is issue: Undergraduate

In th From the Bowling Night Vancouver Meet The

Building President Pictures AWARE Candidate
Delta Drywall’s take
on the picketers from Peter Sterr goes over ASWSUV’s free
bowling night was
Network Student Body candidates
share some information
Pacific Northwest amendments that may WSU-V launches new
be taking place on our a fun event for those about their campaigns
Regional Council threat assessment response
campus that were involved
of Carpenters plan to address concerns
Page 11 Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Page 7

Washington State University Vancouver February 23, 2009 Issue 12 www.vancougar.com

Mary Firstenburg leaves behind a legacy

Remarkable philanthropist
passes away after decades of
service to her community
By Greg Zschomler
The VanCougar
WSU-V supporter and
philanthropist Mary Firstenburg died
last Tuesday, February 17, at the age
of 91. She is survived by her husband
and co-contributor, Ed and their three
children.
Ed and Mary Firstenburg donated
half a million dollars to WSU-V for the
construction of the Firstenburg Family
Fountain in the courtyard and another
one million dollars for the remodel
of the student commons (formerly
housing The Bookie).
“This is a permanent legacy for
the Firstenburg family and for WSU
Vancouver,” said Chancellor Hal
Dengerink back when the gift was
announced. “The Firstenburg Student
Commons will provide a much needed
space on campus for students. We are
truly grateful to the Firstenburgs and
the Community Foundation for their
generosity.”
The Firstenburg Student
Commons—often referred to as
the Firstenburg, FSC or simply the
Commons—plays an important part
in student life on campus. Peter Sterr,
ASWSUV president represents the
student body stating, “The Firstenburgs’
generous contribution to WSU
Vancouver that made the Firstenburg
Student Commons a reality has greatly
influenced the student culture on our
campus.”
“The Commons,” said Sterr,
“will forever stand as a memory of
the care and commitment that Mary
and Ed Firstenburg have shown
to this community. They have
truly been a shining example of
compassionate philanthropy
and role models to all of us
that strive to give back to
our communities. Mary
Firstenburg will be
missed.”
“We are deeply
saddened to hear of the loss
of Mary Firstenburg,” said
Jennifer Crooks, Director
of Campus and Regional
Development. “Our hearts
go out to Ed and the rest of
the family.”
“Ed and Mary have
made a huge footprint on the
growth of WSU Vancouver by
providing gifts to draw students
and the community together,” said
Crooks. “Ed and Mary’s support of
education has been remarkable and
their contributions have supported the
campus so that Vancouver would have
a stronger educational opportunity
for students. Our community is better
because of all the support that the
Firstenburg’s have provided—which
is threaded through
all facets of the
community.”
Chancellor, Hal Dengerink said
that they have been very generous
with their money in benefiting WSU-
V. “They have also demonstrated that
for their bank to thrive so must the
community that they live and work
in,” said Dengerink adding that the
same was true for WSU-V. Mary
served on the board of directors of
the First Independent Bank for over
40 years. Her husband Ed served
as the chairman. In addition to
funding the WSU-V Firstenburg
Student Commons Building
and the campus Firstenburg
Family Fountain they have
given significant gifts
to other Clark County
projects.
According to the
Columbian, Mary
Firstenburg had planned
to become a missionary
before meeting and
marrying Ed Firstenburg
in 1936. They were
married 72 years and
lived in Ridgefield, WA.
for close to 40 years.
Mary Firstenburg gave
considerably of her time
to the community, helping
found the Ridgefield Library and
was active in PTA, scouting, the VA
and other organizations. Her gifts and
spirit have significantly touched the
region. Perhaps she was a missionary
after all.

High school students tour campus at MOSAIC

College outreach program changed, the acronym is no less

Photo by Joe Creager

true now, than when MOSAIC
aids students for future wasn’t even intended for high
By Joe Creager school students.
The VanCougar For instance, at this session, unlike
MOSAIC, which stands for Meet other sessions, each visiting high
Our Students and Investigate College, school student received a college
is a college outreach program currently buddy. When I arrived, I found
headed by Assistant Director for the incoming high school students
Student Diversity Bola Majekobaje and anxiously lined up outside of the
Admissions Counselor Mike Reyes. auditorium in the Administration
They have partnered with Gear Up for Building.
College and together comprise a group They were nervous, timid, and
of people who are very dedicated to clearly out of their comfort zone.
getting students to go on to higher They slowly trickled through the
education at the University level. door and into the auditorium.
“MOSAIC brings in a very diverse When a number was called, a
group of students,” said Majekobaje. corresponding college buddy stood
The participating high schools were up and fl agged the high schooler
selected based down.
on student body “Changes are coming. Change After each
demographics and student got
the percentage can be scary, change can be a chance to
of students on mysterious, change can also meet his or WSU-V and high school students alike gained valuable information from the MOSAIC event.
free and reduced her college
lunch. While be amazingly wonderful...” buddy, the where it was hardly frowned upon to opportunity to interview their college
diverse, the Keynote speaker, be a racist. buddies to get to know them better.
students selected from these schools Jorge Lizarraga came on stage. In the Lizarraga says, “Changes are By now, even the most nervous of the
share some common ground. Those spirit of the current political theme, he coming, change can be scary, change newcomers had begun to loosen up,
selected are either low income or first spoke about change. can be mysterious, change can also and by the end everyone seemed to be
generation students, although most Lizarraga started by telling about his be amazingly wonderful, it can be a laughing, smiling, and generally having
importantly, they all want to attend youth. He said, “The idea of one group fantastic opportunity.” a good time.
college. being inferior and another superior, He ended his speech telling the After the buddy interviews had been
The name MOSAIC was inherited was something that permeated all of students about the kind of things conducted, it was time to go face the day.
by Majekobaje and Reyes when the our lives growing up in this country.” that college allows them to do. He The rest of the event was comprised of
project was handed to them. Now, the He said that during his youth, bi- explained that college creates options three sessions in which students had an
name has taken on a new meaning, lingual students were hit for speaking that wouldn’t otherwise be available. opportunity to choose from a variety
and has come to represent small pieces Spanish at school, and placed in Lizarraga encouraged students to take of workshops that served to give them
coming together to make the bigger special education programs simply advantage of change, to seek it, and to knowledge about attending college,
picture. That picture is access to higher because they did not know English. thrive from it. and an opportunity to broaden their
education. Although the meaning has In general, he painted a picture of a After the Keynote speech was horizons.
far less accommodating America, one delivered, the visitors were given an ConTInueD on Page 8
2 The VanCougar EDITORIAL
The VanCougar
www.vancougar.com
The VanCougar is a student-run newspaper
serving the students, faculty and staff of START ReAdy foR chAllengeS.
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
Michael Hatch START TAKing on chAllengeS.
Advisor START STAnding ApART
pART.
pART
ART.
Dean Baker
Assistant Editor
Collin Rickman

Copy Editor
Kati Hughes
Arts & Culture Editor
Jake Kleinschmidt
Sports & Rec Editor
Erik Cummings
START ReAdy foR leAdeRShip.
Ad Manager
Dan Rauchenstein
Staff Writers & Photographers
Rosann Bartel, Matt Hunter, Louise START climbing higheR.
Wynn, Hannah Walker, Shane Monroe,
Danielle Mosier, Isaac Madsen, Matthew
Wright, Greg Zschomler, Lori Fischer,
Mark Medina, Christina Frye, Matthew START ReAdy foR The fuTuRe.
South, Charis Jensen, Perry Miller, Adam
Fox, Dale Flamm, Joseph Creager, Erik START TAking chARge.
Jutila, Alexandria Denny, Dillon Stiffler,
Erik Beaulieu, René Fragall, Spring
Atkinson, and Sheryl Kennon

