05.23.11 V.26 #29
HEAD + HEART • YOU WOULD! SEXISODE • CONDOM FASHION • THE OUTBACK PAVILION
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REVIEW
OUTBACK from page 5 “When we have those two numbers with our finalized plan, we buy the materials, hire Facilities Management and go to the AS board for funding,” Ventres-Pake said. “We’re hoping they will fund the project, essentially because it is pretty far outside the Outback’s operating budget.” If the AS board approves the funding of the project, construction of the new pavilion will start as soon as summer begins in hopes of finishing by fall quarter. “I expect the new pavilion would increase student involvement in the Outback a lot, just as a consequence of being able to host more classes and programs and get more people out here,” VentresPake said. “It’s a pretty unique and special place to have here.” ■
HEAD + HEART from page 8
Joe rudko/ The AS Review
Taking in the Blue Horse Gallery A good spot to take your grandparents or even a date (Probably not at the same time)
O
Chelsea Asplund/ The AS Review
n the corner of Holly and Bay streets, a neon-blue horse sign gleams through a large industrial window. A diamond in the rough that is downtown Bellingham, the Blue Horse Gallery is the perfect definition of casual elegance. It has the charming feel of quiet coffee shop but the sophistication of an art gallery. I must preface this by saying that I am not the most artistic person in the world. I can’t seem to wrap my mind around why a painting of a silhouette costs the same as nearly half of my tuition this quarter. I’ve always found art galleries to be intimidating. I felt as if I was a fish out of water while sipping on a $9 glass of merlot. My experience of fine wines doesn’t expand much past $7 bottles on clearance
at Fred Meyer. Given that, I felt as though I should have been talking about 18th-century poetry or idealism, rather than how my day was or how Ashton Kutcher is replacing Charlie Sheen on “Two and a Half Men.” The space is quite cozy and split into two separate rooms. The main room is spacious, and various art pieces decorate the warm, rose-colored walls. The art is very eye-catching and varies from sculptures to paintings to photography and glass, all by regional artists. There were awkward leather armchairs positioned throughout the space, something I found strange. But as I envisioned the room during a crowded
BLUE HORSE continues on page 12
So, why aren’t we talking about The Head and the Heart? Well, a lot of people are. Publications like Seattle Weekly and websites like “Sound on the Sound” have all issued gushing reviews of the sixpiece group, prompting comparisons to bands like the Avett Brothers and The Beatles. Of course, The Head and the Heart don’t sound like The Beatles, but the two share a lot in common, from their use of harmonies to the general catchiness of their songs. A better way to describe The Head and the Heart is to think of them as a type of indie-folk or Americana, as a part of the folk revival spearheaded by groups like Fleet Foxes, and more recently Mumford & Sons, which uses lots of acoustic guitar, little percussion and emphasizes vocals. Sounds a bit like a formula these days, doesn’t it? But don’t worry, group members Josiah Johnson, Charity Rose Thielen, Tyler Williams, Jonathan Russell, Kenny Hensley and Chris Zasche are far from formulaic, bringing powerful songwriting and inventive compositions into the fray. The Head and the Heart are experts at building a song up, slowly adding layers upon layers until all cylinders are firing. But they’re just as good as bringing it down, exposing not just the lyrics, but the sincerity and hope that fills each track, something that has endeared listeners since their self-titled first album was released last year. The Head and the Heart may not be the first of their kind, but they’re a good example of what it takes these days to stand out in a crowded field. ■
May 23, 2011 • 11
REBASING from page 8 “After talking about it for a while and seeing these kinds of proposals come in, we decided to not necessarily do as much of a confidential process and say, ‘It’s going to be more helpful in the end to just kind of get everything out there,’” Watrin said. Watrin said there were proposals that were longer than the current one, containing lists of things that were brought to the table but deemed too much for the public to handle. “Sometimes if you just even talk about a program being eliminated, what can happen is a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Watrin said. “Even if you just talk about a program being cut, it can destroy the department or the major, even if it doesn’t end up being cut. Then you have to end up cutting it anyways because it starts to fall apart.” The public document is titled, “Academic Affairs Rebasing Proposals Summary List” and can be found on the Office of the Provost’s webpage, listed under Academic Affairs Budget Information. The proposals within the document are presented by division and include short introductions regarding the specifics for each department addressed. The list of proposals continues to be conceptual until the final budget has been received from Olympia. “To be honest, I think there is some misinformation floating around out there causing some conflicts between students, faculty and administration because it seems like everyone has a little bit different information,” Watrin said. The proposed rebasing list has undoubtedly created a response from students, faculty and other members of the university, as many of them have noticed their respective departments may be up for elimination. Although there is not a set of formulaic criteria used to determine which programs may potentially be eliminated, there are several factors that are closely examined within each department. Watrin said that some of the considerations
PATRIOTS from page 9 see what they’ve experienced, because [veterans] have had much different experiences than the average college student.” Prior to studying at Western, Nicholls served in the U.S. Navy for more than six years. He spent two years living in Japan and was stationed in various locations in the surrounding area. He also served in Afghanistan and returned to the U.S. with his
include the number of students in a program, the cost of a program per student and whether there is an open faculty line. An open faculty line occurs when a faculty member retires and the university does not need to rehire for that position. For example, if a faculty member within a specialized program retires, the university may consider eliminating that program to resist hiring another faculty member. “This means we don’t have to fire someone, which is a priority. It’s easier to not fill a position than to have to fire someone,” Watrin said. Watrin said that the most outspoken feedback he has heard so far has been from students in the computer science program.
