROUGH Assistant Photo Editor and not those of the University hours and even the long- man committed a minor “Michael Phelps Smoked a blind eye turned every Classifi eds Manager KERI GOFF SHERRY F. HOLMES of South Carolina. Th e Board ignored “Out to Lunch” infraction. He participated Weed at my School” is time he messes up and Multimedia Directors Production Manager of Student Publications ALLIE BOARDMAN, JONATHAN program can help make it a in an activity where no one circulating and his fan embarrasses not only C. NEIL SCOTT and Communications is BATTAGLIA Creative Services the publisher of The Daily little easier. was hurt. He expressed page is brimming with himself, but his country Copy Editors KEVIN ARCHIE, LAURA Gamecock MEGAN VANDERSNICK, BESS . Th e Department Professors, much like regret for his actions. reassuring comments. One too? CORDER, LIZ HOWELL, ZHOU, ANNA LANE, SARAH of Student Media is libraries, are an underused These statements are all USC student wrote to his Until yesterday, Phelps JASON RICHBURG, LADA, OLIVIA JONES, KENNY the newspaper’s parent MIKE STEINIGER, NOAH resource. I like to check true, but to what degree? new idol: was a hero and a role model DORIAN, SARAH PETERMAN, The Daily WILLIAMS, TAI VU organization. ANNA CHAMBERS, HANNAH Gamecock the shelves for Cowart. Possession of marijuana, “Hey Michael, it makes to people everywhere. Advertising is supported in MCCARTNEY JULIE CANTER, CARLY part by student-activity fees. Muckelbauer, Dubinsky and despite vigorous argument, me sad to think that you Respect like that is not Page Designers GALLAGHER, NATALIE One free copy per reader. CHRISTEN RUBLE, CAMILLE Madden are good too. It is is in fact a criminal offense. were so willing to apologize handed out; it must be HICKS, JAYME PIGNTELLO, HOLLEMAN, LIZ HOWELL, Additional copies may be CANDACE REYNOLDS, only a matter of time before Phelps won’t be charged, to the nation. If someone earned. And no amount MARILYNN JOYNER purchased for $1 each from LAUREN SPIRES, MEGHAN Staff Writers the Department of Student someone goes blind and but he has been disgraced. can win more gold metals of gold medals can replace TANKERSLY needs a scribe. And was no one hurt by his than most small countries good judgment. JOSH DAWSEY, HALEY DREIS, Media. “I got a wife who likes expensive things, so she takes all the cash.” — James Brown