START STRong.
SM

The VanCougar, VCLS 212

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Officer.
General Communication
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edu or visit our office in VCLS 212 for
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Mermaid Music: a
hidden treasure on
Main Street
A few weeks ago, my
roommate Kendal Mantzke
and I were walking around
downtown Vancouver.
We stopped in this small
record shop to see what
it was about it. Mermaid
Music, on Main Street, is
definitely eye catching.
Covering every wall inside
is airbrushed artwork of an
underwater scene including
whales, mermaids, bright
shells and seaweed. This
airbrushed paint job was
done by the owner’s family
member who happens to
also work for Disney.
Not only are the walls a
lot to look at, but you could
spend hours in Mermaid
Music going through the
mass amounts of used CD’s,
movies, vinyls, tapes and
DVD’s. Mermaid Music has
been running for 16 years
with Brian Wassman and
his son, Michael, operating
the business. These two
know a thing about keeping
a small business alive and
it all comes down to giving
the customers what they
want. Local bands are often
featured in the store so
that customers get a music
venue type feeling from the
place.
Kendal and I were able to
find many of our favorite
old-school movies such as
‘3 Ninjas,’ ‘The Truman
Show’, and ‘A League of
Their Own.’ We asked
Michael if he had ‘Dirty
Dancing’ amongst the other
hundreds of DVD’s they
own. Although it wasn’t
available at the time, he
messaged us on myspace to
let us know when it came in.
With customer service like
that, why would you buy
movies anywhere else?
Stop by the store at
2312 Main Street or visit
them at myspace.com/
mermaidmusicstore.
“There ain’t no
spiders in here.”
“Look! There’s a giant
spider web over there in
the corner.”
Like most commonly
used words ending in
–phobia, arachnophobia
affects a large portion of
the population, and seems
ridiculous to people who
don’t suffer the same
ailment. Of course, a much
larger portion of people
who dislike spiders don’t
in fact suffer from the
irrational fear.
A serious case of
arachnophobia is much
different than someone who
simply doesn’t like spiders.
Arachnophobia can dictate
where someone chooses to
live, go on vacation, work,
or what sports and hobbies
they enjoy. When a person
who is truly afraid of
spiders walks into a room
that could possibly have
spiders in it, they sweat,
start breathing faster, or
even experience nausea
and dizziness. However,
an “irrational fear” such
as this does not infer a
cowardly or otherwise
weak mind; Indiana Jones,
anyone?
Often, arachnophobia is
caused by an incident earlier
in life involving spiders.
For younger people,
spiders are considered to
be just another interesting
part of the world, with
the majority of serious
sufferers middle aged or
older.
As with any kind of
fear, the most effective
treatment is familiarity
through education and
experience. If you can read
the word “spider” without
getting squeamish, think
about the image of one—
eight legs, a bunch of eyes,
crazy-fast movements,
web-spinning, and—have
you stopped reading yet?
If not, then education is
a pretty safe bet. Get on
Wikipedia and learn all you
can about them. Maybe the
next time you run into one
you’ll be less afraid.
OPINION
The Sluice Box
In Defense of
Dead White Men
By Matt Hunter
The VanCougar
Some time ago, I was listening to a
lecture about the teaching of history.
“Up until recently,” said the professor,
“we focused on dead white men
in history, but we are beginning to
abandon this in favor of the study of
the people of the time.”
“Dead white men” is a phrase I hear
fairly regularly these days. It is often
used in such contexts as this: “instead
of studying these dead white men, let’s
study _____.” This blank is usually
filled with a progressive, cool-sounding
phrase such as “women during the
Depression,” “family systems in 18th
century Congo” and “egalitarianism
among Amazonian tribes.”
The implication is that there is
something wrong with the way history
has been taught up to this point. The
basic argument is that we should know
February 23, 2009
as much about the village life of a
Yanomamo warrior as we do about
the work of Plato, Napoleon, George
Washington, or Shakespeare. Instead
of focusing on the rich and powerful,
we should focus on the poor, the
disenfranchised and minorities.
All well and good. It’s fantastic to
have an understanding of the everyday
life of a 20th century Chinese farmer
as well as an understanding of the
key players during the Cold War.
Nevertheless, an educator
will always run into the
problem of limitations:
what should we teach our
students with the limited
time and energy that we
have?
And this is where modern educators
run into a dilemma. No matter what
sort of program they develop, they
will always be leaving out some
perspective and thus will be betraying
their nonpartisan multicultural stance.
Thus, by the time students reach
college, the assumption is that they
have been taught all of the traditional
“dead white men” and can now be
introduced to other traditions and
perspectives. This assumption is
inherently flawed. As a rule, the K-12
system fails spectacularly to introduce
students to the dead white men,
largely because these educators are
also interested in introducing students
to other traditions and perspectives.
Thus, high school students leave high
school with a collection of facts about
colonialism, American slavery and
women’s suffrage but with essentially
no knowledge of Shakespeare or
“No matter what sort of program
[modern educators] develop,
they will always be leaving out
some perspective...“
Voltaire.
“That’s fine,” you say. “We’ve
had enough of the dead white men
for a while.” Ah, but this is a naïve
perspective. For example, any English-
speaking person with no knowledge
of Shakespeare is intellectually
impoverished. To read Hamlet is to
realize how much of our daily language
and thought is indebted to Shakespeare.
To not know Shakespeare is to separate
3
oneself from 400 years of English
thought. In the same way, Voltaire’s
sneers are essential to understanding
the French Revolution: an event that
has influenced every revolution in
Latin America and Europe since.
It is an understatement to say ideas
matter. They have the power to
kill hundreds of millions of people
and the power to raise the standard
of living for the same number.
They have the power to tear down
rainforests and the power to preserve
the environment. In the words
of Russell Kirk, “modern people
are dwarfs on the shoulders of
giants, able to see further than their
ancestors only because of the great
stature of those who have preceded
us in time.”
While it is all very well to study the
poor and disenfranchised, we neglect
the dead white men at our peril. For
their ideas made history and the line
that separates history from modern
dilemmas is insignificant. To not
know the movers and shakers of
history is to jump from the shoulders
of the giant and make our way blindly
in a dangerous world.

