Volume 97, Issue 13

24 January 2013 Volume 97 Issue 13

MISSIONS WEEK 15

12

SPOTLIGHT

14

23

2

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Muthersbaugh HEAD LAYOUT EDITOR Ricky Barbosa

2

INTRODUCTION

HEAD COPY EDITOR Cedric Thiel HEAD PHOTO EDITOR Josh McKinney

Emily Muthersbaugh

CONTENT DIRECTOR Philip Duclos

NEWS EDITOR Jaclyn Archer

Editor-in-Chief

RELIGION EDITORS Rob Folkenberg Nick Ham COLUMNIST Rebecca Brothers CREATIVE WRITING EDITOR Kayla Albrecht OPINION EDITORS Elliott Berger Grant Gustavsen FEATURE EDITORS Braden Anderson Elizabeth Jones James Mayne Christian Robins CULTURE EDITOR Grant Perdew DIVERSIONS EDITOR Eric Weber TRAVEL EDITOR Megan Cleveland HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITOR Karl Wallenkampf

On Monday, I had the opportunity to join a panel of leaders in faith communities to discuss the progress of the civil rights movement and the engagement in modern challenges in our own communities. During the discussion, the moderator asked what this generation does well. When I look at my peers, I see individuals who want to care: I see people who want to feel alive and deeply passionate about what they do and how they live their lives. This can be both good and bad. On one hand, it means that when we actually go out and do things, we bring

much purpose, drive, and care. However, it also means that, unless we feel deeply passionate about things, we often choose not participate, succumbing to apathy instead.

During this week of mission emphasis, we honor student missionaries and learn more about volunteering at home and abroad. It seems in recent years that student mission involvement has declined for a few reasons, one of these relating to a lack of or unfocused passion for mission and service abroad. People want to be passionate about how they

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Spencer Cutting FOOD EDITOR Amy Alderman SPORTS EDITORS Trevor Boyson Tye Forshee

spend a year, but it can be hard to be passionate about a place you have never visited, about people you have never met, and about jobs you have never done.

It is important to make conscious decisions to pursue a life that may be more full and more fulfilling. Go find what it is that you care about. If you are dissatisfied and don’t know what you want, staying in the same place, having the same conversations, and doing the same weekend activities will not expedite the process to finding what it W is that you want. Reading about places or per C thinking about going somewhere cannotFolke replace insight gained in actual experience.Kong This is why I encourage students who are un-presid certain about being student missionaries toJan. 3 make the decision to go. One never knows Fo how unlikely the places are where they willof Tr Uppe discover their passion. vious in Fl Chin Taiw Ac ily, w Chin

M

THE HEEL EDITOR Julian Weller STAFF WRITERS Amy Alderman Casey Bartlett Hilary Nieland Annie Palumbo Daniel Peverini LAYOUT DESIGNERS Allison Berger Alix Harris Greg Khng Cory Sutton COPY EDITORS Amy Alderman Rebecca Brothers Carly Leggitt Ryan Robinson DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Alex Wickward OFFICE MANAGER Heather Eva SPONSOR Don Hepker EDITORIAL BOARD Braden Anderson Jaclyn Archer Elliott Berger Philip Duclos Rob Folkenberg Grant Gustavsen Elizabeth Jones James Mayne Emily Muthersbaugh Christian Robins Julian Weller AD SALES MANAGER Brenda Negoescu aswwu.ads@wallawalla.edu

Photo by Arella Aung

Context

3–7

News ASWWU/Admin Week in Review Week in Forecast

Photo by kuma2

Perspective Scholars Abroad Column Creative Writing Religion Opinion Snapshots

8–13

Photo by Amber Aqui

Feature 14–17

Missions Week Spotlight

Photo by Flickr user puroticorico

Life 18–24

Culture Diversions Health & Wellness Foodie Sports Travel

If you are interested in contributing to The Collegian, contact our page editors or the editor-in-chief at aswwu.collegian@wallawalla.edu. The Collegian is boosted by regularly incorporating a wide range of student perspectives.

Cover Photo Credit: Ricky Barbosa, Kate Gref, Arella Aung, Flickr user puroticorico The Collegian is the official publication of ASWWU. Its views and opinions are not necessarily the official stance of Walla Walla University or its administration, faculty, staff, or students. Questions, letters, and comments can be mailed to aswwu.collegian@wallawalla.edu or emily.muthersbaugh@wallawalla.edu. This issue was completed at 2:20 a.m. on 24 January 2013.

The Collegian | Volume 97, Issue 12 | 204 S. College Avenue | College Place, WA 99324 | collegian.wallawalla.edu

NEWS

Robert Folkenberg to Serve as Chinese Union President Hilary Nieland Staff Writer

WWU Board of Trustees member and Upper Columbia Conference President, Robert Folkenberg has accepted a position in Hong Kong, China, to serve as the Chinese Union president. He and his wife will be leaving Jan. 30 and will begin work immediately.

Folkenberg has been on the WWU Board of Trustees since 2009 when he became the Upper Columbia Conference president. Previously, Folkenberg pastored for several years in Florida, served as a field secretary for the Chinese Union Mission, and served as the Taiwan Conference president.

According to Folkenberg, he and his family, who all speak Mandarin after living in China for nine years, felt that they were fin-

ished with their work in Asia. After returning to the United States, they spent eight years in Washington until he was recently offered the position as the Chinese Union president.

He states that the decision was difficult, but comparing himself to Jonah, he stated that if he did not accept the offer, he would be ignoring God’s will for him.

Folkenberg’s wife, Audrey, will work as the development director and prayer ministries coordinator for the union. The Folkenbergs have three children: Rob, Randy, and Katie. Rob and Randy are current students of WWU, and Katie is a student at Upper Columbia Academy. Folkenberg states that his children will remain in the United States for school and will visit his wife and him in China during breaks.

Folkenberg noted several difficulties he will contend with during his time as the Chinese Union president, most notably the separation from his children. Also, the Chinese

Union encompasses all of China and its 1.3 billion inhabitants; therefore, the amount of outreach needed is immense. He is, however, excited about the challenges. Though he feels he does not have the skills necessary to fulfill what God wants him to do in China, Folkenberg fully believes that “God equips those he calls.” He wants students to recognize that, “No matter what our profession, God has a calling for us and we need to be willing to go anywhere to fulfill that calling.”

To fill Folkenberg’s position as Upper Columbia Conference president and WWU Board of Trustees member, the conference nominating and executive committees met in a joint session to elect a new president.

Pastor Paul Hoover, the current vice president for administration of the Georgia– Cumberland Conference has been nominated; however, he has not yet accepted or declined the offer.

Media Mondays Return to WWU Caitlin Stoodley Contributing Writer

Media Mondays will be returning to Walla Walla University this quarter, giving students a chance to interact with professionals in media fields. The talks will take place Mondays from 12:15–12:45 p.m. in CTC 129. Lunch will not be provided, but Jerry Hartman, associate professor of film, television, and culture, said people are welcome to bring their own.

Hartman said Media Mondays are designed for any students who are interested in media and want to come.

Hartman, who is also one of the presenters, started Media Mondays last year after attending a conference in which they talked about the importance educational opportunities outside the classroom. Media Mondays provide a way the department can track things students may be interested in learning, such as cutting-edge technology or other topics not discussed as part of the curriculum. Each presentation will

be followed by a question-and-answer period.

“It’s very open, and you feel very comfortable asking questions,” said Dustin Witzel, sophomore industrial design, who helped Hartman organize Media Mondays.

Heather Moor, a recent graduate of the communications and languages department, has already given the first talk entitled “One Year Out: What to Expect,” which discussed the issues facing recent communications graduates. Jeffery Townsend, a production designer who’s worked in Hollywood on films such as Sleepless in Seattle and The Fabulous Baker Boys, will speak next Monday about cinema literacy.

