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Washington State University - Vancouver
NEW COLUMNS:
Caffein’d:
A former barista takes you inside
the world of the coffee culture.
n COMMENTARY, 3
From My Side of D’Fence:
An editor’s take on the news and
the nuisances that affect us all.
n COMMENTARY, 3
Also in this issue:
Clubs on Campus:
Thirty-five places to belong or
how to start your own.
n FEATURES, 5
Recreational Preview:
A look at the new and coming
recreational opportunities, facili-
ties and equipment.
n RECREATION, 2
NEW STUDENT
GUIDES & HELPS
INSIDE!
How to stand out on a
scholarship application
By Kati Hughes
Managing Editor
College can be an enriching
experience, but it can also leave
you less than rich. While loans can
be a real life-saver when it comes
to education, scholarships are ide-
al. With their 0% interest rate and
the fact that you never have to pay
them back, scholarships are a pret-
ty sweet deal.
The number of awards avail-
able compared to the number of
students in need can seem over-
whelming. However, there are
ways to make yourself stand out
on an application.
Alyson Galloway of the WSUV
Office of Student Financial Aid
and Scholarships says that there
are a few key things to emphasize
when filling out an application or
writing a scholarship essay.
The number one attribute that
students commonly leave out? The
personal story. “Committees typi-
cally already have looked at who
you are on paper,” says Galloway,
“but it’s what you tell in your ‘sto-
ry’ that makes you stand out from
other applicants.”
Galloway also encourages
students to focus on how they
plan to change the world, rather
than why. In a scholarship essay,
it’s important to incorporate your
education into your future goals.
Galloway also suggests that per-
July 21, 2008 www.vancougar.com
Underclassman Building taking shape
Gregory E. Zschomler/The VanCougar
Mount Hood looms in the background as workers continue construction of the new Underclassman Building slated to open fall of 2009.
Pres. Sterr in-
By Gregory E. Zschomler general contractor Tripplett-Wellman Con-
Editor in Chief tractors have subcontracted with a subsid-
jured in motor-
The 58,000 square foot Underclass- iary of Delta Drywall, a supposed tax cheat
man Building is being constructed at a
cost of $28 million. It will include a lec-
and non-union.
The building has been designed by
ture hall, classrooms and faculty offices.
Completion is slated fall of 2009.
A labor dispute is underway. The local
Thomas Hacker Architects, Inc.
For more information on campus
building projects and site plans call the
cycle accident
carpenter’s union alleges that WSU-V and office of Dave Smith at (360) 596-9576. By Gregory E. Zschomler
Editor in Chief
On Thursday, July 10th, AS-
WSUV President Peter Sterr was
injured in a motorcycle accident
just weeks after purchasing a new
bike. According to Sterr, he “was
being an idiot” while “stunting...
on a private road in Vancouver.”
“I popped a wheelie at about
25 miles per hour, and went too
sonal essays be creative, as long r e c o m - high, bouncing my tail off the
as they’re appropriate. Anything mendation ground, and looping the bike.”
that makes an essay stand out in are usually non-ne- Sterr says he slid for ten feet
a positive way will benefit the ap- gotiable. On the other hand, and then tumbled another twenty
plicant. according to Galloway, local busi- to thirty feet. The spill ripped his
According to Galloway, “suc- nesses that receive fewer applica-
shoes off, shredded his feet and
cessful essay winners are often the tions will be more willing to bend
ones that…con- the rules. knees, sprained his ankle and
nect with the For a successful scholarship essay, If an appli- broke a wrist.
reader—stimu- cant writes an The new bike slid for a cou-
late the senses if give the reader a taste of your per- impressive essay ple hundred feet. The frame slider
you can without sonality. Tell your story, emphasize but has a GPA took most of the damage. Aside
being cheesy.” that is slightly from breaking the clutch handle
Galloway also your talents, and be creative. lower than the re- most of the harm was cosmet-
encourages stu- quirement, they ic. “All in all, I was lucky in the
dents to “be a little bit vulnerable will generally still be considered. amount of damage to both myself
—share something about yourself “Scholarships in general are ig- and my bike,” said Sterr.
to help the reader connect with nored because students opt out or
Undaunted by the incident,
you and remember you.” self-select out based upon their as-
The amount of work that goes sumptions related to GPA,” says he said that when his cast comes
into scholarship seeking can be in- Galloway. This is a mistake. off in six weeks he’ll be back on
timidating, but students shouldn’t When looking for scholar- the bike. “I was wearing a helmet,
let that stop them from applying. ships, Galloway suggests that stu- a riding jacket, and leather gloves,
The amount of work also usu- dents “consider their local options all of which saved me from much
ally correlates to the payoff of the before turning to the big national more extensive damage.”
award. Galloway encourages stu- ones.” Search programs like www. Sterr says that he learned
dents to apply for all scholarships collegeboard.com and www.fast- a few things from his accident
for which they are eligible. web.com can be helpful, but the though he did not mention wheth-
According to Galloway, one payoff can be less than local busi- er he would stunt again. “I have
important detail to consider is nesses.
learned that it is important to
eligibility. Committees review- “Brainstorm a list of group/
ing thousands of applications will business affiliation you or an im- wear boots, because tennis shoes
be more inclined to discard those mediate family member has,” says won’t stay on.”
from students who do not meet Galloway, “[and then] call them Sterr is convalescing at home
one or more of the requirements. up or visit them and inquire about and will be back on campus soon.
When applying for big ticket scholarship availability.” These Cards and well wishes can be left
scholarships, requirements like at the ASWSUV office in FSC.
GPA, test scores, and letters of n Scholarships, 6
2 The VanCougar
The VanCougar
The VanCougar is a student-
run newspaper serving the
students, faculty and staff of
WSU Vancouver. Copies of The
VanCougar are available free
of charge every other Monday
during the school year.
Editor-in-Chief
Gregory E. Zschomler
Managing Editor
Kati Hughes
Ad Manager
Position Open!
Advisor
Dean Baker
Copy Editor
Rebecka Reed
Staff Writers & Photographers
Beau Baxter Rosser, Robert Chu, Collin
Rickman, Willy Chi Shue Tsang, Louise
Wynn, Jason Garcia, Kevin Raymond
Layout and Design
Greg Zschomler and Kati Hughes
Web Editor
Michael Hatch
CLS 212
14024 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone: (360) 546-9524
Fax: (360) 546-9072
General e-mail , comments,
and employment queries
vancoug@vancouver.wsu.edu
Letters to the editor, guest
columns, and corrections
vceditor@vancouver.wsu.edu
Advertising queries
vcougad@vancouver.wsu.edu
We are hiring!
We are always hiring. No experience is
necessary; we will provide all the training you
need in journalistic style, photography, and
digital printmaking. E-mail us at vancoug@
vancouver.wsu.edu or visit our office in CLS
212 for more information.
Letters to the Editor
We encourage letters to the editor. Please
include your full name as part of the letter,
and a phone number or e-mail address for
confirmation follow-up. Letters must be by a
student, faculty, or staff member.
Guest Columns & Comics
The VanCougar accepts guest columns
and comics from current students of WSU
Vancouver. Interested students should e-mail
us at vceditor@vancouver.wsu.edu.
Advertising queries
Advertising information and rates can be
found on our website at www.vancouver.
wsu.edu/ss/vancougar. Advertising rate
sheets are available via e-mail and postal
mail. E-mail vcougad@vancouver.wsu.edu for
quotes.
Corrections policy
It is our policy to correct errors. Please
contact the editors by e-mail at vceditor@
vancouver.wsu.edu
RECREATION
Rec. Center nears completion for fall facelift
By Kevin Raymond
Kevin Raymond/The VanCougar
The VanCougar
The recreation facilities and staff
have significantly grown over the sum-
mer. Students, staff, and faculty will soon
find expanded services and opportuni-
ties.
“This is the largest growth the
campus has had in recreation,” said Neil
Gregory, Recreation Coordinator. “Sev-
eral long and short term plans came to-
gether over this last summer.”
While expanding its former inven-
tory of rental gear the office is also increas-
ing the size of the fitness center—adding
more opportunities for intramural sports,
recreational activities, and outdoor fields.
The staff will grow from two people to
about ten. The new positions will be held
by students.
The rental equipment will be bol-
stered by $30,000 in new ski and snow-
board gear while the camping and hiking Work continues inside the expanded Rec Center space and will be opening this fall.
inventory was increased with new acces-
sories over the summer. The exact brands to be staffed during hours of operation. events. We use the basketball court for
of the new winter items haven’t been de- [Hours] will be Monday through Thurs- dodgeball and basketball.”
cided yet because of a bidding process to day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. There are some limitations with the
“get the best stuff at the best price.” The to 2 p.m. We are looking for students to fields during the winter months. John
rental center will be open for business work in the Fitness Center,” said Gregory. Benson, who maintains the fields, said,
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mon.-Fri. This will be a change from last year when “They are clay based and last winter we
Possibly the there wasn’t enough had standing water in those areas.” He
most exciting change “This is the largest growth staff to manage the also said that the area is 3.25 acres though
is happening in the fit-
ness center. This fall,
the campus has had in rec- fitness center on a
daily basis.
and should be big enough for two sepa-
rate sports fields.
students at WSU Van-
reation.” ~Neil Gregory Another big Gregory said that plans for outdoor
couver will be able to change is that we fields have been in the works for a while
utilize an enhanced area for exercise. The “have added a recreation intern who will [under former AWSSUV President Dar-
recreation department added size and focus on intramural sports. That will help ren Benson] and they finalized the fund-
equipment to the former facility. It will be us maintain and organize sports like flag ing last spring. “This should allow us to
in the same location and should be open football, ultimate Frisbee, and soccer,” maintain intramural teams, here on cam-
around Sept. 8th. It is free for all WSU said Gregory. Denise Eyerly is the new pus, for most of the year. In the past, it
Vancouver students, faculty and staff. recreation intern. was necessary for our teams to be in com-
Neil Gregory said, “We added ap- Along with the new position come munity leagues.”
proximately 700 square feet to the fitness two new outdoor fields. These are locat- The WSU Vancouver recreation
center; it was about 900 square feet. It ed just past the basketball court. Gregory department has had an exciting summer
will have $60,000 plus of new equipment, said, “These are the first fields at WSU with expansion in all directions. After
including the addition of free-weights Vancouver. They will be used for our on- doubling participation last year it looks
and more cardio equipment.” campus intramurals, (soccer, flag football, like it will be another great year with po-
“The Fitness Center will now have ultimate disk, etc.) and other recreation tential for more growth.
New sports fields and intramurials bolster WSUV
Kevin Raymond/The VanCougar
By Kevin Raymond
The VanCougar
One of the prime experiences of col-
lege life is sports. Whether it is attending
Division I rivalries or playing intramural
sports, most college students are involved
in sports at their respective schools. Sports
seem to have a niche at every college, both
major universities and minor colleges.
WSU Vancouver is unique. The cam-
pus is more community oriented. The stu-
dents have generally been older, many of
which already have a career. Although we
are part of the proud Pac-10, our chances
of catching live games are limited. Cou-
gar home games are further away then the
Huskies, Beavers or Ducks.
The new playing field, leveled and seeded, just south of the basketball courts, is ready for play.
As WSUV grows students are seek-
ing more of that college life. Fortunately volleyball, ultimate disk, dodgeball and base for intramural sports on campus.
for us, this fall semester should see some flag football starting this coming year as “A major change will be the addi-
big changes in intramural sports and ac- both leagues and tournaments,” said Ey- tion of two outdoor soccer fields and a
tivities offered on campus. The Office of erly. “We also want to encourage students football field to our facilities,” said Eyerly.
Student Involvement and the new recre- to get involved in sports such as table ten- “This will be a first for our campus and
ation intern Denise Eyerly are planning nis and disk golf since they can be played they should be finished for the Fall 2008
on providing more opportunities right in almost all weather.” semester.”
here on campus. The Office of Student Involvement The Office of Student Involvement
Eyerly said that in the past, the uni- has another direction as well. They would is working to bring more opportunities
versity sponsored many sports and activi- like to push for others at WSU Vancouver to all of us at WSU Vancouver. This fall
ties hosted in the community, but she fors- to get involved. Neil Gregory, the Rec- looks to be full of opportunities for the as-
ees more intramural programs organized reation Coordinator, said, “We want to piring athlete in each of us.
and executed on campus. encourage the faculty and staff to partici-
Eyerly said, “We will continue to pate.”
have sports such as Coed Indoor Soccer, The ability to host more events at the For a list of upcoming rec-
Men’s Basketball League and Coed Soft- WSU Vancouver campus coincides with reational activities, see the
ball but we want to add our own leagues the development of practice fields just calendar on the back page.
and tournaments to that list.” south of the basketball courts. This devel-
“I would love to see outdoor soccer, opment was strategic to building a solid
COMMENTARY July 21, 2008 3