globally is very much indicative of warm-

Why Do You Ask?
What’s your issue?
ing.” The WMO added that 2008 is “likely
to rank as the 10th warmest year on record
since the beginning of the instrumental
Man on the Street
climate records in 1850” (http://www. What are you looking for in a candidate
wmo.int/pages/index_en.html).
By Louise Wynn
The VanCougar EOS, an American Geophysical Union for the campus elections?
publication (http://www.agu.org/pubs/
By Jake Kleinschmidt
I mentioned last time that there are eos), reported last month that the more The VanCougar
some things we can do about global warm- people know about climatology, the more
ing. I’d like to start with one of the most they agree that anthropogenic global
obvious, and the easiest: not lying about warming is a fact. I have to believe that
it. I don’t object to honest differences of people like George Will who keep deny-
opinion about the causes and possible so- ing the idea are motivated by something
lutions to the problem, but it bothers me to other than the search for truth, especially
read outright lies reported by mainstream when they resort to lies to support their as-
news media. The Washington Post made sertions. If you want to know more about
the mistake in its Feb. 15 issue of not the politics of denial of this issue, read Al
checking an assertion made by conserva- Gore’s “The Assault on Reason,” or just
tive columnist George Will, who claimed take a glance at his Web page (http://www.
that the University of Illinois’ Arctic Cli- algore.com/). Davin Crow Michael Bradley
mate Research Center thinks global sea But, back to where we started: What Public Administration MIS/Marketing
ice levels are the same now as they were can we---you and I---do about global cli- “More responsibility of the “Concentrate more on what’s going
30 years ago. The mate change? There spending of the student funds, on within the school. More activates
Center responded im- “If you don’t think are a lot of things I want the first two days of the whether it’s concerts or stuff that’s
mediately: you’re contributing that can do.
individuals
You’ve al-
semester to be free parking.” local. So stuff that we don’t have to
“We do not know go to Pullman for.”
where George Will that much to global ready heard some:
is getting his infor- warming...try turn down the heat,
mation, but our data calculating your yearly carbon don’t use the AC,
shows that on Febru- replace your in-
ary 15, 1979, global dioxide output..” candescent light
sea ice area was 16.79 bulbs with compact
million sq. km and on February 15, 2009, fluorescent light bulbs, clean your furnace
global sea ice area was 15.45 million sq. filters, take shorter showers with cooler
km. Therefore, global sea ice levels are water, wash your clothes with cold water,
1.34 million sq. km less in February 2009 use energy-efficient appliances, walk or
than in February 1979. This decrease in ride your bike to work/school (not pos-
sea ice area is roughly equal to the area sible for everyone in this area, I know), Cara Cottingham
Marianne Bash DTC
of Texas, California, and Oklahoma com- work from home when you can, plant Library
bined. It is disturbing that the Washing- your own garden and fertilize it with com- “I look for someone who is willing “I want them to think about all
ton Post would publish such information post from kitchen scraps, and recycle. A to work on behalf the student body, students, including smokers. And
without first checking the facts.” The list including these, and more, is available while taking into consideration think about diversity overall, and
Center’s Web site (http://arctic.atmos. at http://www.nativeenergy.com/pages/ the needs and limits of a college
uiuc.edu/cryosphere/) includes a fascinat- more_you_can_do/18.php. A great thing get out into the community and
ing animation of the recent loss of multi- about these suggestions is that they also campus.” associate all. Basically be down to
year sea ice. save you money, while letting you feel earth good listeners.”
Will also misquoted a report by the virtuous about helping the planet.
United Nations’ World Meteorological If you don’t think you’re contributing
Organization (WMO). He claimed the that much to global warming as an indi-
WMO says there has been “no recorded vidual, try calculating your yearly carbon
global warming for more than a decade.” dioxide output. One Web site that helps
In fact, the WMO wrote in 2008, “For de- you do this is http://www.climatecrisis.
tecting climate change you should not look net/takeaction/carboncalculator/. The av-
at any particular year, but instead examine erage for U.S. citizens is about 7.5 tons of
the trends over a sufficiently long period carbon dioxide per year, and I found out
of time. The current trend of temperature I’m above that. But I’m working on it. Roxanne Doenecke
Education
“I would like to see someone with
strong leadership qualities, who’s Kathleen Delinger
CAR + HOME = BIG SAVINGS communication skills are excellent
who has the interest of the student
Biology
“Practicality, I want them to
body especially out in front as a allocate budget items to what we
goal, who’s listens to the students to actually need at WSU-V. I don’t
HARRY HOFFMAN, Agent what their desires are on campus, have that much time for frivolous
360-574-5222 and he or she needs to encourage activities. Some of the things they
071808R2933076

students to be honest to insure have done in the past though have

1307 B NE 78th St., Ste 1
the quality of learning they are been interesting.”
Vancouver, WA 98665
receiving on campus.”
www.harryhoffman.net

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Co. – Bloomington, IL
4 The VanCougar STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
ASWSUV general elections, constitution

INVOLVEMENT
Hello Students,
I would like to take this time to call
your attention to three very important
issues that you will be facing in the next
several weeks. The ASWSUV Senate
has recently proposed and passed, with
a unanimous vote, three constitutional
amendments that will be put forward to
you for approval. You will be able to
STUDENT
vote on these amendments during the
ASWSUV general election on March
10th, 11th, and 12th.
Amendment 18.001 concerns
changing the name of ASWSUV in
the Constitution from the “Associated
Students of Washington State
University At Vancouver” to the
“Associated Students of Washington
State University Vancouver.” This
change will reflect the terminology
used in all student government and
university documentation. The “at” is
simply no longer part of our name.
Amendment 18.002 concerns
changing the requirements to
approve constitutional amendments.
Approval of an amendment currently
requires a vote of 20% of the student
body. ASWSUV elections have not
exceeded a 14% turnout in recent
years, even with intensive advertising
and promotion. This amendment will
lower the required turnout to 15%--
remaining above the typical in order to
maintain difficulty, while also making
it realistically possible to change the
constitution.
Amendment 18.003 concerns
increasing ASWSUV Senate
compensation from 5% of tuition
to 10% of tuition. It also adjusts
the compensation cap from $200 to
$400. This change reflects the added
requirements and expectations imposed
on the Senate due to the increase
in students and activities. To our
knowledge, this compensation has not
been increased since the conception of
ASWSUV.
Please turn out to vote for these
amendments, in addition to voting
for your next ASWSUV President,
Vice President, and Senators. These
changes do affect you, and your
participation in this process is critical
to the success and legitimacy of your
student government.
As an added incentive, anyone who
votes in the general election will be
entered into a raffle, in which we will
be giving away prizes ranging in value
from $25 to $500. The actual prizes
have not yet been chosen, but will be
advertised in the coming weeks.
As always, please feel free to
contact me with any questions at
Sg-pres@vancouver.wsu.edu.
Go COUGS!
Peter Sterr
ASWSUV President

Bowling excitement seen all around

Photos by Katie Wells
Editor in Chief

ASWSUV sponsored another free

bowling night at Allen’s Crosley Lanes
Thursday, Feb. 19 at 9:30 p.m. Crowds
of students filled the bowling alley for
free pizza, pop, bowling and prizes.

Upcoming
Events
Feb. 23: PAW Club Meeting
9:30 a.m. in the VADM 130
For more details visit
myspace.com/wsu_paw

Feb. 24: 2009 Career Fair

3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in FSC and
ELS. Register online through the
WSU Vancouver website.

March 5: Graduate School

Information Luncheon
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in VMMC
217. Bring your own lunch and
learn about Graduate School from
Dr. Marcelo Diversi.

Ticket Sales
March 2: Blazers vs Suns
Game: March 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets on sale in Cashier’s Office
at 10:00 a.m.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT February 23, 2009
Newly passed Senate bills New AWARE network launched
By Michael Hatch
BILL 18.022 Managing Editor
Catalyzed by unfortunate shootings in
ASWSUV Eighteenth Senate 2008-09 Session past years at other colleges, WSU-V has
recently developed a threat assessment
By Senators Myers and Kleinschmidt response plan to address concerns
09 February 2009 students may have about classmates.
The central idea of the plan, called
AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $25.00 (twenty-five dollars) from the the Vancouver AWARE Network, is to
Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for A new Roberts Rules of Order for “promote and maintain an environment
the senate. where students, staff and faculty
participate in the educational process
BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE: without compromising the health, safety
or welfare of themselves, others or
the campus community,” according to
Section 1: Roberts Rule’s of Order materials presented by Nancy Youlden,
$25.00
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
The AWARE Network is an online
STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by resource for students and provides a list
ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the of helpful links along with an Assistance
advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV and Referral form that can be completed
By-Laws (260.12). Advertisements will be cleared with the Public Relations by anyone on campus with concerns
Director prior to disbursement. about a student.
5
The plan was modeled after WSU
Pullman’s Aware network, developed last
year, and “is not meant to target students
unfairly,” says Youlden, who assures that
an assessment team will review reports
before a response is made.
Along with the response plan, an
assessment team has been formed which
includes Youlden, Lt. Dave Stephenson,
Dr. Will Meek, Sally Dost, Helen Stewart,
Lynn Valenter, Bruce Romanish, and
Randy Boose. The Behavior Assessment
Team reviews concerns submitted
through the online portal and investigates
as appropriate, then develops protocol
for reporting, screening and assessment
of students.
Youlden says that the AWARE network
is meant only for dealing with and
responding to student concerns and that
anything more immediate or dangerous
should be reported to local authorities by
calling 911.

The current Robert’s Rules of Order has missing pages and pages not in
sequential order. The new Roberts Rule of Order will not have these defects
and allow the senate to conduct business in an orderly fashion.

