Vancougar: November 2, 2009

Washington State University Vancouver’s Student Newspaper

Volume 15, Issue 6 www.vancougar.com

November 2, 2009

Regents approve 14 percent tuition increase Surprising and scary news for some students; will financial aid be Sally Thrall

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Campus News Editor

uition increase—those are two scary words for University students trying to pay their own way through college. Unfortunately, students at Washington State University will be facing up to a 14% increase in tuition for the next academic school year. This comes after the 14% increase in tuition that occurred this academic year for some students. Tuition Increase at WSUV Last May, Washington State University’s Board of Regents approved a 14% increase on tuition for resident undergraduate students and non-resident Distant Degree Program (DDP) students. This tuition increase translates into an extra $870 for the 2009-2010 school year. The anticipated 14% increase for 2010-2011 school year will translate to an extra $992. These figures mean a total increase of $1,862—not an easy number to swallow if a student is paying their own way through college. Other students will also be facing degree increases, including an approximately 5% increase for graduate students and non-resident undergraduate students. Resident graduate students will see a total increase of $785. Non-resident graduate students will see a total increase of $1993. Non-resident undergraduate student will see a total increase over the two years of $1868. These numbers will be added to the current cost of tuition.

However, these numbers do not give the whole story. The figures above are for the amounts tuition will increase. They do not include the amount Services and Activities (S&A) fees could increase. For the 2009-2010 year, S&A fees increase by 2%, raising the fees from about $502 to $512. The S&A fees for the 2010-2011 year have not been decided yet, but may certainly add to the overall increase that WSU Vancouver students are facing. Tuition Increase around the United States WSUV students are not the only

University students to be facing tuition increases as higher education institutions try to keep their heads above water during this economic downturn. In a report released recently by College Board, average tuition rates for public, instate colleges has increased 6.5% from the 2008-2009 school year to the 2009-2010 school year. WSU’s tuition and fees have increased by more than double the national average for tuition and fee increases. While

this rate may seem comparatively steep, WSU does not seem as pricey when considering that the average four-year public, in-state institution costs $7,020 to attend. However, WSU’s tuition and fees, at $7,600, are still more than the national average. These numbers can be worrisome for students. Even students receiving grant aid could be affected by these national increases because student grant increase rates do not appear to be growing as fast as tuition increases. Over the last decade, tuition grew an average of 4.9% per year after adjusting for inflation. Student grants and student aid only grew an average of 3.4% per year after adjusting for inflation. However, readers should note that the student aid figure is calculated from 1998-1999 to 2008-2009 school years. The information on average student aid for 2009-2010 is not yet available. Tuition and Students WSU’s tuition increases for this year and the next were decided last Spring. Despite that fact, many WSU Vancouver students do not know about the tuition increases. Transfer students are particularly at a disadvantage for realizing that tuition will be increasing 28% over the two years that they will be in attendance.

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Out of the box

Mozart Effect

Does music make you smarter?

Jess Davis

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ACE Editor

s college students, we long for the ability to work faster, retain greater volumes of information, and improve our total quality output. We want all of this without significantly increasing the energy that we expend in doing so. I’m sure it is likely that each of us would jump at any opportunity that promised cerebral upgrade, but often times our meticulously cultivated cynicism prevents us from taking advantage of the alternative resources available to us. We typically sacrifice sleep, exercise, nutrition, and human interaction, all in the name of academic excellence—and kudos to us for our unwavering commitment. This drive and focus is just a fraction of what makes the WSUV student body so remarkable, and one wouldn’t dream of discouraging such attributes. However, it is important that we begin again to shift our focus toward the neglected aspects of our lives—from our physical demands, to our mental and emotional requirements. Dependency on chemicals such as prescription amphetamines and caffeine, has increased at exponential rates among college students around the world. Availability and advocacy for the use of stimulants as study aids has become common practice, while students unknowingly continue to damage the very health they depend on in order to function

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Sally Thrall

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academically. The pressures that accompany scholarly endeavors have, and continue to grow. College responsibilities are not at all easy to manage, and to compound this, we are now facing higher competition within a suffering economy. It is no surprise that many embrace the quickest, most convenient remedy. It is for this reason that we are beginning a new, recurring column that will focus on discovering alternatives to the uncertain answers that society provides. As reporters, we will strive to keep an open mind, work to maintain a boundless curiosity, and commit to protecting our personal integrity. As students, we will hold to those three principals, and do

Pac-10 Fitness Challenge; WSUV and Stanford in the lead page 8

everything in our power to advocate health, balance, choice and accountability, and overall success for every student. It is my hope that each column will reveal information that is not only useful, but entertaining and inspiring. There is a wealth of ignored, forgotten, and untapped knowledge that we plan to uncover! To kick off this new column, Sally Thrall has researched the effect that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Music has on the human brain! I sincerely hope that we can move our generation of students toward a healthier future by highlighting the diversity of options that are out there. So here’s to trying something new and discovering truths for ourselves.

Flag football: bad weather does not hinder participation page 9

Campus News Editor

esearch has identified a phenomenon termed “The Mozart Effect.” This is a method that involves listening to the music of Mozart to improve brain function. You may have heard of the Mozart Effect in the BBC, USA Today, or The New York Times. It has also been depicted in Don Campbell’s widely popular book, The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit. Many people also believe in the power of Mozart’s music to increase intelligence and aid in cognitive development for infants and toddlers. This view was also made popular by the research used by Don Campbell to write his second book, The Mozart Effect for Children. This publicity has helped to inform America about the Mozart Effect and influenced the proliferation of Mozart Effect related merchandise. Continued on page 11

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ASWSUV’s Halloween Bash pictures page 5

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CAMPUS NEWS

Tuition increase

Proposed Tuition Increases 2009-2011

Continued from page 1 Speaking with many transfer students, there appears to be a lack of communication to students about the tuition increases. Richelle Meeker, a junior at WSUV, had not heard about the tuition increases before she decided on transferring to WSUV. “I only recently heard about the tuition increase that is going to take place for next year,” stated Richelle when asked about tuition increases. “I had really good financial aid this year, so I’m not too worried about the increase for this year, but next year it might be a problem.” When asked what Richelle will do if she does not get financial aid for next year, Richelle responded, “I might have to take out a loan. My mom is helping me pay for college, but if she cannot cover it, then I’ll have to take a loan out.” Another transfer student echoed Richelle’s sentiments. Janelle Stephenson, a junior, transferred to WSUV this semester. Unlike Richelle, Janelle had heard about the tuition increase. “It was on the news,” explains Richelle, “I was aware that tuition was going to be increasing.” Luckily Janelle’s parents are funding her education. “It didn’t influence my decision to come to WSUV because my parents are paying my tuition. My parents were generally concerned about it, but they feel that my education is worth the tuition increase.” For some students, the question of weighing education against the cost of tuition is more difficult. Amanda Silva is a transfer student who heard about the tuition increases at WSUV after she had already applied to continue her

education here. “I had already gotten my Associates degree and applied for WSUV,” Amanda explains, “I decided to take a break before I came to WSUV, and by the time I was ready to take classes, there was nothing I could do about the tuition increase.” Amanda is concerned about the tuition increase because, as she says, “Tuition increases are just one more

The price of free parking

Steet parking by WSUV may be illegal Ruth Zschomler

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Contributing Writer

arly one morning before class, Jason Garcia, a senior at Washington State University Vancouver, pulled up next to a curb to park. A man watching out the window of his house called out, “Can you move your car forward a few feet?” Garcia, not wanting to cause any problems, did not see anything wrong with the request and pulled up before parking. He then walked across campus to class. When Garcia returned to his car a couple hours later he found a $35 parking ticket on the windshield of his car. He had apparently parked too close to the stop sign. A notice accompanying the ticket stated he could go to court to get the fine reduced. Garcia went to court. In court, Garcia explained to the judge he parked where he did at the request of the neighbor so his car wouldn’t block the driveway. At which point, the judge informed Garcia it was a neighbor who called the police. Garcia believed fifteen feet was the distance you could park from a stop sign. Even the judge had to look it up. In Washington State, parking closer than thirty feet is an act worthy of a ticket. Parking on the street near the college may become a thing of the past if the neighborhood near WSU-V has its way. The county is considering a proposal making street parking near campus during school hours illegal.The current proposal would prohibit onstreet parking in certain areas from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, excluding holidays. If the proposal is approved by county commissioners, students regularly parking in these areas could receive a $38 fine for each offense. Every year nearby residents complain about parked cars getting in the way of garbage collection, mail delivery and pedestrian safety. This year surveys and petitions were circulated

throughout the neighborhoods to determine the areas with the most residential support for parking restrictions. During an open house on Aug. 11, county officials heard comments concerning the proposed regulations. Most of the comments were supportive of the proposed parking prohibition. Students will have a chance to voice their thoughts on the issue whether in person or by written testimony at a public hearing. The hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. When Garcia transferred from Clark College, he was not used to having to pay a parking fee. He believes it is, “kind of ridiculous expecting people to pay more money to park. Students already pay enough above tuition for books and supplies without tacking on parking costs,” he said. The first two semesters he was here, Garcia purchased the required pass. Then a friend told him about the street parking. He has been doing it ever since. And also informing other students of the spaces. According to Richard Gamble, traffic engineer with Clark County Public Works, if there is no opposition to the regulations at the hearing, the commissioners will most likely approve the proposal. If approved, regulations would go into effect as soon as signs could be installed. Likely, by the beginning of the next semester in January. Parking regulations would affect sections of the following roads: -- Northeast 147th and 148th streets -- Northeast 150th Street -- Northeast 26th and 28th courts -- Northeast 26th Avenue -- Northeast 27th Avenue More information: Richard Gamble, Public works Phone: 360-397-6118 ext. 4384 E-mail: [email protected]

thing adding up to all of the other costs that make WSUV much more expensive than Clark, where I got my transfer degree from.” Like other students, Amanda Silva wishes that administration had done more to inform the students about the increases in tuition. “I only heard about the tuition increases through the grapevine. I would have liked have more

publicity for the tuition increases, or to have had someone official from the university bring it to my attention.” Tuition increases have already happened, and are on the horizon. For some students, tuition increase may only be a minor concern. But for students paying their own way through college, even an extra $870 is hard to stomach.

Be a Vampire for a Day! Dress up, compete to win!

Vampiric Extravaganza:

Let Your Fangs Hang! A Celebration of Alternative Representations of Vampires

Prizes: 1—iPod shuffle 2—$25 gift card 3—$15 gift card Tuesday, November 3 12 – 4 PM Firstenburg Student Commons Costume contest begins at 1:20 PM Free and open to campus community Dress up and express your ideologies about representations of alternative vampiric sexualities, gender ambiguities or heteronormative representations of current vampires in popular culture. Impersonate your favorite fictional vampire character or break conventions and re-create your own representation of a vampire. Sponsored by Women’s Studies “Women in Popular Culture” and ASWSUV. Contact: Dr. Luz María Gordillo, [email protected] or Sally Thrall, [email protected]

Want to advertise with us? Contact our Advertising Manager, Ben Ryan, at [email protected] Special discounts for bulk, non-profit, and on-campus organizations.