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 PAGE 5

Courtesy of MCT Campus Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson, right) prepares to take extreme measures during his interrogation of a man he suspects of being a key player in the kidnapping of his daughter Kim. ‘Taken’ unrealistic, but Neeson shines pull off a tough guy act? is the Bourne equivalent What makes “Taken” so is not one of those fi lms. Like about the film’s beginning Questionable situations Neeson plays former CIA ofbeing a “decider.” fun is the hero. He tends the main character, the action that don’t make much sense. agent Bryan Mills, a hardcore Consider yourself warned. to behave a lot like Jason scenes are methodical yet Unfortunately, the final hold fi lm back; shaky spy-type who has given up his If you are looking forward Bourne would, but he is a bit compelling. moments of the film are beginning fails to enthrall beloved profession to be with to traveling abroad in the more realistic, especially for Half of the entertainment equally unsatisfying, because his daughter. Kim, played by near future, do not watch his emotional state. Mills is is watching Mills plan out his the family members are two- Maggie Grace,is 17 years old this film. “Taken” makes not a politically correct or next move. You could never dimensional. Robert Johnson and has that typical teenage overseas adventures look like moral super spy. He is quick, enjoy that side of the good guy While the action is THE DAILY GAMECOCK rebellious streak. She lives an absolute nightmare. All brutal and very efficient. in movies with Bourne or even thrilling and well-paced, it with her mother and her new of the villains and plot twists Sometimes Mills is even a the new Bond. The direction eventually gets repetitive and “ Taken” husband, who appears to be are probably highly unlikely little frightening, but rarely of the fi lm in general is always predictable. Thankfully there ★★✩✩✩ out of ★★★★★ incredibly wealthy. in a place like Paris, but gratuitously so. very clear, but without being is enough variety to keep Run Time: 93 minutes The story goes that Kim it presents an intimidating It simply seems appropriate too blatantly linear. The plot moviegoers’ interest up, but Director: Pierre Morel desperately wants to go to image nonetheless. Instead for someone this angry to be twists are plentiful, and with how many different ways can Actors: Liam Neeson, Paris, and is even willing to of the villains being James so aggressive, and yet be cool- the exception of the fi rst act, there be to knock out a bad Maggie Grace be a little deceptive towards Bond cookie-cutter bad guys, headed enough to do some the story is fairly believable. guy in a doorway? Not that Rating: PG-13 Mills to get his permission. they come from a mafi a-style fancy spy tricks as well. After Of course, it also has many. Genre: Action, Thriller Of course, the ex-wife knows crime organization that deals the last Bond movie, it is good its faults. It is odd that this It is good to see Neeson everything, and encourages with abduction and practically to see that some heroes can be well thought-out movie has making it back into the Kim to do this. Curiously, enslavement. passionate without being dull- such a lackluster beginning. limelight again. Even better, The new spy thriller the only protection the There are vile thugs posing witted brutes. Essentially, Surely no loving millionaire we get to see him in an “Taken” is the first girl is sent with is a fellow as friendly natives all over the Neeson has successfully made stepfather would send his energetic spy movie that won’t blockbuster action movie teenager, who is even more place — not something that the transition from the wise wife’s kid out into the world induce any headaches. It’s too to have Liam Neeson doing naïve and juvenile than she most people associate with mentor persona to an Irish for the fi rst time unprotected. bad that the other characters stunts and talking tough in is. Mills grumbles about how France’s proud capital. On John McClain. Logically, he should be as we are supposed to sympathize a while. dangerous this could be for the other hand, most people While Neeson does a fi ne concerned for her safety as with can’t be as fantastic and It involves a vengeful them, but everyone dismisses do not immediately associate job as a vengeful preventer, Mills is, because his high class believable as Mills is. In the father setting out to rescue him as being paranoid. Italy with the Corleone family. the fi lm’s cinematography and status would make her more end, it really doesn’t matter. his kidnapped daughter and Obviously, the two are There are some strange anti- general direction deserves as of a target for ransom. Watching Mills kick ass and strike terror into the hearts abducted and Mills is proved French things going on here, much credit as anyone else. At one point, Mills meets take names is the whole point of her vile captors. However, right. Instead of calling the too. Somehow, all of the Spy action fi lms are often too up with several friends who of seeing this kind of movie, in a well-established trend authorities, he takes matters French men in this fi lm turn blurry and disorienting these still happen to be secret and “Taken” truly delivers. of movies about butt-kicking into his own hands. He is, after out to be selfish apathetic days, whether it comes to agents. Why does he never outcasts in the secret agent all, a professional “preventer.” snobs. Ironically, director the shaky plots or the action ask for their help? There Comments on this story? E-mail community, can a relatively Perhaps being a “preventer” Pierre Morel is French. scenes themselves. “Taken” are many different things [email protected] soft-spoken Neeson really Fishburne puts

