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NEWS| PAGE 6 Meet the faces of the fair

STYLE| PAGE 2 Student designs unique jewelry VOLUME 97, ISSUE 28

Weather FRIDAY High 82, Low 62 SATURDAY High 82, Low 60

President Obama confirmed that former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi had been killed on Thursday. “Today we can definitely say the Gaddafi regime has come to an end—the last major regime strongholds have fallen,” Obama said. He also called for a remembrance for all those lost while protesting the regime, as well as the Libyan people who died at his hands. Gaddafi’s son and the former national-security adviser Mutassim Gaddafi has been killed. There are reports that another of his sons Saif al-Islam is also dead

Exotic animals released Terry Thompson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after releasing over 50 exotic animals from his farm. From Zanesville, Ohio, Thompson’s body was found in his driveway, and every animal cage had been damaged so that the police could not return the animals to them. Thompson had received nine citations for having his animals, and police had responded to over 30 complains about the animals since 2004. Police have accounted for all of the 56 exotic animals, most of which were killed. Autopsy reports revealed a bite mark to the owner’s head, which suggests that one of his large cats bit him post-mortem.

50th Carl’s Jr. opens in Texas Carl’s Jr. will open its 50th restaurant in Texas Friday. To celebrate, the new restaurant will give away free burger coupons to the first 50 visitors. The coupons will go towards Carl’s Jr. latest creation, the Steakhouse burger. The new restaurant, located in the city of Garland, will open its doors at 6 a.m.

Melody Barnes resigns White House domesticpolicy adviser Melody Barnes will leave at the end of the year. Barnes worked on issues pertaining to health care, education, immigration and nutrition. She said she will move to work in the private sector to spend more time with her family.

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CAMPUS

Finances

Oprah used to illustrate link between culture, religion

Social Security income to increase

By ASHLEY STAINTON

Contributing Writer magnew@smu.edu

This semester’s first ScottHawkins lecture began Thursday with speaker Kathryn Lofton, a professor of American and religious studies at Yale and author of “Oprah: The Gospel of an Icon.” Lofton’s lecture, “Oprah’s Diverting Conversions: The Makeover as Social Rite,” explored the relationship between American culture and religion. Dozens of students came out to hear Lofton speak about culture’s influence on religions, as well as religion’s influence on culture, while using the work of Oprah Winfrey to tie it all together. To start off the night, Lofton read excerpts from her book, giving students a glimpse into the world of Oprah. Winfrey’s show can be described at times as an hour-long therapy session, explained Lofton. “At every turn there is a hub of self-love and a slap of self-scrutiny,” Lofton said about the show. Lofton claimed that Winfrey’s gift was not her interviewing techniques but rather her own imperfections. She possesses the uncanny ability to know when to reveal her own personal experiences to relate to her guests. “Oprah does more than merely present an idea,” Lofton said, “she converts you to an idea.” Lofton referred to Winfrey’s show as a makeover, geared towards helping her guest become the people

Social Security income benefits will increase by 3.6 percent in 2012 in order keep up with inflation. The adjustment is based on recent cost of living data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many individuals speculate if Social Security will even be around in 40 years when it’s time for Generation Y to retire. Regardless, saving for retirement is crucial. Social Security should be icing on the cake, not a primary source of retirement income. Make a point to set aside money without thinking about it. Use direct deposit to put a portion of your check in a savings account each pay period. If you don’t see the funds in your checking account, chances are you’ll forget that you even have the money stocked away for a rainy day. If a company offers a 401k plan, be sure to contribute the full amount that they match. This is an instant 100 percent return, and you don’t have to pay taxes on the income immediately. Saving for retirement is not the same as saving for a vacation. You won’t touch this money in your IRA (individual retirement account) until you’re at least 59.5 years old without incurring a 10 percent withdrawal penalty.

Contributing Writer astainton@smu.edu

Gaddafi and sons killed

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

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SIDNEY HOLLINGSWORTH/THE DAILY CAMPUS

Kathryn Lofton, a professor of American and religious studies at Yale, spoke Thursday evening about culture’s influence on religion.

they are supposed to be. Though, Winfrey does this through excessive gift giving and implying that the enshrinement of goods possesses spiritual capacities to transform someone. “It is a ritual spectacle, with attempts to heal her guests,” Lofton said. Until the Oprah phenomenon of compulsive consumption and ritual

healing catches on to the rest of the world, Lofton says: “We are all trapped in her makeover dreams.” The Religious Studies Club of SMU sponsored the lecture. “The goal of the Religious studies club at SMU is to explore different religions in the world and promote tolerance,” Wesleigh Ogle, the president of the club, said.

Per onal Finan e Start saving as soon as possible to build a base of funds that will earn a return. As time progresses, the portfolio will compound and grow significantly. People in their 20s can afford to take risk because they have time on their side. If they lose it all, they have time to make it back. Furthermore, the returns will be greater to compensate for higher risk. An aggressive growth strategy, such as investing in small companies, has historically offered the highest returns in the stock market. For instance, $1 invested in 1926 in small cap stocks grew to $17,000 by 2010, according to a report by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Large cap stocks grew to around $3,000. Individuals should reallocate their portfolio as their lifestyle changes. As they approach retirement, stocks probably aren’t the safest type of investment, as there is always a chance a company could go bankrupt. It is important to keep track of your finances and plan accordingly for the future. Once you have that first job and are earning a little money, save some! Find a Certified Financial Planner, CFP, to make sure you’re on the right track to meet your goals when the time arises.

