The Vancougar: December 4, 2008

The Eyes, Ears and Voice of the Students at WSU-V

Washington State University Vancouver

In this issue:

www.vancougar.com

Handling Holiday Hassles Sanely Managing the Festivities and Finals Frenzy By Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

WICKED A Review

n A.C.E., 9

HOME for the HOLIDAYS Recipes and More

n FEATURES, 18 & 19

Apple Cup Photo Spread VanCougar reporters Katie Wells and Kati Hughes took the rooter bus to Pullman to bring you their report from the sidelines.

n SPORTS, 10 & 11

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so we’re told. As we students end our semester and the holiday season enters our minds, we often get overloaded or overwhelmed. Or just plain panicked! So, what should we do to maintain our sanity—and get good grades—while thing making sure everyone in your family going has a nice holiday season? around us. Now Dr. William Meek, the campus counselor proved to be an excellent that we understand the why resource for good answers on what behind our pressure, lets see on what we should do to survive this Decem- we can do about it. According to Meek, “There are ber. I asked him what causes all the stress that we get this time of the year. a wide variety of techniques people The question may seem easy, but ad- can use and easily find online, but dressing “the why” can shed light on nothing will replace good planning, more specific causes and help us un- consistent performance throughout derstand why we can feel like we are the semester, and the ability to think through the complex problems. going to explode. “Pressure “However, if cranks up for many “Stay focused on what is people at the end of important, trying to remain there is one thing people the semester since the major projects present-focused rather than should try and past/future-focused.” do…take good and tests for classes care of their are often due,” said physical health. Meek. “For many people, when the stakes go up so does the stress level. Sleeping, eating well, and exercising Some of that is beneficial, but it can are extremely important for us durbecome overwhelming and negative- ing times of high stress, and those are usually the first things we comproly impact performance.” Obvious, yes, but sometimes mise.” “Stay focused on what is imoverlooked because our minds are presso overloaded that we don’t take the portant, trying to remain time to reflect on the whys of every- ent-focused rather than past/futurefocused.”

New editors take helm By Kati Hughes The VanCougar

As the term comes to a close things are picking up at the VanCougar office. The Fall editorial staff are moving out and making way for a new Spring editorial staff. Even as the final issue of the newspaper for this semester was being completed, Katie Wells and Michael Hatch were making plans for the upcoming term. On Friday, November 14, Katie Wells was voted in by the WSUV Student Media Board (SMB) as the Spring 2009 editor in chief of the VanCougar. On the same day the SMB confirmed Michael Hatch as the Spring ’09 managing editor. Both have been working for publications for years. Katie Wells has been the VanCougar’s Sports and Recreation editor for the Fall semester. She has attended sports events, photographed them, written articles, and laid out the sports section for every issue this semester. In addition to her experience here at WSU-V, she has had experience working for high school publications. As editor-in-chief, Wells has said that she plans to focus more on “hard news” rather than features. “I hope to get the reporters more involved with the students here so they get more quotes and

personal stories about campus life and less narrative style writing,” says Wells. “Hopefully soon the lines of communication between our staff and the campus as a whole will improve,” says Wells, “and we will be able to cover ‘hard news’ as it happens.” Wells also plans to try and improve readership of the newspaper. “I want to continue moving the VanCougar forward in a way that gets more people interested in reading it.” Aside from these plans, only time will tell what exciting changes will come out of the paper this semester. Michael Hatch has worked in a number of capacities at the VanCougar for the past two years. Hatch’s previous positions include copy editor, layout assistant, and web editor. Hatch has said that he has plans to improve the VanCougar website. “The big thing I’m going to be focusing on is a digital VanCougar, which Greg and Kati have started,” says Hatch. “I want to continue improving the VanCougar’s online presence.” With news media in general moving towards an electronic medium, Hatch is planning to keep up with the times. In addition to improving the website, Hatch plans to improve campus connectedness. “I want to reach out to all of the departments to gather info about events and fun things

Katie Wells and Michael Hatch pose outside of the VanCougar office just after they were voted in by the Student Media Board.

happening on campus [as well as] better inform and promote general on-campus enthusiasm,” says Hatch. “I also want to improve managerial structure and organization.” The outgoing editors are confident that Wells and Hatch will be successful in the upcoming semester. The position of Sports and Recreation Editor is currently open now that Katie Wells has moved up in the ranks. Students interested may inquire by e-mailing the new editors at vancouged@ vancouver.wsu.edu or by filling out an application and turning it in to the VanCougar office.

Sleeping and eating well sound good, but is it really that effective? Yes. It may sound crazy, but if you do take/find/make the time to do those things, you will find yourself being more productive and most of all, less stressed. Meek emphasized this point, “It’s never too late to start eating better, exercising more, and sleeping a good amount.” What about the people out there who are so overwhelmed that even such techniques would not be enough for them? Meek has advice for this as well, “If anyone is at a more serious level [of stress] then it could be important to find some help quickly— whether that is coming to see me for a few sessions to help cope with the end of the semester and stay at a high level of functioning, or moving toward something else that has worked in the past.” The largest problem for students at winter semester’s end is the “double whammy.”

n Hassles, 5

Can a tree give joy?

The Student Business Organization (SBO) hopes you’ll partner with them in the business of making Christmas bright for local children. In cooperation with the Vancouver YWCA the SBO has set up “Giving Trees” about the campus. “The Giving Tree is a great opportunity for WSU students to give back to the community,” said SBO president Ashley Cormican. “The YWCA is in desperate need of gifts especially with the economy the way it is today.” It works like this: You stop by the “tree” and pick up a “gift tag” that features a child’s first name and a gift they would love to have. The tag is also coded so that the gift will get to the right child. Gifts range from about 50 cents to $25—a Matchbox car to a winter coat perhaps. You buy the gift and return it to the collection site on campus and a child’s Christmas lights up! Many of these children come from single parent homes with minimum wage incomes. We’re all a bit more strapped these days, but think how good you’ll feel in giving such a big smile this holiday season. Why not stop by one of the displays and check it out? See the display ad on the back page for locations and more information. Students can also get involved with the Student Business Organization (SBO) by attending our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at 3:00 pm in VLIB 260.

Illustration by Danielle Mosier

Happy Holidays

December 4, 2008

The VanCougar

2 The VanCougar The VanCougar is a student-run newspaper serving the students, faculty and staff of WSU Vancouver. Copies of The VanCougar are available free of charge every other Monday during the school year .

Editor-in-Chief Gregory E. Zschomler Managing Editor Kati Hughes Ad Manager Dan Rauchenstein

Man on the Street:

EDITORIAL

What do you want for Christmas? Story & Photos by Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

Lonneke Eeuwes Post Doctorate Science

“A cure for AIDS. I just think that it is important that a cure for AIDS is found.”



Scott Breslin Biology

“My degree, I just want to finish school.”

Advisor Dean Baker Copy Editor Willy Chi Shue Tsang ACE Editor Beau Baxter Rosser Sports & Rec Editor Katie Wells Staff Writers & Photographers Beau Baxter Rosser, Rosann Bartel, Robert Chu, Matt Hunter, Collin Rickman, Willy Chi Shue Tsang, Louise Wynn, Jason Garcia, Katie Wells, Hannah Walker, Shane Monroe, Kevin Raymond, Danielle Mosier, Ruth Zschomler, Kyle Ralston, Jake Kleinschmidt, Isaac Madsen, Matthew Wright Illustrators Danielle Mosier and Anita Fleming Layout and Design Greg Zschomler and Kati Hughes Web Editor Michael Hatch

Mike Woodman Biology

“A Jeep, one of those four door ones with a hard top.”

Kevin Raymond Environmental Science

“Probably already got it for myself what I wanted for Christmas: rock climbing shoes. Other than that someone to pay off my student loans, road bike and a fixed car. ”

Alisa Astrakhan Biology

“Prince charming, coming at me very fast on a white unicorn, holding a sword, that’s made out of Styrofoam. And he should be holding flowers, and the reason the sword is made out of Styrofoam is because violence is bad. Oh and they should be white roses, because I like white roses. And the reason it should be a white unicorn instead of a purples unicorn with sparkles is because a white unicorn is more formal.”

Gideon Syfrett Mechanical Engineering “A road bike, nothing else really. ”

© 2008 The VanCougar

A Martha Stewart Holiday By Gregory E. Zschomler

After weeks of preparation by scores of technicians, staff consultants, creativity and artistic directors…

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Director: “Cue music and…roll titles!” Camera one zooms from the tabletop centerpiece of candles and greenery. “And action!” Panning slowly right it comes to rest on a neat, blond woman standing in a beautiful kitchen. Camera one takes on a slow zoom. “Good evening and welcome to my Inn. I’m Martha Stewart. There’s nothing quite as satisfying to me as preparation for a holiday. There’s something especially exciting this evening, as we are live here in Bethlehem for what promises to be the event of the ages. “I’ve prepared a sumptuous meal of herbed lamb, roasted garlic, toasted pita bread, and myrrhed wine. I’ve chosen the very best lamb from my flock, only my finest grapes (which were pressed under the feet of eunuchs and fermented for 36 months), freshly ground grains have been combined in just the right mixture, and only my premium garden herbs and garlic have been selected. It’s a meal fit for a king!” Cut to camera two showing a bed of cut greens, a candle, and other trimmings on a simple wood table. “At the start of my show you saw the beautiful centerpiece I created for this momentous occasion. Here’s how I did it…” The manicured hands flash to work as a gentle Jewish lullaby plays softly in the background. Cut to remote cam outside in a humble stable. There a newborn infant rests on a bed of straw. Standing near the babe are a beautiful young girl and her husband. Silently they ponder the child.

Corrections policy It is our policy to correct errors. Please contact the editors by e-mail at vancouged@ vancouver.wsu.edu.

Voice Over: “Earlier tonight, after my inn was quite full, a lovely peasant couple came to my door in search of lodging. I had nothing to offer them

General e-mail , comments, and employment inquiries [email protected] Letters to the editor, guest columns, and corrections [email protected] Advertising queries [email protected] We are hiring! We are always hiring. No experience is necessary; we will provide all the training you need in journalistic style, photography, and digital printmaking. E-mail us at vancoug@ vancouver.wsu.edu or visit our office in CLS 212 for more information. Letters to the Editor We encourage letters to the editor. Please include your full name as part of the letter, and a phone number or e-mail address for confirmation follow-up. Letters must be by a student, faculty, or staff member. Guest Columns & Comics The VanCougar accepts guest columns and comics from current students of WSU Vancouver. Interested students should e-mail us at [email protected].

except my stable. She was with child and near her time. They had searched throughout the town, and it was the same all over—no room. I gave them what I had. Lucky for them I am also a skilled midwife.” Cut back to the tabletop. “This evening I offer you my very best in holiday décor and fine dining. Notice the cut of these greens—meticulously harvested at their peak and beveled just so. Now, take a piece of floral wire exactly one cubit long. Twist it firmly around the stem of the greenery and insert it into the floral foam at a precise 53.7 degree angle.” Cut to camera two; a medium shot of our hostess. “Detail and preparation are everything. Planning ahead is the key to any successful occasion. The couple out back could have easily sent a courier for reservations had they thought ahead. You’d never catch Martha off guard like that.” Cut to remote cam. “Notice the child’s fair mother, Mary. She is all wrapped up in her child, just as he is wrapped up in swaddling clothes. She is entirely unprepared for this festive occasion. She has neglected to make plans for the celebration and she and her family are missing out on the best the holiday has to offer.” A slow lapse-dissolve brings us back to camera two. “Unlike myself, she has missed the boat, so to speak. Now set the home cast candle, gently scented with

frankincense, in the center of the greenery circle. There you have it—a fragrant royal centerpiece for the entire house to enjoy. Now on to the meal. Behold the lamb, without spot or blemish…” “Now it came to pass…a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word, while Martha was busy with serving. She came to him, and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.’ “And Jesus answered, ‘Martha, Martha, Martha, you are so care-full and troubled about many things, but only one thing is really needful: It is Mary who has chosen that good thing, which will not be taken away from her.’” (KJV Bible, Luke 10:38-42, paraphrased)

Have yourself a Mary Christmas! Reprinted from the 1998 Holiday issue of The VanCougar.

Illustration by Danielle Mosier

CLS 212 14024 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 Phone: (360) 546-9524 Fax: (360) 546-9072

December 4, 2008

OPINION Let’s get physical

I read the news today, oh boy

As I depart I want to recognize and thank all of the great writers and artists that I’ve had the chance to work with at The VanCougar. Remarkable people every one of them. A variety of personalities, talents and strengths all made the experience special. Sometimes I mentored, sometimes I learned. What a wonderful exchange of ideas! A special thanks to my co-editor, Kati Hughes, and our advisor, Dean Baker. Both were essential to my sanity. Saying goodbye is never easy; moving on and leaving behind—difficult. But, I do so with confidence in the new editors (Katie Wells and Michael Hatch), fond memories (mostly), and well wishes. It will be interesting to see what the new editorial staff does with this rag. Or, for that matter, what it becomes in the next few years. The newspaper industry is changing, you know. There’s talk of The Columbian going under. Other dailies have folded or transformed themselves into weeklies. The fact is that most younger folks get their news online and through other electronic sources; they don’t read newspapers. The news-in-print as we know it will likely soon come to end. Sure, a few papers will morph into something new—a local newsmag, or some ‘zine hybrid perhaps. But most likely there will be a convergence of technology—streaming web-based TV—that will deliver interactive, multimedia news content. That means it’s time to prepare. The VanCougar, along with the DTC program, must look into the possibilities of new media—podcasts, blogs, facebook, twitter, flickr, youtube…etc. As news reporters transform into “content providers,” new talents and skills will be required. However, good news writing, will always be foremost. In some ways I wish I could be here to aid in the transition.

And speaking of transitions: Did you take the Recreation Survey? Will The VanCougar see the survey results? Will the raw data be released or some spin version? Student Government needs to hear your voice on this issue. Do you really want to have $300 per semester added to YOUR tuition for a Rec Center? Would you get that much use out of it? We’re still a commuter campus. Many of us have jobs and families. Do we have time? Most of us don’t, so why should we have to pay for it? Wouldn’t the money be better spent on academics? I’m all for physical education, but did you know the Salmon Creek Gold’s Gym offers student memberships for less than $30/month (less than $120/semester). $300? Think about it. Wouldn’t that be better spent on parking, perhaps?

