LSU students gathered on a cold February evening under the oppressive phallic monument known as the campanile to participate in what has become a time honored tradition at the university: kissing your loved one at midnight on Valentine’s Day.
No one knows when this tradition began. That’s a lie: someone probably does know, but I’m too lazy to ask. Despite its historical ambiguity, it has become one of the most memorable nights for many LSU students. As legend has it, those who kiss at midnight seal their fates as true LSU couples; a sacred bond as pure as the love in Mike the Tiger’s heart or in Bobby Jindal’s love for cutting budgets.
However, this particular evening didn’t go off with a bong. The LSU clock tower, which historically rings at midnight on Valentine’s Day, stood silent.Were is not for valiant Tiger TV reporters coordinating the effort to get hot kiss action on cam, most couples wouldn’t have known when to kiss.
Tradition is an important thing at this university. It’s the marketing factor used to get you to buy into the culture and the brand of LSU and make you pay $5 for a hot dog in Tiger Stadium. Tradition was shattered that Friday night. Kisses were either too soon or way too late. 
Is this the end of such a beloved tradition at our university? Does F. King Alexander care so little about his students that he would forget to set the clock tower? Will there ever be the opportunity to witness so much P.D.A. simultaneously? These are questions I won’t be answering because I’m going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Peace.