human rights

U.S. Ambassador to Uganda discusses work in Africa By PATRICIA BOH

Associate News Editor pboh@smu.edu

Law students interested in alternative legal career paths and international human rights concerns had the opportunity to meet with Jerry Lanier, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda. During the “Careers in International Diplomacy” lecture, Lanier discussed his work as a diplomat in various African countries and the human rights issues he encountered during his 26 years of service. Dallas attorney Stephen F. Malouf also spoke at the event. Since 2003, his office has represented private African clients and parts of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Malouf is also the chairman of Empower African Children, a Dallas-based non-profit organization that helps impoverished children

in Uganda. According to their website, Empower African Children was inspired by “success stories from more than 15 years of work with Africa’s vulnerable children.” Both Malouf and his wife run Empower African Children, which currently has five Ugandan students placed in US colleges. “You may go to [Third World countries] just to help, and that’s why people love the USA,” Malouf said. Lanier also encouraged anyone interested in the Foreign Service to apply, explaining State Department officials come from a variety of backgrounds and the hiring process is a “democratic system.” “If you want to know America, leave it and go somewhere else [so that] you can understand what we have here,” Lanier said. According to Lanier, the State Department’s “first responsibility”

is “to protect American citizens abroad,” and the second is “to assist American companies seeking to do business in foreign countries.” Following Lanier and Malouf ‘s talk, audience members were allowed to ask questions. Many asked Lanier questions pertaining to the Ugandan government and economy, as well as logistics questions about Africa at large. The two speakers offered their insights on controversial subjects such as human rights, civil unrest and economic significance in the African continent to an audience mostly comprised of law students interested in international affairs. “I’m African, and I [wanted] to hear more information about what’s going on there,” Harriet Atsegbua, a law student, said. For law student Maria Fernandez, meeting with an ambassador was a unique experience. “He’s the Ambassador to

SIDNEY HOLLINGSWORTH/THE DAILY CAMPUS

Dallas attorney Stephen F. Malouf and U.S. Ambassdor to Uganda Jerry Lanier discuss human rights and governmental concerns on the African continent during the Careers in International Diplomacy lecture on Thursday.

Uganda,” Fernandez said. “You don’t get to meet those very often.” To conclude the talk, Lanier stressed that “credibility is everything.”

“Make sure you get it right, because if you get it wrong, people don’t trust you,” Lanier said. “Credibility is everything in my profession.”

lecture

Poet explains differences in sex, gender, orientation By CHRISTINE JONAS Associate A&E Editor cjonas@smu.edu

The Women’s Interest Network hosted the Sex-Positivism lecture Wednesday featuring poet and Texas native, Harmony Eichsteadt. Eichsteadt opened the lecture, which she called a conversation, by explaining three terms that are commonly misunderstood: sex, gender and orientation. She explained that sex describes what you are genetically: male, female, trans-gendered, intersex. Gender explains if you are feminine, masculine or androgynous. Orientation basically describes who you like, for example straight, gay, bisexual, asexual or demisexual. Then the conversation was exactly that: a conversation, between Eichsteadt and the

SPENCER J EGGERS/THE DAILY CAMPUS

Poet Harmony Eichsteadt discusses sex, gender and orientation Wednesday during the Women’s Interest Network lecture.

seven or so people in the Hughes-Trigg Forum. Eichsteadt proposed topics such as sex workers, feminism and sex, the SlutWalk and sex-positivism. Eichsteadt spoke about sex-

positivism, which is a movement that advocates open sexuality with little boundaries and tied it into feminism and its roots. She then switched topics to the SlutWalk protest marches.

The SlutWalk began in Toronto in April, after a Toronto police officer said, “Women should avoid dressing like sluts” so they are not targets of violence and sex crimes. Women first gathered and protested over the officer’s use of the word “slut” and have since gathered globally to demonstrate against these kinds of comments and beliefs. Eichsteadt explained that women were told to “wear whatever you want to wear to make you feel valuable.” This topic sparked a discussion between Eichsteadt and the audience. “One of the cool things I’ve heard of people doing is that they will wear the clothes they were raped in,” an audience member said. “So they are kind of reclaiming something from when they were called ‘slut’ after

they had been raped.” Eichsteadt then explained sex through historical beliefs and relationships in different cultures. One story was about an ancient community where the women would wake up the men together. Before the men would leave to hunt, they would pair up with the women. If a man returned with meat, he and the woman he was paired up with would have sex. Everyday everyone had a different partner, and everyday the men would secretly distribute the meat so they would all return successfully. The conversation fluctuated and covered a wide range of sex topics. The small audience was very interactive, and one thing was certain — the conversation was never boring.


2

Style

• Friday, October 21, 2011

The Daily Campus

RETAIL

SMU senior designs, sells unique jewelry By VICTORIA AHMADI Contributing Writer vahmadi@smu.edu

Newport beach native Ali Grace has established a name for herself as a jewelry designer and entrepreneur at the young age of 21. Grace is currently a senior at Southern Methodist University majoring in art history, but her passion for jewelry began when she was 4-years-old. “My mom gave me a plastic bead set and I was constantly making necklaces and bracelets for myself,” Grace said. “I set up jewelry stands in front of my house when I was very young.” When Grace was in fourthgrade she began stringing semiprecious stones to make one-of-akind jewelry pieces. Her small business slowly grew as she sold some of her jewelry to her mother’s friends. At the age of fourteen, she began selling her jewelry in stores. “A’maree’s, a very well respected high-end store in Newport Beach, was the first store to carry my jewelry,” Grace said. Her jewelry is available in five stores across the U.S., four of which are in California and one in Texas. Ali Grace’s collection is available in California at A’maree’s, Carrots, Laguna

Supply and Generic Youth. The line can be found in Dallas at Studio Sebastian, an upscale women’s boutique in Snider Plaza. The brand has several online outlets for consumers including a website, a blog and twitter. The California-native finds the majority of her inspiration from nature, especially the ocean. “I love the beach and the colors associated with it,” she said. Grace’s work is easily identified by her use pave’ diamonds, earthy beads and aqua stones. There is an organic yet feminine aspect to the collection. The line can be paired with jeans and a tee shirt or a couture dress to a cocktail party. Grace’s jewelry is versatile and can be mixed and matched with other jewelry for a more subtle or glamorous look. Ali Grace Jewelry is different from other jewelry lines in that the designer personally selects every piece of bead, stone and clasp herself. The designer is also very careful to not repeat pieces so that her line stays unique just as it began. “I do not make 100 pieces of the same style; I make small amounts of the same piece,” she said. This allows the customer to

Campus Events

SPENCER J EGGERS/The Daily Campus

SMU senior Ali Grace’s line of jewelry can be found at Studio Sebastian in Snider Plaza.

have a special experience knowing that the same bracelet, necklace,

Police Reports OCTOBER 20

FRIDAY

October 21 No events listed for this day.

SATURDAY October 22

SMU Rugby vs. Angelo State; come watch the game at 1 p.m on the SMU Intramural fields.

