INSIDE PAGE 2
‘Amazing Spiderman’ scores big
12 things every freshman must know
PAGE 5
PAGE 11
Will this year’s election be close?
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The ultimate summer style guide
MONDAY
JULY 2, 2012
MONDAY High 99, Low 75 TUESDAY High 100, Low 75
VOLUME 98 ISSUE 2 FIRST COPY FREE, ADDITIONAL COPIES 50 CENTS
CAMPUS
Perkins Chapel leaves many brides waiting at the altar BEIONNY MICKLES Contributing Writer bmickles@smu.edu SMU’s Perkins Chapel has held weddings for more than 60 years. With close to 200 marriage services a year, it is a hot spot not only for SMU graduates and faculty members but others around the metroplex as well. With any venue that is in
demand, one might expect the cost of rental to be higher and the booking to take place well in advance of the targeted date. However, rumors around SMU’s campus suggest that Perkins Chapel is nearly impossible to book. “There are rumors that freshman girls book (the Chapel)
See PERKINS page 7
OLYMPICS ASSOCIATED PRESS
The London Bridge sports the Olympic rings in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. SMU has a number of athletes who may make the games.
London calling
SMU senior set to ride in Paralympic Games
SMU students prepare for the Olympics KIAN HERVEY Staff Writer khervey@smu.edu
Take a walk around SMU’s campus around August 16th and you will see the campus gearing up for another golden year. Administrators, advisors, and academics are hopeful SMU’s Class of 2016, one of the smartest and brightest classes ever admitted to the University, will set a new gold standard for SMU achievement. And while the entire
campus is preparing for firstyear students’ arrival, across the Atlantic, an entire city is preparing for another crowd equally eager to go for the gold. London, England is counting down to the 2012 Olympics by rallying round the Olympic Flame Torch Relay. On May 18, the Olympic Flame began its 70-day journey in Greece, where the iconic games originated. Thousands of inspirational torchbearers will carry the torch on its 8,000-mile journey throughout
the United Kingdom, bringing the excitement of the Games to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A large part of the global community, SMU has been getting in on the excitement too. SMU Abroad has five summer programs based in England. SMU-in-London: Communications’ travel plans coincided with the flame’s route through Scotland. The group arrived to Edinburgh a few days before the relay evening celebrations.
“The town square was obviously preparing for a big event,” junior Mahab Elahi said. “They had huge rings and a version of the London games logo on display for speakers, visitors to take pictures by and everything.” Many students geared up for the Olympics by visiting the London Countdown Clock in Trafalgar Square, reminding tourists the days of Olympic triumph and defeat are upon
See LONDON page 9
TECHNOLOGY
Five minds come together for mobile app HILARY HIRSCHFELD Contributing Writer hhirschfe@smu.edu “I wish I could just text a cab to come get us,” Trent Mervine said to Ryan Arndt during their freshman year in Boaz residence hall. As many SMU students know, the entire process of taking cabs is rather irritating. Between having to step out of your current location into a quieter atmosphere, waiting on hold for what seems like an eternity, repeating your address multiple times until the receiver on the other end actually gets it correct; then, sitting, wondering how much longer
it will be until the cab arrives. And that’s just the process of ordering your cab. Not to mention once you’ve finally reached your desired location and six people anxiously attempt to pay, it usually results in a single person stuck with the entire cab fare on their credit card because no one carries cash. Text a cab: an idea that seems so simple yet doesn’t quite exist. With that, Mervine and Arndt immediately knew this was an opportunity to capitalize. With three other friends, they are now pursuing development of a mobile app called Grab a Cab. The innovative friends, both sophomores now, teamed up
with fellow SMU students, Christopher Kraemer, sophomore, Alex Perry, sophomore and Faiz Sayed, junior. “The first week we were trying to figure out how to turn ‘text a cab’ into something cool,” Mervine said. “Then we thought it would be better if it was a mobile app, so we came up with Grab A Cab.” For almost a year now, the team has been working with mobile app
developers to design and create features for their app. MacroSolve, a company who sells apps and promotes products under the name Illume Mobile has been key in helping the boys further develop Grab A Cab. MacroSolve led the team to Tim Flusche, a developer for Illume Mobile. “He really liked us and saw
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See CAB page 3
Lindsay Yosay McCall
Jonathan Wentz riding NTEC Richter Scale owned by Kai Handt.
While many athletes are training for the Summer Olympics in London, others are preparing for the Paralympic Games. Jonathan Wentz, an SMU senior, will be representing the USA Equestrian Team in the 2012 Paralympic Games. Q: Can you describe your disability? A. My disability is cerebral palsy, which occurred at birth and causes spasticity in my muscles especially my legs and affects my range of motion, flexibility, strength and control. I credit horses for giving me the core balance that enables me to walk. Q: What are you looking forward to the most at the Paralympic Games? A. I look forward to being one of a very select group of elite athletes and having the honor of representing the USA, Texas, SMU and all the horses and individuals that have played a role in making this possible! Q. What made you decide to compete? A. I have always loved sports and competition and have tried many including soccer, basketball and snowboarding,
but it was dressage that enabled me to compete against my ablebodied peers, and gave me an elite level to strive toward. My mother put me on a horse when I was two for physical therapy, but she never dreamed it would evolve into this. I also had the opportunity at an young age to be mentored by adult Paralympians and Paralympic coaches. Q. What do you feel has been the biggest challenge so far in your journey? A. FUNDING - In 2008 a major change occurred in para equestrian dressage. It went from borrowing and catch riding horses provided by the Paralympic host country, to having to have your “own” horse that you brought to the Games. Also the quality of the horses drastically improved giving the advantage to European countries that fund their Para Equestrian athletes and provide quality horses, sometimes their Olympic horses for them to use for competitions. Readers can find more information on Wentz’s journey at www.jonathanwentz.org. — By Tashika Varma
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STYLE
The Daily Campus
MONDAY â– JULY 2, 2012
LOOKS FOR HOT COOLWITH THESE DOWN SUMMER
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4
Although ugh long long, maxi dresses can p beat the heat w help with their light fabrics at provide tons of airf that airflow. They can also add a carefree style to your su summer look.