Pave paradise and put up a parking lot

And so, as I exit the Orange lot for the last time I will breathe a sigh of relief. I will also offer up a final prayer for those left behind to shell out their hard-earned cash for a place to park. [I guess it could be worse, see the article “Worth the commute if it doesn’t kill you” in this issue.] So okay, I’ve made my case, I’ve set my plea; if change be in order it will happen only with even-handed pressure from a good number of students speaking out. I’ve heard the murmurings; now come out and make it official—speak your mind! Parking fees after all are part of our educational cost and as such should be included in the price of tuition. It makes more sense than a Rec Center. Amen? Four more things: 1) Tia Ostergren won the hoody donated by the Bookie for answering last issue’s question. The headings were first lines from three Charles Dicken’s classics—A Tale of Two Cities, A Christmas Carol, and The Pickwick Papers. 2) Those “bannering” union folks at the bottom of the drive—are we just ignoring them? Let’s not. [See the related article in this issue and, again, speak your mind.] 3) Kudos to WSU’s President Floyd for turning down his proposed raise. I hope he’ll get by okay on the $600,000 a year he already gets. 4) Do let our nation’s new President Elect know we want out of Iraq. Peace. Hasta la Vista!

PUBLIC NOTICE

Caffein’d By Kati Hughes Managing Editor

My time at the VanCougar is coming to an end, and the same is true for coffee shops all over town. Small café’s are currently being ground into the ground by the recent crash in the economy. In my final Caffein’d article, I thought I would take the time to call attention to the dire need of small businesses like many of the coffee shops I review. When I reviewed Crema Dolce on 4th Plain Boulevard in Vancouver, it had been there for years. Each time I went there for coffee and gelato the place was abuzz with activity. It seemed like there were always Clark College and Fort Vancouver High School students just hanging out there. It was a place to unwind and relax without having to deal with the responsibilities of work/ school or home management. “Everybody needs a third place besides their home and office to relax,” says Greg Zschomler, editor in chief of the VanCougar. “The idea comes from Ray Oldenburg’s book The Great Good Place.” This atmosphere of the “third place” as Oldenburg puts it, is in danger of being obliterated by the failing stock market. By the time I reviewed Crema Dolce, they had already discontinued their gelato due to the cost. I was told that people were less willing to spend extra money on Italian ice cream when they could get a carton of Haagen Dazs for the same price. One of the key aspects of Crema Dolce’s uniqueness was the fact that they sold authentic gelato along with their espresso. Unfortunately, in times like these specialty shops like Crema Dolce are some of the first to go under. I recently went to Crema Dolce for a little bit of studying and stress-relief. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when I found the place empty, desolate and essentially gutted. There was not even a hint of the former coffee shop, other than the sign on the building. It is truly a sign of the times. I

Kati’s curiously captivating coffee-addled commentary

have heard unofficially that a few of the other coffee shops I reviewed are on their way out of business. What does this mean for our community’s “third places”? Where will we go to relax in these stressful times? One thing is sure for WSU-V students: our cafés will be here as long as there is a demand. This means they will be around for quite awhile, since students who used to go to Starbucks and are now pinching pennies spend their cash on campus. While it may defeat the purpose to have your “third place” away from home and school/work at school, the cafes on campus have a totally different atmosphere than other campus spots. In the Cafeteria you can get a variety of different drip coffees if that’s your thing, and the espresso is top notch. In addition to the quality of the coffee, the deals are great as well. Each day there is a different special, and the prices are college-friendly. Pay with your Cougar Card and avoid the hassle of spare change! The Commons Café is a little bit more of a relaxed setting. The TVs and comfortable chairs in the same room make the café seem a lot more laid back than the busy hustle and bustle of the cafeteria. Have some time to kill and don’t feel like you can study one more hour? Grab a coffee and play some ping-pong in the commons. As far as conversational atmosphere goes, what better place than your college campus? Everyone in the campus cafes automatically have at least one thing in common: Cougar pride. So talk shop, talk class, and talk coffee. Don’t lose hope for the little guy though. In time I’m sure places like Crema Dolce will be up and running again.

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Hearing on Proposed Amendment to the Washington Administrative Code-WSU Policy on Student Education Records

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Washington State University will conduct a public hearing on revision of WAC 504-21 – University Policy on Student Education Records on December 11, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in Lighty Student Services Building, Room 405, Pullman, WA 99164. Notice of this public hearing is hereby given in accordance with provisions of RCW 34.05.320(4). The University intends to amend the WAC rules in order to accommodate administrative and location changes and to clarify the procedures for student requests to dispute and seek amendment to student education records. The University also intends to add graduate appointment and assignment to the definition of directory information.

CAR + HOME = BIG SAVINGS 071808R2933076

The University will adopt the amendment based on the statutory authority found in RCW 28B.30.150. You may review the proposed amendments in the Office of Procedures, Records, and Forms, Information Technology Building, Room 3089, or by going to the website at http://www.wsu.edu/~forms/ProposedWAC.html. You may testify at this meeting. You may also direct written comments to Ralph Jenks, Director of Procedures, Records, and Forms, Rules Coordinator, mail code 1225, Pullman, WA 99164; e-mail [email protected]; fax 335-3969.

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HARRY HOFFMAN, Agent

360-574-5222

1307 B NE 78th St., Ste 1 Vancouver, WA 98665 www.harryhoffman.net

Submit all written comments by 5:00 p.m., December 11, 2008. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Co. – Bloomington, IL

The VanCougar

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ASWSUV

Neo-Conservatism: When conservatism becomes ideolical

The Sluice Box By Matt Hunter As stated in the previous issue, this space for the next few issues will focus on the various forms that conservatism takes in America today. Perhaps the best known of conservative categories is neo-conservatism. Like all generalized perspectives, there are many different flavors of neo-conservatism. Brevity, however, requires that this column cover only the more common characteristics of this conservative perspective. As its name implies, neo-conservatism is a reasonably new category. Its foundations can be found at the red dawn of the Cold War as the threat of the Soviet Union loomed ever closer. To a degree, neo-conservatism is reactionary. In contrast to the vehement secularism of the

Soviet Union, neo-conservatism is a strong proponent of religion, particularly Christianity. Similarly, neo-conservatism holds that an unrestricted market is the best possible economic system. Rush Limbaugh—perhaps the most influential neo-conservative today—is the personification of this ideal. One can hardly come away from listening to his show without thinking that he really believes that a completely unrestricted global market would free all people. Given its roots, neoconservatism is particularly concerned with national security. Ronald Regan—the patron saint of the movement—personified this aspect through his intensive growth of the military during the 80s. Neo-conservatism is not anti-big government. Sure, it is against welfare and socialized healthcare, but, like liberals, it too has a deep seated affection for large government. Perhaps no better example of this phenomenon is President Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” education plan, which essentially

allows the federal government to regulate education. Neo-conservative does have conservative elements. Belief in private property, belief in an enduring moral order, belief in prudent restrictions on power—these are all conservative principles as outlined in my previous column. However, neo-conservatism could be said to be the least conservative form of conservatism today, namely because of its reactionary nature. For one, it is ideological. “Free markets good, Restrictions bad!” would have been the chant of the animals in Animal Farm had they been neo-conservatives. This is not surprising given that neo-conservatism grew out of an era of overregulation and socialism. However, it has resulted in neo-conservatives caring very little about environmental issues and the fate of communities. Thus, in an era when communism is no longer an outside force to be reckoned with, the neo-conservative movement has lost much of its fervor and appeal. In many respects, liberals have grasped the problems of mo-

dernity much better than neo-conservatives. Liberals criticize corporate executives that run companies into the ground and then walk away with a golden parachute. Neo-conservatives—out of fear of appearing socialist— simply shrug and call it the nature of the market. Liberals see there is a problem with massive, distant, corporate farms producing our food. Neo-conservatives simply avoid the subject. So in some ways, neo-conservatism has admirable qualities, but it fails to fully address some of the ways that modernity has adversely impacted the human institutions of family, community, small scale business, etc. Next issue’s column will look at agrarianism: a form of conservatism that tries to address the difficulties of modernity more effectively than neo-conservatism.

games (they lost 96 games in 2007) and went on to play in the World Series. Baseball predictions are usually based on past performance of players and teams, in the form of statistics (wins and losses, batting averages, runs batted in, earned-run averages, and so on). But Silver used the “sabermetrics” system, which recognizes that an individual player’s batting average isn’t really going to tell you how many runs his team will score and, thus, whether it has a chance of winning a game. Since ballgames are won by runs, it’s more important to know how much a player will help his team score—and to score, he has to get on base. So, using sabermetrics, you would use the on-base percentage to make more accurate predictions. Back to politics: As I’m writing, Nate Silver has just updated his Web site to predict that Al Franken will win the senatorial race in Minnesota, currently in a recount, by 48, 120, 121, or 136 votes. (Other political commentators have been predicting a win by incumbent Norm Coleman.) By the time this issue sees print, we’ll know how right Silver was. It’s not hard to figure out how he does it, because he provides a running commentary on his Web site about the model and its predictions. He explains how he came up with his four scenarios—vari-

ations between simple, gross and net models, and the use of LOTS of details that the pollsters haven’t paid much attention to. Also, Silver recognizes that, just as not all baseball statistics are the best predictors of a team’s success, not all polls are equally reflective of the way voters are really going to vote. In the Minnesota recount case, he’s even looking at which kinds of challenges the contestants are going to use, and which of those are more likely to succeed. And now, back to economics, not un-coincidentally Silver’s college major (honors, University of Chicago): Maybe someone will persuade Silver to create a model for predicting the economic future. Or maybe some of the economists currently working in the field could improve their techniques. “Economics needs a scientific revolution,” writes physicist Jean-Philippe Bouchaud in the Oct. 30 issue of “Nature” (volume 455,

page 1181). Economists have been basing their predictions on axioms (like the rationality of economic agents and efficiency of markets) instead of empirical data. These axioms are followed even when the facts don’t agree, which is bad because “markets are not efficient, [and] humans tend to be over-focused in the short-term and blind in the long-term.” He suggests that models like those developed by physicists to explain how short-term changes keep systems from staying in an optimum state be applied to economic systems. Also, he writes, it’s a good idea “to focus on data” instead of “perfect equations and aesthetic axioms.” So maybe we’ve answered today’s question, after all. Maybe it’s just that the economists who could create models with scientific rigor and predictive power are more interested in baseball and politics—and who can blame them?

The views expressed in the Opinions section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The VanCougar.

More Questions We Can’t Answer

Why do you ask? By Louise Wynn Today’s question: Why haven’t economists predicted the economic troubles we’re experiencing as well as some people (one person, anyway) can predict election results? I refer of course to Nate Silver’s Web site, www. FiveThirtyEight.com, which called the presidential election long before the betterknown pundits and pollsters did. Silver didn’t come out of nowhere with his political projections. He’d been working a day job at Baseball Prospectus, which uses the algorithm he invented for predicting baseball teams’ and individual players’ performances. (He named the algorithm PECOTA, which stands for “player empirical comparison and optimization test algorithm.”) So what? Here’s what: Silver’s PECOTA system predicted that the Tampa Bay Rays, up until this year generally believed to be the worst team in baseball, would win 90 games this past season. The Rays actually won 97

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December 4, 2008

FEATURES

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n Hassles, cotinued from pg. 1 You are a student (at work on finals), and you have a family who expects your resources (time, money) for the holiday season. And for some, family isn’t something we prefer to be around. Even if we do love our family they can become a time consuming pressure on our student lives. Again Meek addresses the student factor: “The most common things [in student stress are] related to fear. This can take many forms—from academic performance anxiety, fear of failure, worry about disappointing people, concern about the future, etc. The pressure of classes and the importance that is placed on grades kicks all of this into a higher gear near the end.” Then “for a lot of students the holidays add levels of stress to the already pressure-filled semester. Some students use these times as breaks to return to what is most important in their lives. Others have holiday experiences that return them to old, unhealthy patterns and they have unpleasant experiences that make working through the end of the semester that much more difficult,” said Meek. “Holiday stress for students is much like holiday stress for anyone else. If there is tension or a lot of underlying problems with family, bringing everyone together can be quite stressful, as are other things like buying gifts, having increased economic strain, etc. “One thing that is unique for college students is that as their lives begin to change because of their growth at the university, they may have experiences at family gatherings where they notice themselves being different or notice things about their family for the first time. Sometimes these are positive, but they can also be frustrating and anger provoking.” Most importantly, don’t

let all of it get to you; there is a rather simple solution if you can focus enough energy into changing your mindset. Meek’s closing advice? “Staying focused on what is important—trying to remain present-focused rather than past/future-focused, and actively choosing to make the best of the situations presented rather than engaging in more destructive situations can be good ways to cope.” To recap: Orient your goals, sleep and eat right, get some exercise, and don’t let the stress consume you. And never forget, you are not alone, we all deal with the same or similar stress. Happy Holidays. ten a bean paste, or a salted duck egg yolks substitution, ham, double-yolked duck eggs, vegetables, or fruit, is what brings their unique flavor. They are said to be world renowned and can also be found in several China town areas in the United States, especially San Francisco. Within the Jewish culture in Israel, Sukkot—or Feast of Booths—is celebrated as their autumn festival. It is an eight or nine day celebration, depending on where it is held, in which the people recognize the hardships and suffering of the 40 year wandering of Moses and his followers in their exodus from Egypt. Small huts are made from palm leaves and branches that are to represent the huts the Israelites made in the desert. They will spend the festival period living in the huts and feasting with family and friends. It is interesting to see what traditions and celebrations have stemmed from different cultural history. One that I found in our own culture is The President’s Pardon, a celebration that is said to have been started by President Roosevelt in 1943 in which a lucky turkey is designated to be an honored guest at the White House.