10:52 a.m. Theft: South Quad Lot/6000 Ownby Drive. A non affiliated person reported theft of her juvenile’s bicycle. The theft occurred on 10/15 between 3:00 5:30 p.m. Open. 2:52 p.m. Fire Alarm: Fondren Library Center/6414 Hyer Lane. UPFD responded to an active fire alarm. It was determined it was caused by an activated pull station that was pulled accidently. Closed.

etc. will not be seen on people everywhere.

October 21

12:18 p.m. Failure to Leave Identification: Airline Parking Garage/6506 Airline Circle. A visitor reported his unoccupied vehicle was struck and no contact information was left at the scene. Open. 1:20 p.m. Off Campus/Criminal Incident/Aggravated Assault: Duke’s Roadhouse/3310 Central Expwy./ Plano TX. A student reported he was assaulted at this location. Plano PD is investigating the assault. Open.

“I try to diversify myself by not creating things that I see,” Grace said. “I avoid making pieces that resemble mass produced items.” The designer credits her childhood for the vision of her line. “Growing up at the beach has greatly impacted my line; no matter where I live, inspiration from nature will always influence in my line,” she said. Aside from the jeweler’s selfmarketing techniques, she has relied heavily on word-of-mouth advertisement and the press. In the August of 2006 issue of “Teen Vogue,” the young designer and her jewels were featured in an article. More recently, on February 11, 2009 “Daily Candy Dallas” published an article on Ali Grace Jewelry. Her work has also been featured in the US News and World 2012 Report Best Colleges Issue. “The press has been very beneficial for my jewelry,” she said. “It has allowed people all across the country to have access to my line.” The press from her hometown has served as a helping hand throughout her career as well.

Grace has been mentioned in a number of fashion blogs and local newspapers in Newport Beach, Calif. When asked what her vision of the future she confidently replied, “In 10 years I see myself still designing jewelry; it is my passion and I cannot see myself quitting anytime soon.” The self-made designer has flaunted her own creations since she was a child but says that true satisfaction comes when she sees her work on others. “It is extremely satisfying to see someone walking down the street wearing one of my designs,” Grace said. “As long as I continue to feel this joy and excitement, I will continue to design jewelry,” she said. The jewelry line has proven to be very lucrative as a result of Grace’s hard work and consistency. Grace said that she is extremely fortunate to be in the position she is today and takes pride in her work. “I am lucky to do something I love and have people respond positively to it,” Grace said. “It is amazing and very rewarding that people are willing to purchase and wear my designs.”


Sports

The Daily Campus

Friday, October 21, 2011 •

3

FOOTBALL

Mustangs look to upset Southern Miss Saturday By MERCEDES OWENS Contributing Writer mmowens@smu.edu

The SMU Mustang football team will be heading to Hattiesburg, Miss. this weekend to take on the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles Saturday. On Oct. 15 the Mustangs defeated the defending Conference USA champions, the UCF Knights, 38-17. The win set SMU’s overall record to 5-1 and the C-USA record to 3-0, making it the most successful start to the season the Mustangs have had since 1986. Due to a bye weekend, the Southern Miss football team has not had any action since their win against Navy on Oct. 8. The Golden Eagles defeated Navy on their home field in Annapolis, Md. 63-35. It was the most points the Navy’s football team has allowed since a 65-19 home loss to N.C. State in 2002. The Golden Eagles are also off to a 5-1 start to the season, averaging 48 points a game during their winning streak. Some of the Eagles previous opponents have been Rice, Louisiana Tech and

Marshall. Marshall has been the only team to defeat Southern Miss this season with a score of 26-20 on their home field in Huntington, W.Va. Coming off wins over UCF and No. 20 TCU, the Mustangs are 12-3 in their last 15 home games, dating back to the start of the 2009 season. SMU has scored a minimum of 28 points during the past five straight games, and three of those were 40 points or above. After the victory against TCU, SMU football put 11 members on Phil Steele’s Midseason AllConference C-USA Team. During the UCF game, SMU accumulated 358 passing yards and 440 total yards. SMU quarterback J.J. McDermott threw the longest touchdown pass of 72 yards to Der’ick Thompson since Kyle Padron’s pass to Aldrick Robinson at Tulane Oct. 30, 2010. Senior cornerback Richard Crawford also put big numbers on the board against UCF. Crawford returned a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown early on in the second quarter, his second punt return for over 40 yards in the first half.

MICHAEL DANSER/The Daily Campus

Senior wide receiver Cole Beasley has rushed for 1,184 yards and 12 TDs on 157 carries this season.

As a result of the Mustangs continuing success, the stampede is now ranked at No. 29 on the 2011 NCAA AP College Football

Poll for week eight. SMU is one in only a handful of teams that has received votes for a top 25 ranking with 19.

Southern Miss is currently ranked No. 32 on the AP College Football Poll. According to CBSSports.com,

SMU has been contacted by Big East commissioner John Marinatto in regards to further expansion. Fellow Conference-USA member, the University of Houston, was also contacted by Marinatto regarding Big East expansion. However, Joe Schad, ESPN’s National College Football Reporter, announced that there have been no formal invitations to the conference released at this time. When it comes to conference realignment, SMU head coach June Jones is not concerned with traveling to different time zones for games. During his interview on ESPN’s College Football Live Wednesday, Jones expressed his thoughts on changing conferences. “I know that because of our location here in Dallas we’re attractive,” Jones said. However, Jones said he’s not concerned about the re-alignment and he doesn’t want to focus on it until “something is final.” SMU will take on the Golden Eagles Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on CBS Sports.

campus

New stadium lights shine bright for players By BROOKE WILLIAMSON Contributing Writer kbwilliamson@smu.edu

Lights, camera, action… scratch that, lets make it — lights, camera, kickoff! Last week construction crew surrounded the football stadium installing new stadium lights. From the fans point of view there is nothing wrong with the lights, but from the players point of view, it is very bright, literally. Many would ask why this

was so important or if it even mattered. When receivers run down the field to catch a high ball on a 40 yard pass finding the ball in the shadows can be somewhat of a Where’s Waldo game due to the glare and shadows of the lights. And in the game of football there is no room for mistake. Coaches began to hear comments from receivers about the difficulty of catching the ball somewhere between the 20 and the 40-yard lines.