BILL 18.023

ASWSUV Eighteenth Senate 2008-09 Session

By Senators Bowyer and Chu

10 February 2009

AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $130.40 (one hundred thirty

dollars and 40 cents) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for the
Anthropology Club AAA Conference Trip Presentation to be held on 19
February 2009.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE:

Section 1: 10 pizzas
$105.40
Section 2: Soda cups and plates
$25.00

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by

ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the
advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV
By-Laws (260.12). All advertisements shall be approved prior to distribution
by the ASWSUV Public Relations Director.

The AAA conference trip was funded through the ASWSUV Senate. This
event will impart the information and ideas of the trip to the student body and
those who could not attend as required by ASWSUV Senate Bill 18.011

WSU-V Distinguished Woman

The 2009 Distinguished
Woman of the Year
VANCOUVER, Wash. - and toiletry items for the Associated
Washington State University
Vancouver’s Office of Student
Involvement will recognize the 2009
Distinguished Woman of the Year.
WSU Vancouver invites the community
to nominate women who have made a
difference in their lives.
The Women of Distinction program
is designed to celebrate Women’s
History Month and will honor women
who inspire, mentor and empower
others. Festivities include a keynote by
Patricia E. Smith, President and CEO
of Unitus Community Credit Union,
hors d’oeuvres and music.
WSU Vancouver will announce the
recipient at the Woman of Distinction
2009 event, from 6 - 8 p.m. March 4,
in the Firstenburg Student Commons.
To show support guests can bring a
donation of new or unused personal care
Students of WSU Vancouver drive
benefitting the Clark County YWCA.
This event is free and open to the
public.
This event is sponsored by the
Office of Student Involvement and
Unitus Community Credit Union and
the ASWSUV.
WSU Vancouver is located at
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east
of the 134th Street exit from either I-
5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service.
We offer 16 bachelor’s degrees, nine
master’s degrees, one doctorate degree
and more than 36 fields of study. Visit
us on the Web at http://www.vancouver.
wsu.edu.

For more information or to make a nomination go to:

