The Vancougar: November 17, 2008

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

Washington State University Vancouver

ART ON WHEELS:

Cars manipulate video, audio, and lights for an artistic view at urban streets

n FEATURES, 10

MOS:

What do you expect Obama to change for you? n EDITORIAL, 2

AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST VISITS CAMPUS

n FEATURES, 5

Apple Cup Survey Students polled; see who they think will win the Apple Cup

n SPORTS, 9

From the President: a word of Thanksgiving n ASWSUV, 4

www.vancougar.com

THANKSGIVING:

Foundations in Family Cultural traditions of Thanks and Giving around the world By Jason Garcia The VanCougar

To many Euro-Americans the symbols and celebrated traditions of Thanksgiving follow along the Americanized historical teachings of pilgrims and Indians coming together to give thanks for a plentiful harvest. Turkey, corn, pilgrim hats and “Indian feathers,” the cornucopia, pumpkins, cranberries, and fall leaves are all symbols that correlate to this event. So what about other cultures in the United States like Latin-Americans, Asian-Americans and AfricanAmericans, or even other cultures around the globe? After researching various American cultures I found an inspiring similarity in all, but also a key difference that gave me an interesting, newfound perspective. Coming from a multicultural family I’m usually not surprised by variety of tradition. However, I’ve come to realize how one sided my Thanksgivings have been. First, the wonderful similarity between the various cultures within the United States: Togetherness. Almost everything I read about Thanksgiving, whether it came from recipes or planning, to different traditions, it all revolved around the desire to share this time with their loved ones. A tone of surreal happiness, good food, time off work, smiles and hugs, grandma in the kitchen, the puppies begging by the table, and everything was how it should be—thankful for being with family. And of course there was the old,

‘you don’t get to choose your family’ spiel, but even that seemed to put a smile on my face. The surprise in variety and tradition within the United States, however, came from within cultural recipes. Even though I am half Hispanic, and have an array of Hispanic food recipes at my fingertips, I was still baffled to see some foods I eat regularly intermixed in a Thanksgiving dinner menu. For example I found Chilles Rellenos—one of my favorite meals and a great dish for many weekday dinners—is cooked with a dark turkeymeat stuffing instead of the usual white cheese for the holiday. It was kind of funny to think about but I’m sure would be delicious. Also Chorizo, which is a spicy, Mexican sausage, when cooked turns to grease and is often added to scrambled eggs or potatoes—but for Thanksgiving is added to Brussels sprouts—not sure I want to go for that one. According to a few chefs, the Asian-American flair for the holiday could include shiitake mushroom

gravy, a Thai-style butternut squash curry, and a sticky rice stuffing. A substitute for turkey could be roast duck, steamed chicken with ginger or five spice powder or steamed or grilled fish. African American Recipes might include sweet potato pie, corn pudding, collard greens, Andouille sausage and cornbread stuffing, and possibly another meat like ham or fried chicken. [Editors note: This would be my pick, sans the greens.] A few chefs asked the question why thanksgiving needs to revolve around turkey. Why shouldn’t we make other gourmet foods we prefer instead of just following tradition? Aside from food, the traditions of cultures outside the United States are quite numerous in celebrating thankfulness in autumn. China celebrates a holiday known as Zhong Qiu on the fifteenth day of the eighth month. It is a festival with candlelit paper lanterns lining the streets, and families may pay homage to ancestors, exchange gifts and feast at ban-

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Mountains of fun Supreme Court Lecture By Ruth Zschomler The VanCougar

Throughout history, cultures have adapted to living in the shadows of active volcanoes. Traditional beliefs may shape communities’ responses to modern disasters, said Katharine V. Cashman, Professor of the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Oregon. “Oral traditions retain a lot of information about eruptions,” said Cashman to an attentive audience Wednesday, November 5. Two universities combined forces when Cashman of the University of Oregon spoke to students and community members at Washington State University Vancouver. More than 60 people attended her lecture, “Science and Oral Traditions: Integrating Perspectives on Volcanic Hazard Mitigation.” Not only were two universities working together, but two of WSUV’s faculty members joined forces as well. Dr. Steven Fountain, history professor, and Dr. Steve Weber, anthropology professor, discovered that their studies had overlapping issues. Fountain had heard of Cashman’s work and got in touch with her. The rest, as they say, is

history. Fountain’s class, Global Environmental History, and Weber’s class, Past Environments and Cultures, invited the community to hear Cashman talk about living in the vicinity of an active volcano. Volcanic eruptions are something that people take personally, Cashman said. “Like someone is doing this to you.” People react in different ways, depending on where they are in relation to the eruption. One eyewitness to Mount. St. Helen’s eruption said it was like a ‘big black inky waterfall.’ Metaphors and analogies are common rhetorical tools for describing unfamiliar events, Cashman said. This is what oral history and traditions are all about, passing down information throughout generations by word of mouth. This was especially vital in non-literate societies. Because of the oral history surrounding volcanoes, “Dangerous areas were made taboo and people stayed away,” Cashman said, unlike today’s society. We are such a mobile society, that, “We don’t seem to be very good

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By Hannah Walker The VanCougar

Scholar, author and federal court expert, Dr. Stephen L. Wasby spoke on campus on Thursday, November 13. The event was hosted by the Law Club. Wasby covered such topics as the evolution of the impact of the Supreme Court, Supreme Court power in the American system, and the potential impact on the Court of the new administration. Wasby has been on faculty at many universities across the nation, including the University of Albany and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. His published works include, but are not limited to, “The Supreme Court in the Federal Judicial System” and “Race Relations Litigation in an Age of Complexity.” In his discussion on the potential impact on the Supreme Court, Wasby attempted to dispel the myth that the new administration will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will drastically impact the way the Court rules. He makes the argument that it is hard to know President-Elect Barack Obama’s ideology. Because of this, it is hard to predict whom he will

Illustration by Danielle Mosier

In this issue:

November 17, 2008

Dr. Stephen L. Wasby

nominate. “We don’t know how he is going to appoint judges…I don’t think Obama is going to knowingly appoint somebody unless he is moderately sure that they are pro-choice…but beyond that we don’t know.” Wasby emphasized his point, leading into his final argument on the impact of the new

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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 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, 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 © 2008 The VanCougar

CLS 212 14024 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 Phone: (360) 546-9524 Fax: (360) 546-9072 General e-mail , comments, and employment inquiries [email protected]

Man on the Street: Wanting What Was Promised Story & Photos by Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

Demanding Change Change. We all want it. I definitely want it in my pockets. Recently ‘change’ has had a different meaning since Obama has taken the election and is the President Elect. However, things don’t just stop there for Obama. Now there are great expectations for him to follow. Even though we know little about him or his ideology. Be that as it may, people—including Cougars on campus—want to see results from our soon to be new president. The VanCougar asked students what they wanted from Obama. One word came back loudly: Change. But what kind of change are they expecting? Here’s what they said:

Chris Geddie Business Administration

“I’d like to see all the change that he has promised on a positive note. It will be interesting because so many people think that great things are going to happen. After six decades of Keynesian theory economics, what can you really expect, what can really change? If he does well then that’s great, if not then all those people who thought he’d be a great President will realize it’s a mistake to just jump on a bandwagon so quickly. But either way were kind of screwed.”

Jeff History

“Pretty much change everything that Bush did. End of the war, stable economy. Not so sure about his tax program, but a fair program instead of just tax cuts for the rich..”