11/2 Human Development Club Fundraiser! Help raise funds for a non-profit organization that helps veterans wounded in battle.

CAMPUS NEWS

Talking Trash: Cougar Pride

What is our campus’ trash telling us? Rup Brar

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Staff Writer

nvironmental Task Force (ETF), a new campus group, conducted a first ever trash audit on Oct. 19. With guidance from Waste Connections and facilities personnel, the ETF went through trash on campus to determine how much material could be recycled or composted. This trash audit served as a first step toward making our campus more sustainable, and environmentally friendly according to the ETF. Doing these audits will help give ETF a better picture as to the amount as well as composition of waste in different areas around campus. These preliminary audits will allow them to pinpoint target areas to work on, and help them map out their future plans. The members are planning to conduct audits every month to track progress. In this audit, the group examined two large trash bags taken from the Firstenburg Student Commons area. From the analysis, they observed that about 4 pounds of material in the trash was recyclable, and 6 pounds of material could easily be turned into compost. The types of material found were mostly plastic and glass bottles. The Firstenburg Commons is one place used as a hub for students in between classes. Despite having multiple recycling bins throughout the facility, people are not recycling. Therefore ETF will actively seek to enforce measures to increase recycling practices through raising awareness. “The trash audit was a great learning experience for members of the Task Force,” said Audrey Miller, vice-chair of the Environmental Task Force. “This experience will allow them to conduct more efficient campus wide audits in the future.” From their analysis, the ETF will work to start up a campus wide composting program, and increase the number of recycling bins on

school grounds. Composting will deter the loads of food wastes from ending up in the landfills. This food waste can be turned into rich organic fertilizers for plants. Every year, about 251 million tons of trash is generated by Americans, which amounts to about 4.6 pounds of trash per person per day. And all this trash is destined to end up in the landfills. Food and paper are the biggest contributors to landfills. Both are biodegradable in nature. However, due to lack of oxygen and saturated water, they are not degraded easily in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these landfills release methane gas, a greenhouse gas even worse than carbon dioxide when it comes to global warming. 34% of all methane emissions are due to the landfills. According to the National Sustainability Committee, a typical college student produces about 640 pounds of trash every year on average. On college campuses around the country, waste has decreased over the years due to the active role student organizations have played. Implementing measures, such as offering double-sided printing, increasing availability of recycling bins and simply raising awareness within the communities, has definitely helped reduce waste and encouraged recycling. The Environmental Task Force at WSUV has something similar in mind. As a newly formed club, the members are excited to get started. The main goal of the ETF is to increase sustainability within our campus by raising awareness, and bringing together individuals who are passionate about environmentally friendly practices. The Environmental Task force has several plans for the upcoming Cougar Pride week. During the Cougar Pride week, they will be holding a Salmon Safety Education Booth where they will work to educate, and gather volunteers for painting drains in the neighboring areas with Safe Salmon stencils. Also, another trash audit

will be conducted on Nov. 3. On Nov. 4, the ETF will undertake the Mill Creek Enhancement project, where the volunteers will work to preserve the Mill Creek Watershed by removing old sprinkler systems in the area. They will also work to protect native species of plants and vegetation in the

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area. On Nov. 5, volunteers will do walking trail maintenance. For more information regarding any of cougar pride events, students are welcomed to visit to the website: www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ cougarpride.

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Candid Cougs “What’s the best Halloween costume you have seen?” Jake Kleinschmidt

Cara Cottingham - DTC

Managing Editor

“A guy totally nude except for a box around his waist shaped like a golden present.” Biology -Sierra Cobb “A hillbilly witch.”

Matt Ross - Business “A moth. He had bug eye glasses, and a pound of flour on, he would run to any light around.”

Nursing - Devin Max Field “A quail - man costume.” Ryan Heasley - Elementary Education “Going as a mirror is pretty cool, saves you money and you’re invisible.”

Finance - Ali Alhamadi “I like vampires in general.”

You’re a writer? Perfect! The VanCougar is hiring reporters for all sections. Please apply online at vancougar.ning.com.

Harrison Polo - English “Gum stuck to a chair, his head was pink and he had a chair on his head.”

11/3 Vampiric Extravaganza: Let your fangs hang! A celebration of alternative representations of vampires. Come dressed up as a vampire for a day and win prizes!

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STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

These colors don’t run: Environmental Task Force

Cougar Pride Days are shades of green; volunteers will help clean campus Triana Collins

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Student Involvement Editor

environmental education on campus, and/ or want one of those handy neon-green WSU water bottles, contact Sean Myers, Chair of the

Environmental Task Force, at myerssean000@ gmail.com Interested participants can sign up for one-

hour slots on the website: www.vancouver.wsu. edu/events/cougarpride .

he Great Northwest, Washington State, the banks of the mighty Columbia River, Vancouver. And of this big city/town we live in, WSU has the best spot. Views, forests, creeks, wildlife, walking trails, biking paths, outdoor art, we have it all ! And because we have it all, it’s easy to take it for granted; to think that someone else will clean up and take care for us. Hence, Cougar Pride Days: a three day long celebration on November 3, 4, and 5 of our campus’ natural beauty where students, staff, faculty, and community members get dirty (and have fun) to keep our gorgeous university sparkling clean. Projects go from 11am to 4pm and include: a waste audit where participants will separate landfill and recyclable items to help collect information about on-campus recycling solutions; painting drains around campus with a “Salmon Safe” stencil to keep folks in the know about water drains effect on fish; an afternoon restoring Mill Creek by protecting native plants, removing an old sprinkler system, and posting signs; and enhancing the walking trails by laying cedar bark chips. To show thanks, volunteers will be invited to a participants-only feast catered by Goldie’s BBQ in the Firstenburg Student Commons at 4pm of the last day. While the entire university supports the celebration, the brand new Environmental Task Force is working at full speed to keep momentum for the various projects. The ETF was started by Student Government President Nick Ferderer, who “has always despised litter” and wants to see the campus move towards a greener horizon. Ferderer hopes that Cougar Pride Days will bring “an awareness of sustainability, new members, new ideas, and a community vibe.” In addition to Cougar Pride Days, the ETF is having environmentally focused film nights, hosting a sustainability week, posting signs about recycling, educating students, recruiting new members, and having fun. If you’re interested in sustainability on campus, want to Environmental Task Force members Audrey Miller and Melissa Boles show off their reusable water bottles and talk to students interested in helping help lighten our ecological footprint, celebrate out at Cougar Pride Days. Triana Collins/The VanCougar

Want better coffee on campus? Take the poll online at vancougar.ning.com

Vancougar.ning.com 11/4 Spoken word performance by Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai with question and answer to follow. WSUV students will open with their own poetry @ 6 p.m. in VADM 110.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Women’s Empowerment Coalition Erica Castro, President Sally of the Women’s Thrall Staff Writer Empowerment Coalition, has her sights set high for the impact this club will make on campus, in the city of Vancouver, and all over the world. A humanities major with a focus on Women’s Studies and Dance, she started the club in August with the help of her two club officers. The club has goals of empowering women through meetings, events, and fundraisers, and is open to anyone, including males. Meetings aim to support members with any personal or on campus issues they may have. They strive to identify and find resources for individuals in need. The club has connections with local shelters and will be hosting a benefit drive the first week in November for the women and children served by the YWCA of Clark County.

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Halloween Bash

Pull-ups, Gently Used/Non-violent Games, Books, Movies, etc. Wednesday, Nov. 4 – Personal Needs Day: Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Hairbrush, Deodorant, New Women’s and Children’s Socks, Underwear, or Bras, etc. Thursday, Nov. 5: Food Day: Non-expired Boxed Dinners, Canned Fruits/Vegetables, Crackers, etc.

The club meets the first Thursday of every month in room VMMC 16 from 4:15 to 5pm. Upcoming events include a once a month Women’s Night where women on campus can get to know each other through informal discussion, presentations, and stress-relieving art projects. A silent auction will be held in December with all of the proceeds benefiting families in Schedule of donations in bins around campus shelters to make the season more joyful and uplift spirits. If you have any questions, please are: WomensEmpowermentCoalition@ Monday, Nov. 2- School Supply Day: contact Pencils, Pens, Scissors, Paper, Crayons, yahoo.com. Journals, Binders, Backpacks, etc. Tuesday, Nov. 3- Children’s Day: Diapers,

Slam Poet pro shares stage with students Triana Collins

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Student Involvement Editor

ike everything in life, when poetry is bad, it is horrible to sit through, let alone read. But when it is good, it is transformative, uplifting, energizing, and inspiring. On paper, poetry is leisurely, at your own pace, when you want it and if you feel like it. You can take your time, digesting the meaty parts and licking the tidbits. But when it is live, it is like a word rollercoaster: in your face, right here, right now, hang on or fall off. Live poetry is an active experience. The author radiates heat and reality, mixing confessions with random observations. Spoken word and slam poetry are like the red bull and vodka of the poetry bar, throwing you down while lifting you up. So if you feel up for it, if you feel like you can handle a heavy dose of wordy truth, check out Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai: Spoken Word Artist, on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in VADM 110. Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai has become famous for her words, passion, presence, and love of poetry, politics, arts, and entertainment. A Chinese-TaiwaneseAmerican artist, Zen-Yie Tsai has toured all over the world, spreading her approachable poetry aimed at resolving prejudice and discrimination. She has shared the stage with the likes of Mos Def, KRS-One, Erykah Badu, DMX, Wyclef Jean, as well as performed on three seasons of the Peabody award-winning “Russell Simmons Presents HBO Def Poetry.” Aside from being poetry pro, she is a writer, performer, filmmaker, and hip hop theatre artist who strives to empower audiences all over the planet. She describes spoken word as a

“centuries-old tradition of oral poetry that exists in nearly every culture… It comes from punk rock screaming, folk music singer-songwriters, hip hop mc’s, b-boys, dj’s, graf writers, and beatboxers. It comes from feminism and page poetry, the Beats and stand-up comedians, church preachers, R & B, soul, gospel, classically trained actors and playwrights, the rhetoric of our political leaders. ”

The power behind getting a spoken word artist to perform on campus came from ASWSUV and the Marquee Diversity Event

Committee, headed by Bola Majekobaje, Assistant Director for Student Diversity. She chooses a new committee for each diversity event every semester that comprises mostly of students. Majekobaje stressed that the idea behind the event came from inside the classrooms. “Students on campus have been really interested in bringing spoken word, slam poets to campus for the last year and a half. A new opportunity came about and I thought, ‘Hey, let’s do one now,’” she said. “Kelly is nationally recognized in the spoken word world. It is really easy to see how talented she is based on footage. She really appeals to so many populations. She talks a lot about her Asian identity but also about social justice, women, people in need who are rising up, being empowered to take control of their lives. She just has a really empowering and positive message,” said Majekobaje. The show will start with WSUV students reading their own poetry before Zen-Yie Tsai performs. The next day, Zen-Yie Tsai will be conducting a workshop in an English class with a finite 30 spots. Students in the class will take half the seats, and the other half will be available to students who sign up at the performance on Nov. 6. The event will be a great opportunity to learn about spoken word, take your mind off schoolwork and into the transformative land of poetry, and meet a world famous artist. Majekobaje is more than excited. “Yeah, I’m pumped! I’m pumped about her coming, but also for students to have a platform for their poetry,” she said. Talk to Majekobaje in OSI if you would like to read your poetry at the event and share the stage with poet royalty. Katie Wells/The VanCougar

11/5 Free Swing Dancing Lessons. No partner needed. 7 p.m. at Vancouver Ballroom @ 808 Main Street.