http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/distinction
Nominations are due by February 23
6 The VanCougar
CAMPUS NEWS
UPCOMING
EVENTS
The Arts @ WSU Vancouver
Who: All WSU Vancouver students
who would like to showcase their
art or craft
When: Event held April 10, 2009
3:30 p.m.
What: Local arts and crafts
vendors, including community,
students, staff and faculty.
This event hopes to bring aware-
ness to the community of the
campus’ rotating galleries and
permanent art pieces.
We plan to use this event to raise
funds to support the WSU Van-
couver Art galleries, DTC Program
and Fine Arts department.
Contact: Lea Pfau in the office of
Development and Alumni rela-
tions 360-546-9600 or e-mail
lea_pfau@vancouver.wsu.edu
Israel: moving toward autonomy, pt. two
Continued from last issue, a
detailed trip through Irael for
one WSU-V student
Photo and Story by Byron Nalos
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
There are no words for Jerusalem. She
will not allow them, just as she will not
allow cars within the city walls. One
must walk the narrow streets humbly,
on foot, as the camel passing through
the eye of a needle. We spent a week
there. We talked with Jewish shop
owners. They were eager for discussion
and they spoke calmly. Even on the
street corners, many gave eloquent
verbal tours of the city, waving their
arms around them. Israelis still carry
an air of European refinery- one that
borders on arrogance.
Sometimes, when the spiritual aura
was too strong, Ryan and I would go
outside the city wall and spread a game
of chess on the hot Jerusalem stone. Our
favorite place was the busy Damascus
Gate. The great thing about chess is that
it crosses every language barrier. There
are no modern cultures without it. It
is the ultimate game of conquest and
power. But for us, it was just a relaxing
way to meet people. Young children and
foreign tourists alike paused to watch,
sometimes for the whole game, while
Ryan and I battled out Armageddon in
the Jerusalem heat.
I especially enjoyed the Israelis
that watched our chess games. Their
faces were full of concentration. They
watched intently, as one who knows
what it’s like to play in the game with
an audience- that when it’s
your turn, you do whatever it
takes to keep your dignity.
The following days, I spent
my mornings watching
Hebrew men lean their arms
against the old Temple Wall,
praying that God might heal
the nation and restore their
pride. It was a powerful image
of devotion to see them slide
prayers into notches where
the ancient wall has cracked.
The papers, it seemed, sprout
roots. Green vines sprawled
along the top of the wall,
clinging for life. Beneath,
Israeli men clung to the
dusty, material wall.
I thought how being
American has taught me the
power, or even the religion,
of material things. I also
remembered how messiahs
have been sent to topple
our markets, profane our
courthouses, and move us to
a Pond in Massachusetts. I
imagined myself a tourist in
Washington DC. I wouldn’t
want someone to judge me
by the history of my country,
or her cathedrals, or her
plantations. How could some external
place portray me, or my faith? This
Wailing Wall was less than glamorous-
a dead end on the trail to connect with
my Jewish roots. Or perhaps not dead;
only sleeping.
It’s difficult for a citizen of Israel
to travel daily in and out of the West
Bank. For a tourist it’s easy. When
the guards saw the color of our
passports, and our skin, they waived
us in. The pathway was a chain link
tube, passing through a concrete
atrium.
From inside the West Bank we
walked parallel to the towering
cement barrier in awe. It was covered
with graffiti as high as the hand could
reach, or in some cases, the ladder.
Brilliant colors burst out, and all of
it was in English. A white woman
asked if I was lost, and I closed my
jaw. “Bethlehem is the second left,”
she said in a thick French accent. She
had a glossy black camera bouncing
on her neck while she walked away.
The Palestinians were warm to
us. Teenagers wore flashy clothes
and drove nice cars. Children in the
streets demanded coins from us. One
man had us into his shop for tea and
hookah and we watched him talk for
forty minutes. I exchanged gifts with
him. They are an eager people- eager
for conversation, laughter, and chaos.
But they are not so downtrodden and
weak as the world would make them
seem. Sooner or later there will be hell
to pay for underestimating this electric
charge.
That same evening, two Israeli soldiers
were murdered a few miles outside of
Bethlehem.
In Israel, you don’t have to look far to
find injustice. It’s just like looking into
America’s own history. Even before the
First World War, England had planned
to colonize the land of Palestine, just
like she did America; this time under
a façade of Jewish sympathy. But
Churchill wasn’t able to resurrect
the new ghetto until Hitler’s were
destroyed. When it finally happened
in 1948, the Palestinians- last in the
food chain- were quarantined into little
reservations as silly, and as disastrous,
as the ones built for the American
Indian.
Unfortunately, it’s being colonized
again. In the past, the US has given
Israel a blank check for war. Half the
globe knows it; they’re not blind. Every
ten feet, along the base of the cement
wall dividing Israel and the West Bank,
a little inscription is stenciled in small
block print, “Made in USA.”
By the time we reached Hiafa, two
hours north of Tel Aviv, we had almost
completed the month long circle. I felt
myself growing reflective.
On top of Mt. Carmel, we watched the
Israeli military come to port just a few
miles south of the Lebanese border.
Beneath us were the rich colors of the
Baha’i Gardens. From the street, we
caught fresh oranges from the bowing
garden limbs that hung over a steel
fence. A few Germans let us crash in
their apartment, so we took the crowded
32 bus along the ridge toward Israel’s
biggest, western style university. Last
year this 32 bus blew to shrapnel when
a Hamas enthusiast climbed on board.
It was during morning rush hour.
That evening I got peanut butter gelato
on the street. The man served me larger
scoops when I told him I was from
America. With the full lust of youth in
his eyes, he asked me to tell him what
Las Vegas was like. “I can’t,” I said.
“I’ve never been there.”
This American influence in Israel
is everywhere. The people wear our
mask- a false one at that- instead of
CAMPUS NEWS
establishing their own morals, values,
and identity without our help. The
West’s grip on the Middle East is so
strong no one can move. And this is
all done under a religious pretension of
“praying for the peace of Jerusalem,” or
simply honoring God’s chosen people.
But the vice grip has frozen the rest of
the Mideast in time. Our altruism for
peace now is at the expense of disaster
later.
Can this Christian nation, (we if are
that anymore), afford to break our
morals to get our ideals? The unspoken
message sent is that the hands of God
are not strong enough to accomplish
His ancient prophecies. If they are
God’s chosen people, let God choose
them. There is an old saying; too many
chiefs ruin the stew.
Many Americans will disagree with
me. Usually, they do so under the bias
that Christians must honor Israel, if
anything, for the Bible. This logic is
not only ironic, but wrong, when held
to the teachings of Christ himself.
The Christian life should never bow
to names, place, or things- except One.
Anything else is favoritism, or worse:
worship. The heritage or culture of our
finest religions can never take the place
of that religion. They are secondary
to it, like wine is to dinner. In this
intensely shallow world, one must stay
sober enough to remember the words
‘call no man Father,’ and no country
Rabbi.
My last three days in Israel were spent
hibernating back in Tel Aviv. A massive
rainstorm swept in from the ocean, just
like they do in Portland, Oregon, and
soaked every last bastard. The cold sea
was medicine on my sunburned skin,
and sand in my crotch. We washed our
clothes one last time.
I’m glad we came back to Tel Aviv
before flying home. I wouldn’t have
been able to see Joppa otherwise.
It was a beautiful fishing town. We
watched a man fishing all afternoon.
He was surrounded by cats, and every
time he unhooked a fish from the line,
it dropped with a slap on the dock
and the cats fought it out. He enjoyed
the game, I suspect. But as far as I’m
concerned, the last thing the Mideast
needs is more cats.
Downtown, there was a great bookstore
where I bought a couple paperbacks in
English. They were American authors.
I was excited to get home.
Ryan and I didn’t know what to do
with ourselves the last night in Israel.
We felt like doing something that
captured the spirit of the place. We
were absolutely restless. That is, of
course, until I pulled out the wooden
chessboard from my duffel bag.
CAMPUS NEWS
Meet your student body presidential candidates
Nick Ferderer
Nicole Mousleh
Nick Ferderer is a triple major
in English, Human Development,
and Public Affairs with a 3.88
cumulative GPA at Washington State
University Vancouver. Currently,
he is a Student Ambassador and
previously served as an ASWSUV
Senator. He sits as an appointed
member of the Chancellor’s
Student Advisory Board. He also
sits as a student representative on
the Student Alumni Group and the
Alumni Advisory Group.
Nicole Mousleh is a current
WSU Vancouver Junior majoring
in Finance and Management
Information Systems. In the
past Nicole served as a Student
Ambassador where she helped
new students adjust to our unique
campus lifestyle and represented the
campus to the local community.
Nick and Nicole believe in three
interrelated ideas: leadership
growth, enhanced communication,
and sustainable action.
They believe every student has
the capacity to be a leader given
the right opportunities, and WSUV
needs more. The opportunities
available now need to be advertised
more and new positions need to
be created. Successful leadership
is relational and therefore requires
effective communication at many
levels, beginning and ending with
students.
Communication already exists
between multiple entities, but can
be improved and expanded upon.
This involves dialogue and action
between ASWSUV and faculty,
administration, the community,
state, and most importantly on the
student level. A strong commitment
to communication builds a strong
foundation for the future.
In the future, and now, sustainable
measures need to be taken to ensure
WSU-V remains at the forefront of
new technology and opportunity.
