The Vancougar: March 9, 2009

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PAW on Puppy Mills

Women of Distinction

Club raises awareness on dog breeding for profit

WSU-V celebrates and honors distinguished women from the community

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Washington State University Vancouver

Hazel Dell Community Garden

Mt. Bachelor Ski Trip 60 students experience a weekend on the slopes of the fifth largest ski and snowboard park in the country

March 9, 2009

Clark and WSU-V students gather at education garden, volunteers needed

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Issue 13

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New FSC Design Trophy case, crimson walls, and student artwork among planned features for new design

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www.vancougar.com

Candidates make case for budget reform, earth-friendly habits By Kati Hughes The VanCougar

Thursday, February 26 was a big day for WSU-V. The day of the 2009 ASWSUV general election debate, in which four presidential tickets announced their platforms and plans for the future, was also the first ASWSUV debate ever to be recorded for television. Before the debate, Spring Atkinson and other DTC students set up cameras and microphones around the commons. Each Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidate were pulled aside for a private interview before the event began, except Kevin Cervantes and Abe Robles, who were not available for comment. Outgoing ASWSUV President Peter Sterr encouraged attendees to make their voices heard. “No matter how you vote,” Sterr said, “please be sure you turn out and vote.” Nick Ferderer seemed well prepared, as though he had spent a considerable amount of time deciding on what to say and how to say it. He described the “Nick and Nicole” platform as having three main planks, all of which, he said, are interconnected. They are leadership, communication, and sustainability. Emily Shaw, who made her opening speech second, also showed great poise under pressure, making a well-thought out statement as to her qualifications and past experience with student government. “I have already prepared

myself to responsibly allocate student funds by sitting in on the budget committee meetings,” says Shaw. Kevin Cervantes went with a more casual, down to earth speaking style, engaging the vernacular of the average student. Seemingly working off the cuff, Cervantes’ plans include “increasing resources and improving the lives of students with every facet possible.” According to Cervantes, “Basically, what I want to do is improve your lives here.” Ryan Davis, the final candidate to speak, had a unique platform. As a nontraditional student, Davis focused on making the campus more non-trad friendly. “Nontraditional students with responsibilities and families can’t go to bowling nights and pizza feeds, or trips to Pullman funded by ASWSUV,” says Davis. He referred to the abundance of these events as “fiscally irresponsible,” and plans to re-allocate the funds that would go towards those events to things that will “give back to students.” Throughout the debate, the candidates were consistent with their original messages, with time constraints not allowing for much diversion to other, more specific aspects of their plans. The qualifications they listed were as diverse as their platforms were. Ferderer cited his experience working in the Office of Student Involvement, while Shaw’s experience as a Senator and PR Director served as her main qualifications. Cervantes said that his running-mate, Abe Robles, has experience in Student

Kati Hughes/The VanCougar

Student government hopefuls square off

Candidates Robles, Cervantes and Davis presented their opposing platforms at the first debate

Government at a community college they both attended. According to Cervantes, their experience at the community college taught them how to manage a budget because the campus was roughly the same size as WSU-V and had a budget of $50, 000, where WSU-V has a budget of $218, 000. Davis cited his “real-world work experience” as a key qualification for ASWSUV President. In addition to his experience, Davis said that he has made several contacts within the community that may benefit WSU-V.

On Wednesday, March 4, the second debate was held in the Firstenburg Commons, and the turnout was much smaller than the first debate. Shelly Vincent, who is a member of the Election Board, commented about the attendance. “There [were] less people here than the last one,” said Vincent, adding that she thought “[the candidates] took this one more seriously than the last one.” ConTInueD on Page 5

An exit interview with ASWSUV President Sterr Outgoing President Sterr discusses the past year By Gregory E. Zschomler The VanCougar

Peter Sterr arrived fashionably late to our morning interview, dressed in a dark, pin-striped suit and crimson tie, his friendly characteristic grin spread across his face. “Sorry, I’m late,” he said. He’d spent the day going from meeting to meeting. We sat in his office—neat and clean, decorated sparingly with Cougar paraphernalia—as we discussed his term as president. He seemed relaxed, grateful and enthusiastic. When asked what he has done this year that he is most proud, Sterr said, “[We’ve] increased options for student representation and leadership,” adding that the positions have and would aid WSU-V and WSU as a whole. He and his staff have increased representation in Olympia and shared plans for making that even more effective. “We got the recreation center off the ground,” and “increased student leadership training,” said Sterr. Efforts have been made to increase organization within ASWSUV to facilitate year to year transitions. “It’s a problem on every campus, but especially ours,” said Sterr, “You didn’t have the structure we have now.” Freshmen can now enter

student government at entry levels, stay in the ASWSUV and work their way up. There’s more time for the student body to get to know them and their track record. New positions have been created, “offering more opportunities in the ASWSUV.” Students can volunteer for positions of influence on the Activities Board or participate on the Women’s Resource Committee. He said there’s a new Event Assistant spot. The paid RSO Director position will be

“The things that I have been working for have been going against the status quo...” eliminated for next year and the funds for that post will be applied to paying the new Leadership Development Director. Sterr acknowledges that there have been challenges and obstacles to be overcome. He said that working with other campuses “pushing for rights on urban campuses” and “trying to get [our] students representation” with Pullman took effort, but it paid off. “The administration on our campus—the relationship between them and students is more developed” than at the other branch campuses, said Sterr. That can partly be attributed to

the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board created by Sterr and Chancellor Hal Dengerink. Sterr thinks outside the box. “The things that I have been working for have been going against the status quo,” he said. When asked if there were any surprises or if his grades had suffered unexpectedly, Sterr laughed. He said his grades had not fallen, but that his class attendance had—mainly due to meetings and travel related to representation. “Anyone who thinks you can come into this office and not make sacrifices,” said Sterr, “would be mistaken. I am not the same student [I was] when I started the job.” Being a student has been his first priority. The biggest surprise was the economy. The crisis “had an impact on us [students]—nothing compared with administration.” Budget cuts, hiring and travel freezes had a great impact on administrative staff, he said, but only added red tape and difficulty to S&A funded operations. Sterr was also somewhat surprised that the recreation center project didn’t garner more support. An impressive 31 percent of the student body chimed in on the recreation center survey—16 percent more than have ever turned out for a campus election! But student thoughts were conclusive: It was not the right time for such a venture.

“I personally didn’t feel [it was practical] with the feasibility study and the economy—including a large potential donor that pulled out,” Sterr said, “I didn’t feel it was prudent to pursue a referendum this year.” He said there is still plenty of energy behind the project and that a committee continues to meet. “It will still happen,” he said, it’s just a matter of timing. Budget cuts, increases in tuition and not wanting additional fees on top of all that contributed to the current student dissent over the project. “I’m disappointed, obviously,” said Sterr, “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t achieve our goals for this year for that project.” Sterr said there were still plenty of successes and plenty of other goals about to bear fruit. These include putting a student on The Bookie Board, restructuring the senate so that each senator represents a specific constituency, and moving the student Director of Legislative Affairs to Olympia. He also hopes to get students on the Academic Integrity Board. So, having accomplished so much, with so much left to do, why isn’t Sterr running again. “There are a few reasons,” said Sterr, “First of all, I’m tired—it’s an incredibly draining experience.” ConTInueD on Page 4

The VanCougar

2 The VanCougar www.vancougar.com

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.

