FRIDAYHigh 75, Low 43SATURDAY

High 63, Low 43

FRIDAY MARCH 2, 2012

VOLUME 96ISSUE 67

FIRST COPY FREE,ADDITIONAL COPIES 50 CENTS

Reality television shows like “Khloe and Lamar,” “Basketball Wives,” “The Bachelor” or “First 48” have made huge waves across television channels since the early 2000s, ousting scripted shows like “One Life to Live” and “All My Children” off the air.

Since reality TV’s universal takeover, people have questioned the messages some reality shows are sending and the impact it is making on younger audiences.

The Multicultural and Student Affairs Department decided to tackle this topic by hosting a forum Thursday. in the M Lounge asking students how reality TV has made its mark on their lives.

“We wanted to create and establish a dialogue on campus and get people talking,” said Creston Lynch, the new Multicultural and Student Affairs Director.

“We felt reality TV is something everyone could relate to.”

Real Talk: Reality TV is one of a number of series the Multicultural Student Affairs

Get out your cowboy boots and Texas spirit, because Friday is Texas Independence Day, a holiday marking the day that Texas seceded from Mexico in 1836.

“Texans have an immense amount of state pride, more so than they are proud to be Americans,” Alexandra Feldman, a Houston born and raised SMU student, said. “We see ourselves as singular and special, so celebrating our independence reaffirms this.”

SMU is joining in on the celebration as well. SMU’s DeGolyer Library has an existing copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the document that allowed Texas to officially break away from Mexico.

“Before Texas was independent, it had gone through many different stages of development. So many different countries wanted this land, and for Texas to finally break through from Mexico and become its own entity is a big deal,” senior Elizabeth Zamora said. “I don’t think any other state in the U.S. experienced what Texas did, and that’s what makes it special. It makes us who we are as Texans. We are fighters and are proud of our history.”

Sophomore Madeline Buckthal’s family has a connection to the Texas Revolution. One of her ancestors fought in the famous battle at the Alamo.

“The fact that such a small number of men were willing to defend this state and fight for their lives and the lives of their future

generations means so much to us,” she said.

Buckthal even shares a middle name with this very city — Dallas.

Texas Independence Day is a legal holiday in Texas, and many SMU students shared why they love Texas.

“The people are friendly, there are tons of things to do and Texas presents so many opportunities for different groups of people,” SMU student and Houston native Jennifer Rogers said. “I love the diversity.”

America’s 1776 Declaration of Independence inspired Texans to secede. The declaration claimed that Mexico had “ceased to protect the lives, liberty and property of the people” and committed “arbitrary acts of oppression and tyranny.”

SMU senior William Floyd

thinks that every Texan should be celebrating this holiday.

“Texans celebrate Texas Independence Day because Texas was its own country and we will never let you forget it. We are proud of our history and heritage and want to let everyone else know how important Texas is to us,” Floyd said. “We want to show that we are different from everyone else and that we are not part of a region such as the Southwest or the South in general, but rather that we are Texan.”

The Texas Revolution would later trigger the Mexican-American War when the U.S. decided to annex Texas.

The annexation does not stop students from having Texas pride. Sophomore Caroline Morehead is from Missouri but has more Texas

pride than some natives. “Texas is the biggest state in

America. It is home to so many people and so many prosperous businesses and historic and cultural traditions,” she said. “I think it is a way to celebrate Texas and the pride that Texans have for their state. There is no other state like Texas with the people like Texans.”

The DeGolyer Library will also have a 5,000-photo collection of Texas history ranging from 1846 to 1945. Students can view the photos online.

Gabi Pineda, Dallas born and raised, knows why Texas is the only state in the U.S. that celebrates its independence with an official holiday. “Everything’s bigger in Texas, our history and all included,” she said.

‘Project X’ delivers crazy ride

INSIDE

Fierce awards show fashion PAGE 2

PAGE 3PAGE 3

Stop complaining about campus PAGE 4

“Undefeated” scores

The Battle of the Alamo lasted 13 days, finally ending on March 6, 1836. While the battle was waged in San Antonio, Texan revolutionaries officially seceded from Mexico on March 2, 1836.

Photo Courtesy of The DeGolyer Library

TASHIKA VARMAAssignments Desk Editor

tvarma@smu.edu

Texas celebrates its Independence Day

Reality shows

glamorizestereotypes

CAMPUS

YOLONDA BATTLEContributing Writerybattle@smu.edu

See TV page 6

Men’s basketball poised for huge jump in new conference

A new era is coming to SMU Athletics beginning in the 2013-2014 academic year with SMU’s departure from Conference USA to the Big East conference.