Kim Klenn Anthropology/Biology

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“To stick by his word and bring about change, positive change. healthcare issues, student financing issues, and taxes..”

Joseph H. Business

“Change the economy and in its current crisis right now and that a lot of changes come from that as well..”

“Expectations are very high because everything sucks right now. I expect at least for the economy to improve and for foreign relations to improve also. If he just does that, I’ll say his first term is a success, because everything’s failed so “hardcorely.” So if he doesn’t save the world, that’s cool…as long as he does a few things. I’m hopeful.”

n Volcanoes from p.1 at transferring information,” Cashman said. She used the example of the local Vancouver/Portland area floods of 1964. Within 30 years houses were rebuilt on those same flood plains. When the floods of 1996 happened, residents acted as if it were a surprise. We need to use the history we know to make plans for future events, Cashman said, maybe then we can make our communities more resilient.

Rebekah Miller, 43, a Humanities Major, said that this is part of the value of having a liberal arts education, “her lecture brought together so many disciplines.” Wednesday’s lecture was funded in part by the College of Liberal Arts because of its interdisciplinary approach and so they could open it up to community members, said Fountain. Cashman recommended two books by Ella E. Clark for anyone wanting to know more about local volcanoes: Indian Legends of the Pacific Northwest and Spirit Lake.

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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].

WSU STUDENTS & FACULTY

Lorrie Vaughn Psychology

Matthew Trenda English

“More money, hopefully, more economic growth. Less war and more organization in the government. A good one is basic affordable healthcare”

Letters to the editor, guest columns, and corrections [email protected]

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EDITORIAL

HARRY HOFFMAN, Agent

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

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OPINION

November 17, 2008 stationed with a watchful eye over Russia. Hey, pass me a moose dog, will ya? Wink, wink.

Marley was dead: to begin with.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

Did you know that WSU-V students picked Obama to win this election back in January? At that time Sen. Obama garnered 39% of the vote, with the next closest candidate being Ron Paul at 13%, followed by Hillary at 12%. 65% planned to vote democrat one way or another. In our recent survey, just before the election, 61% indicated a vote for Obama, 31% were going with McCain and 8% neither. Interestingly, students at Pierce College in Lakewood, Wash. had a similar slant at 62% Obama, 27% McCain, and 11% undecided, as indicated in their student newspaper, The Pioneer. Official numbers vary by source, but Washington State voted 58% to 41% and the nation voted 53% to 46%, both in favor of Obama. Maybe WSU-V students should just decide the election in January? It would save time, money and a lot of hot air. In other news it’s Obama, Obama, Obama. Never have I seen such postelection media following of the President Elect. Everyday he’s headline news, whether it’s who he’s selecting for his cabinet or what breed he will select for the White House dog. Obama certainly is the press’ “golden boy.” [I’m sure he’ll be ours, too, if he gets us out of war, turns the economy around, and gives us universal health care.] BTW: I don’t think Palin’s goin’ away anytime soon either. She’s prayin’ about runnin’ for President in 2012. In the meantime she has to figure out which of “her” clothes actually are owned by the Republicans and need sent to charity. Do reporters love her? You betcha! Good thing we’ve got her

Speaking of moose, let’s talk turkey. The Holiday Season is upon us and Thanksgiving is this next week. That means a whole week off to rest and relax. Not! It means a week of catching up on homework more than likely. I guess that’s something to be thankful for. At any rate, it’s also a time of gatherings—family, friends and lots of FOOD! For most. Some will not be so fortunate. With the economy the way it is, well, cutting corners for some means trimming the fat. And not just off the turkey. Food banks are always in need this time of year, but this year they’ve already seen a two-fold increase in families in need of help during October. In contrast a local liquor store reports that October sales were already up to the normal holiday (Thanksgiving-New Years) sales levels. What’s that saying? It means that people are depressed. It doesn’t necessarily indicate that folks are spending their grocery money on alcohol. [Don’t be so quick to judge.] Rather, consider how you, with whatever means you have, might be a good neighbor to those around you who desperately need a hand. If you are fortunate enough to have a job, a roof over your head and food to eat and have anything to spare, I urge you to help someone out directly or give etxra-generously to a local charity. And may God bless us, everyone!

The first ray of light which illuminates the gloom…

I’m not a morning mouse. As winter wears on I find it harder and harder to get up out of bed before the sunrise. Thankfully, I will not have a nine-oclock class this next semester. Actually, I won’t have a class at all. You see, I’m graduating. Yoohoo! I won’t “walk” until Spring, but I’ve pretty much finished up here (pending final grades). Unfortunately, that means I won’t be returning as Editor-in-Chief. Until then, [students only] send me the common link to the headings in this piece. A prize will be awarded the first one who can identify the three sources and tell me what they have in common. Peace.

Truth Seeker: VISION By James Sagen

VanCougar Columnist

I am proud to be an American. I am proud to live where I have Constitutional rights. I am honored to live in a nation where my fellow citizens give their lives defending those rights. November 4, 2008 reaffirmed my understanding that I do live in one remarkable nation. On November 4th, 2008 history was made. Americans participated in mass to elect the 44th President of the United States. The 2008 race was an election that had its place in the history books because it would send this nation down two potential paths: one marked by the same policies of a bygone era of smaller government built upon the economic practices of rewarding wealth; and the other path involving a look into the past wrongs of this country and finding hope, and the determination that yes we can get past these dark times if only we come together and work at obtaining a more perfect Union. The election also sparked a discussion into the American story. The American story tells us that in this nation even the poorest of poor can rise up as influential figures in the development of this ever-changing Union. There is no other place on this planet that offers its citizens or foreign individuals this option. Barack Obama’s story is one that should reaffirm our belief in this nation. Born an “interracial” child to poor parents, Obama faced challenges from the moment he was born. Obama had to live with racism, classism, and the confusion of where he fit into the greater narrative of our nation. He did this through self-discipline and a determination that

distinguishes a scrapper from a prizefighter. It is a testament to Obama’s character that he was able to overcome these barriers and rise to the level of power that he will assume on January 20th, 2009. It is a testament and reaffirmation of the American story that we all should understand: If we try hard and are willing to shoulder disappointments, push barriers, and persevere over any obstacle then we can achieve our dreams. This election brought to the nation another American story. John McCain served his nation during the Vietnam War; however, he was shot down and tortured over a five year period in a Vietnamese prison cell. He persevered through those hard times because he had an unyielding faith in the nation he was serving. In his concession speech, McCain showed us the testament of his character as he choked back tears of disappointment while he congratulated Obama. McCain reminded his supporters, and those throughout our nation that, “whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.” Our nation can now start the move forward in writing a new chapter in the American story. This election was never about race, sex, class, or other variables we learn about in social or psych stats: This election was about redefining and working towards those tenets that make our nation great and the envy of those looking for a better place for themselves and their families. Barack Obama is the greatest gift that we could have given ourselves in these times, for Barack Obama’s story is the potential of all of our stories.

The views expressed on the editorial and opinion pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or biases of the writers, editors, or other staff members of the VanCougar.