Co-sponsored by ASWSUV Editor-in-Chief Katie Wells Managing Editor Michael Hatch Advisor Dean Baker Assistant Editor Collin Rickman Copy Editor Kati Hughes Arts & Culture Editor Jake Kleinschmidt Sports & Rec Editor Erik Cummings Ad Manager Dan Rauchenstein Staff Writers & Photographers Rosann Bartel, Matt Hunter, Louise Wynn, Hannah Walker, Shane Monroe, Danielle Mosier, Isaac Madsen, Matthew Wright, Greg Zschomler, Lori Fischer, Mark Medina, Christina Frye, Matthew South, Charis Jensen, Perry Miller, Adam Fox, Dale Flamm, Joseph Creager, Erik Jutila, Alexandria Denny, Dillon Stiffler, Erik Beaulieu, René Fragall, Spring Atkinson, and Sheryl Kennon

The VanCougar, VCLS 212 14024 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 Phone: (360) 546-9524 Fax: (360) 546-9072 General Communication [email protected] VanCougar Editors [email protected] Advertising Manager [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 [email protected]. edu or visit our office in VCLS 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 email 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 vancouged@ vancouver.wsu.edu. Corrections policy It is our policy to correct errors. Please contact the editors by e-mail at [email protected]. Advertise with us The VanCougar directly reaches 3,000 students, faculty, and staff at WSU-V. There is no better way to advertise to the Vancouver area university crowd than with us. For more information, advertising rates and policies, please visit vancougar.com or contact our advertising manager.

EDITORIAL

Raising puppy mill awareness By Louise Wynn The VanCougar

If you’ve ever bought a puppy or kitten online or from a pet store, it’s possible that the animal came from a so-called “puppy mill.” These operations breed and raise pets for profit—often without care for the animals’ welfare. Recent raids of puppy mills in Snohomish and Skagit counties by animal control officers have recovered more than 600 sick dogs covered with fleas, and living in filthy conditions. Many of the dogs were pregnant and some were crammed into cages or crates without food and water. Some were infested with intestinal parasites or suffering from tumors or open sores and others had genetic defects which officials attributed to inbreeding. Animal control and humane society officials say the puppy mills produce toy, miniature breeds and so-called “designer dogs,” recently popularized by celebrities. The operators clean up the best-looking puppies for sale to pet stores but neglect the breeding stock and individuals not deemed fit for sale. “This isn’t something that’s just happening back east,” Shannon Epler says. A biology major and pre-veterinary student at WSU-V, Epler is the founder and president of the Promoting Animal Welfare (PAW) club on campus. When club members heard about the local puppy mill cases, they decided to raise money and food donations for local animal shelters. PAW is sponsoring a “Help for Homeless Pets” drive during the week of March 9-13. The club isn’t calling it a food drive because the rescued animals need more than food; they

The Nerdist By Michael Hatch ManagIng eDITor

So as you may have been able to tell, I’ve renamed my column to “The Nerdist.” This was not at all planned, I must say. In fact, I did it on a whim of sorts as I discovered I was tired of writing about fears--nothing against fears per se, it’s just not really my schtick. Plus, I made it far too formal to make it enjoyable to write (or read, for that matter). So without further adieu, I present you with a column all about nerdisms. One of the most reliable dictionaries ever to grace man with her presence, urbandictionary.com, defines a nerdism as art which is nerdy or made by an artful nerd or nerdist (nerd and artist, clever, eh?). I am a web designer by trait, and had I not made myself embarrassingly busy with everything I do at school, I would probably visit digg.com a lot more often than I do. Digg.com, for those who do not know, is an online community wherein anyone can submit a link and others can promote it by “digging” it. As you might guess, the Digg community is made primarily of people just like me: geeks, nerds and everything in between. The importance of this is that I hope to (at least for the next couple issues left in the year) bring you some sort of interesting item off the digg list and maybe talk about them a little bit, too.

need food bowls, beds and blankets, kitty litter, toys, and more. Although the Southwest Washington Humane Society accepts only certain items, other groups such as Second Chance Companions will take any donations. The club will have donation barrels around campus where students and staff can drop off donations. Clark County hasn’t been included in the puppy mill investigation, but shelters in southwest Washington also need donations of food and money. With the economic downturn, more people are leaving animals with rescue organizations because they can’t afford to keep caring for them. On March 10, PAW members will sponsor a Puppy Mill Awareness table where students can find out more about some alternatives to puppy mills for adopting pets. Club members will be selling homemade dog treats, with all proceeds going to local animal shelters. PAW recommends catering to rescue groups and humane societies, which spay or neuter animals which otherwise would have suffered in inhumane and unhealthy conditions. The club welcomes new members. Its next meeting is Monday, March 23, at 9:15 a.m. in VADM 130. Students can find out more about PAW from its Web site, www.myspace.com/wsu_paw, or by e-mailing [email protected]. Epler Other club projects include a cleanup of the Sauvie Island Wildlife Refuge and a National Feral Cat Day fund-raising activity. PAW members plan to participate in the 2009 “Run for the Cheetah” race, benefiting the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and are planning a backyard nesting box building craft night. No, actually, I’m not going to prescribe that to myself: I may in fact be scared of commitment. Maybe some related question will be the next one to show up on Dr. Meek’s column there to the right. Only time will tell. Okay, so I’m a descent web designer, right? But I have up to this point always been a copy-and-paster of all things JavaScript--I never bothered to learn it, but I was fiddling with the language a little bit during the design of the new VanCougar web site, and let me tell you, it is amazing! I love it--quite possibly more than I love PHP. PHP is basically the server-side equivalent of JavaScript, but by virtue of its defining trait, it handles more processing type things while JavaScript handles more “cool stuff that are sometimes really useful” on the web page itself. So anywho, about the new VanCougar site: it’s probably not up right now unless you’re reading this on a Thursday or Friday, but that nifty Advertisement Request form is the home of my first JavaScript baby--a super-advanced megaawesome ad price calculator. Yeah, it’s not that much, but I pretty much amazed myself at how easy the language is to pick up and do cool things with. I really don’t know why I’ve been avoiding it all this time. Seriously, just the stuff you can do with forms is cool, so imagine what other badassery one might be able to include on a site--menu tab hover effects that make bats fly across the screen? Check. Clock that follow your mouse around somewhat annoyingly? Double check.

Steakburger: A quick game of golf after a quick meal My older cousin used to work at Steakburger on Highway 99. I remember going there and thinking that the shape of the building was almost as cool as the fact that they had miniature golf out back. This burger joint is a classic Vancouver hangout. Whether you go there to grab a burger, fries and milkshake or to golf with a date, Steakburger leaves you satisfied. Opened in the early 1960s, Steakburger has been serving regulars the same great menu for years. Unique to Steakburger are their all-you-caneat pancakes for $1.80. The breakfast food at this restaurant is really cheap and still tastes better than average. I’m personally a fan of the chicken strips and fries. I’m quite sure I will have a heart attack by the time I’m thirty thanks to my healthy eating habits. Not saying that eating at Steakburger will give you a heart attack. Anyway, if you did happen to eat a lot of greasy food, you could always go out back and walk it off on the 18-hole miniature golf course. Steakburger is one of the most known, older restaurants in Vancouver and I’m honestly surprised when I learn someone hasn’t heard of it. If you happen to be one of those who hasn’t had the honor of eating there, I recommend driving down Highway 99 during a break between classes. 7120 NE Highway 99 Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 694-3421

Psych! is a new Q&A style column written by WSU Vancouver’s on-campus counselor, Dr. William Meek. Why do I get so attached to people so easily? Why am I never happy when I’m not in a relationship? - A.W. A.W., Everyone has a slightly different process of attachment in relationships that is generally related to our early experiences with our caregivers. Sometimes that means people have learned to attach more quickly than others based on personal history. Other factors that can be part of this are how fearful we are of being single (people that have more anxiety about being alone are more likely to attach quickly), and our individual style of being in romantic love. Based on your second question, my guess would be that you may equate your self-worth with being in a relationship, which is also a factor that could make you attach so quickly. One idea to help would be to focus on developing your interests and talents that are independent of significant relationships, and start to know the unique value of you that is already there. These are also things that can be sorted out in more depth in counseling, which could be really helpful to make sure you can be happy whether you are single or partnered. - Dr. Meek WSU-V Students can see Dr. Meek for counseling on campus for free. Call 546-9238 to schedule an appointment.

