The Vancougar: September 8, 2008

7"/$06("3 The Eyes, Ears and Voice of the Students at WSU-V

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Washington State University - Vancouver

Fight that Freshman Fifteen n RECREATION, 7

Eating In What are the options on campus for healthy “lunchtime” munchies and beyond?

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Cougar Gridiron Classic n RECTRATION, 7

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Full-time counselor a first By Shane Monroe The VanCougar

There is a new doctor on campus, and he is here for you! Dr. William Meek has joined the WSU-V family as our first full-time campus counselor this year. Whether he is providing individual counseling, involving himself in campus outreach programs, or serving on the campus diversity and safety committees; Dr. Meek believes that his work is, “essential in helping students succeed at WSU-V.” Meek was trained as a “generalist,” meaning that he can work with almost any person that is interested in seeing him. Throughout his work, he has found that most commonly, students want help with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and academic concerns. Although these are the most common needs, Meek wants to be sure that all students know and understand that any WSU-V student is welcome and encouraged to talk to him about any need. Even if it is to simply learn more about yourself and live life more consciously. As he puts it, “Everyone has something in life that could be improved or that would be better after gaining a new insight, so counseling can be used for any reason, not only for support in times of significant distress.” When I asked Dr. Meek why he chose Psychology over all the other possible majors, he said “The answer to that question changes each time I gain more insight into my own life. So far I have discovered that I went into Psych [sic] because

it was endlessly interesting; because there were no simple answers to complex problems; because I seemed to be good at helping people; and because this is one way to make my life meaningful.” Meek received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of MissouriKansas City.

Illustration by Danielle Mosier

In this issue:

September 8, 2008

Meek is at WSU-V every Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. His office located in the Student Service Center, room 111. To schedule an appointment, you can call (360) 546-9238. Counseling is free to current students and meant to be short-term, although, session limits do not exist. Meeks’ goal is to talk with each person individually to, “determine the best course of our work together.” Students interested in meeting with Dr. Meek should know that all counseling is confidential.

Both ethical and legal statutes to, “safeguard information shared” bindMeek to remaining completely confidential. It is his hope that, “Students will feel free to be who they are in their meetings, and know that it is helpful to share their concerns with someone who has an objective perspective on things.”

Health Services at WSU-V By Danielle Mosier The VanCougar

Imagine yourself as a first-semester student at WSU-V with no health insurance and a major ear infection. Are you aware of the options available to you? If you aren’t, you might avoid being seen for as long as possible, gambling with your health in order to save some money. Taking risks with your health isn’t necessary if you’re a WSU-V student. WSU-V offers some health services to its students and also provides a directory to additional services on its website. To avoid an emergency situation, it’s important for students to know and understand the options available to them. Even if you’re not covered by insurance through your employer, parents, or spouse, WSU offers some health services to its students. A resource available to students at all WSU campuses is the 24-Hour Advice Nurse. There is no fee for this service, and the advice nurse can be reached on campus by dialing 5-3575, or off-campus by dialing (509) 335-3575. Information regarding services available to WSU-V students is available on the WSU-V website by searching for “Health Services.” Mental health services are also available at

no cost to WSU-V students for their first five visits. Clark College’s health services are also available to WSU-V students. The fee is only $10 to be seen by a nurse or nurse practitioner. Additional fees may apply for lab tests and immunizations. All of this information is available on WSU-V’s Health Services page on the WSU-V website. The web address is http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ ss/health.htm. Student health insurance is available through WSU. According to a flier available in the student services building, titled, “WSU Student Medical Insurance Plan,” enrollment for fall or annual coverage is open until September 5th. According to Student Insurance Coordinator Treva Beebe, “The WSU student health insurance plan may be beneficial for students who do not currently have other affordable options for health insurance or students who need benefits not available through their current plan.” The deadline for spring enrollment is January 23rd. The annual premium for a student is $1,315. Beebe says, “This policy is a worldwide policy. The students can see any doctor they choose.” Additional information on the WSU Student Medical Insurance Plan can be found at www.

maksin.com/wsu.shtml. As with any insurance plan, be sure to understand what kind of coverage is offered in comparison to what your needs are. According to WSU Pullman’s Health and Wellness Services website, students at the Pullman campus have access to a fully staffed clinic on campus. It isn’t without a price, however. In addition to tuition, undergraduates at the main campus are required to pay an additional $844 in mandatory fees, according to a chart detailed on WSU’s website, which can be found at http:// www.ir.wsu.edu/budget/docs/09tuitionrates.pdf. According to this chart, of those additional fees, $252 annually goes to health services for students on campus. These are fees that Vancouver students are exempt from, and for good reason. WSU-V is a commuter campus, with students residing at a variety of locales. A centralized clinic on campus doesn’t make much sense for the commuter student who possibly lives closer to a different medical center or has insurance through their employer. Also, the backgrounds of the students at WSU-V are varied. Some students have families they need coverage for. There is also a wide age range of students that one might not typically find at a traditional campus.

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The VanCougar

2 The VanCougar The VanCougar is a studentrun 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 Rebecka Reed ACE Editor Beau Baxter Rosser 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 Illustrators Danielle Mosier and Anita Fleming Layout and Design Gregory E. Zschomler and Kati Hughes © 2008 The VanCougar

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

EDITORIAL

Letters to the Editors

Got Opinion?

In response to the “My DUI” article from the Aug. 25 issue of The VanCougar: To those whom it may concern and to the editor of the VanCougar. In the August 25, 2008 edition of the VanCougar, an article was included titled “My DUI.” The article gave a description of an individual experience with getting arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The article does not fully capture the seriousness of the infraction that was committed and instead focuses on the punishment for being caught. We have laws prohibiting the use of alcohol while driving as an attempt to save thousands of lives lost every year due to those who drive impaired. Whether or not one is only slightly over the legal limit or severely intoxicated does not matter, what matters is that if you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol you are endangering the lives of others. A sad fact not mentioned in the article being addressed is that every year 1,700 other college students, just like you and I, die in alcohol related accidents. There is a solution to this problem however and is misguided in explanation in the “My DUI” story. The organization, not “classes” know [sic] as Alcoholics Anonymous “is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience strength and hope with one another so that they may solve their common problem of alcoholism.” This organization and others like it help those that are afflicted with the disease of alcoholism and addiction. In the before mentioned article the author refers to those afflicted with the disease of addiction in derogatory terms that I will not repeat and that should never have been allowed to be published in the first place. Those afflicted with the serious diseases of alcoholism or drug addiction should not be looked down on or spoken about in a derogatory fashion. Most first year college students who take psychology or sociology 101 know that the American Medical Association characterizes drug and alcohol addiction as a disease and does not differentiate one from the other. The disease is characterized by an inability to stop use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. I have written this letter to the editor for two reasons, the first is to shed light on the fact that drinking and driving is a serious issue and a very serious problem. The second is to inform the intelligent readers of this paper that those that suffer from addiction are not lacking in moral character and are in fact suffering from the disease of addiction. In conjunction with this I would also like to remind readers that if you or someone you know has an alcohol or drug problem there is a solution and organizations that can help. Sincerely, Wade Bowyer