Throw on a lace dress, top or pair of shorts for a perfect combination look of sweet and sexy. Whether you’re spending July 4th with family or friends, this look will be a crowd pleaser. Lace will always keep you cool due to easy ventilation.
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Cutout
2
3 For the more ca-
sual plans, crop tops are a great
way to show off your summer tan. Pair the tops with some cutoff shorts and sandals for the perfect summer look.
dresses are an easy way to show some skin while staying cool. Dress up the look with a pair of cute wedges or dress it down with a sheer summer cardigan.
Sun hats help block the sun and
still have fun. Wear a sun hat to a day at the beach or an outdoor barbecue to look cute and protect your skin all at the same time.
Police Reports
JUNE 24
JUNE 21 10:12 AM. Possession of Fictitious License or ID: 5700 Bishop Blvd. A student was referred to the Student Conduct Office for possessing a fake ID. Closed.
JUNE 22 10:31 PM. Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor : Snider Hall/3305 Dyer Street . Nine students were referred to the Student Conduct Office consumption of alcohol by minor. Closed.
JUNE 23 5:27 PM. Arrested on Warrant: 6101 Bishop Blvd. A non-affiliated man was arrested for an active Dallas County Warrant. Closed.
5:22 AM. Off Campus/Possession of Alcohol by a Minor/Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor/Possession of Fictitious License: Off Campus/5200 Eton Avenue. Highland Park Police issued citations to three students for consumption of alcohol by minors and for possession of alcohol by minors. Two students were also referred to the Student Conduct Office for possession of fictitious license. Closed.
The Daily Campus
MONDAY ■ JULY 2, 2012 SHOPPING
College students go coupon crazy ALISSA FITZPATRICK Contributing Writer afitzpatrick@smu.edu TLC’s reality show “Extreme Couponing” follows everyday people on their journey to get the most bang for their buck. As it turns out extreme couponing doesn’t only air on TLC network but can be seen by many college students who similarly have made saving money a way of life. Many students like the luxury of having their clothes dry cleaned, eating out and exploring the city of Dallas. The use of student promotions and online coupon sites has provided
students and businesses with an answer to these tough economic times. Tessa White, a sophomore at SMU said, “finding places that offer student discounts has become a way of life.” For years, The Daily Campus has teamed up with nearby restaurants and stores to provide student discounts that can be found in an exclusive coupon book each semester. These coupons range from 20 percent off at Swiss Dry Cleaners to 20 percent off at Flirt, a local trendy boutique. These businesses have created relationships with SMU and cater to the school’s community while both
keeping students within budget and keeping business thriving. The places offering student discounts have even become student hangout spots. Students also look to social media outlets to find more great deals. These “Echo Boomers” look to online discount groups and cell phone “coupon” applications for immediate and accessible coupons and promotions. With the ability to download coupons on smart phones and have “daily” bargains sent via email, students are always prepared to save. “I downloaded the Scout Mob app on my phone, it gives me great discounts at some of the local places
and offers new discounts each day,” SMU sophomore Maggie Connor said. SMU student Charlotte Calhoun signed up for LivingSocial to get great deals on activities and at restaurants. “The website allows me to eat places and experience things I typically wouldn’t because it wasn’t in my budget before,” Calhoun said. Even for SMU students like Samantha Zagar, whose budget does not require extreme couponing “seems to find herself looking for student discounts and satisfied knowing she got the most out of her dollar.”
Cab: App connects drivers, customers and their friends with simple push of button
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
potential in our idea,” Mervine said. “He kind of became our mentor and told us the things we need to do to get this up and running.” Those “things” not only included getting development under the way, but also seeking monetary support from family and friends. What started as a wish and a solution to make the process of taking cabs more efficient has translated into an investment of over $50,000. Although Grab A Cab was inspired by the idea of being able to text a cab, the creative team has added several other features, as shown in the table, to ensure the highest level of efficiency and convenience when it comes to cabs. As if being full-time students at SMU hasn’t kept them busy enough, every week the team meets with developers for 2-3 hours, conducts several conference
calls and spends hours creating proposals with professional lawyers and consultants. “I was really impressed by their vision and the clarity of the vision,” Flusche said. “They have skills that are up to par with people at large corporate companies. I’m amazed at their talent and capability for their age.” Despite having several features desired by both cab companies and cab users, Grab A Cab will not be officially launched until signing with a major dispatch company or winning a contract with New York, which is currently their prime focus. In mid-March, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission sent out an RFP (request for a proposal) to mobile app developers. At the time, Grab A Cab was already in mid-development. “New York is a huge opportunity,” Arndt said. “All the features they wanted were features we had already been working on
and that have patents pending.” If Grab A Cab wins this contract, the app will first be accessible in New York, which will then make it more appealing to dispatch companies in other areas, thus making it easier for Grab A Cab to expand as a mobile app. Ultimately, Grab A Cab targets those between the ages of 18 and 35: college students and young professionals. The app not only caters to convenience but will hopefully make the streets a lot safer. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 3,360,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 drive under the influence of alcohol. Grab A Cab makes the entire process of booking a cab, paying for a cab and even maintaining a relationship with a specific driver more convenient. Without the hectic process of taking cabs, the number of college
NEWS
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SOCIAL NET WORKING
students who choose to drive drunk has potential to decrease. “I know plenty of people who drink and drive because they don’t feel like calling cabs or don’t want to be the one person stuck paying the entire cab fare,” sophomore Morgan Raleigh said. “I bet a lot more students would take cabs if it wasn’t so complicated.” In a survey of 50 SMU students, 90 percent replied “yes” when asked if they would be likely to use an iPhone app geared towards making the taxicab experience more enjoyable. Although the team is still in the beginning stages of launching their app, they hope to expand vastly and quickly. “Our goal is to have Grab A Cab in every major U.S. city, partner with all the major dispatch providers and work with taxi companies to innovate even further so we can continue to integrate the app even more,” Kraemer said.