A lot of attention has been given to the football team because of this move, but one of the other main beneficiaries is the men’s basketball program.

New streams of revenue, better competition and a bigger spotlight are going to be coming into the program along with the pressure of playing on national television numerous times a year.

“We’re excited,” Head Basketball Coach Matt Doherty said. “When you get to play a Georgetown, a Villanova, a Louisville night after night it is exciting.”

After a recent win to snap the Mustangs losing streak, Coach Doherty made it clear that the student-athlete experience will be better.

The move to the Big East will mean fewer classes will be missed and more amenities will be provided that will help the team during the long grind of the season.

“Having chartered flights and a better training table on the road will slow down fatigue

on the team and ultimately will mean a better student-athlete experience,” Doherty said.

Moody Coliseum will be undergoing $40 million in renovations soon and the home court advantage it will provide will be a recruiting tool for the Mustangs.

Moody was opened in 1956 and according to Coach Doherty, the design is comparable to Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke because of its very steep angle of the seats.

The angle makes it seem like the fans are right on top of the court.

Coach Doherty made it clear when SMU was deciding how to improve SMU’s facilities that

he did not want Moody torn down because due to today’s building code, the angle of the seats could not be that steep. So plans were made to improve the concourses, meeting areas, premium seating and install new audio and video systems throughout the coliseum.

Students have traditionally come out to the bigger games on the schedule, but not in the numbers that you would see at a traditional Big East school.

Games with nationally recognized names in college basketball are expected to bring out a large majority of the student body.

BILLY EMBODYContributing Writer

wembody@smu.edu

BIG EAST

SPENCER J EGGERS / The Daily Campus

SMU men’s basketball will face new challenges and rewards when it heads to the Big East conference with new rivals, games and a remodelled stadium.

See BASKETBALL

TATE LECTURE

Pollan talks food simplicity

Bestselling author Michael Pollan brought grocery bags onto the stage at the Tate Lecture Series Thursday.

The healthy food activist showed a shocked audience the truth behind many family favorites.

“A cereal full of sugar is being sold as medicine for parents and as candy for children,” Pollan said. “The food industry is always a step ahead of us.”

Pollan criticized many of the manipulative tricks of processed food companies.

“Whole grain is the number one ingredient in a box of

Cinnamon Toast Crunch but the next four ingredients are different types of sugar,” Pollan said.

The Oxford educated journalist contends that after World War II, America experienced a food revolution that brought more processed and refined foods to the marketplace.

“There were many changes in the American system and the real change took place in 1977 with the government-mandated low fat campaign,” Pollan said.

In 1977, the government believed that a dramatic rise in national rates of heart disease were largely due to animal fat.

When establishing policy, legislators followed dangerous precedents that would affect food for the next three decades.

“Food legislation went from being written in clear to obscure language. But, the biggest problem is that we have gone from talking about familiar food to talking about nutrients,” Pollan said. “And that’s the real issue. We’ve reduced all food thought into a narrow framework.”

Nutritionism — a term coined by critiques of the current food system — has shaped how the American media, public and experts perceive consumption.

The concept is based around four main tenets: the key to understanding any food is based around the nutrient, experts are critical to food advice, a binary between blessed and evil nutrients

RAHFIN FARUKNews Editor

rfaruk@smu.edu

SPENCER J EGGERS / The Daily Campus

Micheal Pollan athor of “Food Inc.” spoke to SMU in part of the Tate Lecture series Thursday night.

See TATE page 6

FEBruary 28

1:27 p.m. Illegal Use of Handi-capped Placard: Commuter Lot/3100 University Blvd. A student was referred to the Student Conduct Office for using an expired handicapped placard. Closed.

Police ReportsCampus Events

FridayMarch 2

SaturdayMarch 3

SundayMarch 4

Dedman College Ambassadors Pres-ents: Dedman Dog Day from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dallas Hall Front Lawn.

Austin Symposium on Molecular Structure and Dynamics all day at Doubletree Dallas Campbell Centre.

Austin Symposium on Molecular Structure and Dynamics all day at Doubletree Dallas Campbell Centre.

STYLE FrIDay n MarCH 2, 2012 The Daily Campus 2

6:55 p.m. Duty on Striking Unat-tended Vehicle: Dyer Court Lot. A student reported his unattended vehicle was damaged by another vehicle and an unknown person failed to leave contact information. Open.

9:58 p.m. Possession of Marijuana: 6400 Hillcrest Ave. A student was arrested, booked into University Park jail and referred to the Student Conduct Office for possession of marijuana. Closed.

EntErtaInMEnt

RED CARPET WRAP-UP The best dresses (and one jumpsuit) of the 2012

awards season.