In response to the “Tresspass arrest” article from the Aug. 25 issue of The VanCougar: Shame on you Officer Larry Raglione. You’re just another glaring example of what unnecessary power produces. The reputation that so many law enforcement agencies have worked so hard to shed has once again been manifested in your inability to provide due process, protect and serve, and above all develop trust in the students of Washington State University, Vancouver Campus. Why did you not afford a few construction workers some basic civilities? Was it necessary to arrest, handcuff, and remove people for handing out some informational leaflets? Were these people inciting violent protest? Officer Raglione, it would appear that this entire incident is the result of your own swaggering authoritarian pride. This incident should create questions in the minds of all students at Washington State University on all campuses. This egregious breach of protocol should make us ask things like why do we have fully sworn police officers on campus? Why do we not have just campus security? The answer is that when too much authority is placed in the hands of those who are willing to exploit its privileges without consequences, then mistrust of institutionalized governing structures becomes the dominant paradigm. Officer Raglione, you should consider alternate methods of dealing with what you perceive as obstinance before handcuffing people and destroying personal property. Sincerely, Jeff Sanders

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

Free speech. It’s a right we often neglect. If you’ve got something on your mind or just need to get something off your chest drop us a line. The VanCougar is the place and platform to voice YOUR opinion. The VanCougar welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters must be by students, faculty or staff and include name and contact information for varification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for length or content. Letters are printed at the discretion of the editors, but do not necessarily reflect their views. Intentionally inflamatory remarks and racial, sexual or religious slurs or extreme profanity will not be published. Please email your letters and comments to: [email protected] OR

vancouged@vancouver. wsu.edu

September 8, 2008

OPINION

even college students should be able to afford a visit to the doctor now and then. Maybe, one day the government or someone will “give” it to us. In the meantime either give up an arm or leg every month on a premium or plan on giving all your extremities over if hospitalized.

Health and Wealth I don’t suppose you’re crazy enough to watch much TBN (religious TV). Good. Honestly, I can’t see how people do. And I, as a Christ follower, consider myself a spiritual person. I just don’t like religiosity. But, that’s beside the point. The point is there’s a “doctrine” (that’s a held religious belief) that all good “christians” are entitled to health and wealth. Let me tell you, it ain’t so. Okay? I don’t care who you are—sinner, saint, atheist, agnostic, religious, or nonreligious—you really aren’t entitled to much of anything. There are few guarantees in life, my friend. Now governments can “give” you stuff, like laws and taxes and “rights” if you will, but all that “certain inalienable” hoorah isn’t always so. It’s an ideal. A good ideal—granted. But no one owes anyone anything. Not health. Not wealth. Fact is, some have both; some have neither. And having one or the other can certainly help get the other. (Maybe their symbiotic things?) However, few people naturally have perfect life-long health; I mean, we’re ALL dying, right? (Sorry, to spring that on you if you didn’t know.) Anyway, comfortable longevity MAY be somewhat attainable. And that requires a little cash—okay, a LOT of cash. If you wanna stay fixed up (knee surgery, heart jobs, face-lifts, etc.) nice and proper like, you’ve got put out some bucks. (But even that is no sure thing.) At any rate, I think health care is a good thing and not just for the rich. Yes,

Forgive us our Trespasses You may have read in the last issue about the arrest of three union folks for trespassing on WSU-V. I told you they were going to step it up. Though they may not try that one again, things ARE likely to escalate—peaceful things, polite things, of course—as “drywall-time” grows closer. (Though they have been strangely absent these past week. Hmm.) Incidentally, lots of folks come on our campus that aren’t students, faculty or staff. Do you wonder why they aren’t arrested for trespassing? I tell you: Because they don’t do anything to tick anyone off, that’s why. That’s what it boils down to. Agreed, it isn’t kosher to hand out university-dissing propaganda to 400 incoming students. You do that, the officials aren’t going to like it. However, being careful not to appear to infringe on “certain inalienable rights,” (like freedom of speech; the right to assemble, etc.) they might trump up other charges. For instance, I was down at the Firstenburg last month handing out newspapers to ROAR! Students. No one seemed to care, but HAD they I might be “cited for criminal trespassing,” not because I was handing out “propaganda,” but because I was “obscuring entry,” let’s say. Or I might be “creating a disturbance.” (Though what constitutes a disturbance is matter of interpretation as well.) You see? On the other hand…well, let’s just say that “to err is human; to forgive divine.” Hollar Back If you ever have a complaint about me, what I say in my editorials or the content of the paper be “man” (or woman) enough to “hollar back” to my face. That is have the guts to identify yourself and tell me personally via email (zschomle@ yahoo.com). Compliments are welcome, too. And thanks, all of you, for reading the paper! ~GEZ

NEED TO EXPRESS YOURSELF? The Salmon Creek Journal is now accepting submissions. Faculty, staff, and students currently enrolled at Washington State University Vancouver are encouraged to submit their poetry, prose (fiction, non-fiction, or essay), and visual art to be considered for publication in the 2009 Salmon Creek Journal.

2009 Salmon Creek Journal

Caffein’d

3 Kati’s curiously captivating coffee-addled commentary

“A lot of our regulars have become diabetic over the years,” says RutWhen I went to Clark Col- ledge, “but they still want their coflege, aside from the cafés in vari- fee and still want it to taste good.” ous buildings on campus, I noticed In an effort to accommodate their a rarity of coffee shops in the area. diabetic customers, Crema Dolce One day after class and on my way has developed one of the longest home, I noticed an inviting little lists of sugar-free flavorings I have shop along Fourth Plain. It was ever seen. Even for those customCrema Dolce, and I’ve been back ers who are counting calories, it’s a relief to be able to order something several times since. Although it has changed in other than vanilla. During my interview with Rutthe three years since I first walked in and asked what was good, it is ledge, WSU-V student and a secustill the same intriguing shop it has rity guard Kevin Raymond entered always been. The décor may be the shop. Raymond stops into Crepartly responsible for this, as well ma Dolce regularly for his caffeine as the coffee-free products for sale. fix, and had plenty to say about the The furniture is a combination of establishment. “It’s a popular stop,” antique-style easy chairs and taste- says Raymond, “but it might be off the beaten path for WSU-V students ful but functional tables. One corner of the shop is set up who don’t live around here.” Being with several formal, old fashioned a commuter campus, it is also true easy chairs on short wooden legs. that many WSU-V students live There is also a gas fireplace that outside of Salmon Creek. When asked why he regularly resembles an old-fashioned wood stove, making it an especially invit- gets his caffeine kick from Crema Dolce, Raymond was honest. “Part ing place in the winter. The arrangement also speaks of it is that they take my debit card to the overall friendly and sociable and they’re convenient,” says Rayatmosphere of the place, with the mond, “just about as quick as a chairs grouped together in a way drive-thru.” In addition, Raymond says their drip coffee is delicious. that encourages conversation. Along the walls and windows Another great reason to stop by, acof this petite coffee shop are shelves cording to Raymond, is that “they and bookcases lined with locally still give out chocolate-covered made gifts. Jewelry, matching espresso beans. Every coffee place used to do that and now mugs and coasters showcasit seems like they’re ing Pacific Northwest the only place that photographers’ does.” work, as well One of the maas vintagejor changes the coffee style purses shop has made since I and coffeefirst walked in is a disart cards are e appointing one to me. c among the Dollain a One of my favorite many items to m Cre0 E 4th P things about going to be admired and 500 # A101 Crema Dolce was the purchased at Blvd 695-4048 gelato, a rich Italian Crema Dolce. (360) kind of ice cream. As I interCrema Dolce viewed Erin Rutused to be well known ledge—a barista in the neighborhood of seven years—her for the gelato varietdaughter meticulously ies, but due to a lack of organized the cards and sales the product was removed other items on the coffee bar. Rutledge says that her favorite from the menu. In the end, though, part about working at Crema Dolce the coffee is what keeps me there, is the, “camaraderie you build with and I can always get ice cream elsethe people you see every day,” re- where. When I walked into the shop ferring to the customers. Rutledge believes the thing that to interview Rutledge, I asked her sets Crema Dolce apart from other to make me her favorite drink. I allocal coffee shops is the friendly at- ready knew that the drink I order mosphere. Whereas conversation is every time I go there—a soy black sometimes either forced or neglect- forest mocha—is delicious, so I ed at some other places, Rutledge wanted to try something new. Rutsays the approachability of the em- ledge made me a caramel and white ployees at Crema Dolce is genuine. chocolate Americano with cream. Rutledge says that the friendly As I had expected, it was strong, attitudes of the baristas started with sweet, and perfect for a chilly day. customer service training and developed into real friendships with To suggest your favorite coffee shop for review, email me at kati. customers. Evidence of the bonds between [email protected], or come by Crema Dolce employees and cus- the VanCougar office during my tomers can be found on the menu. office hours. By Kati Hughes Managing Editor