On Feb. 4, Jason Daub, a film professional and graduate of Walla Walla University, will deliver a talk is entitled “I Don’t Have to Take This Abuse From You: I’ve Got Hundreds of People Dying to Abuse Me.” Daub has done a variety of film work in the Las Vegas area, and he is listed on the Internet Movie Database as the assistant editor on the film Between

Us. Says Hartman, “[Daub] is an example of someone who’s done the freelance route, which isn’t the easiest to do.”

Kristen Taylor, associate dean of women and alumna of the communications department, will speak on Feb. 11 about her experience organizing students to attend the SONscreen Film Festival this year.

SONscreen is a Christian film festival created by the North American Division of Seventhday Adventists.

Jason Satterlund, another graduate of the WWU communications department, will also be featured. Satterlund manages his own production company, Big Puddle Films, located in Portland, Ore. Some presentations will be delivered over Skype. “We have the technology,” says Hartman, “We can still learn from people even if they’re not here.” Media Mondays will take place from now until the Monday before dead week.

CONTEXT

BY THE

3

NUMBERS

90

KNOTS

Wind speed at the Antarctic site over which a plane went down.

35

Number of people killed in a funeral bombing in Iraq on Wednesday, with an additional 117 wounded.

200

MILES

Distance walked by four-yearold Holly, an indoor house cat, in two months to get home.

5,000 YEARS

Time until Betelgeuse collides with a cosmic “wall.”

4

CONTEXT

ADMIN

SENATE UPDATE

Faculty Senate

Purpose

Faculty senate allows the faculty to have significant influence in the governance of the institution. It makes recommendations to the administration on academic matters. All policies that have to do with academics have been passed through faculty senate.

New Business

Typical Meeting

P.L. 79 — ­ Kaci Crook for Photo Editor Assistant P.L. 80 — ­ Concurrent Position — Allison Berger G.L. 18 — ­ Kiana Myers for Campus Life Committee* G.L. 19­— Karly Joseph for Americans With Disabilities Act* *These students are being nominated for representative positions on these committees.

Responsibility of a Senator

Each senator represents a particular department and therefore brings the perspective of his or her respective department.

Goals & Current Issues

Old Business F.L. 14 — ­ Atlas ShopKeep Cash Register F.L. 16 — ­ Packages for SMs and ACA Students G.L. 17 — ­ Governing Documents Table of Contents P.L. 74 — ­ Alix Harris for ASWWU Designer P.L. 75 — ­ Concurrent Position — Alix Harris

A typical meeting involves reviewing the minutes from previous meetings, then delving into whatever issues are at hand.

Usually, issues are read twice. The first time is to consider it; then, if necessary, senators can report back to their department. The second time, the senate votes on the issue.

Responsibility of the Chair

The chair of faculty senate ensures that meetings flow smoothly and represents the faculty on the president’s cabinet.

The senate’s current goal is to conclude the process of reviewing the university’s policy concerning the shared governance system and to propose several important revisions to the administration.

Another issue is the creation of a policy that would impose guidelines on professors who wish to require self-published materials for their courses. This would prevent professors from profiting from materials that do not meet a certain level of quality.

P.L. 76 — ­ Chelsea Moon for Fundraising Team P.L. 77 — ­ Jon Anderson for Assistant to the MVP P.L. 78 — ­ Alec Thompson for Atlas Assistant Key: F.L. | Financial Legislation G.L. | Governance Legislation P.L. | Personnel Legislation

Candidacies Declared District 2: Sittner South — Randy Folkenberg District 3: Meske/Married — Alec North District 7: Hallmark/Faculty Court/ University-Owned Housing — Jacob Giem

Why Students Should Care

What faculty senate decides directly affects students, as each program’s curriculum has gone through faculty senate.

Members SHIRLEY ANDERSON Health & P.E. AUSTIN ARCHER Chair KELLIE BOND English CHERIS CURRENT Social Work/Sociology BOB CUSHMAN VP for Academic Administration TOM EKKENS Vice Chair TOM EMMERSON Art CAROLYN GASKELL Library Science TERRELL GOTTSCHALL History & Philosophy JEAN-PAUL GRIMAUD Communications & Languages ROB HOLM Technology LINDA IVY Education & Psychology TRUDY KLEIN Nursing

FRED LIEBRAND Physics DOUGLAS LOGAN Engineering JOSEFER MONTES Business ANTHONY SMITH Chemistry DAVE THOMAS Theology KARIN THOMPSON Music KEN WIGGINS

Math & Computer Science

SCOTT LIGMAN Assoc. VP of Academic Administration JOE GALUSHA Assoc. VP of Graduate Studies DAVID BULLOCK Governance Handbook Chair JOHN McVAY President CAROLYN DENNEY Registrar GREG DODDS Master Planning Committee Chair STEVE ROSE VP for Financial Administration

Casey Bartlett Staff Writer

We often see the Walla Walla city buses driving down College Avenue without giving them a second thought. Although little may be known about Valley Transit, it is a viable and inexpensive form of transportation through College Place and Walla Walla.

There are a few things to note before embarking on a public transport adventure: Buses pass through about every 30 minutes; the exact times are posted at the bus stops.

The fare is $0.50 per trip. The drivers will not have change, so make sure to have the exact amount.

Twenty-trip booklets are available for $10 at the transfer station in downtown Walla Walla, where all the buses go at some point in their route. Also available at that location are monthly passes which allow for unlimited trips during a calendar month for $20, but cost only $10 with a current student ID.

approach the stop. A great feature of Valley Transit is the ability to transfer buses at no charge. If a certain bus route does not go to a desired location, a transfer slip will be given upon request that allows the passenger to change buses for free at any point where the routes intersect. Just as buses will stop at any reasonable location to pick up passengers, they will also stop at any reasonable location to drop off passengers. Inside the bus there is a pull cord; pulling it indicates to the driver that a passenger wants to disembark. A block-and-a-half warning is recommended.

Maps indicating the various route loops the buses take are available at valleytransit. com.

With eight different routes stretching in all directions from downtown, there is scarcely a place in Walla Walla that cannot be reached by bus. Stops ranging from Walmart to Walla Walla Community College are available, and even the Walla Walla Airport upon request. From north to south, ranging from the Safeway and Applebee’s parking lot (across the street from Blue Palm) all the way to the State Penitentiary, the routes cover the area and pass many restaurants and stores along the way.

“A great feature of Valley Transit is the ability to transfer buses for free.”

A great feature of Valley Transit is the ability to transfer buses for free. It is best to go to one of the bus stops to wait, but the bus drivers will stop at any reasonable location if flagged down in time. Buses will only stop if there are people waiting, so it is advantageous to flag them down as they

The Valley Transit bus is a fun experience and a valuable resource which can take passengers where they need to go, or lead them to new, undiscovered places.

Inauguration 2013 Annie Palumbo Staff Writer

On Jan. 21, 2013, President Barack Obama’s ceremonial inauguration took place. At noon EST, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential

oath of office to President Obama before a crowd of more than 700,000 people. Clips and articles about the inauguration can be found at politico.com.

OPEN

The Red-and-Green Bus

ASWWU POSITIONS:

NEWS

CONTEXT

ASWWU TV Manager ASWWU Webmaster Collegian Opinion Editor

5

AN

6

CONTEXT

WEEK IN

REVIEW Photo by Ivan Cruz

Week of Worship Second Service Matt Randall

19 January ASWWU Spiritual Vice President Matt Randall spoke for Second Service at the University Church, concluding ASWWU’s Week of Worship on Abiding Service.