Pinterest takes hold of social market share CAROLINE MOREHEAD Contributing Writer cmorehead@smu.edu Just before last semester, Pinterest was a new website with an unknown future. The social media site’s popularity stems from the fact that everyone loves to share what interests him or her. Users can “pin” their favorite web content to their categorized boards. Users say Pinterest is exciting, simple and addictive. It is an easy way for users to organize their style, taste and inspirations on their personalized pinboards on a regular basis. President Obama uses Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Google Plus and Myspace as his means of social networking during his campaign. The Obama campaign’s presence on Pinterest attracted nearly 2,000 followers in March 2012 when he announced his Pinterest presence on Twitter, according to CNN. The Obama campaign is taking advantage of the fast-growing social network by allowing citizens to follow his campaign in a visual and interactive way. His Pinterest
consists of eight boards including personal boards like “The First Family” “Obama-inspired recipes” and informative boards, “Obama 2012 in action,” and “Just the Facts.” All of these boards establish a different connection with voters as they are able to see the President as a real person with similar interests. Pinterest is a new phenomenon. It is rapidly spreading across the country, engaging all generations of women and men. Businesses are now looking into how they can market themselves on Pinterest, and use this social media site as yet another way to gain publicity and followers. A mother of an SMU freshman, Merriman Dillon of Preston Hollow created The Pillow Bar, a self-contained luxury pillowmaking kiosk that she designed in her garage. The Pillow Bar uses Facebook in conjunction with Pinterest to reach out to new and potential clients. “We organize our boards by similar products that we offer. We also like to differentiate which of our products are good gift items
See PINTEREST page 6
4
ARTS
The Daily Campus
MONDAY â– JULY 2, 2012 HIRING
Meadows brings on BFA alum for Arts Entrepreneurship post CHASE WADE Arts & Entertainment Editor cdawade@smu.edu Meadows School of the Arts’ 2012 academic year was one full of highlights that included that addition of Will Power as a theatrical muse, blazing (and critically acclaimed) Meadows Symphony Orchestra performances and, of course, a steady stream of diverse and entertaining programs and shows that brought artists from around the world onto campus. However, while being a worldly arts program is something Meadows has always lauded, when it came to filling the new director position for Meadows’ Arts Entrepreneurship the program, the school decided to go with one of the own. On Aug. 1 James Hart (B.F.A ‘96) will assume the role as SMU’s new director of arts entrepreneurship/assistant professor of practice in the division of arts management and arts entrepreneurship. This lengthy title essentially means that Hart will lead SMU’s Art Entrepreneurship Program (one of the only program’s of its type in the nation) and the minor that the course load offers. “The Meadows School of the Arts is thrilled to welcome James Hart to lead the arts entrepreneurship minor,� Dean Jose Bowen said. “The creation of this undergraduate minor is one of Meadows’ most significant curricular initiatives, giving our students the opportunity to learn how to turn their artistic dreams into sustainable business plans. Audition skills are not enough! With the appointment of James Hart – an artist and educator with extensive experience in the fusion of arts and entrepreneurship
SMU TATE LECTURE SERIES LEADING MINDS LEADING VOICES
2012–13
31ST SEASON
James Hart, Meadows’ new Director of Art Entrepreneurship.
education – the Meadows School is already positioned as the leader in this new and critical field.� What exactly qualifies Hart for the position? Hart has taught at the Yale School of Drama, New York University, the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, Tufts University, Fu Ren University in Taipei, Taiwan, Harlem School of the Arts and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Hart also founded and was former dean of TITAN Teaterskole, a full-time professional theater training program and the first school in Europe to offer intensive training
in arts entrepreneurship at the professional conservatory level. “Arts entrepreneurship will become a staple in arts education – when students have both arts technique and entrepreneurial skills, they are able to compete for existing work and create profitable opportunities where there was nothing before – and the Meadows School is at the forefront of this field,� said Hart. “I look forward to giving Meadows students the tools to build art and entrepreneurial skills and to empowering them to make a living from their creativity.�
Now in its 31st season, SMU’s Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series brings a broad range of intellectual and entertaining voices to the SMU campus and Dallas community. Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest platforms for distinguished and engaging discussions, the Tate Lecture Series provides unique opportunities for student interaction, faculty discourse and community debate with leading minds as well as leading voices in their fields.
TURNER CONSTRUCTION/WELLS FARGO STUDENT FORUM 4:30 p.m.* Hughes-Trigg Student Center
An informal question and answer session. Free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
LECTURE
8 p.m. McFarlin Auditorium Students should come to the McFarlin basement at 7 p.m. First come, first served. Limited availability. One free ticket per SMU student ID. Business casual attire suggested.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 | The Linda and Mitch Hart Lecture
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 | The Anita and Truman Arnold Lecture
William Bennett
Michael Beschloss
CNN political commentator; host of the syndicated radio program i#JMM #FOOFUU T .PSOJOH JO "NFSJDBw
NBC News presidential historian; commentator, “PBS NewsHour�
Chris Matthews
Historian focused on American events and leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries
)PTU PG .4/#$ T i)BSECBMM XJUI $ISJT .BUUIFXTw BOE /#$ T i5IF $ISJT .BUUIFXT 4IPXw
Douglas Brinkley
and David Gergen, moderator CNN senior political analyst; former presidential adviser TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013
M.K. Asante Award-winning author and filmmaker, including “The Black Candle� with .BZB "OHFMPV i" NBTUFS TUPSZUFMMFS BOE NBKPS DSFBUJWF GPSDF w TBZT $// TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 | The Tolleson Lecture
Regis Philbin
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013 | The Omni Hotels Lecture
Legendary media personality; actor and singer; host of talk and game shows for more than 50 years (*Student Forum begins at 4:45 p.m. Limited seating. Tickets required.)