March 9, 2009

OPINION

The Sluice Box In the closet imperialists By Matt Hunter The VanCougar

Some time ago, a well educated friend of mine was talking about democracy. “We often beat ourselves up too much,” he said. “We really have advanced quite a ways. We’re not lopping off fingers or drinking sewage in our water like previous cultures.” This statement was thoroughly perplexing to me. I know that this friend is a postmodern who has often mocked the 19th belief in Progress. And yet here he was saying that one way of life was better than another. This was the beginning of a personal revelation concerning the average postmodernist: like the pre-moderns and moderns that they heartlessly mock, they too come to the table with certain presuppositions. What do I mean? Consider how many times you have heard this: “We

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are all products of our culture.” Or, “to say any culture is better than another is ethnocentric.” Naturally, anyone who has ever taken a university class has heard these phrases so many times they can hardly count them. Now count how many times medieval feudalism (patriarchy, chivalry, monarchy, fascism- your choice) is said to be a bad thing in those same classes. Again, a virtually uncountable number of times.

other form of government? How can we say any moral system is the right one? We can’t. Yet post-modernists, like my friend, do not hold true to their own postmodernist ideas. They are as guilty of ethnocentrism as any Victorian. Like the infamous imperialist Cecil Rhodes, they look upon certain cultures with disdain. Rhodes saw himself bringing superior culture in the form of trains, jobs, and manners. The post-modern sees himself bringing superior “The post-modern sees himself culture to the savages in the form bringing superior culture in the of contraception, health care, and equal opportunity. form of contraception, health At least Rhodes had the decency care, and equal rights.“ to actually state what he believed. He honestly believed that his culture Now, I am sure if I had asked my had something to give to the world. friend why lopping off fingers was a And yet the post-modernist destroys bad thing, he would have answered that cultures while ardently declaring no it was inhumane. But this really doesn’t culture better than another. hold water. Cats play with the shrews Post-modernists can’t have it both they catch until they die. And are we ways. Either they need to really not mammals like our furry friends? believe that all cultures are equal, or Where does this peculiar sense of they need to come to grips with the morality come from in a materialistic fact that they are Western moderns post-modern world? How can we say pressing their beliefs on other that democracy is any better than any cultures.

pet-lover or a vegetarian to see that animals are intelligent and have feelings. Do you agree that the next step is to think about how to treat animals Going to the dogs humanely? Temple Grandin does. She’s the reBy Louise Wynn searcher as famous for being autistic The VanCougar as for her work with animal welfare. Okay, enough already about global In fact, she says her autism informs warming. Let’s get to the important her work with animals; it helps her unstuff: The Obama girls are about to derstand how they perceive the world, get that dog their dad promised them what scares them and how to care for during the campaign and it looks like them. In “Animals Make Us Human,” it’s going to be a Portuguese water she writes about farm animals, pets, animals in zoos and animals in the hound—or maybe a labradoodle. The breed doesn’t matter. What wild. She claims that animals do have does is that the family is apparently emotions and the “basic emotion sysplanning to adopt a dog from a shelter, tems” of all mammals are similar. But are humans just dressed up not buy it from a puppy mill. (Check out PAW’s Puppy Mill Awareness animals? Hannah Holmes begins her Table outside the cafeteria on March recent book “The Well-Dressed Ape” 10, and buy a dog treat. I don’t have by explaining that she’s good with a dog, but I’m buying treats for my children because she grew up with wild animals and doggie pals in my “You don’t have to children are esneighborhood.) And why does be a doting pet-lover sentially “young animals, unrethis matter so much or vegetarian to see fined in their to me that I would that animals are instincts and devote a whole colintelligent and have feelings.” impulses.” She umn to it? There appears to agree are so many science and research ideas I could write with Grandin that there’s not that about—so many, in fact, that I always much of a difference between many have trouble deciding what to focus animals and humans. (Even her clevon. I wanted to write a whole article er chapters are similes we often use about Darwin’s 200th birthday on Feb. to describe other humans: “crafty as 12, but ended up barely mentioning it. a coyote,” “chatty as a magpie” and Likewise, I’d like to write about re- “hungry as a wolf,” among others.) cent research on health and nutrition, So, are we abnormal animals? Are where so much work is being done we better than animals in some way? Are we misfits who should be looking that might directly affect students. And, by the way, did you know up to animals for how to live more in you could work this July in the Ca- harmony with nature? And why do we hunt? Why do nadian Arctic on a Mars-habitat experiment, with free room and board? we admire animals in the wild? Why (The Flashline Mars Arctic Research do we keep pets? What benefits will Station, motto: “Hard work, low pay, Malia and Sasha enjoy from having a eternal glory.” More info at www. dog? As always, I’ve asked questions I can’t answer. I’ll ask more next time, marssociety.org.) So, why write about animal wel- beginning with: Is my parrot smarter fare? Because the way we treat animals than your honor-roll student? Meansays more about our humanity than we while, I recommend both the books may want to admit. Books have been I’ve mentioned here to anyone thinkwritten about animal rights—and not ing about the relationship between huall of them by so-called animal activ- mans and Earth’s other inhabitants. ists. You don’t have to be a doting

Why Do You Ask?

Man on the Street

Where do you think your tuition dollars go? By Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

Tony Nguyen

Natasha Fynn

“My best guess is the money goes for the new buildings on campus, maybe student government and student buildings, actives to get people involved, like bowling night. Or sponsor movies to get people to come here.”

“The staff probably, I guess the grounds keeping, and they pay professors and their secretaries.”

Mechanical Engineering

Biology

Sue Corey

Business Administration

Kevin Cervantes Public Affairs

“I’m not exactly sure where every penny goes. The tuition goes to various things we need on campus to better student life.”

“I think it goes for the teachers, for the professors and for the maintenance of all the buildings. All the things that they do to keep the buildings running and the employees; probably research too.”

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“To my professors. Probably the student involvement, activities in school, movie tickets and good stuff like that.”

“Most of it I think goes into the general fund for the school, basically upkeep, supplies and materials.”

Humanities

Faculty - Chemistry

The VanCougar

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STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Student Regent position among those vacant Hello Students,

ASWSUV elections are upon us! Please turn out to vote this Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (March 1012). You can vote on any computer— anywhere—on your MyWSU account, or at designated voting kiosks around campus. It only takes a few minutes, and you will be contributing your voice in the development of this university. Additionally, any student that votes will be automatically entered into an ASWSUV sponsored raffle to win one of 23 prizes, including gift cards, an Apple Ipod Touch, or an overnight getaway for two to the luxurious Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa!