Photo

by KaiVillarreal Kopitzke Photo

by Logan

Photo by Flickr User Dipfan

Presidential Inauguration

Missions Week Began

20 January

23 January

President Barack Obama was sworn into his second term of office. On Monday he delivered a 15-minute second inaugural address on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

The Student Missions office invited students to stop by the globe on the Kretschmar lawn to pray for our student missionaries. Camp directors and representatives also had booths set up in the caf for employment opportunities this summer.

Photo by Ivan Cruz

Mega Tournament 19 January This massive tournament was held in the WEC by ASWWU. It included activities such as racquetball, badminton, minute to win it, an amazing race, a rope climb, and splash for cash.

Photo by Ivan Cruz

MLK Jr. Day Charles Joseph

22 January Dr. Charles Joseph presented a talk for CommUnity entitled “My March with Martin Luther King Jr.” in the University Church. Later, he participated in a panel discussion on civil rights. Dr. Joseph participated in several protest marches and was acquainted with many civil rights activists during the 1960s.

CONTEXT

7

WEEK IN

FORECAST Photo by Arella Aung

Photo by Kai Kopitzke

Photo by sxc.hu user syncprodz

Thursday | 24 JAN

Friday |

Around the World

Vespers: Student Missions

Honor Band Concert

RailJam

7 p.m.

The Atlas

8 p.m.

University Church

4 p.m.

University Church

8 p.m.

Front of SAC

45° 36°

r h Music Department a 7:30 p.m. seph University Church

Saturday |

25 JAN 46° 34°

26 JAN 45° 27°

Saturday (cont.)

Faculty Voice Recital: Jeremy Irland

Concert

7:30 p.m.

FAC

ghts

Photo by stevenspooner.com

Sunday |

27 JAN 41° 25°

Chamber Series Piano Recital: Steven Spooner 7:30 p.m.

FAC

Photo by Joshua McKinnney

Monday |

28 JAN 36° 27°

National Kazoo Day

Photo by Alex Barcelo

Tuesday |

29 JAN 41° 25°

CommUnity: Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton 11 a.m.

University Church

Q&A with Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton 7 p.m.

Village Hall

byMcKinney Greg Khng Photo byPhoto Joshua

Wednesday |

30 JAN

46° 37°

National Inane Answering Message Day

8

PERSPECTIVE

SCHOLARS ABROAD

Value in Dust Mackenzie Thompson Bangladesh

The only thing I could see were her eyes as we passed each other on that busy street in Dhaka. Horns blared and rickshaw bells called to warn passersby of their rushed pace, and our eyes met for a few seconds.

Although her eyes were the same color as the black muslin scarf covering her face and head, they were pools of wonderment, desire, and questions she dared not voice.

As I ventured a smile in her direction, the woman quickly averted her eyes out of respect and cultural conditioning, and she brushed past my shoulder as I made my way up the street.

Glancing over my shoulder at her retreating figure, I felt pain and a sense

of extreme inequality pass over me. We were supposed to be the same. We are both women, about the same age, and walking the same street on top of the same substance of which God made us: dust. We are all dust — equal. And yet here I stand, without a black scarf to cover my face: I am free. Free to drive a car, to love whom I choose, and to exist in this world as an individual who has the power of choice. She does as well, but not without repercussions from her cultural background. She lives, as many do, in fear — fear of rejection and disappointment.

Fear had diminished the value of her existence. Her eyes told me this much.

Service is deeper and more personal than signing up for service days or flying across oceans to live among other people.

Service is giving life to the value of which that person was made, value which was breathed into us in the beginning.

The black-scarved woman never looked back, just down, clutching her grocery bag tightly between fingers. I too turned and walked on, with eyes now filled with wonderment and awe. He who has breathed life, value, into me has given me a great gift and responsibility: to bring the light of value to the eyes of this world through the reflection of Jesus in my words, my actions, and my eyes. Oh, how great is a God who is gracious enough to love me and extend His love through my dust-filled skin to the eyes of this world, for it is in His eyes alone that value is fully manifested and freely given.

Photo by Mackenzie Thompson

Gaining Altitude Justin Mock Spain

During my Christmas break, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to several countries in Europe, an experience that I haven’t had before. These countries included Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. With this agenda, I got to see everything from the amazing architecture of Italy’s Florence, Rome, and Venice to the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. Since I can’t tell you everything in these few hundred words, I want to share with you a specific experience I had.

After spending some time looking at the tower from the ground, our next thought was this: Should we go to the top? At the ticket window, we discovered that a ticket was 15 euros, pretty pricey for a tower, and enough to buy two meals. Although I hated the idea of giving up 15 euros, I knew that this opportunity might not present itself again. After some group discussion, we handed over the money and got the tickets.

been worth it. It wasn’t that I saw anything particularly special from the top, but there was something exhilarating about getting up above the rest of the world, feeling the breeze and sunshine, and simply taking in the view.

This event inspired me, and during the rest of my vacation, I stayed on the lookout for other towers and lofty places that provided a good viewpoint. We climbed Giotto’s Tower in Florence the very next day, and a couple of weeks later I was able to ski in the shadow of Switzerland’s Matterhorn — an incredible view. These experiences were thrilling, and the panoramas gave me insight into the environment that surrounded me. I could see streets I had walked, sights I had visited, and also new ways of reaching destinations that I hadn’t noticed before. These experiences proved to me that sometimes it costs 15 euros and a tiring walk up old steps to gain a new perspective on life and the world around me, and although it wasn’t free, I found out that the view from the top of a tower is rarely disappointing.

“Sometimes it costs 15 euros and a tiring walk up old steps to gain a new perspective on life.”

Photo by Justin Mock

Throughout the first week of the break, I was in Italy with my brother, Austin, who came from home to visit me, as well as my cousin Shelby and my friend Ryan, both students with me in Sagunto, Spain. We took one day out of our schedule to travel to Pisa to see the leaning tower, and before we knew it, we were there on the green lawn, staring up at the famous landmark, its white stone reflecting in the sunshine.

Following a short talk about its origin, history, and tendency to lean, the tower was ours to climb. We climbed for a couple of long minutes up some fairly slanted steps, and finally we emerged at the top, breathing heavily. That’s when I knew that, at least for me, the money had

COLUMN & CREATIVE WRITING

Thanks a Lot, Persephone Rebecca Brothers Columnist There is nothing like winter to make me want to travel back in time and give the ancient Greeks a piece of my mind. The whole season is their fault, after all, if the story of Persephone and Hades is to be believed. You’d think a girl could resist eating four pomegranate seeds, especially if each seed’s price was a month’s vacation in the Underworld.

If she’d been tempted by four chocolate truffles, or four homemade enchiladas, or four bites of the hazelnut cake with mascarpone and orange zest I just saw on Pinterest, then I could understand. But four pomegranate seeds?

Good grief. No wonder feminism took four thousand years to recover.

realizing that proper sleep, diet, and exercise at least won’t make the situation worse. Second, we will seek professional opinions if and when we need them, realizing that counseling services are free and there to help. Third, if all else fails, we will be open to a quarter-long field trip, realizing that Delta is offering round-trip flights between Pasco and Nassau for $457 and could probably be haggled down if we have a group of eight or more.

On the bright side of winter, of course, there are things like cross-country skiing, furry boots, and the fact that if you’re grocery shopping before class and you run short on time, you can just leave your refrigerated items in the car and they’ll be fine for the next few hours.