Worth the commute if it doesn’t kill you By Gregroy E. Zschomler Editor-in-Chief

Javier Torres, 25, commutes to Washington State University Vancouver five days a week from his home in Troutdale, Ore. A Political Science major, he transferred from Mt. Hood Community College where he served as student body vice president. Even though he works full time, his school of choice came down to money. “I got more scholarships to come here,” said Torres, but “what it really came down to was parking.” Fuel costs and parking add approximately $2,000 per semester to his educational expenses. He considered attending Portland State University, but with parking fees in the city, “It’s actually cheaper to go here than downtown Portland,” said Torres. He said that a parking fees at PSU were $400 a year, but that you could not always get a space after you got a permit. Then you had to find parking blocks away in a parking garage for $10 a day. That could easily shoot costs up to $800 a year, he said.

Driving his mother ’s Saturn three days a week saves some money over driving his own Lexus ES333, which he uses two days a week. Torres averages $120 a week in gas for his roundtrip loop from home to WSUV, to work and back to home. Even though he works fulltime as a custodian for Rex Putnam High School, he felt he had to cut corners somewhere. That meant buying a grey lot parking pass. At Mt. Hood “we never paid for parking,” he said, walking to his History 102 class from the north grey lot, a grey North Face pullover warding off the cold of the grey day. He bought his parking permit the first day they went on sale. “They were sold out the first day of school,” he said. “If you’re not there the first day you’re screwed.” The park and walk from the lot to Multimedia Classroom Building or Administration Building adds 15 minutes to his 40-minute commute. “It’s okay, but for what you pay it’s a little inconvenient, I think,” he said. “If you get here early you’re all right.”

WE’VE EXTENDED OUR DEADLINE! By popular demand, Salmon Creek Journal has extended its submission deadline to January 15, 2009. Students currently enrolled, faculty, staff, and alumni at Washington State University Vancouver are encouraged to submit their poetry, prose (fiction, non-fiction, or essay), and visual art to be considered for publication in the 2009 Salmon Creek Journal. 2009 Salmon Creek Journal The Literary Journal at Washington State University Vancouver NEW SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS

JANUARY 15, 2009 Visit our new website for submission guidelines & the submission form: W W W. S A L M O N C R E E K J O U R N A L . C O M Or contact us at: [email protected]

2009 Salmon Creek Journal Now accepting submissions of poetry, prose and visual art salmoncreekjournal.com

Jake the Rake:

“Jake and the Fat Man” Political opinion by Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

It wouldn’t suprise me if some people thought the song “Jingle Bells” wasn’t about a sleigh, but rather the sound a cash register makes. To start, the economy may have brought the average persons spending down by $150 this year, but those people who did go shopping this Black Friday tended to be more violent. This is evidenced by at least two key events that took place. Two people were killed by gun fire in a Toys-R-Us store, and one worker was trampeled to death in a Wal-Mart. There have been many fingers pointed in all directions. Some people blame the companies for generating so much hype about Black Friday, others blame Bush or even that fictional fat man, Santa Claus. The fault lies with the people. Why would anybody who goes shopping on Black Friday? There are sales that can be exploited all year long. If you shop on Black Friday you’re probably insane or score less than 90 on an I.Q. scale. If it isn’t either of those then its likely you do it for the adrenaline rush, and/or so you can brag about it at the dinner table on Christmas Eve. Do not blame a company for what people do. Wal-Mart can not control your mind to make you run over a man and kill him just because you want to buy a Nintendo Wii at 5 a.m. You are responsible for your own rational thought. Or lack of it. Worst of all, Black Friday seems to give people reasons to buy a new toaster when they never really needed one. What happened to the real meaning of the season? No, I am not talking about the fat man in a red suit. I am talking about the season of giving. Yes, I beleive in the fat man, but not as an actual man. I beleive as the month goes on, a general, kinder, more giving mood spreads around the population. To me, this is who good ol’ Saint Nick really is. Regretfully though, his power has been fading over the years. Instead of the “hap hapiest season of all” it is a season of greed and bloodshed. At least the green (money) and red (blood) color theme has remained the same.

The VanCougar

6

NEWS

From the President: Semester End

Happy Holidays everyone! Have a great break! See you all on January 12th!

~Peter Sterr, ASWSUV President

Prof. Tripp book on revenge set for January release By Rosann Bartel The VanCougar

Workplace drama. Odds are if you’ve had a job, you’ve experienced it. Maybe office gossip has gotten out of hand, your boss seems to pick on you more than others, or someone is persistently rude during office meetings. When subjected to such workplace hostility and given few or no options for justice, one might take matters into their own hands. This is the subject of the book Getting Even: The Truth About Workplace Revenge—And How to Stop It, written by WSUV professor Thomas Tripp and his friend and colleague, Robert J. Bies. I spoke to Dr. Tripp about the origins of the book, its content, and the research involved. “Well, ten years ago, Bob said, ‘Hey, we should write a book,’” says Tripp. They’d been studying workplace revenge for about five years at that point. “[the concept] was Bob’s

idea. He wanted to study this topic and invited me.” They planned an academic book about it, but various complications halted their progress. “Ten years passes, and then I get a cold call out of the blue by this publisher saying, ‘Hey, you got any books in ya?’ So, ‘As a matter of fact I think I do.’ I said ‘Hey Bob, I got approached by this publisher, and I’m not going to do this book without you.’” B o t h Tripp and Bies specialize in workplace psychology and have together studied the phenomena of workplace revenge for the past 15 years. They’ve interviewed nearly 300 people, many of them MBA students from Vancouver and Georgetown, where Bies teaches. They’ve collected about 800 stories, most of them situated in white collar settings, though not exclusively. “We interviewed these people

and we would say things like, ‘Tell us about a time when you got even at work, and what were you getting even for, and why did you feel like it was the right thing to do,’” Tripp explains. “We ran some experiments. We did a lot of surveys, particularly with government employees. [In the experiments and surveys] we do things like give them personality tests and so forth, at least for a couple of personality traits, trying to see if anything’s there.” Some of their findings? Men, younger people, and those who exhibit negative affectivity are more likely to get revenge, and tend to be more vindictive in their pursuit of it. But one’s personality is not a dependable predicator of whether or not they will get even at work. “Personality variables and demographic variables combined never explain more than about five to 10 percent of it,” says Tripp. “So 90 plus percent of it is something else.” He cites situational factors as a more reliable explanation, saying that variables like justice and power can explain twenty to thirty percent of workplace revenge incidents. Based on their research, the most common types of revenge are social withdrawal, the exchange of verbal insults, pranks, slacking off, and having a bad attitude. A boss, meanwhile, might get revenge by making one do unfavorable tasks. The most extreme form of revenge they recorded was litigation. Workplace violence is very rare and was not factored into their research. Dr. Tripp is explicit in the distinction between workplace revenge and workplace violence. “Most workplace violence is not revenge motivated, and most workplace revenge is not violent. I’m talking about mundane things, like badmouthing somebody. These are normal people who feel they are pushed to the extremes by extraordinary circumstances. I’m not talking about going postal. You go postal, man, you’ve got a lot more problems.” Tripp explains that most people get revenge because they don’t feel that justice will be served otherwise, since there often isn’t a system in workplaces that effectively settles disputes. “A lot of the offenses for which people are getting even aren’t illegal,”

Tripp says. “Insulting you in a meeting is not illegal. Is it nasty? Sure. But it’s not illegal. So if you want justice for that, where are you going to go? You’re going to have to do it yourself. We look at the wild old West, for example, with the so called vigilante justice, where people just sort of settle scores all by themselves.” He and Bies don’t promote revenge, however, and offer alternatives for those who are considering it. “We have a list of counting to 10. Does the offense and your circumstances pass these 10 criteria? It’s really hard to pass all 10. So, hopefully that cools people off and they find another way around.” They also give advice for managers who want to prevent workplace revenge and promote peace. But Tripp makes it clear that the book isn’t for employers who seek to change their employee’s personalities in order to control their behavior. “There’s not a lever or a knob that you have that you can pull or twist to get the behavior out of them that you want,” he says. Rather, they advise that managers alter their managerial style. Tripp stresses that the book is more from the employee’s perspective, and is advocating for their welfare and an appropriate pursuit of justice. As far as future books go, Dr. Tripp is open to possibilities. “I’ve had so much fun writing this book. We’re not writing to other professors. We’re writing to regular people. . One of the most fun things for me to do is explain things to others. That’s why I’m a professor, I enjoy explaining things. And books like this, it’s sort of a new way to explain things. And yeah, I’d like to do more of it.”

The release date is January 26. Though the book is finished, other details are still being ironed out, particularly where the book will be stocked. But The Bookie has ordered copies and Tripp will have a book signing at an alumni event in March. You can also preorder it on Amazon.com. Official site at: www.friendsofgettingeven.com

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

December 4, 2008

7

“Quantum” is more pain and more parkour

Photo Courtesy of MGM Pictures

By Collin Rickman VanCougar Staff

ACE

Arts, Culture Entertainment

UPCOMING

EVENTS MOVIE TICKETS ON SALE!

Discounted Regal Cinemas tickets will again be on sale in the Cashier’s Office in early December. Watch for dates and times.

Business for Daniel Craig in “Quantum of Solace.” scenes, following Bond as he envelops himself in a murky mess. After targeting the sinister criminal organization “Quantum,” in the tradition of other mysterious names such as SMERSH and SPECTRE, he uncovers a massive conspiracy by Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) to control the world’s supply of a valuable liquid. He is joined by Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko) –– a fiery woman with a tragic history of her own. “Quantum” is even more of a departure from the rest of the canon than its prequel. And purists are crying foul. The music, the gadgets, the larger-than-life villains are all on vacation in the new millennium. In “Casino Royale,” Bond devoted some time to wisecracking and chasing tail. This time around, it seems as if Bond has decided business and pleasure can’t mix anymore. Or perhaps, that his business has become his pleasure.

Roger Moore, patron saint of 1970’s 007 camp is said to have been troubled by the scene in “For Your Eyes Only” where he kicks a car with an occupying baddie off of a cliff. While supportive of Craig in the role, he says he dislikes the new direction the series has taken. “I am happy to have done it, but I’m sad that it has turned so violent,” he said. “That’s keeping up with the times. It’s what cinema-goers seem to want and it’s proved by the box-office figures.” So now that Bond’s growing pains are apparently at an end, it’s unclear what he is going to do with the rest of his life now that he’s all grown up. If the movie’s conclusion seems to indicate that his “training” is complete, is it possible to return to a less bloody, more detached Bond? Will audiences respond to a quieter mission now that the bar has been set so high? My cards are riding on “no.”

By Rosann Bartel & Danielle Mosier VanCougar Staff

Friday, December 5, 12-1 p.m.

VADM 110 (Auditorium) Come enjoy music from the Southern Hemisphere, admission is free.

WINTER Concert

Friday, December 5, 7 p.m. FREE concert by the Vancouver Community Concert Band in Firstenburg Commons.

Rumble at the Roseland Sat, December 6, 7 p.m.

Roseland Theater, Portland Caged Promotions, LLC presents. Tickets available at VSSB Cashier. $20.00, limit 2 per person.

The Twilight series. The criminally overrated, poorly written, borderline misogynistic drivel that is beloved by people of all ages, from all over the world. Yes, I hated those books. I hated them so much, I devoured all nine zillion pages as fast as I could and kept stringent tabs on the progress of the movie adaptation. Just as the ‘heroine’ Bella is dimwittedly drawn to the vapid, melodramatic, bloodsucking Edward, I’m unreasonably addicted to all things Twilight. I saw the movie with my friend Danielle, another Twilight addict/critic. After viciously lambasting the books in many conversations, we decided it was only fitting to do this review together. DANIELLE: There was an inordinate amount of shrieking and generally girlish reactions from the audience, especially from one row in particular when Edward made on-screen appearances. They must have all been on “Team Edward.” Having also read the books, I’ve got to say that Edward just doesn’t do it for me. I’ve been on “Team Jacob” since he appeared in the novels as a viable love interest (oops... better not give anything away!). I really wish we could have seen more of him. ROSIE: Edward didn’t do it for me, either, in the books or the movie. In the movie, he looked mildly constipated most of the time. And anemic. Bella was prettier. Even though she’s supposed to be so very Plain and Ordinary. Also, when Edward “sparkled,” he looked like a sugar cookie. I guess many a fan girl was enraged about that scene, because they loved how Bella and Edward had their own meadow and how “romantic” it was in the book. D: Holy Cow! All of the vampires looked overdone and constipated, except, maybe for Alice. Dr. Cullen looked like he dipped his head in a

bowl of flour. Bella’s friend (Jessica?) described Jasper well when she described him as “the one who looks like he’s in pain.” I don’t remember if she describes him as such in the book, but he definitely matched the description! I pictured Edward’s sparkling as being more like diamonds or beams from prisms shooting everywhere... not like he was dusted with sugar and left under the light in a pastry shop! R: Yes indeed! In the book, the vampires were described (over and over and over again) as impossibly, amazingly crap-your-pants gor- Thrilling Vampire/Human relationships in Twilight geous, and in the violence, rape, murder, and eternal movie they just looked powdery and damnation, but Twilight is essentialsleep deprived. ly a vampire story about abstinence. I liked Movie-Bella more than Then again, it doesn’t get too hot and book-Bella. Probably because we heavy in the movie. I wonder what don’t have to constantly hear her ir- that would have raised the MPAA ritatingly shallow thoughts. Reviews rating to. of Kristin Stewart’s performance have R: Yikes, I wonder how they’ll do been pretty bad, but I thought she the fourth book! That’ll be...interestwas fine. To be fair, not even Meryl ing. I hope they get a new director. Streep could pull off some of that dia- I didn’t like all of the cheesy flashlogue. backs. I guess the grainy sepia tones I loved the scene where her and Ed- were supposed to make them look die boy start making out on her bed romantically archaic and totally cool, and she is such a naughty vixen, he’s dude, but I just thought it was lame. forced to push her away...and she’s Do we really need to SEE everything not wearing pants. That happened that a character says? Also, I puked about three thousand times in the a little when Edward said, “And so book because Edward’s all perfect the lion fell in love with the lamb.” and chivalrous and you should to- They fall in love so abruptly in both tally wait until you’re a married vam- the book and the movie, and it’s just pire before you lose your virginity. not believable. Though I did like the D: Of course you should wait ‘til chemistry between the actors. you’re married. Otherwise, you’ll surely die! It’s funny that vampire n Twilight, 8 stories tend to be fantasies about

Photo Courtesy of Goldcrest Pictures

Photo Courtesy of the Drexel.edu

Thirsting for “Twilight”?