- 11/7 Reversing the Flow conference from 8:30 a.m.

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FEATURE

Battle of the viruses: Vaccinations, the flu, and immunity Joey Smokey

The weather is beginning to turn.

from the thrift store. I get to drink hot cocoa and snuggle up with my boo. I can play hide and seek, Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe style: inside, in a big closet. I do not have to feel bad about seeing a movie or a play or being inside at two in the afternoon. Also, I get to take lots and lots of vitamin D. That’s really fun, too. And I get to power through school, working like a madwoman until winter break, when (if my bank account allows) I can travel somewhere warm and sunny and sandy and feel like I totally, most definitely, deserve it.

What: Astrology Where: Goldendale Community Library When: Wednesday, Nov. 4 Time: 4 to 6pm Cost: FREE

The Goldendale Astronomy Club wants you to join them in looking UP. Because there is so much going on up there, and I am not talking about God or heaven or any of that stuff. This is serious science! Stars and planets and sparkly things and lots and lots of space. And do not forget telescopes, those things are essential for long distance viewing and a must-have fashion accessory.

What: Lecture Where: Battle Ground Community Library When: Thursday, Nov. 5 Time: 5 to 7:30pm Cost: FREE

Greg Mortenson, author of “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations One School at a Time,” is coming to southwest Washington to discuss his dreams and travels and accomplishments. The story goes that in 1993, Mortenson attempted to climb the second highest mountain in the world, Pakistan’s K2. He could not quite make it, became exhausted and disoriented, and wandered around some desolate parts of northern Pakistan. Some super nice locals nursed him back to health, and after he got better, he promised to return and bring some education to the children who had none. He then wrote tons and tons of letters to celebrities, but the only one who responded was Tom Brokaw, who sent him a check for $100. Eventually, he got famous for his cause (education!) and now he writes awesome books along with a million other things.

It is obvious. I did not accidentally move to California like I thought I had. This is western Washington for sure. But whatever, I can handle it, can’t I? The trick to making it through fall is to get super pumped up with summer that you are totally sick of heat and sun and sand and… fun. Okay, so I am not sick of fun, it is just that there are plenty of fun things to do when it is rainy and dreary and grey. I get to wear big fuzzy sweaters and hats and knitted things

What: Body Art Where: La Center Community Library When: Friday, Nov. 6 Time: 3:30pm Cost: FREE

What: Gallery Stroll Where: Downtown Vancouver When: Friday, Nov. 6 Time: 6 to 10 pm Cost: FREE

What: Food Where: Esther Short Park When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 Time: Lunchtime Cost: FREE

If you are under the age of 19 (and I believe some of you freshmen are) then you can go get some free body art at the library of all places. And you do not have to tell your parents or worry about what you’ll tell your grandkids, because it is temporary. Mehndi body art is very old, very intricate and all natural, coming from the henna plant. Plus, it is so soothing to have someone else apply it for you, especially around the third eye area. Like clockwork (or should it be calendar work?), the first Friday of the month has rolled around. Meaning: art, art and alcohol. Okay, there’s also music and cool people and food and inspiration. As usual, the downtown galleries will open their doors for all the art lovers, but there is one spot in particular I will recommend: Lincoln’s Gallery on 9th and Main St. This place will be featuring some amazing artwork by local artists rivaling those in our art-spoiled neighbor to the south. And this stuff is the real deal: raw emotion, bold colors, street culture. This is not the type of art you would hang next to your Martha Stewart, Pier1 armoire. This is not the type of art you are not sure if your 5 year old could paint or the artist is just a genius beyond your comprehension. This is the kind of stuff that you actually want to look at, ponder on and talk about. Do you like burritos? How about free burritos? Then head over to Esther Short Park where the Vancouver Burrito Project will provide tasty, lovingly made, and free burritos to anyone who is hungry and/or homeless. But really, they stress that you need only to be hungry to get one with or without hot sauce. These punk rockers raise money through benefit shows, buy supplies from local stores, and then serve delightful food in the spirit of punk goodwill for the benefit of Vancouverites.

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Contributing Writer

rom the swine flu, to the avian flu, to the flu season, to the common cold, it seems like all of America is worried about the tiny, non-living thing called the virus. Americans seem to be in a panic over whether these diseases really pose a threat and should be considered an epidemic, and if the masses should be vaccinated. The WSU-Vancouver campus is no different, as many students majoring in the sciences research these diseases and critically evaluate their impact on the human population. Some people are starkly against vaccinations of any type. Some are very worried and frightened about getting sick, and vaccinate like crazy. The majority of people, however, are somewhere in the middle, and contemplate whether getting vaccinated is a good idea. To answer that question, it is important to understand what a virus really is and how vaccinations can help. It may come as a surprise that viruses are technically classified as “non-living.” Yes, that’s right: viruses are not alive. They are simply a small strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), wrapped in a protective layer of proteins. Since they don’t metabolize their own energy and cannot replicate themselves, they aren’t technically “alive.” Viruses spread by reproducing in a host cell, whether it be bacterial cells or human somatic (body) cells. They are very particular little critters, and will only infect cells for which they are “designed.” Once inside a cell, the virus replicates via a process known as the lytic cycle, where it literally takes over all of the cell’s functions, telling it how to generate all the molecular particles required to build new viruses. When the new viruses are all assembled, the cell breaks open via lysis, and the virus spreads.

The Rant Jake Kleinschmidt Managing Editor

I do not approve Chris Gregoire.

If by any luck you have not given up reading after the first sentence, you will continue to read on. This one, unlike my previous rant will attempt to contain less posturing and inflammatory language. I really want to show you why I do not care for Governor Gregoire and why she is not qualified to be in this position. I really want to show you that she should not have been given the position either. Let us start with the basics. If you do not know who I am talking about, Chris Gregoire is the Governor of Washington State. For once, if you are from Oregon, I would say you have it lucky this time. Gregoire is a 62 year old democrat born in Michigan, mother of two and wife to Mike. Governor Gregoire may remind you a little bit of Sarah Palin with her relations of growing up in the small town with a middle class family. The most controversial aspect of her career as is her election. According to The Seattle Times coverage of the election, Dino Rossi, her opponent won the general election with 261 votes. Then the legally mandated machine count showed Rossi winning by 42 votes. Lastly, a hand count funded by the Democratic Party

However, the virus that emerges from the lysed cell may not be identical to the virus that first entered. When dealing with such tiny, rapidlymultiplying things as viruses, the chances for mutations and genetic recombinations are extremely high. In fact, viruses are evolving so quickly that scientists are having a very hard time keeping up with them. So how exactly do vaccinations help against these non-living fragments of nucleic acids? The human immune system has a special set of cells known as B cells, which can be thought of as military soldiers that progress through the ranks during their military career. When a B cell first starts off, it is a frontrunner infantry unit being trained to fight a specific intruder. After it graduates military school, it joins the war against the intruder, attacking it with antibodies and helping recruit the bigger guns of the immune system. Once the infection is fought off, the B cell stays in the military as an intelligence unit, standing by to alert the immune system in case the intruder comes back so the disease can be defeated in a swifter, more efficient manner. That’s the key. The immune system has a memory for diseases, essentially stopping a disease from infecting an individual twice. Vaccinations take advantage of the immune system in this way, serving as a method to alert it about a particular intruder, getting it to train those intelligence units so the actual disease isn’t able to infect the individual. Flu vaccinations contain either a very weak, slightly genetically modified version of the virus, or dead viruses that can still circulate through the body and alert the immune system to its presence. By getting a vaccination, the immune system is alerted to the virus in question, and generates intelligence units to protect the individual against the diesase. With this knowledge in mind, are vaccinations our cure? Do they really work? Should everyone get vaccinated? Those issues will be addressed in the next issue of the VanCougar. showed that Gregoire won the election with 129 votes. Once the Democrat had the victory, the government rejoiced claiming that their candidate had won. What of the Republican Dino Rossi you ask? He was shot down by the court when he provided 1,678 illegally cast votes. Since when did “best out of three”, (technically four) go to the loser? Gregoire was re-elected in 2008. Her web site says that she was re-elected by “overwhelming” proportions. The vote was 53% to 47 % in her favor, hardly overwhelming. Gregoire has been battling the cutbacks Washington has been ordered to do. On governor.wa.gov it says that “Governor Gregoire has held her promise to the people by proposing a balanced budget while maintaining her priorities of protecting families and kids the best we can.” It is funny to me that apparently in her “balanced” budget the largest cuts went to higher education and health care for the poor. The government hiring freezes did not make the situation any better off for people who are trying to find a job to pay their way through school, especially when her actions cause enormous tuition hikes. Gregoire, I disapprove of your handling of Washington State. I disapprove of your methods of “balanced” budget cutting. I disapprove of your election results and how you got elected in the first place is beyond my understanding. I am so happy you can not return to office next election. The time could not come too soon.

11/3 Stress Management Workshop: 2:00 p.m. VFSC 104 - 11/5 Resume Writing Workshop: 8:00 a.m. in VFSC 104; Open for students and alumni

FEATURE

(TFLN): TXTS FRM LST NGHT

HOME I BEST NIGHTS I WORST NIGHTS I SUBMIT

(864): I’m playing with the baby I just found in your kitchen (248): I know ur sleeping, sorry for waking you but i just saw a girl with mittens on using her nose to control her ipod touch (575): is it sad that whenever i need to spell “independent” i still sing that one rap song? (701): Im dancing with my grandma to Low right now at the wedding. There’s no coming back from this. (252): i’m watching the tyra show: “women who beat up their boyfriends” - lets see how she can make THIS one all about herself too. (850): He smothers me through text. I can’t even image what he’d be like in person. (858): I just spent an unhealthy amount of money overnighting a full adult sized Trix Rabbit Halloween costume (602): I wasn’t on board with that statement until “home made dinosaurs” (214): My itunes is telling me i listened to toxic by b spears 108 times last night (513): stalking is really helping my grade.. I followed him to a review session tonight (847): So im going to watch Hocus Pocus in my footie pajamas... How am I in college?