All you have to do is spend two minutes of your day or night to vote! Raffle winners will be randomly selected by their student ID number. On a related note, we currently have six students running for 11 ASWSUV Senate positions. If you are interested in being an ASWSUV Senator for the 2009-2010 academic year, you can run as a write-in candidate! All you have to do is talk with your friends and fellow students and have them write you in! It is imperative that we fill these positions during this election. I would also like to encourage you to apply for the position of WSU Student Regent. One student is selected each year by the Governor

of Washington to sit on the Board of Regents, the governing body of the WSU University. This student serves as the sole student representative to the Regents, voting on important issues such as budgeting, tuition levels, and capital projects. There has currently never been a Student Regent from one of WSU’s urban campuses—you could be the first! Applications are available in the ASWSUV office suite in the Firstenburg Student Commons, and are due to ASWSUV Vice President Andrea Wooster by March 27th. Have a safe and fun Spring Break! Go COUGS! Peter Sterr ASWSUV President

Sterr gives final remarks as ASWSUV President Peter Sterr finishes his last term in Student Government Story by Gregory E. Zschomler The VanCougar

“[Secondly] I’m graduating in December [and, thirdly] it’s really time to give someone else a shot at it.” If he had it all to do over, Sterr says he “would spend more time with students.” Sterr will facilitate the transition to new leadership by inviting the new President and Vice President Elect to every meeting he attends and to work with them “on their personal and professional development.” “I’m hoping [the transition] will be very, very smooth,” said Sterr. He hasn’t announced support for a particular candidate, but offers this advice to whoever is elected: “Give everyone the benefit of the doubt before you believe otherwise.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lobby for Student Rights

March 10, 1:30 - 3:30 in VFSC Write to your state representatives advocating for important student issues such as tuition and financial aid. Free pizza is provided!

Elections Pizza Feed March 11, 11:30 am Outside the Adminstration Building

ASWSUV urges you to: VOTE YES ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 18.001, 18.002, and 18.003! Vote in the ASWSUV general election using your MyWSU account for your chance to win a 32GB iPod Touch, a spa trip, or one of many other prizes!

Always ask yourself ‘why am I doing this?’ and ‘what purpose does it serve?’” He said, “If it doesn’t measure up to your goals, take a step back. Always ask yourself ‘what am I really trying to accomplish and is [this] the best means to achieve that end?’” Sterr said he was most proud of the inroads he made for students to represent themselves to administration. “I think we’ve had a lot of successes,” he said noting that, “Every success I’ve had has been a culmination of a lot of people.” “I’m proud of what we’ve done and what the staff has been able to accomplish. I’m proud of the executive staff and senators—without them we couldn’t have done anything.” So what’s his plan for the future? “I plan on making myself available over the summer” to aid in the transition, said Sterr. He also said he plans to stay involved while he’s here at WSU-V somehow. Kati Hughes/The VanCougar

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

March 9, 2009

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Newly passed Senate bills Presidential Candidates Debate ASWSUV

BILL 18.024 Eighteenth Senate

...continued from Page 1

2008-09 Session

By Senators Meyers and Chu 25 February 2009 AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $2,500.00 (two thousand five hundred dollars) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for Sex Rules! to be held on a day in the last week of April. BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE:

Sec. 1. Booking Fee

$2,500.00

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV By-Laws (260.12). All advertisements shall be approved by the ASWSUV Public Relations Director prior to distribution. The purpose of this event is to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month and comprehensive sex education on campus. It is a safer sex lecture for college students that uses humor, audience participation, and student facts. It should be noted that the YWCA and Cowlitz Tribal Programming will pay for airfare and lodging.

ASWSUV

BILL 18.028 Eighteenth Senate

2008-09 Session

By Senators Brown and Chu 25 February 2009 AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $3,000.00 (three thousand dollars) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for the VanCougar Student-Run Newspaper of WSUV. BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE:

Sec. 1. Remaining Three Issues

$3,000.00.

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV By-Laws (260.12). TheVanCougar will provide ASWSUV free advertisements for the next academic year (2009-2010), and the following year (2010-2011), not to exceed the amount of $3,000.00. The VanCougar Newspaper will clearly define and execute a system of checks and balances to prevent this budget issue from happening in the future. The creation of the checks and balances system will be monitored by the Student Involvement Manager, and will be completed by the end of the Spring 2009 semester. The VanCougar is requesting money in order to finish off the semester without changing their budget allocations for the remainder of the year. The current editors have done everything in their power to keep their budget from going into the red, but the budgeting at beginning of the semester was insufficient. Their budget is not sustainable on its own.

ASWSUV

BILL 18.029 Eighteenth Senate

2008-09 Session

AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $153.82 (One hundred fifty-three dollars and eighty-two cents) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for KOUG radio Re-Launch to be held on 3 March 2009. BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE: Sec. 1. 8 24-packs of bottled water Sec. 2. 16 12-packs of snack crackers Sec. 3. Sales Tax

$ 39.92 $102.24 $ 11.66

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV By-Laws (260.12). All advertisements shall be approved by the ASWSUV Public Relation Director prior to distribution. This is to advertise to the WSU Vancouver community that KOUG is officially back on the air. KOUG enriches student life, provides leadership opportunities, and provides an outlet for student voice. Since KOUG’s renewed efforts, they have become one of the larger student activities on campus. ASWSUV

RESOLUTION 18.002 Eighteenth Senate

The VanCougar

Matt Rafano, who attended both debates, agreed with Vincent. “I think [this debate] went better than the first debate,” said Rafano, “While they were nervous I think they conveyed their message[s] better than the first time around.” Boles had some feedback for the candidates. “It was similar to the last

debate in that our questions weren’t answered as clearly as we would have liked [by any of the candidates]” said Boles, “Based on the fact that there weren’t any uproars over the candidates’ answers I think it went well.” During the first debate, audience members felt that some candidates’ answers to the Election Board’s questions seemed evasive. This caused some serious talk among students who attended the debates.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Hearing on Proposed Amendment to the Washington Administrative Code-WSU Parking and Traffic Rules Washington State University will conduct a public hearing regarding the revision of the university’s parking rules, specifically the revision of WAC 504-14-560, WAC 504-15- 560, WAC 504-19-460, WAC 504-19-560, and WAC 504-19-930; creation of new chapter 504-13; and repeal of chapter WAC 504-18. The hearing will be held on March 25, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in Lighty Student Services Building, Room 405, Pullman, WA 99164. The following locations will be included by videoconference: WSU Spokane, Academic Center Room 401A, Spokane, WA 99210; WSU Tri-Cities, East Room 228, Richland, WA 99354; and WSU Vancouver, Administration Room 301 (Tower Room), Vancouver, WA 98686. Notice of this public hearing is hereby given in accordance with provisions of RCW 34.05.320(4). The University intends to amend the rules regarding parking permits and traffic for the WSU Spokane, WSU Pullman, and WSU Vancouver campuses; add rules to govern parking and traffic at WSU Tri-Cities; and repeal the parking and traffic rules for the WSU College of Nursing because the college has relocated to the WSU Spokane campus. The University will adopt the amendments 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. Submit all written comments by 5:00 p.m., March 25, 2009.