The possibilities for sustainable
action are endless, both on a small
and large scale, but all endeavors
must be based on leadership and
communication.
Nick and Nicole are running for
ASWSUV President and Vice-
President for these reasons. They ask
for your help and support in order
to make lasting positive change
at WSU-V. For more information
please visit NickandNicole2009.
com or contact them via e-mail at
NickandNicole2009@gmail.com.
February 23, 2009
Emily Shaw
Rob Hildebrant
ASWSUV has the great responsibility of
serving student interests and effectively
allocating student funds. That is why I
am running for student body president. I
am dedicated and passionate about better
representing student welfare and needs. My
running mate, Rob Hildebrant, and I have
served a combined four years in ASWSUV,
having committing ourselves to helping
students.
As a current ASWSUV Senator and Vice-
Chair of the External Affairs Committee,
I advocate for student concerns with the
administration, community, and legislature.
I have worked on such diverse projects as
representing the needs of WSU Vancouver
students to the Washington Student Lobby
and the Higher Education Coordinating
Board, working with administration to
bring more visible signs of Cougar Pride
onto campus, and providing students with
community service opportunities. Last
year, as the Public Relations Director of
ASWSUV, I worked towards increasing
student involvement and furthering the
accessibility of student government.
Rob Hildebrant has served both as an
ASWSUV Senator and as a member of
the Judicial Board. He has a thorough
understanding of both the budgetary and
regulatory aspects of ASWSUV, having
served on the Budget, External Affairs, and
Rules and Regulations Committees. Rob is
also passionate about community service,
having assisted over 15 charities during his
time as an ASWSUV Senator.
Our platform specifically addresses major
student concerns and campus issues by
offering detailed solutions and plans. We
structured our platform around four over
arching goals: academic affordability,
representing all students, promoting student
life, and ASWSUV accountability. Given the
current state of the economy, it is imperative
that ASWSUV stand up for students’ right
to an affordable college experience.
We address this issue in several ways
including strengthening ASWSUV
lobbying efforts. Our student population is
wonderfully and uniquely diverse and we
will support this diversity by addressing
a wide range of issues from affordable
childcare to green practices on campus.
Students deserve access to a thriving campus
community. Our platform supports student
life by promoting new events, involving the
community, and providing clubs with more
resources.
Rob and I have worked hard not only to
advocate for students but also to improve
ASWSUV’s ability to do so. Now we ask
for your support to allow us to continue to
advocate for your needs.
For more information and to let us know
what issues are important to you, visit our
web site at VoteShaw.com.
Ryan Davis
Candace McCammon
I am excited to officially announce my
candidacy for student body President in
the spring of 2009. The thought of running
for student body President came clear after
numerous students, friends, and faculty
members encouraged me to run for the
position. I am honored these individuals
believe in my years of relevant experience
to handle WSU-V student government and
trust my administration will work diligently
to build upon and create new programs for
students. My wife, Abby Davis (A local
2nd grade teacher), and son, Brady Davis
(3), have been extremely supportive in my
pursuit to finish my BA in public affairs and
also an MBA @ WSU-V.
I graduated High School in 1997 from
Olympus high school in Salt Lake City,
Utah. Directly out of high school I joined the
Marine Corps Reserve, where I served for
eight honorable years. During my career in
the Marines, I saw a few beautiful countries
and had the opportunity to participate in
operation Iraqi Freedom. I obtained the
rank of Sergeant (E-5) and was in charge
of 60 Combat Engineer Marines in the
6th Engineer Support Battalion, located
on Swan Island, Oregon. I was chosen as
Marine of the year in 2000 throughout a
battalion of over 1000 Marines. While still
serving in the Marines, I was able to finish
my AA degree @ Clark College. In July of
2001, I was offered a position with Camas
Police Department as a patrol officer. I
accepted the job and placed education on
the back burner, while pursuing a dream of
becoming a public servant.
While with Camas Police Department, I
worked with many professionals in very
stressful situations. I participated in thousands
of hours of training dealing with citizens. This
training included and required officers to be
involved in the community, working with
them to find solutions to problems in local
neighborhoods and jurisdictions. This type
of profession also demanded a strong sense
of leadership and critical thinking skills.
Throughout my career as a law enforcement
officer I was able to create many networks
of individuals in the community. Still today I
have managed to keep friends/contacts with
many city and county organizations that
support my endeavors.
The mission of my executive staff, if
elected, will be to represent the students
of WSU-V in all aspects of student
government and involvement. I will
work diligently, as well as my staff, to
make decisions in the best interests of
students while maintaining a professional
and fluent relationship with faculty and
administrative personnel within the
University. Furthermore, I intended to
build a solid relationship in the surrounding
community and promote our ASWSUV
organization with local businesses and
citizens.
7
Kevin Cervantes
Abe Robles
Our goal is to empower students with
all the resources they need to reach a
successful graduation at Washington
State University Vancouver and
have them smoothly transition to
the workforce or graduate school. I
think making ASWSUV a welcoming
organization is very important. My
running mate and I want to be more
than just approachable but easy to
contact and communicate with.
I want students to know we are here
for them and that they can talk about
their concerns and have them no longer
be ignored. My running mate and I
grew up together and have worked in
various leadership organizations in the
past. We always think that there is more
that a president and vice president of a
student body can do rather than just to
collect his biweekly allowance. At the
end of the day, it is not about Kevin
and I, it is about the positive imprint
we leave on this institution with
constructive outcomes for the current
and prospective students to come.
Respectfully,
Kevin Cervantes and Abe Robles
Election Information
When to vote:
March 10, 11 and 12
from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
How to vote:
Log into your ‘myWSU’
account. There you will find
the instructions for voting
online.
or
Walk up to a polling site
in the VADM Building on
campus to cast your vote.
Apply for other positions:
Student Ambassador
applications are due
February 27.
Senate positions available.
Applications no longer
accepted. Write in
candidates on the ballot
on March 10, 11 and 12
to nominate yourself or
someone else.
Student Regent applications
are due March 27.
8 The VanCougar
Professor finishes book about ‘ballers’
ARTS & CULTURE
WSU-V’s very own Dr.
Lewis expresses his views
on racism and sports
By Gregory E. Zschomler
The VanCougar
WSU-V’s Dr. Thabiti Lewis has
written a new book titled “Ballers of
the New School: Race and Sports in
America.” The forthcoming book is
slated for a spring 2009 release. Lewis
said the book has been in the back of
his mind for years.
“Writing is a funny thing,” said Lewis.
“You never know when you really
begin a project.” The inklings of the
book came to him before he received
his doctorate from St. Louis University.
High school students tour campus at MOSAIC
...continued from Page 1
Photo and Story by Joe Creager
The VanCougar
There were six workshops to choose
from in all. First, “College 101” with
Wendé Fisher and Nelson Sigrah was
well attended. Of course, it makes
sense that everyone went to College
101 as Fisher and Sigrah shared some
valuable knowledge, such as the fact
that perfect grades are not the be all,
end all of college admissions. They
also stressed that even if the students
had a rough freshman year grade-wise,
that it wasn’t too late to point them in
the right direction.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Who: All WSU Vancouver students who
would like to showcase their art or
craft
When: Event held April 10, 2009 3:30
p.m.
What: Local arts and crafts vendors,
including community, students, staff
and faculty.
This event hopes to bring awareness to
the community of the campus’ rotating
galleries and permanent art pieces.
We plan to use this event to raise funds
to support the WSU Vancouver Art
galleries, DTC Program and Fine Arts
department.
Contact: Lea Pfau in the office of
Development and Alumni relations
360-546-9600 or e-mail lea_pfau@
vancouver.wsu.edu
Two friends encouraged him to write a
book addressing sports—a passion of
Lewis’ since childhood.
Lewis grew up playing sports in St.
Louis, Mo. and has been writing since
grade school. “I remember as a sixth-
grader I [discovered] I could write
my ticket out of my community,” he
said. One of his pieces earned him
free admission to a basketball game.
His paper came to the attention of the
school’s vice principal and he was
called into the office and offered the
job of team reporter.
As an African-American who grew
up in St. Louis, he notes that racism
and segregation have not gone away.
“Schools, in many ways, are nearly as
segregated as they were in the ‘60s,”
he said.
Besides “College 101,” Dr. Hamid Rad
hosted a “Mechanical Engineering”
workshop, Dr. John Barber hosted a
session titled “Robots in Society,” and
Dr. Marcelo Diversi hosted a “Human
Development” workshop. Furthermore
Jorge Lizarraga made a second
appearance, hosting an “Environment
and Society” workshop where he
covered the United States-Mexico
boarder, and how he has researched it in
the context of his field of study. Also,
Dr. Dene Grigar hosted an intriguing
workshop in the DTC MOVE Lab,
where she showcased her research in
movement tracking technology.
This won’t be the only MOSAIC
this year, though. In May, an all city
ARTS & CULTURE
His new book addresses the topics
of sports, race and pop culture. Lewis
says that we live in a society that is shy