After light tests and thorough investigation into the matter it was proven that the shadow and angle of the lights were off making it extremely difficult to follow the ball. This is where Musco Lighting comes in. A lighting company specializing in lighting sports stadiums around the globe. Assistant Athletic Director Brad Sutton elaborated on the actions being taken. The plan is to reduce the number of light fixtures at and

around the stadium from 400 to 220. This includes making them more energy-efficient using green technology to reduce energy consumption. Efforts have also been made re-aiming the light, focusing it on the field to reduce the halo effect that currently exists. The new lights that have been installed are temporary for right now. Further action for a more permanent fix will take place after the season.

women’s swimming

SMU hopeful in upcoming Mustang Classic By AUSTIN MANIERRE Contributing Writer amanierre@smu.edu

The SMU women’s swimming and diving team will host an array of opponents this weekend in the Mustang Classic. The Mustangs are in for a competitive weekend, as the SMU Classic gives nationally ranked opponents from across the country a chance to compete with other top teams. SMU will be racing with a University of Texas team who placed sixth overall in the NCAA tournament last year, Florida, who finished seventh, Virginia, who came in 13th, and Wisconsin who finished 11th. SMU finished the tournament in 36th place. However the Mustangs cruised past Conference USA

rival Rice 156 to 106 in their opener last Saturday. Sophomore Nina Rangelova took first in the 100, 200 and 500-yard freestyles. Rangelova’s outstanding performance along with contribution in relays helped her earn the Conference USA Swimmer of the Week Award. Another swimmer to keep an eye on this weekend is senior Therese Svendsen. Against Rice, she won the 100 and 200-yard backstroke events , which will also be in the upcoming meet this weekend. The designed the SMU Classic is so that each competing team must have one representative in each race, but squads are limited to eight swimmers and one diver for the entire event. The competition is set up so

MICHAEL DANSER/The Daily Campus

Women’s swimming will host the SMU Classic this weekend.

that only the top swimmers of each selected team will start the tournament. With swimmers able to compete in three-day relays, it gives them the advantage to show off their skills in more than

one day. During last year’s Mustang Classic, SMU finished fourth. The meet will take place this Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. inside the Perkins Natatorium.

sports management

SMU students kick it with FC Dallas CEO By ERICA PENUNURI Associate Sports Editor epenunuri@smu.edu

The Applied Physiology and Sport Management (APSM) program, approved in 2009, is fairly new, but is quickly increasing in numbers, and is already shaking hands with major CEOs in Dallas — literally. “The Sport Management concentration now has 93 majors and 43 minors and we expect that number to increase over the next few years as incoming students become aware of SMU’s program,” director of the sports management program, Michael Lysko, said. The SMU sports management program took a trip to Frisco last Tuesday evening to not only watch Major League Soccer (MLS) team, FC Dallas take on Toronto, but also had the opportunity to meet with FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park CEO, Douglas Quinn.

Douglas Quinn, a SMU alum who graduated in 1985, briefed the aspiring sport-managing students on his career path that led him to his success today. He stressed to the SMU students that connections are everything, the key lessons he learned along the way, and to get involved in as many sports management experiences as possible. He then discussed the positive working environment in the FC Dallas community. “I hope that the students were inspired by Doug’s enthusiasm and that they realize that there is no substitute for hard work and a positive attitude,” Lysko said. Prior to FC Dallas, working with teams had been mainly about stats and figures for Quinn. It wasn’t until he began working with one of the oldest MLS teams in the nation that he found heart and true passion in his work. This off-campus trip isn’t the first

for the program. “We started taking sport management field trips in our first year and do a different one every semester,” Lysko said. “The response from the students for these events – including the FC Dallas Trip, has been extremely favorable. We’ve attended Dallas Stars, Mavericks and Texas Rangers games, and now an FC Dallas game. Not only do the students get VIP treatment at the game, but they enjoy a insightful session with a senior executive, see the facilities firsthand, and get to know some of the people who work at Pizza Hut Park and FC Dallas.” Before stepping foot into the stadium, the students were urged to sell FC Dallas match tickets as part of their assignment and test of marketing skills. The program succeeded in selling approximately 200 tickets that evening. In an exclusive interview with

The Daily Campus after the lecture, Quinn recalled his pony-up days at SMU and perhaps the most important lesson from the Hilltop. “The most valuable thing SMU provided for me was my English degree,” Quinn said. “I think communicating in writing and oral form is probably the most important tool that you can have in any discipline of any kind, because at some point you have to communicate your ideas, thoughts, interests - or if your negotiating and selling - mastering the language is extremely important.” According to Lykso, the study of sports management, that has existed since the ‘60s, is making crucial advancements today. SMU carries a strong program for the popular major. “We have been fortunate enough to recruit top-notch faculty, all of whom have significant experience in the business.”

SIDNEY HOLLINGSWORTH/The Daily Campus

New stadium lights were put in to help the players on the field.


4

Opinion

• Friday, October 21, 2011

The Daily Campus

Depression hurts, but it doesn’t have to A Publication of Student Media Company, Inc. Editorial Staff Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Collins Editor in Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Withers Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Kramer News Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridget Bennett, Andy Garcia News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith Carlton Associate News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Boh Arts & Entertainment Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalie Blankenship, Chase Wade Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Jonas Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E’Lyn Taylor Associate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erica Penunuri Style Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby Foster Health & Fitness Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethany Suba Politics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Huseman Opinion Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brandon Bub Chief Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tashika Varma Copy Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meghan Sikkel, Katie Tufts Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spencer Eggers Associate Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sidney Hollingsworth Video Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer Dashe, Sydney Giesey, Wesleigh Ogle, Ali Williams

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dc@smu.edu • http://www.smudailycampus.com SMU Box 456, Dallas, TX 75275 214-768-4555 • Fax: 214-768-8787