Caffein’d
By Kati Hughes
Managing Editor
Hello, my name is Kati. I’m a
coffee-holic. I’m not just addicted
to the beverage. Its the allure of the
various and assorted cultures and
communities that center around
coffee that first got me hooked.
From miniature espresso stands
that offer pet-friendly treats for
dog lovers on the go, to cafés that
feature a variety of coffee-related
cuisine, I’m stuck on the stuff.
Even more interesting than
the products are the patrons. I
don’t believe I’ve ever met more
interesting people than I’ve met at
coffee houses. Inspite of the blue-
tooth wearing, Wi-Fi seeking anti-
social business mogul stereotype,
there are still many captivating
conversations to be had at a café, if
you’re looking for them.
For the duration of the 2008-
2009 school year, I will recount
conversations and cultural obser-
vations from local coffee shops. I
will also review the menu and at-
mosphere of each caffeine dispen-
sary, hope-
fully
Kati’s curiously captivating
coffee-addled commentary
pointing out the hidden bring you sixteen pages or more in
jewels of Vancouver.
Let’s face it, who doesn’t occa-
sionally need a caffeinated kick in
college? For those of us who don’t
necessarily like the taste of coffee
or its notorious effects, most cof-
fee houses have alternatives like
smoothies or ciders.
I’ve decided to focus my edi-
torials on this topic for a few rea-
sons. One being that I think peo-
ple are generally in too much of a
hurry to notice the unique culture
that has sprung up around coffee.
Another is that my background
as a barista has led to many ques-
tions from fellow students, and I
thought I could create a forum for
coffee discussion.
Obviously, I realize that I’m
not the only student on campus
with coffee experience. I also know
that I can’t be the only one who has
interesting coffee-addled stories to
share. If you know of a great local
café that I haven’t mentioned yet,
then
I invite you to send me an
e-mail at kati.hughes.04@
gmail.com or drop by
the VanCougar
office and talk
with me.
Tenacity
You’ve got to hand it to them—
those labor union folks at the bot-
tom of the WSUV drive are hang-
ing in there like a new kitten on his
mother’s teat. [I use the metaphor
because we’ve had a couple of lit-
ters of kittens this summer; anyone
want a cute, cuddly companion?]
Anyway, why don’t they just
go away? [That is the union folks,
not the kittens.] Because they care
about their jobs, decency, and char-
acter I guess. They aren’t willing
to just pack up and go simply be-
cause Dave Smith, Director of Cap-
itol Planning and Development at
WSUV, crafts a wordy explanational
Letter to the Editor [VC 04/08] that
boils down to saying, “my hands
are tied.” And so they are there to
call attention to our own lack of ac-
tion. Seems shameful.
It’s only going to get worse,
you know. When those “scabbing”
sheet-rockers show up to do their
dirty work the picketers will pick
up their efforts and get downright
pickety. Polite politics will only
go so far when your opportunity
to put bread on the table for your
family is undermined.
My mind asks, “Why did
Smith even write the letter?” Why
go through the effort if you’re not
actually going to do something
constructive [no pun intended]? It
placates no one. Now this is just
me, but I think he might have at
summer issue (eight pages) for size.
If you don’t take it in the water, it
won’t shrink. And, hopefully, we’ll
coming issues this fall.
“The VanCougar exists to be
the eyes, ears and voice of the stu-
dents at WSUV.” [I thought that
made a better motto then: “The
VanCougar, we’ve got issues,”
though, seriously, we do.]
My intention as Editor-in-
Chief is to bring you relevant in-
formation that you can act upon.
I hope to help you see things that
might otherwise be hidden to/from
you; hear things that are spoken in
secret; and voice your concerns and
response to and for those who need
to hear.
Maybe, together, we can affect
some important change? Like park-
ing, for example. That is my hope.
Of course, we’ll carry some
lighter fare as well—movie and
game reviews, recreational activi-
ties, sports coverage, humor, etc.
for your entertainment.
If you’ve got ideas or leads, let
us know. Staff reporters “are stand-
ing by.”
Kati Hughes (bless her heart)
heads up the staff as Managing
Editor. Several great writer/report-
ers are returning from last year and
we’ve added some new and prom-
ising staff writers as well. AND
there’s room for more.
Yes, you, too, can join the
staff—writer/reporter, editor, illus-
trator, photographers and other po-
sitions are available. Positions are
paid and there are serious fringe
benefits. [And I’m not talking about
some flouncy tassel on the hem of a
yellow polka-dot remnant.] Why
not try us on for size?
MySpace
What you’ve been reading in
this “column” is the opinionated
fodder from yours truly. This is my
space to rant, rave or otherwise re-
late what goes on in my mind.
Here I will give you my per-
sonal “take” on various issues as