Niall Ferguson
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012 | The Oncor Lecture
British financial and economic historian; Newsweek columnist and Bloomberg TV contributing editor; best-selling author of The Ascent of Money and Civilization
Jane McGonigal
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013
Visionary game designer and futurist; named by The New York Times as one of 10 scientists with the best vision for what is coming next
President of Colombia, 2002-10
Ă lvaro Uribe
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012 | The Jones Day Lecture
Sanjay Gupta Practicing neurosurgeon; CNN chief medical correspondent; host PG i4BOKBZ (VQUB . % w SPONSORED BY
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570 KLIF News and Information 4FXFMM -FYVT t 4.6 4UVEFOU 'PVOEBUJPO The Weitzman Group & Cencor Realty Services
The Daily Campus
ARTS
MONDAY ■ JULY 2, 2012
5
VISUAL ARTS
MOVIES
E.V. Day’s “Hats.”
Hillsman Jackson/ SMU News & Information
What’s that hanging in Meadows atrium? Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spiderman.” Garfield’s turn of the iconic comic book character transcends the screen.
‘The Amazing Spiderman’ spins a winner, lives up to lofty title CHASE WADE Arts & Entertainment Editor cdawade@smu.edu There is a motif of missing parts throughout the summer’s newest super hero flick “The Amazing Spiderman.” First, we are introduced to Peter Parker, an angsty high school outcast of sorts. Parker’s missing part is relayed through the mysterious disappearance of his parents when he was a child. And then there is Dr. Curt Connors, a former research partner with Parker’s father, Connors main scientific goal is to regenerate his missing arm. Both of these characters are relentless for solutions or answers
to their missing parts and it’s from the overlapping of these two fevered searches that “The Amazing Spiderman” borrows its compelling (and, of course, actionpacked) storyline. As one of Marvel’s most successful franchises, Andrew Garfield, who plays the titles character in the film, must have felt a world of pressure on his shoulders to reprise the role that many can’t see anyone but Tobey Maguire playing. However, most of “The Amazing Spiderman’s” best moments come not through the stunning visual effects or CGI cityscapes but instead from Garfield’s organic, honest portrayal of Peter Parker. Garfield comes across on
screen as vulnerable, relatable and, something usually not seen in superhero movies, surprisingly human. Complementing Garfield’s superb acting is Emma Stone’s portrayal of Parker’s first love, Gwen Stacey. To say that Stone and Garfield’s on-screen chemistry is spot-on would be an understatement. In fact, the two actors mesh so well on the silver screen that it comes as no surprise that rumors are rampant about their real-life romance formed on the set of the film. Stone and Garfield particularly shine as a couple during their rooftop first kiss moment. Garfield’s vulnerability combines with Stone’s clumsy nerd-in-love persona to make for
one of the best first kiss scenes since Tobey Mcguire and Kirsten Dunst perfected the on-screen smooch in 2002’s “Spiderman.” Of course, considering that at its roots “The Amazing Spiderman” is a superhero movie, showy effects and cutting-edge cinematography come together to form a more-thanentertaining viewing experience. While “The Amazing Spiderman” delivers on its public promise to be an action-packed summer tent-pole feature, the film’s real surprise comes in its ability to make you genuinely care for every last character on screen. “The Amazing Spiderman” opens nationwide on July 3. (Note: spend the extra money, see the movie in IMAX.)
CHASE WADE Arts & Entertainment Editor cdawade@smu.edu At first glance the sight of Meadows Museum’s newest pieces look as if a traveling Renaissance fair accidently left their costumes out to dry on some sort of intricate clothes line. However, it Meadows, we must think not as a person but as a patron. And as all good patrons of art know, sometimes one has to smile, nod and mumble something like “yes, exquisite” as one saunter’s to the next exhibit. Featured on multiple parts of campus, the complex sculpture works are credited to New York artist E.V. Day. The pieces come with a greater 14 piece collection titled Divas Ascending. The three particular pieces that SMU has their hands on include Carmen, Merry Widow and Hats. “In my art, I use tension to suspend, stretch, and shred garments and to create forms that I liken to futurist abstract
paintings in three dimensions. The challenge was to do justice to the retired costumes, which still have a majesty and degree of craftsmanship unlike any I’d ever encountered. I wanted the sculptures to reflect and refract the specific roles the costumes had played. The interplay between the story of the opera from which each costume came, the moment created by the sculpture, and the physicality of the transformed garment – its materials, its shapes, its colors, floating in this celestial space – is the work that I hope viewers of my installation will appreciate,” Day said. Day draws inspiration from operas and operettes like “Casanova” and “The Magic Flute” to construct his complex sculptures. “Hats” is the real stand out of the three pieces SMU is showcasing. The sculpture as a whole posesses a sense of whimsy that the other two pieces, Carmen and Merry Widow, lack. Catch E.V Day’s intriguing sculptures at the Meadows Museum and Bob Hope Lobby until the traveling showcase ends on Sept. 30.