The Literary Journal at Washington State University Vancouver

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The VanCougar

4

OPINION

Obama vs McCain: A look at Health Care proposals

The Sluice Box By Matt Hunter With the election just around the corner, it is time to discuss a very important issue: health care. While perhaps not the single most important topic of this election, health care will influence how many Americans vote, particularly with the baby boomer generation (an abhorrently overused classification) beginning to sink into retirement. It is, therefore, a pertinent issue. At face value, Obama and McCain have almost identical health care plans. Both agree that the present system is unsustainable. Both agree that greater federal involvement in health care is paramount. Both promise their changes will have no extra cost to the tax payer. However, Obama and McCain have vastly different plans for health care. McCain hopes to create greater competition between insurance companies with the help of government oversight. Obama wants universal health care with the option of private health care. Obama’s Health care Plan According to the Barack Obama website, Obama intends to expand government health care to cover anyone and everyone, no matter pre-existing health conditions or economic standing. En-

rollment would be simple and the benefits would be expanded. The plan would also create a National Health Insurance Exchange, whereby citizens could keep their existing private insurance if they desired. However, private insurance groups would have to give at least the same benefits as the government alternative Under the Obama plan, if employers didn’t provide private health insurance to their employees, they would have to pay a given amount to the federal health care system There is a curious paragraph in the Obama health care plan headed with the title “Lowering Costs by Increasing Competition in the Insurance and Drug Markets” It is curious because the paragraph it supposedly describes has nothing to do with insurance competition. “[Obama’s] plan will force insurers to pay out a reasonable share of their premiums for patient care instead of keeping exorbitant amounts for profits and administration.” This is not market competition but rather the government deciding how much of the premiums insurance companies actually should keep. Obama also plans to lower prescription drug costs by allowing Americans to buy their drugs from other countries, thus encouraging a competitive pharmaceutical market. McCain’s Health care Plan Like Obama, McCain sees further government involvement in health care as the only cure for the coming crisis. However, where his opponent wants universal health

care, McCain is not so committed. According to the McCain website, citizens will receive a check of 2,500 dollars for individuals and 5,000 dollars for families to “offset the costs of insurance.” Families will chose their preferred provider and the money will be sent to the company. McCain also wants to create a non-profit organization to negotiate with insurance companies for those individuals who would normally be uninsurable. He would also encourage states to expand their own health care systems and experiment with methods that work in their communities. Like Obama, McCain wants to allow importation of drugs from other countries. McCain’s health care plan also includes doctor liability reform, which would decrease the number of frivolous lawsuits brought against doctors in America. Are We Ready For Universal Health care? Comparatively, Obama and McCain are only separated by degrees. Where Obama is obviously proposing a form of universal health care, McCain is merely a few steps behind him. So the real question: does America want universal health care or stronger government involvement in the health insurance market? The reader might protest “But Obama is proposing a government health care system that would merely be an alternative to private insurance.” True, but this duel existence of private and federal health care will invariably lead to the elimination of private health care for the simple reason that busi-

nesses must make a profit. Under Obama’s plan, insurance companies will have to provide the same or better benefits as the government health care system at the same or lower price. This is asking the impossible. The government system does not have to make a profit and thus has a massive advantage over any private alternative. So instead of encouraging competition, Obama would create a government supported monopoly. “But what is the problem with universal health care?” you ask. We need look no further than Canada for the answer. Despite exorbitant taxation, the Canadian health care system is in shambles, rendered unable to perform its intended task because it has no real market competition. Lowering its prices to incredibly low levels, the Canadian system simply couldn’t support itself. It has been forced to ration its benefits, resulting in many citizens that desperately need care never getting it. Thus, there are many stories of Canadians crossing the border into the United States to get the treatment they need. So universal health care is a bridge Americans really don’t want to cross, but is McCain’s plan any better? He certainly isn’t proposing universal health care, but he is taking a small step in that direction by encouraging greater government involvement in health care. One positive aspect of McCain’s proposal is medical malpractice reform, which would reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits brought against doctors. This small reform would save billions every year.

Skin cancer: Words we don’t want to say

Why do you ask? By Louise Wynn Two words I really hate to hear are “cancer” and “melanoma.” But I don’t mind hearing them as much as I mind saying them. In fact, when I was diagnosed with two malignant melanomas a few years ago, I couldn’t bring myself to tell my sister what I had. I stammered and stuttered, and finally I said, “I have these moles that grow way too fast, and they look different from a regular mole, and, and, and they’re called…” She said, “You mean melanoma?” I said, “Yes. That.” Melanoma, like many other cancers, is considered a disease of older people (like me). That is, it takes a few years of exposure to the carcinogen(s) responsible, in this case, the sun, before enough cells are sufficiently damaged to become a full-blown cancer. Also, in the case of melanoma and other skin

cancers, a genetic predisposition such as fair or freckly skin (like me) and a few severe sunburns in childhood (like me) can tip the scale toward skin cancer. But here’s the clinker: You don’t have to be old, you don’t have to have pale skin, and you don’t have to have had even one sunburn, to get skin cancer. You’re not even safe from it here in the Pacific Northwest, where we sometimes kid ourselves that the almost constant overcast protects us from this malady. So my advice is please take care of yourself. If you “need” a tan, spray it on. If you see anything on your skin that looks unusual, isn’t healing or is growing fast, have a doctor check it. Don’t just take my word on this. If any of this is ringing a bell for you, go to the Web to read up on the signs of skin cancer. Then, when you see a doctor, be prepared with your research on the topic. Please do REAL research, though. When I started reading up on malignant melanoma, I found a lot of garbage both on the Internet and in print. A good rule of thumb for deciding whether to take seriously a medical research article is which journal it appeared in. If it’s from a peer-reviewed journal, you

can probably trust it. Even then, though, you’ve got to read carefully, and make sure you understand the actual findings of the research. Case in point: In July, researchers reported that women who discover a cancerous lump through breast self-examinations were no more likely to survive breast cancer than those whose cancer was discovered through a mammogram. (The article is at http://www. cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab003373. html. You’ll be fascinated to read what it says and doesn’t say; and to notice the huge difference between the actual methods and results of the study, compared with the “plain language summary.” You’ll also see interesting differences between the results of the Russia and Shanghai studies reported. And you’ll decide for yourself if these results are pertinent to your situation.) The evening that report was made public, national and cable news and Web news sites proclaimed that women shouldn’t waste their time doing breast selfexams any more. “It just causes a lot of unnecessary anxiety for women when they find a lump,” said one M.D. in a radio interview. “We would have less false positives if women would just let their doctor worry about this.”