Last issue’s answers: Difficulty:

Dear Professor: Why do you always miss class the day before a test? Dear Student: I know you are lying no matter what your excuse is for turning an assignment in late. Students, Faculty, and Staff: Tell us how you really feel! Send your rants into [email protected] C A N T M I P L A S T T I I E R I

N E I N S T A R T C

B R O I B T E E E Y

The SEXpert Sally Thrall Staff Writer

Today sexpert explores two sides of the

same coin: One question about a girl who is concerned about a friend’s recent promiscuous behavior, and one question from a girl who wants to be able to express herself sexually without judgment. Q: I am worried about a friend of mine. Recently she seems to be picking up random guy after random guy, and being sexually promiscuous. I’m not sure if she practices safe sex with all of the guys she meets, so I’m a little worried about her health. How can I express my concerns to my friend without getting on her case about it? Also, should I even be concerned about her behavior? - A Concerned Friend A: Dear Concerned, I understand wanting to make sure your friend is being safe and not wanting to do anything that will hurt her. The best

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N E L O N E S T A A G N R A I E S A M I E A O T T B A A P I L E A L S M S P

way to approach the situation is to just be straightforward with her. Next time she starts telling you about her latest conquest, simply ask if she used protection. If she did then great; express your relief at hearing she is practicing safe sex and mention how important it is to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. If she did not use protection, let her know that it concerns you. Come from a place of concern and desire for her well-being, and not from a place of condemnation. By approaching her without judgment, she will be more likely to listen to the important information you are providing for her about safe sex. As for being concerned about her sexual behavior recently, I do not think this is anything you should worry about. If she seems to be enjoying hooking up with men she meets and exercising her sexual liberty, then she should do so. Your friend is an adult and can make up her own mind about her sexual practices. People have different sexual appetites and what works for one person might not work for another person. It is important to take into consideration the happiness of your friend and her right to make sexual choices before you judge her behavior to your own personal standard. First and foremost, you should support your friend making choices that she

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believes will be fulfilling and satisfying for her. So if she wants to be more sexually active than she has in the past and she is happy about it, then there is no need to be concerned. Q: Dear Sexpert, I am a female who enjoys having sex…a lot. For some reason, certain people have a lot of problems with it. I have even had people call me a slut before. Having people see me this way hurts. Is there a way to avoid this title? What should I do? - The So-Called Slut A: Dear “Slut,” Slut shaming is a big phenomenon in our society. Many women have a problem with it, but unfortunately both women and men perpetuate it. Calling a woman a slut is a biting insult because it goes against deeply held societal beliefs about the type of behavior a woman should practice. Slut is also a malicious term that makes it seem as if a woman is only concerned about male attention and having sex, and not concerned about other women or sisterly ties. The slut in high school was often the girl who got the most attention from guys, and did not relate well to other girls her age. A girl could be called a slut regardless of her

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actual sexual practices. For many people, slut still carries the full force that it did in high school and can still make a woman feel like she is less of a person because of the way she decides to operate sexually. I’m not sure that there is much you can do to avoid this title if someone wants to give it to you. If you are happy with your sexual practices and are making these choices yourself, then you should not care what other people think about your sex life. However, adopting an attitude of not caring about public perception is easier said than done. I would try surrounding yourself with people who are only concerned about your well-being and will not make you worry about whether your sexual choices are “correct.” I would also encourage all women to stop using this term in a negative way to refer to other women. Even if another female chooses to have more sexual partners than you, or to have more sex than you, it does not warrant calling her a slut. All women deserve to be able to make their own choices about private sexual practices. Many women will not feel comfortable doing so until we get rid of this societal notion that when a female expresses sexuality different from the “norm,” she is a slut.

11/5 Women’s Empowerment Coalition Club Meeting VMMC 16 @ 4:15 p.m. - 11/9 Battle of the Sexes Game Night in VFSC from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

8 SPORTS AND RECREATION

From Pullman

A Fitting Week at WSU-V WSU squares off against nine other Erik Cummings

T

Sports Editor

little extra challenge. “We chose an elliptical machine because more people can do that type of exercise,” says Gregory. The activity works the hamstrings and quadriceps in the legs and is similar to a stair-stepper. Environmental Science major Evan Moriwaki spent two hours on one of the two machines, then an extra thirty minutes to cover for someone who could not make it in time. It was his second period in the relay that day, having gone in earlier for a workout at 12:45. When asked about his exercise preferences, Moriwaki said he enjoys lifting weights Erik Cummings/The VanCougar

he Pacific-10 Fitness Challenge took place on the week of October 26th. Washington State University and its satellite campuses competed with nine other universities. These included University of Washington, Arizona State University, and Oregon State University. By the close of the first day, Washington State had taken the lead in the number of total activity minutes, approximately 125,000. Stanford University, last year’s winners, took

Season updates Men’s Basketball: LOS ANGELES, Cali --

and jogging on the wooded campus trails. Moriwaki then headed to Archery World to take part in the archery tournament, another event sponsored by the recreation center. He and four others competed in fourteen rounds, and though he arrived twenty minutes late, Moriwaki managed to score a respectable 129, including two bullseyes. The winner of the night was Sam Adams, a maintenance worker at WSU-V, who received a Cougar sweatshirt. He scored 185 points and nine bullseyes. Denise Eyerly, Recreation Assistant, took second place with 160 and scored three bullseyes. In third came Jerry Adams, coworker to Sam, with 159 points. Shawn Romine placed fourth with 155 points. It is unknown how many WSU-V students signed up, since3 they are included in the Washington State University total. Neil Gregory estimates fifty people signed up in the fitness center, including around twenty on Tuesday. “More students participate at WSU than Stanford,” he said, “Stanford usually has more faculty, staff, and alumni who participate.” WSU-V’s active participation began in 2007, losing that year to Stanford. The Californian university managed to pull ahead on minutes on Friday last year to win twice in a row, WSU-V coming in second again. As of Wednesday the 28th, WSU held the lead at roughly 250,000 total minutes with Stanford closing Jake Kleinschmidt/The VanCougar in on 225,000 total minutes. In Shaunic Morales weighted minutes, the two leads that participants could attend and receive credit. were closer, Stanford behind by only 2,755 These events included rock minutes. University of Washington was in sixth climbing in Portland on Sunday, the bowling behind Oregon State and University of Oregon. tournament on Thursday, and the Haunted WSU also had the most participants out of Corn Maze at Sauvie Island on Friday. the universities competing at the time as well. Tuesday found the fitness center sponsoring The Pacific-10 Conference was founded in an Elliptical relay, beginning at 6:30 a.m. The 1915 at the Pacific Coast Conference in Portland event’s goal was to keep at least one Elliptical Oregon. Oregon State College, the University machine on and running for the duration of of Oregon, the University of Washington, and the center’s working hours. According to the University California at Berkley formed Recreation Coordinator Neil Gregory, the the original membership. Washington State Pullman campus sponsored the same event. University joined as the fifth school in 1917, “They actually wanted to have two [machines] followed by Stanford University one year after. going all day. Since we’re a smaller campus, Other schools outside of the Pac-10 started we just did one.” Gregory himself pitched similar programs. Clark College’s Healthy in time to add to the fourteen and a half hour Penguin Nation program, for example, offers relay. Since the recreation center hours are points for activities. The activities are logged longer than last year’s, the event presented a on cards and turned in for monthly drawings.

Sam Adams displays his target after the tournament

Second place winner Denise Eyerly with fourth place Shawn Romine

Erik Cummings/The VanCougar

second place that day with roughly 115,000. Students could register at pac10fitnesschallenge.wsu.edu and login to record their exercise minutes. The genres that could be counted ranged from Aquatic activities, such as kayaking and swimming, to Miscellaneous Sports, including billiards and skateboarding. Even using a Wii counted, though the only subcategory listed was Wii Fit, Time spent officiating any game also could be entered. The recreation office also advertised various activities during the week

Jake Kleinschmidt/The Vancougar

Erik Cummings/The VanCougar

Evan Moriwaki works on his second set in the Elliptical Relay

Erik Cummings/The VanCougar

Jerry Adams aims for the target

Students who signed up for the challenge received free t-shirts like Kendal Mantzke is wearing.

With first-year head coach Ken Bone at the helm and just one upperclassman on the roster, the Washington State University men’s basketball team has been chosen to finish eighth in the Pacific-10 Conference in 2009-10, according to a poll of media members who cover Pac-10 basketball. The poll, released at the league’s annual media day in Los Angeles Thursday, had California finishing first with 25 of the 37 first place votes and 350 points. Washington was chosen a close second with seven first place votes and 330 points. UCLA received the other five first place votes, coming in third with 302 points. Arizona (fourth, 221), Oregon State (fifth, 218), Oregon (sixth, 175), Arizona State (seventh, 144), USC (ninth, 109) and Stanford (10th, 63) rounded out the poll. The Cougars received 123 points in the poll, 21 behind the Sun Devils. WSU returns seven letterwinners and two starters from last season’s 17-16 squad, which reached the first round of the NIT. Joining the lone senior, Nikola Koprivica, are seven sophomores and eight freshmen. Before opening the season Nov. 13 at home against Mississippi Valley State, Washington State will host Lewis-Clark State in an exhibition game Monday, Nov. 9 at Friel Court. WSU Athletics: PULLMAN, Wash. -- Open forums on Phase III of the Martin Stadium Renovation, featuring Director of Athletics Jim Sterk and members of the WSU Athletic Foundation staff, will be held from late October to early November throughout the state of Washington and in Portland. On Sept. 22, the public launch of the third phase of the Martin Stadium Renovation project was announced. Phase III involves the construction of luxury suites, loge boxes, and club seats atop the north stands. Once 80 percent of premium seats have been committed, the construction of Phase III will begin. Phase III will be completed by the 2012 football season; however, if premium seat sales and fundraising benchmarks are met by Dec. 18 of this year, construction can begin sooner, and Phase III could be completed in time for the 2011 season. Men’s Football: PULLMAN, Wash. -SATURDAY’S GAME: Washington State (16) continues its longest stint away from Martin Stadium in 2009 when it travels to San Antonio to face Notre Dame (5-2) for a Halloween night contest from the Alamodome at 6:30 p.m., local time (4:30 p.m. PT). The game will be televised nationally by NBC, with Tom Hammond (playby-play), Pat Haden (analyst) and Alex Flanagan (sidelines) calling the action. Women’s Volleyball: The No. 21 Washington State volleyball team (16-4, 5-4) coming off a 3-1 win over No. 4 Washington in Pullman Oct. 23, travels to Arizona this weekend to meet Arizona State (11-10, 1-8) Friday, Oct. 30, in Tempe, and No. 18 Arizona (15-5, 4-5) Saturday, Oct. 31 in Tucson...Cougars won both matches earlier this season so the Sun Devils and Wildcats will be out for revenge...both matches begin a 7 p.m. and can be followed on the Cougar volleyball radio station (KQQQ 1150 AM in Pullman), or online via Cougar All-Access and via GameTracker online. Men’s Cross Country: The Washington State men’s cross country team will compete in the 41st annual Pacific-10 Championships in Long beach, California, Friday, October 30, hosted by the University of Southern California while the women will race in the 24th annual meet...men’s 8,000m race starts at 3 p.m. while the women’s 6,000m race will begin at 4 p.m. The Pac-10 Championships are hosted by USC and held at the Skylinks Golf Course... runners will be competing on a flat terrain course that features mostly grass with short sections of cart path...the 26th-ranked Cougar men will be competing against top-ranked Stanford, as well as returning Pac-10 and NCAA champion No. 2 Oregon, No. 13 Washington, and No. 16 Arizona State...the WSU women will be racing against No. 1 Washington, No. 8 Oregon, No. 12 Stanford, and No. 17 Arizona...each team is allowed a maximum of 10 runners with five scoring and two used for team scoring displacement...for more information and results, visit http://www.pac-10.org.