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NEWS
The Daily Campus
MONDAY ■ JUNE 2, 2012
PINTEREST: Site offers more than just social
features for some of its most crafty members CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
for wedding gifts, Mother’s Day, graduation, etc.,” Dillon said. Dillion believes it is crucial for small businesses to provide high quality photos and descriptions of their products on Pinterest that are attached to the URL back to their main website. “I think Pinterest can be used as an outlet for inspiration,” she said. In an interview with The Miami
Herald, Ellen Marchman, principal at GetInk PR in Miami said. Users can tell their story through creative boards and images and connect with their audience in another dimension of a relationship in building in social media networks. Bloggers are using Pinterest to their advantage as well. Seeing that Pinterest users are attracted to the visual and aesthetic side of things bloggers have
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capitalized on this and created their own Pinterests to promote their blog and their overall style. Krystal Schlegel is an SMU alumma who manages a successful blog of her fashion chronicles. Having worked with many fashion brands Krystal believes it is essential for bloggers and businesses to embrace the new social media platforms, promote themselves and most importantly find inspiration. “I think Pinterest is making things more photo-driven. It is another way for consumers to connect with businesses and moguls of the fashion industry. I think it is a wonderful idea that promotes beautiful photos,” Schlegel said. Even some colleges have caught onto the trend and are using the social network to their advantage. With categorized pinboards colleges are able to reach prospective students, current students and alumni. Rutgers University has 49 followers (and growing) who follow the university’s 15 boards showcasing the university’s culture, traditions, sports, alumni and gear, according to NextGen Journal. The SMU athletics department has adopted Pinterest as a way to
connect to students, athletes and common followers through images of events, athletes and facilities. SMU’s Hegi Career Center is also on Pinterest in hopes that they can provide career counseling, job search assistance, job listings, campus recruiting programs and networking opportunities to current SMU students and alumni according to their description on Pinterest. SMU’s activity on Pinterest is a way for students to connect with their university in a way they have never been able to before, and considering the amount of SMU students that are self-proclaimed “Pinoholics” the connection will continue to grow. “Everyone loves it! Facebook can get boring sometimes since it’s mindless entertainment. Pinterest allows users to use their creativity a little bit. Anything that college kids can do on their computers to procrastinate they will like,” SMU student Emily Sims said. Pinterest is the closest way people can come to sharing the things they love without physically giving their “belongings” to their friends. Although the social network’s population is mostly women right now, there is still a small
By the numbers $7.8 Billion - Forbes’s company value 10.5 Million - number of daily visitors 89 minutes - Average weekly user time majority of men who are drawn to Pinterest. SMU sophomore Breely Ungar says the best part of her internship with fashion website ZuuzStyle is pinning for the website. “I think Pinterest has rapidly spread and the response has been very positive. It is interesting to see how similar you and someone you are only acquaintances with have in common,” Ungar said. Ben Silbermann, Pinterest cofounder and CEO talked about why Pinterest has grown popular and the company’s long-term goals. The company’s mission is simple, “ to connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they
find interesting.” Originally from Google, Silbermann said he was overwhelmed by the response that the site eventually received. “It was exciting to see people using the product we created in ways we never expected,” Silbermann said in an interview with entrepreneur/investor/blogger Chris Dixon during the South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival (SXSW) held in Austin in March. “ I feel a responsibility I brought this little product into the world and I want to see it get better and see all the things that we can do to make it better,” Silbermann said.
The Daily Campus
MONDAY ■ JUNE 2, 2012
NEWS
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Courtesy of SMU News & Informations
Perkins Chapel is one of the premiere spots in Dallas to get married. The venue can have a 15-month waiting lists and costs $1,800 to reserve. The building is one of the oldest on campus and was built more than 50 years ago.
PERKINS: Waiting 15 months to say ‘I do?’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
they can have their wedding at Perkins without the wait,” SMU junior Jean Paul Desterac said. Teresa Rosado, coordinator of weddings at Perkins, explained that in actuality a couple can only book as far as 15 months in advance. “Back in the day they booked years out,” she said. “Now we only go out 15 months in advance because Perkins (theology school) needs to be able to use their chapel. It’s theirs.” Rosado has scheduled roughly 1,500 marriages in Perkins over her nine year tenure. Through the years, Rosado has discovered that based on the month and time of year, Perkins could have many marriages in a weekend or very few. In regard to the rumor Rosado chuckled, “People feel
that way when their specific time or date has been taken. That’s the most difficult part of my job — telling a bride that her time is already booked.” Rosado also added that many people from surrounding areas come to Perkins to get eloped. “People from San Antonio come down and elope for the next weekend,” she said. “They call me on the phone and ask if I have anything for the next weekend! Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t.” Megan Mitchell, SMU graduate and former employee, was married at Perkins in 2000. Almost 12 years ago the cost of reserving a space was under $1,500. “I can’t remember exactly what I paid, but it was between $1,200 and $1,400,” she said. The cost of renting out Perkins Chapel today is a $1,800
fee. Once a couple has booked, if they decide to call off the arrangement they are refunded 50 percent of their payment. Mitchell also said that she waited for 13 months after booking to walk down the aisle. In addition to the cost and the interval of time between booking and wedding day, Perkins also has strict guidelines on matters such as capacity, photography, video recording and decorations. According to the Perkins Chapel website, users of the facility can only choose florists from a list pre-approved by the Chapel. There are also no weddings on football game days which conflict with the traditional boulevarding before home games. “There are a lot of restrictions,” Rosado said. “You may not be able to play the
music you want. Perkins is not a wedding chapel, it is a seminary and we have to respect it as a place of worship.” Even with the wait, the cost and the guidelines, Perkins Chapel still draws much attention from the SMU community and outside communities alike. The Chapel’s website also posts that only a third of the people married are SMU alumni or students. So, there must be reasons beyond that SMU is the alma mater to many couples in the Dallas area that make people want to marry in Perkins. Mitchell, who met her spouse outside of SMU, said that the leading reasons why she got married there differed from just the fact that SMU was where she had graduated and worked right out of college.
“It’s beautiful! It sat around 300 people, which was perfect, and at that time it had just finished its renovations. It also had a center aisle,” Mitchell said. Anthony Tillman, currently an associate provost at SMU, was married last year to Lori White, SMU’s vice president for student affairs. Tillman and White were married at the First United Methodist Church in Dallas but seriously considered Perkins as the place to hold their sacred ceremony. “We did consider Perkins Chapel as it is a stunningly beautiful building and sanctuary. We also wanted to provide our out-of-town families and friends with the opportunity to get a glimpse of SMU, which is a great looking campus. However, the Chapel was not available on
the dates we were considering for our wedding event,” Tillman said. When asked if he were planning his wedding today would he choose Perkins, Tillman said that he would book the Chapel far in advance. “If we were currently in the planning stages for our wedding, we would arrange to reserve the Perkins Chapel at least 12-18 months in advance. It is a very popular venue for weddings especially during the late spring and early summer months.” Mitchell, who was proposed to at 8 a.m., skipped work that day to reserve her special day in the renowned Chapel. She recommends Perkins to any SMU couple looking for a special place to share their vows. “It’s perfect. In my opinion, there’s no other place,” she said.