That doctor (a pediatrician, not an OB-GYN, not a researcher, and obviously not a careful reader) was criticized by many listeners. Many commented on his patronizing attitude and lack of credibility. Some told of experiences such as finding a lump a month after a negative mammogram. (Anecdotal evidence, to be sure; just remember that “anecdote” is the singular form of “data.”) That radio “expert” doctor admitted, a month later, that he had mischaracterized the research, and he apologized for his mistake. The bad news is that most of the selfproclaimed experts who made a big deal about the study haven’t done anything to correct their original reporting, which may be all that many people ever hear or read. Finally, then: Take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid of saying or hearing those words. Also, trust yourself. Don’t trust so-called experts, even doctors, with your body and your health. If I’d insisted on getting those moles taken care of when I saw them, I’d have had an easier recovery. If your doctor doesn’t respond, get a second opinion. The resources are out there to help you become your own expert researcher, care-giver, and advocate.

September 8, 2008

NEWS SERVICES, from p1 It would be more difficult and costly to effectively meet the needs of all the students at WSU-V, thus requiring different services than are necessary at Pullman. Regardless of how you choose to address your medical needs, be sure to have an idea of what you’ll do and how you’ll pay for it if an ailment arises. Whatever you decide, WSUV and the surrounding community have options available to you.

WSU Vancouver Options

State/Community Options

24 Hour Advice Nurse Fee: None On-Campus, dial 5-3575 Off-Campus: (509)335-3575

New Heights Medical Clinic Fee: None Medical 8000 NE 58th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 (360)694-0355 http://www.coalitionclinics.org/ new-heights-clinic.html

Student Health Insurance Fee: Moderate Open enrollment until Sept. 5 www.maskin.com/wsu.shtml

General * www.hrsa.gov * www.healthfinder.gov * www.hhs.gov

Student Mental Health Services Fee: None (for first five visits) To see a counselor on-campus, call (360)546-9446 and leave a message to make an appointment. To see a counselor off-campus, call Nancy Youlden at (360)546-9571 for a referral form.

Women * www.healthywomen.org * www.4woman.gov * www.cdc.gov/women

Clark College Health Services Fee: $10/visit. Additional fees may apply for lab tests and immunizations. (360)992-2264

Online Resources

Children * www.kidshealth.org

Seamar Community Health Clinic Fee: Based on income Medical 7410 Delaware Lane Vancouver, WA (360)986-5128 Dental 1412 NE 88th Street Vancouver, WA (360)574-4074 http://www.seamar.org/

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Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program Fee: None Women over 40: Women’s health exams, mammograms, pap tests Women under 40: A grant may be available for breast concerns. (360)514-1663 (800)992-1817 State of Washington (Just for Children) Fee: None (if eligible) For children up to 19 years old, and pregnant women, if eligible. (877)543-7669 For more information, please visit http://www.vancouver.wsu. edu/ss/health.htm

Wash. State Basic Health Plan Fee: Based on income (800)826-2444 basichealth.hca.wa.gov

VIT: When it doesn’t compute Illustration by: Danielle Mosier

By Rosann Bartel The VanCougar

WSU-V’s Vancouver Information Technology (VIT) is the university’s resource for students, faculty and staff who seek technical services and support. Some services are available strictly on campus, but many can be accessed online. Even if technology doesn’t generally interest you, you might be pleasantly surprised by what’s available. Computer Labs: There are three computer labs on campus, located in the following rooms: VMMC 101, VCLS 218, and VLIB 102. Most of the computers contain Windows XP, Adobe Photoshop CS2, Microsoft Office 2003, Macromedia Dreamweaver 8, and Secure telnet and FTP. Printing documents costs $.05 per black and white page, and $.40 per colored page (though

the latter option is only available in the library copy room).

Laptops: Wireless Internet and Laptops for Check out Students with laptops don’t need to register for wireless internet access. Simply connect to the WSU-V wireless network. Once online, you’ll be sent to a login page which requires your network ID and password. Wireless internet is available in the following areas: The Quad, VCLS 218, the majority of the VMMC building, the library and its second floor classrooms, the cafeteria, and portions of the Engineering/Life sciences building. Student laptops are required to have antivirus software. Current students can download Symantec Antivirus for free from their MyWSU web accounts. Students can also check out laptops in the VCLS 218 computer lab for four hour increments. First time users need to complete

a brief form. They are currently unable to print documents, but they are equipped with wireless internet access. E-mail Students can turn their WSU email address into a forwarding address. This service is easily activated in the myProfile section of one’s MyWSU account. Once activated, all emails sent to one’s WSU email (your network [email protected]) will be sent to the email you specify. This option can be particularly useful if you desire a more professional email address, and is crucial if you expect teachers to contact you via your WSU account. If a student doesn’t have a personal email account, VIT can provide one (instructions are available on the VIT webpage). VIT is located on the second floor of the Classroom Building in room 214. n VIT, p6

By Hannah Walker The VanCougar

Smoking policy on the WSUV campus aligns with Washington State policy that requires smokers to take it outside at least 25 feet away from building entrances, windows that open and building intake ventilation. Entrances are required to be marked with signs that express this policy. In a park-like setting with plenty of space for everyone, such as the WSU-V campus, most students are comfortable with this policy. When asked what they thought of the smoking policy on campus, smokers and non-smokers alike agreed that the 25-foot rule was respectful of everyone. “I think it is a considerate policy to both parties because it allows people who smoke to smoke, and people who don’t want to be subjected to it to be able to avoid it,” said Rachael Shirley.

Signage required by law is posted in white on clear glass doors as you enter a building, easily missed unless looked for. By contrast, Clark College has a policy they call “Breathe Easy!” This policy makes the entire campus tobacco free, relegating smokers to the outer fringes of the school for a five minute smoke break. When asked weather or not WSU-V should adopt a similar policy, students responded negatively. Shirley comments that such a policy would be over correcting. “If I don’t want to be around it, I can walk two feet away,” says Nate Colpron, of the current policy. Patrick Delo, a senior at WSU-V and a non-smoker, feels strongly about this topic. “They (smokers) pay tuition just like I do. They should be able to do what they want to…Clark is persecuting smokers!”

n SMOKING, p6

Photo Credit: Hannah Walker

Students speak out on smoking

While some WSU-V students are annoyed by the presence of cigarrette smoke, most seem to be willing to allow smokers their space if the favor is returned. Several students think the unsightly ashtrays around campus are nothing compared to the littered sidewalks and parking lot of Clark College, where smoking was recently banned outright.