major found on the proposed elimination list, they face a more difficult situation than Smith’s. “They are in a really tough situation—do you try to hurry up and declare for that major, but then will the quality of the program decrease? Do you try to switch majors, switch universities?” Watrin said. “Those are probably some of the students that are going to be most affected by this change.” It’s not only students who will potentially be affected by these changes, however, but faculty and administration as well. Geoffrey Matthews, professor and chair of the computer science department, has been a part of Western’s computer science program for 26 years and may be facing relocation within the university.
“I think people need to try to stay informed the best they can and ask questions.” -Colin Watrin “They are one of the few areas that were specifically listed in those documents,” Watrin said. To computer science major Forrest Smith, the news of his department as a potential cut came as a shock. “In the first minutes of class one of my professors broke the news to us. He had just come from a meeting with the department head, the dean, the provost and others,” Smith said. “It was all still very [speculative] then, even more so than now, but it still left the whole class in silence.” Smith said that he was always good with computers. After taking an introductory computer science class his first quarter at Western, it really stuck with him, letting him know computer science was the way to go. Luckily, Smith is a declared major in the computer science program, which means the university has a legal obligation to him to be able to complete his major. The same goes for any other student currently enrolled in a major that may face elimination. For students who were planning to declare a
Matthews said he has been told that some of the computer science faculty will be relocated to the math department, and some may go to the engineering technology department. “A number of the faculty has told me that if this happens, they won’t stay,” Matthews said. “I would not enjoy just being a member of the math department. I’m a computer scientist and I would like to keep teaching that and doing research in that area.” Also found on the proposal list is the possible elimination of three majors within Huxley College of the Environment, two majors within Woodring College of Education and the staff positions within the provost’s office, between many other department examinations and merges. “I think people need to try to stay informed the best they can and ask questions,” Watrin said. “Keep in mind the larger perspective of the university and the quality Western is, and maintaining that in the future.” ■
squadron in 2007. He worked at Microsoft for a year before losing his job during the 2008 recession, when he then decided to further his education at Western. Nicholls said that next year as VOC coordinator, he wants to build a network of friends, spouses, family members or significant others deployed on duty. While there will be a workshop about coping with deployment during Patriot Week, Nicholls said
that he wanted to expand on that next year. “I’m trying to build a group of people who have spouses and significant others in military. I want to focus on that next year,” he said. ”I know there are at least a few [people who know veterans] here, and I’m sure there’s more. I think it would be interesting if they got together and started talking about their shared experiences.” ■
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COLUMN
The Om(nom)nivore’s Dilemma
College Budget Cooking
Gobi Aloo
T
Lindsay Kucera/ The AS Review
his past week, it was brought to my attention that I only have three Om(nom)nivore columns left, including this one. What a sad, sorry state of affairs! I wanted to make these last three columns extra special, so I’ve been trying to think of dishes I have never done before. One of my coworkers pointed out that I’ve never made any Indian food, so this is to make up for that. Gobi Aloo is roasted cauliflower and potatoes, with peas and curry spices. You can serve it with naan or pita bread for a great pocket sandwich. This recipe can be pretty spicy, but serve it with a cooling sauce like Greek yogurt and you’ve got something great for sunny spring days. Cost: $10 Makes: Five or six pocket sandwiches Super helpful hints: This recipe has a lot of spices that can be pretty expensive. Buy from the bulk spice containers, and only get what you’ll need. Also, be careful of the turmeric—once you’ve made the paste, don’t let any of it get on your clothes or on the counter, once it’s wet, the turmeric will stain everything yellow. Trust me. Ingredients: One head of cauliflower 2 large potatoes 2 medium tomatoes 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas 2-4 tablespoons olive oil One teaspoon cumin seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed ginger One teaspoon turmeric One teaspoon red chili powder One teaspoon coriander powder 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 2-3 tablespoons Greek yogurt Salt to taste Cilantro (optional) Naan or pita bread