Russell Kirk on Conservatism

The Sluice Box By Matt Hunter The word “conservatism” is quite a common word in the modern vocabulary, but its meaning is often difficult to determine. For the next few issues, we will look at the various forms of conservatism though the lenses of economics, social issues and national policy. But first, what unifies so many diverse groups under this word? To find the answer, we must turn to perhaps the most influential conservative intellectual of the latter half of the 20th century, Russell Kirk. In his seminal work, The Conservative Mind, Kirk traces the lineage of conservative thought back to the 18th century Anglo-Irish member of Parliament, Edmund Burke, and discerns 10 basic conservative

principles. Unlike Marxism or Nazism, conservatism cannot be defined fully by a certain number of articles or a declaration. “For there exists no Model Conservative, and conservatism is the negation of ideology: it is a state of mind, a type of character, a way of looking at the civil social order.” But through historical and literary analysis, Kirk does provide 10 basic principles. I have condensed these into 7 principles for necessary brevity. “The conservative believes that there exists an enduring moral order.” Kirk believed this principle not only to be necessary for the individual but also for the nation as well. No nation in history has stood for long without the belief of the majority of its inhabitants in a moral order. “The conservative adheres to custom, convention, and continuity.” In the words of Kirk, “it is old custom that enables people to live together peaceably; the destroyers of custom demolish more than they know or desire.” Kirk is perfectly clear that conservatives are not against change but rather desire it to be very gradual and after much deliberation. “Conservatives are guided by

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their principle of prudence.” Like Plato and Edmund Burke, Kirk believed that prudence is the most important virtue for statesmen. Like liberals, conservatives acknowledge that there are problems in the world that must be dealt with. But where liberals may optimistically implement sweeping change, conservatives are slow to make changes, examining similar situations in history and the possible consequences before creating a definite plan. Hasty changes can lead to the destruction of traditions and hard-won human institutions and relationships that have grown organically through experience. “Sudden and slashing reforms are as perilous as sudden and slashing surgery,” said Kirk. “Conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety.” Conservatives “feel affection for proliferating intricacy of longestablished social institutions and modes of life, as distinguished from narrowing uniformity and deadening egalitarianism of radical systems.” Any attempt to level society will lead at the very least to social stagnation. “Conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability.” Any attempt to create a utopia will

unquestionably fail because human beings are naturally rebellious. Conservatives believe that through reasoned careful changes over time, a tolerable, free society can exist. But any attempt to create a utopia will end in disaster. “Conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property are closely linked.” When the right to own private property is taken away, a single entity will control it all. “The more widespread is the possession of private property, the more stable and productive is a commonwealth.” Neither economic leveling nor a strictly materialist system of getting and spending are desirable. “The conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions.” As good as a person or group may seem: power still corrupts. Thus, conservatives believe that proper checks and balances must be present in government to prevent autocratic control. These points will be pertinent to the columns in the next few issues. Together, we will look at various forms of conservatism and how it relates to social, economic, and national security issues.

The VanCougar

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ASWSUV

From the President: A Word of Thanksgiving As we roll into holiday season, we are reminded of those people and things that we are thankful for. Sitting around the dinner table sharing great food and drink, we will undoubtedly give thanks for our families and friends, our loved ones and our good fortunes. I would like to take a minute to give thanks to a group of people that work tirelessly to create the environment on our campus that many of us take for granted. To the Facilities and Operations staff that keep our campus beautiful and our equipment working properly— custodial, landscaping, and equipment maintenance staff—we thank you. To the public safety officers that work not only to keep the peace, but also to help us when we are in need—we thank you. To the staff of VIT that ensures that we have the best possible tech equipment and that keep it working properly—we thank you. To the faculty that works long hours to broaden the minds of students and create positive change in the community—we thank you. To all of the Administrative Assistants and Program Assistants that keep our staff organized and our institution running efficiently and effectively—we thank you. Finally, to all of the students that work as staff on our campus in ASWSUV, OSI, student media entities, Public Safety, Dining Services, and more—we thank you. Please be sure to reach out and thank at least one staff or faculty member this season for all of the hard work that they do for you, the student. Unfortunately, I did not have room to thank everyone who deserves it. Thank you to all that sacrifice to make this campus what it is—a blessing to be a part of. Peter Sterr, ASWSUV President

Why are languages disappearing? Why do you ask? By Louise Wynn Dr. Mark Pagel, an evolutionary biologist who has used methods from that field to study human language, has a theory about why human languages are disappearing. It’s related to why there are so many in the first place. He believes humans have so many languages—probably 8,000 separate languages on Earth today—in order to distinguish themselves and their little groups from each other. Thus Noah Webster wrote the first American Dictionary delib-

erately to assert America’s separate identity from that of England. Likewise, Black American English seems to have evolved quickly as African Americans established a distinct identity, according to Pagel. On the other hand, even though we’re acquiring new words in English at a faster rate than in the past, the language appears to be getting more homogenized internationally through electronic communication and globalization. But languages are passed down through learning, not through biological inheritance, so how can genetics research methods help us understand the evolution of languages? Think of DNA with its four nucleotides that produce limitless genetic possibilities that are passed down, with changes, from one generation to the next. Likewise, languages can produce an infinite number of sentences, and this ability is passed down from

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one generation to the next. Taking this analogy to the next step, Pagel and others have used the same kind of phylogenetic trees used to compute the separation points of genetic traits from each other to map changes in languages. Starting with a universal language, they use historical records to determine when language groups split into smaller and smaller groups, becoming more and more distinct. Language development actually mirrors the evolution of species, according to Pagel and his colleagues. Changes come about in bursts, not slowly and gradually, just as in biological evolution. When a change takes place, it’s generally related to a split in groups or a desire to show that a newly emerging group is indeed separate (think Czech vs. Slovak). So, when a language splits off from another one, it happens relatively quickly and then takes some time to become stable, remaining static for awhile before the next “punctuational burst” occurs. Darwin himself wrote about the parallel between physical evolution and the evolution of languages. And these changes, in language and culture groups, often happen when groups are competing for some resource. The new group stakes its claim and identifies itself in part through its new language. Related to this is the fact that there are more languages, just as there are more biological species, in tropical areas than in colder and dryer areas, Pagel says. In an environment with scarce food resources, humans need to range farther to find food, and when they meet each other, they benefit from interactions, including cultural exchanges and intermarriage. This means they need to speak to each other, so even if they speak differ-

ent dialects, these dialects are often understandable to other groups. In the tropics, though, populations as close together as a few kilometers speak mutually unintelligible languages. This is true in Papua New Guinea and the Amazon. Pagel says this is because when humans don’t need each other to survive, they don’t interact. He says human groups will split off from each other whenever they can. He says it’s a “great dark secret” about humanity: our intense competitiveness. We separate into groups, and we distinguish our groups by language and other cultural devices, because of this need to compete. And that’s why languages disappear, too: they are out-competed as less successful groups merge with others and take on the language of the new group. It’s important to note that this isn’t the only scientific approach to explaining how languages change. Other researchers have hypothesized that it’s the prevalence of parasites in the tropics that makes human groups remain more separate there. Still others point out that the purpose of human language isn’t primarily communication, anyway, but representation---whatever that means. And the linguists are still arguing about how much of our language ability is “hard-wired” in our brains and how much is learned.