fi ngerprints on Upcoming spring season means in on the fun. Playful, costume-like jewelry will be particularly popular. bright colors, geometric patterns, These great pieces will not only hit show ‘CSI’ fl ashy costume jewelry draw attention to your new spring look but will give you something to Respected fi lm actor Sara Leary talk about. Boring black sunglasses THE DAILY GAMECOCK beware! Bright multicolored or adjusts style, methods animal print shades are the latest With spring just around the thing. Even classic styles like Ray- to fi t small screen corner, get excited for new fashion Ban wayfarers are coming out in trends. Say goodbye to dark sweaters patterns and crazy prints. Neal Justin MCT Campus and hello to feminine prints. As we all know, bags and purses This season, flowers and can change the look of your entire LOS ANGELES — During a press fun patterns will be showing up outfi t. The fabrics being used this conference last month on the everywhere. Pale, peachy colors season are creative and interesting. sprawling set of “CSI,” a journalist and lady-like ruffles should be Metallics, florals and odd color with obviously little regard for his arriving at stores near you very combinations are becoming more own well-being asked Laurence soon. Don’t expect these new looks common no matter what brand of Fishburne if he was intimidated by to just appear on tanks and shirts purse you choose to buy. the notion of joining TV’s top-rated Sonja Fleming / MCT Campus either. With dresses increasing in This winter, just about everyone drama. , who joins the cast of CSI as criminal pathologist popularity, look for pieces with has been wearing scarves. With “No,” the actor smoothly replied Dr. , speaks with on set. intricate details and light fabric to spring approaching there is no need with the rich, booming baritone ensure that your springtime fashion to put away this favorite accessory. that inspired the downtrodden to is up to par. Just buy them in unusual shades! Langston, a professor who lectured formula, and how much audiences rise up against the machines in Decorated, patterned and These scarves will be sold in on the criminal mind before joining are willing to accept him, may be “The Matrix” and frightened the striped skinny leg jeans as well as brighter colors and prints to keep the team as an investigator, is the most tantalizing mystery of the funk out of Tina Turner in “What’s uniquely colored shoes, headbands up with the changing season. We decidedly different in both tone season. Love Got to Do With It?” and purses will definitely surface all know that our cell phones are and posture. (Fishburne can’t help Early ratings suggest it may take His brief response hung in the around springtime. Some other an easy way to tell time, but what but look seven feet tall and fully some time. The fi rst episode without air for a few awkward seconds until emerging fashion trends for those about a fashionable watch instead? prepared to snap the neck of anyone Petersen drew 17.5 million viewers, both cast and reporters burst into not so into baby pink and girlie Designers like Betsey Johnson who challenges his authority.) a staggering number for a program laughter. bows consist of a bolder approach. demonstrate how this old-fashioned The contrast between the two that doesn’t feature Simon Cowell , “It’s Laurence Fishburne, man,” Funky geometric shapes featured style can be updated and cute. performances was most apparent in but about an 11 percent drop from someone cracked. on both clothing and jewelry will Two-toned watches, for example, Petersen’s final episode, when the the season average. You bet it is. And that may prove pop up in all stores. Look for rings are a stylish way to make sure you’re two teamed up to stop a . Kenneth Fink, who has directed problematic. Fishburne, whose or necklaces with a little sparkle on time to class. Headbands are also Langston, frustrated by the slow nearly 50 episodes, admitted that last regular TV gig consisted to brighten up your day. ‘80s-like an old style that will be updated this pace of forensics, decided to play Fishburne is still adapting to the of galloping around “Pee Wee’s colors are also becoming more spring. Fashionable additions such a mind trick on a key accomplice, pace of network television. Playhouse,” is stepping in for lead popular this year. as feathers and flowers make this hoping the man would slip and “He’s a feature [film] actor, actor William Petersen, who left the Stores like American Apparel head accessory pop. Headbands now reveal the whereabouts of the which means he’s used to rehearsal series after 8 years to dedicate more feature simple clothing items, but come in a large variety of colors, murderer. Grissom, on the other time and having time to slowly set time to tackling theater roles and, vibrant color turns these classic sizes and textures. Keep a look out hand, headed to the lab to locate the himself into a scene,” Fink said presumably, rolling around in the pieces turn into something fun and for cute ones because they’ll be site by analyzing the position of the while leading a tour of the bare- mountains of money he collected as exciting. Crazy patterned leggings around for a while. Remember, moon from various photos. bones interrogation room. “I’m both star and executive producer. and the use of different types of just because the season is changing In any other detective series, the shooting seven or eight pages a day, Petersen never received much textures such as nylon and spandex doesn’t mean you have to spend showier approach would save the while in movies, you shoot about critical praise for his performance make this store a great place to a bunch of money on these new day, but in “CSI,” it’s the methodical, two or three. But we’re making the as Gil Grissom, an unkempt, self- find cool new additions to your styles. See what you already have in scientifi c route that has always led to time for him and he’s making the contained with an wardrobe. your closet and make it work! the bad guy. Langston got outwitted time for us.” unhealthy curiosity toward insects, Now that you’ve got the colored by the would-be sap. but his understated approach clothing style down, let’s talk more Just how much Fishburne will Comments on this story? E-mail established the mood of the series. Comments on this story? E-mail about how accessories are joining play second fiddle to the drama’s [email protected] Fishburne’s character, Raymond [email protected] PAGE 6 The Daily Gamecock ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 Inside the Box ◆ By Marlowe Leverette / Th e Daily Gamecock The Scene @USC