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SMOKING, from p5

Students also recognize that Clark’s policy has unintended consequences. When smokers move to the sidewalk to smoke where there are no ashtrays available, the ground becomes littered with used cigarette butts. Still, some would appreciate a stricter policy on campus. “Between the Media building and the library where [the smokers] congregate is difficult because you have to walk right through [the smoke],” says Greg Hazelquist, an ex-smoker himself. An idea students mentioned favorably was a stricter policy that had designated smoking areas away from buildings altogether. Shay Kaushagen is adamantly opposed to the idea of relegating smokers either off campus or to designated smoking areas away from buildings. For her, it comes

The VanCougar down to an issue of the right to choose. “I understand that we all share space, but to me it’s the same as someone who wears a lot of perfume,” said Kaushagen. “It’s my personal choice and an expression of my independence.” For now, WSU-V’s smoking policy seems to balance the needs of both smokers and nonsmokers. Could we see pressure to change the policy in the future? One student speaks to the discrepancy between the policy at Clark and that at WSU-V. “Because the campus isn’t as crowded as Clark, the issue isn’t forced. If the campus were to be more crowded, I bet a lot more non-smokers would complain about it,” says Dustin Liebhaber.

Back to school BBQ

VIT, from p5

If a student doesn’t have a personal email account, VIT can provide one (instructions are available on the VIT webpage.) Website Server Students, faculty and staff can apply for an account that allows them to upload files onto the WSU-V web server. The instructions vary according to your personal status (student, faculty, staff) and are available on the VIT webpage, as are the terms of use. Blackboard Students will inevitably encounter Blackboard, as many teachers use it to upload course documents and grades, and online courses might be exclusively taught from it. Blackboard is accessed via a student’s Network ID and password. If a student loses their password, a staff member at any of the on campus computer labs can provide a new one. You can also call the helpdesk at 360546-9770. The URL for Blackboard is http://blackboard.wsu.edu/. AV/Classroom Technology Services Students, faculty and staff can learn how to operate Audio Visual equipment via scheduled training sessions. Either email av@vancouver. wsu.edu or call 546-9440 for appointments. Staff are also available during regular business hours for emergency support services. Forms are available online for equipment requests. It is advised you send the request at least a day before you need it. A list of current equipment is also available online.

Photos by Willy Chi Shue

The 2008 Back to School Barbecue and Club Fair held September 3 more closely resembled a luau than a stuffy university function. Food and music from Patrick’s Hawaiian Cafe gave it that flavor. A cornucopia of student organizations had a chance to make themselves known to new and old students alike. Everything from Queer Cougars, ASWSUV, the Latter Day Saint Student Organization and even our own humble publication, the VanCougar and many more clubs were out in the sunshine to mix and mingle with the student body. Sunshine, free food, and good music created a celebratory atmosphere and made this barbecue one to be remembered. The event was sponsored by the ASWSUV.

FEATURES Tech Knowledge Workshops Students, faculty and staff can register for an array of technology centric workshops. The classes are brief and straight forward, and can greatly enhance your technological knowledge. You can even earn documents of completion in specific subjects (such as Dreamweaver, HTML, and Photoshop), if you attend an entire series of workshops. For a list of upcoming workshops, see the VIT website. Free/Discounted Software The following programs are available for free download on the VIT webpage: - FTP programs, used to upload files onto the internet (and in this case, the school web server) are available for both Windows and Mac users. - Microsoft Secure Shell Client, which allows students to edit files via the WSU web server. - Symantec Antivirus, free to all students with personal computers, both laptops and desktops. Various Microsoft programs are available for free download, via the Tech Tools link on your MyWSU webpage. Microsoft Office is not available for free, but versions of it are available for discounted prices ($88 and below). The information for this article was gathered from the VIT website. VIT staff were contacted but unable to contribute to this article in time for its publication. For more information visit the VIT website at http://www.vancouver. wsu.edu/vit/.

Healthy options: on campus dining By Kevin Raymond The VanCougar

It doesn’t take long to find the variety of healthy options in the WSU Vancouver cafeteria. And if someone was unable to locate a healthy alternative, they could track down Bill Bontems. He supervises the main cafeteria and the “Commons Café” in the Firstenberg Center. Some immediate options that jumped out at me as I checked out the options were veggie wraps, gardenburgers, Odwalla smoothies, veggie stir-fry’s and of course the salad bar. Some simpler snacks include bagels, yogurt with or without granola, the baked potato bar and fresh fruit. In my experience it is hard to find that selection at restaurants outside of Portland and downtown Vancouver. The truth is that the cafeteria is pushing the envelope in terms of healthy options. WSU Vancouver students seem to want what the culture at large is looking for. “Our sales indicate that eighty percent of the people want the fatty foods. Chicken tenders and cheeseburgers are our big sellers,” said Bontems. I managed to grab a graduate student, Andy Hardwood, in the Commons Café. He told me that his meal selections at WSU Vancouver are motivated more around time constraints than a desire for healthy options. He said, “I think about that [healthy options] more for breakfast and dinner. For

lunch I get what is convenient.” Bontems was quick to defend the healthier entrees, “The good thing is that we still offer the other. We want to push that because obviously we are an obese nation and we are working on that.” Bontems did say that he didn’t foresee any changes in the near future. “I think we have made a lot of changes in the last two years. I don’t see anything big on the horizon.” Typical American products may be the hot sellers, but for those who are looking to cut calories or eat more nutritious meals the cafeteria is waiting for your support. Besides that the greatest power we have to affect society may boil down to how we spend our money.

RECREATION & SPORTS

September 8, 2008

Cougars corraled by Cowboys

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Story and Photos by Jason Garcia The VanCougar

On Saturday, August 30, the Washington State Cougars hosted the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Seattle’s Qwest Field Stadium for the 2008 Gridiron Classic. Unfortunately, “home field” advantage looked more like a disadvantage. The great defensive first quarter for the Cougars proved to be nothing more than a slow offensive start for the Cowboys. The Oklahoma State Cowboys dominated the WSU Cougars in only the third-ever match between the two teams, winning by a score of 39-13.

Fighting the feisty freshman fifteen By Ruth Zschomler The VanCougar

Possibly you’ve heard of the freshman fifteen. The freshman fifteen refers to the phenomenon of gaining fifteen pounds during the first year of college. It is common enough that books have been written about it and no one seems to be immune. What is it that promotes this weight gain? It is not any one thing, but rather a combination of little changes that add up. Busy lifestyles and new freedoms contribute to this phenomenon. One reason may be the availability of cafeteria food. At many colleges and universities, food is available for students at all hours. Without mom and dad around to dictate mealtimes and snacks, many students find their own choices to be less nutritious than they could or should be. Another reason could be the lifestyle change. New schedules, more homework, and added pressure on the college student can be overwhelming. What are some things students can do to avoid adding inches to their waistlines? Cut back on calorie laden beverages. Although coffee may help you stay awake enough to study, flavored coffee drinks can add calories you might not be aware of. Just one Starbucks® Grande Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino® Blended Crème-no whip has

400 calories. Make it a Venti for 550 calories. Add the whip for another 110 calories. You might think that since it is not food, it doesn’t make that much difference, but when you add it all up, it counts. Get enough sleep. Late night cramming might help you get through midterms, but when you start dragging it is tempting to eat to recharge your batteries. Energy bars carry up to 400 calories each. It’s easy to grab an energy bar and throw it in your bag to eat between classes. Especially if you have a schedule with back to back classes. Try some fresh fruit; apples, oranges, and bananas are good choices. Get some exercise. If you park in the farthest parking lot from the building you can get in some additional exercise (this will save money, too.) Use the fitness center between classes. Rent a bike from the recreation office and ride the trails on campus if you have a longer break. This can be a good way to clear your mind and might even help you pay more attention in class. Most of us need more energy, not more calories. Plus, with the new recreation center opening this month and lots of intramurial sports on campus to keep you active there are lots of ways to keep in shape. “Everyone has six pack abs; some just bury it a little deeper in the fridge.”