WSU-V Choir Fall Concert

Photo Courtesy of the Boston Herald

When “The Bourne Identity” arrived in theaters in 2002, it brought a new sense of urgency to the art of killing. Not content with mere explosions and obligatory gunshot wounds, Hollywood realized it was not enough to push the human body to the limits. Instead of injury, agony. Bones deserved breaking, limbs needed bending at awkward angles, and blood needed to flow. Fans of Daniel Craig’s first outing will likely be pleased to see that he’s still in top physical shape and still very much pissed off. After losing the love of his life – the traitorous Vesper Lynd – in 2006’s “Casino Royale.” He wastes no time getting down to business in “Quantum,” as the events resume where “Royale” ended. The mysterious Mr. White, having been shot in the leg previously, has now been carted to a seemingly secure location and survived a car chase through Italy. The rapid-fire events following that initial confrontation will likely divide more experienced fans who prefer their martinis shaken from the younger fans who prefer their martinis spilled all over the floor. Gone are the days of double entendres, underwater cars, and henchmen with bowler hats and metal teeth. Everything here is crammed together, gritty and grim, with Bond racing from locale to locale in search of the next target. Blowing through link after link, M (Judi Dench) has to remind Bond to “try to not kill” anyone who could provide helpful information. The plot is as frantic as the fight

The VanCougar

8

ARTS, Culture & entertainment

Game Review: Fable II By Beau Baxter Rosser ACE Editor

It seems like all western-style roleplaying games (RPG) these days give the player the option of evolving their character as good or evil. BioWare’s 2003 Star Wars game, Knights of the Old Republic, brought this game mechanic to the mainstream by allowing players to make the choice of dark side or light side. Roughly a year later, Lionhead Studios released an RPG by the name of Fable, which furthered the idea of ethical choices that dramatically changed the physicality of your character as well as how people responded to you within the world. Four years later, Lionhead Studios has once again revisited the world of Albion with Fable II. In Fable II, players once again are charged with making good or bad ethical decisions to further the story and evolve their character as they see fit.

Players begin their quest as a young kid – be it male or female – in the poor district of a major city. From the outset, players are presented with decision-making situations that will drastically change the way the character is perceived within the world. For instance, I was asked to go into a storeroom and clean out the cockroaches for the shop owner for a small reward. After entering the storeroom, a man in the window informed me that he put the cockroaches in the storeroom and that if I broke all of the shop owner’s supplies instead, then he would reward me favorably. Being the good-natured person that I am, I decided to kill the cockroaches instead of wrecking the supplies. After making the right and ethical choice, the shop owner paid me the money he promised. However, the man that wanted me to break the supplies got angry by my good choice, and told me that I had made an enemy out of him. That small decision made me a hero

in the townspeople’s eyes, but a villain in the eyes of the man I “wronged.” Throughout the entire game, players are presented with similar ethical situations, some outright good or bad, and others not so black and white. Over the course of the game, the player’s character will physically change according to the decisions made. The good person or bad person character dynamic makes Fable the definitive replayable game. Apart from the decision-making by the player, the combat and presentation of the game is top notch. Just like in the first Fable, melee strikes, projectile weapons and magic are mapped to three different buttons for a simple and easy-to-use interface. The only problem with the combat that I found was trying to change from one magic attack to the other during combat. Other than the minor magic issues, I had no other problems with Fable II. Fable II has pushed the envelope in what it means to be a good or bad

character and I cannot wait until future games take the template used in Fable II and push it even further.

Game Review: Ninjatown By Beau Baxter Rosser ACE Editor

Who would have thought that such snuggly little ninjas could be so dangerous? Southpeak Games’ Ninjatown is a welcomed addition to the Nintendo DS’s line-up with its tower defensestyle play mechanic and extremely adorable art style. For those of you out of the loop, Ninjatown stars the cute little ninja characters from the Shawnimals toy and plush lines. Things were going fine in Ninjatown until the nefarious Mr. Demon and his wee devil minions started to invade and terrorize the town’s residents. Now, it’s up to the wit and wisdom of the Ol’ Master Ninja to overcome the odds and keep Ninjatown safe. Players are charged with building Ninja hut after Ninja hut in order to stop the oncoming waves of wee devils. At the outset, the player has the ability to build two types of Ninja, both of which specialize in hand-to-hand combat. As the game progresses, new types of troops are incorporated into the mix. When I began playing Ninjatown, I could barely see any kind of strategy being used, and I was arbitrarily building Ninja huts to kill off the enemies. As different types of Ninja became available for use, I found the strategic elements of the game fall into place. Each map was approachable in various ways and breathed fresh air into what felt repetitious. Like other tower defense games Twilight continued from 7

Photo Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

D: I don’t know... Movie-Edward seemed like he belonged on an epi

sode of “To Catch a Predator.” I expected Chris Hansen to show up any second with, “What are you doing with a 16 year old human, Edward? I see here that you’re over 100 years old. Have a seeeeat.” He didn’t seem in love with her at all in the movie, just in pain with “blood lust.” I get the whole ridiculous teenage love thing, though. I just think it’s irresponsible to pitch it to teenagers as something that could conceivably happen. Yeah, it’s appealing to the intended audience, but give me a break. R: Haha! Yeah, the whole, “You’ll fall in love and it will be perfect and you’ll be together forever THE END” is so annoying. I hate how Bella cares more about Edward than living. I hate how she has no personality, no goals, no aspirations, no passion for life, except to be with him forever. It’s a terrible message to send to

before it, being able to build certain types of troops means the player will also be assaulted by enemies with particular weaknesses: the snowball throwing “Ice-cream” Ninja can slow the fast devils down, the Sniper Ninja takes down the flying devils, and the

be easily overcome. As the player defeats enemies, they are rewarded with cookies that can be used to upgrade the Ninja huts, giving the Ninja of that hut more power. Sadly, there is little to no visual indication that a hut

fast-moving Business Ninja is ideally equipped to fight the slower moving devils. However, once the player realizes the patterns and what-hurtswhat play style, each encounter can

is already upgraded or needs upgraded without tapping the hut with the stylus. Having to tap each hut individually while being attacked became a stressful procedure that

could have been easily overcome with some kind of visual clue. The game itself is broken up with the main action and user input handled on the bottom touch screen and the zoomed out map of the playfield on the top. My main complaint with the map screen was the fact that the developer only used half of the screen for the map. The other half is used to show the Ol’ Master Ninja floating high above Ninjatown in his hot-air balloon. It’s a pretty neat graphic, but I feel that space could have been better suited as an expanded stats and map visual. For the most part, user input is handled well with the stylus. Picking the appropriate Ninja hut to build, choosing which huts to upgrade, and selecting the Ol’ Master Ninja powers work seamlessly with the stylus, but I found moving the camera around the battle field felt clumsy and slow. Sometimes, as I placed the stylus on the screen for camera movement, the camera would not react as fast as I needed it to, resulting in a few more dead Ninja on my conscience. Luckily, the d-pad is usable for camera movement as well. If you are the type of gamer that has no time for this holiday’s blockbuster console games, then I recommend you pick up a copy of Ninjatown, sit down for about an hour a night, and enjoy the cuteness levels beaming from this solid, tower defense game. That’s right, I said it – cuteness levels.

young girls. And Edward is boring! All he ever does is whine. Jacob is better. He’s

book condensed to under 2 hours? Puhleeze. It left no reaction time. Edward: Say it Bella: Vampire Edward: Meet my family Rosalie: Why aren’t you hungry? Bella: I ate Rosalie breaks a bowl, hilarity erupts from the audience. Dr. Cullen: How considerate. Let’s all play baseball and run away from stranger vampires who want to hunt Bella for an unknown reason unless you’ve read the books. R: I know, the whole “I want to eat your human girlfriend!” twist probably makes no sense to folks who haven’t read the book. But I did like how the evil vampires were introduced early on rather than appearing out of nowhere at around page 500, when Stephenie Meyer realized she had to make something happen. I also liked how funny the movie was...even if some of (most of) the humor was unintentional. Like the scene when Bella slow-

mo struts into the classroom and the fan blows her hair all alluringly and Edward covers his nose. And I liked Charlie, too. Cleaning his gun. D: I think most of Charlie’s scenes were intentionally funny (Hot damn! Rainier beer and guns!), but you’re right. Most of the laughs elicited from the film seemed to be completely unintentional. Either way, I enjoyed watching it, but I think it was mostly because I’ve read all the books and wanted to see what they would do with a movie version. I’m not sure someone who hasn’t read the books would understand or enjoy the movie as much. It wouldn’t make sense, for example, why Edward covered his nose when Bella walked in the class, but that’s all explained in the book. R: Yeah, I thought it was a fun movie. Cheesy, silly, annoying at times, but mindlessly entertaining. But I think my amusement had a lot to do with having read the books. I’m not sure if I’d been as invested otherwise.

funny, endearing, and real. D: I agree. I think Jacob is the most developed character in the entire series. Too bad we don’t see much of him. ...Oh wait, I’m supposed to be talking about the movie ... I hope we see more of him in the next movie, though I might wait for the DVD. As much as I loved laughing at the sheer cheese factor of this movie, it was just a little too much. A 500-odd page

Arts, culture & entertainment

December 4, 2008

9

Pet Peeves By Will & Greg Will: Ya know Bro, Pet Peeves is a favorite target of ours in this column. We are both pretty laid-back dudes, until we get that wasp of irritation buzzing around. Then we need to do some verbal swatting. Well, why don’t we step back a bit and talk about… pets! Greg: Me? I’d rather talk about peeves. However, pets are a peeve of mine— while not a pet peeve—being about pets I guess it makes it a pet peeve by default. Obama is shopping a new White House dog, so okay, why not? You don’t own any pets do you? Will: No. The ants that cohabited fell victim to carefully and deliberately planted toxic snacks. The spiders are dosed with something stronger upon the instant of discovery. Or just gished. I no longer practice ‘catch and release’ with spiders, not since that ninja spider jumped out of the cup onto my thumb. I’d trapped it in my ‘Mickey 50th Anniversary’ mug. Promptly dropped the mug on the sidewalk when said ninja spider rappelled onto my digit. Spider survived. Mug did not.

WICKED A Review By Vanessa Pritchett The VanCougar

Something Wicked this way comes Have you ever wondered what happened in Oz before Dorothy arrived by a treacherous tornado and killed the Wicked Witch of the East? Or where the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion came from? Have you ever wondered how the Wicked Witch of the West became so, well, wicked? Or what really happens to the Wicked Witch of the West after the infamous bucket of water? The answer to all these questions lies within the brilliant Broadway musical Wicked. Recently I traveled to New York City. While I was there, I had the opportunity to see the Broadway musical Wicked—the back story (told as a flashback) of how the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) became the Wicked Witch— based on the best-selling book by

Gregory McGuire. Wicked is currently touring throughout the United States on their national tour, traveling all across America, “sweeping” the nation with catchy songs like the comic “Popular” and the showstopping final “Defying Gravity” (written by multiple Oscar/Tony award winner Stephen Swartz), hilarious dialogue, and inspiring characters. Wicked will be in Portland at the Keller Auditorium from March 4, 2009 to April 5, 2009. Tickets go on sale December 7, 2008. For more information on dates, locations and more go to www.wickedthemusical.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. This is your chance to see the action for yourself. Don’t miss this excellent and exhilarating musical that inspires and embraces individuality, the power of friendship, and the beauty of love. Note: This show sold out within hours on its last visit to Portland.

Greg: Mickey on the mug? Truly a loss. Spider deserves to die! Anyway, I was not speaking of the wild “squatting rights-shackin’ up” type of insect, nor of the rodent variety that tend to move in during the winter, uninvited. I speak of intentional pests—um, I mean, pets. (How’d that extra ‘s’ get in there?) Goldfish, cats, dogs, hamsters and birds. Will: Lions, tigers and bears? Fortunately or not, my apartment doesn’t allow such without a hefty deposit. However, I’m a cat person. They have such strong personalities, just like little fur-covered people. And I like their independent streak. Unlike dogs, you are not the center of a cat’s universe. The cat is. You are sometimes allowed to orbit. Like at lunch time. Or when a warm lap is required. Greg: Cats, I believe, do deem us the vapid species. A dog, however, will look up to you with admiration. I do like both. Do not understand goldfish as pets. Feed ‘em, they poop, you clean the water, the cycle begins again—the sum of the entire relationship. Rewarding, no? Will: No. Unless you’re breeding them for bait (illegal in many states) or to provide that same soothing random motion provided by a (lower maintenance) lava lamp. I’ve got a screen saver with a fish tank setting that is just as relaxing and more entertaining. I can set it so some of the fish eat the others. Ha ha. Greg: Really? I want that program! The best thing about it: no poop. Hey, speaking of fish as food, didn’t you have a tank of piranha at Clark? Will: It was just one piranha: Sid Vicious by name. Lived in the biology lab. He was rationed five goldfish a week. Morbid curiosity made me watch a feeding – once. First off, those goldfish knew they were in trouble the minute they splashed down. I’d never seen the domesticated critters blast around a tank so fast. Then ol’ Sid would flick a fin and there would be four fish. Blink, three fish, and part of a fin floating calmly and soothingly to the bottom of the tank. Sid was pretty serious about his feed. Greg: Vicious fishes eating fishes, making fishes viscous. Ewh. Now that would make some good Suessian material. Okay, nuff said; moving on. I’ve been thinking about a pet for Christmas. Did you notice that “Christmas arrived” last week? Will: Dude, you’ve had your head in the books too long. It arrived the day after Halloween, yo? But the problem with a pet as a gift, is it is also a burden to the recipient. If they don’t want a pet, it’s not fair to lay on them. You knew that. Now, as far as amusement, I get a kick out of watching the parakeets at PetSmart. I mean, they have SO much to do. They have to boss each other around, nibble woodchips, hang upside-down from pegs, maybe balance on one foot and catch some Z’s. However, I’ve noticed that the aviary for the critters is soundproof. I imagine if you had twenty parakeets in a cage in your house, the noise would drive you bonkers. Greg: True, but they are so pretty. Much prettier than the ferret we saw. There he was, all weaselly-like, ferreting around in his cage. Way too hyper for me. I know some folks that have a pet squirrel that sleeps with them. I couldn’t deal with that. Squirreling around under the sheets… Will: For the sake of your health, you should move out of reach until I can contain the urge to smack you over the head with a chair. OK. Yes, ferrets. They are entertaining and quirky as well. But you’ve gotta keep ‘em caged or leashed. Like cats, they sleep a lot. Kind of like you. Greg: Parakeets are somewhat active as well, but require less grooming and attention I would think. They’ll sleep, too, if the lights are out. Still, birds are a lot like fish—not much affection. Mammals, save for rodents, seem more attentive to their master. Could be an intelligence thing—maybe emotional. They’re recently observed the mourning process of a mama gorilla at the loss of her young. You can see it on YouTube, and it’s quite sad. I DO think that certain animals have feelings. Take Emo, my cat, so named for its early self-disparaging personality (and its blond streak). Anyway, a bird is what I think I want. Will: You’ve certainly got the brain for it. Together, we provide a suitable medium for the absorption of their waste. That is, this column makes for a dandy ‘keet cage liner. Alas, not for long though. Greg: Yes, with my graduation this semester, we will no longer appear in The VanCougar. However, there remain a few back issues available in the newsroom should anyone require fodder for parakeet bingo (a game of betting on who’s column is eliminated upon first). And so, with these final parting words, we say goodbye to our faithful readership. Will: Up here on the hill, anyway. We’ll get together for more of these birdbrained columns. For now: Sit! Stay!