Parody

GOP Apprentice: Who will win the next lunch with Trump? To both boost ratings and determine which candidate would be next to dine with America’s favorite comb-over, Trump secretly hosted “GOP Apprentice.” Candidates were asked to start a private sector business. Whoever created the most jobs during the span of the show won a pizza dinner with the Trump. Here’s what went down: Ron Paul broke the mold and opened a company that would replace the FDA. His company took untested drugs, sold them to the public and then polled them to see how effective the drug was. Unfortunately, due to unpredictable side effects, many of his recipients were unable to respond to the poll questions when Paul’s employees called and his company failed the Trump test. He was fired. Texas Governor Rick Perry decided to drop out of the show two days in. After becoming delirious and falling asleep an hour into the challenge, he attempted to set up a tenant farm on top of Trump Tower. He was quickly evicted. Perry then realized he had no other private sector experience and thus had no other ideas. He was fired. Michele Bachmann started a second branch of the Christian counseling center she started with her husband back in Minnesota. She decided New York could use a dose of Christian teachings. Unfortunately, she only hired her 23 children to run the center – none of whom have formal training in counseling. She was fired. Herman Cain’s $9.99 pizzas were a hit on the show, until the realities of his tax plan set in. Under Cain’s 9-9-9 plan, the pizza ended up costing a little under $12 in New York. The pizza also wasn’t that good. He was fired. Rick Santorum chose to give advice for money. He believed his “morals and values” would be accepted readily with the American public, and quickly opened his doors and charged a small flat fee for his thoughts. He quickly found he was wrong. Most found him extremely annoying. Santorum has gone missing and has not been heard from again. Buddy Roemer knocked furiously on the door to Donald Trump’s office when he was not allowed onto the show. Donald Trump quickly had him removed, and Roemer went on to complain on Twitter because he was left out. So did Gary Johnson. Jon Huntsman added a satellite of his family’s company in the lobby of Trump Tower. He immediately hired 40 employees and then expanded his services to China. Huntsman was disqualified for daring to use moderate consensus-building policies in his successful business. Mitt Romney waited until all of the other candidate’s businesses were close to collapse, took them over, dismantled them and sold them off. He hired no one, but made a ton of cash. Trump would have hired Romney but when some Kenyan reportedly made $70 million by simply singing “Change” on American Idol, Trump ended the competition realizing his show could never realistically beat the incumbent No. 1 reality show. This humorous take on the GOP primaries is brought to you by David De la Fuente and Jessica Huseman. David and Jessica are both seniors majoring in political science. They can be reached for comment, respectively, at ddelafuent@smu.edu and jhuseman@smu.edu

SUBMISSION POLICY What good is freedom of speech if you’re not going to use it? Would you like to see your opinion published in The Daily Campus? Is there something happening on campus or in the world you really want to say something about? Then The Daily Campus is looking for you! E-mail your columns and letters to dcoped@smudailycampus.com or to the commentary editor. Letters should not exceed 200 words in length and columns should be 500-

700 words. Submissions must be in either text format (.txt) or rich text format (.rtf). For verification, letters and columns must include the author’s name, signature, major or department, e-mail address and telephone number. The Daily Campus will not print anonymous letters. A photograph will be required to publish columns. The editor reserves the right to edit for length, spelling, grammar and style.

Opinion Editor

Today, I’m hoping to speak about something a bit more personal. High school sometimes feels like some Brandon Bub kind of distant memory, but there are times when all of it feels like it was just yesterday. I had a lot of good buddies in high school, some of whom still go to school with me here at SMU. The nice thing about high school, for me at least, was that if you were one of the AP students, you generally had all the same classes with all the same people. That meant you were always taking subjects with people you knew and you were never lacking in people with whom to commiserate over school. There was definitely an element of solidarity and brotherhood there. Now, my high school tried to promote brotherhood among all of its students, but there was definitely something special about the bonds I shared with a lot of my friends from class. Even though we didn’t always get the chance to hang out outside of school, we ended up growing particularly close by the time graduation rolled around.

We shared in each other’s joys, congratulated each other on accomplishments and gave each other a pat on the back when we all finally made decisions about which college we were going to. But there was another side to that companionship: we felt each other’s pain too. In March of this year, one of my classmates who was attending school in Alabama ended his own life. All of my old high school friends were completely devastated and so was I. It felt like my whole world had been turned upside down. It had only been during my senior year that I really got to know this friend very well, and the most recent time that I’d seen him was at our graduation, which happened to take place right here at McFarlin Auditorium. The idea that I would never see him again was simply astounding to me. I attended a vigil for him along with my high school brethren, some of whom came from as far away as Rhode Island to pay their respects to a man we only wished we could have known longer. I’ll never know what was going through my friend’s mind when he did what he did. For a while, I was actually angry with him. When I was at that vigil, I saw a church filled with people who were weeping

uncontrollably. My friend was loved by more people than he ever could have imagined, and that he could end his own life in that way and cause all of these people so much pain seemed selfish beyond belief. However, I quickly realized I was looking at this situation the wrong way. My friend did not kill himself out of malice or spite to anyone. I knew him well enough to know that’s not something he ever would have done. While I certainly can’t judge the surrounding circumstances in his case, I do know that victims of suicide in this country are just that: victims. Many of them suffer from crippling depression or anxiety that follows them for months or even years before they ultimately take such fateful action. Today, there’s a huge stigma surrounding the clinically depressed. We like to tell them to “get over it” or remind them that “there are plenty of people who have it worse than you.” What we often fail to understand is that depression is a medical condition that can’t be treated by simply telling someone to “put a smile on.” People who have been afflicted with depression often go undiagnosed, and the guilt they can incur from feeling, like burdens to loved ones, only serves to make their lives all the

more difficult. College is an especially stressful time for students like us. Between the pressures of getting high grades, staying involved in clubs and activities and planning for a career after graduation, there’s always plenty to keep a mind preoccupied, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of depression without even realizing it. If you’re feeling overwhelmingly stressed or have been feeling depressed for an extended period of time, don’t just let it go. Say something. There are resources on campus like counseling and psychiatric services that are designed to help you. Being depressed doesn’t mean you’ve failed and it’s not something that you can always tough out. The sooner you speak up, the sooner you can get your life back on track. I know every year there are thousands more like my friend who see it fit to end their own lives. It doesn’t need to be that way though, and I hope that by ending this huge stigma around depression and counseling services this is a problem that we can one day resolve. Brandon Bub is a sophomore majoring in English and edits The Daily Campus opinion column. He can be reached for comment at bbub@smu.edu