For more information: Mark Pagel in “Discover” magazine: http://discovermagazine.com/2005/ may/discover-dialogue Steven Pinker in “Discover” magazine: http://discovermagazine. com/2007/sep/the-discover-interview

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WSU Vancouver Library 

www.vancouver.wsu.edu/library

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November 17, 2008

FEATURES

“Three Cups” author at WSU-V By Louise Wynn The VanCougar

It’s all about education, David Oliver Relin told an overflow crowd in WSU-V’s auditorium on Nov. 6. “If you want to change the world, then educate girls up to the fifth-grade level. Girls pass on education from generation to generation, and in that way a village is transformed.” New students at WSU-V were required this fall to read “Three Cups of Tea,” which Relin co-wrote with Greg Mortenson. After a failed attempt to climb K2, Mortenson lost his way and stumbled into the village of Korphe, where the villagers nursed him back to health. He became a school-builder, fund-raiser, and hero to the people of Korphe. Inspired by the book, WSUV staff started a “Pennies for Peace” campaign which has raised $2,431. This amount will cover the annual salaries of four teachers in the Central Asia Institute schools, or scholarships for eight advanced students, or healthcare supplies for new mothers, or 40 treadle sewing machines, or unlimited combinations of the above. Relin writes about the people forgotten in lost corners of the world. He’s working on a new book about the two surgeons whose goal is to eliminate preventable blindness; he’s also researching a novel set among Vietnamese people who live in areas strewn with land mines left over from the 1960s. Why should we care about these people? “It’s our duty to stop the pro-

cess of harvesting hopelessness from the proceeds of us firing up our SUVs to tool around town,” Relin says. Also, “If you help people, they like you better.” People who would otherwise distrust Americans become our allies through these efforts. What can we do? First, Relin says, “Make a personal connection with someone who is a Muslim. Then, fight ignorance. Arm yourself by educating yourself. You don’t have to turn your life up-side-down. Do some after-school tutoring, work in a local food bank.” As a nation, Relin says we need to decide “what to do with Pakistan.” He quotes from a recent speech by Vice-President-Elect Joe Biden, saying this is the single most difficult policy decision facing us. “We need to side with the Pakistani people. If they suffer, we suffer.”

Editor-in-Chief

Thinking about the future? Looking for work? Not sure what you want to do or what you’d be good at? Need help with the answers? Don’t know the best way to go about writing a resumé or cover letter? Interested in studying abroad? Need help managing your time, stress level, energy? The Student Resource Center is the place for you. The Student Resource Center exists to help students at school, at work and in life. They can help you do better at school and after you graduate. A number of free resources–some that would cost you a great deal elsewhere are available to you as a WSU-V student or alumnus. A variety of classes and workshops, as well as one-on-one “counseling” or “advisement” sessions are available by appointment. According to Christine Lundeed, Resource Center Career Counselor, the center can help if you’re undecided as to which major or job is right for you. They offer a variety of assessments tests (like the Strong Interest Inventory or Myers-Briggs) free of charge. No need to spend hundreds of dollars. At a recent Open House, held Wednesday, November 5, students dropped by for a slice of pizza, many didn’t stay for more than the food. If they had they might just find the greatest resource on campus–at least for learning how to apply the education they’re getting. Bill Stahley, Academic Coordinator at the center, wasn’t daunted by the quick in and out by some students. “My hope is that this will be a remind-

POETRY PLACE The Spoon * Richard Jones

Some days I think I need nothing more in life than a spoon. With a spoon I can eat oatmeal Or take the medicine doctors prescribe I can swat a fly sleeping on the sill or pound the table to get attention. I can point accusingly at God or stab the empty air repeatedly. Looking into the spoon’s mirror, I can study my face in its shiny bowl, or cover one eye to make half the world disappear. With a spoon

For more information:

I can dig a tunnel to freedom

- Central Asia Institute: www.ikat.org

spoonful by spoonful of dirt,

- Pennies for Peace: https://www. ikat.org/category/pennies-for-peace/

or waste life catching moonlight

- Joe Biden on Pakistan: http://www. huffingtonpost.com/joe-biden/anew-approach-to-pakista_b_71733. html

Student Resources By Gregory E. Zschomler

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er of what some of our resources are,” he said. At least he knows a number of students know how to find them. The center is located next to The Bookie by the stairs on the south side of the VSSB. Stahley heads up the effort to plug students into study opportunities abroad. He says that students often ponder and dream of such a chance but “don’t look deeper” into it because of preconceived ideas. They might think it’s too expensive, or that scholarship money isn’t available for such extras. He encourages students to at least sit down with him and consider the options. Lundeen started at WSU-V September 25 and hit the ground running. She has already spoken in a number of classes and developed a multitude of workshops and more. “Of course, my big push with students,” said Lundeen, “is being strategic.” When it comes to planning your education, or your career, purposeful planning is essentail to success. “You can’t just rely on job boards.” She says that job seekers use “personal interaction with the companies they’re targeting.” The Student Resource Center is here to help you do just that. She helps students develop a ‘target list.’ Every student should drop into the SRC to see what’s available. The current job market makes this service invaluable. “Knowing what you’re looking for is important,” said Lundeen. You just might start by looking into the Student Resource Center. For more info see: www.vancouver. wsu.edu/src

and flinging it into the blackest night. “*”The Spoon” by Richard Jones is from Apropos of Nothing, Published by Copper Canyon Press, 2006. Reprinted with permission.

Brought to you courtesy of your 2009 Salmon Creek Journal Now accepting submissions of poetry, prose and visual art http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/scj/scj/scjhome.htm

Jake the Rake takes on Palin Political opinion by Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

Yes, the very woman who looks upon Russia from her house could very well be your President come the 2012 election. While Sarah Palin has not openly admitted that she is running for the next election, it has been made clear by her supporters that they wish for her to be aiming toward that goal. Such a decision by the Republican Party causes one to pause and wonder what they might be thinking. The Religious Right love her because she has not only gone against the will of McCain during his campaign, but she has openly stated that she supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Also, your more conservative Republicans feel that the Party is in shambles. They feel Mrs. Palin is the only one who can “unite” the party because she is detached from “Washington”. However, some feel Palin is responsible for dividing the ticket to begin with. Being the whispered “Maverick” she labeled herself to be, she often went against the will of the McCain campaign to make it clear she was unique. Apparently she was able to do that by saying the Vice President is in charge of the Senate and that Africa is a nation. Lets not forget that her luxury wardrobe is a bridge to nowhere for her campaign. The key issue is that Sarah Palin is not ready by any means to lead a country when she has so little experience in foreign policy or other aspects of the government. Palin will need to spend the four years studying intensively for the Executive Office. Some believe that Obama has less experience than Palin. That’s like saying “The Governator” of California was overly qualified for the position he was elected to. Also you have to actually know what a community organizer does. Sarah Palin apparently does not since she stated that Obama’s position as a community organizer had no responsibilities. More importantly Palin denied that Obama had been a senator and just labeled him for his previous job. Simply put, Sarah Palin, if nominated, will have to go to “government school” if she ever hopes to acquire more than the votes of the zealous Religious Right. Maybe she could send smoke signals to her Russian neighbors for advice.

The VanCougar

By Collin Rickman

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Latest Guy Ritchie film a rollicking return to form Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures 2008

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The VanCougar

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.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Tuesday, November 18 FSC from 3-5 p.m.

Come sing, dance, read, or perform

“Thanksgiving” Dinner

Thursday, November 20, 6-8 p.m. Catered Buffet Dinner, FREE with 3 non-perishable food items which will be donated to ShareHouse. Sign up in OSI.

Festival of the Trees

Friday, November 28 to Sunday November 30, times vary by day.

Vancouver Hilton, 301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA.

WSUV Fall Choir Concert Friday, December 5, 12-1 p.m.