Whiteboard ◆ By Bobby Sutton / Th e Daily Gamecock TROUBLE THE WATER — COMMUNITY FILM FORUM 6 p.m., $6 Nickelodeon Theatre, 937 Main St.

TODAY TOMORROW

ACOUSTIC CAFÉ MR. B’S GOODTIME KARAOKE EXPLOSION 9:30 p.m., free 8 p.m., free Russell House Starbucks Art Bar, 1211 Park St. Spurned ◆ By Jarad Greene / Th e Daily Gamecock VERSEWORKS OPEN MIC NITE THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS 8:30 p.m., free 8 p.m., $6 Art Bar, 1211 Park St. Nickelodeon Theatre, 937 Main St.

AMEN THE ANIMAL, VEARA, ERISON, AGNES VALENCIA, HOUSTON CALLS, ARTIST VS POET, 7 p.m., $7 THIS NIGHT COUNTS New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St. 6 p.m., $10 New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St.

HOROSCOPES 02/03/09 1234567890-=

ARIES Reality can be LEO Make sure your SAGITTARIUS difficult when you’d rather co-workers are on track, When business is going well, live in your fantasies. The but don’t tell anyone else you make it look so easy. trick is to achieve a balance what you’re building or That’s how it’s supposed to that’s inspiring as well as producing. Maintain your be, right? That’s why you ACROSS practical. creative edge. worked so hard before. TAURUS VIRGO CAPRICORN 1 Plentiful Go around Keep your 6 Sgt. Preston's crew the obstacle and reach your nest eggs safe and warm so Make plans for the future, destination. It’ll be kind of they’ll hatch into wonderful but never forget about the 10 Rocky outcrop tricky, but you can certainly things. Care and tending are here and now. The shared 14 Light beam do it. Look forward to the required, but you’re good at passion is the only fuel that 15 Writer Haley challenge. Your chances of that. Participate in creation. accomplishes any of this. 16 Bonn mister success are good. LIBRA Shop around AQUARIUS You 17 Kitchen items GEMINI Continue for the best price. Don’t just should be starting to feel with a project already begun. buy on impulse. Of course, if a little better by now. You 19 "Casablanca" Push it to completion. Keep you fi nd just the perfect one, might not want to leap into heroine in communication with the you might have to do that. action quite yet, and that’s 20 Dog breeders' org. boss, to make sure you’re Do your homework fi rst. OK. You’ll know when the 21 NFL tiebreakers doing it right. SCORPIO Continue time is right. CANCER If you don’t to pay attention to what PISCES It’s easier to 22 Calls out have time to make the call, others are trying to say. Be concentrate now. You’ll 23 1996 British Open get your partner to do it. an active listener, offering remember what you learn. winner There’s something that encouragement. You’re very Use the information to jump 26 Spots for tots needs to be said that you’re good at this, as you may to a whole new conclusion. 29 Flash fl ood too polite to say. already know. 31 Part of GOP 32 Actor Kilmer 33 Orgs. 34 West Point inst. DOWN Solutions from 02/02/09 36 Soccer legend 1 Spanky's pal 37 Certain hair clips 2 Certain writing 40 Pear choice implements 43 Rounds and clips 3 Subjects for analysts 02/03/09 44 Hops kilns 4 Waikiki wreath 48 Latin I word 5 Sea eagle 49 Jolie movie 6 Completely absorbed 50 Irish lass 7 Bra fastener 52 Legendary 8 Game pieces coloratura soprano 9 On-base mil. stores 55 Thin layer 10 Nestling's call 56 Lake Titicaca 11 Palliate location 12 Store of weapons 57 OAS member 13 Karen of "Little Railroad leader sharply 59 Prepare in a House on the Prairie" 35 Pathetic start? 49 Nav. by satellite for 02/02/09 microwave 18 Removed 36 Sacred song 51 Ms. Korbut 60 Christmas carol 22 Dancer Charisse 38 Actor Scott 53 Mello __ (soft drink 61 Some cartoons 24 "Morning Joe" airer 39 Vincent Lopez brand) 65 Ringlet 25 Charlie Chan's theme song 54 Skater Cohen 66 Singer Phil comment 40 Equalize 58 Crisp bread 67 Principal artery 27 City near Santa 41 Threatening 61 Solemn pledge 68 Exxon, formerly Barbara 42 Bonds metals 62 Frozen water 69 Watery 28 Jai __ 45 Confi scation 63 Research room 70 Brittany port 30 Underground 46 Apartment renters 64 __ favor, senor 47 Responds to PAGE 7 Club Soccer USC seeks sweep over Gators kicks off