Photos by associated Press

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roSE bYrnEEmiLY bLunT

tHE rED CarPEt nEvEr DIsaPPoInts, anD tHE 2012 awarD sEason was no DIFFErEnt. vIola DavIs sHown In a

GrECIan-InsPIrED straPlEss Gown By MarCHEsa , anD rosE ByrnE swaPPED a DrEss For a CHIC wHItE ElIE saaB

juMPsuIt at tHE sCrEEn aCtors GuIlD awarDs. oCtavIa sPEnCEr lookED PEr-FECtly ElEGant at tHE GolDEn GloBEs In a lavEnDEr DrEss By HEr Go-to DE-sIGnEr, taDasHI sHojI . anD wraPPInG

It all uP at tHE aCaDEMy awarDs was GwynEtH Paltrow In a sErIously CHIC

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Compiled by: shelby Foster

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3ARTSFRIDAY n MARCH 2, 2012The Daily Campus

KATELYN HALLAssociate A&E Editor

khall@smu.edu

DOCUMENTARY

Documentary winsOscar for heartfelt story

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment

Party host, played by Thomas Mann, gives his dog Milo a thrill in one of the party’s features: a bounce house.

‘Project X:’ Mostextreme party yet

CASSANDRA ROBIN-SON

A&E Editor

Expectations were set high for “Project X” when word got out that Todd Phillips, director of the “Hangover,” would be producing the ultimate teenage party film.

Although responsible and conservative adults would find this film superficial and possibly even repulsive, any socialite, clubber or person with a sense of humor would argue Phillips exceeded these expectations.

Through the appealing techno and pop-filled sound track, and ridiculously hilarious series of events, “Project X” summons the urge to “rage” out of audience members after experiencing this movie.

Protagonist and party host Thomas, played by Thomas Mann, initially plans on a 50

Photo courtesy of The Weinstein

The Manassas football team learns captivating lessons on helping others. person “chill” birthday bash while his parents are out of town.

Little does he know that his best friend Costa, played by Oliver Cooper, got a little too excited and advertised the party to every student around school and absurdly, even on Craigslist.

After Thomas receives his mom’s minivan for his big 17th birthday gift, he’s ready to score a girl now too.

What better way to do it than to be a host of your high school’s most epic party?

By 10 p.m., the once serene and suburban street in Pasadena, California, is turned upside down as barbarous teenagers take advantage of the parent free home.

Costa hires a twelve-year-old security duo in preparation for the festivities, but clearly they were understaffed, especially when an uninvited arsonist crashes the party.

By the end of the film, Thomas’ father finds his Mercedes Benz at the bottom of the pool and the whole neighborhood, including his house, with severe fire damage.

The SWAT team even had to take control of the party when the police force couldn’t put a dent into Thomas’ wild birthday shindig.

The film is definitely geared toward R-rated eyes only.

With plenty of nudity, drinking and language, the ludicrous movie is nothing short of vulgar.

As expected out of every stereotypical film, there is a happy, love-filled ending for “Project X.” Besides bankrupting his parents, Thomas winds up with the pretty blonde he adores most, Kirby.

The plot of “Project X” is something we are all too familiar with, however, although the preposterous events are not relatable to even the craziest party animal, “Project X” will keep you constantly laughing and pitying these naive teenagers.

You might not expect that a documentary about high school football in Tennessee could make you cry.

But recent documentary “Undefeated” will make you sob, laugh, smile and cheer.

The poignant film, which just won an Oscar for Best Documentary, delivers the wrenching and captivating story of the Memphis, Tennessee’s Manassas High School Tigers as they attempt a winning season after 110 years of losses.

The poor, inner city high school’s team has been plagued with violence, poor academics, player absences due to jail time and unfortunate resources.

The team lost perpetually, and better schools would pay Manassas to play them because the Tigers would inevitably lose and boost the season record of the other team.

But then businessman Bill Courtney took an interest and began coaching the Manassas Tigers as a volunteer.

Six years into trying to make a positive influence on the team, the Tigers were faced with their first opportunity at a winning record.

However, while Courtney wanted to win a few games, his main objective was teaching discipline, respect and character to a team of underprivileged and under-educated young men.

The film focuses on the struggles and successes of three key players: Chavis Daniels, a high school junior recently out of jail; O.C. Brown, star tackle and college recruit; and Montrail “Money” Brown, an undersized right tackle who wants to go to college.

Daniel is violent and angry, initiating petty fights among his teammates.

O.C. wants to play college football, but has trouble with academics and a weak ACT score.

He needs a 16 out of 36, but on his first attempt gets a 12.

He stays with a wealthy volunteer coach to work with a tutor and get his ACT scores up.