11/5 Flag Football Open Play at 3 p.m. - 11/9 Blazer’s tickets go on sale in Student Affairs office at 7 p.m. - 11/10 Texas Hold ‘Em tournament @ 3:30 p.m. in VFSC

SPORTS AND RECREATION

FITNESS CENTER Hours M-Th : 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat-Sun: Closed

Equipment Ellipticals & Treadmills Free Weights Leg Presses, Extension, & Curl machines Medicine balls & Yoga mats Strength bands & jump ropes

Policy Fitness center is free to all WSUV students, faculty, and staff. Must sign liability waiver. Bring Fitness Center card each visit.

Trainer

Flags flap, footballs Flag football in fifty degrees Chau Nguyen

F

Staff Writer

ifty degree weather did not stop eight football players to come out and play on the field on Oct. 22, the second day of flag football. Including the people from the recreation office, Neil Gregory and Tim Snyder, nine people were competing on the field. They were divided into red and green teams. Everyone played with enthusiasm in spite of the cold weather. Evan Moriwaki wanted to prove his toughness against the harsh weather condition by taking his shirt off. Excluding a few that wore shorts, the rest dressed in warm clothes. Flag football season at WSUV got its start on Oct. 15. It is free for all faculty, staff, and students. Nick Green shared his feelings about the sport, “Flag football has been a lot of fun. I love it. It is a good opportunity to play a game which I have not been able to play since high school.” Tim Snyder agreed, “So far, the season has been good. The weather was a lot better this year. Last year, it was raining the whole time. The players put more enthusiasm into playing and I have had a lot of fun.” Instead of putting together the soccer tournament as they did for soccer season, for flag football, the Recreation Office will organize a team to play against Clark College, “We are trying to recruit more people to build a team to play with Clark. The name of the game is ‘The Vancouver Bowl’. We hope to play with them in two or three weeks when they have a team put together,” said Snyder. That is also Green’s expectation, “I hope we continue to get enough people in order to get ready for the Vancouver Bowl with Clark. We need fourteen total.” Not having enough people seems to be a problem of flag football, “Anyone can play. It’s not hardcore like the real football. I think a lot of people don’t come just because they are afraid of it being tough,” said Snyder. Snyder shared that flag football is the most favorite sport at the Recreation Office. The rainy season is approaching soon in Vancouver. However, Green did not seem to be

bothered by that at all, “The rain makes flag football a lot more fun. When the field gets wet, it gets muddy which makes it perfect for football.” Snyder seemed to share a different view, “As it gets rainy, the field is going to get muddy and wet till the spring, which makes playing flag football harder. It does not get recovered until June. Hence, cleats are recommended.” According to Snyder, only students have joined so far, besides Gregory who is a staff member. There are about 15 people each week. During soccer season, every week, there were always different people. For flag football, the same people are expected every week since those are the ones that truly love to play. Not many people want to give flag football a try. Snyder voted Gregory the best

quarterback, Kevin Guzman as the best receiver; and Shawn Romine as the best player for grabbing flags. Snyder admired Shawn since he thought, “Grabbing flag is an art. It’s actually hard; it’s slippery.” Flag football is at 3 p.m on the open field every Thursday from now till Nov. 12. Any interested students, faculty, or staff can sign up at the field.

Photo by Katie Piper

A certified personal trainer is available to Fitness Center users at no cost. Develop a fitness plan, learn how to use the equipment, or develop strength for a specific sport or activity. The sessions are free. Get fit! Stay fit!

9

Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai Spoken Word Artist November 4 at 6:00 p.m. Administration Building, Room 110 Free event

Joseph Tiegs/The VanCougar

Nov. 4 at 6pm Spoken Word. She has shared stages with Mos Def, KRS-One, Sonia Sanchez, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, DMX, Talib Kweli, Michael Eric Dyson, Wyclef Jean, Tracy Morgan, Amiri Baraka, and many more.

www.vancouver.wsu.edu/studentdiversity

Sponsored by Student Affairs and ASWSUV A Marquee Diversity Event

11/11 Open Gym Basketball at Alki Middle School @ 8 p.m. Show up with your campus ID card - 11/16 Meadows Lift Tickets go on sale in Rec Office. $35 for students

10 ARTS, CULTURE, AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE COUG MEDIA REVIEW Where The Wild Things Are Starring- Maz Records, Catherine Keener, and Mark Ruffalo The classic children’s story “Where the Wild Things Are,” comes roaring to life in a unique film. Director Spike Jonze takes a 20-page, nine-sentence, book and turning it into a feature-length film. The movie tells of a young boy, Max who does not have a pleasant life. Max has to live with an older sister and a single mother. Max runs away from home and finds his way to an island where he finds the Wild Things. The movie shoes a lot of character development in Max through his interactions with the Wild Things. Each of the Wild Things have their own personalities that represent either the flaws in Max’s character or the flaws that he saw in his sister and mother. Using the creatures as a mirror of his own life, Max grows into a stronger boy. The only issues with the film are the length of the movie and the special effects. The movie drug at scenes where they expanded upon the original story. The Wild Things looked like gigantic puppets. It was obvious the effects were through the use of wires. “Where the Wild Things Are” is a movie that will be appreciated by adults who read the book when they were younger. Children enjoy the antics of the Wild Things but will grow bored with the story. Reviewed by Joey Hollibaugh

The Hunger Games

Revolution

Author- Suzanne Collins

Artist- Miranda Lamber

Reality TV in post-apocalyptic America: Two teenage contestants are chosen annually from each of 12 districts to compete in the Hunger Games, a reminder to the enslaved subjects never to rebel again. One contestant wins by killing the other 23. This year, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen has volunteered for the Games to keep her little sister from having to compete. When Katniss and her friend Peeta Mellark are the last two contestants standing, they refuse to kill each other. Without knowing it, they have sparked a revolution which spreads through all the districts in ‘The Hunger Games’ sequel, ‘Catching Fire.’ President Snow himself, smelling of blood and roses, visits Katniss to tell her that she must make amends in the upcoming Quarter Quell, where all previous Hunger Games victors fight to the death. Sorry, no spoilers here. Read the book. Read both books, supposedly for “young adults,” but a fun and fast read for anyone. Author Suzanne Collins has also written Scholastic’s ‘Underland Chronicles’ series.

Reviewed by Louise Wynn

Country singer Miranda Lambert is the definition of a multi-talented artist. Not only does she sing and play guitar, but she is also an accomplished songwriter, writing or co-writing 11 of the 15 songs on her new album Revolution. Three of the songs she co-wrote with boyfriend Blake Shelton, including the more rock sounding, Sin for a Sin. In it, Lambert calls out a boyfriend who treated her badly, like past songs Kerosene and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Sin for a Sin seems destined to be a fan favorite. Though Lambert showcases her tough girl attitude on songs like current single White Liar and Me and Your Cigarettes, she also displays sensitivity on songs like Virginia Bluebell. One of the most interesting songs on Revolution is Only Prettier. Lambert acknowledges the differences between her edgy personality and that of a pristine, wholesome girl. I recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of Lambert or country music in general. Also, many non-country fans should give Revolution a listen since many of Lambert’s songs have a rock sounding quality to them. Reviewed by Amy Thieland

Pop Culture concert starring WSUV’s Harrison Polo Student performs at downtown venue Erik Beaulieu

I

Contributing Writer

n a town called Vancouver, down main street, in a little soda shoppe called Pop culture was this stage, lined with soda caps and on this stage played a band called Harrison Polo. This face melting group played multiple songs in the first night. All but one being an original of lead guitar and vocalist Harrison Polo. To get things rolling,the show started with Sensory Overload, Take you back, Kate Donovan, and The End. Each song blared throug out the room, shaking

the single panes window and all the ear drums that bared to witness this extravaganza. Before each song, a small introduction was given to each song. But one in particular stuck out. And that was the introduction given to the song Kate Donovan. Harrison said that the inspiration for this song was from the girl in his dream about needless to say, the attempt to befriend this girl on myspace only ended in rejection. She lived in Michigan. The distance would have killed the relationship anyway. Giving break between the lyrical genius, a brain shredding cover of

the white stripes seven nation army filled the area infront of the stage with the unmistakeable and dangerous mosh pit. Yeah, it was intense. Following the cover, came more original songs, Another Round, Falling For You, and Summertime. Each of which having different levels of brain thrashing and face melting sounds that is sure please the ears. The night went on with a muriad of local pop, alternative and punk bands like All Falls Through and Chin Up Rocky. Each band was followed with an equally awesome sound.

Not to let the musical adventure be limited to one night, the next night was just as awesome, if not better. Hosted by Pop Culture on Main st. Harrison Polo had the opportunity to hand pick a selection of local bands. Starting off was Fatal Attempt who played a song depicting their love for captain crunch cereals. Next up was Meet Your Monster, playing many cover songs. One being particulalry nastalgic 1985 by Bowling For Soup. Don’t deny it, you listened and sang to in your car. And to follow, was the Meister Brothers. Equally awesome with a sense of Foo Fighters, an with that combination, it can only be stellar. But all of these acts were openers for the acoustic version of the previos nights Harrison Polo and band. With the switch fron the other groups to the headliner Harrison polo, the entire audience went from standing up and dancing do a more intimate setting if sitting around the stage. Playing the same songs with a few exeptions. Still, Sensory Overload, Kate Donovan, Another Round, Falling For You, and Summertime. Again, another epic night of awesome music came to and end. To listen to the bands, just Myspace the bands to get a tasty taste of their music. For more information on up and coming events at Pop Culture, you can either go to their myspace, or you cab go directly to the soda shop located at 1929 Main Street in downtown Vancouver. While you are there, you can gaze upon what would seem like a million types of soda and enjoy a Nathans hot dog.

Free Cosmic Bowling Night @ 9:30 p.m. at Crosley Lanes, 2400 E Evergreen Blvd - 11/10 Meyers Briggs Workshop @ 3 p.m. in VFSC 104

ARTS, CULTURE, AND ENTERTAINMENT 11

Go to Hell

Imago Theatre’s Take on No Exit Triana Collins Staff Writer

Hell.