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

WINTER CONCERT

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

Welcome back, Guy. After a self-imposed exile into the Material Girl’s Kabbalistic aura and a handful of disastrously received films, it looks like the king of mockney muggings has realized there is no place like home. Ever since his early 2000s heyday, Ritchie has been in the news mainly as an object for a guessing game. After directing now ex-wife Madonna in 2002’s oft-mocked remake of “Swept Away” and the absolutely buried “Revolver” in 2005, diehards were holding out hope that Ritchie had at least one more ace up his sleeve waiting to be thrown down. Critics who complained that the mayhem made famous in “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch” were exercises in style rather than substance saw the writing on the wall. Had the well of nasty nicknames and twisty plots run dry? Apparently not. Home-not-so-sweet-home being, of course, London’s seedy underworld. Ruled by thugs with a penchant for cartoonish violence and roguish wit, it’s a kingdom dark enough to intimidate but charming enough to make chaos and disorder look like just another walk in the park. “RocknRolla” is another lively collection of colorful characters, with emphasis on the exploits of a group of small-time crooks called “The Wild Bunch.” Seeming leader One Two (Gerard Butler) along with cohorts Mumbles (Idris Elba) and Handsome Bob (Tom Hardy). After the boys run afoul of aging crime boss Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson), the intricacy and flash by which

Toby Kebbell plays a real rocknrolla in RocknRolla.

Ritchie kick into high gear. It’s hard to miss. The accents, of course, coat every line of dialogue in an irresistible crisp shell. There’s something about American susceptibility to British wordplay: we don’t always understand it but it’s just so damn artful. Even if it befuddles you (as it did most US moviegoers when “Lock, Stock” arrived in 1998) you’ll find listening easier this time around. The story involves money being traded around and fought over, a result of complicated real estate deals and daylight robberies. Complicating things is rocker Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell), a philosophizing, junkie rock star who faked his death in vain – it seems the entire town knows it was a hoax. A minor player throughout the first half, his power grows as all events begin to lead back to him, climaxing in an explosive settlement of old debts. Thrown into the mix for added

measure is a prized painting, a gay subplot, and a Russian enforcer duo that just won’t die. Although these events bring the characters together and move the story forward, it really wouldn’t be anything without the energy the actors bring to the table. In these things, the characters carry a lot more weight than the story. Even if you forget the events in the film a few weeks later, you certainly remember who they happened to. There are the required injections of black humor, the mandatory mixed signals, and the minor characters so crafted and convincingly unique that you forget they’re killers. Everything that made his name makes this movie. The question remains if there will be any more movies to be made. After a recent $60 million divorce settlement and children Ritchie is said to be devoted to, there may not be a rush on the mastermind’s part to get back to work.

Game Review: Dead Space By Beau Baxter Rosser ACE Editor

I remember a time when game developer giant, Electronic Arts (EA), would pump out sequel after sequel, year after year. A bland and derivative approach to marketing yourselves as a company, but it sure made EA some money. Over the last year-in-half, EA has broken out of that mold, taken the money made from their annual titles, and put it into some new and original properties. Enter Dead Space: a Sci-fi, action game with a hint of survival horror thrown in for good measure. There have been a lot of games recently taking the over-the-shoulder third-person perspective approach. Like Gears of War and Resident Evil 4 before it, Dead Space nails the dreary atmosphere with tight controls, excellent camera work, interesting story developments and a sense of tension only found when isolated in a decrepit space station. Dead Space tells the story of Isaac Clarke, a tough-as-nails engineer, as he and his team venture to the out of order ship, Ishimura, in hopes of uncovering what has gone wrong. From there, all manner of bad news breaks out and it’s up to the player, as Isaac, to get off the ship alive. The game is sectioned off into 12 distinct chapters that take place in various areas of the ship. One would think that being stuck on the same ship the entire game

would make each level feel bland and repetitive; however, with Dead Space, that is simply not the case. The level design is so spot-on that every area feels different yet familiar and believably located on the same ship. Sparsed throughout the many corridors are the zero gravity chambers that introduce a new dynamic to the gaming experience. While most games of this ilk have the player being assaulted by enemies coming from forward and back, the zero gravity rooms shatter the player’s pre-exposed notions of third-person combat by the ability to walk on the walls and ceilings as well. These sections of the game could have been cumbersome, but luckily Dead Space’s camera is as approachable as it is suitable for any situation. I found the zero gravity sections to be an excellent diversion from the rest of the game, so much so that I wish EA would have put more of them into the game. During my play through of

the game, I never felt legitimately scared of my surrounding environment, but I did notice my “grippage” on the controller to be tighter than any other game I’ve played. The developers of Dead Space did an amazing job at building an experience worth getting sweaty palms over, and I immensely enjoyed every second of it. Out of all the holiday releases I have played so far, Dead Space’s control has been the most solid of the bunch. Every action – from stomping to shooting – is quick, easy and streamlined for maximum response. I never found myself frustrated with which button to press in certain situations, an act that helped me through the aforementioned tense atmosphere. I would recommend any gamer of the appropriate age to check out Dead Space. If the polish of this game is any indication to the new stance on quality EA is taking with its future licenses, then gamers are in for a treat.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

November 17, 2008

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Zach and Miri brings the filth and the funny By Danielle Mosier

Bait & Switch

While Zack and Miri Make a Porno isn’t a porno, neither is it suitable for the whole family. This movie is perfect, however, for an audience of viewers of mature age and immature sense of humor, of which I am both. In the movie, Zack and Miri are best friends and roommates who are behind on all their bills. When their power and water are cut off simultaneously, they come up with the scheme of making a porno in an effort to pay their debts. Having been best friends since first grade, however, Zack and Miri find more in their film debut than they bargain for as sexual tension mounts and their friendship becomes more complicated. If this is a romantic comedy, then it is less romantic than it is comedy. If you like sex jokes and toilet humor (occasionally rolled into one in this film – oh my!), and don’t mind a little romance thrown in as a plot line, then go see this movie.

Weinstein Company 2008

The VanCougar

Rated R on appeal for strong crude sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity and pervasive language. It should be kept in mind, however, that according to the movie’s website, zackandmiri.com, the original MPAA rating was NC17 and the change to an R rating was made “without making any cuts.” In other words, I advise against taking your parents or your kids with you to this movie if you hope to avoid some very awkward and very sexual moments.

Southwest Washington Wind Symphony Review By Greg Zschomler Editor-in-Chief

Something “Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue”—that was the theme of the recent Southwest Washington Wind Symphony concert presented free at Mt. View High School, November 2. “The Wind Symphony?” you ask. Yes, and quite a pleasure. Their program is always beautiful, moving and educational, the sound so full and invigorating. There is nothing like live symphony. This offering featured “Flourish for Wind Band” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Rag” from “Suite of Old American Dances” by Robert R. Bennett,

“Blue Shades”, and “Loch Lomond” by Frank Ticheli, “J.S. Jig” by Brant Karrick, and “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin with Cinda Goold Redman on piano. Awesome! Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big rock fan, too. I also just caught the TSO concert which was way cool as well (a bit more pyro than the SWWS). Just like me, you will never know how enjoyable this “longhair’ stuff really is until you try it. The next concert at Mt. View is Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 3 p.m. For more information visit www.swwindsymphony.org.