“Money” is passionate and a leader on the field and in the classroom.

But a torn ACL ruins his senior year season, and financial problems at home make a future in college unlikely despite his intelligence.

Documentarian filmmakers Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin do a beautiful job communicating the hardships and accomplishments of the Manassas Tigers.

They package a presentation of the key players and coaches that engages on every level.

Courtney might as well be an Academy Award winning actor for his conviction and fluidity in speaking.

Every time he gives a pep talk to the team, he manages to inspire the audience.

Beyond telling the story of an inner city football team, “Undefeated” is a striking representation of the widespread poverty, stark class difference and skewed income distribution prevalent in Memphis.

“Undefeated” is not your average football film, but rather a poignant documentary that inspires and teaches multiple life lessons about the importance of character.

FILM

Photo courtesy of The Weinstein

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Visit us online at smudailycampus.com

Hilltop News at Your Fingertips

I must inquire why most from my generation make an assumption that a nine to five is a necessity of life? In my intermediate accounting course the professor stated, “you get up at 6:30, you go to work, you get an hour lunch, you finish at five and then they expect you to tie the rope; but, that’s just how life is.”

The misery in her voice trembled out the 15 years of lost time spent with an unenjoyably resented routine.

Through my eyes, it has always appeared as if the generation of my parents seem to hate their way of life. So often I have heard, “Oh! College is the best time of your life. Enjoy it while you can because I promise you will miss it.”

This seems pitifully absurd, not only due to the meaningless dwelling on a past experience, but for the fact that if you are acting in an efficient manner joy should only increase.

The cliché states that we live for today in preparation for tomorrow, yet I find that most dwell in yesterday and detest the dreary predictable tomorrow that approaches more swiftly with each second.

Sure, we build upon the experiences of the past for the present and future, but that still exists within the wonderful now through our current reflections. One should always be exerting actions as close to the optimum as one is capable of to achieve one’s own happiness.

I am not trying to articulate that one should merely seek the lower physical pleasure of the body to fill the duration of one’s existence, nor am I attempting to come to a conclusion that contradicts the necessity of current work to future benefit. I am saying one’s perspective is a practice.

Whether you allow your eyes to be passively molded by the conditioning of others or complacently participate with whatever opinions your fallibly perceived superiors tell you, your mind will never grasp that optimal serenity. Your actions are mere swaying strings from an external puppeteer.

It makes me sick that one should have the shameless audacity to plea to a class to remember that life isn’t all sunshine and smooth sailing, but rather a desolate path on cracked concrete ending in an inevitable cliff.

To me that is worse than suicide, for this is only suicide of the mind, leaving a shell of a self loathing creature that once was an atlas. Life is not suffering.

We live in a reality composed of both the tangible and intangible. If the mind guides the limited possibilities of the tangible to acquire the infinite possibilities of intangible interpretations and reactions, then our minds determine our happiness.

Depending on the individual, the means to optimality will vary. However, misery and self-loathing are never the result of an adequate practice of the mind.

So why should we voluntarily exist in a system we hate, performing actions we resent, for an end that was initially the means to acquire joy.

You are the atlas holding up the world, and that world will instill painful resentment or joyful purpose, see it as you see fit.

Charlie is a senior majoring in finance.

OPINION FRIDAY n MARCH 2, 2012 The Daily Campus 4

The Daily Campus is a public forum, South-ern Methodist University’s independent student voice since 1915 and an entirely student-run pub-lication.

Letters To The Editor are welcomed and encouraged. All letters should concentrate on issues, be free of personal attacks, not exceed 250 words in length and must be signed by the author(s). Anonymous letters will not be published and The Daily Campus reserves the right to edit let-ters for accuracy, length and style. Letters should be submitted to dc@smu.edu.

Guest columns are accepted and print-ed at the editor’s discretion upon submission to dc@smu.edu. Guest columns should not exceed 500-600 words and the author will be identified by name and photograph.

Corrections. The Daily Campus is com-mitted to serving our readers with accurate coverage and analysis. Readers are encour-aged to bring errors to The Daily Campus ed-itors’ attention by emailing Editorial Adviser Jay Miller at jamiller@smu.edu.

POLICIES

COLumN

Live life to its fullest:Make 5 to 9 fun

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Kramermanaging Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chase WadeSmu-TV News Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Brown, Meredith CarltonAssignments Desk Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tashika VarmaOnline Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael MurphyNews Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rahfin FarukArts & Entertainment Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassandra RobinsonAssociate Arts & Entertainment Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katelyn HallSports Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercedes Owens, Brooke WilliamsonAssociate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn RodenPhoto Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spencer EggersStyle Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby FosterHealth & Fitness Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anne McCaslin ParkerFood Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kate PettyOpinion Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul KroegerCopy Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Anderson, Meghan Sikkel, Katie TuftsVideo Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Summer Dashe, Eric Sheffield, Kent Koons

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CHARLIE GALLAGHERcgallagher@smu.edu

Lots of people like to write in the opinion column about something that bugs them. They like to complain about something odd about SMU: the campus, the area, etc. However, today, I would like to refute one of the most common complaints from students about SMU: that something is wrong with our campus.