Men’s basketball about that.” Gamecocks hope A win for the Gamecocks to build on fall’s to battle Florida would not only give them at in fi rst place battle least temporary reign over undefeated campaign the SEC East, but would also push them further in Tiara Johnson Ty Zeigler THE DAILY GAMECOCK STAFF WRITER the discussion for an NCAA Tournament bid — which has been getting more and When the South Carolina more realistic everyday due Gamecocks 16-4 (5-2) take to a sudden spike in national on the Florida Gators 18-4 media attention. (5-2) in Gainesville Tuesday Junior point guard Devan night, it will be a battle Downey has been the key for premature SEC East to the Gamecocks’ ignition Face it: intramural sports do supremacy. The two teams, all season long. Downey is not always do the trick to fuel who are tied with Kentucky the second-leading scorer in your competitive nature. For for first in the SEC East, the SEC (19.8 ppg ) and was those of you who need more will showcase the contest on named the SEC player of the than a casual pickup game, ESPN at 9 p.m. week on Monday after his joining a club sport may pose USC defeated then-No. 24 thrilling game-winning shot a viable option. Florida less than two weeks against Kentucky. Jennifer Yehl, a fourth- ago on their home court on “I give all the credit to my year chemistry student and a last second lay-up by senior team. It was just a good team president of the women’s guard Zam Fredrick, which effort these past two games. soccer club, maintains the ignited a current four-game I’m just proud of my team,” claim that club sports are far win streak for USC and Downey said. better than their intramural also christened the Garnet “There is no question that counterparts. Army student section for the he plays well late,” Horn “The competition from Gamecocks. said. “He’s one of those guys club sports is defi nitely better This time around, the that, the bigger the moment, than that from intramural,” Gamecocks are coming the more he loves it.” Yehl said. “There really isn’t off yet another last-second The Gamecocks will even a comparison between victory, this time over have to take on the Gators the two.” then-No. 24 Kentucky, so without the friendly confi nes Yehl has been an avid player emotions will continue to of the Colonial Life Arena for much of her life. After pour into the upcoming and the Garnet Army. Even coming to campus, she was contest against Florida. more intimidating is that the faced with how would she The Gators are coming Gators are 12-0 this season continue to play at the level off a nationally televised at the O’Connell Center, she had been used to all her pounding at the hands of and the Gamecocks are only life. the resurgent Tennessee 1-2 in SEC road games thus “I have played since I was Volunteers, so each team has far. four and did not want to stop,” reason to bring a great deal Horn’s message of the senior said. “So coming of intensity to the game. “believe” seems to have given here, I just wanted to play as “This group has his team great confidence much as possible.” responded well to everything though — and, as they Playing on the club team that we’ve done from day proved against Kentucky, Ben Fine / THE DAILY GAMECOCK allowed her to be part of a one,” USC coach Darrin belief in their ability to win Senior guard Zam Fredrick helps USC top Florida 70-69 with his buzzer-beating layup. competitive team without the Horn said. “They’ve done games is crucial. commitment required from a well responding to all “A lot of things change varsity collegiate athlete. the situations we’ve had. great work ethic and how fi nding ways to get these wins your confi dence.” when you think you can’t. The team is composed of Whether it’s coming off of a hard we work everyday,” and pull off some close ones, I think that we’ve gained 22 to 25 girls who share her loss or a big win or whatever Horn said. “But I think also even if it’s just the bounce of Comments on this story? E-mail confidence mostly through similar passion for the game. it is, they’ve been really good having some success and the ball, can defi nitely help [email protected] It is a team full of soccer lovers who want to step onto the pitch and have fun, while still maintaining that competitive aspect. In fact, most of the team’s players have played most of their lives and could have continued on in college. 5-2 5-2 5-2 4-2 2-5 0-6 They are led by a dedicated group of seniors in Yehl, .714 .714 .714 .667 .286 .000 Ali Bunchman and Lindsey Halter , as well as twins Cassidy and Tristen Connett. 