By Will & Greg

Greg: Bait and Switch. And I ain’t talking a tackle shop that sells disciplinary tools to parents. Will: Hmm… Jumping into this subject from the high-dive, eh, home fry? You have a recent experience of an unsatisfactory nature to relate, or are you probing for one of my many hot buttons? Greg: True, we both hate the bait, but, yes, I have recent experience. I was in need of new spectacles and responded to an ad for two pairs of glasses (including noline bifocals) for $150. I walk into the un-named store and… Will: I know the commercial that lured you. It starts out “Who wants to pay more for glasses?” Me! Because I’m an idiot! When I go out for pizza, I always ask “can I pay you $20 for that medium instead of $10? I like paying more for stuff.” Couldn’t this optometry outlet have rubbed a few more neurons together for their advertisement? Greg: And who needs two pair anyway? Duh. They used all their neural activity thinking how to scam the customer. Promise something fantastic then deliver something different that ends up costing you more. It’s like what we’ve talked about with rental cars. You reserve an economy model. You get to the lot and they ask if you’d like to upgrade for another $10 a day so you can have more comfort. No, I want the economy car, you say. THEN they tell you they have no economy models, but that they can put you into the upgrade at no additional charge. See! They try to hide the fact that they actually never had any economy cars. They’re baiting you to switch you so they can make more money. That’s why you always book the economy car and stick to your guns. Will: I had the same thing happen with my last employer. Was promised a dawn shift that started at 4:00AM. I worked exactly three of those shifts, then we went to a graveyard schedule. I spent the next three months in the dark, tired, and lonely. Finally transferred to a different branch to dodge that bonehead shift. Greg: ARRRG! That really ticks me off! Okay, okay. (Whew.) Had to get some air there. So, I walk into this place, wait ten minutes and someone finally helps me. I hand them my prescription and they say, “Yes, but…” I hate those words. “Yes, we can fill this prescription with the lenses advertised but they’ll be so heavy that your nose will drop off. They’ll be so thick that your eyes will look like Shrek’s Puss-nBoots making the plea of his nine lives. They’ll exceed Coke bottle bottoms. You will be able to scorch an ant in .05 seconds flat, you’ll… Will: You’ll be wearing ‘geek adaptors.’ Look at the sun and you’ll burn a hole clear through the back of your head before you can blink. A dirty trick, that ad. A closely related peeve is the ‘sell-up.’ You go to buy ‘A’ and the company tries to get you to buy ‘A+.’ Car dealers do this all the time with undercoatings, extended warranties, Feng Shui adjusters for the passenger area… Greg: Yes, yes. That’s what they did. Not only did they try to dissuade me from buying the “plastic” lenses (the quality of which is akin to the windshields on a toy car model) to “polycarbide,” but also to upgrade my frames. The frames offered at the advertised price were two models: one left over from the Buddy Holly era and the other a tortoise shell burnt orange from the 1970’s. Both were rejects even for Medicaid, which offer the most hideous designs. Which gets me, I mean you’re on Medicaid because you’re poor and unemployed; you need a job so they supply you with glasses that make you look like Shelly Duvall being sucked through a heating vent. I mean, absolutely no one would hire you. Will: At least they had two different frame styles. I had something similar happen in an athletic shoe store. I plunked down $80 for some decent walking shoes, and the sales dude starts showing me the ‘must-have’ inserts that range from $20 to $50 a pair. And the new job I just transferred to? Bait and Switch. They promised more hours and a swing shift. They didn’t keep either promise. “We need help on days sometimes, and business always slows down in the fall and winter.” Actually, this was more of an outright lie than a Bait & Switch. So did you get the Buddy Holly frames held together with duct tape or the tortoise shell held together with paper clips? Greg: I upgraded. Cost me over $300! I’m still not satisfied or settled on pair number two. At any rate I would point out that mechanics (especially on brake and tune-up offers), as well as automotive tire venders, are notorious for the ol’ Baitn-Switch. Will: I’d like to see this policy on campus. “No! Don’t take Business 301! For $10 more you can take Business 302, and you get a free pocket protector.” And the most notorious B & S: the military! The Bait: “Of course you can get stationed near home.” The Switch: “You have to enlist for six years instead of four, and you have to accept assignment to Camp Swampy Bugpatch for the first four years.” Greg: Indeed it is everywhere, and, yes, even here on campus. My wife signed up (the bait) for a degree in Creative Writing and “they,” in essence, switched it to a standard English degree, by not keeping enough of the required courses in a reasonable rotation. The B/S practice is downright dishonest. As much I as I want to support the small business owner, I should have gone to Wally World. I’d have received just as good a product at a better price and received better service and no games. But, I took the bait, bent over and took the switch. Will: And got more optical correction than you wanted or needed. You should have seen it coming.

The VanCougar

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Recreation & Sports

No gym openings for Open Gym Story By Katie Wells Rec & Sports Editor

A few weeks ago there was an article run in our paper about the Open Gym on Wednesday nights. That article, ‘Bball’s over-inflated’, helped shed light on a problem. That problem is inadequate court space for an overflow of basketball players. After printing that article, news was received that some of the facts collected were actually incorrect. Though they were direct quotes, and many of the players believed that information to be true, most of what was being reported was inaccurate. I’d like to take this time to correct my mistakes and inform readers about the real situation and possible solutions at hand. For those of you who didn’t read the last article, here’s a brief summary of the problem. Wednesday nights, from 8 to 10 p.m., WSU-V students, faculty, and alumni have been gathering at Chinook Elementary School with the intent on playing a couple scrimmage games of basketball. However, recently it’s been the case that there are far too many players showing

up which leaves the majority of them sitting on the sidelines waiting to play for over twenty minutes. Many complained that “they needed more courts.” The problem is obvious, and the Recreation Center, who runs the event, would love to fix it, but for now, that is not an option. Although it was quoted previously that both Kingsway Middle School and Pleasant Valley Middle School are being considered for Open Gym sites, they actually are not. When speaking to Neil Gregory, the Recreation Center Director, he said that most of the gyms in the area are already booked by other associations. Every open facility in the city goes up for ‘bid’ during the summer months and all entities that need to use a gym must reserve one then. Since there are so many in demand, the high school and middle school gyms get booked first. “That’s the issue. Typically, we end up with the elementary schools which have the smaller, one-court gyms,” said Gregory. “We’ve had Chinook Elementary for a couple of years now.” The Recreation Center rents Chinook at around $800 for both the fall and spring semesters.

Normally, the attendance stays at a fair level for the entire fall semester, but once spring comes around, there is an increase in the number of hopeful players. This year however; the increase happened earlier than expected. “There are around 20 to 25 players every time. The [20 player] increase last time is pretty typical of the spring; more demand,” said Gregory. For now, in order to keep the students and faculty actively participating in Open Gym, rather than sitting against the wall, there is a new rule that a player must bring their Student ID card. This means that alumni and other local citizens are not allowed to participate. This rule is also in place because of “intramural sport” liability. So those of you that play on Wednesday nights, expect that there may be a few more participants than normal, but don’t get discouraged from coming out and playing. The Recreation Center is doing everything possible to keep intramurals going and expanding at this school; though they can’t provide a bigger gym now, there are always possibilities for the future.