For some reason, people like to complain about fountains, fresh flowers, and nicely manicured grass. These people are insane. If you want an ugly campus, you can always head about an hour west and go visit TCU. Their campus is filled with puke-colored brick buildings plastered in ugly purple décor.

The beautiful campus is one of the countless reasons why I chose to come to SMU. The first time visitor is stunned as soon as they arrive. They say first impressions are everything, so why not make a good one? Colleges do everything they can to attract the best students

possible, and that includes keeping a nice appearance.

President Turner has a phrase that he is particularly fond of saying, especially at receptions with new and potential students and their parents. He always tells them, “Life’s too short to live on an ugly campus.” I love this quote and absolutely believe it.

I ruled out many campuses because the minute I stepped on campus I thought, “Wow, this place is a dump.” The school may have been great, but because I had a bad first impression, I already disliked it. As silly as it may sound, people like to live in a place that looks nice. You’re going to be here for four years, so you better like it.

Another thing that people like to complain about is SMU’s love of fountains. Maybe it’s just the mechanical engineer in me, but I love fountains. My personal favorite is the fountain by Simmons Hall and Dedman Life Sciences Building. It is beautiful, especially at night. The fountain changes colors and puts on quite a show. In fact, that entire area is probably my favorite area

on campus. The landscaped mall with benches, flowers and lampposts is unique on campus. It is a little known area, but one that I love being in.

And by the way, while we’re talking about fountains: they aren’t the ungodly water guzzlers that opinion writers often make them out to be. There’s this really neat thing called a pump that pulls water in from the base of the fountain and shoots it back out again and again, reusing it constantly.

One last thing that people shouldn’t complain about: flowers. SMU has perhaps the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen. My personal favorite is the tulips that cover campus in the spring. Even though they only live for a few weeks, they are absolutely stunning. If you can’t appreciate the tulips (or other flowers, if that’s your cup of tea) then something is wrong with you! They are incredible! I have got to give props to the SMU groundskeepers. They are the best of the best.

I guess the common theme here is that people complain

about “wasting money” on making the campus beautiful. Honestly, it’s a drop in the bucket.

Basically, a college spends money on all sorts of things that may not appeal to every single student. For instance, I don’t like basketball. Are Moody, the salaries of Coach Doh and the basketball staff, and all those basketball scholarships a waste of money? Of course not. Maybe they don’t benefit me personally, but they benefit the school as a whole, and that’s okay with me.

I know that they are just one part of the whole that makes a college great. There is no one thing that appeals to all students, alumni and potential students, so a college must cast a wide net and make itself the best it can be in all areas.

President Turner has a saying of “Top 25 in everything we do,” and I think we can safely say that SMU has accomplished that and more with its campus grounds.

Brad is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.

Fans of random holidays take note: now that March is upon us a very special and underappreciated day of celebration is fast approaching. Casimir Pulaski Day is a holiday observed in Illinois that honors a Polish cavalry officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The day is traditionally celebrated on the first Monday of March, which means this year it will fall on the 5th of the month.

Recently, Casimir Pulaski Day has found significance outside of small Polish communities in Chicago, in part thanks to the eponymous song written by folk singer Sufjan Stevens. Growing up I recall being a huge fan of Stevens’ music (and I was even fortunate enough to see him perform here at SMU a couple of years ago), and I especially loved the song “Casimir Pulaski Day.”

In fact, I was so inspired that I wanted to take up the banjo so I could learn how to play the song as beautifully as Stevens did.

I’ve been musically inclined since early childhood, and in high school there was nothing I enjoyed more than learning how to play a new instrument. So, I thought a banjo would be the perfect thing to ask of my parents for my birthday when I was turning 17. However, that year was particularly difficult for my parents: my father had just lost his job and financial concerns were playing a much bigger role in my family life than they ever had previously. I decided that a banjo would have been a particularly frivolous gift to request when we weren’t even certain how we’d pay to send me to college.

My high school friends knew about how much I wanted this banjo and how I’d decided against trying to get one. Rather than say anything to me directly,

they waited until we were at an end-of-the-school-year party to let me know that they had all chipped in some funds, found a banjo at a garage sale, and called a professional to restore it so they could give it to me as a belated birthday present.