BLUE HORSE from page 10 night event, I was sure that there’s times when the chairs are utilized. From my observations, I was definitely the youngest there. Other than an older couple sitting and murmuring at a table, there was little old me pacing through the gallery. I can see the appeal for an older generation—those who may truly appreciate the art and wine—but the stillness of the
Lindsay Kucera/ The AS Review
Directions: Wash and chop the cauliflower into bite-sized chunks, toss with one or two tablespoons of the olive oil until coated and spread flat on a foil-lined baking sheet. Peel, rinse and chop the potatoes so they are about the same size as the cauliflower, coat with olive oil and put on another baking sheet (or the same, if it all fits). Sprinkle both lightly with salt. Heat the oven to 425 F and roast the veggies for 30 minutes, or until there is a nice crispy crust on the potatoes and cauliflower. In a small microwaveable bowl, cook the peas for about two minutes. Roughly
chop the tomatoes. In a skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil and then add the cumin seeds and let them cook for about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, garam masala and a little salt. Turn the mixture down to medium heat, cover the pan and let the mixture cook down, between 10 and 15 minutes. Add a tablespoon or so of water to thin out the paste. Remove the pan from the heat and gently add the yogurt. Put the pan back on low heat—do NOT overcook this mixture or the yogurt will curdle. Add in the veggies and mix well. Heat the naan or pita for a few seconds to soften it, then spread some of the yogurt on the bread and then add the Gobi Aloo. I also added cilantro to counter the spice. ■
gallery really made for a perfect study spot. I almost wish I had known about this place earlier. To the left there was a small, cozy space for seating and dining. Black, round tables with flickering tea-light candles and bar stools were spaced sporadically. A small wooden stage with a microphone stand and piano sat in the corner. The ambiance set the perfect scene for a first date. The gallery hosts a variety of events, all of which
transform the simple space into a tango and swing dance studio or a space for poetry readings, concerts and much more. A small bar and café are situated in the back, where customers can indulge themselves in fine wines, espresso or delectable sandwiches and other food. The prices are a little steep, but it is the perfect getaway from a crowded Starbucks, a Woods Coffee shop or a loud and obnoxious bar. ■
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TUESDAY may 24 DECA Field Day Volume 26 Number 29 • May 23, 2011
NEWS
5 OUTBACK FARM PAVILION REBUILD Utilizing the outdoors for learning.
8 MUCH ADO ABOUT THE BUDGET
Reductions and eliminations are on the table. EVENTS
4 SKETCH COMEDY ABOUT SEX You Would!
6 CONDOM FASHION SHOW
Promoting safe sex for people of all identities.
8 THE HEAD AND THE HEART
ASP Pop Music free concert.
9 PATRIOT WEEK
Event series devoted to those who serve. REVIEWS
10 THE BLUE HORSE GALLERY
Food, wine and art, all in one place. COLUMNS
12 NOMS NOT BOMBS
Gobi Aloo! ... Gesundheit.
2 p.m., lawn outside Communications Facility Free A field day for Western students and faculty with fun activities including inflatable toys, a waterballoon toss, sumo wrestling, three-legged races and more. Winners will get prizes. The field day will serve as the starting point for the Associated Students Parade. This is an opportunity for students to network with other students in a fun and interactive environment.
Capture The Rainbow Flag
7-9 p.m., meet in Viking Union 462 B Free They’ve planted a flag! It’s a queer takeover of Boulevard Park. Actually, it’s just a game of capture the rainbow flag at Boulevard Park. Be prepared to run around and have fun. You’re going to want to bring water bottles.