Voters and politicians: a growing division contributor

“Let us teach both ourselves and others that politics ought to be a reflection of the aspiration to Adriana Martinez contribute to the happiness of the community and not of the need to deceive or pillage the community. Let us teach both ourselves and others that politics does not have to be the art of the possible, especially if this means the art of speculating, calculating, secret agreements and pragmatic maneuvering, but that it also can be the art of the impossible, that is the art of making both ourselves and the world better.” None other than Vaclav Havel uttered this impressive and accurate directive. Havel, a playwright, essayist, poet and dissident in the former Czechoslovakia, also holds the title of tenth and last President of Czechoslovakia and first President of the Czech Republic. He is, with great certainty, considered a public intellectual, a great leader and

a relentless champion for global human rights. In his life, he was presented with national awards by at least 19 countries. He has set a high standard of achievement for future politicians around the world. If measured by the metric that he articulates in the words above, I have to wonder, how many of our current politicians would receive passing grades? How many could truly be said to be committed to “the art of the impossible?” Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York, responded to my question, explaining that the prevalent mentality in government is, “If I am not going to be around when the deliverables come, then I am not going to work on or vote for it.” And if this is not sufficient deterrence, then a politician today is further limited to the scope of the possible because, as Bloomberg said, “Where you stand, depends on where you sit.” It seems that rarely, if ever, does politics leave the realm of “pragmatic maneuvering.” Instead, it remains distinctly confined to Havel’s art of the possible.

In the past four years, the United States has experienced a 9.8 percent decrease in household income. And, worse yet, 15.1 percent of Americans are living below the poverty line. Yet the attention of the federal government is elsewhere. As journalist Thomas Freidman said, “It seems like they are having an election, and we are having an economic crisis. There is rarely any overlap.” That certainly merits no more than an F. The discontent of the American public has become palpable and is directly manifested in what has been described by Henrik Hertzberg of “The New Yorker” as not just another protest, but a cri de coeur. The Occupy Wall Street movement seeks to address the too-often ignored grievances of the American public. As Hertzberg describes, it is “a release from isolation, resignation, and futility.” But, it may be more than that as well. The daily mass meetings in Zuccotti Park, informally known as Liberty Plaza, may teach our failing government a few lessons. At the

Cartoon

General Assembly, megaphones, loudspeakers and the like are banned. So instead, to communicate the speaker utters a few words at a time, and they are repeated by all in the crowd at an audible distance. Then, the speaker continues to the next phrase, echoed by the chorus, and so on and so forth. The crowd then responds with predetermined hand signals, which are used to indicate agreement, disagreement, time to stop talking and strong disagreement. Perhaps this is more representative of Havel’s vision. That which seems impossible — an organized method of communication among thousands of people without any sound-amplifying devices — has indeed made the worlds of those present much better. In a time where discussion has become destructive in D.C., there is much to be said for this dialogue. Adriana Martinez is a senior majoring in political science, French, history and public policy. She can be reached for comment at adrianam@ smu.edu


Arts & Entertainment

The Daily Campus

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MOVIES

Photo Courtesy of ‘The Might Macs’

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

THE MIGHTY MACS ///////////////////////////

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 ////////////////////

With a story line that combines two rather unlike things, nuns and basketball, “The Might Macs” may very well be the most unorthodox movie of the year. The movie pulls from the true story of Cathy Rush and the struggle she encounters when she is asked to coach Immaculata College’s female basketball team as it embarks on the quest to win the NCAA’s first female basketball championship. The movie has a robust cast that features noted actors like Carla Gugino, David Boreanaz, Ed Rush, Marley Shelton and Academy Award and Tony Award winner Ellen Burstyn. Some critics have been tough on Quarker Media’s first feature, while others have been nicer. Nonetheless, “The Mighty Macs” claims to be a true underdog saga highlighting one of sport’s most memorable stories. -Chase Wade

MUSIC FRI DAY Ben Rector HOUSE OF BLUES 8:00 p.m. Staff Pick

S AT U R D A Y

S U N DAY

So You Think You Can Dance Tour

Manchester Orchestra

VERIZON THEATER

PALLADIUM BALLROOM

7:00 pm.

7:30 pm.

CHILDCARE

FOR Lease

AFTER SCHOOL BABYSITTER to care for 2 girls, ages 10 and 12, in North Dallas area, 3-4 days per week. Work will include pick up from school, take to activities, assist with homework and communicate with parents. Willing to work with class schedules and will consider a “work share” arrangement. Contact caldcleugh@sbcglobal.net or Liz at 214-228-7534.

2BEDROOM 2BATH 2CARGARAGE Townhome Gated Pool No smoking Oneyear $2300 per month Mockingbird and Inwood 972-762-8957

AFTER SCHOOL SITTER, Mondays 3-6 pm. Pick up children from school, supervise at home and help with homework and dinner prep. SMU area. Contact Ellen Dorn, ellendorn@att.net 214-499-0709. A FUN PERSON NEEDED for kids 9 and 13. UP home < 1 mile from SMU. Pick up from school, supervise homework and activities. 3-6pm; $13/hr. 3-5 days/ wk. Email Barb at bkorn@jcpenney.com or text 469-463-7415

EMPLOYMENT ARE YOU DRIVEN? WANT A ON CAMPUS JOB THIS FALL? BEST JOB ON CAMPUS! The Daily Campus is seeking sales reps. This is an oppotunity for advertising, marketing, or business majors to aquire “real world” experience. Looks great in resume! Earn commision while learning outside sales. Flexible hours. Call Diana a 214-768-4111, come by HughesTrigg, or emailddenton@smu.edu OFFICE ASSISTANT PART TIME. Flexible hours. Students Only. Please call 214-507-4672.

FOOD WE DON’T GIVE Hollywood celebrities big bucks to enjoy our food. They have to pay for it just like you. N.Y. SUB 3411 Asbury 214-522-1070. We’ve been making sub sandwiches longer than the majority of you have been on the face of the earth! Subs longer than your Life!. N.Y. SUB 3411 Asbury 214-522-1070.

CHARMING MODERN 2 bedroom /1 Bath Highland Park Duplex, Light and Bright Washer/Dryer backyard, Cable/internet ready. Perfect for grad or law students. 12 blocks due west of SMU $1375/ month. 214-522-5005. MSTREETS DUPLEX 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 3 living areas, newly remodeled with full washer dryer, hardwoods, off-street parking 2 blocks from Cafe Brazil, Dubliner, Goose for $1,300. Call 214-790-7737. NEAR SMU-HOMES, condos, townhomes all with pictures and videos on line at www.dfwlandlord.com. Get There First! NICELY FURNISHED EFFICIENCY Guest House kitchenette, bills paid, perfect for Law or grad student. Modern, washer/dryer, near High Park High. $750/month. internet ready. 214-682-6772. or e-mail macpotts@ymail.com

HAIR SERVICES

TUTOR SERVICES

LOOKING FOR A GREAT HAIRCUT? Maggie at Village Barbers, 25 Highland Park Village Suite 211 (above Patrizio’s) Great Haircut at a Great Price $17. 214-528-2497. Closed Mondays.