Now Hiring
least said, “I spoke with the Gener-
al Contractor about the issue”—as-
suming, of course, that he actually
did. opinions of the paper, the staff or
And not that he would have
had to have said anything signifi-
cant or attempted to have changed
The VanCougar is now hiring for fall term. Paid po- anything [though, if feasible, that
sitions, great work environment, learning opportuni- would be nice]. That would go a
long way further in my mind and
ties, and much more! possibly have dissolved the whole
“kitten-caboodle.”
We are hiring editors, designers, artists, photographers and writers.
Editors receive a per issue stipend. Designers, artists, photographers Bikinis
and writers are paid on a per piece basis. Many positions are available. Got your attention? Okay. I
Great opportunities for English, DTC and fine arts majors. just wanted to say thanks for try-
ing on this itsy-bitsy, teeny-weenie
•Section Editors: Sports, Entertainment, Features, etc.
•Production Artist/Editor
well as commentary on the stories
we cover. The views expressed
herein do not necessarily reflect the
Washington State University and I
take full responsibility for the con-
tent.
My intent is to facilitate and/
or spark dialogue on subject mat-
ter that may not be hard news, but
is none-the-less important intel-
lectual material. Your comments
are always welcome and subject to
publication and rebuttal. In addi-
tion to being actively engaged it is
my hope that you enjoy the content
of YOUR newspaper.
~GEZ