WSU basketball is Women’s Volleyball League ranked in ‘Top Ten’ Story By Katie Wells Rec & Sports Editor

Story By Katie Wells Rec & Sports Editor

Now that the fall sport’s season is coming to an end, WSU Pullman is looking forward to basketball season. Both women’s and men’s basketball are expected to rank in the top ten in their leagues according to coach and media polls. Women’s Head Coach, June Daugherty, lost only one player last season. With a roster full of returners, she has only signed two new players. These two new players, Carly Noyes and Ki-Shawna Moore, were each named honorable mention Preseason All-America by The Sporting News headed into their senior campaigns, and are each McDonald’s All-America nominees. Daugherty and staff expect to sign a few more players before the end of the recruiting period on November 19. There are five returning players that started 20-or-more games last season and they are: senior guard Katie Appleton, sophomore forward Katie Calderwood, sophomore guard Jasmine Williams, sophomore guard Kezia Kelly and senior forward Heather Molzen. Along with these five, there are seven more freshman that will be competing this season. Daugherty’s team, ranked number nine in the Pac-10 Coaches’ Poll, played their first exhibition game on November 2 against Showtime Basketball. Showtime didn’t

anticipate as a harsh loss as they received that Sunday. The Cougars scored 101 points versus Showtime’s 64. A winning season is what is expected out of the women’s basketball team this year. For the men, that expectation is even truer. They are ranked number six, right below UW, according the Pac-10 media polls. This year’s team features five returning letterwinners, including four seniors. These seniors, Aron Baynes, Caleb Forrest, Daven Harmeling and Taylor Rochestie, are the ones to watch this season. The Cougs also present seven true freshmen and feature 10 first year players. Head Coach Tony Bennett is excited for the season and predicts that the league will be “sneaky good.” “Even though some marquee players have left, there are still some excellent returners and exciting newcomers. It appears to be a very balanced league with a lot of unknowns,” said Bennett. In an exhibition game on Monday, November 10, the Cougars had a 76-31 win over Lewis and Clark State College. The men’s next home game is Tuesday, November 18, at 7 p.m. against Fairleigh Dickinson. The women play at Boise State on November 20 at 6 p.m. Overall, fans expect a good season from both teams. “I don’t think they [boys] will go all the way, but I think they’ll do well,” said Greg Zschomler. “I’d be presently surprised if they were the champions.”

Providing more athletic opportunities for WSU-V students, there is a City Volleyball League that will take place this January. A lot of the details are still up in the air, but sign ups to play are starting now in the OSI. This is a women’s league, so there are no co-ed or men’s teams allowed. The season will start on January 7th and the games will be played at the Marshall Community Center and Firstenburg Community Center on Wednesday nights. There is a $15 fee to join the league and players will have a skill level assessment which places them on a certain team. Each team will have ten players, but the exact structure of league play is not known until sign-ups start. The only requirements for the league are that you live, work, or attend school in Clark County and you must be at least 15 years old. WSU-V encourages female students, faculty, and staff to all participate. For those you who would like to participate in a co-ed league, one will be starting in March. If you would like more information about the women’s league, contact the OSI office or refer to Clark County Parks and Recreation website: http://www. ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-recreation/sports/adults/index.htm.

November 17, 2008

Recreation & Sports

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Home field advantage Story & Photos By Katie Wells Rec & Sports Editor

You don’t have to travel to Pullman to play on a WSU football team. Here, at the Vancouver campus, the Recreation Department has set up intramural flag football. This last week, there were fourteen participants on the field, ready to get muddy. They showed up at 3:30 in order to get their paperwork complete and quickly began the first game in order to not lose valuable light. The game lasted around forty five minutes and ended with a blowout score. The winning team, consisting of Daniel Barrett, Erik Beaulieu, Neil Gregory, Kevin Guzman, Kendal Mantzke, Patrick Phillips,

and Tim Snyder, beat their opponents by thirty points, which immediately ended the game. Though a referee, Chon N., kept score, the players were having too much fun to even recall the final score after the game. 56-26 was the final outcome, but the losing team: Shawn Romine, Denise Eyerly, Jay Lui, Mike Briggs, TJ Prendergast, Allen Akizuki, and Khoa Truong, were good sports. They were eager to play a quick, five-minute match after the first game while there was still at least some light out. Daniel Barrett, who’s shoes and legs were covered in mud, really enjoyed the games. “I thought it was fun. [It was] fun to go out there and juke people,” he said. After the games, he and Kendal Mantzke, pictured, played catch

Snowboards and skis Story and Photos By Eric Bahnmiller The VanCougar

Listen up all of you broke students that love the snow but can’t afford those ridiculous ticket and rental prices. Our Recreation Department is offering lift tickets to Mt. Hood Meadows for $45. There are no restrictions; tickets are good all day and night and will even work on holidays. That is a great savings compared to the normal $59 student price for just a half day that you would pay on-mountain. “We are hoping for enough snow to start rentals by Thanksgiving, but it probably won’t be ‘till December,” said Neil Gregory, head of the Recreation Department. Rentals will begin when there is at least 36 inches of snow at Mt. Hood Meadows. It keeps getting better. As opposed to last year’s single offering for tickets at the cashier, this year tickets will be available to purchase all year long, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Recreation Office. They are located in the northwest corner of the Firstenburg building across the sidewalk from the bookstore. There is a limit of 2 tickets per week, per student, available on a first come, first served basis. There will also be two ski trips this year. The first will be the weekend of February 20 to Mt. Bachelor in northern Washington. Last year there were forty spots open and they filled up quickly. This year they will be taking the first 60 students to sign up. A price and sign up date for this trip hasn’t been set yet. The other will be a weekday trip to Ski Bowl for night

skiing. The Recreation Department also purchased all new gear for rentals this year— High Performance, HEAD skis, boots, snowboards, and boa style snowboard boots. Rental prices are also astonishingly low. It’s just $15 for skis, boots, and poles, or for a snowboard and boots. Each additional day of use is just $5. That’s right, if you rent gear for a four day weekend and only use it for two days you only have to pay for those two days that you used it. Gregory said that normal rental prices on the mountain for one day will run you in-between $35 to $50 plus a deposit depending on what you rent. Denise Eyerly, a student who started renting through the Recreation Department last year and now helps out in the office, said, “we have 34 pairs of skis and 28 snowboards available to rent.” They also added more snowshoes this year for a total of 12 pairs. They rented out of snowshoes the majority of weekends last winter. Snowshoes are only $5 a day and $2 for each additional day. With the Recreation Office’s move at the beginning of last year to it’s current location, rentals tripled. Expectations are that they will rent out of all winter gear on weekends this year, so plan ahead if you don’t want to be left out in the cold.

for a couple minutes despite it being almost pitch black out. This was the fourth week that students have played flagfootball, and so far, the weather has been pretty cooperative. Despite the mud and chill last Thursday, the playing conditions were acceptable. Besides, the muddier the field, the better the game, right? It’s debatable how long the good weather will last though, Denise Eyerly, who works in the Recreation Department, said, “there will probably only be one more week [of football] because of the weather. And it gets dark faster. We used to start the games at 4, but now we’re having to push them back to 3:30 just to have light. It all depends though.” So with probably one week left of play, the Rec. Department is hoping they’ll get the biggest turn-out this Thursday. If weather permits, the next flag-football

game will be at 3:30 p.m. on the upper field. All that is required is that you are a student or faculty member and have filled out the proper paperwork. A little mud, maybe a bruise or two, is nothing compared to scoring a touchdown or making an amazing tackle. Just ask Kendal Mantzke. “I scored a three-point conversion,” she said. “I don’t know how it was three points instead of two, but it was.”