You Would!: The Sex Episode
8 p.m. (doors at 7:30), Arntzen Hall 100 Free You Would! is KVIK television’s sketch comedy show. Dead Parrots Society will also perform. More information is at kvik.as.wwu.edu.
WEDNESDAY may 25 Label Jars, Not People 3 p.m., VU 565 Free
COVER
Ridin’ Low in the 3-6-0 during Back 2 Bellingham, presented by MEChA, an Associated Students Ethnic Student Center club. Photo by Daniel Berman/ The AS Review.
Making your life better, one page at a time.
An information forum followed by a rally to support the nationwide campaign “Spread the Word to End the Word,” which stresses the importance of extinguishing the word “retarded” from our everyday language. The event will have speakers to share their thoughts and feelings about the topic. We will make signs to support the cause and march to Red Square to make a stand against oppressive language.
Finding Feminism: Eco-feminism 7 p.m., Bond Hall 105 Free
This discussion of the concept of eco-feminism examines womanhood and nature and how the two relate to each other. The event is also a learning experience for the facilitators, so come and let’s learn together. Bring questions, ideas or just yourself. Everyone is welcome.
The Head and The Heart (with guests) 8 p.m., Performing Arts Center Concert Hall Sold out
A free AS Producations Pop Music show featuring The Head and The Heart! The folk stylings of this six-piece, Seattle-based band have captured the heads and hearts of fans around the Northwest and the rest of the country. Check them out at www.myspace.com/theheadandtheheart. Performing in an opening show in the PAC plaza will be Wheedle’s Groove, along with the winner and runner-up from the Underground Coffeehouse Battle of the Bands: The Cat From Hue and Lamppost Revival.
You Would!: The Sex Episode
8 p.m. (doors at 7:30), Arntzen 100 Free
THURSDAY may 26 The Future of Energy Panel
6-7:30 p.m., Academic West 204 Free A panel of industry professionals who will discuss what is going to happen with the future of energy, including what forms of energy will become the most prevalent in the future and how feasible relying on renewable energy sources will be.
Condom Fashion Show
7 p.m., VU Multipurpose Room $3 Western students with ID, $5 general admission In the second annual Condom Fashion Show, models will walk down the runway in condomaccentuated outfits to celebrate safe sex between people of all identities. There will also be
May 23, 2011 • 3
performances. The event is sponsored by the AS Sexual Awareness Center, VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood and the Vagina Club.
MONDAY may 30
Waiting For Superman
Take a day off and commemorate members of our military who have died in service to our country.
7 p.m. & 9 p.m., VU 552 Free
MEMORIAL DAY - NO SCHOOL
taoofjournalism.com
Ever wondered why some schools perform so poorly? Ever had teachers that seemed to not care about their students? “Waiting For Superman” explores the education system in the United States.
Editor in Chief Evan Marczynski
Assistant Editor Lindsay Kucera
Events Editor Olena Rypich
Lead Photographer Daniel Berman
FRI. may 27
Staff Writers Chelsea Asplund Matt Crowley Jordyn Kehle Kirsten O’Brien
Photographer Joe Rudko
Pilipino Cultural Night: “PAGKAKAISA: Together as One”
Adviser Jeff Bates
6 p.m. (doors at 5:30), VU MPR $5 students with ID and NWFASA members, $8 general admission
Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, Wash. 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online: asreview.as.wwu.edu @theasreview facebook.com/theasreview
Western’s Filipino American Student Association’s third annual Pilipino Cultural Night, titled “PAGKAKAISA: Together as One,” is an event that showcases the Filipino culture through various performances.
©2011. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS Board of Directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear. Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Hip-Hop to Help
9:30 p.m. (doors at 9), Boundary Bay beer garden $5 admission, (no minors) This show will feature local hip-hop artists My Dad Bruce, Bloodshot, The Bad Tenants, DJ Einstein and DJ Idlhnds. Hip-Hop to Help is the senior project of Gabriel Ghirardini, aka DJ Idlhnds, graduating in June from Fairhaven College. Proceeds go toward Amy’s Place for Youth.