By Senators Brown and Chu 25 February 2009



By Kati Hughes

2008-09 Session

By Senators Whitling and Chu 26 February 2009 WHEREAS, The VanCougar is a valuable, informative resource for the student body and the WSU Vancouver community as a whole; and WHEREAS, The VanCougar actively promotes the advancement of the student voice; and WHEREAS, The VanCougar is making significant strides in journalistic ability; and WHEREAS, The VanCougar has an insufficient budget to continue with current operational costs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Eighteenth ASWSUV Senate will advance The VanCougar $3,000.00 (three thousand dollars) to continue operation for the remainder of the 2008-09 academic year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The VanCougar will include the words “Cosponsored by ASWSUV,” in reasonably sized font in the masthead of the remaining Spring 2009 publications of The VanCougar; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The VanCougar will compensate the Nineteenth and Twentieth ASWSUV advertising budgets by providing them with a half-page of advertising free of charge not to exceed $3,000.00 (three thousand dollars); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The VanCougar will form a cohesive budget review system; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The ASWSUV Senate urges The VanCougar to address the student body about this budget issue in print.

The VanCougar

First annual ‘Woman of Distinction’ event exceeds expectations for hosts

UPCOMING EVENTS Mental Health Lecture

March 12, 6 p.m. in VADM 110 Free and open to the public

Bonneville Hot Springs

March 15, 9 a.m. $70/students, $80/non-students Register in OSI

Deaf Education Endorsement Information Night March 16, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public in VADM Building room 129

Washington Council College Planning Day

March 20, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Check in at VADM Building

MBA Information Night

March 26, 6 p.m. Free and open to the public in VADM Building room 129

The Nurse Network Vest Sale Order by March 30 in VCLS 208 Vests are $35 each and revenue goes toward community service activities and celebrations

CAMPUS NEWS

Dr. Nancy Stepsis is woman of the year

CAMPUS NEWS

6

University Vancouver. Stepsis was a nursing educator and an administrator of nursing for thirty years. As an administrator, Stepsis felt she was in a position to empower students and faculty. Among her accomplishments is the formation of a health promotion center that cares primarily for women and children. “What I believe in doing for others is in fact empowering women and providing opportunities for them to develop to as much of their potential as possible,” says Stepsis. Stepsis advises women who want to have an

success is mostly due to luck. “I didn’t start out with great ambitions. I wanted to be a mom,” says Smith. Smith started out as a teller. As an ambitious worker, she was asked to take on more responsibilities. Smith viewed these Story by Sheryl Kennon thE VAnCoUGAr extra responsibilities as opportunities to learn. When Smith became pregnant Last Wednesday evening, March 4, for the first time, she had to negotiate men and women alike gathered in with her employer in order to continue the Firstenburg Student Commons working after she started showing since to celebrate and honor distinguished “her condition was not professional.” women from the community who serve After her son was born, Smith became as positive role models. Not a single seat a stay-at-home mom until her children remained empty were in school. as the audience At this point, anticipated the Smith reentered women who the workforce. have truly made She eventually a difference to be obtained her called forward. MBA. Smith These women then accepted were nominated a position as by students, CEO of what faculty, and is now known members of the as Unitus community. Of Community the many women C r e d i t recognized, Union. When Nancy Stepsis considering was presented the struggles as Distinguished that women Woman of the face today, Year. Smith believes, Stepsis believes “women have that she received to balance the the award workplace with mainly due to family because her involvement women become l e a d i n g moms.” conversation Both Smith sessions at and Stepsis the library for Michelle McIlvoy announces Dr. Nancy Stepsis as Distinguished Woman of the Year. Erik Beaulieu/The VanCougar agree that immigrants who although wish to practice and learn English. influential role in society to, “find the women face unique challenges, it She is also the treasurer of the Friends area you are interested in, become very has become easier for women to group in the Fort Vancouver Regional knowledgeable about that area, and go succeed. Discrimination is much less Library. Stepsis has been the president for it.” common. More women are pursuing of the American Association of The inspirational speaker for the their advanced education, making University Women (AAUW) for four Women of Distinction program was them employable even during tough years. AAUW is an organization that Patricia E. Smith, President and CEO economic times. With role models like benefits the community and gives of Unitus Community Credit Union. the ones honored, women everywhere scholarships to women attending An accomplished woman, Smith down can be inspired to pursue their dreams Clark College and Washington State plays her tenacity stating that her despite obstacles they face.

CAMPUS NEWS

March 9, 2009

7

Student Commons gets a much needed face lift Leaving behind the bare walls, the FSC transforms Story by Katie Wells Editor in Chief

By the start of the new fall semester, the Firstenburg Student Commons will be unrecognizable. A Senate project that began over a year ago is finally visible to students. Former senators Nicole Aday and Jenna Morgan wrote up a proposal for the new design two years ago and presented it to the Services and Activities (S & A) committee. Aday and Morgan were granted their $2,000 request and began acting on their plans. As of now, one wall of the Commons has been painted red, and the Firstenburg plaque and lettering have been set. There will be a trophy case placed on the wall next to the pool room doors that will hold awards and trophies earned by Vancouver specific Cougars. According to Michelle McIlvoy, Student Involvement Manager for ASWSUV, the southeast wall to the right of the newly painted one will be a five foot by five foot cougar head mural. This artwork, from an estimate by Kangas Murals, will cost only $315. Student artwork will be displayed on the wall that hosts the café. To be rotated monthly, donated artwork will be placed on an 11 foot long art rail system like those in the Administration building. The white boards by the projection screens will be removed from the adjacent wall to hopefully make room for more student artwork. These design ideas were thought up after Aday and Morgan surveyed

students who typically used the Though it is not in the budget now, the paint color and it not being the true Commons in order to find out what McIlvoy hopes to someday improve crimson of the WSU logo. There are they wanted. McIlvoy is now running the sound quality of the room and technically seven shades of red owned the project and believes the change will add etched-glass cougar heads to the by WSU and the color that was picked be easily accepted by the students. “I outside doors. “Right now, since we for the walls was the closest match to think [the students] will love it! People have so many events, it will be nice chairs already in the Commons. For have complained about the walls being so sterile for so long,” said McIlvoy. The new design, though not finished, has already made an impact on some students. “I like it. It’s nice and plain. The letters add a nice touch,” said JJ VanDyke. Now that the project is underway, it is in the “administration phase.” McIlvoy is now dealing with ASWSUV President Peter Sterr and Vice President Andrea Wooster. There will be a magazine rack on the north wall toward the ASWSUV offices that The new Firstenburg Student Commons design will display a trophy case, crimson walls and student artwork. Katie Wells/The VanCougar will be built by the WSU-V carpenter. Facilities has to have it look pulled together and those that don’t mind the red rather done the painting so far and will most inviting,” said McIlvoy. “The wall was than crimson paint, they’re enjoying likely finish this summer. According to painted for our ‘Women of Distinction’ the new look. “It’s pretty minimalist, McIlvoy, there is potential to bring in event and it looked so nice.” pretty functional. It looks good right others to work on the project as well. Some students have complained about now,” said Ryan Seifert.