Journalism 305
•Advertising Manager (great for business major)*
•Web Editor
•Copy Editor
•Staff Writers
•Photographers
•Illustrators
*pays 20% of ad revenues Journalism 305: Reporting
How to Apply:

Pick up an application outside The VanCougar office, fill it out, attach

your resume and leave it in the pouch provided. You will be contacted
Taught by The Oregonian’s
for an interview. Alan Brettman
The VanCougar Office Offered fall semester
VCLS #212 (at the top of the stairs)
Phone: 360.546.9524 Mondays and Wednesdays
FAX: 360.546.9072
Email: vancoug@gmail.com
9:10-10:25 a.m.
Web: www.vancougar.com
4 The VanCougar
ACE
Arts, Culture
Entertainment
UPCOMING
EVENTS
CLARK CO. FAIR
August 1st through 10th.
Corbin Bleu, Queensryche,
Eric Church, Clay Walker, Joe
Nicoles and more.
www.clarkcofair.com
Port of Vancouver Interna-
tional Festival
Sunday, July 27th at Esther
Short Park, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WSUV supported.
A Chorus Line
Keller Auditorium, July 29-
August 3rd.
www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
Phantom of the Opera
Keller Auditorium, August
13th-September 7th.
www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
Journey in concert
TONIGHT @ the Clark County
Amphitheater, with Heart
and Cheap Trick.
Seven Brides for Seven Bros
Presented by the New Blue
Parrot Theater at Mountain
View H.S. through August
2nd.
www.newblueparrot.com
Fall term
begins
August
25th!
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
By Gregory E. Zschomler
“Journey” worth the trip
Photo Credit: ©2008 New Line Cinema
The VanCougar
New Line Cinema/Walden Media’s
Journey to the Center of the Earth isn’t
half bad. It’s quite on par with the early
Disney live-action adventures like Trea-
sure Island and 20,000 Leagues Under the
Sea—stuff I like. The effects are much
better though; the script and acting, how-
ever, are pretty much kid fodder.
Brendan Fraser (Mummy) gives a
pretty standard Brendan Fraser perfor-
mance and Josh Hucherson (Zathura,
Bridge to Terabithia), does quite well. But
what makes the movie special is the Real
D (3D) experience. So, my advice? Don’t
bother catching it without seeing it in
3D.
Though the movie is showing wide-
ly it can only be seen in select theaters in
3D (in Vancouver that means Cascade
Brendan Fraser and Josh Hucherson freak out (as will you) at an incoming T-Rex in
Cinemas). It is the first live-action Real D
Walden Media/New Line Cinema’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
film; the concert films U23D and Hanna
Montana used the format. Also previously The new Real D format developed read the book it wouldn’t hurt to see this
shown in the format was Disney’s animat- by Disney uses polarized lenses and just version—which has a twist and is told
ed feature Meet the Robinsons. one projector running at a higher frame within a modern framework.
3D film enjoyed a heyday in the rate (60fps vs. the standard 24fps) thus So, as far as popcorn movies go this
1950’s, but the novelty wore off due to eye- eliminating former problems. The effect offering is fun and fairly saccharine, but
strain and the chromatic format involving is eye-popping. (Disney is banking on the that makes it good for the whole family
glasses with two colored (red and blue) effect as eight of their next twelve animat- (though the film is rated PG due to some
lenses. The old system used two projec- ed features are in Real D.) scary—literally—in your face moments).
tors that were hard to synchronize—thus You should know the basic story line; See it while you can; the competition may
flickering and causing headaches. House this is an updated remake of a very popu- oust the flick from theaters even though
of Wax starring Vincent Price (not to be lar work of fiction by Jules Vern involving it has a special charm. It’s a turning point
confused with the Paris Hilton remake) a trip to a subterranean world within our in filmmaking history that very well may
has gone down in history as the ultimate world. It’s a classic book you should have lead to a 3D standard.
3D experience—that is until now. read. If not, see the movie. And, if you’ve
“Wall-E” heart-
warming and fun
By Louise Wynn You don’t have to be a kid to
love WALL-E. Both the robots,
The VanCougar
and their mostly wordless
Andrew Stanton, writer and direc- dialogue, are cuter than a
tor of WALL-E, says he was the only kid bunny’s nose. The details
and symbolism—prob-
in his high school who thought goldfish
were lonely swimming around in those ably lost on the kids—
little round bowls. He used to wonder will blow you away.
what torture an eyelash curler was really The environmen-
tal symbolism isn’t
designed for.
the message, though. Photo Credits: ©2008 Disney/Pixar
Then he went to art school and
found a whole world of people who When Stanton started
thought that way. He ended up at Walt developing the movie
more than ten years ago,
Disney’s Pixar where he worked on Find-
ing Nemo, Monsters Inc, and other hit car- no one had heard about Al
toon features. Gore’s Inconvenient Truth.
In Disney-Pixar’s new animated “I wanted to show that
feature WALL-E is the last robotic trash love rises above the world’s
compacter left on Earth. He’s cleaning programming,” he says.
up our mess just as programmed. He “It’s basically a love story
next step:
has one friend, a cockroach. He wonders between two robots. I kept thinking
making robots cute. WALL’E’s binocular
about love—could he hold hands like
the characters in Hello Dolly, which he
about that lonely little robot, but I need-
ed to figure out why humans had left eyes, clicks, whirls, and clumsiness, and
earth. The idea of the environment being the plot, achieve the ultimate: they make
watches on DVD? a non-human image show us what it’s
Then he meets EVE, a biological destroyed was reverse-engineered.”
It’s one thing to make a baby fish like to be human, after all.
probe sent from the space ship where
humans are waiting for Earth to become or a Cookie-Monster-blue creature look [Editors Note: Presto, the Pixar short
cute, or give personality to toys—kids preceeding the feature—an homage to
re-habitable. It’s true love.
Don’t be put off by the G rating; do this anyway! WALL-E takes it to the Walt Disney—is also a hoot.]
The VanCougar Online
CAR + HOME = BIG SAVINGS Visit the online version of The
VanCougar @ www.vancougar.
HARRY HOFFMAN, Agent com. Our new site will be up and
360-574-5222 running this fall. Find out more:
071808R2933076
The news that didn’t fit, editor
1307 B NE 78th St., Ste 1
Vancouver, WA 98665
blogs, podcasts,
picture shows and
www.harryhoffman.net video content to be
added soon.
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ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT July 21, 2008 5