I was at a loss for words. I couldn’t believe my friends would take it upon themselves to do something so thoughtful for me. I graciously accepted that banjo and spent the next few years becoming proficient at it. Now I actually can play Casimir Pulaski Day (albeit not particularly well, but we can’t go asking too much).

I always particularly enjoy when this holiday comes around because I get a chance to reflect upon how fortunate I am to have such loving and compassionate friends in my life. However, I don’t think we necessarily have to wait for obscure Illinois holidays to take the time to appreciate those we love. If

there’s one thing I’ve learned during my brief existence as a human being, it’s that one ought never to be afraid of showing others how much they matter. For college students, especially, it can become all too easy to get bogged down in the minutia of daily life: tests, papers, projects, clubs, events. We’re constantly on the move, and finding the time for those we love can be difficult.

However, I think we have a duty to acknowledge how loved we really are and to reciprocate that sort of compassion whenever we get the chance. So this Monday (and every other day, I suppose), I encourage you to explicitly tell someone how much he or she means to you. You’ll find that the small actions like that will pay huge dividends in he future.

Brandon is a sophomore majoring in English.

Show your love this Casimir Pulaski DayBRANDON BuBbbub@smu.edu

Let’s love our beautiful campusBrad Ray

bray@smu.edu

Have we not all been told since we were young that we could be whatever we wanted to be? Why is it that this idea is blatantly contradicted when it comes time to finding a proper profession?

I have always had a passion for music ever since I was a little child. Even though I was in many different facets of music that increase my potential to create it, the thought of being a musician had never even crossed my mind, for it was conditioned within me to realize I most likely wouldn’t make it. Even at the collegiate level, in my sophomore year at SMU, I was told in my advising meeting that I would not be a marketing major because, “you would never get a job. If you

want to get a job, you are either going to be an accounting major or a finance major.”

At the time, I didn’t even know a damn thing about finance, but I knew I hated accounting, and now here I am a finance major as a senior. The point of me babbling on about myself is the fact that you and I have most likely been through very similar situations.

Since when has education been the sole means to the end of production? Why is it that we assume the only reason we are in school is to make money? I don’t know about you, but if I had the choice to go to school or not, even with no benefit to finding ways to acquire money, I would still spend my time acquiring knowledge. The benefit of education is the expansion of perspective and the increasing

of rational understanding. Education brings us to the goal of the old proverb: it helps us to learn how to fish, to be able to make the world what you will by understanding what it is.

As a society, we feel so righteous for killing the potential of children and peers, for we have been touched by the monetary Christ and know his goodwill to get the right amount of assets on the balance sheet of his realm.

The next time you are asked, “What are you going to for a living?” Respond with, “Just that.

So do you ignorantly serve for the unknown life of another?” Our goal should be earn some serenity, harmony, equilibrium and flourishing.

These are all completely subjective, so why is it that we have decided one objective

formula, “The American Dream” applies to the entire world? We were told as children to color outside the lines to express individual creativity only to have the crayon replaced with a pencil.

Why do we always say “the real world” to articulate the work force, as if we exist in this little safe haven void of the experiences of what is real?

I have spent the last 17 years of my life preparing for this real world; all to find it was only the real world I had chosen not to see.

So what do we do for a living? Live and watch mindless followers make circles drawn indifferently.

Charlie is a senior majoring in finance.

So, what do you do for a living?CHARLIE GALLAGHER

cgallagher@smu.edu

5SPORTSFRIDAY n MARCH 2, 2012The Daily Campus

The SMU women’s basketball team suffered a tough loss last night to Tulsa with a final score of 61-57.

Despite fighting hard, the ladies weren’t able to hold on to the game in the final minutes.

Junior Alisha Filmore led the Mustangs with 14 points and two assists, all while shooting 45 percent from the field and 33 percent from the three.

Senior post, Christine Elliot, had one of her best games of the season, putting up eight points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Both are improvements from her season average of 6.9 rebounds and 7.7 points per game.

Sophomore Akil Simpson was strong under the basket, pulling

down eight rebounds and putting up six points.

Simpson was consistent from the line, making all four of her free throw attempts.

The Mustangs got into some foul trouble , racking up 16 total fouls throughout the game. This was double the amount that was called on Tulsa.

As a team, the Mustangs were 36 percent from the field and 20 percent from the arc. This was lower than their season averages of 38 percent and 30.6 percent.

Tulsa was strong offensively. Four of their players finished in the double digits.

Junior guard Taleya Mayberry put up an impressive 19 points, while her sophomore counterpart, Taylor Hooker, added 14 points herself, all while grabbing down eight rebounds.