16-4 18-4 16-6 13-7 13-8 9-12 A very young, but talented group of mostly sophomores and freshmen comprise the rest of the squad. The team’s talent is evident Payne steps up play for Gamecocks as Carolina went undefeated during its fall 2007 campaign. “The best way I can think to explain it is I “The team we have put Senior says gaining national ‘Happy Gilmore ’ a softball,” Payne said. “My feet together this year has a lot are moving when I hit a softball. The advantage is of chemistry and is very prominence hinges on reaching that I get my feet moving before I hit the ball so I competitive,” Yehl said. conference tournament get to fi rst base faster.” “We are hoping the spring Fans should hope Payne will slap the Gamecocks season will bring us a bigger Ty Ziegler into the SEC tournament and beyond this season. challenge than the fall. There STAFF WRITER She jumpstarts the offense, and though she is not is always good competition the only weapon the Lady Gamecocks have in their at the Clemson tournament arsenal, there do seem to be expectations for her to and Virginia Tech is always As the 2009 South Carolina softball season kicks produce. strong.” off, senior utility player Ashton Payne looks to help Payne was recently named to the Second-Team After the conclusion of her team fi ght back into national prominence after Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Southeast Region tryouts yesterday, the team recent struggles have fallen on the USC program. Tea m . is gearing up for its spring Despite relatively low expectations, such as the “I don’t feel like I have to do anything. It’s an season and hoping to build national media picking the Gamecocks to fi nish honor that they think that I am that good and I off of the success achieved fourth in the SEC Eastern division this season, feel like I can live up to the potential. But I’m not during the fall. On Feb. 15, the USC’s most highly regarded hitter is looking adding any extra pressure to myself,” Payne said. team travels to Furman for a forward to proving the critics wrong. One thing Payne is looking to do is to get on doubleheader against Furman According to Payne, that starts with making base more often. Her on-base-percentage of .372 and Appalachian State. the annual conference tournament, which the last season was too low for her standards. An The dues are reasonable Gamecocks failed to qualify for last season. improvement in that area is just one way she could compared to other club sport “Right now, our main goal is to make it to the be able to lead her team to postseason play. teams, set at $60. However, SEC tournament because we didn’t do that last “I really want to work on my on-base percentage. players do have to pay for year, and it was kind of a disappointment,” Payne I want to work on getting more walks, because I travel. said. “We have a young team, and I really think we don’t usually draw a lot of walks. And as a leadoff “It is stress-free and fun,” are going to surprise a bunch of people this year.” hitter, that’s my one downfall is th at I don’t draw Sam Bennett / THE DAILY GAMECOCK said Roland. “I love the girls A senior from Richmond, Va., Payne will lead enough walks,” Payne said. Senior Ashton Payne looks to lead USC this year. and not having to prove myself the Gamecock offense not just because she hits fi rst Statistical improvement will not necessarily every practice.” in the batting order, but because she is the catalyst place the softball team in the SEC Tournament Practices are held Mondays Besides, she has teammates behind her, both to the team as a whole. Last season, Payne led the this season, though. Payne understands this and is and Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to 8 fi guratively and in the batting order. Expectations team in batting average, runs scored, hits, doubles, focused on fi nding ways to win rather than fi nding p.m. at the Strom Thurmond may be another category in which Payne leads her triples and total bases. She also was second on the stats to boost. Wellness and Fitness Center team, but do not look for them to weigh on her for team in several other offensive categories. “I’m not really looking to improve stat-wise, I’m and games are played on the now. Described as a “slap-swing lefty” or a “slapper,” just looking to improve the team any way I can. weekends. The team will not “It’s a team sport and it’s not really my gig or Payne takes an interesting hack at the ball in the And if that means a better batting average or more hold tryouts again until next anything, but it’s nice to get those awards, but I eyes of those unfamiliar with softball. A slapper extra-base hits or whatever, then so be it. But I fall but interested players can don’t feel any pressure to live up to them because takes a running start in the batter’s box and then really just want to hit the ball hard, fi nd some holes contact Yehl at wsoccer@gwm. obviously I’ve done that, I’m just looking to take it swings at the ball — all in an attempt to have an hopefully,” Payne said. sc.edu for more information. to the next level,” Payne said. extra step or two toward fi rst base. With the preseason expectations in place and For baseball fans, think Ichiro Suzuki of the practice under way at Beckham Field , Payne will Seattle Mariners, who takes a somewhat similar strive to meet the team’s goals and not worry about Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocksportspage@ Comments on this story? E-mail approach. others’ expectations of her individual effort. sc.edu [email protected] PAGE 8 The Daily Gamecock ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009