Accuracy Aide Alex Bacon
Letters: We also welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary. Calendar/Ads: We don’t sell ad space. Sorry. Email the Events Editor at as.pr@wwu.edu to have an event listed in the calendar.
Michael Murphree/ AS Publicity Center
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LETTER
DINING HALL “FIESTA DINNER” As a student at Western, a member of the dorm community who dines daily at the university dining halls and a dining hall employee, I feel I should bring to light a situation that occurred recently at the dining halls. May 5 was meant to be the annual “Fiesta Dinner” at the university dining halls. I was excited for the special dinner. The food may not be incredible, but the experience is worth looking forward to. Unfortunately, this was not the case. No dinner was set up, no workers in costumes, no decorations, no punch, although there at least was Mexican food. Later, I read on the Viking Commons bulletin board why the event had been cancelled. The club MEChA thought the dinner was a stereotype of Mexicans and Mexican culture, and a resolution was made that in the future there will be no more Mexican-themed dinners in dining halls. No doubt the dinner could be misconstrued as offensive, but in my mind this issue could easily have been remedied to allow a celebration of Mexican culture. MEChA’s response was over the top. What about the Italian-themed dinner or the Mardi Gras dinner? I grew up in Louisiana, and I absolutely enjoy the dining hall’s effort to allow students the opportunity to participate in something out of the norm. I understand that MEChA had their reasons, and I would like to applaud University Dining Services for their cooperation with a student group. However, I think a better compromise could have been made, one in which both parties could have profited. In the end, the only message that has been sent, it seems, is that one can only hope to celebrate a culture if one is a part of it. Sean Guynes Sophomore (edited for length) The AS Review serves as a public forum for students to have their voices heard. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary. You can email letters to as.review@wwu.edu, or drop them off in the AS Publicity Center in Viking Union 411. Opinions in letters are not necessarily shared by the staff.
EVENT
SEX! And other stuff KVIK’s “You Would!” sketch comedy spring show
Matt Crowley/ The AS Review
Those looking for some
end-of-the-quarter excitement will be happy to hear that “You Would!,” Western’s own sketch comedy show, will premiere it’s sex-themed episode Tuesday, May 24. The show starts at 8 p.m. in Arntzen 100, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. As always, admission is free. The group of 25 to 30 producers, directors, actors and other volunteers have been working on the sex episode since the end of last quarter, when planning typically begins for each new installment. After the writers meet and decide on a number of possible themes, it’s up to executive producer Riley Adamson to decide which one has the most potential, not only for laughs but for the number of sketches. Adamson, along with assistant executive producer Mary Wakefield, are tasked with organizing the “You Would!” crew throughout the quarter. At the beginning of each quarter, after the theme has been announced, the team begins developing sketches, pulling anything and everything they can out of the theme to try and find the golden nuggets of comedy that lie within. Once the sketches have been reviewed and the best ones decided upon, Wakefield and Adamson divide up the duties, before auditions and filming begins. “You Would!” typically
Gilbert Van Citters/ AS Publicity Center
utilizes both live and filmed sketches in their performances.
YOU WOULD! continues on page 7
May 23, 2011 • 5
NEWS
PHOTO: The Outback Farm utilizes a number of structures, such as this amphitheater, for classes, workshops and other various activites.