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RECREATION & SPORTS

Nico Grasu kicks Hu 1. Butch is always ready for a picture. 2. Thousands of jingling keys accompanied Cougar fan cheers. 3. Reid Forrest, the Coug Punter, waves around a towel as he cheers on his teammates. 4. Fans go wild when Ryan Perkins misses his FG to keep the double overtime going. 5. WSU Alumni were among the hundreds that stormed the field after the Apple Cup win. 6. It takes three Huskies to bring down Logwone Mitz. 7. Deon Ford took down this UW player with few minutes left on the clock. 8. To end the game and win it for the Cougars in double overtime, Nico Grasu successfully kicked his FG.

1. 2.

First Time Fan... By: Katie Wells

an interview with

Kati Hughes

Photo Credit: Kati Hughes

Katie Wells: So you’ve never been to a football game before this one? Kati Hughes: No, I have never been to a football game. My high school didn’t have sports. KW: Interesting...Well, your first game ever was the Apple Cup. What was your first reaction when you walked out to the field? KH: That it was a huge place. And very cold! And I’d never seen so many people so riled up before. I was thinking to myself, all this for football?

KW: Well once the game started, did your reactions change? Did you get riled up? KH: Yes I did! At first I felt like i was on a totally different planet because I couldn’t figure out why people were doing the things they did. But after I figured it out, I joined in. It was awesome. KW: [Laughing] That’s good to hear. So not only did you get a chance to be a fan at a game, but you were able to get down on the field and take pictures. How was that? KH: I was pretty afraid of getting tackled, but I’d like to think of that as just part of the excitement of being on the field [Laughing].

3.

KW: So how close did you come to being tackled? Did it seem like the players were gigantic? KH: The thing is, when I’m looking through a camera, everything looks farther away than it really is. I’d think they were a couple feet away, but when I’d take the camera down, they were very close! I wouldn’t say I almost actually got tackled, but I was afraid of it. KW: Well it seems like you had a pretty good time at the game. What was your favorite part? KH: The fact that we won. I was expecting to go and see a pretty, well, boring game. Not boring in general, but since I don’t know much about football, it would be boring. Even though I didn’t know much about football, I got caught up in the excitement in the fourth quarter and OT quarters. Everyone did look at me funny when they’d score and I’d yell, “Goooaaalll!” Just kidding. But having the entire band chant “Fuji Film” as I walked by was an interesting experience. [Note: As press, you are required to wear a neon-green, Fuji Film vest on the field.]

4. One time, in Pullman... By: Katie Wells

The Subaru Forester was packed full of bags and suitcases. The Hansens’ ‘MM Bop’ was blaring from the speakers. Myself and three other brave adventurers were on our way to Pullman for a football and volleyball game. Kendal Mantzke, Kevin Guzman, Erik Beaulieu, and I were ready for the long and treacherous journey ahead. As we pulled out of the school parking lot in the WSU official vehicle, I mentioned to my passengers that I’d only been in six accidents. Though it was completely a joke, the boys didn’t have faith in my driving skills. I believe we had been on the freeway

for about five minutes, ironically o a few minutes after my driving rec comment, when I unexpectedly slam on the brakes. Though I found it hilar that both Kevin and Erik almost hit front seats and Kendal and I alm slammed into the dashboard, it wa complete accident. A motorcyclist had the brakes in front of me and my light on the brakes turned into an all-out, d stop. Turns out, I need to get the brake my own personal car fixed if the amoun force I usually use will stop a Subaru d in its tracks. Well after that entertain moment of driving, we continued on way toward Pullman, singing along Colbie Caillat. The next adventure occurred at a

December 4, 2008

RECREATION & SPORTS

11

uskies to the Dawg-house

only cord mmed rious t the most as a d hit t tap dead es in nt of dead ning n our g to

a gas

Story and Photos By Katie Wells Recreation & Sports Editor

A rush of crimson and gray swarmed the field after the double overtime win in the 101st annual Apple Cup. Fans surrounded the exhausted players who were jumping up and down in the center of the field, lacking the ability to contain their excitement. But why should they have? This rivalry game meant everything to these players. Having a onewin season, though better than UW’s 0-10 record, wasn’t good enough for the Cougars. Until the end of the third quarter, WSU was having a hard time proving how badly they wanted this win. Wanting wasn’t going to get them the win though, earning it would. And earn it they did. With three minutes left on the clock in the third quarter, the Cougs scored their first touchdown. Logwone Mitz had a 57 yard rush to score followed by Nico Grasu’s first of four successful kicks. Leading into the fourth quarter, the score was 107 Huskies. The final fifteen minutes of the regular game were filled with great rushes, long passes, and luckily for WSU, missed field goals by UW’s Ryan Perkins and Jared Ballman. As the minutes passed, the Cougars’ energy level rose and they did everything in their power to stop UW from scoring. They succeeded. Still trailing by three in the final minutes of the game, WSU gained 69 yards via four completed passes from Kevin Lopina. With each successful pass, the crowd became more confident that the Cougs would make a comeback. The players must have thought so too. Knowing they were within range for a game-tieing field goal, Nico Grasu was once again called to the field. As he prepared for his 28 yard field goal, the Cougar fans went silent. Just as the clock ran out, Grasu sent the ball flying straight toward the goal posts. Every head in the crowd turned to the referee’s as they held up their arms. The kick was good. The game was tied. The first overtime quarter ended with back to back field goals by both teams. The score was tied again, 13-13. Fans went crazy when the game was then sent into double overtime. UW had possession of the ball first and attempted another field goal from 37 yards. Once again, with a disappointed sigh from the Husky fans and a ear-splitting cheer from the Cougars, Ryan Perkins’ kick was no good. A 37-yard kick, though proving to be difficult for Perkins, was a simple task for Nico Grasu. After 3 hours and 12 minutes of football, the game was over. The hundreds of fans who joined the players on the field made sure that the team was congratulated. Hugs, high-fives, tears, and cheers were seen and heard throughout the crowd. As many exited the stadium through the tunnel, a familiar cheer was echoing loudly —“F**k the Huskies!”

5. station in Oregon. People across the river just love the fact that someone pumps their gas for them. I, on the other hand, am not a fan. This tattooed and pierced gas station attendant walked out to the Forester just in time to greet me, out of my car, at the pump. I realized that I was supposed to be in my vehicle still, but instead of actually getting back in it, I awkwardly stood next to the man while he pumped the gas. As if this wasn’t embarrassing enough, he asked for the school’s debit card pin number. My response? “Umm…yeah. I don’t actually know that. Let me go call someone.” So I spent the next couple minutes talking to Eric Davidson on the phone so he could tell me how to find the pin number. At this time, Erik Beaulieu was jollily cleaning

the millions of bugs off the windshield. I’m not exaggerating about the fact that he was jolly. He honestly loved to clean the windshield. Anyway, we finally got the gas paid for and left. The gas station attendant, I’m sure, was glad to see us go. After this stop, we trekked on toward our final destination while attempting to not become hypnotized by the quickly flying bugs that continued to splat against the windshield. It was getting really dark, and none of us knew where we were going exactly. We were simply following the unreliable and sketchy MapQuest directions. All of us had unanimously decided we were lost and seconds before exiting to turn around, we saw a helpful sign. It read: Colfax. Colfax we knew.

8.

7.

6.

Colfax was directly before Pullman. The road to Colfax is quite winding and dark. As we were rounding one corner of pitch-black darkness, we saw two giant creatures on the side of the road. At this time, Kevin was sleeping in the back and Erik was dosing off. These elk, though on the road, were completely out of the way of the car. I simply wanted to slow down to look at them. The brakes in the Subaru, didn’t agree. Once again, the car stopped instantly in the road. It scared the elk and left both Kevin and Erik stressing out. Oops! We eventually made it to Pullman just in time to catch the volleyball game. The football game the next day was pretty uneventful: it was the USC vs. WSU

game, so guess what? We lost. When it was time for all of us to head back to the school, we loaded back into the Subie and began our six-hour trip back. For some reason, we ended up driving in circles, in the middle of Eastern Washington; let me rephrase that, in the middle of nowhere for an hour. When we finally got back on the right track, an unexpected hitchhiker tagged along. Well, it wasn’t a hitchhiker per say, it was more of a bird. This bird flew in front of the car in an attempt to get past us; we all thought that the bird was successful in his attempt. We were wrong. When we stopped in Kennewick three hours after the bird incident, we all went into Walgreens to get food. On our way back out to the car, something

caught Kendal’s eye. The poor little bird had actually been sucked into the grill of the Forester. He looked so alive, so “inflight”. He looked like a Roll’s Royce hood ornament in the way that he was sprawled out, spread eagle. None of us wanted to touch him, so, as cruel as it was, we left him there until we got home. And honestly, we left him there for someone else to clean up. So whoever had to bury our little bird friend, I’m sorry! I personally enjoyed the trip to the games even though it was full of adventures. As far as the other three go, I’m pretty sure they had a good time…except maybe for the whiplash. And finally, for the bird, I think he would have rather stayed in Pullman.

The VanCougar

12

FEATURES Photos by Ruth Zschomler

WSU Christmas Tree at Festival of the Trees By Ruth Zschomler The VanCougar

Photos by Michael Hatch

Nov. 28, 2008—Christmas has descended like a jolly old man in a red suit squeezing down the chimney. Unbelievable? Yes. True? Also, yes. The day after Thanksgiving, the Vancouver Rotary Foundation’s Festival of Trees kicked off month long holiday festivities. Thirty-seven themed Christmas trees decked the Heritage Ballroom at the Hilton Hotel at 301 W. 6th Street in Vancouver, Wash. Local businesses and non-profit organizations, including the Washington State University Vancouver Foundation, each sponsored and decorated a tree. Regaled in crimson and grey, WSU-V’s flocked tree showed true school spirit. WSU Christmas stockings, Christmas lights, and souvenirs representing our local university covered the branches. Even the presents under the tree were wrapped in WSU Christmas paper. Ballot boxes were stationed at each tree and, with dollars, people voted for their favorite trees. While visitors enjoyed the decorations, piano music, performed by Keyboard Sensations, filled the air. Throughout the weekend, various local talents took the stage. A blue ribbon was awarded to the tree named “Tool Time (Dad’s Dream Tree)” sponsored by Miller Nash, LLP. It was designed and created by Laurie Cantonwine of LC Sewing. The tree sported saw blades, tools, and other assorted paraphernalia found at any hardware store. Eight themed tabletop trees, as well as the larger trees, were set for an online auction. The money raised goes to support the Vancouver Rotary Foundation. The proceeds help “support scholarships and charitable grants in our community and around the world.” According to Lea Pfau, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the WSU-V tree sold for $700. This money will be added to the Rotary Scholarship fund. And the jolly old man in the red suit? He could be spotted here and there with his helper elves throughout the festival.

Robots are here! “Gobble gobble gobble!” By Gregory

E. Zschomler

Editor-in-Chief

By Michael

Hatch

The VanCougar

ASWSUV’s Thanksgiving Dinner held the Thursday before Thanksgiving break was a success, according to several who attended the fully catered event. “It was definitely a success,” Eric Davidson, the Activities Director for ASWSUV said, “Almost 40 people were there; everybody was fully engaged in conversation, even those who didn’t know each other.” The price of admission was a donation of three cans of food to a local charity organization. The dinner was planned primarily by Nikki Netland, one of the members of the newly created Activities Board, made

up of four voluntary positions. Michelle McIlvoy, the Student Involvement Manager shared her enthusiasm about the event. “It was great. The turn out was great. Good food. Good good good!” The event also spurred interest in “perhaps doing a medieval dinner in spring,” said Davidson.