Salmon Creek Burgerville applies for a liquor license Like the family restaurants surrounding it, Burgerville plans to serve alcohol

opened in 2006 following a remodel. Completely different from others of the same chain, this restaurant displays a ‘fancy’ interior design. Wooden ceiling beams and the slate tile floor accentuate the Northwest feel of the building. Story by Katie Wells Editor in Chief Customers’ food is even served to them at their table rather than picked By late March, Burgerville off of up at the counter like typical fast-food 134th Street and N.E. Highway 99 will chains. The layout of this Burgerville no longer be a dry establishment. The resembles that of a sit-down restaurant newest of the 39, this Salmon Creek rather than fast-food. fast-food restaurant will be the first in After the remodel in 2006, Burgerville its chain to serve alcohol. was seen as a quick place to eat as well This single Burgerville will be selling as a nice place to sit for awhile with beer and wine with their meals and friends. With the change in the economy, limiting orders to two drinks per of- Burgerville, like most businesses, saw age person if their license is approved. a decline in sales. They are pulling out There are many complaints rolling all the stops now in hopes of increasing around by the Oregon Partnership, a revenue. “If [serving alcohol] makes non-profit organization working to them more profit and helps them stay prevent substance abuse. According afloat, then I’m all for it,” said Regina to the Oregon Newsman, 20. Partnership, the With a new menu What do you think of food chain will be item coming about at promoting alcohol Burgerville serving alcohol? a restaurant so close to the younger to campus, some customers and are wondering what employees. exactly will be served. Burgerville is Since Burgerville’s seen as a family motto is ‘Fresh. Local. restaurant to some Sustainable,’ it’s been locals and they, highly suggested too, are having a that they serve local hard time seeing breweries’ alcohol. it as an alcoholMatt Rafano, 22, and serving eatery. Jared Pengra, 23, agree However, students that it would be smart at WSU-V aren’t of Burgerville to serve voicing the same beer and wine from the concerns. “Given area. the environment *Fifty WSU-V students and staff were surveyed Though many from the of the restaurant WSU-V campus are in itself, the way support of the upcoming change, there it’s laid out, you can still have the are still some that either did not approve family atmosphere. You can keep or simply did not care. “If I’m going to [the atmosphere] even with serving go somewhere to drink, Billygan’s has alcohol,” said Max Alt, 18. happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. You This specific Burgerville was re- can get a huge plate of nachos for really

cheap and they have alcohol, too,” said Mallory Smith, 21. Being one of the closest restaurants to the WSU-V campus, Burgerville is hoping to target college students and also the retirees in Salmon Creek. “Given the fact that it’s located in

Argentina Australia China Ecuador England France Germany Guatemala Ireland Israel Italy Mexico Morocco New Zealand Niger Peru Senegal Spain Switzerland USA

Salmon Creek, with the retirees there and the students, I think it’s a good idea [to serve alcohol]. They can cater to both the younger and the older,” said Max Alt. In a few weeks, Burgerville will be able to see the results of their marketing experiment.

This is BU. This could be you. Study Abroad Information Table Wednesday, March 11, 2009 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cafeteria, Administration Building (VADM)

Meet with Theresa Leary and find out how you can study abroad with Boston University International Programs.

www.bu.edu/abroad

The VanCougar

8

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

Career Fair more than a fair success Event gives insight to graduates of WSU-V By Gregory E. Zschomler The VanCougar

Over 350 students took the opportunity to speak with more than 50 potential employers at the February 23 WSU-V Career Fair which filled the Firstenburg Student Commons. The event overflowed into Engineering and Life Sciences building with corporate representatives lurking in the upper hallways looking to hire WSU-V students. The students were serious; they came dressed in suits, ties and other business attire, armed with résumés and firm handshakes. According to Christine Lunden, director of the campus Student Resource Center (SRC), 250 students came to last year’s event; this year there were 100 more— a 40 percent increase in attendance. As Washington’s unemployment rate approaches seven percent and Oregon’s nears ten WSU-V students know they have to hustle to find work—there’s competition. However, despite popular belief, many recruiters actually have jobs to fill. Most of the employers at the fair have full-time and career positions open. “We are actually hiring,” said Legacy Hospital’s Heather Cooper. They have 200 positions, from housekeeping to rehab, currently

Christine Lundeen, director of SRC, poses with Butch.

available. Kari White, a 2004 WSU-V graduate, came to the fair, but not to find a job. White is the HR director at Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging and, like many companies, brought offers of internships. As an alum White

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sixth Annual Research Showcase on April 9, 2009 9 am - 5:30 pm Poster & Exhibit Viewing Noon - 1:30 pm Dr. Tripp Presentation 4 pm - 5:30 pm Awards Ceremony 7 pm - 8:15 pm Keynote Address 8:15 pm - 9 pm Reception Dr. Dunbar will talk about the common ground connecting her experiences as a NASA Mission Specialist astronaut aboard 5 space flights, her role in leading and directing the Museum of Flight, and her education journal in Engineering and Science. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Nickie Davis at [email protected]

The career fair also took place in the ELS building.

Jake Kleinschmidt/The VanCougar

Jake Kleinschmidt/The VanCougar

is thinking of her fellow Cougs. The Army ROTC came seeking those who want to be all they can be. Recruiter Joe Lantai said, “The population we’re looking for is always a small percentage who are enthusiastic about military service.” At least eleven students signed up with him for more information. Even though newspapers are taking a licking in the current economy and e-literate culture the Columbian, according to their rep Denise Sanvig is, “taking a proactive approach.” Yes, there have been layoffs at the paper, but the business is in a transitional period and the industry needs pioneers to lead the way. Sanvig said she was especially interested in and impressed with WSUV’s DTC students. The Columbian was also touting its online résumé posting service. As recent WSU-V graduate Beau Baxter Rosser discovered, “There are jobs out there!” We just have to go out there and get them. The SRC is here to help—post Career Fair—and provides many useful services as well as a job search center, job opening posts, assessment testing and more. They are located by the stairs near The Bookie.

A vibrant world of abstract ideas Abstract art paints 1000 words By Dale S. Flamm The VanCougar

Wayne Herndon’s art takes the viewer from familiar concepts of social structures to a vibrant world of abstract ideas. It reveals new and interesting perspectives. On his personal website, Herndon describes his work as being, “a cross between cave painting and cartooning.” He likes to think of his art as reactions to the world he sees around him put into abstract or non-literal representations. When asked if he had a favorite piece of art of his own work he responded, “That’s like asking someone if they have a favorite composer, it will depend on the time of day.” He went on to say, “Some of the most interesting pieces I’ve done

have been fairly serendipitous.” He did say that he has a few favorites among the paintings currently being displayed on the second floor of the engineering building at WSU-V. He however prefers the viewer to decide which piece is the best, rather than give his own opinion. His work will be displayed in the engineering building art gallery until the 13th of March. His work is for sale as well if you should find a painting you simply have to have. Herndon started out working with stained glass, and his artwork can be found all over the US in churches, businesses and private residences. For the past few decades, however, he has worked primarily with acrylics. Herndon says he plans to keep painting “as long as I can pick up a brush.” After all, “If you’re going to call yourself an artist,

you’ve got to make art.” He has entered into many art competitions and won a number of prizes, including several national awards. He is considering starting a new project involving a series of collages in the near future. He plans to start making collages using many of his unused ideas that he never published. He has not decided if this project will be for sale or simply for his private collection. We can all hope he will at least display some of the results on his website. He stated that he often starts out with just a doodle. If that doodle fascinates him he begins working with it, “nudging it” in one direction or another. Sometimes these ideas “die on the vine,” other times it results in beautiful art like his paintings currently on display at WSU-V in the engineering building.