about talking about race. He contends
that sports culture is not the pioneer for
racial progress many imagine it to be.
The book supports this idea and
looks at sports figures, masculinity,
economics, social constructs such
as integration, heroism, and politics
through critical race theory. His desire
is that readers approach these subjects
honestly.
“I believe the time has come for an
honest discussion about racism and
sports that holds the exploited and
exploitees accountable,” said Lewis,
The book will be sold in The Bookie.
For more information, contact Dr.
Lewis at thabiti@vancouver.wsu.edu.
MOSAIC will be held, which will
include three additional local high
schools; Evergreen, Heritage, and
Mountain View.
After lunch, an iPod raffle stirred
a bit of excitement among the guest
students. A 30GB iPod Video was up
for grabs. The winner was sophomore
Sky McClellan. It’s probably safe to
assume that Friday the 13th didn’t get
the best of her.
After the giveaway Majekobaje and
Reyes gave some closing remarks,
and after that, everyone was sent their
own way, hopefully with a head-full of
knowledge that will help them advance
to the next level of education beyond
high school.
ARTS & CULTURE
Proof that Butch beats bark
Evidence that cougars
are superior to others
By Mark Medina
The VanCougar
The cougar is a ferocious and adaptable
feline found in most any type of habitat
in the Americas. Cougars roam freely
through the frigid Canadian mountains
and the farms and fields of Southwest
Washington clear to the Andes of South
America. The cougar, also called a
puma, is a masterful stalk and ambush
predator that eats anything it can catch
(with bursts of speed up
to 45 mph it can catch
almost anything).
Cougars are a Anoai-Gonzalez
protected species
in many countries;
however, because of
livestock predation
(they eat farm animals)
cougars are sometimes
regarded as a nuisance
and killed by area
ranchers. Cougars
have also been known to attack people.
Lucia Avila, a WSU-V senior, says that
cougar attacks worry her sister who
lives in Yakima, “it’s something you
hear about now and then.” Matthew
Trenda says that he was out walking
with his dog when a cougar attacked.
“It went after my dog, so I chased it off.
It was scary.” The one thing about the
cougar that we know for sure is that it
is a much better mascot than the Husky.
KOUG Radio still on the go
One of the largest student
organizations on campus
is constantly growing
By Kayla Page
The VanCougar
KOUG radio launched their official
broadcast Feb. 17 online at www.
vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/kougradio. In
order to access the stream, students
must have Windows Media Player,
Quicktime or Real Player. The purpose
of the site is to stream live broadcast to
students and community members. The
web site features DJ biographies and
blogs as well as featuring a calendar
of events, including show times
and content. Station Manager Zane
Wagner said, “We want to be able to
interact with listeners and our web site
will invite comments on shows and
music.”
The 30 student staff, which is now
one of the largest organizations on
campus, also hopes to have the chance
to broadcast throughout the student
commons. With a staff of so many,
KOUG radio is not lacking talent.
Many of the staff have previous DJ
experience, which allows for greater
opportunities to create a dynamic
station. Wagner said that the content of
the station is promising. “Some [DJs]
want to create weekly talk shows,
many want to host a DJ show, some
are interested in helping us advertise,
and some want to make commercials
and [Public Service Announcements],”
said Wagner. Plans to bring these types
of shows are underway and Wagner
hopes to also add shows concerned
with current events and political
opinions.
KOUG radio is broadcasting 14 hours
of live DJ content per week and the
high-tech automation software is set
up to play songs the remainder of the
time. This software is programmed to
play songs that compliment each other,
but Andrea Lang, Music Director, is
one person in charge of deciding what
music is in that database.
The station will not focus on any
particular genre of music, and as of
now DJs are playing anything from
70s and 80s hits, Top 40, Indie Rock,
Latin Jazz and everything in between.
February 23, 2009 9
After all, the husky is a mere sled dog,
used as tool by the man to pull a sleigh.
WSU-V Senior David Goforth says he
respects the intelligence of the mighty
CougAr t
cougar and adds that the Cougar is “a
much better mascot than the Husky,” a
simple dog. Katrina Burch agrees that
the ferocious cougar is much better than
the Husky and like David she admires
the cougar’s strength and intelligence.
Several WSU-V students identified
the elusive cougar as “an older woman
that preys upon younger men.” This
non-traditional interpretation of
our beloved mascot seems familiar
among our WSU-V
classmates. WSU-
V senior Brittania
says she finds this
version of the cougar
to be funny, yet not
as amusing as the
Photo by Katie Wells
scene from Talladega
Nights when Ricky
Bobby (Will Farrell)
trains to drive with a
cougar in the car and
Jodi Tripp: “Orton Morning”
gets attacked, “now that’s funny.”
The best evidence to support the Former staff member at WSU-V
notion that the cougar is an apt mascot Loves taking photographs of the Northwest.
would have to come from the Wazzu
Men’s basketball team who has soundly
defeated the Huskies, and the Wazzu
Football team who dominated the
Huskies at the Apple Cup in 2007 and
2008 (although in 2008 the Cougars
waited until double overtime before
clinching victory).
Lang said, “We don’t decide directly
the music that gets played, the students
that sign on as DJ’s really do. I think
that kind of reflects the spirit of a great
college radio station.”
It is possible for listeners to request
songs to be played on KOUG radio,
as a few DJs are offering e-mail
addresses to which requests can be
sent, however Lang suggests another
way. “The best way for students to hear
what they want more specifically is to
get involved either as a DJ or with the Joe Creager:“Students eat lunch”
music department. Our music library Student: History Major
is only as big as students help to build
Loves to take candid photographs of human behavior.
it, provided the material is appropriate,
students can import whatever they’d
like.”
KOUG radio is much more than
music, as Public Relations Director
Cara Cottingham points out. “The
focus of the radio station is to give
students a voice,” said Cottingham,
“and the ability to give voices to other
members of our community.”
Cottingham’s show ‘Local
Expressions: The Voice of Vancouver’
is just one aspect of this focus. Her
last show, on Tuesday evening from 4
p.m. to 5 p.m., highlighted artists and
visitors at Vancouver’s First Friday
Art Walk. She has also interviewed
Michaelo Ross who is the creator of
the 98666 local band movement.
As for the future of KOUG radio,
Wagner hopes to be able to broadcast
over the airwaves, rather than just
online. “There is a lot of red tape and
licensing involved in this endeavor
and to a great extent. I am thankful that Tim Batchelor
our advisor, Brian Blair, is committed Student: Biology Major
to helping us with this endeavor. Brian
Held a photography business for 2 years, been shooting since age 11.
Blair brings years of radio experience
to the table, and he is absolutely
invaluable to KOUG.”
Cottingham also shares this vision
toward airwave broadcasting. “I
personally hope that eventually KOUG
radio reaches enough people that it can
be considered not only the university
Want your art here? Tell us!
Email the ACE Editor at
radio, but Vancouver, Washington’s
radio source. We can only reach that
point if students actively take a roll in
the community,” said Cottingham.
According to Wagner, “We all love
vancoug@vancouver.wsu.edu
music and we all want to have a great
time as the station grows and we
continue to broadcast.”
10
RECREATION
SPORTS &
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Snowboard/Ski
Rent equipment from the OSI
Recreation Office for your
personal trip
Ping Pong Tournament
Feb. 26: Visit the OSI for more
information
Hold-Em Tournament
March 6: Held in Firstenburg
Student Center from 3 p.m. to
7 p.m.
Blazers vs Knicks
March 8: Tickets available in
the OSI
Winterhawks vs. Everett
March 8: Tickets available
from Student Affairs Cashier
February 23 starting 9 a.m.
Visit www.vancouver.
wsu.edu for further
listings of events to
come
The VanCougar SPORTS & RECREATION
Cougars bowl over Rhinos
WSU-V Basketball team halts Just as the Rhinos were about to break
the tie in the third quarter, something
Ryonet charge with score of 63-57 unexpected happened. “I would have
By Adam Fox had him, but right then his elbow
The VanCougar
came down on my forehead,” said
The Ryonet Rhinos started strong and guard SueAnn McWatters, the only
played solidly, but their efforts could female player on WSU-V’s city
not best the Cougars. The Cougars’ league basketball team.
stellar outside shooting consistently Though she came out of the game
kept the visiting Rhinos pushing with a painful
themselves. lump on the head,
In the second her enthusiastic
quarter,
Cougars gained
the leadership
ferocious playing
and
Relay for Life
a healthy lead style ensured
over the Rhinos that the Cougars
Cascade Middle School to
but determined maintained a host the day-long event
efforts by the lead over the
visiting team By Dillon Stiffler
competition. With The VanCougar
closed the gap. a final score of 63-
Photos by Erik Beaulieu
Beyond the first 57, the Cougars It is unlikely that you do not know
half, the contest improved to a someone who has been affected by
remained rich record of 2-1. cancer. The battle against cancer is one
and compelling. hard fought, and organizations like
American Cancer Society are doing
all they can to make headway, but they
can not accomplish anything without
the support of the community.
Relay for Life, one of their biggest
fund raisers, gives everyone a chance
to contribute to this cause. During
a Relay event, participants come
together to remember loved ones lost
to cancer, to celebrate progress made
and to continue their fight by raising
more money to win the ongoing fight
against cancer.
The next big event is the Relay for Life
of Evergreen. It will begin June 27 at
noon and end 24 hours later. The event
will be held at Cascade Middle School.
For more information or to sign up go
to relayforlife.org/relay/findevent.
Then put Vancouver, Washington into