There’s also ice skating, which I’m taking as my last P.E. credit. In only two class sessions, I’ve learned so many useful things — for example, entrusting my life to quarterinch-wide pieces of steel occasionally pays off; the easiest way to stop is to crash into a wall; and Canadians apparently start skating in utero . I also have a new definition of fear: being parked at the short end of the rink and being told to skate all the way across, alone, with no wall, no rail, nothing to hold on to. I’m convinced that if King David had had any skating experience, Psalm 23 would have ditched the “valley of the shadow of death” metaphor in favor of “slippery plain of doom.” Now there’s a bit of ancient literature I could get behind.

“You’d think a girl could resist eating four pomegranate seeds.”

As a result of this perfidious snack, we’re stuck with four months (or more, depending on where you live) of gray skies, relentless fog, and cold so piercing that no amount of hot soup and Snuggies can assuage it. The worst part of it, if you’re like me, is that you spend most of the season going through the vicious cycle of feeling happy one minute (usually coinciding with the day’s minute of direct sunlight), curling up in a dark corner and weeping for the next hour, and dragging through the rest of the day feeling numb and restless. On the bright side, this is a big enough campus that there’s bound to be a number of us going through the same thing, so I’d like to propose a pact: First, we will live as healthfully as we can,

PERSPECTIVE

Be a Team

Chelsea Stewart Contributing Writer

“We could be a team,” she announced, patting her companion on the back. “Like, I could be the hero and you could be my sidekick.”

In the tall grass, cicadas sang and frogs groaned. Somewhere in the orchards, a meadowlark warbled its favorite tune.

The girl thought over her own suggestion carefully. “Or, maybe you could be the hero and I’ll be the sidekick. I don’t know yet. We’ll have to discuss it.”

She gave another pat. The wind breathed restlessly through the garden where she and her cohort were wandering, but in the stifling heat it gave no relief. Today belonged to the sun, and the sun would be sure to bake every corner of the tiny side town in the middle of Nevada. Once winter came, then the wind would rule. Until then, the sun would have its way.

“You know,” the girl continued, oblivious to the whims of nature around her, “We’re partners now, so we discuss things.

That means it’s important. So we’ll discuss it and then we’ll decide who’s the hero and who’s the sidekick.”

“I think we’d be good heroes, don’t you?” she said thoughtfully.

Her little fingers picked at the hem of her dress, tugging at the worn fabric. After only a few moments of relative quiet, in which the cicadas reigned supreme, she added her own melody to the mix, humming a nonsensical tune that she made up as she went along. Her partner’s ears perked to the sound of her voice.

It was one of those timeless moments, the kind in which everything stands still, yet doesn’t at all, and even the simplicity of a child can fall in utter awe at the wonder of life itself. A girl and her best friend, the family dog, resting in the quiet beauty of a summer day.

“Yeah, we’d be real good heroes.”

9

10

PERSPECTIVE

RELIGION

Interview With Matt Randall

Question Who is God?

Response

put on a concert for Valentine’s Day, and do a lot of other stuff that’s pretty sweet.

Rob Folkenberg

An inevitably impossible question to truly answer: For example, how would you explain the color red to a blind person? The impossibility of explaining who God is leads many to abandon the question all together. Or it leads them to answer the question in a personal and experiential, yet wholly emotional, way, rendering the answer somewhat inconclusive. It does no informative service to anyone to say that God is your best friend, for this is merely a description of your own feelings.

Perhaps, though, the question can be understood differently. When we ask who someone is, we are not inquiring after his essence, his emotions, or how people feel about him. We are asking what he does, or possibly what he is like. If someone asks you who Barack Obama is, you do not answer, “He is a man whose general popularity is not as high as it once was but he seems to be happily married with two children.” While this information is true, for someone who does not know who Barack Obama is, the information is practically useless and is not clarifying. We cannot truly answer because we do not know Barack Obama. However, we know enough to clarify who he is: He is the president of the United States. There is too much we do not know about God to truly answer the question, but, through Jesus and Scripture, we know enough to clarify who he is: God is the Creator, King, and Savior of the world.

— Casey Bartlett

Have a good question? Email robert.folkenberg@wallawalla.edu.

REAL QUESTIONS

Religion Editor

Rob: You spoke in church, and I was very blessed. You talked about how, to serve effectively, we need to be connected to God. What would you encourage someone to do who wanted to have a relationship with Jesus so they could be an effective servant?

This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Matt Randall, ASWWU spiritual vice president, and chatting about Abiding Service, this year’s 40-day challenge, and growing closer to Jesus.

Just a few minutes with Matt and you know you’re not talking to an average guy. This dude really loves Jesus. He really loves people, and he’s passionate about serving.

Rob: You’ve been spearheading the planning for 40 days. How did you come up with this year’s 40-days theme?

Matt: The 40-days theme was born out of this year’s WoW topic, Abiding Service.

And when I was running for ASWWU spiritual vice president, I thought that I wanted to have the 40 days be about service. There’s so much energy at Walla Walla, but I felt that there could be so much more done with the energy that I see. This school can do a lot service-wise because people get pumped about things.

People get amped!

Photo by Ivan Cruz Poster Design by Greg Khng

Rob: When you ran for spiritual vice president last year, you talked about doing work with the homeless here in Walla Walla. What has happened with that?

Matt: The first step we’re taking is in a couple of weeks. After CommUnity, we’re going to have an assembly line for “Ready-to-Go Bags.” There will be all these really cool items, like a toothbrush, socks, hand warmers, etc. Pretty much what we’ll put in these bags will help a homeless person live more comfortably for 24–48 hours; some of the stuff will last longer than that. We’re going to have an assembly line outside the Caf with stuff to make about 300 bags. People will take a bag on one side and go down the line as fast as they can, stuffing the bags and putting them at the end. Then, we’re going to hand these bags out at vespers that week, and people can take them. If you want to have one of these in your car,

when you see a homeless person, you can just give it to them.

Rob: What are some service opportunities over the 40 days?

Matt: Volunteering at the Christian Aid Center is one. Also, at most CommUnities there will be tables where people can sign up right there and get involved. Heather Ruiz, for instance, is doing a community outreach down at Eagle Meadows, and every time someone has a birthday, they go down there and sing the elderly person “Happy Birthday.” And they’re going to

Matt: Take time out of your day. Set it aside just for you and God. You know, go somewhere private if you need to, if you can, read your Bible, and pray. Ask for the Holy Spirit to lead you as you read the Bible; ask God to help you. If you’re having a hard time with a desire to have worship, ask for that desire, and God will give it to you. Ask, and you shall receive in that regard. I feel like God wants to have a relationship with us, and I tell you, there’s something so supernatural about the Word of God. In 2 Timothy, it says that all Scripture is God-breathed; it’s the breath of God. And there are times when I’ve sat down and read my Bible, and it’s like it’s magic. It totally changes my attitude and outlook on life. It’s different than reading anything else. It’s not just a book — it’s inspired, it’s Holy, it’s God-breathed. And when we spend time dwelling on those holy Words, it changes your heart, it changes your mind, it changes how you look at the world around you. I encourage you to start by reading just a chapter a day. Pray before and after and kind of during, and just ask God to lead you and draw you closer through His word. Become buds with the King and Commander of the universe!

I think people should ask God how they can be used. It’s so cool that everybody is different, and everybody can be used in a different way. God is the creator of creativity — it’s so rad. He’s such a creative genius. He gives us the creativity we have. And He makes us different, with such unique talents and gifts. He gave you those things, so ask God how He can use those.

OPINION

PERSPECTIVE

Short-Term Mission Trips

Elliott Berger

Opinion Editor

Welcome to Missions Week at Walla Walla University! You may see frantic students rushing the Missions office, desperately filling out their applications in time for the early deadline at the end of this month. I admit to being one of these students. I have yet to cash in my longawaited time as a student missionary, but I would like to share what I think some of the benefits are of taking the time off to serve.