ARTS & CULTURE

March 9, 2009

Hazel Dell community garden needs volunteers Hoping green thumbed students will join in By Kayla Page The VanCougar

With the initial idea of creating an educational garden for students at Hazel Dell elementary, where the garden is located, and students at Clark College and Washington State University- Vancouver (WSU-V), Hazel Dell community garden is a project in the making. Created almost five years ago, this garden has not been able to serve the purpose it was intended for. Volunteer and organizer Barbra Nordstrom said that this was because learning is so concentrated in the classroom, which does not allow for additional activities. It was hoped

Kayla Page/The VanCougar

that the garden could serve as a center for experiential learning in gardening, nutrition, biology, and environmental science. Despite the drawbacks of current classroom requirements, the garden has found a purpose after all. Thirty or more Clark and WSUV students gathered on a Friday afternoon February 27th to weed the garden, spread fertilizer, and plant raspberries. Clark students were in attendance as a part of the Service and Learning in the Community Program which requires students to perform six afternoon service projects per quarter. WSU-V students we able to be a part of the volunteer experience thanks to the Circle K club. This is the fourth time local students have come to prepare the garden and perform necessary upkeep tasks. Nordstrom is more than thankful for the extra help in getting the garden ready for planting season, “this garden is now meant to be a communal community garden where people can plant things together, as well as have their own bed” Nordstrom said. With the new plan in the works, there is still much to be done. Students worked for two and one half hours Friday afternoon, but left with a long list of things to accomplish next visit. Nordstrom encourages students to come help get the garden ready, and to notify friends and family about the garden space so that they can be a part of the Hazel Dell community garden. Contact Barbra Nordstrom at (360) 313-4725 for more information on volunteer opportunities.

9

CougAr t

Jodi Tripp: “Fall Barn” Former staff member at WSU-V Loves taking photographs of the Northwest.

All I Ever Wanted: Kelly Clarkson Leaked album reviewed By Rosie Bee The VanCougar

This February, Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” broke Billboard records when it leapt from number 97 to number 1 on the Hot 100 in one week, the biggest leap in Billboard history. The track, with its bouncing guitar riffs and explosive chorus, clearly emulates her 2005 monster hit, “Since U Been Gone.” In fact, many of the songs channel Breakaway’s timely pop-rock vibe, clearly a calculated plot to get Kelly back on the radio--where she deserves to be. Clarkson’s highly publicized feud with Clive Davis cast a barbed pallor over the disappointing sales of her last album, the highly underrated My December. She refused Davis’ ten million dollar bribe to cover Lindsay Lohan songs, determined to write the album herself. In one interview, she stated that if allowed to release her version of My December, she would do whatever the label wanted for her next album. And though she co-wrote six of the fourteen tracks, All I Ever Wanted bursts with the help of writers like Ryan Tedder of One Republic, Katy Perry, Max Martin, and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Clearly, her label has recaptured the reins in a rally to replicate Breakaway’s chart dominating success. But the album hasn’t suffered from the effort, as Kelly pours her piercing, muscular vocals into every song, elevating tracks that, if sung by someone less talented, would be watered down musical mush. The punchiest, poppiest songs feature the declarations of independence Kelly is known for, such as “Don’t Let Me Stop You,“ quintessential frothy poprock and “If I Can’t Have You,” which is one subtle remix away from a dance track. “Whyyawannabringmedown” burns up its diminutive two and half minutes in a head-banging rush, and earns its smooshed title with quirky lyrics and a spastic beat. The deliciously

repetitious “I Want You” strums and flourishes in a pattering demand for love, and features fun, cherubic backing vocals. “I Do Not Hook Up” and “Long Shot” were both co written and previously recorded by Katy Perry and have a similarly sputtering, twitchingly catchy rhythm. The ballads, the heart of any Kelly album, are particularly luminous. “Cry,” with its twangy, melancholic flow, is rumored to eventually court the country music stations. In “Already Gone,” Kelly sashays in and out of her upper range with effortless gentility. “Save You,“ with its slow, instrumentally loaded build, dramatic chorus and Mozart inspired bridge is already a fan favorite and easily one of the most beautiful songs Kelly has ever recorded. The gentle “If No One Will Listen” murmurs of unconditional love and meditatively closes the album. Some of the songs are harder to classify, such as the title track “All I Ever Wanted,“ which is tempered with a metronome opening beat and smoky vocals before bursting into a soaring soprano course. “Impossible” begins with dramatic strings that trickle away into soft piano chords, commanded always by Kelly’s plaintive upper range. The bluesy “Ready,” one of four songs leaked last summer, has been remastered with echoing instrumentals and a breathy bridge reminiscent of Natasha Bedingfield. Despite its radio pandering packaging, All I Ever Wanted brims with the irrepressible soul and versatility that Kelly has always personified. In an industry tyrannized by synthetic instahit music and canned “singers,” known more for their bizarre behavior and cheap, smutty gimmicks than their alleged talent, Kelly remains luminous and heartfelt --a true artist. The album will be in stores tomorrow, including a deluxe version with two additional songs (three if pre-ordered on iTunes), the video for “My Life Would Suck Without You,” and two “making of” features.

Mark Medina:“Mt. Bachelor” Student: Business Administration Crisis counselor and photogrophy enthusiast

Tim Batchelor Student: Biology Major Held a photography business for 2 years, been shooting since age 11.

Want your art here? Tell us! Email the ACE Editor at [email protected]

The VanCougar

Mt. Bachelor ski trip fills up, pours out over weekend

UPCOMING EVENTS Snowboard/Ski

Rent equipment from the OSI Recreation Office for your personal trip

Outdoor Soccer

March 26: Visit the OSI or Recreation Center for more information

SPORTS & RECREATION

Students slalom and slide down the slopes

SPORTS & RECREATION

10

By Mark Medina tHe VancoUGar

say this is their first day on a snowboard, the soft powder offered a forgiving surface to fall on. Richer says that she enjoys watching people ride the half pipe and spotting the occasional firsttimer that she’s better than. Benton and Richer rode Marshmallow, an easier run with a gentle pitch. Richer expressed gratitude for the deal OSI got

Students put away the books and broke out the snow gear for a weekend on the slopes. 60 students made their way to Mt. Bachelor with Neil Gregory and his team from the Office of Student involvement. It is the 3rd year that the OSI has hosted the event and it went spectacularly. The first day was sunny and there was hardly a breeze. The ski run was dry and soft, ideal for experienced riders looking to carve and soft for newbies to crash on. Several students stuck together and rode the mountain in groups while a few others set out on their own to explore the Eizabeth Palmer and Kevin Raymond ski down Mt. Bachelor. 5th largest ski and snowboard park in the country. Most students on the rooms and lift tickets. all students arrived at the mountain “It’s an inexpensive chance to try early so they could get all the time on snowboarding out, so I thought I’d give the slopes they could. Kevin Raymond woke early to tear up the mountain on his skis. He started at Pine Martin, the main chair lift, and then made his way to the Outback Express where he ran the steep hills of Bachelor’s Northern face. Nathan Murphy spent his time on the mountain hitting jumps and ripping through the dry powder that makes Bachelor so famous. Neil Gregory and his crew from OSI, Shawn Romine, Denise Eyerly, and Mallory Smith cruised the mountain and spent time helping students as needed. “Everyone seemed to be Nathan Murphy whoops as his skis slash the pristine powder. having fun and enjoying it a shot and try it out.” A few students the day…there were a few minor made their way to the summit and equipment problems that we helped were greeted with picturesque views with.” Most importantly, “there were of the Three Sisters Mountains and no injuries this year,” says Gregory a horizon that stretched 360 degrees. “that was very fortunate.” The claim has been made that on days Ariel Richer, a Senior and Public with excellent visibility California’s Affairs major, and her friend Diana Mt. Shasta can be seen 180 miles away. Benton took their time getting to the From the summit some students chose mountain. For Richer and Benton, who