Crosswords
DS a BLAST
By Beau Baxter Rosser
The VanCougar
Before playing Crosswords
DS, I asked myself, “How am I go-
ing to review a game with a foun-
dation built around a collection
of crosswords?” However, after
obsessively playing the game to
the point of crossword-induced
dreams, Crosswords DS had me in
a headlock that would not let go.
As part of Nintendo’s “Touch
Generations” line, Crosswords DS
melds ease of use with sexy aes-
thetic to form a solid package of
crossword puzzles, anagrams, and
word searches.
The menus are easy to navi-
gate due to their giant-sized input
buttons and lend themselves to the
casual audience the game is geared
toward.
Even the most casual of gam-
ers will have no problem becom-
ing familiarized with Crosswords
DS’s control. Outside of the main
game, there are training exercises
that gear up the player with tips as
to how the game plays. Although
slightly abbreviated and not a ne-
cessity, the training exercises are a
welcome addition for people new
to the gaming world.
The bulk of the game is cen-
tered on – as the title suggests –
crossword puzzles. Within the main
game, there are over 1,000 different
crossword puzzles waiting to be
solved. The puzzles are separated
into different difficulty levels that
do a good job at gradually moving
the player up the scale.
Unlike other crossword games
on the system, Crosswords DS is
played holding the DS on its side
like a book. This position allows
the player to see the crossword in
its entirety on the left screen, while
the touch screen on the right is
open to zooming in and writing
the proper letter in the proper loca-
tion.
I found the word search to be
an afterthought when compared to
the crossword section of the game.
The word searches require no skill,
which in turn creates a boring at-
mosphere that feels less like an en-
joyable game and more like an ar-
duous homework assignment.
The anagrams, on the other
hand, can be extremely difficult
even when on easy mode. As a
writer, I pride myself in know-
ing many words, but the anagram
mode of Crosswords DS was still
very difficult. Unlike the word
search, though, when I discovered
a new anagram out of the letters
provided, I felt as accomplished as
any wordsmith could bearing the
situation.
Overall, I found Crosswords
DS to be an enjoyable, albeit aver-
age, game. For $20, it is definitely
worth picking up.
Poppin’ 4th By Will & Greg
Will: Flashes, crashes, blooies and bangs! Wall-to-wall people lined up to buy
the least healthy food offerings at blackmail prices! And the firework show
doesn’t even start for an hour. All this noise and flirtation with mayhem comes
from my judgment-impaired neighbors launching exploding projectiles.
Greg: Grumpy aren’t we? I’d say he’s, like, sleep deprived. Wouldn’t you,
George?
Geo: Deprived, that’s nothing new. Oh wait, I think that’s depraved. Deprived,
depraved, is there a big difference? Actually, I’m feeling quite patriotic at the
moment—you know, “rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air.” Or maybe it’s
the smell of gunpowder in the air, vaguely reminiscent of the marijuana in the
air at the Peter Frampton concert in the Memorial Coliseum (dating myself,
ain’t I.)
Will: Ah, comments from the Peanut Gallery. I should introduce our Guest
Writer, a friend of mine since Junior High at Shumway. He’s an expatriate now
residing in Pittsburgh. Let’s welcome him to the neighborhood in the appro-
priate TAG manner: by abusing his trust and disparaging his character.
Greg: Dude! It’s hard to concentrate…with all these…EXPLOSIONS going
on around me! There’s so much haze in the air I can barely see the computer
screen. (Hack. Wheeze.) So, George, ol’ man, its good to see you again. How
goes the…man, this is a war zone! I SAY, HOW’S BUSINESS AT UOP?
Geo: We’ll, I’ve been accused of being a character on and off for the last several
years (Greg’s right, the fireworks are a bit distracting, but add some attractive
color to the computer screen), so I can afford some disparagement. Of course,
the advantage of being a friend o’ Will’s (FOW) since the Shumway days (that
is the old Shumway—for those locals in the know), is that I have my own in-
ternal database of abuse and disparagement just a’ waitin’ in the wings to be
unleashed. As for biz and UOP, it beats WVU, which we did last fall.
Greg: At least it wasn’t WSU.
Will: Talking in acronyms confuses our readers! Geo is employed by the Uni-
versity of Pittsburgh. I withhold more exact information to protect his reputa-
tion at that venerable institute. Me? I went to UCLA. That’d be University of
Clark and Local Area here in Vancouver.
Geo: So, now that we’ve got that figured out, I guess it’s now time to be auda-
cious on cue. Do you know how challenging that can be? I can be audacious
with the best of them, but I would have to say the Will and Greg are the mas-
ters. My audaciousness is often understated, but occasionally quite devious
(working at a law school, one learns deviousness.) Ask Will about the bloke in
the barracks story…
Greg: Willster is also a grad of Concordia. So, what about the bloke in the bar-
racks?
Will: I’m not telling that story. Forget it. Geo just happened to be in town dur-
ing the famous Vancouver 4th Of July show. And here I am living down by the
fort with an across-the-street seat. So here we all are in the midst of a thousand
personal firework shows waiting for the Big Bang and for the humor quotient

BLACKBERRY PIE of this column to pick up.