After being held to only three points, the Cowboys pulled the triggers on both six-shooters in their hands to start the second quarter. The combination of sophomore wide receiver/punt returner Dez Bryan and sophmore running back Kendall Hunter was more than enough to keep the Cougar defense on its heels for the rest of the game. The Cougars’ inability to contain Bryant in one-on-one coverage opened up the field for Hunter to run loose. Oklahoma had 15 points on the scoreboard at the close of the first half while Washington had none to show for their efforts. The beginning of the second half brought a ray of hope as WSU intercepted a pass on the Oklahoma opening drive. However, a penalty on first down led Washington to a fast three -and-out, which became their routine for the day. To make matters worse, Oklahoma dominated the special teams matchup. The Cowboys made three field goals and two extra-point attempts, while the Cougars completed only one out of two attempts. Oklahoma’s punt returns allowed for great starting field

position, in addition to a massive 90yard kick off return for a touchdown. The Cougars’ indecisive play placed them behind their 10- yard line several times. Oklahoma’s defense forced a safety on one such play, bringing the sea of fans to an unsettled murmur. WSU began to find their rhythm with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, scoring their first points of the game. This sudden spark proved too little, too late for the Cougars to catch up. Oklahoma State chalked up a total of 376 yards, 172 in the air and 204 on the ground. Washington State had a total of 191 yards for the day, 76 passing and 115 rushing. As the grounds of the stadium emptied, one Washington State student likened the game to a “slaughter,” in which conspicuous advertisements for “Washington Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner!” were suddenly put in a new light.

You’re Invited to Join Us for

JOURNALISM BOOTCAMP Saturday, September 27th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FREE Learn about journalism, media, reporting and more. Lunch provided. Guest Speaker: Brett Oppegaard All interested parties are invited to attend with RSVP. Contact the VanCougar to RSVP, for more info and location

The VanCougar

8

Man on the Street: Coug tastes

FEATURES

My Own Story

By Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

Everybody knows that food fuels learning. And in a learning environment like WSUV there are a lot of hungry Cougars on campus. But what do these hungry minds want to eat? The VanCougar went out on campus to ask the students exactly that. What do students think about the selection of nutritional foods on campus and what would they like to see? Also, what do they usually eat? Most students who have eaten on campus before enjoyed the burgers, particularly the chicken burger. There were a few, however, who tried to eat more lean meals, like salads. The impression most students had about the food in WSU-V was that if you wanted to eat healthy, bring your own food or go someplace else. Campus Cougars, though, just want to eat something that tastes good. There isn’t enough time to think about eating right. Below are some of the thoughts the students have on WSU-V’s food selection.

David Williams Psychology major “Maybe better carb charts, count carbs, or if anybody is diabetic then add sugar free items.” Susan Lerma Human Resources major “I think they’re great; I have lunch here all the time … usually the hamburgers.”

Troy Potter Pharmacology and Toxicology major “I think they have a good selection, a diverse selection of it. Some items are low in calories, low in cholesterol, then you’ve got the gut winchers.”

Tommy Tran Business major “Something that’s not too greasy, something that’s a bit healthier, but good at the same time... spaghetti as an example.”

James van Boxtel Computer Science major “I’m actually ok with the food right know, I just want them to be cheaper.”

Travis Schemp Finance major “Definitely something that tastes good. If I want something healthy I’ll bring it from home.”

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We want to hear from YOU! In light of the upcoming First Annual Diversity Film Festival, the VanCougar will be joining the WSU-V campus in celebrating diversity. Bola Majekobaje of the Office of Student Involvement specializes in Student Diversity. “Film is one way that people like to learn about life,” she says, “and if [the film festival] leads to students looking at different cultures in a new way, maybe they will be inspired to make a film.” As you are watching these films and learning about your life and the lives of others, think about your own story. At WSU-V we want to celebrate “students of many backgrounds,” as Majekobaje says. The Film Festival focuses on minoritized groups shedding light on their own perspectives of themselves. There are undoubtedly many fascinating stories from the campus to be told. Maybe you feel that your story isn’t “diverse” enough to be interesting because you don’t belong to a group that people usually think of when the word “diverse” is brought up. Given the focus of the Film Festival, this is an interesting thing to think about. The films featured in the festival focus on people whose stories are often either told incorrectly, or not told at all. Think about it; do people have misconceptions about your life? Have you ever really looked into your background? If you have, were you surprised? If this sounds like you, send in your story. How has your unique background led to your being at this school? How has your being a WSU-V student affected your perspective of yourself as a student of many backgrounds? To tell your own story, contact Bola Majekobaje at majekoba@vancouver. wsu.edu, or the VanCougar’s managing editor, Kati Hughes at kati.hughes.04@ gmail.com. Stories should be from 500 to 900 words. Writing not your thing? That’s ok! We can pair you up with one of our staff writers to help you put your story into what you think are the right words.

NEWS

September 8, 2008

WSU-V DTC students to McClaskey building intern with fairness.com breaks ground at WSU-V

This fall students in newspaper reporter Brett Oppegaard’s “Information Ethics” class at Washington State University Vancouver will be working with Fairness.com to evaluate mainstream news publications and examine contemporary ethical problems related to information. “This experience will give students specializing in digital media a taste of what it is like to work with a commercial Web site and to receive feedback on their writing from professionals in the field,” said Dene Grigar, director of the Digital Technology and

Culture program at WSU-V. Fairness.com is a free national clearinghouse providing information links to articles about fairness issues world-wide, such as law, politics, finance, consumer protection, media and information technology. A staff writer at The Columbian for more than 13 years, Oppegaard said he sees this collaboration with Fairness.com as an opportunity to give students professional work experience, improve their literacy habits, and teach them how to evaluate mass media .

Washington State University-Vancouver will host a groundbreaking event at 11 a.m. Sept. 18 to celebrate the generous gift of $1.5 million from the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Foundation for the expansion of the WSU-V Child Development Program. The new building will allow the creation of a full-day kindergarten scheduled to open in fall 2010. The ceremony will take place near the Human Development building, soon to be re-

Recreation Center to re-open

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named the McClaskey Building. WSU-V Chancellor Hal Dengerink will give opening remarks followed by members of the Foundation Board. The children in the program will also be participating in the actual ground breaking. Students and the public are invited to the celebration, though RSVP is required to [email protected] or 360-546-9600.