Minor In Education. Major In Career Opportunity. Make a smart career move before you even pick a career. Open the door to a wide variety of career opportunities with a minor in education. Take the first step by enrolling in EDU 2350 during your first year at SMU. Call 214-768-2780 and make an appointment with one of our Teacher Education advisers. Dr. Kay Kuner: kkuner@smu.edu (Pre-K through 6th Grade) Ms. Kathy Barrett: kbarrett@smu.edu (Middle and High School) smu.edu/teacher Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
8 ADVERTISEMENTS
MONDAY ■ JULY 2, 2012
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SPORTS
MONDAY ■ JULY 2, 2012
OLYMPICS
9
STAFFING
Associated Press
Former SMU student Nastaia Luikin competes at U.S. Olympic Trials.
LONDON: Will SMU take home gold? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
us and the world. While most of the world is focused on athletics, a significant number of SMU students are studying abroad in London. Junior Kaleigh Schropp is in London this summer for SMU’s foreign Business Internship Program. “The program lasts for eight weeks, in which time I have gotten to see the Queen’s Jubilee, movie premiers, amazing music festivals, and celebrities everywhere. I am coming back to London at the end of July to attend the opening ceremonies and beach volleyball.” she said. “We have been so lucky to be in London at such a prime time. The city is on it’s best behavior right now. The city has been so good about alerting residents about the events happening so that we can plan ahead, so there has been little to no stress. Seriously, if there’s any place to be in the world right now, it’s London.” Three SMU swimmers are on the edge of competing at the Olympic games. Colombia’s Isabella Arcila, Lithuania’s Raminta Dvariskyte and Bulgaria’s Nina Rangelova respectively met their countries’ Olympic qualifying times in
backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle competitions. If these three swimmers are to make the official Olympic time, which officials believe will be announced next week, they will have earned the opportunity to swim for their countries in London. SMU swimming and diving’s reach on the Olympic games doesn’t just stop at current students. Laura Reback Bennett, a 1997 graduate, will compete in her second Olympic games as a triathlete for the United States. Bennett placed fourth in the triathlon at the 2008 Beijing Games. Out of the water, 2003 graduate Johan Brunstram is set to represent Sweden as a member of its Olympic tennis team. Brunstom will compete in doubles with partner Robert Lindstedt. First-year students can get excited to join “Mustang Nation” as it goes for the gold abroad. As the countdown to movein, Mustang Corral, and classes, begin add “Watch for the Gold” to your calendar. The 2012 Olympic Games will be July 27Aug. 12 with swim competition taking place between July 28Aug. 4.
Associated Press
New men’s basketball coach Larry Brown and President R. Gerald Turner shake hands during Brown’s welcome ceremony.
Summer brings changes in the SMU athletic landscape KELSEY CHARLES Associate Sports Editor kcharles@smu.edu This year has certainly been full of changes for SMU Athletics. From a tumultuous men’s basketball season that led to the subsequent firing of Coach Matt Doherty, to the hiring of basketball legend Larry Brown, the SMU Athletic department has been nothing short of busy. No less than a week after his arrival, Brown cut four basketball players, one of whom was the starting point guard. Despite the gaping hole in the roster, Brown has managed to add several key recruits before the start of the school year. So far, Arizona transfer Josiah Turner
and former Illinois shooting guard Crandall Head have signed on with the team. According to a report from Rivals.com, Brown has already reached out to several players for the 2013-2014 season, including the five-star Harrison twins from Houston. On the heels of the enormous changes made to the men’s basketball team, SMU President R. Gerald Turner announced in May the release of the man behind the hiring of June Jones and Brown, Athletic Director Steve Orsini. Tim Leonard has been named the interim athletic director for the university, as the search for a permanent replacement continues. Despite naming an interim
AD, SMU is still in the midst of finding Orsini’s permanent replacement as summer reaches the midway point and football season looms around the corner. The 2012-2013 football season will prove to be an exciting one, as many new developments have been made with the team. The Mustangs have already begun gearing up for their move to the Big East next year by switching equipment suppliers from Adidas to Nike — a move that many student athletes are excited about. In addition, SMU’s entire football season will be broadcast through a combined effort of Fox Sports Net, CBS Sports Network, CSS and Time Warner Texas. In previous seasons, away
games were difficult to find on cable, if they were broadcast at all. On the women’s side, a stellar new head soccer coach — Chris Petrucelli — has been named to the team. Petrucelli is a twotime National Coach of the Year and also led Notre Dame to an NCAA Championship in 1995. “We are very excited to bring Chris [Pernucelli] on to lead our women’s soccer program,” said Leonard. “He is one of the top coaches in the nation and we know he can lead our program back to national prominence.” No doubt the university has made some significant change, but only time will tell, but the Mustangs seem up to the challenge.
10
OPINION
The Daily Campus
MONDAY ■ JULY 2, 2012
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COLUMN
New playoff plan reduces favoritism in college football . . . finally Reprinted from The Dallas Morning News One beauty of American team sports always has been its perceived objectivity. Score the most points or runs or goals, and you win. Win the most games, or win them at the right time, and you win a championship. Black and white, winners and losers. How teams achieved that opportunity sometimes involved luck, but in only one sport — major college football — did subjectivity rule. From its earliest days, its national champions were chosen by boards of sportswriters or coaches. In this modern era, the people in charge layered incomprehensible computer formulas over polls to choose two teams to play for the title in the much-derided Bowl Championship Series. No more, and not soon enough. Starting in 2014, college football fans who have pleaded with the powers that be for a playoff to decide a national champion mostly get their wish. The BCS conference commissioners and Presidential Oversight Board voted to install a Final Four, with semifinal games rotating among six current bowls on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day and a national title game the next week. It’s not a 16- or eight-team playoff, with conference champs earning automatic bids, but it beats the alternative. Beyond the certain sellout crowds, the TV money is off the charts, with estimates running toward $500 million per year. Thinking parochially, this is excellent news for North Texas. And, yes, for this we can thank Jerry Jones for having the vision (and public backing) to build America’s finest football stadium in Arlington. Cowboys Stadium is home to the AT&T Cotton Bowl, a strong contender to make the six-bowl semifinal rotation and an attractive bidder for the title game. Without the JerryDome and its 100,000 seats, this would not have been possible. (Call that opinion, if you like, but to us, it’s objective fact.) Many playoff details remain unsettled, but the commissioners’ compromise plan — with a 12-year contract — keeps the bowl structure intact and will incorporate the new Champions Bowl, which will pit the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference champions at a site to be determined. Don’t be surprised if that site is in Arlington, too. The football Final Four will be chosen by a selection committee, mimicking the successful NCAA Basketball Tournament. Instead of debating eighth, ninth and 10th regional seeds, the football committee will weigh the tough No. 4 vs. No. 5 call. So we haven’t eliminated all of the arguing about who’s really the best in college football. And what’s the harm in that? Deserving teams will be left out, probably every year, and that’s imperfect. But a four-team playoff makes it twice as likely that college football will determine a national champion on the field, where, objectively, it should happen.