The blackberries on campus have formed berries and
they should be ripe by early or mid August. That means
its time for blackberry pie!
Long before a Blackberry was something for Internet and and
phone calls there came the Rubus (genus) “fruit” bearing vine
also known as bramble. The plant yields a delicious, though seedy,
berry that is high in fiber and antioxidants. It is also high in vita-
mins C and K and the mineral Manganese.
Try this easy recipe (and share it with your class):
Geo: Will’s fibbing…he only says he doesn’t remember the bloke in the bar-
racks story. All those years of hard livin’, late nights; that “sex, drugs and rock-n-
roll lifestyle” that is legendary around these parts have taken their toll on the
old cranial microchips, leaving only the audacious ones remaining.
Greg: Now you’re fibbin’. Tell the truth about Will; he never liked rock-n-roll, he
was into Michael Jackson.
Will: Good thing my Concealed Carry permit has expired. Me? Michael Jack-
son? Those are mutually exclusive terms. Your future has a lot of computer vi-
ruses in it, you slanderous, slimy swamp scum! Besides, I’ve always been into
RUSH as I’ve stated in this column, so there!
Greg: George, you gunna let him talk about you like that?
Geo: No, but I don’t mind letting him talks about you like that.
Will: Ah, this is getting good. I knew three people on this column was a good
idea. We can gang up mouse-obsessed Greg. He’s a Disney nut ya know. As
well as a nut in general. Watch out for that incoming rocket, BTW.

INGREDIENTS: Greg: Yeah, it’s a left hook! So, are we going to go from the Two Audacious
Guys to the Three Stooges? Nuk, nuk, nuk. Won’t work; George is always in the
Pitts.
* 4 cups fresh blackberries Geo: Go Steelers! It’s interesting to sit here and monitor Will and Greg as
* 1/2 cup white sugar they chat, without them knowing that I’m doing it. I can relate precisely what
they’re talking about, or make it up as I go. The conversation included com-
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ments about sweethearts, learning experiences, being stuck, service X, want-
* 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie ing to do it, hand offs, cuey-stack (huh?), and extending in essence.
* 2 tablespoons milk Will: On that cryptic note, I must remind you that the firework show is about
* 1/4 cup white sugar to start. We only got in one pop culture reference. Forget the Steelers, go Pen-
guins! I got dibs on the last word in this column.

DIRECTIONS: Greg: And you said I was nuts. Penguins!? This is Cougar country, dudes! And,
BTW, I think that George (Did I mention we use to call him Buddy? That was my
wife’s dog’s name, too.), is taking bits of our conversation out of context and
1. Combine 3 1/2 cups berries with the sugar and twisting it to make us seem more normal than we actually are. Gee, I thought
the fireworks were already going, dude. Britney’s shooting a video for Madon-
flour. Spoon the mixture into an unbaked pie shell. na’s new tour; it’s called “Kiss of the Spider Women” (pop ref. #2).
Spread the remaining 1/2 cup berries on top of the Geo: “Twisted” seems to work well when hanging with these guys. As for pop
sweetened berries, and cover with the top crust. Seal ref #2: Did you know that Brit used to be a Mouseketeer, hence, Disneyphile
Gregory Eugene’s reference? Come to think of it, Lindsey (pop ref #3) was also
and crimp the edges. Brush the top crust with milk, and in the Disney stable. Hmm, there’s something there that is worthy of future
sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar. exploration. Well, my time as an audacious guy is winding down I guess. The
word count is up to 999 words, and since Will (Billy) wants the last word, I will
2. Bake at 425 degree F (220 end now and leave him with the last…
degrees C) for 15 minutes. Reduce Will: Weren’t Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D’Artignan Mouseketeers as well?
the temperature of the oven to 375 Forget it. Show’s on! Bam! Boom! Fizz!
degrees F (190 degrees C), and bake Editor’s Note: Drug references in this column are not meant to condone the use of controlled substances.
for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Visit TAG online at http://www.creativity-unlimited.biz/webtour/twoguys/index.html
6 The VanCougar FEATURES
Scholarships, cont’d from page 1
kinds of scholarships tend to be
smaller, but they also tend to pay
off. Suggestions for types of busi-
Untapped Resources: More Scholarship Tips:
nesses to contact are listed in the
box at the right. Here are some places you might The internet can be a real help in locating scholarships. Here
One final suggestion from consider contacting for schol-
Galloway is to work “smarter not are some things to consider when using online scholarship
harder” when it comes to writing
arship opportunities. These
scholarship essays. “Save your resources rarely get tapped! search programs.
work, copy and paste, edit when
you can reasonably do so,” says
Galloway. When it comes to the Family dentist Never pay to use a search engine!
length requirements, Galloway Eye doctor There are plenty of scholarship search programs that are available
encourages students to “say what Banking institution for free. Any search engine that asks you for money is a scam, so
you have to say in the amount of
space you need and then go back Car insurance company watch out.
and revise as necessary.” Employer
During the first week of January Church
students can attend the “Scholarships Community groups
Make sure you are eligible for the scholarships
101” workshop on campus.
For more scholarship tips visit Clubs you apply for.
the WSU scholarship web page at Many of the scholarships available on search engines are larger,
http://www.finaid.wsu.edu/scholar/ national contests. These tend to have much more specific require-
default.htm.
ments, and stick to them more rigidly. If you’re not sure you meet
the standards, don’t go through all of the work they usually require.
Some Available Scholarships:
WSU University-Wide Scholarship Application
Here are some free search engines that may be
This application puts your name in the hat—so to speak—for some helpful in your scholarship search -
of the university scholarships available to WSU students on all cam-
puses. Deadline for this application is January 31st.
www.fastweb.com
WSU Vancouver Scholarship Application www.collegeboard.com
Similar to the University-Wide Scholarship Application, this puts your
name in the hat for all scholarships available to our campus. Deadline www.finaid.org/scholarships
is May 1st, but might be changed to April 1st in 08-09. www.collegeplan.org
Rotary Foundation Scholarship
www.wiredscholar.com
This Scholarship is funded by the Festival of Trees and involves a www.mach25.com
written statement, letter of reference, and transcripts. Finalists will be www.supercollege.com
interviewed. This scholarship awards four $5,000 prizes, to two under-
graduate and two graduate students. The application will be available
in December, and the deadline is early Februaury.