I once had a conversation with Jean-Paul Grimaud on the subject of cold showers.

“Shock your body!” he said. It’s good for the body to be startled and to experience something new; it keeps life fresh and allows for growth. I can’t think of a better way to shock your body than to drop it off in a new country with a completely strange culture. It gives an opportunity to understand life from a new viewpoint.

“An opportunity to understand When you travel abroad for any reason, life from a new you are bound to return having learned something you never knew before. I spent viewpoint.” half a month in Namibia’s piece of the Kalahari Desert, and it blew my mind open to the idea that people in such a remote place could be so similar to me. Traveling gives you an opportunity to open your mind to the extraordinary and to experience something new and beneficial.

Serving as a missionary will allow you to share. Those of you who have not read Emily Star Wilkens’ African Rice Heart should pick a copy up as soon as you put The Collegian down. I found the book

incredibly easy to relate to as Wilkens talks through her days serving of in a remote part of Chad, Africa. The book remodeled for me the idea of serving.

Wilkens may not have known what she was supposed to do or how she was helping the people there, yet it became clear that simply deciding to serve was a way of expressing her love for humanity and her desire to share in God’s love for people.

Serving as a missionary can change not only the lives of the people you help, but may also change your own viewpoint.

Seeing life from someone else’s eyes can foster understanding, and long-term service allows for the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and to share in the life experience of being human and growing in God’s love. A wonderful gift, since when things grow, they tend to affect their surroundings.

Lip-syncing at inauguration Beyoncé and Obama accused.

California burglar caught using sauna.

Hot pursuit?

Childhood obesity rates climbing in China.

Soon they’ll be over the wall.

Study shows NYC doing better than LA at eliminating childhood obesity.

LA is closer to China.

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Shock Your Body

For more information on shortterm mission trip opportunities, call the Student Missions office at (509) 527-2010 or send an email to student.missions@wallawalla.edu.

=

Walla Walla University, as well as other church organizations, offers many opportunities for students to serve short term, whether traveling around the globe or staying right here in the valley. This year, Student Missions’ spring break mission trips will be traveling to Belize and Peru; there

Some mission trips may not even require you to leave your home. When I was younger, my family participated in a program called “Children of Chernobyl,” hosting a Belarusian child for a six-week health respite. Vitali came from an area in Belarus that was greatly affected by the radiation fallout of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant meltdown in the late 1980s.

The radiation caused Vitali and other children in his area to have stunted growth, as well as a host of other health problems.

The program sent these children to the U.S. and other areas for six-week respites to get clean air, water, and food, and to clear the

In the six weeks that Vitali was here, he grew one and a half inches. But the physical benefits that Vitali got while he was here was not the biggest impact we made: When he went home, we sent him with money, clothes, toys, and a Russian–English Bible.

When we heard from his family, it wasn’t about the toys or clothes or even the money that we heard about, but the Bible. They told us that every day they would come in early from working in their garden to read their Bible. It was great to know that we were able to make such a huge impact on someone’s life, all while bringing the mission work to our home, rather than traveling to the mission work.

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Many students have the great opportunity of serving all through the year for long periods of time, often for many years. However, an even greater number of students — due to time constraints, academic schedules, and money concerns — are unable to serve for such extended periods of time. For these students, shortterm mission trips are a much more realistic and feasible option for making an impact on people’s lives around the world.

radiation out of their systems.

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Opinion Editor

COLLEGIAN WISDOM

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Grant Gustavsen

will also be trips to India and Thailand just before school starts again in the fall. Over Presidents Day weekend, the Chaplain’s Office will be hosting a trip to Portland to serve the poor and homeless. Occasionally on Saturdays, Volunteer Ministries goes to downtown Walla Walla to serve in a variety of ways, including random acts of kindness.

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McDonalds: Add bacon to any burger: 49 cents.

C

Congress turns down petition to build Death Star.

Obesity for life: Priceless.

“This isn’t the petition response you’re looking for.”

@gregkhng

SNAPSHOTS

Photo by Kai Kopitzke

Photo by Arella Aung

@gfp6302

Photo by Kate Gref

@kuma2006

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#thecollegian Submit your pictures to us via Instagram by tagging #thecollegian.

Photo by Ivan Cruz

Photo by Kate Gref

SNAPSHOTS get cultured.

Show us what Abiding Service means to you and see how others are interacting with our community.

Submit your pictures to us via Instagram by tagging #40dayswwu.

@kay_laa_loo_s

#40dayswwu

13

Wear a Ski Hat. Get 10% off.

Jan 24-Jan 29 1417 Plaza Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362

@Rands20

1

@3urotrash

@natygray

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40 DAYS OF SERVICE $60,000

Friend is a Verb Nick Ham

Religion Editor

Weekly, students from Walla Walla University head to Davis Elementary to volunteer time. The Friends program is a longstanding piece of Davis and is an experience for elementary students there. Essentially, it’s an opportunity for university students like us to impact the lives of local elementary students. It’s definitely a mutually beneficial program for everyone involved.

In the past, some students have gone above and beyond the expectations of the program. Courtney Crook, a master’s student here at WWU, went all out in mentoring Julia two years ago. Crook opted for the community option; this requires a more in-depth background check and allows participants to spend time with a student from Davis outside of school hours. Crook en-

joyed her time with the program and developed a good relationship with Julia’s mom, saying that “hanging out with Julia was the highlight of my week.” The possibilities are endless, and these two just never stopped.

Crook described making a bowl of cookie dough and ending up in a bit of cookie dough–slinging fest, with dough “all over the kitchen — everywhere.” They painted a picture to put in Julia’s room, made ridiculous home videos, had popcorn-filled movie nights, and even went ice skating.

They would go to WWU plays and make a point of meeting all the actors and taking pictures. Courtney put together a birthday scavenger hunt for Julia as well, and she closed our conversation by saying, “It was a blast; I loved it. I would think, ‘I’m so busy, I don’t have time for Julia this week,’ but it would always turn out to be a much-needed break. Julia was such a little ball of energy and light.” Their relationship inspires me to become more involved at Davis. I hope it moves you as well.

The minimum, which many volunteers exceed, is to spend just 45 minutes of lunch time or playground time each week with a student. Besides the Friends program, there is also volunteering in the classrooms.

Teachers can become swamped trying to keep their students on the same page; however, students that excel should be encouraged, and the same could be said for students lagging behind. Davis needs undergraduate students that can tutor math and other subjects during the day to help facilitate a better education for the students in our town.

It’s easy to join in — all you need to do is email Julie Nordgren at julie.nordgren@ wallawalla.edu, or you can walk over to Davis Elementary, right across the street from Kellogg Hall, during the day and ask for information about the Friends program at the front desk. It’s the perfect opportunity to be involved in 40 days of service.

Local Organizations Reaching Children His Kids in Action

Provides mentoring and programs for children from low-income or at-risk families.

Contact: Noe Ortiz | (360) 481-8699 or Lance Downing | (740) 507-1905 hiskidsinaction@gmail.com

Friends of Children of Walla Walla

Connects children in local schools with weekly mentors.

Contact: Julie Nordgren | (509) 527-4745

Children’s Museum

Seeks to educate children by planning engaging exhibits.

Contact: Shayla Reese | (509) 526-7529 | shayla_reese@hotmail.com

qeriajkfasdkasfdkjl $15,000

Children’s Home Society of Washington

Provides mentoring and tutoring for children at the farm labor camp.

Contact: Mariela Rosas | (509) 529-2130 | marielar@chs-wa.org

Tammy’s Robotics Team

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ission Mo ambique z Fundr aising Progress

Mentors children in the farm labor camp using Lego robotics to educate them.