Robots are everywhere. That is not some statement of paranoia, fearing world domination by some android species, but a statement of fact. Robots and artificial intelligent systems serve us everyday. The term “robot”—from the Czech word robota meaning “forced labor”—drums up ideas of human-like machines, but robots—most present-day robots anyway—are more often than not just mechanical arms or remote-controlled wheeled devices that aren’t anything like humans. However, that is changing. Robots may one day come in every shape and size—from microscopic medical micronanobots to incredible mammoth-like walking or flying war machines. Some may have simple “minds” designed for one small, repetitive task; others may seem brilliant, achieving human-like reason—or, perhaps, a superiority to human rationale. These are all serious considerations under research and development worldwide at major universities and in industry. It’s not surprising that WSU is in on the research. The WSUVancouver School of Engineering and Computer Science, with degree programs in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, is at work in the field. Each degree has its own area of emphasis in a wide-range of disciplines; many of them relate to robotics. There are two main parts to ro-

botics: Hardware and software. If it helps, think “body” (the mechanical/ electrical stuff) and “mind” (the programming). WSU-V has both undergraduate and graduate programs in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science. Electronic Engineering is only offered as an undergraduate degree at this time. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering build hardware, Computer Science writes the software. Dr. Hakan Gurocak (Ha-kahn Gur-o-jock) is the Director of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and serves as Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He said that WSU-V’s Mechanical Engineering program has three disciplines: Design and Manufacturing; Micronanotechnology, “essentially assembling atoms and molecules;” and Mechatronics (a term the Japanese coined to include studies in mechanics, electronics, automation and robotics). The Electronic Engineering program, he said, also offers three specializations: Digital Systems; Electronic Devices and Materials, and Networks and Communication Systems. Gurocak said that students learn about existing technology and how to integrate systems—computing, electronics sensors and actuators—along with “software [that] acts like a glue” bringing it all together. The software creates an artificial intelligence (AI) that, on a small scale “mimics human decision-making.” Robots, P. 13

FEATURES

December 4, 2008

13

ROBOTS ARE everywhere! Continued from Page 12 Students learn how to write the software to “capture” human intelligence in a mathematical model. “You might have a mobile robot going around in hallways…” he said, “How would it avoid objects? Humans don’t even think about it; for a machine it’s very challenging.” “Another recent application,” according to Gurocak, “are large research groups building prosthetics [that are] interpreting [bio-neuro] signals.” He said the research at WSU-V is interdisciplinary—a sort of cross study mix. Many of the applications use “fuzzy logic,” an A.I. that “learns from its own mistakes—almost like a toddler.” The undergraduate program is “concentrating on educating engineers who can work in industry using existing technology”—discovering new uses or applications for existing know-how. But some technologies are bound to go the way of the dodo. For instance in a recent article by Emi Endo in Newsday, Steve Prentice, vice president and fellow at Gartner—a marketing-research firm in Stamford, Conn.—states that the computer mouse’s “demise will be hastened by the move toward 3D environments, which encourage a more complex range of movements…and by the growth of multimedia applications and manipulation, which encourage a more natural interface.” WSU-V is at work on such a device. At the masters level research is on haptics (Greek, meaning “the feeling of touch and sense”). Gurocak and his graduate students, Duruk Seakal and Graham Kryger, are at work on a haptic glove interface. A glove, he said that “helps you to reach inside a computer [generated] image and grasp [virtual] objects.” Users wear a virtual reality [VR] helmet and see these virtual objects. Normally, he said, “I can’t feel the objects because they are digital.” With the glove, “You can actually reach out and have the sensation of holding the objects” which is helpful for assembly of objects into virtual prototypes. This project has centered on creating smaller actuators so that the gloves become less bulky. The actuators they have created feature magnetic fluids that can lock at points of virtual contact using electronic signals that change the fluids viscosity. He believes such a glove could be used in medical training, design and as an advanced interface. You may be thinking about game apps— certainly a possibility. The third generation of the haptic glove is underway. Graham Kryger is working on

Chancellor’s Series:

Artifical Intelligence By Gregory E. Zschomler Editor-in-Chief

In preparing the audience for the guest speaker in the latest Chancellor’s Seminar Series, Chancellor Hal Dengerink said that some people had implied that Sen. John McCain was so old he didn’t know how to use e-mail. As we age, “it’s possible that technology could become more important to us,” he said. He also noted his “smart” heating system at home could note the ambient temperature and “decide” when to turn on so that the house would be toasty when he was to get out of bed. With that he introduced Dr. Diane Cook of WSU Pullman’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Cook hopes “Smart Environments” will aid people with a whole lot more. She and her students are looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) might be used in home and work environments to aid in independent living for those

Doruk Senkal, one of Dr. Guracak’s graduate students, demonstrates a haptic glove. innovations to make it smaller and create programs for “making better lighter. decisions.” Prior to these studies and reHe compared the two: one besearch the program developed ing a closed-box system that is only some walking robots, but nothing concerned with the results and anas advanced as the work of Honda other looking in the box to see how it and Sony who have created biped thinks (what it does to get the result). humanoid robots like ASIMO (see Some want to “reproduce the human www.honda.com) who can not only behavior, both good and bad,” he walk and run on two legs, but climb said. Such applications could be used stairs, interact with humans, navi- to predict actual human behavior in gate complex environments, rec- a given situation. ognize people, gestures and voice His goal, among others, is to commands and much more. One day make AI safer and make the systems such robots may be in our homes. more robust. He asks, “What do we But, all mechanic developments do when we’re not even sure what need control systems utilizing com- exactly it [AI] should be doing?” If puter programming. That depart- computers are to make decisions ment falls under the tutelage of Dr. they need to “have checks and balScott Wallace, Assistant Professor of ances [put] into software systems.” Computer Science at WSU-V. After all, robots with complex AI, left Wallace said, “People tend to to their own development, might be classify AI in one of four catego- hazardous. Think HAL, from “2001: ries.” “Like Hakan [Gurocak],” he A Space Odyssey” and other sci-fi roexplained, to “1) behave like a hu- bots that have evolved to take over man, 2) make rational decisions, 3) the world. think like a human, [or] 4) think raMarvin Minsky, at MIT, one tionally.” of the first scientists to discover He indicated the nuances come and demonstrate that robots have from the many schools of thought no knowledge of the real world, concerning AI that include computer doesn’t see that happening. He has scientists, psychologists, philoso- said, “AI has been brain-dead since phers and mathematicians. The dif- the 1970s…the worst fad has been ferentiations address different stan- these stupid little robots. Graduate dards and areas of interest. He said students are wasting years of their some wish to mimic “human deci- lives…” [Mighty Robots, by David sion making” while others wish to Jones] But others obviously disagree,

that might not otherwise be able to do so. “I wanted to look at AI innovations,” said Cook, “I started a wish list of what our homes would do.” Homes doing? That’s right. Dr. Cook set out to discover how our homes might recognize our presence and the environment, learn our behaviors and needs, and respond accordingly. She noted that sprinkler systems can access the Internet, check the weather to see if rain is in the forecast, and “decide” if they will need to turn on. Cook pointed out the number of “intelligent appliances” we already have in our homes—everything from smoke and motion detectors to robot vacuums and lawnmowers, even refrigerators that keep track of their inventory and “write” shopping lists. To create a test bed in Pullman, Cook began by wiring an apartment with various sensors and remote control devices that would respond to the movement and needs of the student resident. For example, when the front door was opened a motion sensor would convey a trigger to a light switch

and the light would come on. Not necessarily anything groundbreaking, but the foundation for further advancements. Cook’s goal has been to create “an environment able to acquire and apply knowledge about the resident and the physical surroundings to improve the resident’s experience.” In the first level this was applied to comfort and productivity, in the second health and safety and, finally, toward energy and sustainability. When these systems are linked to a computer that computer can record data and then mine the data for frequent patterns. Machine learning algorithms “use the information [to create] an automation policy,” said Cook. The software model can eliminate 76% of manual instructions. Such “smart environments” can assist the infirm, aged, and handicapped to attain independent living. Homes with smart features can be safer for these individuals by regulating water temperatures, turning off forgotten appliances, reminding the resident to take their medicines and more. Additionally,

Photo by Kyle Ralston

because lots of graduate students continue to “waste” their time. Wallace said that WSU-V is involved with “a bunch of the smaller schools in the Pacific Northwest [that] share expertise and curriculum” in studies of AI and computer gaming. The group received a recent $382,000 grant from NASA to study how games can be used to teach AI and “as an experimental test bed for some AI problems.” They collaborate via “video conferencing, quarterly meetings and through electronic sharing.” In a nutshell, the two arms of the WSU-V School of Engineering and Computer Science, working together and with others, to develop industrial applications that will improve the quality and safety of life with robotics, AI and other mechanical and electrical devices both existing and future. And, one day soon you may wear a glove and VR headgear that will immerse you, as a gamer, in your game, giving you a true sense of object manipulation—you will not only see and hear, but FEEL the experience. Maybe that’s not as important or lofty as the goals of the school, but a side benefit, none-the-less. Pretty cool science.

the computer system monitors the movement and task-completion of the resident. The information can be relayed to a remote location to report their “well-being” to loved ones or caregivers. The information can even be used to detect patterns of dementia. The “smart” apartment was equipped for the modest fee of $5,000 though many other technologies—such as RFID tags and robot assistants (such as Honda’s ASIMO)—could drive costs up considerably, depending upon how high-tech these homes might get. In the meantime Cook and her students seek to simply “keep older adults functioning independently in their own homes [for] as long as possible.” And that means keeping costs affordable. Cook notes that nearly one quarter of the U.S. population will be 65 or older by 2045 and we are unprepared to facilitate their needs. For more information about Dr. Cook’s research, please visit: http://ailab.eecs.wsu.edu

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FEATURES

video KOUG Radio coming together Shooting not given a shot KOUG radio continues to stream online while students at WSU-V work out the logistics. By Shantel Erickson The VanCougar

With the help of students at WSU-V, KOUG AM580 could be up and broadcasting with a student based team pushing it along by spring semester. Zane Wagner and Spring Atkinson have been hard at work to revive KOUG radio. At this moment, Atkinson is the only staff member of KOUG radio. She has put together several meetings gathering about 20 students to discuss the future of KOUG radio. Atkinson believes, “the best way to build a strong radio station is to involve as many students as possible.” This is the belief of Wagner as well. Zane Wagner is one hopeful

candidate for station manager of KOUG radio. His fate will be determined at the next Media Board meeting held on December 12th. The Media Board is made up of students, faculty, and media advisors. Chair of the board is Robert Chu, a WSU-V student and an ASWSUV senator. Everyone on the Media Board is determined that KOUG radio to remain student-based. The new preliminary business plan for KOUG reads: “KOUG radio should be an active entity on campus that involves students and provides a forum for the expression of student ideas and concerns.” Involvement with local bands is on Wagner’s to-do list. This has always been a goal of KOUG radio, but seldom ralized. In November 2007, KOUG held a fundraiser where local bands serenaded attendees while a silent auction took place—raising an estimated $500 to

support KOUG. While local bands are encouraged, so are mainstream artists. Wagner says, “As for music, I would like to see a focus on local artists, but if a student wanted to DJ a show that featured a certain genre (country, alternative rock, hyphy), I would absolutely encourage that! I don’t think there should be any restrictions on music genres.” So what’s in store for KOUG radio? Wagner says, “I hope to see KOUG broadcasting talk shows and news shows created by students, in addition to running live shows with DJs.” If you would like to get involved, send an email to koug. [email protected]. The possibilities are endless: DJ’s, sound engineers, talk show hosts, advertising or campus outreach.

New building goes up, blocks view By Shantel Erickson The VanCougar

Photos by Gregory Zschomler

Birds are chirping this morning on the southeast corner of the Washington State University-Vancouver campus. But you’d have to strain to hear them as heavy equipment growls to life. “Hey,” a construction worker yells from a rooftop, “bring me that extra harness you got down there.” The smell of mud, gasoline, and exhaust quickly overpowers the crisp morning air. This is not a typical scene on the WSU-V campus. With the wind blowing and the rain holding off, Triplett Wellman Contractors continue their work on the new undergraduate classroom building. The $15.7 billion dollar project began in January and is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2009. “Everything is on schedule to be completed by the deadline,” foreman Dan Reef says. The sounds of man-lifts, sorters, and backhoes make conversation difficult on the construction site. However, Reef’s office provides a quieter place to talk. The office is full with site plans, paperwork from more than 60 subcontractors, and a continually ringing telephone. The project has presented challenges, Reef says.

“The biggest challenge on this project,” he says, “is the lack of space for storage and parking.” Seven portable buildings used for offices and storage sit on the 12-acre lot inside the fenced off area. The only place for the portables is in front of the workout room, thus blocking the Mount Hood views for people using the facility. That irritates some of the people using the workout room, Reef says. “There wasn’t anywhere else to put the portables,” he says. “I offered to paint a mural of Mount Hood on the back of my office.” The burnt red brick of the new three-story building also blocks views of Mount Hood for the Multimedia Classroom Building. So far, Reef hasn’t heard any complaints about that. The exercise enthusiasts in the fitness center may have to wait until this next summer to get their view back, but they can get out for a walk to enjoy the mountain. In addition to the building, construction crews also built disabled-accessible paths, connecting the lower and upper walking paths on campus. The paths are complete and open to the public.

By Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

What would you do if someone came into your classroom and started killing your classmates? Such a question rarely enters our mind. We don’t think about it because the scenario is so rare that it’s almost not worth mentioning. However, it could happen, and Lt. Dave Stephenson knows it. That is why on Tuesday, Nov. 17, Stephenson showed twice a video called Shots Fired on Campus: when lightning strikes. The video was presented by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety and is part of a large scale violence preventive program in Washington. The 20-minute video was aimed at preparing people for that “what if” situation. Shots Fired on Campus focuses primarily on what happens before the police arrive because most of the incident is over before the police can get there. “Police can’t respond before it’s largely over, most of your survivability lies with you,” said Stephenson. The video is said to be realistic though there was no blood or people seen being killed. However, there were “active shooters” being shown walking around a campus. The advice Shots Fired on Campus provides is priceless. First and foremost, people need to understand that the gunshots heard in the movie and the sound of real life gunshots are very different. Therefore, if you think you hear what might be a gunshot, assume it is until you know for sure it’s something else. The most important piece of advice this video gave was to trust your instincts. If that is to follow the leader or to take action, do it. You might picture yourselves in a classroom during an incident, but you could be in the hallway or outside. Think about what you might do ahead of time. The best course of action is to take immediate cover, process the situation in your head and then try to get out. When you are safe you should call the police and tell them what’s going on. Don’t assume someone else has. Sometimes you may not be able to hide and you may have to confront the shooter. Work with students and other people to spread out and work out a plan to “take out” the shooter should s/he come into your hiding place. The video ended with a short question and answer session with input and advice by Dr. William Meek. He encouraged anyone ever suspecting that someone might have ill intentions or may be prone to causing violence to tell the WSUV police or [Dr. Meek] himself. The downside of what was otherwise a fantastic video was the turnout. Most in attendance were either faculty or staff. This was advertised fairly well for students and would have been an excellent tool for them in case such a horrible thing occurred. In any case it was good that faculty and staff attended because, as Dr. Meek mentioned, it is likely that the students will look to staff as leaders during such an incident.