Gray 3
Cougar Walking Trails
To NE 50th
Avenue  NEW STUDENTS!
Gr rkin

Here is a campus map for your convenience. Below are some

Pa

Parking
ee g
n2

Gray 2 M handy phone numbers to keep in mind and other useful informa-
Parking
Green 2
tion. Good luck this fall!
Parking
Green 1
www.vancouver.wsu.edu
360-546-WSUV The Bookie Library
Parking
Gray 1 Engineering &
Cougar Walking Trails  (360) 573-0447 Circulation Desk
Parking C Science Labs
Fall hours of operation (360) 546-9680
are Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m. - Reference Desk
Computer Labs

Indoor study areas

Orange 2 Art Gallery Facilities Operations 6 p.m., and Friday (360) 546-9686
Parking M
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Summer hours of opera-
FIR UDE ON

ASWSUV Public Safety

ST MM
Blu arki

ST NT S (V
CO

& Receiving
EN

Admissions
Summer hours of tion are Mon.-Thur.
P

Student
e D ng

BU

A Involvement
ail

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Bookstore
y

operation are Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday


FS

D No Exit
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$
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and
D To Capital Planning
PON
V & Development
Student

Sun. noon to 5 p.m.

Resource Center Computer Labs

Office of Financial Aid

BUILDING (VCLS)

Bicycle & Pedestrian Paths

CLASSROOM

M
B LIBRARY
and Scholarships Recreation
(VLIB) Fitness Center
(360) 546-9559 Neil Gregory
PHITHEATER

Bus Loop

Cafeteria
FOUNTAIN
Equipment rental avail-
ADMINISTRATION

Computer Labs
Student Government able Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-
(VMMC)
AM

Art Gallery MULTI-

MEDIA
Peter Sterr, President 4 p.m. in VFSC 136. [See
(VADM)

V


CLASSROOM
BUILDING

M EDUCATION/
(360) 546-9521 back page for a partial
A Admissions
Orange 1
Parking
HUMAN DEV
(VEHD)
Disc Golf Course
Andrea Wooster, VP list of available equip-
(360) 546-9522 ment.]
Reserved Parking On-site child
care facility
B Bus Stop