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE TUTOR. Voted “The Best” for 16 years. College is more fun when you have a tutor. Lee Lowrie, CPA, MBA 214-2081112. SMU Dallas, Texas. Accounting 2301,2302,3311,3312,6301 - Finance 3320 - Real Estate 3381

Martial Arts GRACIE ACADEMIA BRAZILIAN JU-JITSU. Start your blackbelt journey today. Flexible training times. SMU STUDENTS(MALE/ FEMALE) WELCOME. Academia is 8 minutes from SMU(11329 North Central 75243). 214-325-0352 email: graciejujitsu@ymail.com

Sudoku

ACCOUNTING, MATH, CHEMISTRY, Statistics, Economics, Finance, Physics, Rhetoric, Tutoring. “Learn to work smarter not harder.” David Kemp Tutorial Services. Call 469-767-6713.

What would the month of October be without a good scary movie? Considering that the horror genre has been lacking as of late, Paramount Pictures is hoping to cash in on the under saturated market with the release of its uber-successful franchise “Paranormal Activity 3.” Cashing in on the success of the previous two installments, “Paranormal Activity 3” follows the same “real footage” premise that it predecessors possessed (pun intended). However this time the story is set in the 1980s and follows a young family just as they move into a new house. When the couple’s two daughters accidentally invite a haunted spirit into their house, in true “Paranormal Activity” fashion, things get weird. Early critical reviews has been quite good for film, which is rare for a franchise going into their third installment. Although, when you strip “Paranormal Activity 3” down to its core it’s hard to go wrong with such a winning formula. -Chase Wade

DON’T MISS OUT Be sure not to miss the State Fair of Texas as it closes on its last weekend. Don’t forget to pick up fried delicacies like fried salsa and fried bubblegum.

MATH, STATISTICS TUTOR for MBA, college, high school students. Highland Park, Austin College, SMU alumna; M.S. Math; 20 years Texas Instruments; 2 years college math instructor; 11 years professional tutor Sheila Walker 214-417-7677.

vendors needed UPCOMING CRAFT FAIR looking for vendors please contact Jessica Support@sweetdeesignz.com

ACCOUNTING TUTOR 12 YEARS experience teaching/tutoring accounting students. Results-based tutoring. Let me help you excel this summer! Jason Rodriguez CPA, MS, MBA. 985-414-5331.

By Michael Mepham

10/21/11

FOR RENT FULLY FURNISHED GARAGE Apt. Great for student. Beautiful location near White Rock Lake. 8 min. from SMU, 15 min. from downtown. Direct TV/Internet, W/D. Central AC/Heat. All bills paid. $675/mo. Owner is retired deputy sheriff. ghlocke@hotmail.com or 214-823-5558. 5711 MORNINGSIDE “M” STREETS. 1/1 CH/A Hardwood, updated, dishwasher, w/d, reserve parking. $695/month, + electric. Non-smoker. Available Now. 214-826-6161.

Real Estate FOR SALE EXCEPTIONAL VALUE 2BR/2BA Condo $87,500 includes hardwood and ceramic tile floors, 2 covered parking, fenced patio, community pool. 1147 sf CALL Denise McIntosh Realtor 214-673-2309

For solutions to our Sodoku puzzles, checkout our website at www.smudailycampus.com/puzzles. © 2011 Michael Mepham. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

ACROSS 1 Betting setting 6 Oratory with lots of arm-waving 10 Sloop pole 14 “Get __!”: “Relax!” 15 Hamburg’s river 16 Award for a soap 17 Shady high roller’s advantage 19 Manx cat’s lack 20 Hanging-hook shape 21 After all? 22 Garden hose feature 24 Disney pooch 26 Islamabad’s land: Abbr. 27 Above, in odes 28 Harbors ulterior motives 32 By surprise 33 “That is to say ...” 34 Himalayan mystery 35 Dark earth pigment 37 Programming language with a coffee-cup logo 41 Ho-hum state 43 Ear-related 44 Log holder 48 It has a charge 49 Space shuttle astronaut Jemison 50 Seller of TV time, e.g. 51 Resealable bag brand 53 Cheese with an edible rind 54 Revelation reaction 57 Qualified 58 Dojo blow 61 Actor Arkin 62 Leave the premises 63 “__ who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”: Santayana 64 Florida attraction 65 D.C. party 66 Caravan stops

10/22/11

By Doug Peterson

DOWN 1 Depression between hills 2 Big heads have big ones 3 Goes for, as straws? 4 Lend a hand 5 Explore caves 6 Team that ended a “curse” in 2004 7 Hit the ground 8 Home of “The Office” 9 Fake ID user, often 10 Capital of Lorraine 11 E-tail giant 12 Beamed 13 “Breathing Lessons” Pulitzer winner Anne 18 Info to crunch 23 Creole vegetable 25 More doilylike 26 Apple or quince 28 Farmer’s stack 29 Face on a fin 30 Fibula neighbor 31 Hurt 35 Emptied one’s bags

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2009 Tribune Media Servies, Inc.

36 Stubborn critter 38 Wyoming tribe members 39 Winery container 40 Tapped beverage 42 Pixar fish 43 Go along with 44 Minor failing 45 Not out-ofbounds, as a ball 46 Gem weight units

47 Rework, as an article 48 “The Compleat Angler” author Walton 52 Zoom, for one 53 Panama border? 55 Stockings 56 Long-armed critters 59 Dismiss 60 “__-ching!”

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


6

News

• Friday, October 21, 2011

The Daily Campus

State

The Faces of the Fair The State Fair of Texas closes Sunday. But before Big Tex comes down, the SMU journalism Feature Writing class decided to check out life behind the booth. Chris Simpson By SUMMER DASHE Video Editor sdashe@smu.edu

Her hands, though frail and painted with age spots, move from cup to cup as she scoops up animal feed and sets it on the table. Her name is Chris Simpson, and she has been a Texas State Fair employee for 15 years, working at the petting zoo and handing out cups of feed. “I like to see people I see every year,” Simpson said. Each year she catches up with the regulars. Some yearly visitors have even turned into friends, she said with a smile. Her days are fulfilling, as she enjoys the company of those who pass through to pet the animals.