the search engine and you should get
a list of local events for the next few
months. The American Cancer Society
needs your support to win this fight.
They cannot do it alone and this is
your chance to get involved.
She had multiple blocks as well as a
few great hits. Kendal Mantzke was
an all around great player, fighting
through her overwhelming sickness
while serving aces and crushing the
ball in the front row.
The final game was even easier
than the second for the Cougs. Setter
Come-back after forfeit all the way around.
SueAnn McWatters really hustled
and moved the ball well along the
net. The sets were made possible by
WSU-V volleyball wins match The second game of the match went great passes from Michelle McIlvoy
after forfeiting first game by easily for the Cougars with the and exceptional defense by Kayla
McKee. McKee covered her area
By Katie Wells
eDITor In ChIeF
opponent rarely returning the ball to
well and anticipated each hit from
their side of the net. Hard serves and
Winning the match two games to one strong hits were a key component to the opponent. After winning the
on Wednesday, Feb. 18, the WSU-V WSU-V’s success that match as well. third game and the match, both teams
City League volleyball team inches Erica Stauffer, one of the team’s decided to replay the first game that
toward post-season play. middle blockers, was a wall at the net. had been forfeited. Not surprisingly,
the Cougars won that game too.
When the game
began at 6:15 p.m.,
unfortunately
only four players
were on the court
for the Cougars.
By 6:17 p.m.
they had forfeited
their first game.
Running from the
bathroom after
changing into
their uniforms,
two players raced
onto the court.
Surprised to find
out that they had
just lost the first
game within two
minutes, the girls
were ready to
play. There were
no substitutes
Photo by Erik Beaulieu
at the match so
every member of
the team played
FEATURES
Carpenter’s union dispute over Delta Drywall persists
Protestors man the entrance
for the second year running.
By Sheryl Kennon
The VanCougar
Delta Drywall, a subcontractor
for WSU-V new undergraduate
classroom building, is almost finished
with their work, yet still under fire
by the protestors from the Pacific
Northwest Regional Council of
Carpenters (PNRCC). Nearly every
day members from the carpenter’s
union stand outside of WSU-V’s
entrance a banner reading, “Does
WSU support a tax cheat?” They’ve
handed out flyers that make allegations
against Chris Troxel, the owner of
Delta Drywall. During fall semester,
three protestors were arrested for
How the gut tells the brain ‘Yes, we have enough.’
Dr. Ritter illustrates bodily
appetite satiation signals
during luncheon seminar
By Kayla Page
The VanCougar
As a part of the Chancellor’s
Seminar Series, Dr. Robert Ritter from
WSU Pullman’s Department of Vet-
erinary and Comparative Anatomy,
Pharmacology and Physiology, spoke
about his recent research concerning
the physiology of obesity. Ritter’s in-
terest was sparked by work he did as
a veterinary student, and he continues
to investigate answers to the question
“how does our brain get signals from
our body that we are full?” This was
a rather ironic topic to digest during a
luncheon seminar, all puns intended.
This topic is of increasing
interest due to the rising epidemic
of obesity. Ritter began his talk with
shocking statistics. In the 90s, less than
ten percent of the Washington State
population was considered obese. To
be obese a person must have a Body
Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 30.
The body mass index takes into ac-
count total body weight, height, and
other variables to produce the index
number. As of 2003, it was shown
that about 25 percent of the Washing-
ton State population is obese. Yet, this
doesn’t seem as shocking as the fact
that one third of the American popu-
lation is obese, and two thirds of the
population is considered overweight.
Ritter also pointed out that
this is not only affecting Americans.
The World Health Organization has
shown that there are increasing cases
of obesity throughout the developing
February 23, 2009
trespassing. Ben Bansom, one of the
union’s organizers, said he could not
comment on the arrests as they have
not gone to trial yet.
“The biggest issue [PNRCC] is
the fact that [Delta Drywall] is not
meeting area labor standards on all
projects,” says Bansom. Accusations
made against Delta Drywall include
Troxel paying employees under
the table and under reporting hours
worked in order to avoid paying
taxes.
“Delta Drywall was recently audited
for 2006, 2007, and the first quarter
of 2008….. Delta Drywall is not a tax
cheater,” said Troxel.
Triplet Wellman’s Steve Duch, the
main contractor and project manager
hired by WSU-V, says there have
world and obesity is soon to be one
of the leading causes of health prob-
lems worldwide. Ritter’s research
focuses on finding out what mecha-
nisms underlie this phenomenon.
Ritter suggested that this prob-
lem stems from the evolution of hu-
man behavior and the fact that most of
our ancestry had to put considerable
effort into gathering food. Therefore,
the amount of food energy they were
taking in was about equal to the energy
expended by physical activity. It is this
simple fact which is the cause for much
been no problems or delays
with construction. “WSU is
happy with the way things
are going and so are we,
so that pretty much says
it all,” said Duch. “Delta
Drywall will be finished in
a couple of weeks. It will
be interesting to see if [the
carpenter’s union] continue
to protest.” The new
building is scheduled to be
complete by August of this
year.
In August 2008, Willamette
University faced a
similar situation with the
carpenter’s union protesting
against Delta Drywall being
subcontracted on
a building project.
Willamette
r e s p o n d e d
by forming a
working group
that reviewed the
evidence, met
with all the parties, and
suggested solutions. One
suggestion was having a
transparent monitoring
system established to
ensure Delta Drywall
employees received their
entitled compensation.
“Our opinion is that the
Willamette working group
was nothing more than
a dog and pony show. It
was an attempt to appear
Photo by Erik Beaulieu
concerned. I’m not aware
if anything was enacted
regarding transparency,”
of the current epidemic, according to
Ritter. We are putting considerably less
effort into foraging for food and the food
we do eat is much higher in calories
that the food energy taken in is greatly
outweighing the energy expended. One
thing contributing to this is the fact that
our general activity level has decreased.
To illustrate this, Ritter pre-
sented the infamous picture of the evo-
lution of man from monkeys; however
the final man was reclined in a Lay-Z-
Boy, surrounded by potato chips and
candy. This drew quite a few chuckles
11
Photo by Michael Hatch
said Bansom.
“I guess [WSU has] been responsive
to hear the concerns,” says Bansom.
“However, they haven’t done a
whole lot about it. They’re pretty
much stuck with the fact that they
are bound with the prevailing wage
law.”
Troxel believes that he is being
targeted because his business is
nonunion. “I am paying a fair amount
and never had anyone quit [from
Delta Drywall].” Troxel says that
he could legally pay his employees
minimum wage on the project, but
that he chooses to pay prevailing
wage because “that’s what they’re
from the audience. However, Ritter
presented something a bit less comical
to the audience to illustrate the fact that
meal size and caloric content has in-
creased significantly. Twenty years ago
the average fast food meal, consist-
ing of a soda, hamburger, and French
fries, topped out at about 628 calo-
ries. In contrast, the average fast food
meal of today tops out at a whopping
1,450 calories; nearly an entire days
worth. Ritter pointed out that it would
take nearly 5 hours of solid weight
training to burn off those calories.
Ritter proceeded to get down
to the nitty gritty details behind obesity
at a physiological level. Ritter detailed
the methodology behind studies he has
performed in the past. One study con-
centrated on the role of the gastrointes-
tinal tract in signaling satiety. He found
that fullness is not signaled by the
stretching of the stomach, as most lay-
persons believe, but rather by hormones
inside the stomach. These hormones
are peptides that “taste” the contents of
the stomach. The hormones and their
receptors act in a similar way to the
taste buds on the tongue. The signal is
then relayed to the vagus nerve which
connects to the brain. The mechanism
of control relies on nutrient content and
quantity rather then just food mass,
which helps to control the size of the
meal so that a person does not over eat.
This mechanism is undergoing much
additional research and will have major
implications in the battle of the bulge.
12 The VanCougar TAIL END
February / March 2009
Fifty
Feb. 24: 2009 WSU Vancouver Career Fair
FSC and ELS Lounge / 3:30 p.m. Fifty words to explain the cosmos
Register online at the WSU Vancouver web site Fifty words to speak here of;
Fantasy and dreams, and silly things;
Mar. 3: Time and Energy Management Workshop Fifty words to spell out love
FSC 104 / 4:15 p.m.
Free and open to all current students It’s unrelenting, scary-crazy
Hopeful heartache burning bright
Mar. 5: Brown Bag Lunch with Dr. Marco Diversi Tearing, ripping and mending daily
Multimedia Building, Room 217 / 11:00 a.m. Morning, noon, and day to night
Topic: Graduate School, hosted by the HD Club

Mar. 6: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Most beautiful imperfection:

Firstenburg Student Commons / 3:00 p.m. My most treasured recollection
Register at OSI, free and open to all students
Jason Paul Langley
Mar. 15: Bonneville Hot Springs Outing February 9th, 2009
North Bonneville, Washington / 9 a.m. I love you Shannon Lee Langley
Register at OSI, Students $70 and Nonstudents $80

Mar. 18: Spring Alumni Networking Social

To Be Announced / 5:30 p.m.
RSVP by calling 360-546-9109

Apr. 4: Outdoor Paintball (Woodland)

Woodland Paintball Action / 12:00 p.m.
Register at OSI, Students $10 and Nonstudents $15

Apr. 9: Research Showcase 2009

Various buildings / 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Free and open to public

Apr. 10: Campus Art Fair

Firstenburg Commons / 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Free and open to public

Apr. 18: Whitewater Rafting Trip

Wind River / 10:00 a.m.
Register at OSI, Students $40 and Nonstudents $50

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