$ Daily Pay Machine

? Information Kiosk Student Involvement Fitness Center

Handicap Parking
M
(360) 546-9527 Located downstairs in
D Daily/Visitor Pay Lot
To
Sa
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the Library building,
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Student Diversity room 13. [See related
Metered Parking (2 hr. pay limit) lm rk
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FEATURES
Campus clubs create community
By Ruth Zschomler
The VanCougar
Are you new to Washington
State University Vancouver? Want
to make new friends? Make a differ-
ence? Why not join a Student Club
or, as a they are formally known, a
Registered Student Organization
(RSO)?
“Student clubs foster a sense of
community,” says Jason Wiggins,
the student contact for the History
Club.
Last year WSUV hosted thirty-
five active RSO’s—clubs open to
any enrolled graduate or under-
graduate student at WSUV. Becom-
ing involved is a good way to make
WSUV your “home” and foster
school spirit.
“It was fun...a good way to
meet other students,” says Eddie
Francis, last year’s president of
the Student Business Organization
RSO, “A place to network and share
ideas.”
Can’t find one that interests
you? [A list of last year’s RSOs is at
the right.] Grab some friends (five
minimum) and apply to start your
own. For information on how con-
tact the Office of Student Involve-
ment call (360) 546-9527 or look on
the WSU website on the Student
New Sonic drive-in does booming business
RESTAURANT REVIEW
By Gregory E. zschomler
Editor in Chief
My daughter lives out just east
of Oklahoma City. They have Son-
ics there. Lots and lots of Sonics.
Mmmm, Sonic’s are good. Needless
to say I was thrilled to learn that we
(finally!) have one here in Vancou-
ver—sort of.
The new Vancover Sonic Drive-
in is about as east in Vancouver as
you can go without being in Camas,
but it is soooo worth the drive.
Yeah, it’s fast food, and much
of the fare is pretty much what you
get at, say, a BK or McD’s. However
there are some major differences.
You don’t go into a Sonic’s—
they bring the food to your car. (For
those old enough to remember,
A&W used to do that.) Most serv-
ers walk it out, but some skate.
So there’s no inside seating; you
sit in your car. You may also choose
to eat on the covered patio if you’re
not into dashboard dining. (Note:
There are restrooms available.)
Most everyone I’ve talked to
who’s been out to the new Vancou-
ver Sonic has related tales of long
lines. Indeed, during my own visit
I saw traffic cones and flaggers out
to manage the traffic, but I, none-
the-less, got into one of the thirty
stalls rather quickly.
The service was all I’ve come
to expect from my Sonic visits in
Oklahoma and Missouri—fast,
friendly and fresh (the food, that is;
not the servers).
There are many taste treats to
sample from simple hamburgers to
Toaster™ club sandwiches, chick-
en, salads, wraps and dogs.
Not to say their burgers are
simple; both dogs and burgers
come in a wide selection of styles.
There are fries, onion rings
and tots to choose from as well as a
WIDE variety of drinks, but I’ll get
July 21, 2008
Here is a list of the active student clubs listed for the 2007-2008
school year. Many of them may be available again :n the fall:
Anthropology Club
ASME
Chi Alpha
Circle K International
Cool Cougars’ Commons Club (C4)
Cougars for the Cures
Focus-Darkroom Photography Club
Digital Technology Club
Education Club
Elevate University
Entrepreneur Club
Finance Club
History Club
HR Society (SHRM)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Student Business Organization
Engineers (IEEE)
International Student Association
Kapa Omicron Nu
to that in a moment.
Sonic also serves breakfast
items and, unlike McD’s, serves
them up any time of the day. (Get
with the program, Ronald!) I have
never had breakfast at a Sonic, but
would bet it is just as good as the
afternoon fare I’ve tried.
Breakfast items include French
toast stix, sandwiches and burritos
featuring eggs and meat combos
with cheese. Tots are the potatoes
of choice.
Yes, the hamburgers and
Toasters ™ are good, the O.R.’s ex-
cellent, but what sets Sonic light
years above the rest are the drinks.
Believe it or not, there are nearly
170,000 to choose from!
There’s your standard soda
fare (Coke products), plus a gamut
of limeades, shakes, malts, slushes
and smoothies—all customizable to
your own specifications with flavor
shots and mix combos. Oh, these
can be refreshing on a hot day!
Some of these I like a great
deal, others not so much. Of course,
I haven’t tried them all. You’ll have
to try a few that sound good to find
your favorite(s). Most drinks are
half price betweeen 2 and 4 p.m.
Sonic’s prices are fair and the
service fast and friendly. Dogs start
at about a buck and go up to three
for the ultimate Coney. Burgers
start at $2.49. Drinks range from 99
cents to $3.99.
The food does not sit in warmer
bins, but is made to order so it’s hot,
fresh, and right AND, surprisingly,
still quite fast. Maybe that’s because
I’m in the comfort of my own car,
listening to my own tunes.
The fastest way to get there
Check it out:
850 S.E. 192nd Ave.
Vancouver, Washington
(360) 891-6646
www.sonicdrivein.com
7
Law Club
MBA Society
M.E.Ch.A
Minorities Reconstructing Culture
Northwest Collegiate Ministries
Nurse Network
Psi Chi
Psychology Club
Roots and Shoots
Running Club
Singers Club
Social and Environmental Justice Club
Spanish Club
Speech and Debate Club
Students for Success Club
Swing Dance Club
Women’s Resource Center
that I know of is to take I-205 south
to Hwy 14 and head east. Get off
onto 164th and head north to Mill
Plain and go east. At 192nd take a
right (heading south) and look for
it on your right. (Yeah, lot’s of new
development out there.)
The Vancouver Sonic Drive-in
is open from 6 a.m. to midnight ev-
eryday. Why not drive-in today?
Attention
Business Majors
On Campus Employment Available
in Advertising Sales at:
The VanCougar
—the student newspaper of WSUV. Join the
team as our Advertising Sales Manager.
Enjoy:
• Great learning experiences
• A community of friends
• Use of our semi-private on-campus office
equipped with six computers and laser
printer
• Parties
• Work experience
• Training
• Spending money (earn 20% commission)
• PLUS bonus incentives
• and a fantastic resume entry!
ONLY ONE POSITION AVAILABLE
Apply Now at The VanCougar in VCLS 212
8 The VanCougar TAIL END
July/August 2008
The VanCougar Bulletin
ROAR Advising and Registration
July 25, 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Administration Art
Gallery Lobby To include a bulletin on this page, drop
ROAR is meant to prepare Freshman for the a flyer for a school or club-related event
start of classes in the fall. Whether you’re
a student or family member in attendance,
into our “Bulletins” folder outside VCLS
you’ll find things to interest and excite you. 212 or email vancoug@vancouver.wsu.
edu. Free for registered student organiza-
Cape Horn Gorge Hike tions!
July 26, Sign up in OSI
Join fellow students on this FREE eight mile
hike. Bring a friend!
Welcome ROAR Students!
A-Z of Financial Aid and Scholarships
July 29, 5:30 p.m. in Administration Building
Room 110
This FREE workshop will answer student
Your Classified Ad Can Go Here
and parent questions regarding financial 50 words for just $3.50 per issue; two issues for $5. Contact us for publica-
aid. This event is open to the public, so tion dates and deadlines. Upfront cash sales only. 360.546.9524
bring a friend!

White Salmon Rafting Trip

RECREATION RENTALS
August 2, Sign up in OSI
Sports equipment (balls, nets, Frisbee golf sets, etc.) are
Join fellow students on this rafting trip for
available for check out and use on campus. Snow gear,
$20. Non-students may sign up for $25.
camping gear and more can also be rented Monday - Fri-
day, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. from the Rec Office on the back side
PaCE Academy of FSC near the ASWSUV offices. See charts below for
August 4 through August 8 more information email: cougrec@vancouver.wsu.edu.
The Preparation and Career Education
(PaCE) Academy is open to students in 7th-
12th grades who want hands-on career ex-
ploration. Cost is $90.

ROAR Orientation Session

August 19 and 20, 8 a.m.
ALL incoming students will get a chance to
familiarize themselves with the campus and
their peers.

Freshman Day at Merwin Dam

August 22, 10:30 a.m., meet on campus
Fun-filled event for new Freshman includes
swimming, games, and lunch.

BACK TO SCHOOL BAR B’ QUE

The ASWSUV
Back to School
Bar B’ Que is
Wednesday,
September 3rd.
Mark your calendar
and plan to be
there between
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
for good eats,
games and more!