Do you ever think about it? Do you ever think about how all the bad things you’ve done in your life now will accumulate into a laundry list of negativity, then used to force you into an eternity of unpleasantness? If so, you’re not be alone. Jean-Paul Sartre has also thought a great deal about hell and what it might be like. So much that he wrote a play about it in 1944 titled “No Exit”. In it, hell is not a fiery furnace of melting flesh and oozing bodily fluids. Instead, it is a single room, with a single door, 3 miniature sofas, and 3 very different people. Sartres sums up his ideas with the phrase“Hell is other people”. Portland’s Imago Theatre staged their own version of “No Exit” this past month. The show starts with the valet of hell showing Garcin, a former newspaper writer, his new room for the rest of eternity. He hurls around the stage, wondering where the torturer is, until finally he demands his toothbrush. Next enters, Inez, a lesbian postal clerk who prepares for the worst, thinking Garcin must be the torturer. Last to enter is Estelle, a high-society woman who defines herself in relation to men, using gender as a tool for money and prestige. While at first, the characters are persistent that their unfortunate circumstances “must be a mistake”, they slowly open up and share the crimes that landed them in hell. They seem to have nothing in common, and wonder at their proximity. As time very slowly progresses,

Mozart effect Continued from page 1

If you Google the term “Mozart Effect,” you

will come across information including a web site devoted to selling all things Mozart. The Mozart Effect Research Center is a web site run by Don Campbell that offers CDs and books aimed at moms and babies, adults, teenagers, and children. These CDs are special combinations of selected classical music that Campbell claims helps develop specific parts of the brain. For example, The Mozart Effect® Music for Children Vol. 1 “Increases verbal, emotional, and spatial intelligence; improves memory and the ability to concentrate; enhances ‘right-brain’ creative processes; and strengthens intuitive thinking skills,” according to Campbell. Based on what these CDs would have you believe, Mozart is useful for improving all aspects of brain functioning, and children should be exposed to Mozart at a young age. Following the line of thinking that promotes the Mozart Effect on brain development, some states have even mandated programs implementing the Mozart Effect. In 1998, the Georgia Governor Zell Miller passed legislation giving state funded CDs of classical music to every newborn child in the state of Georgia. In 1999 the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences passed out hundreds of free classical music CDs to hospitals. During the height of Mozart Effect popularity, Florida legislature passed laws requiring classical music to be played in state-funded child care centers. Since that time, however, many studies and scientists have begun to “debunk” the claims that listening to Mozart can have an important impact on cognitive development and intelligence. To begin with, skeptics state

they learn that they have been picked to torture each other. They bring about a hell worse than fire and brimstone, a hell composed of mental anguish brought on by probing at one another’s sins and desires. They literally drive each other crazy, each craving satisfaction, recognition, and redemption. The struggle for balance is emphasized by the unique seesaw type floor, made just for Imago Theatre. With every movement, the floor sways this way and that, exaggerating the character’s f l e e t i n g allegiances and dislikes. While Estelle talks about throwing her baby off a balcony, she is thrust upward by the recoiling Garcin and Inez. When Garcin goes mad, yelling for the door to be opened, he is lifted onto a steep slope by the other two at the opposite end of the stage. When the door finally swings open, the characters are so far out of balance that they would almost have to crawl out if they truly wanted to leave. The original Sartre play is fantastically dark and painful. The Imago version humor to an otherwise frightening prospect for theatre.

For more information on No Exit visit www.imagotheatre.com or call (503) 231-9581

that the original study by Rauscher, Shaw and Ky should not have been interpreted to suggest that listening to Mozart would increase intelligence in general. The 1993 study performed by Rauscher and his colleagues only showed temporary increases in spatial-temporal reasoning of a few dozen college students. Spatial-temporal reasoning is the ability to think about patterns as they relate to time and space. Spatial-temporal reasoning is used to solve problems and perform tasks in architecture, science, engineering, math, science, art and even gaming. Skeptics argue that temporarily increasing the spatial-temporal aspect of reasoning does not lead to overall increases in intelligence and cannot be used as scientific evidence to make claims about Mozart’s music leading to heal the body or permanently increase creativity or intuitive thinking. Other skeptics believe that it is too early in the study of the Mozart Effect to claim that it can perform such amazing feats for an individual’s intelligence. These skeptics believe it is wrong to promote the Mozart Effect as concrete scientific evidence when it has not been studied fully. Some scientists are still looking to repeat the results of Rauscher’s group’s original study of the Mozart Effect, while others are interested in seeing what effect Mozart’s music has on young children and even on animals. Other scientists are interested in discovering which music has the greatest effect on brain functioning. At this point, it may be too early to go out and invest all of your money into buying Mozart sonatas on iTunes. It would be nice if we could pop on some music and get better grades without doing much more work, but as of now, the scientific claims for the Mozart Effect are not substantial enough to warrant most people spending non-disposable income on The Mozart Effect® CDs and Books.

Coug’s Night Out

Essential Guide to Bars and Clubs in Vancouver Jess Davis ACE Editor

Bar Name and Location

Bar Features and Happy Hour

Back Alley Bar & Grill 6503 E Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98660 Phone: (360) 694.6873

Six pool tables, Karaoke seven days a week, Seven big screen TV’s. Happy Hour: M-F, 3 - 6 p.m.

Beaches 1919 Se Columbia River Dr Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: (360) 699.1592

Waterfront location, Outdoor volleyball. Happy Hour: M-F, 4 - 6 p.m. Live music late week, Upscale atmosphere, Full menu during happy hour. Happy Hour: M-Sa, 4 - 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.Close, All Day Sunday

Blackstone 3200 SE 164th St. Vancouver, WA 98683 Phone: (360) 253.0523 Chronis 819 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98660 Phone: (360) 690.0032

50 cent or 6/$2.50 Taco Tuesday night, Two dart boards, Pinball, Golf, Karaoke Th-Sa, 9pm. Happy Hour: M-F, 4 - 6 p.m.

Cinetopia/Vinetopia 11700 SE 7th St Vancouver, WA 98683 Phone: (360) 213.2800

State of the art theatres on-site, Full restaurant, Live Jazz and blues in bar and before movies, Wine tasting machines. Happy Hour: M-F, 3 - 6 p.m. & 8 - 10 p.m.

Elbow Room 1800 Broadway St Vancouver, WA 98663 Phone: (360) 694.3552

Heavy handed bartending, Attentive servers. Happy Hour: M-F, 5 - 7 p.m.

Irishtown 11600 SE Mill Plain Blvd # F Vancouver, WA 98684 Phone: (360) 253.1470

Full menu, Live Irish music on Wednesdays/ Rock music on Friday, Karaoke Monday, Two pool tables, Five dart boards, Big screen TV. Happy Hour: Everyday, 3 - 7 p.m.

Oscars Place 400 NE 112TH Ave Vancouver, WA 98684 Phone: (360) 256.7175

Three pool tables, One dart board, Shuffleboard! Happy Hour: M-F, 3-6pm.

Salmon Creek Brewery and Pub 108 W Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660 Phone: (360) 993.1827

Beer brewed on-site, Laid back atmosphere, Full menu. Happy Hour: M-Th and Sa, 3 -6 p.m.

The QuarterDeck 4300 E Fourth Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: (360) 694.8016

Karaoke Wed. and Fri; Four pool tables, Two dart boards, Two Mega Touch’s, Pinball, Golf, Foosball, WII. Happy Hour: M-W, 4 -7 p.m.

ACE Spotlight

Dr. Dene Grigar Frees Our Minds Louise Wynn

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Staff Writer

sk Dr. Dene Grigar what it might take to help students become more creative, and you’ll just exasperate her. “I wish students would give themselves their own freedom. When I give an assignment, sometimes they want me to tell them what to do and how to do it. “They ask, ‘How long does it have to be? Should I use flash? How am I going to be graded?’ They could be thinking, ‘Wow, I’ve got seven weeks to make something interesting!’At WSUV, we aren’t turning out worker bees. We’re building leaders and innovators, not techies.” After a childhood surrounded by art and music, Grigar became an English teacher, a classical scholar, and a graphic artist. Finally, she “fell in with the digital media crowd,” and immersed herself in that field. She sums up her philosophy: “Art is the only place we get to be,

to play, to create, without goals and deadlines. Art makes us human.” Dr. Dene Grigar is the head of the Digital Technology Culture at WSUV.

11/14 Caring Ambassadors Lung Cancer Program Benefit Bowl-A-Thon @ 5 a.m.at Big Al’s Bowling Alley; help raise awareness about lung cancer

12 STUDENT GOVERNMENT

I-1033 to relieve taxes

Initiative will minimize government can only grow at the rate of population growth and inflation; it can’t recover back to before the recession level.” he student senate at WSUV will oppose a Tim Eyman said that the idea behind proposed Washington State initiative that would this initiative is to “regulate out-of-control limit taxes. The senate says the initiative would government spending to a more sustainable hurt the government’s ability to recover from level, thus ensuring that funds are distributed the recession. properly.” Those opposed to the initiative So what is to be said of I-1033, which is on suggest that the end result will not be as ideal the ballot for the Nov. 3rd election? Will it as Eyman and his cosponsors make it out to be. benefit Washingtonians by granting property tax In response to budget decreases, specifically rebates while shifting tax control over to voters, for WSU, the ASWSUV Senate wrote or will it push us further into this recession, in Resolution 19.002: “…under I-1033 reducing the already decreasing budgets for budget growth reductions, Washington State public services? It is natural for people to want Universities would not receive state funding at tax breaks while still enjoying the benefits from 2008 levels until 2019 at the earliest. Also… state and local public services, but is I-1033 the a decrease in state funding correct approach? for higher education will I-1033 is designed to limit the decrease the level of access rate of tax revenue specifically to public intuitions across the to “inflation and population state due to higher tuition and growth” within a fiscal year. cost of attendance.” Any additional revenue Benefits of this initiative would then be used to reduce may include, but are property taxes by creating tax not limited to: “helping breaks for property owners. If taxpayers, helping our additional funds are needed to economy, and helping aid our public services such as government by instilling education, health-care, local desperately needed fiscal police and fire safety divisions, discipline and voter control the request must then be taken to over taxes.” the voters for approval. Limitations, as a result While the state’s longof I-1033 may include, but standing tax opponent Tim are not limited to: “recovery Eyman favors the measure, Joseph Tiegs\The VanCougar from this recession, declines WSUV’s director of legislative in healthcare and educational funding, social affairs, Peter Sterr, opposes it. services, public safety at city and county levels, “I think that I-1033 has disastrous budget growth reductions on many levels, and consequences if it is passed. It will severely not to mention student service cut-backs in limit the governments ability to recover from the several ways (higher tuition resulting in limited recession that we’re in right now,” said Sterr. “It access, courses and programs being eliminated, will lock the government into near depression etc.).” level spending, thus disabling it from bringing More information is available online at www. the institutions that the government funds, such soundpolitics.com, and Resolution 19.002 from as higher education, back from this slump. ASWSUV’s Senate. From these low levels of spending, budgets Kenneth Allan

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Staff Writer

11/9 Battle of the Sexes Game Night; Boys and Girls battle it out in the Firstenburg Student Commons from 6 - 8 p.m. Free to attend

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Your future is move-in ready with LCCU.