POLICIES The Daily Campus is a public forum, Southern Methodist University’s independent student voice since 1915 and an entirely student-run publication. 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 letters for accuracy, length and style. Letters should be submitted to dc@smu.edu.
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The latest polls show Barack Obama slightly ahead of GOP candidate Mitt Romney. Does that mean we are in for a tight race?
Associated Press
Polls too close to call for election TUCKER KEENE Opinions Editor tkeene@smu.edu As of the time I’m writing this, the presidential election is shaping up to be very close. Mitt Romney and Barack Obama haven’t been more than three points away from each other in the Gallup Daily Tracking Poll since late April and have constantly been trading the lead. Most days they’re only one or two percentage points away from each other, and neither Romney nor Obama show any signs of pulling away any time soon. Despite what has been on all accounts a pretty terrible month for Obama, Romney still can’t get a significant lead. Early on in the month of June, Obama’s union allies suffered a big loss in Wisconsin when Scott Walker became the first governor ever to survive a recall vote. Just before that, we got news that the economy took a downturn
in the month of May, failing to add jobs at a rate keeping up with population growth. Following that news, his commerce secretary had to resign following two car accidents in one day, one of which is being investigated as a felony hit and run. His Attorney General Eric Holder, after constant stonewalling regarding the horrific gun-walking scandal that sold drugs to Mexican drug cartels and resulted in the death of hundreds of people including two U.S. Border Patrol Agents, is being brought up on contempt of congress, for which there will be a vote the last week of June, which is expected to pass. And finally, the Supreme Court will hand down several important decisions within the next few days, including high profile battles on health care and Arizona’s immigration law. Now it is entirely likely that by the end of the summer all of these issues will be resolved, and politically the effects of them will be realized. I
cannot predict the future, but I am going to try. Here goes. Republicans will use the commerce secretary appointment hearings to have in depth conversations about the effects of Obama’s economic and regulatory polices, while ultimately letting the new commerce secretary be confirmed. Eric Holder, facing indictment from a Grand Jury, will step down as attorney general. Republicans will hold up confirmation of his replacement until after the election. The economy will continue to stumble along its haphazard recovery with mediocre growth and little progress. Mitt Romney will use this to his advantage and pick a running mate who underscores the focus on the economy, such as Paul Ryan, Bobby Jindal or Rob Portman. I’d make a prediction on the outcomes of the two major
supreme court cases but in the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Those who know, don’t talk; and those who talk, don’t know.” Any attempt at forecasting on my part would be pure folly, and be much more a case of my own hopes and dreams than genuine foresight. For all of you politically minded incoming freshmen, there will be plenty of events on campus, as well as chances for active participation as College Democrats and College Republicans both hold debates, election-centric parties and events, go on district walks with local politicians and hold voter registration drives as well. With an election doomed to be as close as this one is, I personally look forward to a vigorous and exciting fall campaign. Keene is a freshman majoring in political science.
Change - it’s inevitable - might as well get used to it MATTHEW BOLANOS mbolanos@smu.edu Everyone wants to be a neophile. Only the old and feeble are afraid of change or the fear of fading away as technology outpaces them. As college students, we are supposed to be ready for anything the world has to offer; we must remain completely flexible, ready to change at a moments notice. We are meant to crave change, the uncertainty it brings, and the thrill it gives us. No doubt many of you reading this are exhilarated to experience the transition from high school to college. For once in your life you are finally free from your nagging parents, those select high school friends you never really liked, and that one teacher everyone learned to despise. High school is now behind you, and you are finally ready for the future and the inevitable ups and downs awaiting you. And yet the same uncertainty
brings about a wave of nervousness. What if you really do need your parents? What if your new friends are even more annoying than your old ones? Or even worse, what if your new college professors are straight from the bowels of Hell (don’t worry the professors here aren’t that bad). Before you know it, your precious thrill is replaced with a fear of what is to come. Without you realizing it you have instantly become a neophobe. Even the best of us succumb to this pressure of stress and anxiety. People are only truly comfortable with change as long as it is someone else experiencing it. Sure it is fine to save the earth as long as I do not have to do the recycling. Sure it is fine to raise taxes as long as it is not my tax bracket doing the raising. Sure it is fine to improve health care as long as I do not have to pay for it. And God forbid Mark Zuckerberg try to change Facebook for the hundredth time. As much as our society
praises and worships change and innovation, it is human nature to fear the uncertainty it brings, and for good reason. Why change something that isn’t broken? Why risk everything just to improve things by just a hair? But without a healthy dose of change, progress would remain stagnant and we would still be using Facebook v1.0. The 900 million active users and the success Facebook has seen would merely be a pipe dream if Zuckerberg and his team remained pleased with the status quo (so quit complaining about timeline, it’s the best thing to happen since sliced bread). On the other side of the aisle, we are still stuck using the same Craigslist built in 2000, merely because its current CEO is afraid of advancement. Today Craigslist serves as a relic of a past in a sea of technological and design innovation, all because it has avoided the inevitable for as long as it can. So I urge of you to embrace it. Yes, the possibilities are endless
and anything could happen, but that is what is so beautiful about change. For the first time in your life you get to redefine who you are. As difficult as it may be, try to purge those high school acquaintances from Facebook, and for the love of God, leave your high school romance behind. I am not telling you to lose who you once were, but do not let the past hold you down. Accomplish what you were set out here to do; become something greater than what you once were. Yes, you could remain who you are now, stagnant and never changing, but then you would not be any different from Craigslist. You will be left behind, as others experiment and advance. So promise me to avoid stagnation like the plague. Become something great, exciting, and new. Become the next Facebook. Bolanos is a junior majoring in political science.