Place a Classified ad: p 803-777-3888 • f 803-777-6482 • www.dailygamecock.com Major credit cards accepted Line classified ad rates Additional Info First insertion: $2.50 per line Two-line minimum Subsequent: $1.50 per line Lines average 30 characters in length

DEADLINE Additional options Noon, 1 business day prior to publication Box around ad: $1.25 classifieds Logo insertion available for an additional cost

E-mail: [email protected] • Office hours: M-F 8:30 am - 5 pm • Russell House, Rm. 343

Apartments Help Wanted Travel BAHAMAS SPRING BREAK BIG 1BR APT- hdwd flrs Park St. Instructors $189.00 5-DAYS or $239 7-DAYS. 2 miles from USC.$395 318-0729 All prices include: Round-trip luxury cruise with food. Accommodations on the island at your choice of thirteen Downtown Living *ASPYRE* resorts. Appalachia Travel. *1,2,3 BR’S* Flexible Leases* www.BahamaSun.com 800-867-5018 *Brand New* Parking Garage* Int., H20 incld. *803-400-1570*

Efficiency 1&2 BRS Start at $700 NOW HIRING! All utilities, cable, high speed Internet Apply today for Spring & Summer $100 sec. deposit/1 mo. free with a Instructor positions with 12 MO. LEASE Cornell Arms 799-1442 The Swim Lesson Company. Complete training and free uniform provided. Good Pay-start@ $10/hr.. Housing-Rent Call or Text Jim at 665-8709.

Downtown - The Gates @ Williams-Brice Services Luxury Condominium Homes 2BR 2BA start @ $1,325 inclds util appl pkg pool & Serious financial problems? more. 7 or 12/mo lease. 866-202-0440. Confidential bankruptcy advice. Start fresh. Free consultations. 779-1700 www.MatthewsandMegna.com The Study Abroad Office Presents: Apartments & Homes Near USC Hawkins Properties 799-0804 PREGNANT, NEED HELP? FREE pregnancy test Call Birthright STUDY ABROAD NIGHT 765-0165 909 Hancock-Rosewood 3BR 2BA fenced yard, deck excellent condition, Wednesday, February 4, 2009 • Russell House Ballroom • 6-8 p.m. close to campus $1,100. Pets OK w/de- posit. 609-1977 or 799-7900 The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift! couples massage class Housing-Sale learn massage techniques to relax your valentine LUXURY DOWNTOWN CONDOS From $99,900 518-2189 www.elmwoodplacecolumbia.com Sat., Feb. 28, 2009 1-5 pm OCCO skin studio 1315 Gadsden Street $140 per couple beverages & hors d’oeurves will be served To register Call: (803) 788-7546