Contact: Tammy Randolph | (509) 527-2940

Blue Mountain Valley-Mission Native American Church

Provides mentoring and a church program for Native American children.

Contact: Pastor Matt Lombard | (509) 540-1188 |jmlombard@hotmail.com

HOW TO B E C O M E A N

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: SM

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WEEK SPOTLIGHT

1

Walk into the Student Missions office on College Avenue, across the street from the U-Shop. This is the first and most important step. Even if you are only mildly interested in student missions, coming in to visit with the staff in the SM office will allow you to get information about the missions program.

Once here, the rest will be explained to you.

2

application

Start your SM application. When you visit the SM office, you will be directed to an online contact form and given an SM folder with the things you need to complete before you can be accepted. You will also need to go to the Student Missions webpage (Life at WWU>Student Missions tab at wallawalla.edu) and fill out the online forms you will need to complete before reserving a call. Sign in with your WWU username and password.

3

Talk to former student missionaries, explore the call book in the SM office, and do some research online.

After you have started the application, think about where you would like to spend your SM year. By contacting returned student missionaries through the SM office, you can learn more about places you are interested in going.

5 $

$

$

Send out fundraising letters. Finding the money for a missions year (students are asked to raise $3,400) can seem daunting, but the SM office will help connect you with the resources you need.

4 Register for Paul Dybdahl’s class, Intro to CrossCultural Ministry (RELM 233, offered spring quarter) or complete the online Preparations for Missions class.

Once you have a couple of ideas about where you would like to go and have completed most of the application, set up an appointment with Missions Director Jeanne Vories. She will give you input about where you would like to go will set up a call for you. You will then be approved by the WWU Screening Committee, by the North American Division, and by the General Conference.

6

Learn as much as you can about the culture where you will spend your year. Learn about your future job and work with the SM director to purchase your itinerary and apply for your visa.

Leave! Your paperwork is finished. Your money is raised.

Your plane ticket has been purchased. You know your destination.

7

8

Ask a Student Missionary What has surprised you most about being a student missionary?

What has helped you overcome these challenges?

The amount of people here in Phnom Penh was definitely one of the biggest surprises. Traffic here puts traffic in Southern California or New York City to shame. You can’t forget about the classroom, of course: There’s no way to ever predict what 24 third through eighth graders are going to do. Every day is a surprise. — A.D.

Saying that I have overcome my challenges here would be a lie. Every day is a challenge. Putting my trust in God completely is what keeps me doing what I do, day after day. — A.D.

How fast you get adapted to the culture and how much more you depend on God — you learn that, without all the comforting resources you have at home, the only thing to get you out of many troubles is God. There is nowhere you could go when you’re having a bad day while teaching: You can’t run out of the class to cry, and there is no special entertainment to “get things off your mind” for a while. For every single thing, your only choice is to come to God, and it is an awesome only choice. — C.O. The fact that I don’t always feel like a missionary — once the adjustment period is over, life gets comfortable, and even easy. There have been days where I’ve wondered what I’m doing here and if I’m making a difference at all. — K.P. What is challenging about being a student missionary?

Not seeing the effects of my hard work and knowing that I might never see the effects. I just have to trust that God is working through me. — A.D. Realizing that your friends’ and family members’ lives don’t stop while you’re away; you miss some stuff and have to catch up when you return. — K.H. Stress — being a college student seems so simple now. Props to all the teachers out there, because teaching is hard. It is challenging to work with kids whose main language is not English, and also trying to teach children whose brains just never process simple information because of the huge nutrition problem in this place. It seems like working in the classroom is often like fighting a losing battle, but giving up is not an option. — C.O.

Taking a dip in the ocean. — S.K.

Talking to people more experienced than me. — T.L. A positive perspective is incredibly vital, and there is nothing as encouraging as having my students run up while screaming how much they love me. I am learning to become excited over things that normally wouldn’t excite me and to take even the most uncomfortable of situations and try to take something away from them. — A.A. Turning to God for everything. — K.P. Where have you seen God working in your experience there?

Earlier this week, we had a celebration for the school paying off its land. They have been working toward paying off the land for quite some time, and seeing all the money come in was an answer to so many prayers of the school. — A.D. I’ve seen God in my students. As they are open to sharing their experiences, I’ve been open to sharing mine. In these intimate moments, God has helped me to encourage His people. Everyone has a story, it’s just a matter of listening. — A.W. I have several children who have just progressed a lot. I had a student who came in and was put into fourth grade, knowing nothing but her ABCs. She had never been to school before. And now, with tutoring and a lot of hard work, I

would say she is almost at the third-grade level. I also have two kids who are supposed to be in sixth grade, but have failed fourth grade twice. Again, I know it has been God, because I believe this year they are finally passing to fifth grade. — C.O. The kids’ joyous laughter, a hug or compliment for a passing student, and in my nearness to nature. He’s everywhere.

— K.P. Why did you want to be a student missionary?

I not only wanted to go on an adventure, but I also wanted to serve God on that adventure. — K.H. Growing up, I always had this burning desire in me to serve. I realized from a young age all of the ways that God had blessed my own life, and I have always wanted to give back and to pay it forward. — A.A. I wanted to take a time out from my life and take a chance on God. I wanted to see where God would lead. — A.W. I might have had selfish reasons to come, but in the end, God showed me that He can use even my selfish reasons to make something out of me. — C.O. I didn’t have a major picked, and I really needed to find some purpose in my life. — K.P. What do you miss the most about home?

I miss understanding what’s going on.

Sometimes my students will be laughing hysterically about something, but it’s in Khmer (the local language), and I have no idea what’s going on. I want to share in their laughter, but it’s so hard when you have no idea what’s so funny. — A.D.

Responses courtesy of present and past Student Missionaries: Alex Drury (A.D.)

Katie Palumbo (K.P.)

Amber Aqui (A.A.)

Kelsey Hebard (K.H.)

Anna Webberley (A.W.) Cynthia Ochoa (C.O.)

Savannah Kisling (S.K.) Tracy Lidar (T.L.)

Food — it is so easy to be healthy back home, and here it is something we struggle with a bit. — C.O. I really miss Friday-night vespers in Walla Walla, smooth roads, and my friends. — K.P. What is the purpose of a student missionary for you?

To share God with the people you encounter, and to serve God by filling a need. — K.H. To give of yourself, to serve those you intend to serve, to shake up the world, and to tell others about Jesus’ love, but also to grow spiritually in ways you never could have imagined. — A.A. To lead people to God through little and big avenues. — A.W. Everyone’s purpose as an SM is different; for me, I think it’s just a chance to experience something bigger than myself, a chance to try to live out God’s desire for us — service in whatever way it manifests itself. — K.P. Why does the world still need student missionaries?

The world still needs student missionaries for multiple reasons. First, since we are from the western world, we have a greater education. We have a lot to teach, and we can assist the people we choose to serve. Another reason is that the missionaries themselves need it. Without a little perspective, our society would be selfcentered and rude to anyone who needs our help. I know that since I have been here, I have gained a massive appreciation for the way that culture exists in the U.S. — S.K. So many people in this world have never heard of Jesus, or they don’t understand who He is. The Bible tells us to go out and “spread the good news.” That is exactly what being a SM is all about. — A.D. The world is not perfect, but a student missionary can sure make someone’s world more cheerful. SMs have the ability to reach kids in a way the full-time staff and their parents can’t. — K.P.