Building Your Future

Solve the COUGoku

13

Difficulty:

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HOW TO PLAY: Fill all the blank squares with the correct number. Every row, every column, and every 3 by 3 square must contain a digit between 1 and 9. They can be in any order, but must only appear once in each row, column, or square. Jake Kleinschmidt/The VanCougar

Find the answers to last issue’s Sudoku and Crossword on pages 6 and 7 3 6 0 . 8 3 4 . 3 6 1 1 • w w w. l a c a m a s . o r g • 8 8 8 . 8 3 4 . 3 6 1 1 11/12 Free Flag Football Open Play 3 p.m. @ the Sports Fields. Open to Students Faculty and Staff, Sign up to the day of the game. More Info at Recreation Office

14

OPINIONS AND EDITORIALS

{ 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 Katie Wells

Managing Editor Jake Kleinschmidt

Adviser Dean Baker

Advertising Manager Ben Ryan

Campus News Editor Sally Thrall

ACE Editor Jess Davis

Feature Editor Danielle Tanner

Student Involvement Editor Triana Collins

Student Government Editor Adam Fox

Sports Editor Erik Cummings

Web Editor Bryan Torppa

Copy Editor Kati Hughes

Staff Writers

Louise Wynn, Matt Hunter, Amy Thielen, Rup Brar, John McNett, Alex Giebelhaus, Sally Thrall, Chau Nguyen, Joey Hollibaugh, Triana Collins, Meghan Bartosovsky, Kenneth Allan, Justin Rossetti, Yen Nguyen, and Vanessa Valentine

Photographers

Joe Creager, Mark Balyshev, Joseph Tiegs, and Katie Anderson

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We are always hiring. No experience is necessary; we will provide all the training you need in journalistic style, photography, and digital print making. E-mail us at vancouged@vancouver. wsu.edu or visit our office in VCLS 212 for more information.

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Corrections policy

do not have a say. Each verse describes the hopeless condition of the disenfranchised, ending with a chorus of “We keep on waiting, waiting, waiting on the world to change…” The perception presented by “Waiting on the World to Change” is that of many people. The world is hopelessly stacked against them, they moan, so what more are they to do than wait for change? Perhaps at some point, hope will appear, and they will be able to successfully advocate for important policy changes (laws, cultural norms, government administrationtake your choice). This fatalistic view of the world is troubling. It presents the view that money and power govern the world. If you have neither, you have no means by which to bring about change. But is this terrible diagnosis of our world true? In the West, I would say that it has practically never been true except under the most heartless dictatorships. Indeed, to take such a fatalistic view is to ignore a great many disenfranchised people in history. The people of Ireland are my personal favorite. For nearly a thousand years, the English actively attempted to subjugate this brave people. The English tried their best to abolish Catholicism in Ireland while replacing the age-old Irish lords with English governors. And yet, the Irish culture proved so strong that it survived nearly a thousand years of colonialism. Consider our own revolution. It should never be forgotten how extraordinary it is that Britain did so little to stop America- the goose that laid the golden egg- from leaving the empire. There is no reason a bunch of farmers should have been able to drive out the most powerful empire in history. Consider William Wilberforce. His fight for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire was vastly unpopular with those in power and was opposed by rich influential slave traders. And yet he changed the course of an empire. The list goes on: the bickering little citystates of Greece defying the vast Persian Empire, the little rocky island of Great Britain standing alone against Nazi-dominated Europe, and the first workers unions, who were oppressed by both the government and the business communities. The key that unites these extraordinary events together is belief. In every case, the minority were so convicted by their beliefs that neither economic pressure nor threat of physical harm would deter them from standing against what they perceived as wrong. In the words of GK Chesterton, “They won because they were not afraid of lose.” The very popular song “Waiting on the World to Change” speaks for the sort of people who are afraid to lose. They are not prepared to lose their wealth, health and (perhaps in other countries) life to protect what is good. Such people are a brittle people, broken by the first cold blast of hardship. And yet, we live in a society that breeds these frail people. They are people who believe in nothing and everything. They spend their lives searching for comfort, wealth, and safety. But most importantly, they are trapped in the present. In The Lord of the Rings (a great English mythology sorely but predictably abused by the movies), Gandalf says that “despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt.” We can never know how our actions will inspire those who follow, even if our quests end in failure. To have stood in protection of something good and failed is far more worthy than to have sat quietly by. We can never know the power of our failures to inspire success.

industry in California for 12 years helped him realize there was a demand for sustainable farming in vineyards and sustainable techniques in wineries. So he went back to school at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo for an MS in agriculture. As he earned that degree, he said, “It became apparent that we have lots of science and technology to bring to bear on a whole range of problems and issues, but the part of the equation we don’t understand is the social aspect.” So he went back to school again, this time to earn a PhD in sociology. Coming from an applied science background did not give him an edge in the social sciences. In fact, he claims he was lucky to get into the program. “I wrote a really strong vision statement that convinced the committee I have a dedication to social problems and would apply what I learned to real-world situations.” After four years of coursework at Pullman to fill in his sociology background, Craig came to Vancouver, where he is doing research on the role morality may play in human values. About his wide-ranging education and experience, he said, “I’ve always pursued what interests me. For the wine business, I just started doing it, and I’ve done the same with graduate school. I pursued what I was interested in, not what I was qualified for. And I’m glad I did, because I bring a lot of experience and perspective to anything I’ve tried to do. And I wouldn’t have had the incredible range of experiences I’ve had if I hadn’t been willing to try.” This semester Craig is teaching Sociology 332, Environmental Sociology. He loves teaching, and he understands that feeling students sometimes have of losing their creativity. “You can lose your personality through that process,” he said. “It’s important to remember that all the great ideas you learn in your college training, all the facts you’re presented, are of course the result of a lot of hard work, but those people were working on problems that hadn’t been solved yet. “And what allowed people to solve those problems was their ability to look at them in a new way. So anything you can do to keep that part of your mind from being deadened along the way is very important.” To maintain his own creativity, Craig plays chess. “I started playing because I was looking for something to engage the problem-solving part of my mind, looking ahead at multiple dimensions, imagining possible scenarios. That

Also, he practices focused free-writing: “I write about something where I know the topic, but I don’t approach it like I’m trying to make a finished product. I let my train of thought run free. “Even in the sciences, students can get a much more solid grasp of a difficult topic, for instance in molecular biology or organic chemistry, if they take the time to write about something that interests them in the field. They should write not worrying about being right or wrong, but to see how different ideas are associated with each other in their heads. They may find that they come to a deeper understanding than before because they’re making connections with their own ideas,” said Macmillan. Craig has put aside his bass-playing for now, “so I can get this job done. When it’s done, I’ll have time to get back to some of my passions.”

Craig Macmillan: Quick Profile Living situation: Born in Ohio, grew up in Iowa, went to California to find work Degree program: PhD in Sociology Education: BA, University of Iowa (music and philosophy); MS, Cal Poly (agriculture) His course in life: I’ve always pursued what interests me. I’ve never let the fact that I didn’t fit the model stop me from trying to do something. Some of his favorite things: Teaching, cooking, music, the ocean Favorite type of music: Jazz His instrument: Electric bass Favorite musician: Miles Davis Favorite dinner: Prime rib, with a good red wine One thing he likes about WSUV: The disc golf course Advice for students: Be skeptical and think for yourself. Learn to be a good consumer of information.

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

Waiting on the World to Change The song “Waiting on the World to Craig Macmillan: Thinking socioChange” by John Mayer is extremely popular. It is literally played everywhere. The song’s basic involves a lot of creativity. I learn from playing message is that the ‘rich and powerful’ control C raig Macmillan’s work in the wine with much better players.” everything and the ‘poor and marginalized’

11/13 Chancellor’s Seminar Series presents “Containing Ebola Outbreaks: Lessons for Bio-security and H1N1” by Barry Hewlett VFSC @ 11:45 a.m. $25 with lunch

OPINIONS AND EDITORIALS

15

Aries (March 21-April 19): Did you know you can predict the future simply by sticking a wet finger in the air? Yes, ma’am, or sir, and then you’ll know which way the wind is blowing, and what else do you need to know?

Celebrity Scorpios: Kevin Kline, Bill Gates, Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder, Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Nick Lachey, and Leonardo DiCaprio Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): If money doesn’t seem all that important to you, then good for you. If that’s because you have plenty, then give some of it away who needs it more than you do. If that seems too hard to do that, then re-think your values. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You have great dreams, but you’ll have to work hard to make them materialize. That’s okay. They wouldn’t be worth achieving if you didn’t have to work hard for them. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): No matter what anyone else tells you, Madame L is telling you the truth about this: Every single thing is a laughing matter. Go on. Laugh. You don’t have to be loud about it or annoy the people around you. But keep on laughing. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Lately you’ve been so caught up with your schoolwork and social life that you’ve forgotten who you really are. Take a moment to remember, and then spend some time every day being just that person. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You know that guilty feeling when the police lights flash in your rear-view mirror even when you haven’t been doing anything wrong? It’s just there to remind you to keep on trying to do your best, so pay attention to it.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): If you know every blade of grass like it’s an old friend, it’s time to move to a new field. Step away from the wall, or wherever you’ve been hiding out. And look around. Look up. Move. Gemini (May 21-June 21): So you’re trying to turn your life around, and wondering why it isn’t going as fast as you’d like? Consider the years you’ve already put into it, and remember that it takes a long time to turn something that big around. So don’t give up. Cancer (June 22-July 22): If age matters to you – if you think you’re too young for this or too old for that – then it will slow you down. But it doesn’t really matter, either way, so stop worrying about it. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Shoulda, coulda, woulda…These are the words of someone who still isn’t quite ready to make the change. Stop carrying on about what you might have been and start working on what can be. Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22): It’s much easier to gain a reputation than lose one. But it still takes work, if the reputation you want to gain is a good one. This month is a good time to think about the reputation you really want, and how you can earn it. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): There’s nothing like a train wreck to bring the great unwashed to your side, but just remember, they’re only there to watch, not to help. So don’t give in to the Madame L temptation to get off the track you’ve put yourself on.

Staff Astrologist

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he use of psychoactive substances is ubiquitous in human society and has been since our early pre-history. Mind-altering substances have the remarkable ability to change the way we think, feel and interact. For better or worse, we enjoy using psychoactive substances, and we use them all the time. Most of us do not see our personal consumption of these substances as being particularly criminal regardless of how additive, harmful, legal or illegal the substance we consume may be. Why is it that some substances that have a particularly high potential for abuse are perfectly legal, while other, less addictive substances are not? For that matter, why is it that we criminalize something that could be classified as typical mammalian behavior? Why is it that the United States criminalizes the disease of addiction? Humans consume a multitude of substances for a multitude of reasons. We consume everything from an innocent cup of coffee to a cigarette, to antidepressants, sedatives, pharmaceutical stimulants, to the perceptibly less innocent street drugs and everything in between. We consume these substances on a daily basis, mainly for the simple purposes of coping, adapting, and surviving. Just think about it. Most of you reading this probably had coffee or some form of caffeinated beverage this morning. Take a moment to consider this morning ritual that you partake in on a daily basis. How long have you done this and more importantly, why? Is it because coffee is simply the most flavorful and delicious substance known to man? Or, could it be possible that you only drink it for the buzz? Likewise, does alcohol such as beer and wine really tastes that great? Of course not, however, we acquire a taste for these substances because we desire their respective effects. In the universe of drugs there are galaxies of uppers, downers, psychedelics, and dissociatives to choose from. Many of them are highly addictive, and most are strictly controlled. It is true that some individuals will try these drugs a few times and walk away, while others will become chronic abusers of the substance, strongly dependant, and hopelessly addicted. Fortunately for those individuals, most reputable doctors consider addiction to be an illness. Additionally there are ways to treat their substance dependence and abuse problems. Unfortunately for those same individuals, their addiction also typically makes them criminals by default because for the most part, drug use is seen as a crime by our government. Sadly, there isn’t necessarily a lot of sympathy for addicts in our society. Like sexually transmitted diseases, many see addiction as disease that one acquires by choice of action, and a disease of vice. This may be true to a certain extent, however, for many addicts, the choice was already made for them by their DNA, and their exposure to mind altering substances in their childhood environment. This idea that one cannot control becoming an addict is contrary to the former motif of addiction being a moral failing, or a disease of choice.