December 4, 2008

FEATURES

Un-Belize-able: My trip to Central America Story and Photos By Kayla Page The VanCougar

Upon arriving to the country of Belize, it became apparent that this was a place unlike any other. Traveling via a Royal Caribbean cruise ship proved troublesome due to the barrier reef surrounding the port of Belize, so we dropped anchor and boarded catamarans to take us ashore. It was then that I learned of the many wonders of Belize, and why locals say it is un-Belize-able. Carlos, our tour guide, was no stranger to tourists. After introducing himself and his coworker Randy, he unloaded a barrage of fascinating facts about his native land. He began by thanking us for our business as, due to recent flooding at the end of hurricane season approached, he has been unable to find work for the past month. “Belize is very dependant upon tourism,” he said “so tell your friends about what a good time you had here, and tell them to visit Belize.” The flooding had also caused the beautiful, clear blue water of the Caribbean Sea to turn a grimy, muddy brown. The recent flooding was also an inconvenience to my family because we had originally scheduled a cave tubing and zip-line tour through the jungle. We were told that the only road that goes to the other side of the country was washed out by flood waters from neighboring Guatemala. The only road that goes to the other side of the country! As Americans this was a nearly intangible fact. Carlos was prompt in relating the size of Belize to something we could fathom. “Belize is about the size of Massachusetts,” He told us, “but the population of Massachusetts is much larger.” Twenty time larger in fact, with a population of a little over 6,000,000 people, Massachusetts towers over Belize’s mere 300,000 people. That’s about twice the population of Vancouver alone! With this small of a population, it creates a venue for a rich understanding of culture and community, which is a major part of a native Belizean’s life. We boarded our second boat after securing a snorkeling trip in place of our original plans, but we were still discouraged by the murky water surrounding us. Carlos was not worried, and he continued to explain the history, language, and geography of Belize. He began by telling us that Belize was most recently known as British Honduras, although it was originally a Mayan country, before the Spanish invaded it. These influences still play a huge role in all that is Belize. One of the most notable and intriguing facts that Carlos shared, was in regards to the language. Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language. “We learn English in school, but we speak Spanish at home,” Carlos explained. He also noted that many Belizeans are trilingual, as Creole (think New Orleans) is often spoken. Creole is an amalgamation of French and English, or as Carlos called it “bad English”. For the remainder of the boat ride, Carlos demonstrated his bilingual techniques by speaking in both English and Spanish per the request of native Spanish speakers on the boat. Our trip continued to our final destination of Rendezvous Island, a small island located about 10 minutes from the mainland. Along the ride, we noticed patches of trees growing spo-

radically throughout the ocean, and to our surprise (and relief) the water returned to its expected beauty. Carlos explained that this color change was, in fact, due to the trees we had been noticing. “These are mangroves,” he explained, “they grow their roots deep into the water, and they filter out all of the dirt.” There is a barrier of mangroves that grows right off the coast of Belize, so past this barrier the water is crystal for miles. The mangrove barrier is not the only one, as we soon learned. Prior to this trip, I was told Belize was famous for it’s snorkeling, but I never really considered it, nor did I comprehend the urgency previous snorkelers tried to convey to me. Friends said, “Kayla you have to snorkel in Belize!” It was not until I jumped off the boat like a wounded seal, with my flippers flapping and my goggles suctioned to my face, did I understand. Belize is home to a barrier reef, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Second, well it must have been a pretty close race, because this was an amazing sight. Belize, and its barrier reef was recently a topic of discussion on a Today Show series “The ends of the earth”. Belize is a place of growing ecological research due to the vast underwater ecosystem, and as a result, a site for conservational precautions. Measures are being taken to limit the amount of humans allowed to visit the reef, simply to preserve its beauty for centuries to come. We were safely led by Randy through the Caribbean Sea. The reef creates a huge wave in the middle of the ocean, so it is necessary to have a guide for a safe trip. There is a break in the tide, and this is where we were led. Equipped with my Kodak underwater camera, I snapped pictures left and right of sting rays, lobsters, octopuses, blue tangs (think Dory from “Finding Nemo”), and too many other fish and coral to name. Randy would dip down and coax out more species of who knows what, and I was continuously astonished. Feeling brave, I tried to imitate Randy’s diving moves, but I only managed to swallow a mouthful of salt water, and possibly a few fresh pieces of seaweed. It was all in the name of a great adventure. As we flopped

Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler

back on deck, Carlos proceeded to tell us that the reef is home to over 400 types of fish, and some 300 types of coral. The trip was far from over; our last stop, the Belizean Keys! We arrived at Rendesvous Island, one of 450 of the miniature islands that make up the Belizean Keys. This island is a popular tourist destination, as is it home to a water trampoline, restaurant, bar (of course), sand volleyball net, and what else but a monkey! Yep, a monkey. The locals call him Mojo (Powerpuff Girls anyone?) and he is quite popular. Once everyone got wind of the monkey sighting, it was photo shoot time. Mojo posed high up in his tree, as many tried to coax him down with bananas, but I’m sure he has seen that trick before. After about ten minutes the crowd dispersed and Mojo decided it was safe to move to another tree. Amidst a volleyball game I glanced over to see him waltzing to an adjacent tree as if to say ‘And scientists say you all evolved from me!’ As the day wound to a close, I sat on a lounge chair and recounted the day’s recent events. I would like to honor Carlos’s request, and to say that Belize is a worth while trip, because it is truly, 100% un-Belize-able.

VJ Fleet [redux] came, saw, and conquered On November 22, the efforts of DTC students in the Interactive Media course and Canadian digital artists Julie Andreyev and Simon Overstall did not go unnoticed. The performance, which included the setting up of projection screens on the hoods of three Honda CR-Vs and the showing of a 30-minute journey through Vancouver, took place at three locations. It started at dusk in front of the Classroom Building at WSU Vancouver then moved on to the Grand Central Shopping Center and con-

For more info, visit vjfleet.com

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cluded in front of the North Bank Artists Gallery in downtown Vancouver. One of the central aims of the project was to comment on the car culture of the city, which was demonstrated by some audience’s refusal to exit their own vehicles to see the performance. Other passers-by shared their enthusiasm for the project, one noteable response including the statement that “if things like this happened more often, this town would be much more interesting.”

Three cars, three screens, one revved up show.

The VanCougar

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COMMUNITY

Center for Social and Environmental Justice:

Forum asks “What’s the right thing...” Photo Credit: Katie Wells

By Gregory E. Zschomler Editor-in-Chief

Sometimes it’s just easier not to care— to go along your merry way until something catches up with you and life barrels over you like a steamroller. Even if “what goes around” didn’t come around and get personal, the right thing to do is not: do nothing. There are WSU-V students and faculty who care about the right, the just, the fair thing. They are not content to sit idly by and merely watch while wrong or injustice prospers at the expense of the innocent. Instead they are the whistle-blowers, the cavalry, the “watchmen on the wall” looking out for their fellow citizens. This semester the Center for Social and Environmental Justice (hereafter referred to as “the center”) asked some probing questions, confronting issues that some would just as soon sweep under the rug. One of those issues has been the ongoing labor dispute against WSU-V by the local carpenter’s union concerning the subcontract hire of Delta Drywall. Earlier this term the center organized a forum to address the issue and invited interested students, faculty and staff to join them in dialoging with the university (Capitol Planning), the union, the contractor and subcontractor. Several students, three faculty members, a concerned citizen, and a union representative showed up. The contractors and Capitol Planning neglected or declined to send a representative. In all, 16 persons were present. One of the faculty members on hand was co-organizer, Desiree Hellegers who noted that, “Capitol Planning at both Pullman and Vancouver declined to send a speaker.” Dave Smith heads Capitol Planning and WSU-V. Jason Sheckler, who was arrested on campus for trespass while leafleting early this semester, was the guest speaker from the carpenter’s union. He presented many changes and grievances against Chris Troxel, the owner of Delta Drywall, citing unfair and illegal labor practices as well as shady business dealings. “There is a continuous pattern of exploitation,” said Sheckler, “We need to set standards and define these standards for all workers.” Some of the allegations against Troxel have been: paying under the table to avoid taxes and paying benefits; working laborers 40 hours, but only paying them for 18; under reporting the number of workers to the state in order to pay less taxes; etc. He said that laborers for Troxel companies either worked without complaint or ended up not working at all. He said that a real grievance process needs to be put into place so that workers are not afraid to stand up. Concerned citizen Shellynda Michalek, who’s husband has worked for Troxel, said that Troxel “preys off the workers…hiring illegals” who are afraid to speak out. She cited his underhanded

Jason Sheckler speaks to a group of students about ethics in hiring practices at a forum sponsored by the WSU-V Center for Social and Environmental Justice

tactics designed to avoid paying medical benefits. “I guarantee, if it was Hal [Dengerink]’s or Dave [Smith]’s daughter laying in the hospital,” she said, we wouldn’t put up with this. Sheckler presented a pile of documentation—the same documentation he presented to Smith earlier in the year—outlining the history of Troxel companies ethical misdeeds. He also presented a copy of House Bill 2010 that outlines “responsible bidder criteria.” Desiree Hellegers said the bill, “Extends considerable new desecration to agencies to define exactly what a ‘responsible’ bidder is.” The bill was signed into law on July 22, 2007 and gives state agencies—including universities—the right to refuse the hire of a bidder on grounds of irresponsibility regardless of whether or not they meet the state’s lowest bidder requirement. In other words the “responsible bidder criteria” law can trump the “lowest bidder” law. Hellegers said that the university’s “position is they’re operating within the letter of the law.” The position of the union and the club is that: one, that does not mean its right and, two, there is an out, if they want to take it. “It’s a really pivotal moment for WSU to do the right thing,” said Hellegers. Taj Mahon-Haft is a faculty advisor for the Center for Social and Environmental Justice. He cited the reason for raising this important issue, “In sheer reality this guy [Troxel] gets the money and we take care of the workers [through taxes and social services]. Clearly the university isn’t going to pay attention…unless we stand up and make a stink about it.”

“We here are all going to be workers…” said Mahon-Haft, “We’ll hope for some semblance of worker’s rights.” He said as university stakeholders we have the right and responsibility to hold the university accountable. He noted that “student activism creates change.” According to Mahon-Haft WSU-Pullman’s Progressive Student Union pressured the university into a policy against buying apparel from companies utilizing sweatshops last year. On this campus students have lobbied for Fair Trade Certified Coffee. Mahon-Haft noted that WSU’s mission statement spells out 9 standards; the ninth standard is ‘institutional integrity.’ “This,” he said, “is not adhering to…high ethical standards.” Sheckler said that the carpenter’s union will continue calling attention to WSU’s affiliation with and participation in unfair labor practices until they “remove Delta from the job” and set in writing a policy of ethical hiring standards. Meanwhile, Sheckler and the carpenter’s union are still fighting a legal battle over the university’s charges against them, the union is still bannering at the bottom of the south entrance, and the university and general contractor are still in contract with the subcontractor, Delta Drywall. To learn more about this issue or the Center for Social and Environmental Justice, Social and Environmental Justice Club or SEJ certificate program email: social. [email protected] or [email protected].

The Center for Social and Environmental Justice catalyzes collaborations between WSU faculty, students and community partners to foster rigorous analysis of social, economic, racial and environmental justice issues and promote human rights and conflict resolution at local, national and global levels...

COMMUNITY

December 4, 2008

Free Speech Zone:

Infringing on rights? Free Speech Zone

By Anita Fleming The VanCougar

Many on campus are unaware that there is a specific zone on the University property in which free speech can be fully exercised. Even so, the rules surrounding its use are ambiguous and are not comprehensive, leaving University policy open to interpretation. The existence of such also begs the obvious question “Why isn’t everywhere on campus a free speech zone?” The area designated the “Open Forum” zone in University policy (available online in the Student Handbook) includes the cafeteria in VADM and the outdoor pavilion extending from the east wall of the cafeteria to the stone wall. According to the WSU-V webpage, the zone is available for use from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. The University states that the “[o]pen forum areas may be used with administrative approval, for a specified period of time, by groups and individuals, in accordance with [university policy] . . . .” In apparent contradiction, the University goes on to state that it “supports each individual’s right to peacefully express their view and opinions for or against actions or ideas in which they have an interest.” The “free speech zone” attracted some attention at the beginning of the semester when three members of the Carpenters Union were arrested on campus for trespass while handing out flyers with regards to the unlawful labor practices of a subcontractor employed on campus. At the time of arrest, those handing out handbills were not in the area designated as a free speech zone. One of the Union members arrested, Jason Sheckler, states that he and his fellow representatives were not informed that there was any such area until after they were arrested. According to Sheckler, members of the Union had handed out flyers on campus previously without incident. As a result, he questions the officer’s justification in arresting him. However, on purely legal grounds, the action seems justified, so far as the law and University policy are concerned. University regulations clearly state that “[p]ersons not connected with

the University are not authorized to distribute handbills or other materials without prior approval of the Facilities Use Committee.” In addition, the Student Handbook notes that “individuals . . . who violate these regulations . . . will be requested to leave the University property. . . . Failure to comply with such a request will subject such individuals to arrest.” Therefore, even if Sheckler and his fellow workers had known of the Open Forum Zone, they would have had to submit paperwork requesting the right to distribute flyers to students and faculty on campus. By requiring that outside parties go through this process, the University discourages the free flow of information and, in effect, infringes on the right to free speech. For students and student organizations that wish to engage in public speech on campus, current available University policy is ambiguous and incomprehensive. Bylaws do not specifically address the issue of individual free speech; clubs and organizations must get approval from the Facilities Use Committee or the Director of Finance and Operations in order to set up tables or otherwise use the Open Forum space, according to the Student Handbook. Under a section of the Facilities Use Policy titled “Advertising Policies”, the use of chalk on University sidewalks is prohibited. The term “advertising” is not clearly defined; it does not necessarily indicate publicizing a product for profit. For example, student government elections are addressed under the heading of “advertising.” Therefore, are other forms of free speech prohibited on campus? The ambiguity of University bylaws introduces the opportunity for subjective interpretation that serves the interest of those in charge of enforcing the laws. More importantly, the existence of the Open Forum zone demands that we ask why the university, an historically liberal institution, embraces the idea that free speech can be relegated to zones and that it must first pass through directors and committees before being heard.