Student Missions Map

17

Open positions for student missionaries Active missionaries present, open positions for next year North America:

• Honduras

Africa:

Asia:

South Pacific:

• Palau

• California:

• Nicaragua

• Benin

• Bangladesh:

• Australia:

• Pohnpei:

South America:

• Cameroon

Nathan Werner • Idaho: Mike Morauske Rachael Jones Michael Kort • Most states

Central America: • Belize: Rachael Coon Karli Fredrickson Kelsi Wheeler • Costa Rica: Karalee Rhuman

• Brazil • Guyana • Peru: Robbie Hill

Europe: • Denmark • Ireland • Poland: Chase Olson • Russia: Adam Schilt • Spain:

Rachel Liem

Athena Smith

Bianca Lopez

Anna Webberley

• Ecuador

• Ukraine

• Chad • Egypt: Mary Aparicio Jeff Sloop

Mackenzie Thompson • Cambodia: Amber Aqui • India

Justin Walker

Bryanna Clay

• Chuuk

Joran Boyer

• Ebeye

Tracey Lidar

• Fiji:

Ryan Elssmann

• Indonesia

Savannah Kisling

Michelle Morgan

• Ethiopia

• Laos

Mishayla Brown

Kenneth Johnson

• Guinea

• Malaysia

• Guam

Kaitlynn Taggart

• Kenya:

• Nepal

• Kosrae

Cole Hayton

Katie Palumbo

• Philippines

• Majuro:

Chris Kubo

Tanzi Lampert

• South Korea (Degree Required)

Talmia Ebenezar

• Saipan

• Thailand:

Peter Garcilazo

• Yap:

Austin Short

• Malawi: Trenton Fisher Michael Wilkinson • Tanzania

Briana Chapman

Leroy Manning

Joanna Cowles

Chelsea Hardesty

Kyle Rice

Cora Farnsworth

Eli Zamora

Melissa Dyer

Cynthia Ochoa

Kendall Heinrich

• Turkey

18

LIFE

CULTURE

Cultivated Classics LOCAL FOCALYO Grant Perdew Culture Editor

Growing up, I’m assuming you went to a school of some sort. And if you are currently attending college/university, I would also assume that you are able to read; you spent countless hours completing book reports.

Many books have monopolized school reading lists for decades. You may not have realized it then, but they were some pretty phenomenal books; that’s why we read them. This last year, I’ve spent a lot of time reading and rereading many of these classics that are not only enlightening and fascinating reads, but are also still relevant to our everyday lives. Many of these literary wonders are still on my to-read list, so my compadre Sidney Krall delightfully contributed some critiques.

ally having it, and that one true friend is worth infinitely more than a multitude of acquaintances. Set in the Jazz Age of roaring ’20s, the mysterious Gatsby hosts the best parties, but his downfall soon begins as we realize that the world is only using him for his wealth and he will never be with the woman he loves. The young narrator, Nick Carraway, is witness to the glitz that ultimately reflects emptiness, not success.

Brave New World Aldous Huxley, 1932 A bleak, chilling look at the future, this novel has made the most controversial book lists many times over the years. When it was released, it was banned in several countries not only because of its explicit content, but also because Huxley’s vision of the future was so hated.

The book’s dystopian landscape has provoked readers’ thoughts for decades, and it continues to make waves today.

The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger, 1951* What do two days in the life of a 1949 American teenager look like? Most of us really hate school, but Holden really hates school. Already failing the majority of his classes, he decides to skip the last few days of the It’s mission week on campus, so I’ve compiled a few semester and live a couple ditties to inspire, influence, and energize you, whether days on his own. These you’re traveling and serving abroad or doing awesome

The Great Gatsby F.S. Fitzgerald, 1925 A critique of the American dream, we learn that the wanting of something is better than actu-

TRAVEL TUNES deeds for the people of WWU.

Jonsi

Experimental

“Go Do” The solo album of the Sigur Rós frontman encourages us to get out and do things. This entire album is motivating and inspirational; instead of sitting about watching time pass, we should stand up, climb that mountain, and change the world.

Earthlight Books

A perfect place to pick up a marvelous read, this family-owned and -operated full-service bookstore has been filling the literary needs of the Walla Walla Valley since 1973. At the center of the beautiful downtown scene, Earthlight Books is an ideal spot to lose yourself amongst the well-cultivated stacks and accumulation of paperback paragons. Not only do they sell merchandise through their storefront, but they have a full internet shop and even a book-mobile that travels to festivals and fairs. Check out Earthlight and unleash your imagination!

Open: Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

adventures lead him into the most precarious situations. With a dash of undisputed profanity, unorthodox health practices, phonies, and booze hounds, Holden’s story is the perfect paradigm of a catalyst for rebellion.

On the Road Jack Kerouac, 1957 This tale of wandering the country, taking what you can get, has helped us to experience the sacred institution of just going. Through the eyes of the narrator, the reader is transported all over the U.S. as the young “hipsters of the ‘50s” encounter jazz, poetry, and certain stimulating substances. After reading it, you will never complain about a long drive again, but you may also take up hitchhiking, so be careful.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Ken Kesey, 1962* This book contains one of my favorite literary characters. Randle Patrick McMurphy is the new guy on the ward of this Oregon psychiatric hospital, and he’s a Alternative Your Friend, brash, bullPeter Giles headed, “The Traveler” hilarious Youth Lagoon’s Trevor Powers womanizer, warbles of world exploration and gambling the trek of life that we wander his way upon. Accompanied by spectacular piano and fervent to victory cello, the early project of the Boise native is quite

at every turn. He has a way with words and does whatever he can to make his fellow crazies happy. Meanwhile, the big nurse runs a tight ship and makes sure her boys keep the polished act flowing as smooth as McMurphy’s diction. Narrated by Chief Bromden, an observant and fake-deaf Native American, this novel is full of laughter, full of metaphors that will blow your mind, and full of crazy.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Robert M. Pirsig, 1974* One of the greatest books on philosophy, this is the story of a former university professor and his son’s 17-day motorcycle journey from Minnesota to California. During the trip, he tackles philosophical Chautauquas, deep metaphysical digging, and the uncovering of his nearly erased memory of life before electroshock therapy after his earlier mental breakdown. We learn about quality, the differences between romantic-minded individuals and the classic-minded folks who tend to think more logically than their in-the-moment counterparts.

Note, these are not the top classic books.

There are hundreds of others that should be on this list; these are only a few of the greats.

Have fun expanding your mental library! *Review by Sidney Krall

electrifying.

Emilíana Torrini

Alternative

“Jungle Drum” She performed the haunting “Gollum’s Song” on the credits of The Two Towers, but this time the Icelandic singer pops an irresistible chorus that features some totally unexpected scatting.

The track is even the theme song for the government of Iceland’s official tourism campaign.

Adventure Club/ Yuna

Dubstep

“Lullabies” The Canadian dubstep group is known for remixing surprising artists like Brand New, The Temper Trap, and now Yuna. It’s true that these musicians really do take us on an adventure as they serenade us with mind-blowing melodies and brilliant bass wub-wubs.

John Powell

Soundtrack

“Coming Back Around” Composer Powell received an Oscar nomination for his glorious work on this score for How To Train Your Dragon, and he also created some of the most electrifying, uplifting themes of today. A triumphant leitmotif leads us back home from our adventures, whether they involve dragons or not.

DIVERSIONS

LIFE

19

ASKED FOR IT I Want a Baby LYOU The Advice You Need to Hear Dear Eric, This week, I met a guy. We first got together yesterday at the fairgrounds, and we had a fun time just walking around in the cold. He was attractive, really nice; we exchanged compliments and made plans to watch a movie that night. That night, after I was done with my other events, I thought we were going to hang out. I waited, texted, and called. No reply. I was stood up. I felt like Harry Styles after Taylor Swift dumped him. He texted me today saying that he got called into work. What should I do? Do I forgive him? Kick him to the curb?