Daniel Berman/ The AS Review
Outback Farm seeks new pavilion Proposal to build outdoor learning space nearly complete Jordyn Kehle/ The AS Review
Over the past year, students and faculty have
been developing plans for a new Outback Farm pavilion to provide stability and a safe learning environment. Now that the Outback’s proposal for a new pavilion to replace the current one is nearly complete, construction could potentially start this summer, and the pavilion may be ready for use beginning fall quarter. The Outback is a joint program of Fairhaven College and the Associated Students that maintains five acres of land between the south end of Fairhaven College and the Buchanan Towers residence hall. The Outback is entirely coordinated and maintained by students in an effort to teach sustainable growing and land use methods to other students, faculty and the Bellingham community. Outback Coordinator Roby Ventres-Pake said that the Outback is a demonstration site and student area to practice small-scale sustainable agriculture. “It’s a space for students to learn, classes to use
and for projects to happen,” Ventres-Pake said. The current Outback pavilion serves as a learning space for various classes and workshops to meet. Roger Gilman, the dean of Fairhaven College and academic supervisor of the Outback, said the pavilion was built entirely by students and made out of leftover materials. “It was never constructed with the idea of being a long-term outdoor classroom shelter,” Gilman said. The current pavilion poses potential minor danger to students utilizing the space because of its unstable foundation and weak framing, according to the proposal submitted by Outback coordinators to the AS Board of Directors last quarter. The idea for a new pavilion was proposed about a year ago by several student members of the Outback, as well as faculty. The plan was then discussed and voted on by the student governing council for the Outback, and subsequently developed with expert input from architects and
supervisors of Western’s Facilities Management as well as city of Bellingham building code inspectors. Facilities Management is the university department that plans, develops, maintains and operates Western’s facilities and grounds. “The structure that they are proposing has open sides and a big roof that allows for classes to meet and work parties to organize and workshops to hold events, even when it is drizzly, misty or rainy,” Gilman said. “It extends the use of the Outback in general into different kinds of weathers and extends the season for which students can work out there and research.” After submitting a request for a new pavilion to AS Vice President of Business and Operations Ben Brockman last quarter, the Outback submitted the proposal to the AS board for funding. However, the proposal was not accepted by the AS board members at the time. “The motion did not pass because we felt that the estimate we got was not completely accurate,” Brockman said. “We also found out that Facilities Management gave us an estimate for the project that greatly exceeded what a private contractor gave us.” The original proposal from the Outback was a funding request not to exceed $25,000. Although the project estimate proposed last quarter was only slightly over $20,000, only $3,000 was bid for labor from an outside contractor. Brockman said that Facilities Management charges significantly more for the same service. Since construction of the pavilion must go through Facilities Management, the AS board found the estimate for labor to be inaccurate. After the AS board did not pass the proposal last quarter, the Outback submitted a revised proposal this quarter. “This quarter, we authorized the proposal and put it out to bid for materials,” Brockman said. At this point in the proposal process, the Outback has received design approval from Facilities Management and has recently sent out the request for materials for the lowest bid. Ventres-Pake said that someone outside the university will provide materials while Facilities Management works out a construction estimate how much they will charge to put the pavilion up.
OUTBACK continues on page 11
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EVENT
PHOTO: A close-up on an outfit designed and modeled by Ashley Lynes during a dress rehearsal for the second annual Condom Fashion Show.
Joe Rudko/ The AS Review
A different way to wear a condom The second annual Condom Fashion Show Chelsea Asplund/ The AS Review
Most fashion runways consist of a long,
elevated catwalk where models flawlessly strut the season’s latest styles. This week, a fashion show of similar nature will take place at Western, but models will strut a different look: latex condoms. The second annual Condom Fashion Show will be held on Thursday, May 26 in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room at 7 p.m. The show is coordinated by the Associated Students Sexual Awareness Center. Tickets, available at the box office in the Performing Arts Center, are $3 for students and $5 for the general public. SAC Coordinator Shawna Leader assisted in planning last year’s event as an intern, but went fullthrottle this year as coordinator. She said the process began as soon as she joined the office.
“What I saw last year and this year is that it’s a great way to get involved with our office,” she said. “People get to design outfits, model in them and perform. They get to be involved with our office and get to know it better as a resource.” The event consists of a fashion show with performances from the Salsa Club, Glee Club and two employees of the AS Resource and Outreach Programs. A silent auction will be held during the show, and attendees can bid on gift packages, including a backpack, Boundary Bay shirts, SAC sweaters and gift cards for local businesses. After covering production costs, proceeds from the event will go to Evergreen AIDS Foundation and Planned Parenthood. “We get to spread a message about safe sex and
celebrating all identities as well as sustainability,” Leader said. “All of that is through outfits made of expired condoms.” Around 11,000 condoms were purchased from the California-based condom manufacturer IBI Synergy, and a few thousand extras were donated by Evergreen and Planned Parenthood. Each designer in the show was given 800 condoms to use. While logistical planning began in the fall, during winter quarter there was an open call for designers. Participants had until early May to complete their looks, which they then had to reveal in a preview show. Designers were given free range for their creations, with the only requirement being no indecency or nudity. Leader said designers commonly take already made clothes, such as dresses, swimsuit tops or skirts, and attach the condoms to them. “I like that it really celebrates the creativity of the different awesome people we have on campus,” she said. “It gives people the opportunity to express their creativity in a fun, different way you don’t always get to see.” Senior Royce Andrews was the SAC assistant coordinator last year. As Andrews watched videos of condom fashion shows done at universities in Oregon, she was instantly inspired. “Right away, I was on board. Looking at the pictures and the videos, I thought it was such a positive spin on condoms,” she said. Andrews is participating this year as a model, a very different role from her job as emcee last year. She said she is excited to participate in a different way, especially for an event that has fun with condoms, which are sometimes too taboo to be openly mentioned. “This event really gets rid of that and makes it into a celebration of safe sex and all identities and that positive body image,” Andrews said. “All shapes and sizes are on stage in all types of outfits, and by the end of the event everyone in the audience will look at condoms as something normal. That’s the kind of dialogue we need to make about safe sex and condoms.” ■
May 23, 2011 • 7
PHOTOS Daniel Berman/ The AS Review
BACK 2 B’HAM: EndFair and Ridin’ Low in the 3-6-0
(Clockwise from left) Lisa Dank performs at EndFair in the Fairhaven Auditorium; A row of cars during the 11th annual Ridin’ Low in the 3-6-0 show, presented by MEChA, an Associated Students Ethnic Student Center club; Mirrors reflect off one of the cars in the Ridin’ Low show.