Photos and Story by Katie Wells The VanCougar

A wide range of workouts will be possible in the Fitness Center which will open Monday, September 8 at 7 a.m. as planned. With over $60,000 worth of new exercise equipment, the newly expanded and remodeled Fitness Center is a prime location for a great workout. The inventory includes free weights, dumbbells, barbells, Olympic bars, treadmills, and elliptical machines as well as training balls and yoga mats. Last year, in the much smaller workout room, an average of 120 students and staff members used the facility per week. Neil Gregory, the Recreation Center Advisor, estimates an average of 200-250 users in the peak times of the year.“The old building...it had a cement floor, grey walls, no mirrors. Now you look at? Wow! It’s double the size and mirrors go all the way around. It’s really nice,” Gregory said. There’s also a rubberized floor. Gregory, along with many fitness oriented people at our school, are very excited about the chance to use all the new equipment. The center will be student staffed from open to close each day. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to use the facility at not cost during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.

By Rosie Bartel

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Babble-on, Babylon

The VanCougar

“Babylon A.D.” is a barely comprehensible mess, featuring characters who stoically recite clichéd dialogue, engage in dizzying action sequences, and are forbidden to develop interesting personalities. It stars the ever gravely voiced Vin Diesel as Toorop, a tough, foul mouthed, and remarkably unflappable mercenary who frequently roughs up and/or kills people after delivering callous one liners. He’s hired to smuggle the beautiful Aurora (French actress Mélanie Thierry), a Russian immigrant, to New York. She lives in a convent and is accompanied by Sister Rebeka (Hong Kong action star Michelle Yeoh), whose saucy repartee with Toorop provides some much needed humor. The film is bloated with extensive and confusing action sequences, involving a constant deluge of enemies who wish to capture Aurora, who exhibits extrasensory abilities and screams a lot. Aurora’s weird parents (who she thinks are dead) monitor her via “futuristic” computer surveillance, and mysteriously tout her as The Savior. Though a Biblically inspired plot emerges, the movie ignores its more compelling implications. Plot details are belatedly explained and then complicated further by abrupt (and often nonsensical) developments. I was working so hard to keep up that I honestly couldn’t tell if I was enjoying the movie or not. Set murkily in the future (we learn that Siberian tigers went extinct in 2017), the film is indeed visually interesting, particularly the scenes overlooking miles of snowy terrain, and the colorful New York City. Newcomer Mé-

ACE

Arts, Culture Entertainment

UPCOMING

EVENTS DIVERSITY FILM FESTIVAL

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3 Cups of Tea Bazaar See page 8 for details.

Connections 2008

FSC, Sept. 9, 4:00-5:30 p.m. www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/diversity/

Vin Diesel as Toorop points his gun with authority in 20th Century Fox’s Baylon A.D.

lanie Thierry gives an appropriately sensitive, ethereal performance, and Michelle Yeoh lends genuine emotion to her thinly developed character. Yeoh is also given a few underrepresented action sequences, and as a fan of her work in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” I was disappointed there weren’t more (especially since the insolent Toorop deserved at least a backhand or two.) Vin Diesel’s Toorop oscillates between heroism and cruelty with startling frequency, which I guess is supposed to give him depth as a tortured, conflicted soul. He’s initially gruff and dismissive of the pouty lipped Aurora, but inevitably softens up, even confiding in her his wish to live a quiet life on the old family farm. But if you’re queasy about romance, don’t worry; it’s only briefly acknowledged. The movie is based on the scifi novel Babylon Babies by Maurice Georges Dantec. Perhaps part of the

problem is the standard difficulty of book-to-movie conversion. Additionally, IMDB.com reveals that “creative differences” between director Mathieu Kassovitz and 20th Century Fox may have mangled the final product. Whatever the case, this movie might interest those who can tolerate confusing action flicks with little substance, especially if they’re fans of Vin Diesel, who, despite my derisive assessments, delivers a satisfyingly gritty performance. However, be forewarned that the tangled plot is never adequately resolved, thanks to the rushed and bewildering ending, which leaves enough unanswered questions to merit a sequel. Sadly (or not), the movie doesn’t give us much of a reason to care. The film is 90 minutes long and rated PG-13 for violence, language, and light sexuality.

Hamlet 2 “rotten” By Hannah Walker Managing Editor

Coogan usure of his performance in Focus’ Hamlet 2

Irreverent? Yes. Sacrilegious? Debatably. Sidesplitting? Occasionally. This movie is appropriate only for those who do not take themselves too seriously due to its diverse portfolio of the crude and offensive. An out-of-work and talent deficient actor, Dana Marschz (Steve Coogan), attempts to save his job as a drama teacher through the production of an original piece, Hamlet 2. This play serves to throw the community into frenzy, and allows a host of players to work through various internal issues. A colorful cast of characters troop in and out of scenes as a backdrop for Marschz, not the least of which is a gang of high school students.

Primarily, this film touches on themes of racial tension and teenage angst, though nothing is safe from mockery. A few brilliant moments comically dealing with these themes are sprinkled throughout the film, always delivered by the high school crew. The musical number “Sexy Jesus” is one of the highlights of the film. Unfortunately, Coogan’s character dominates the screen far too often in a generally flat and tiresome performance, and these luminous moments are indeed sparse. This film is rated R for language, sexual references, nudity and drug content. It is not recommended that you make this a date movie. It may serve to fend off the boredom on a long, hot afternoon, however. Just be sure to make the matinee because Hamlet 2 is not worth $10.

Music Review: Slipknot, “All Hope is Gone” By Danielle Mosier Managing Editor

All hope is not gone for Slipknot fans. The band’s fourth studio album, All Hope is Gone, delivers songs with the driving, sometimes frantic, rhythm of guitar and drums that fans have grown to expect, but balances these songs with some that are less hardcore, but more melodic. Songs like “Snuff” aren’t antithetical to Slipknot’s energetic style, though. Rather, these songs are complementary to the others on the album. The opening track, “Execute,” flows well into the following track. Its lyrics are almost impossible to discern unless the listener reads the lyrics included as they are played

on the track. Nevertheless, they set the tone for what seems to be a politically charged album. The album’s title track, “All Hope is Gone,” delivers lyrics with political tones such as, “The State of the Nation/ Violation,” and “The Bill of Rights is a Bill of Sale.” Still, references to the current political climate are vague and only a handful of songs have a political tone to them. The music takes center stage on this album, not the politics. The vocals are, in typical Slipknot fashion, a component of the music, not the central focus of the music. Because of this, All Hope is Gone can appeal to metal fans of any persuasion.

Photo Credit: ©2008 Roadrunner Records

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Hello Thanks, Scaredycat, The Pull Wednesday, September 10, 7p.m. Killer of Sheep Tuesday, September 16, 4 p.m. Smoke Signals Wednesday, September 17, 7 p.m. Photo Credit: ©2008 Focus Features

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Photo Credit: ©2008 2oth Century Fox

The VanCougar

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All Hope is Gone is labeled with a parental advisory sticker for explicit content.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

September 8, 2008

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Game Review: Metal Gear Solid 4 By Beau

Baxter Rosser

ACE Editor

The Metal Gear Solid games have always offered players a unique experience incomparable to other games of the medium. Director Hideo Kojima has an amazing grasp of what a game should look, feel and play like. His ability to craft a story and direct a cut scene without leaving the player bored or jaded is unmatched within the industry. His newest game to the series, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, is no exception. Whereas Metal Gear Solid 2 made an example of the player by leading them, as Raiden, through the story like a puppet, Metal Gear Solid 4 lets the player witness the aging process of a game series and its character, Solid Snake. Both of which have been around for almost 20 years. In the overly casual space of gaming, a game like Metal Gear Solid 4 stands out among the crowd, and Kojima knows this. In the opening scene, Snake professes, “War has changed,” an allegory to the fact that gaming has changed. Snake represents the entire hardcore population of gamers as a dying breed. Replacing Snake are newer, younger and stronger commandos, whom some would feel have no place on the battlefield. Just like Snake, the hardcore gamer and hardcore gaming experience is getting replaced, albeit slowly, by the casual gaming experience and its fair-weathered gamers. That isn’t to say that the casual gaming space is a bad thing,

GADZUKES!