Low pay, high reward for summer internships MICHAEL GRAVES mgraves@smu.edu The snooze button on my alarm gets more action than Marilyn Monroe on days like this. I’m up again at 6 a.m., in my car by 7:30 am, yelling at the guy trying to turn left down a one-way street at 7:48 a.m., and finally in the office by 7:55 just making my clock-in time. From 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., I am one step above an Egyptian slave. At 5 p.m., I leave the office, cook dinner at home for one, and finally fall asleep to the sound of ambulances passing by my window by midnight. Then the process starts again. Many of you share my pain. We’re the group of people that, for a reason unknown to any mortal being, decide to take on a summer internship. Internships are not like other
summer jobs. My friends who work at tennis clubs or tanning beds smile at people and get great perks like free court time or a tanning subscription (though I’m not so sure if that’s a perk I want). Me, I gain knowledge and make contacts in exchange for sitting through meetings, creating online content, and running around the office, mostly to make more coffee. I currently hold the record for most cups drank in one day. However, I can’t complain. My boss is kind and listens to my opinions. The lady I work closely with consults with me on almost every project. They take time to sit and work through problems with me - the guy who thought he knew a lot before he sat down at that dual-screened computer. Most of my friends accepted intern positions this summer. Some of them are paid but most
of them are not. If you accepted an intern position, it may or may not have anything to do with your normal schoolwork. Fortunately, I landed a great gig where I get to put my communication theory skills to work. However, any experience gained during the summer is good experience, even if we come home beat to a pulp each day, only to receive six hours of sleep and start again. To me, the most exciting thing about my internship is the prospect of learning a new city. I’m in Nashville, Tennessee, and I’ve never driven up so many hills in one day. It’s a far cry from the flatlands of Texas, and everyone here would laugh that we call ourselves “The Hilltop.” Throughout my four weeks in the city thus far, I’ve already made great friends and explored new coffee shops. I’ve learned the
difference between a gay man and a hipster (it’s harder to tell than you think), and have eaten the best biscuits of my life (y’all really need to chow down at Loveless Café). This summer, think of your slaving away during the day for little or no monetary compensation well worth the frustrations of an intern, should you have made that choice. When you think to yourself, “Why the heck did I not just stay home and work at Starbucks again,” remember the knowledge you’re gaining from those who have worked in the business you want to rule someday. And when you feel like you’re about to pass out from exhaustion keep going! You’ll have a couple of weeks before we hit the books to rest. Graves is a junior majoring in Communication.
The Daily Campus
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MONDAY ■ JULY 2, 2012
NEWS
11
events and organizations every SMU freshman must know about
1) Mustang Corral
5) Family Weekend
9) Homecoming
Before classes start, first years can choose to go on a three-day, offcampus retreat. Despite the rumors you may have heard about Mustang Corral, it is great way to bond with fellow new students (even if it is bonding over how much you want a comfy bed).
After being away from home for over a month, Family Weekend is the perfect time to have your parents visit. You get to show them a little bit of your life at SMU, including spending some time Boulevarding and a football game.
Organizations, including many Greek ones, compete against each other in the following categories — banner making, window painting, Peruna painting and float building. The week builds up to the Homecoming parade before the football game.
2) Night at the Club
6) Student Senate
10) Freshman Foregiveness
With more than 120 organizations, Night at the Club is the perfect event to get a feel of the different organizations that SMU has to offer. In addition to tables put up by the organizations, there is a mechanical bull, photo booths and treats for all first years.
A great way to get involved as a first-year is to represent your freshman class in student government. Five first years are selected through an online voting process to represent the class of 2016 in Student Senate.
3) Block Party
7) State Fair
Start off the school year with Block Party. Block Party happens within the first couple of weeks of school. It allows students to meet each other and get excited for the upcoming sports season with music, food and free goodies.
Fried food, rides, games and more are all at your fingertips at Dallas’ annual fair at Fair Park in October. Known for a wide selection of fried food, the State Fair has it all from fried Oreos to fried butter.
At the end of fall semester, thousands of Christmas lights are displayed on Dallas Hall and its surrounding area. SMU students come out to sing Christmas carols, listen to groups perform and hear President Turner read The Christmas Story.
4) Boulevarding
8) Brown Bag
12) Mac’s Place
SMU students don’t tailgate, we Boulevard. Before each football game, tents come up all along the Boulevard. SMU students, faculty, alumni and friends come out to enjoy food, drinks and games on the Boulevard.
Each semester SMU’s prestigious dance programs invites its patrons to spend their lunch hour taking in original pieces of choreography with its Brown Bag dance program. Word to the wise: get to the Owen Arts Lobby early, seating is very limited.
Nestled inside McElvaney Hall, Mac’s Place is SMU’s best alternative to on-campus eating compared to Umphrey Lee Cafeteria. With made-to -order sandwiches, a wide array of pizzas and salads and other late-nigh snacks, Mac’s Place is more than just a freshman staple, it’s a must.
Freshmen forgiveness gives first years the chance to retake a class and have the higher grade go toward your GPA rather than dropping the class and receiving a W on your transcript. It’s also important to know that with freshman forgiveness both grades still appear on your transcript.
11) Celebration of Lights
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