to ride around the mountain along the Outback trail, a wilderness trail that spirals around the entire mountain. Others chose to take the plunge into upper bowl, a steep pitched drop into the mountain’s crater. I won’t say which way I went, but I made most of the trip sliding on my butt. Bend, OR provided lots of entertainment to those seeking a reprieve from homework and a great day on the snow. The Phoenix Inn hotel is located downtown where students could easily walk to their favorite brew house or restaurant. The Deschutes brewery was packed and when our orders arrived it was easy to see why. After an elk burger and two Mark Medina/The VanCougar beer samplers, I made the crawl back to the hotel to get ready for a second day on the slopes. An early Sunday snow shower brought fresh powder to riders and skiers. It was a great day for anyone that likes to ride first tracks. Mt. Bachelor is so big that it is possible to ride through the trees in fresh powder and hardly see anyone else’s tracks through the snow. In case you missed the trip to Mt. Bachelor, the Office of Student Involvement will be hosting outdoor paintball on Saturday April Mark Medina/The VanCougar 4th. The event will be held at Woodland Paintball where games will be hosted on a variety of terrain. Equipment and 250 rounds of paint are included, $15 for students, $20 non-students. The fun starts at 10 am and continues until dusk. Contact Neil Gregory at 360-546-9532 to RSVP your spot and to discuss carpool and caravan arrangements.

Disc Golf Tournament

March 12: Visit the OSI or Recreation Center for more information

Outdoor Paintball

April 4: Woodland Paintball Students $10 Non-students $15

Visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu for further listings of events to come

A crisp scene such as this gives another explanation as to why Mt. Bachelor is so popular.

Erik Beaulieu/The VanCougar

March 9, 2009

SPORTS & RECREATION

11

Pullman basketball weekend trip: it’s WSU by two Vancouver students travel east to watch Cougs win By Erik Cummings

Sports and Recreation Editor

Number of hours crammed into the back of a Chevy Tahoe: 6.5. Distance a few wrong turns brought the Tahoe off course: 20-30 miles. The feeling of triumph as Taylor Rochestie sunk a three-pointer to snatch victory for WSU: priceless. Eight students, including ASWUV president Peter Sterr, signed up for the Pullman Basketball Weekend. Two of the eight drove to the main Washington State University campus on their own. The rest, Sterr included, headed to WSU-V at 7 a.m. Saturday morning to carpool the 359 miles. The group arrived at Pullman at 2:15 and headed into the stadium. Though late, they still managed to catch part of the first half of the Washington State versus Arizona State game. The WSU

Aaron Baynes fights his way to the basket while ASU’s Jamelle McMillan and Derek Glasser move to block

Guard Nikola Koprivica searches for opening.

Cougars put forth a stern defense and pulled seconds off of the Arizona Sun Devils’ shot clock like ripe fruit from a tree. The Sun Devils retaliated with Forward Jeff Pendegraph pulling the Devils ahead to end the first half with 23-20, ASU. Halftime showcased various young members of the local Rising Stars Dance Studio. Also, this game heralded transition as the role of the

current Butch the Cougar Mascot was passed on to a new student. Furious passing among the Cougars started off the second half. Shooting guard Klay Thompson scored the first for WSU, then stole the ball after ASU’s retaliatory goal. He want on to gain nine more points in the second half. Fouls mounted as the game clock ticked toward the end and chants of “Bulls**t! Bulls**t!” met one unpopular referee ruling. With ASU scoring two free throws in the final minutes of the second half, the score was tied at 43. WSU took possession at the start of overtime, but Guard Derek Glasser made sure the Sun Devils were first to score. The Cougars fought back with Center Aaron Baynes pulling off a slam dunk. Fouls continued to fly on both sides. ASU took the lead toward the end, Glasser making a three-pointer. Every Cougar fan’s mouth pursed, then widened in a shout of triumph as Rochestie shot and captured his own three-pointer with two seconds on the game clock. The student section emptied onto the court and the LEDs of the scoreboard shone overhead: Cougars 51, Sun Devils 49. Pullman trip participant Jacqueline Cruz said, “It made the long trip there worth it.” Following the game, the trip

Face painted fans roar in support of the Cougars’ hard effort...

Erik Beaulieu/The VanCougar

members adjourned to the hotel room and then Sella’s for dinner. The popular Cougar hang-out was abuzz with fans sinking their teeth into

out the trip by visiting Crimson and Grey, a college bookstore and souvenir shop. Then, a light brunch at Cougar Country preceded the trip

Butch the Cougar prepares to lead a cheer.

post-game analyses and hot calzones. Activities Director Eric Davidson cited this as his favorite part. After dinner, the six travelers took a dip in the pool at La Quinta hotel and had a late-night snack at Shari’s nearby. The following day, the group rounded

Erik Beaulieu/The VanCougar

Erik Beaulieu/The VanCougar

back to Vancouver. Even though it was a considerably smaller group than the usual turnout for Pullman trips, Davidson said he didn’t mind. “It was easier to connect with people.”

...then swarm the court to cheer for Rochestie’s winning shot.

Erik Beaulieu/The VanCougar

The VanCougar

12

TAIL END

2009

March / April

Mar. 15: Bonneville Hot Springs Outing North Bonneville, Washington / 9 a.m. Register at OSI, Students $70 and Nonstudents $80 Mar. 18: Spring Alumni Networking Social To Be Announced / 5:30 p.m. RSVP by calling 360-546-9109 Apr. 4: Outdoor Paintball (Woodland) Woodland Paintball Action / 12:00 p.m. Register at OSI, Students $10 and Nonstudents $15 Apr. 9: Research Showcase 2009 Various buildings / 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Free and open to public Apr. 10: Campus Art Fair Firstenburg Commons / 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Free and open to public Apr. 18: Whitewater Rafting Trip Wind River / 10:00 a.m. Register at OSI, Students $40 and Nonstudents $50 Apr. 18: Health Professions Career Fair Firstenburg Student Commons / 10:00 a.m. Free and open to all current student and alumni

START ReAdy foR chAllengeS.

START TAKing on chAllengeS. START STAnding ApART pART. pART ART.

START ReAdy foR leAdeRShip. START climbing higheR.

START ReAdy foR The fuTuRe. START TAking chARge.

START STRong. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Enroll in the Army ROTC Leader’s Training Course at WSU and you will be ready for life after college. Because when you attend this 4-week leadership development course, you will take on new challenges and adventures. You will also be on course for a career as an Army Officer. To get started, contact CPT Lontai or email: [email protected]. PAID LEADER TRAINING SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR WSU STUDENTS! COMPLETE THE LEADER'S TRAINING COURSE! EARN A FULL TUITION AND FEES SCHOLARSHIP! CALL 503-943-8059 OR TEXT PILOTS1 TO 76821 ©2008. paid for by the united States Army. All rights reserved.