Tommy Terrell By ANNA KIAPES

The fair has not only become a time to visit with old friends but also to bond with her daughter, who sits three feet away at the opposing table. Her daughter scoops feed too, and slides it across the table, setting it out for children, couples and the elderly alike to grab. Simpson said she began working at the fair in 1993 when a fellow employee at Tom Thumb mentioned the fair needed workers. Her daughter joined her years later and the duo has been at it ever since. “I only missed one year, and it was just because I was sick,” Simpson said as she filled another cup.

Contributing Writer akiappes@smu.edu

As the sun beats down on a warm October afternoon, Tommy Terrell surveys the crowd of families with small children and couples wandering the Texas State Fair grounds. While most of his co-workers bark at the people, promising prizes and exciting rides, Terrell lets the crowds come to him. He operates Danny England’s Giant Alligator and Crocodiles exhibit. “I’ve been working here about 13 years,” Terrell said. “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid.” Terrell started working at the State Fair thanks to friends that own other booths at the fair. “I’ve known the people that

Gary Turner

Kim McCormick By AVERY STEFAN Contributing Writer astefan@smu.edu

The smell of fried Oreos and popcorn add to the overall eclectic and theme-park experience that the Texas State Fair offers during the fall months, one that Kim McCormick has looked forward to for years. The Dallas native switched from visiting the fair to working at it two years ago, when her mother, who has helped out at the Kansas petting zoo attraction for 15 years, informed McCormick that workers were needed to sell feed. The petting zoo at the fair hosts one of the most random assortments of animals one could think of. From zebras to tortoises to llamas, all the animals share the hay-filled pens in harmony, eager to be pet and fed by visitors. “Did you see the baby kangaroo in the mama’s pouch?” McCormick asked excitedly. She loves getting to see the animals on the days that she works, which include weekends and Mondays.

By SARA CARABASI

McCormick spends the remaining four days of her week looking after her grandchildren. “It pays for Christmas,” she said about her income from the fair. In addition to raking in some extra spending money, McCormick gets to meet hundreds of people every day she is there. Talking to and seeing the different walks of life at the fair each year is what makes McCormick’s job an interesting and enjoyable way to pass the time. Over the past couple of years, McCormick has come to appreciate a different aspect of the fair. As you meander around the back of the Cotton Bowl building, a pungent and slightly unpleasant smell of animal sweat and manure fills the air, mixing with the traditional fried scents. This more secluded area where the animals are housed, far from the chaos of screaming, excited children and loud rollercoaster rides, will hold a place for McCormick and her mother for what she hopes to be many years to come.

Contributing Writer scarabasi@smu.edu

What is it about carnivals and fairs that makes people so excited? Maybe it’s the adrenaline-pumping rides or the dart-throwing games. Maybe it’s the loud music or the flashing ride lights. Or maybe it’s greasy but delicious food everywhere you go. Whatever it is, thousands of people head to the Texas State Fair every year for some fun. But behind the fried food, rides and games are the carnies — the workers who come and go with the fair. Meet Gary Turner, who works at the dart-throwing stand. Turner was forced to take on the job of a carnie due to the weak economy. He would not reveal his previous job, nor would he allow his picture to be taken. This year marks his first time at a fair in 40 years. “The money is pretty decent,” Turner said. “If you’re smart, you try to work the big fairs, not the small ones.” After Dallas, Turner is scheduled to work different fairs

Phillip Roberts By ASHLEY WITHERS Editor in Chief awithers@smu.edu

Rihanna is blaring from a set of speakers, Big Tex is “speaking” to a crowd of amazed fairgoers and chants of “step right up, step right up” seem to boom from every booth. One voice, however, stands out among the rest. “Take a swing and make it ring,” crows the young man in a blue octopus hat at the Hi-Striker booth. Phillip Roberts has been working at the fair since it opened this season. Though it may be the State Fair of Texas’ 125th anniversary, 2011 marks Roberts’ first year at the fair. “I just came up here one day and got a job,” 18-year-old Roberts said. The Dallas native graduated from James Madison High School back in May. This is his first job since graduating. But after SIDNEY HOLLINGSWORTH/The Daily Campus

own the western store for years,” Terrell said. “I also know the people at the Popcorn Park.” While he’s not a big fan of the fair, he does like his job. “I just enjoy working with these guys,” Terrell said, pointing to the large reptiles lying in the pool. As the end of the fair draws near, Terrell is looking forward to taking a break and relaxing. “I’m ready to go back to my family, which means being with my girlfriend,” Terrell said. The line for the Texas Star Ferris wheel grows, and Terrell continues to stand in the shadow of the awning waiting. Small children stare and point at the pictures of the animals, but their parents keep walking, leaving Terrell alone to his reptiles and his thoughts.

taking the year off from school to work, Roberts hopes to attend Cedar Valley College and study engineering. “Not to toot my own horn, but I think I’ll be good at it,” Roberts said about studying engineering. “You can get my autograph now if you like.” However, his current job is more about figuring out how to attract people to his booth than figuring out how machines work. “I call them macho man and challenge their masculinity,” Roberts said. “They want to come take a swing and prove it.” During his shifts you can often find him singing into the microphone and modeling prizes from his booth, including the octopus hat. “I do it for the people, the money, the women and the food,” Roberts said half-jokingly. “It’s just fun.”

for the rest of the year. His next stop is Jacksonville, Fla. before heading to Miami. Turner says constantly moving to a new city is what he loves to do. “I like to travel and work all over the country,” he said. Other cities Turner is set to work in include San Francisco, New York and Beaumont, Texas. Before playing a game at the fair, a person must pay using game coupons. Turner’s salary depends on the number of coupons scanned, but the machines used to scan the coupons don’t always work. Therefore, don’t expect him back in Dallas next year. “Dallas is the only state fair to use them, and they only work a little over half the time,” he said. Turner, along with other fair workers, has “lost a lot of money because of the faulty gun system.” “I’m excited to pack up my things and move on,” Turner said. “Traveling from city to city keeps me busy. I’m blessed that I’m never bored.”


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