Furthermore, by the logic that addiction is a disease that one chooses to acquire, any communicable disease could be considered a disease that one chooses to acquire by virtue of one’s desire to intermingle in society. Imagine that an individual acquires some terrible infection, he or she goes to their doctor and he tells them, “Too bad, you should have never gone outside, but since you did, you have chosen to get this disease and thus there is nothing I can do to help.” To make matters worse, the drug that person needs to make them feel better is illegal, and if they are caught with or trying to get the drug, they could be arrested and jailed. In a sense, this is what addicts face on a daily basis. An individual dependant on a substance may feel fine when they have gotten a fix, but when that fix wears off, they will need another, and it won’t be cheap. Withdrawal is a powerful motivator for the addict, as the symptoms of withdrawal, depending on the drug can range from severely unpleasant, to debilitating, and even life threatening. Thus, that individual has no choice but to seek out their substance of abuse, or face the harsh reality of withdrawal and any other underlying emotional or mental problems that spurred their drug use in the first place. This is the reality of Americans who are dependant on illegal substances. Their doctors tell them that they are ill, yet their government tells them that they are criminals because of their illness. Their doctor (if they have a doctor, or insurance) may be able to prescribe them medication to stave off withdrawals, but should they have a relapse with their drug of choice, and if they are caught with that drug, they will be arrested, prosecuted, humiliated, and imprisoned, simply because they were sick. From this point, the addict can expect his or her life to become progressively worse. Not only are they ill, now the individual is a convict, convicted of possessing the drug that is the manifestation of their illness. Being a convicted felon is a terrible thing for an individual to experience. As a convict one may not leave the country, they may not vote, and they may find it difficult to find adequate employment or housing. In addition, since they have been convicted of possessing an illegal drug, they are no longer eligible for student loans or any form of government loan or grant, and thus they are deprived of many means of improving their lives. Now I ask you, is this fair? Is this right? Is this what we as Americans call justice? I think, or at least I hope not. It is time for Americans to encourage their government to change the way that substance abuse is approached. Our nation needs to shift its focus to harm-reduction and education, rather than arrest and prosecution. One of the major flaws of our nation’s drug policy is our government’s unwillingness to accept the tenets of harm-reduction. First of all, what is harm-reduction? Well, it is pretty simple. The basic idea is to reduce the potential for drug users to harm themselves or others in the course of their drug use. This process involves a number of steps such as providing clean hypodermic needles, providing purity testing, providing safe drugs, and a safe environment to use for addicts. All of this may seem pretty liberal to the

citizens of this country, and some may fear that such steps will only encourage more people to use drugs. However, the idea of harm reduction, and the steps that I have mentioned above are not new ideas, in fact they are old ones that have been employed for some time by a small European nation that we call the Netherlands. Like other nations of the world, the Netherlands is not exempt from drug problems; the difference is how they have chosen to handle the issue. Rather than seeing drug abuse as a moral and legal issue, the Dutch see drug addiction and abuse for what it is, an illness. Likewise, rather than pursing our own corporalistic approach of prosecuting and imprisoning citizens with drug problems, citizens of the Netherlands have adopted the approach of harm-reduction. This does not mean that drugs are legal in the Netherlands nor is their country comprised of mostly drug users. On the contrary, drugs are still very much illegal, and unlike the United States and many other European nations, drug use is relatively low. This is odd considering that most of us here in the states see the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands as the Mecca of marijuana. However, despite their liberal drug policies only about ten percent of all high school students in the Netherlands have used or do

use soft drugs such as cannabis. In the United States, almost half of all high school students have tried cannabis in spite of the outrageously disproportionate legal and social consequences. Of course, I am not advocating the legalization of all drugs; however, our government needs to reassess how effective the war on drugs (and consequently the war against its own citizens) really is. Furthermore, our legal system needs to treat citizens with substance abuse problems as people with psychological and biological illnesses, rather than as criminals. In order to do this, the very thing that makes them a criminal; the possession of a drug, needs to be decriminalized, if not controlled outright by the government. It is time for the United States Government to start seeing addiction for what it is, an illness, and not a crime. Furthermore, it is time for our nations leaders to realize that although addiction is an illness, it is hardly communicable, and purging drug users from our society is for one, impossible (as nearly all of us use drugs), and secondly, a waste of time. It is time for our government to stop harassing drugs users, and to start focusing on organized crime and drug traffickers. Perhaps then our government would have a drug policy that actually makes a difference.

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he other day I witnessed the most psycho thing. Basically, a stationwagon broke down for a second in front of a white Ford Escort. The Ford happened to be tailgating the stationwagon hardcore, so when the stationwagon stopped moving, the Ford almost rearended them. I guess that made the man in the Ford very, very angry. He swerved around the broken down car and sped up to the red light ahead. About three seconds later, the stationwagon began driving again and pulled up behind the Ford at the light. The instant the stationwagon stopped, the driver of the Ford jumped out of his car and ran to the driver’s door. He then began beating the hell out of the car and screaming at the stationwagon driver. To get away from the crazy man, the stationwagon swerved into the lane next to them and almost drove onto the curb where two pedestrians happened to be standing. Mr. Road Rage then jumped back in his Ford and chased them down the road. Luckily, right before he took off on his high speed chase, I was able to catch a glipse of a little yellow sign in the back window. The sign shed light on why exactly the man in the Ford acted the way he did. After seeing the ‘Baby on Board’ sign and evaluating the man’s anger, I realized that he couldn’t help becoming so mad. I mean, the stationwagon driver should have known not to break down in front of him. He had a baby is his car! Shouldn’t he have known? People with ‘Baby on Board’ signs are idiots.

T

here has to be something said for a good old fashioned workout. Since high school I haven’t really hit the gym as hard as I recently did during the Pac-10 Fitness Challenge. The burn, the feeling of accomplishment, and the endorphins that are released into the bodies bloodstream are the best feeling I think you can have. I honestly had forgotten that feeling, that high you could say, This is why I wanted to shout out to anyone out there who used to work out but gave up on it a long time ago, start again. Seriously, start again, it’s amazing. Let me warn you, however, that you may forget the hidden values of stretching. Like my recent experience. I figured, for some stupid reason, that since I had kept running all this time that not only my legs, but the rest of my body would be very limber and able to take a beating. Did I stretch? No, Did I take it easy on my arms? Sort of, I went less that usual, figuring they wouldn’t be up for much. I still overestimated the weight though. My poor arms the next warming felt like wooden blocks with nails being driven in them. The punishment of my crime was that for a few days I either looked like Roger from American Dad or like a cowboy ready to draw at high noon. So if you are going to get back into it like me, please, please stretch out well and have fun!

11/16 Zoo Lights Tickets go on sale in Rec Office; $5 - 11/16 Mt. Hood Meadows lift tickets go on sale; $35 - 11/16 Job Searching Skills VFSC 104 @ 3 p.m.

16 CALENDAR

Cardio Combo @ 10:15 a.m. in Clark Center room 20. Every Monday and Wednesday until November 19

Blazers vs. Chicago tickets go on sale; $15 at Student Affairs Cashier

Open gym basketball at Alki Middle School @ 8 p.m.; every week

Indoor archery @ 7 p.m. at Archery World; $5 Texas Hold’em Tournament @ 3:30 p.m. in VFSC; Free and open to public, prizes

Reversing the Flow: Big Dams, People, and Power in Global Perspective; 8:30 a.m on campus

Women’s Empowerment Coalition Club Meeting at 4:15 p.m. in VMMC 16 Swing Fling: free dance lessons @ 7 p.m.; Dance @ 8 p.m. in VFSC

Flag Football @ 3 p.m. on field, every Thursday until November 12 Free bowling night at Crosley lanes

Chancellor’s Seminar Series: “Containing Ebola Dec. 3 @ 12 p.m. in Outbreaks: Lessons for Bio-Security and H1N1” VADM 110: University Singers concert @ 11:45 a.m.; $25

Having trouble paying the

Need a job? Student Media Board needs

KOUG Radio needs

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AND STUDENT-ATLARGE ****** Volunteer Positions

AUDIO JOURNALISTS ****** Paid Positions Record news reports and broadcast them over kougradio.com

Applications can be found in the Office of Student Involvement.

Contact Triana at kougnews@gmail. com to learn more about the position.

Contact Kerry Mraz at kerry.mraz@email. wsu.edu with questions

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Across 1 One who restrains another against their will 6 Breathed laboriously 11 Division of time 12 Middle East Country 14 Already aired episodes 15 Not tied 18 Other-coast time zone 19 Smallest relatives to onions 22 Writes 23 Line of approach 24 Another onion relative 26 Aroused to anger 27 Pitch

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29 Taxi ___ 32 Conductor for current 35 Capitol of GA 36 Shops that sell prepared food 37 21st letter of the Greek Alphabet 38 Splined shaft for powering implements 39 Low female voices 40 _ _-ulate 42 ___Kosh 44 Adult male sheep 46 Head covering 47 Enemy 49 Measurement of wall outlet electrical pressure 51 Member of a religious order 53 Wedding phrase

Who was

54 Part of D.I.Y 55 Exceeding proper limits Down 1 Breakfast food 2 Greek God of War 3 Paired 4 Unit of Fluid of Weight 5 Imprudently incurring risk 7 Used improperly 8 Male offspring 9 Raised platform 10 Immerse 16 Smallest whole number 17 Administration 20 Heroism

21 Day before 25 Curl-leafed cabbage 26 Repeat from memory 28 Brown seaweed 29 See 1A 30 Earth God 31 Accepted as true 33 General __’s Chicken 34 Regulate 39 Large fleeet 41 Lower leg muscle 43 Ditch for fortification 45 Tel__ 47 Repair 48 Make a mistake 50 Tooth on gear wheel rim 52 Do-__-Mi

Salm on Cree k heal th cent er is back ! 2105 NE 129t h Stre et in Vanc ouve r, 1-88 8-57 6-PL AN

By Derek Brown

Vancougar.ning.com