Who will win the Apple Cup? Fifty WSU-V students were polled with these results:

VS

76%

24%

“Since the game’s at our house and we have more pride, WSU will prevail over the huskies!” - Melissa Malone

“WSU [will win] because UW isn’t having a good season. Makes Jake Locker look good.” - Stephen Heath

“It’ll be good to see Willingham (UW Head Coach) one more time. It should be a low key, low scoring game.” -Lorrie Vaugn

“We won last year, so we’ll lose this year. That’s how it goes, right? It alternates?” - Derek Brown

The VanCougar

10

Video jocks bring it on By Michael Hatch The VanCougar

As part of the Digital Technology and Culture (DTC) Program’s Artists in Residence course, entitled Interactive Media, two well-known digital artists have been invited to collaborate with students on one of their VJ Fleet [redux] projects. Dene Grigar, director of the DTC Program, was enthused to have these artists, Julie Andreyev and Simon Lysander, bestow their knowledge upon her students. From the VJ Fleet website (located at vjfleet.com): “VJFleet [redux] explores the city as [a] mobile tableaux in order to link up and investigate public space. Video and audio representation of site, space and location in the city are interwoven with aspects of audiovisual representation that take their motivation from popular culture, specifically car culture and club culture. Serving as hybrid forms, a fleet of customized cars equipped with interactive, audiovideo technologies cruise the city seeking engagement as urban performance. During a VJFleet [redux] performance, video of the host city and audio aspects of the engine and passenger areas are manipulated by interactions between the car and driver to create a new, live cinematic display.” “I’m an artist working with new media, specifically in areas of interactivity, public engagement, urban space, and a new area of research of mine which looks into animal consciousness and human relationships with animals,” Andreyev explained. She also teaches in the Digital and Interactive Arts (DIVA) program at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, in the “other Vancouver” (Canada). The DIVA program has similarities to the DTC program at WSU Vancouver “in that we deliver [a] curriculum in interactivity, video and audio media, installation and public art.” Simon Lysander Overstall works along side Andreyev at Emily Carr University of Art and Design as a research technician at Intersections Digital Studios. He is an artist working in digital arts and new media, in particular audio art and music. He has produced sound designs and compositions for dance, theatre, and installations. In addition,

he designs software for both performance systems and installations. Julie Andreyev elaborates on how she came to be an Artist in Residence and her thoughts on the project: I met Dene when she was visiting Canada for a conference that I co-curate called Interactive Futures. We had invited Dene to be a presenter at the conference. Afterwards over a beer, we got to talking about the DTC program and she was very interested in having us develop one of our projects with the students. Dene wanted the students to engage in a large-scale collaborative project towards a public performance. So our project VJFleet [redux] was the perfect match. We have mounted VJFleet [redux]  in various cities internationally, including at SIGGRAPH Boston 2006.  It’s a kind of roving DJ/VJ platform as a fleet of cars stopping at particular locations in the city during scheduled times. The project is unique in that it depends on the artist team working with local participants from the host city to realize the project. In the case of the DTC course, the students are participating by providing local knowledge of their city, and they are getting hands-on with the technical,  promotional and logistical aspects of the project.  The exciting part for us is that the students directly participate in producing the audio/video content. Literally, vocal recordings of the students and video recorded by the students is played out during the public performance.

Saturday, November 22nd 5:00 PM WSUV - Outside VADM 6:00 PM Grand Central Retail Center 7:30 PM Northbank Artists Gallery

n COURT, from p1 “The most we can hope for is what I call the substitution affect,” Wasby spoke about the Justices most likely to leave the Court, including Justice Stevens, Justice Ginsburg and Justice Souter. All but Stevens are considered moderate in their ideology, and Wasby believes we can expect more of the same from the new administration. Because of this, sweeping change in the way the Court rules is very unlikely. Wasby further addressed five other “beliefs that some people hold.” The first was that the Supreme Court has always been an important part of our government, and that the lower courts do not matter. The second was that Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which abolished the legislation of segregation, was a revolutionary ruling that had far-reaching and significant consequences. He discussed

the idea that Roe v. Wade (1973) made a significant difference to the country, and further that the Supreme Court has since destroyed the principal set forth in this ruling. The fourth myth that Wasby discussed was notion that the Supreme Court elected President Bush, and that Bush v. Gore (2000) damaged the legitimacy of the Court. The final myth up for discussion was that the Supreme Court is out of touch and public opinion has no effect on the way the Court rules. In addition to his work as a professor and author, Wasby is currently engaged in a long-term research project on the Supreme Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His other interests include the federal courts, generally, and interest groups and their function in litigation.

FEATURES

n THANKS, from p1 During the celebration Moon Cakes are the tradition as turkey is here. The cakes are round, like the moon, and have a rabbet design on top. The variation in the center, often 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. A ceremony is held where the bird is excused from the execution of Thanksgiving tradition and sent to live on a turkey farm in Virginia.

The actual pardon reads: “By virtue of this pardon, (Turkey of the year’s name) is on her way not to the dinner table but to Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA. There she’ll live out her days as safe and comfortable as she can be.” Does it bring a question into mind that two major aspects of Thanksgiving came at a time when war was prevalent in our country? President Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday during the Civil War in 1863. President Roosevelt declared the President’s Pardon during World War II in 1943. Perhaps we can say that when there is much turmoil and suffering that people search for hope and happiness. How many smiles were brought to the faces of Americans during those horrific time periods by introducing a heartwarming tradition? In our current war-time and economic struggle some Americans are unable to enjoy the loving tradition of Thanksgiving because of unfortunate circumstances, but there is something we can do to help. Consider the national AdoptA-Family Program; they help families that need food or gifts for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The number for the Vancouver office is (360) 885-9330. You can ask about the program and find out how you can help. If there is one thing we can all agree on it’s that spending the holidays with family and friends is a wonderful thing—and being able to see the smiles of your children in those times is a hope every parent wishes for. Enjoy the Holidays.

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ADVERTISEMENTS

November 17, 2008

11

The VanCougar

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2008

Nov. 17: Mt. Hood Meadows Lift Tickets on Sale Purchase tickets in the Recreation office through the end of the season. Sale begins when there are three feet of snow on the mountain. Cost is to be announced. Nov. 19: Ski and Snowboard Waxing Clinic Sign up at OSI until full. This event is free!



Nov. 19: Open Gym @ Chinook Sign up at Chinook Gym. This event is free. Nov. 20: Thanks Giving Dinner Catered Buffet Dinner in FSC; Free with 3 non-perishable food items donated to SHAREHOUSE Sign up in OSI. Nov. 22: “VJ Fleet” Urban Performance For more info, see article inside. This event is free. Dec. 1: Nutcracker Tickets on Sale Sale begins 9:00 a.m. until sold out Sold by cashier in VSSB Dec. 4: Winter Craft Night In VFSC from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gingerbread Houses, Families Welcome. Dec. 5: Vancouver Community Concert Band Free Winter Concert in FSC Open to the community.

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!

Housing Offered / New Townhome for rent: 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath. 1525 sq ft. Garage, fenced yard, A/C, W/D hook ups, stainless steel appliances. Very nice! Monthly rent $1250.00, deposit $400.00. Great location; easy access to I205 and WSU Vancouver. One year lease, credit check and references required. Pets considered with additional deposit. Please email [email protected] for pictures and additional information.

Classified Advertisment Space is Available Your ad here for just $3.50 an issue or two issues for $5. 50 words or less. Cash in advance. Students recieve a fifty cent discount. No business listings, please. Call or stop by the VanCougar office for assistance. 546.9524 • VCLS 212

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Champion Buy One Get One Sale at Bookstore (November 2008) – The temperatures may be cooling down, but sales are just warming up at the Bookie. Between November 9 and November 30, you can buy any regular price Champion item and get a second (of equal or lesser value) at 50% off. All men’s, women’s, and even children’s Champion apparel is included in the sale. It’s a great opportunity to get an early jump on holiday shopping – right on campus. The bookstore offers a variety of Champion items bearing the school name and logo. Make sure your friends and family show their school pride from top to bottom.