Mayberry solidified herself as one of the stars of the night,

adding five assists and five rebounds to her 19 points.

The Golden Hurricane proved to be a force to reckon with under the basket.

Senior forwards Denise Lewis and Chanice Scott put up 10 and 12 points respectively.

Combined, the two had six boards, five of them being defensive.

As a team, Tulsa was 45 percent from the field, giving them a considerable margin over the Mustangs and their 36 percent field goal completion rate.

The loss puts the Mustangs at 6-10 in the conference and 13-16 in overall play.

The ladies head home this week to prepare for the Conference USA Championships.

The Mustangs will hit the court next week from March 7 to March 10.

WOMen’s BAsketBAll

Mustangs fall to Tulsa in final game of season, 60-57

KELSEY CHARLESStaff Writer

kcharles@smu.edu

“That’s when you get kids excited and painting up and acting stupid at games,” said Coach Doherty about student participation.

Freshman Joe Baker had this to say about the move and student support.

“Student support will grow based on the fact that we will be in a bigger, more popular conference,”

he said.Baker continued, “I feel student

attendance will at least double at home games.”

Sophomore SMU cheerleader Courtney Schellin talked about not only supporting the basketball team, but also that overall student support changed for the better with the move to the Big East.

“I would like to see more people come out to games,” Schellin said. “We could always use some more student fan support in all our sports.”

When the move to the Big East happens and the 2013-2014 basketball season begins for the SMU Mustangs, they will have an experienced roster to take them into

their first year of conference play. Coach Doherty is optimistic

about the first few years of conference play because of that.

“They had 11 teams make the NCAA tournament so if you tell me we have to be in the top 11 in conference to get in then I feel pretty good about our chances,” he said.

Baker disagrees. “I feel that our basketball team

will get dominated in the Big East solely based on scores, however we will be right up there in heart and determination,” Baker said.

How well the Mustangs compete year in and year out in the conference will be determined by how well SMU can recruit.

The Mustangs will need to add quality players to their roster in order to keep up with the big boys of the new conference.

With the resources available and enthusiasm for the team, SMU’s student body, staff and administrators will expect them to compete and win basketball games in their new conference.

Junior guard sabrina Mckinney carries the ball down court during a game against tulane Feb. 26. at Moody Coliseum.

tAYlOR MARtIn/the Daily Campus

ConTinued froM page 1

BaSKeTBaLL: Big East means big changes in program

Since 1951

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Sudoku 03/02/12

© 2012 Michael Mepham. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.For solutions to our Sodoku puzzles, checkout our website at www.smudailycampus.com/puzzles.

By Michael Mepham

Can’t wait until tomorrow for Crossword solutions?For solutions to our Crossword puzzles now, checkout our website at www.smudailycampus.com.

ACROSS1 Stands7 Load in a basket

11 Label14 Busts15 Potent

introduction?16 Nabokov novel17 Source of mints,

at times19 With “on” and 59-

Across, a hint tothe theme hiddenin three places inthis puzzle

20 7-Acrossdestination,eventually

21 New York City’s__ River

22 Chowderhead23 They often

accompanystretches

25 “I Loves You,Porgy” and others

26 House on TV, e.g.30 Poker star Hansen31 River from the

CantabrianMountains

32 Invasion leadersof the ’60s

39 It prohibits illegalsearch andseizure

41 The recent past42 Huit + trois43 __-Aztecan

languages44 Buyer, in legal

usage46 Love49 Roundup need52 Zoom53 Sub54 Once and again59 See 19-Across60 Subject of a 1922

archaeologicaldiscovery

62 Santa __ winds63 One who often

doesn’t pick up?64 Some chickens65 Craving66 Show closers,

perhaps67 Balmoral

attraction

DOWN1 Start of a tots’

song

2 1922 physicsNobelist

3 “__, old chap!”4 Taj Mahal topper5 Developmental

stage6 Prescott-to-

Tempe dir.7 Smith attendee8 Round up9 Hissy fit

10 Wentunderground

11 Attraction nearU.S. 395

12 Go with the flow13 Jenga and jacks18 Remote letters22 Broom alternative24 Prefix with -pod25 Pair26 Challenge27 Clarinet cousin28 French vineyards29 Agony30 Blues and others33 It’s cut and dried34 Morph ending35 Emmy-winning

Arthur36 Provided

temporarily37 Auto designer

Ferrari38 Prank ending

40 Head of Québec45 Lepidopterous

opponent ofGodzilla

46 Orderly grouping47 “Tell It to My

Heart” singerTaylor

48 Expanse withcrests

49 Reveal50 Most Syrians51 Cain was the first

53 Dance withflowing gestures

55 Distance56 “__ a man with

seven wives”57 Forearm

exercise58 Start of

Massachusetts’smotto

60 Medicine amt.61 “Original, crispy

or grilled?” co.