YOU WOULD! from page 4 “If there’s anything really different [about this quarter’s show], it’s that we have more sketches this time around, more [short] sketches, which I think is good,” said Adamson. “We also have more sketches that cross over from video sketches to live sketches, which I think is really cool. It’s something we’ve toyed around with before but we’re going for it this time.” Adamson admits that while the sketches are fully scripted, it’s up to the individual directors to decide how much room they want to leave for improvisation. The planning process and even the show are not immune to disaster, however: last year’s technology-
themed show saw a number of frustrating sound problems. But for Wakefield, the biggest problems come long before show time, ranging anywhere from getting participants’ schedules aligned to finding the right location for a shoot. “As a producer, the horrible technical scheduling duties fall on me … getting everyone and everything to work can be really difficult and really frustrating,” she said. “But even then it’s something I like doing, so it’s not necessarily a crisis.” Both Wakefield and Adamson have been with “You Would!” for more than a year: Wakefield joined last year and Adamson the year before. While both admit that they don’t have extensive backgrounds in theatre or comedy, the joy of working on such a fulfilling project is enough to
keep them coming back each quarter. “I think the best part is just getting to work with all these unique, super-talented people,” said Wakefield. “Every quarter we have different people trying out for acting, we have different people stepping up to work as directors, and editors and camera people, and getting to experience that creativity in one space, especially for someone who is not creative in this way, is really exciting.” But as rewarding as the process may be, it’s the finished project that makes it all worthwhile. “There’s always a great feeling of excitement for a live show,” said Wakefield. “Things could go awry really easily … that’s the thrill of a live show.” ■ More information on KVIK television can be found online at kvik.as.wwu.edu
8 • asreview.as.wwu.edu
EVENT • REVIEW
NEWS
Western’s “rebasing”
Latest budget plan outlines potential cuts and reductions Jordyn Kehle/ The AS Review
With a struggling economy and 30 years
of steadily declining state support for public universities, Western will see a dramatically different financial landscape than it has generally been accustomed to. When the final 2011-2013 Washington State Operating Budget is passed, Western will have experienced a 50 percent cut from state funding in less than three years. Although the final budget has not yet been received from Olympia, Western has engaged in developing a clear plan for the university’s future in preparation for the major budget cut predictions. According to President Bruce Shepard in a letter addressed to the Planning Unit Leaders committee, there are two choices for the planning process. “We can continue to stretch and erode all of our programs in an inexorable march toward mediocrity, or we can rethink and rebase our university in a way that will protect and strengthen the excellence of our core mission and allow Western to remain an outstanding academic institution in the future,” Shepard wrote. According to Shepard’s letter, he wants to make it clear that he is fully committed to the second option. In choosing the second planning option, Western has embarked in a rebasing process of the university’s programs and departments. According to Shepard’s letter, “rebasing” is another way of describing the difficult and perhaps painful program reductions, eliminations and mergers that the university will have to consider. On April 28, every dean, chair and director of each department on campus met and discussed possible rebasing within their respective programs as well as the university as a whole. The following weekend, the president, provost, deans and vice presidents gathered a final list of potential options and released it to the public on May 4. Associated Students President Colin Watrin has been a consultant throughout parts of the rebasing proposal process.