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Social and Environmental Justice Club for world change By Anita Fleming The VanCougar

The newly re-formed Social and Environmental Justice Club (SEJC) met on campus for the third time on Wednesday, November 19th, and plans to hold its next meeting on December 3rd. In addition to the relatively mundane business of club officer appointment and review of the club constitution, members discussed action that they would like to take to raise awareness of the new club and to instigate progressive change in their community. The most immediate is the ongoing labor dispute with regards to one of the subcontractors, Delta Drywall Inc., which was hired to work on the new Undergraduate Classroom Building on campus. Delta Drywall is one of several subcontractors hired by the general contractor, Triplett Wellman Inc., and specializes in drywall, metal stud framing, and acoustical ceiling construction. Jason Sheckler, one of the three Carpenters Union representatives arrested on campus in August, commented on the Union’s efforts and aims. He stressed that the Union is not advocating that Delta Drywall be kicked off the project; also, Sheckler pointed out that Delta’s status as a non-Union company is immaterial to the Union’s efforts to make the University and students aware of Delta’s business practices. It is purely a matter of Delta’s failure to pay area standard wages and benefits. Members of the Union are reportedly picketing against Delta at Willamette University, where the company is also being subcontracted. According to a report compiled by the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters (PNRCC), the subcontractor and its sister companies have been involved in several lawsuits. In one instance, Finishers Corporation, one of Delta owner Chris Troxel’s half-dozen contracting companies, declared bankruptcy in order to avoid paying almost $100,000 as the result of an insurance fraud conviction. Of Troxel’s seven contracting firms, five have gone out of business since 1996. The companies also allegedly violated minimum wage laws and consistently failed to report accurate working hours for their employees. The report refers the reader to the website www.closerlookatdelta.com. While it does not actively cite the sources of its information, it does include reproductions of legal documents pertaining to Troxel’s companies’ lawsuits. It also provides contact information for Ben Basom, the Representative of the PNRCC. He can be reached at (503) 261-1862. According to Sheckler, the Carpenters Union sent materials to the general contractor, Triplett Wellman, when it first heard that Delta Drywall was bidding on the job. The Union received no acknowledgment or response from the contractor. The University, while acknowledging the Union’s statement, has proverbially washed its hands of the matter, stating summarily that

since the general contractor hired Delta, there is nothing the University can do. Sheckler begs to differ, contending that the University is fully capable of setting standards (and enforcing those standards) that will discourage companies who engage in dishonest business practices. The SEJC has drafted a petition which demands that the University cease doing business with Delta Drywall and drop the charges brought against the Carpenters Union members arrested for trespass while flyering against Delta on campus at the beginning of this semester. However, according to University policy, the officer who arrested them was well within his rights. The university’s Facilities Use Policy states that “persons not connected with the University are not authorized to distribute handbills or other materials without prior approval of the Facilities Use Committee.” For more information on the Carpenters Union arrests, see the adjoining article about the oncampus “Free Speech Zone”. While not the first Social and Environmental Justice club on campus, the current SEJC aims to focus on specific local issues of social justice, particularly those that are relevant to students of the University and members of the surrounding community. Last year’s SEJC, according to the WSU-V webpage, aimed to provide “environmental awareness and commitment through individual oral group projects focusing on local and regional levels”, and reportedly focused on projects such as bringing fair-trade coffee into the cafeteria. As a response to the recent sexuality-based incidents on the Pullman campus, the SEJC is discussing an on-campus reading of “The Laramie Project”, a play based on the 1998 killing of Matthew Shepard. This would take place during school hours in the quad on the south end of campus. In order for the reading to be a timely response to those recent events, the club hopes to recruit participants as soon as possible. The SEJC is also considering a showing of a film about Matthew Shepard in the near future. Globalization and Latin America are the subjects of a film festival whose opening night will be on campus on January 22nd and which the SEJC is promoting in conjunction with the Portland Central America Solidarity Committee, which has been active since 1979. The SEJC encourages other student clubs to sponsor a night of the film festival, which will run three days and include six films. Students and clubs interested in doing so can contact Amy Burton or the SEJC. For information about joining the SEJC or information about the labor dispute petition or any of the other events mentioned, please contact Taj Mahon-Haft at [email protected] or the SEJC at social.environmental. [email protected].

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The VanCougar

features

Happy Christma-HanuKwanzaa-Ka to you! By Isaac Madsen The VanCougar

December is a month of celebration. From Christmas, to Hanukkah (Chanuka), and Kwanzaa, different religions and/or ethnicities all celebrate miracles of victory and hope. All three celebrations mentioned here have interesting historical roots, and all three fight the temptation to swerve from those roots into the consumerism of the modern winter holiday. HISTORY Hanukkah is the oldest of the three, and was first celebrated on the 25th of Kislev 164 BCE. According to Rabbi Elizabeth Dunsker, “Chanukah is a celebration of two miraculous events.” The first being the military victory in which a Jewish army defeated a superior invasion force of Syrian Greeks under Antiocus IV Epiphanes reclaiming their land and temple. The second miracle was that the Ner Tamid (the eternal light), which must never go out, was running out of oil. Because of the war, no oil was close by to keep it burning, yet the oil miraculously lasted for eight days until the messengers sent to find the oil had returned. Dunsker spoke of another reason for instating Hanukkah, “We have a very important Festival called Sukkot which takes place in the fall and lasts for 8 days. The year of the war with Antiochus, the Israelites were not able to celebrate Sukkot in the fall. When they did celebrate it, late after their victory, it became Chanukah. Christmas, as well, has a deep historical background. The organizer of NW Collegiate Ministries on campus and an associate pastor at Cross Point Church, Charlie Grenade, expounded a little on the origins of Christmas, “A number of different cultures celebrate December 25th,” he said. “It was a Greco-roman holiday, a Persian holiday and yolla.” According to Grenade, these other holidays predated

Christianity. December 25th didn’t become the day for celebrating the advent (meaning “coming” or birth) of Christ in the 300’s and 400’s. [Editor’s note: There are many opinions as to the dating of the Christian event, which corresponds to the Roman celebration of Saturnalia. Theories range far and wide, but most align the birth of Jesus with a cosmic event (the star) described in the Bible and various phenomenon recording in history.] The third holiday that many celebrate in December is Kwanzaa. Dr. Thabiti Lewis, who has organized Kwanzaa celebrations at Willamette University, says Kwanzaa “was first practiced in the 1970’s by Dr. Karenga and members of his immediate community in California,” he said. “Other community activists and organizations soon followed in major cities like Chicago and New York.” FEASTS A feast of some sort is important to all three holidays. On the last day of Kwanzaa there is a big meal. “Many of the ideas around Kwanzaa are influenced by West African harvest rituals,” Lewis said. “In fact, Kwanzaa roughly translates to mean ‘in-gathering.’” Dunsker said, “Most Jewish Holidays have special foods that go along with them and Chanukah is no exception.” A common Hanukkah food is potato pancakes which can be prepared in a verity of different ways depending on your family’s tradition. The primary food in Israel for the holidays is “Sufganiyot” (sooof-gan-ee-yot) which is a kind of jelly filled donut. There are eight nights in Hanukkah, none of them more important than the other, any of them acceptable for a Hanukkah meal. Christmas dinner is a major part of the Christmas

tradition in America, along with such foods as ginger bread, and chestnuts. Candies and cookies are big traditions in many families. Usually ham or turkey is served. Today many foods have been Christmasized for instance Christmas blend coffees and teas. SYMBOLS “The Chanukiah (menorah) is the main symbol, and it is supposed to be visible,” said Dunsker. The menorah is a candle holder with nine candles one of the nine is separated from the rest. This candle, called the Samash, is used to light the other candles one each day until on the 8th day when all the candles are lit. The clearly visible and most prominent symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree. There are of course many other symbols associated with Christmas today including the symbol/legend of Santa. Today Santa is a story we tell children and a fat, happy man that we frost onto our cookies or stick in our yards. “Santa Clause –Saint Nicholas was really a saint,” said Grenade. “He was a rich person who ended up giving away a lot of his possessions. Santa Nicolas is the Dutch pronunciation of Saint Nicholas, and how we got the name Santa.” There are seven basic symbols and two additional ones of Kwanzaa. “Many of the symbols such as candles, mats for fruit and vegetables [Mekka], and ears of corn and fruit focus on children as the future and the very notion of harvest celebration,” said Lewis. Kwanza also has its own set of colors red, black, and green. REMEMBRANCES These holidays also share the tradition of gift giving. In Hanukkah and Kwanzaa the giving is centered on children, and at Christmas it is a tradition for the whole family.

Each holiday encourages its followers to remember a certain culture or historical event, and to strive for the future. Chanukah at its very root is a victory celebration remembering a few brave people laid their lives on the line for God and homeland. “Menorahs should be placed in the window so that every one passing by can be reminded that not every one does things the same, and that we can be proud of our differences,” said Dunker. Christmas is a great victory for Christians as well. It is a celebration of the coming of God [Jesus] into human flesh, and his subsequent victory over sin and death on a Roman cross for forgiveness. Grenade emphasized the importance of following Jesus’ example of giving, not just at Christmas, but at all times of the year. Kwanzaa has a list of seven principles one for each day of the celebration. The seven principles are Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibilities, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Each of these is a reminder to encourage practitioners to live out each principle in their daily lives. Faith, the last of the seven, also shows the importance of victory. It means, according to Lewis, “To believe with all our hearts in our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.” Now that we have “the new and improved” holiday that encourages us to buy our happiness it is good to look back at what these three holidays are based on and remember the things that really matter. Each, in essence, celebrates a victory. So, whether you are celebrating a victory of the past, present or future have a Merry Holiday season.

December 4, 2008

FEATURES

Holiday Recipes from the VanCougar Staff Magic Cookie Bars

Working Woman’s Challah Bread

By Greg Zschomler

By Louise Wynn

Editor-in-Chief

The VanCougar

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut 1 cup chopped nuts

2 cups warm water or milk 2 packages dry active yeast 6-7 cups bread flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 t. salt 1/4 cup oil 1 egg

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

Dissolve the yeast in warm (about 75120 degrees F) water, and stir in the sugar and salt. Then add about half the flour and mix it up pretty well. Then add the eggs and oil, mix, and then mix in the rest of the flour. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and put it in a warm, moist place until it rises to about double its original size. If you want to hurry, you can put it over the pilot light of your gas stove, if you have one. Or you can leave it in the fridge overnight.

Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Divide the dough into three pieces. Cut the first piece into three pieces and roll each of those into a 16-inch-long rope. Put the pieces next to each other on an oiled baking sheet and braid them. Do the same thing with your second of the three large pieces, making this braid about five inches apart from the first one. With the last large piece, cut it into six pieces and roll each piece into 17inch-long ropes. Make two braids out of these, and put one of them on top of each of the large braids. Pinch the ends and tuck them under to make nice loaves. Bake the loaves in a preheated 375-degree oven for about 35 minutes. Brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter as they cool on a wire rack.

Cranberry Christmas Salad

Maria’s Flan for Christmas Eve By Louise Wynn

By Katie Wells

The VanCougar

Sports & Rec Editor

Melt 2 tbsp sugar with a little water in a loaf pan until the sugar caramelizes. You can add some grated orange peel to make orange flan, or almond extract for almond flan, and so on. Beat together: 4 eggs 1 can sweetened condensed milk

STEP 1:

1 can evaporated milk

16 oz Fresh Cranberries Chopped Course 10 oz Mini Marshmallows 1 ½ C. Sugar or Splenda

1 tsp vanilla Pour the beaten mixture into the sugar-coated loaf pan and put the pan in a large pan of water to bake at 350 degrees F for about 1 hour 10 minutes

Mix and place in Freezer overnight (Step 1 can stay in the freezer for two weeks before you do step 2)

STEP 2: 1 - 20 oz can Crushed Pineapple / Drained 1 C Chopped Walnuts 1 pnt. Whipping Cream whipped With 1 tsp. of Vanilla

Mix and add to step one. Put back in Freezer. This can last for a month.



19

The VanCougar

20 DECEMBER



2008

Dec. 4: Winter Craft Night Firstenburg Student Commons / 7:00 p.m. Gingerbread houses, families welcome. Dec. 5: WSU-V Community Choir Concert Administration Building Room 110 / 12:00 p.m. Music from the Southern Hemisphere Dec. 5: Collage / Altered Books Multimedia Building Room 107 / 12:00 p.m. Bring magazines or other images to cut up.

TAIL END

The VanCougar Bulletin

To include a bulletin on this page, drop a flyer for a school or club-related event into our “Bulletins” folder outside VCLS 212 or email [email protected]. Free for registered student organizations!

THE GIVING TREE Between December 1st and 15th in the lobby of the Library, VCLS. VADM, and Firstenburg.

Dec. 5: Free Holiday Concert Firstenburg Student Commons / 7:00 p.m. The Vancouver Community Concert Band

This is a wonderful opportunity to help families in our surrounding communities have a blessed Christmas.

Dec. 8: Resume Writing Workshop Student Commons Room 104 / 4:15 p.m. Free and open to students and alumni.

Brought to you by SBO and YWCA Clark County

Dec. 10: Financial Aid 101 Workshop Administration Building Room 110 / 6:00 p.m. Blue Lot Parking for $3 for this event. Dec. 10 & Dec. 17: Open Gym at Chinook Basketball Open Play / 8:00 p.m. Free. Sign-up at Chinook Gym.

If you have any questions or need aditional information, please contact Erin Dengerink Madarang. (360) 546-9551 or [email protected] or [email protected]

Announcing auditions for the

JUNIOR SYMPHONY OF VANCOUVER

on Thursday, December 11. Auditions are arranged by appointment only with application, available online at www.oregonchamberplayers.org. The concert for this session will be presented Saturday, March 14. Call the JSV at (360) 696-4084 for applications and further information, and check out our website at www.oregonchamberplayers.org P.M.B. 32, 11500 NE 76TH STREET, SUITE A3, VANCOUVER, WA 98662

360-696-4084 E-mail: [email protected] www.oregonchamberplayers.org