By Frank Virzi 3/2/12

(c)2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

SERvICE

NEWS FRIDAY n MARCH 2, 2012 The Daily Campus 6

Department is hoping to host to get students involved and become aware of issues like gender and sexual orientation and cultural differences.

“We’re hoping this dialogue will be one of many that will allow different people from different backgrounds to hear different perspectives,” said Lynch.

To kickoff the forum Lynch posed a question: “Is reality TV a guilty pleasure, innocent fun or does it promote stereotypes?”

Like many of the attendee’s, Associate Director of Student Life Elsie Umeh believes reality TV does glamorize stereotypes, but she is not fooled by the messages they convey.

“It definitely perpetuates stereotypes, but we still watch. I mean I watch,” Umeh said.

“For me it is a guilty pleasure, but I’m also an informed consumer, which means I know what I’m watching doesn’t speak for any

community as a whole.”Some of the students

attending, like senior mechanical engineering major Noura Liben, felt the shows were definitely attention grabbers, but the messages glamorized celebrity lifestyles ,like Kim Kardashian, whose claim to fame places education in the rear.

“We all kind of look up to these shows that promote partying and having money. This glorified celebrity life, the fast life,” Liben said. “We promote this lifestyle so much that being college educated isn’t cool anymore.”

As most of reality TV’s stand out shows portray negative stereotypes, students did not forget to mention positive shows making a difference in the world, like Extreme Makeover and Intervention.

They were just as popular, but not as many.

First-year marketing major Riane Alexander dedicated the

lack of balance to the public.“The majority of people

want to watch these staged-reality shows, Alexander said.

“They have huge followings and unfortunately overshadow positive shows.”

As the conversation continued and opinions were expressed, Lynch posed an additional question as to how knowing these shows create negative stereotypes could remain so popular and what they as consumers could do to help reverse these glamorized stereotypes?

“It starts at home, with education,” Alexander said.

She continued by expressing that some of the stereotypes emphasized on these shows send unwavering racial undertones that do not sit well with her.

“I despise when people say I talk white,” Alexander said. “It sends a negative connotation that because I’m from South Dallas there is a certain way

I’m supposed to talk and carry myself.”

Umeh agreed with Alexander that the massive followings of these shows and trying to fight the negative stereotypes they portray could make anyone feel defeated and helpless. She also feels the conversation is necessary.

“Educating people on stereotypes can be tiring, but if it’s something that’s really important to you, then it’s something that I would really encourage,” Umeh said.

Graduate library studies major Michele Mrak had another solution to these perpetuated stereotypes included in regular television programming rotations.

“I suggest getting out and socializing with people,” Mrak said. “They have a saying…we watch so much TV because we’re not out their living our own lives.”

continued from page 1

tV: Campus event investigates reality

SPENCER J EGGERS / The Daily Campus

SMU students and faculty discuss the consequences of reality television shows in the M longue Thursday afternoon.

exist and the only purpose of eating is health.

“We need a priesthood of experts to tell us about nutrients and what to eat. Food was once a very simple activity and now it has become very complex,” Pollan said.

Pollan warned that nutritional science is still a relatively new field and lacks credibility in comparison to other sciences.

“Nutrition science is where surgery was in 1650. We have to be humble in how we pick our foods,” Pollan said.

Pollan recommended a return to tradition in order to preserve American health.

He stressed that three basic facts about food can lead to a consumption revolution.

“We know that a Western diet full of processed foods and a lack of vegetables leads to high rates of chronic disease. We also know that pre-Western diets lead to low rates of disease,” Pollan said. “But the key is knowing that a switch in diets from Western to pre-Western can lead to healthy changes.”

For Pollan, food efficacy is based around simplicity and

family culture. His new book “Food Rules:

An Eater’s Manual” gives readers simple advice on maintaining healthy eating habits.

Most of Pollan’s advice originated from a wide demographic of America — grandmothers, cardiologists and teachers.

“My philosophy is based around seven simple words that say eat food not too much mostly plants,” Pollan said.

The book includes short adages to remind eaters about what is healthy.

“The whiter the bread, the sooner you’ll be dead. Don’t buy any food that you see advertised on television. Don’t buy any cereals that change the color of milk,” Pollan said.

Pollan believes conventional wisdom can turn back the American paradox — an obsession about health and food and yet one of the worst rates of avoidable diseases in the world.

“Food should be about pleasure, communal eating and identity,” Pollan said.

“It a vexing food landscape that we face but we can make the right choices.”

tate: Pollan expands on bookcontinued from page 1