REBASING continues on page 11
Kyle Johnson/ Courtesy of Sub Pop Records
The Head and The Heart
Seattle-based indie band to play May 25 free show in the PAC
T
Matt Crowley/ The AS Review
he feeling of disappointment after the cancellation of Gogol Bordello’s April 22 show at Western was certainly palpable. After all, when it was announced along with The Tallest Man on Earth show that played the same weekend, it seemed almost too good to be true. Well, the Associated Students Productions has suspended disbelief once again, announcing a free (Yes, free!) show on Wednesday, May 25 at the Performing Arts Center featuring Seattle favorites The Head and the Heart, along with a preshow with soul group Wheedle’s Groove, Underground Coffeehouse Battle of the Bands winner The Cat From Hue and runner-up Lamppost Revival. For those of you just finding out about this: sorry, all the tickets have already been snatched up. But for those who managed to snag one, here is what you can expect. Featuring a cast of mostly transplants to the city of Seattle, The Head and the Heart have become
darlings of the Seattle music scene, loved by listeners young and old. In a music scene where the words “local” and “loyalty” mean just as much as the music itself (Blue Scholars, Modest Mouse, etc.) one can only hope the love fest continues. When Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes announced recently that he was moving to Portland, both the Seattle Weekly and The Stranger wrote what Pecknold described (via the Fleet Foxes Twitter) as “joke-y, belittling articles,” and said that “being a local press punching bag is one reason I moved.” In the comments section of the Seattle Weekly blog post showcasing Pecknold’s tweet, after readers called Pecknold “thin-skinned” and a “whiny POS” (I’m sure you can figure that one out yourself.), while another reader, in more or less words, asked, “Why aren’t we talking about The Head and the Heart?”
HEAD + HEART continues on page 10
May 23, 2011 • 9
ATTENTION STUDENTS, BE IN THE KNOW!
The Associated Students Board of Directors is currently discussing the scope and direction of budget cuts to student-funded programs, events and services. If you want to be part of the debate, or just listen in, come to the next board meeting Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. in Viking Union 567. More information can found at gov.as.wwu.edu.
EVENT
Patriot Week
Event series devoted to students and others who serve our country
PHOTOS Daniel Berman/ The AS Review Kirsten O’Brien/ The AS Review
Memorial Day weekend seems to signify
(Top) Western senior Adam Koron practices jumping and parkour moves outside of the Fairhaven Dining Hall; An overhead view of the crowd awaiting the outdoor screening of “TRON” Thursday, May 19.
the beginning of summer. Classes are winding down, the weather is (hopefully) warming up, and summer break is that much closer. The holiday has a deeper meaning though, and the Associated Students Veterans Outreach Center is in the middle of hosting Patriot Week from May 21-26 to remind people of student veterans and others who continue to protect and serve the country. Paul Nicholls, a VOC work-study student and next year’s VOC coordinator, said that there are a variety of events that will take place during Patriot Week, which began on Saturday, May 21 with a hike at the Oyster Dome, located off Chuckanut Drive. On May 22, there was also a brick-cleaning event at the veterans cemetery on King Street. On Monday, May 23, volunteers will be at Vendors Row from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. selling baked goods, and later that evening, the PBS documentary “Operation Homecoming” will be shown from 6 to 9 p.m. in Viking Union 552. The film focuses on troops’ experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is based on writings submitted by soldiers, Marines and airmen. The events continue with a social luncheon on Tuesday, May 24 from 12 to 3 p.m. in VU 464, as well as a “Coping with Deployment” workshop for family, friends or significant others of deployed service members. On Wednesday, May 25, there will be a fitness challenge on the upper field located behind the Chemistry and Biology buildings. Patriot Week will conclude on Thursday, May 26 with a Memorial Day barbeque in the Performing Arts Center plaza from 12 to 4 p.m. The events are open to everyone, and Nicholls encourages non-veteran students to attend. He said that Patriot Week is a way for non-veteran students to become more familiar with those who have served. “I think it gets rid of some of the stereotypes about vets,” he said. “You see these older, non-traditional students in class and you get an opportunity to interact with them and see what they’re about and
PATRIOTS continues on page 11