By Will & Greg

Will: Dawg! Thanks for the veggies. Love those fresh green beans. but instead, something new, young and strong. For fans of the Metal Gear Solid series, all the factors that make those games popular are in attendance: well crafted storytelling, beautifully handled directing, solid controls, and amazing graphical presentation. Those hardcore gaming staples are a given, but this game is something more than that. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is Kojima’s swan song to the hardcore gamer. So instead of breaking this game down into reviewable categories a la a typical game critique, I wanted to look at this game as a piece of art and a message to all the people who have been playing games for over two decades. If you’re a gamer who owns a Playstation 3, this game is a must have. I would also urge gamers who do not own a Playstation 3 yet to take the 400 or so dollar plunge on the system just to experience this landmark in gaming. Gaming has changed, and it is up to the player to adapt accordingly.

Greg: Want some more zuke? Will: Sure! That last one, being the size of a baseball bat, was useful and delicious. Had a burglar break in to my apartment last week. I brained him from behind with that zuke and called 911. Made a salad out of the zucchini while I waited for the police. Only veggie I know of with self-defense properties. Greg: That’s great, amigo. I’ve got some out in the truck for ya. Do you have a pallet jack handy? Will: All lines are busy. Please try your call again next year. A zuke surplus is your problem; please don’t make it mine. Puts a strain on our friendship, over and above your myriad of annoying personality quirks. Greg: I’m running out of options here. Ya gotta help me out. None of my neighbors will make eye contact with me. The wife is making zucchini bread, chocolate zucchini cake, zucchini chutney… I HATE chutney! In fact I don’t even like zucchini that much. Try and disguise it all you like by grinding it up in stuff—it just looks like boogers in your bread. I know it’s good for you, but… Will: You never, ever, put more than one zuke plant in your garden, didn’t you know that? If you do, add marital stress to the properties of this speckled green garden staple. Look, pay me ten bucks and I’ll take a couple more off’n you. What other joys is your garden putting on your table? (Insect pests do not count.) Greg: Beans, beans, beans. The tommy-toes, too are a timely taste-sensation and the corn is coming ripe. Oh, yeah! I MAY share those with you, too. That is, IF you take some more zuke off my hand—at no charge, of course. Mmmm, piping hot corn on the cob, roasted on the grill, slathered in butter and sprinkled with pepper. Tommy-toes, sliced and sprinkled lightly with lemon-pepper… Will: Tempting, but the prospect of a delicious nosh is outweighed by the twenty loaves of zuke bread I’d have to bake to use up the one you are hiding behind your back. Take it away! It is frightful to my sight! I do not like green zuke and ham, I will not eat them, Greg-I-am. Greg: You and Suess! Sheesh. Suess, he didn’t like the zuke; it made him sick, it made him puke. (Like me.) Look, its okay if you lightly sauté it in a mix of other veggies, but cook it too much and it turns to a goo so loathsome that even okra sounds better—and that’s saying a lot. Why didn’t George Washington Carver find five-hundred uses for zucchini rather than peanuts? Will: We can add at least one more use: we’ve squeezed half our column out of one. But don’t diss okra, dude. You can’t thicken gumbo properly without it. And you fry up some okra, you got a real treat. Mmm, mm! Likewise, you can batter-fry zucchini and it’s not too bad either. But kindly remove them zukes you hid behind the couch cushions. And the ones behind the TV, the ones under the sink, the sack full in the closet, the bagful under the coffee table, and the ones under the newspaper on top of the fridge. Greg: You seen me? Man! Look at it this way: You will always have a weapon handy in case of another break in. Hey! Maybe I can sell these on eBay as “Attacker Smackers.” All natural ingredients, biodegradable, environmentally-friendly, earth-consciously, organic self-protection devices. Otta sell like hotcakes. Will: Zucchini hotcakes—you try those yet? Try a shot of zucchini syrup in your next latte. Grate some on your ice cream. Actually, I didn’t knock out the burglar. When he saw me standing there with that monster zuke, he thought I was going to make him steal it too, and he fainted straight away. Zuke/nuke; both have massive deterrent capabilities. You want to remove all them zukes you hid in my washer and dryer, right? I saw that too. Greg: VMD’s, huh? Vegetables of Mass Destruction. Do you think the Defense Department…? Nah. But speaking of the government, why don’t they pay farmers NOT to grown zuke? They do everything else. What would happen if zucchini overtook all other garden species? In fact what if zukes are actually pod people from the planet Zukari aII come to suck our brains out? Dude! Should we, like, notify the USAF? Area 51? And zucchini syrup?! Do you realize what that would look like? You ARE mental. Will: Yeah, and I’m OK with that. Know what happens if you wear a slice of zucchini behind each ear? You’d look stupid, but you’d use up part of a zuke. That makes it worth thinking about. Okay, last year, you opened my computer case and hid three inside. Do I have to look inside this year? And I liked how you dumped out that box of Wheaties and filled it with zukes. A bowl full of sliced zucchini with milk does NOT sound like the breakfast of champions. Greg: So, you’re implying that a slice of zuke behind the ears might work like the cashews work in that Planter’s commercial where the “beauty-challenged” chick rubs the nut behind her ears and it drives the men wild? Is that what you’re saying? Or are you suggesting that… WAIT! Great Scott! What if you accidentally got a seed lodged in your ear. It might take root in the wax and… I can’t even fathom this: The thought is mind blowing, if you get my drift. Will: Delete key! You need more practice with that. But to answer your question, you’d end up a vegetable. I guess we can always hope for an early frost. No! That would mean I can expect your yearly off-load of winter squash. You should convert your garden to a heavenly place—by making it de-vine.

Visit TAG online at http://www.creativity-unlimited.biz/webtour/twoguys/index.html

The VanCougar

12 September

2008

Connections September 9 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Firstenburg Student Commons

Free food, art, and music to welcome all new members of the WSU Vancouver community!

Three Cups of Tea Fair and Bazaar September 10 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Firstenburg Student Commons Learn about life in Southeast Asia, mountain climbing, and fair trade. Shop for unique treasures (starting at $10) including scarves, jewelry, wallets, purses, carved items, and more. Plus, share a cup of chai or indulge in a henna tatoo ($5)!

Ross Island Tour Kayaking September 13 Sign up at the OSI by September 9. $15 student price, $20 for non-students. Archery Instruction at Archery World September 16 Sign up at the OSI by September 12th. $5 student price, $8 for non-students. Football Weekend September 20-21 Pullman, WA Sign up at the OSI. For current students only. $25 fee includes tickets, transportation, and hotel accommodations. Disc Golf Clinic September 24 Sign up at the OSI. Join other gold lovers on campus for this free event. Sign up on the day of the event. Chartered Bottom Fishing (Pacific Ocean) September 24 Sign up at the OSI. $60 student price, $70 for non-students.

TAIL END

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