— Stood-Up Styles Dear Stood-Up Styles, Unless he works at a nuclear power plant or a prison, I’m pretty sure he could have sent a text saying he couldn’t make it. Relationships need to be built on trust, communication and friendship. Give him one more chance. Pick a time and a place that’s reasonable to meet; we don’t know what all the circumstances were leading up to the last date. Although, if this happens again and he doesn’t show up, he should be blacklisted and forced to pay the price of celibacy.

Need advice? Send me an email at eric.weber@wallawalla.edu and we can anonymously work this out together.

Eric Weber This may be a surprise to you, but I want a

baby. Yes, me: Soulless, calloused, attractive Eric Weber wants a baby. I don’t understand it either; the last time I felt joy was while watching Shark Week and needlepoint-stitching derogatory phrases onto my pillow. But for some reason unbeknownst me, I want a child. I think I would be a great father.

Not only would I take my child to the best movies, but I would also only teach him or her the appropriate curse words to use in public. You may be wondering, “Eric, do you intend to raise this child on your own?” and my response is a resounding “Yes.” I’m planning to write my memoir in a couple of years, and I need something that makes me relatable; nobody wants to read about a poor college student raised in a stereotypical middle-class family.

Add a baby and some diaper jokes, and you have a New York Times best-seller.

Diversions Editor

20

LIFE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Pain, Prescribed Karl Wallenkampf Health & Wellness Editor

Well, my friends, today is the day on which you receive the first installment of your workout routine. Call home and make sure the kids know you love them. Actually, I’m sure some of you will try a few of these exercises, call me a weakling, and move along to your 500-pound bench press. If that’s the case, I hope your muscles are dutiful and your spotter has nothing against you.

This workout is called the “Get-Back-InShape Workout,” designed by Joe Dowdell, CSCS, and I found it in my Men’s Health Big Book of Exercises. Do the weight workout three days a week. There is a cardio component, but for brevity’s sake, just go out and run twice a week. For the fairer 50 percent, feel free to do fewer sets, fewer reps, or less weight. Given that I’ve never really been in shape, I will be too.1 Complete the warm-up before workout.

WARMUP: ■ Side-lying thoracic rotation — five reps: Lie on the floor on your left side, with your hips and knees bent at 90 degrees.

Extend your arms in front of you parallel to your thighs, with your palms together. Then, twist your right arm all the way to the floor behind you while twisting your shoulders, keeping your left arm and both legs in position. Hold, repeat, and change sides.2 ■ Body-weight lunge — four reps: Step out with one leg, then lower yourself so that your lowering thigh becomes almost parallel to the floor and your nonweight-bearing knee almost touches the ground.3 ■ Low side-to-side lunge — four reps: With your feet double-shoulder-width apart, squat, then move back and forth, shifting your weight from one leg to another. Keep your eyes on a fixed object.4 ■ Hip raise with knee press-out — 10–12 reps: Lie on your back with your arms to your sides, your knees bent at 45 de-

grees, and your feet on the ground. Raise your torso and waist so that it forms a single plane with your chest and thighs.5

■ Plank — 4–6 reps: Lie on the floor face down, legs together, then raise your body up so that only your toes and forearms are contacting the ground. Keep your back and legs in a straight line and brace your core. Dowdell recommends “reps,” which would be holding for one or two seconds, bringing your knees to the floor, and then forming the single plane and holding it again. I usually just do it for 30 seconds and move on.6

■ Pushup: I assume you know what these are, but some tips will help: “Squeeze your glutes and hold them that way for the entire movement. This helps keep your hips stable and in line with your upper body.”10 ■ Hip raises with feet on a Swiss ball: Either do this with a Swiss ball, or if that is too difficult, simply do the same exercise as you did in the warmup. If you use the Swiss ball, place your lower legs on the Swiss ball, then raise your body into a single plane with your upper back still on the floor.11

■ Swiss-ball W raise — 8–10 reps: This will help you if you do the cable-row exercise in the workout. Lay your chest on a Swiss ball with your feet on the floor behind you, spread apart for support. Hold a weight in each hand as if you were going to curl them in front of you: elbows bent, palms in. Then, holding that position, use your shoulders and back to pull your arms to your sides so that your arms and head form a W shape. Since this exercise and the “cable row to neck” are (currently) too intense for my shoulders,7 I usually stand, hold two weights at arm’s length, and then move them in a circular motion.8

■ Cable row to neck with external rotation: Use the rope handle on a weight machine and attach it to the cable near the floor. Sit on the ground with your feet against supports, and hold the ends of the rope with your palms toward each other. Pull the rope to your head “as you squeeze your shoulder blades together and rotate your upper arms and forearms up and back.”12 You should then basically look like you’re looking in a mirror and flexing your biceps. If this exercise is too stressful on your shoulders or elbows, then follow the same protocol as in the warmup, changing the direction athe exercise.

WORKOUT (two–three sets of each exercise, 10–12 reps, one minute rest between exercises):

■ Reverse crunch: “Lie faceup on the floor with your palms facing down” and “[b]end your hips and knees 90 degrees.”13 Bring your hips toward your chest as if you were holding a bucket of water between your knees and were pouring it on yourself (you should drink water, anyway). Hold, then lower until your feet nearly touch the floor.14 I often just hold the plank for a minute or so instead to build up my endurance.

■ Barbell squat: Hold a barbell behind your neck on the shelf created by your shoulder blades when you pull your shoulders back. Naturally arch your lower back, brace your core, set your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your lower back arched and lower your body, though do not lower your thighs below the height of your knees; keep them parallel to the floor. Keep your torso upright, and use your heels when you push yourself back up. Having a stationary point of reference to keep your eyes on can be helpful. If the barbell squat adds too much weight, do a body-weight squat: same concept, but hold your arms in front of you.9

■ Prone cobra: A strange workout that is fairly exhausting. Lie on your front with your legs shoulder-width apart and your arms slightly off from your sides. Then, flex your glutes and back muscles to raise your legs, arms, and chest off the floor so that only your hips are in contact with the ground. Concurrently twist your arms so that your thumbs point to the ceiling.15

■ Standing Zottman curl: Though not officially in the routine, I always need to hit my arms, and this does a great job.

Grab some weights with your palms facing forward and keep your upper arms motionless as you curl the weights up to your shoulders. Then at the top of your motion, twist your wrists so your palms face out, and lower your weights to the bottom of the movement, and twist your wrists back to original form. Do not hurt your wrists! Instead of the complete rotation, you can make your palms face each other as if you were holding a hammer.

That’s it! If you aren’t tired, do more sets, do more reps, or add more weight. If you are too tired or anything causes you pain, ease off. I’ve injured myself far too many times — just work up to it: Going too hard now and injuring yourself is the last Spartan-y/ Amazon-y thing you want to be doing. Also, if any of you want to work up to this, check around. I met with Crissy Kinney, who runs Refresh Nutrition just beside Andy’s Market, and she told me she’s doing Gentle Fit sessions to help people strengthen smoothly.

That will happen in the mornings on Mondays, Wedesdays, and Fridays: Contact her at wellnesscoachcrissy@gmail.com or (509) 240-7170 if you’d like to get involved with that.16 Wherever you go to exercise — the WEC, the Fitness Factory, your room, or somewhere in the community — best of luck and improvement.17 1. Be not confused: I am still a man.

2. Campbell, 355.

3. Campbell, 217.

4. Campbell, 357.

5. Campbell, 238.

6. Campbell, 278.

7. I had an impinging injury to my anterior rotator cuff while playing tennis.

8. Campbell, 90.

9. Campbell, 198.

10. Campbell, 34.

11. Campbell, 239.

12. Campbell, 95.

13. Campbell, 322.

14. Campbell, 322.

15. Campbell, 295.

16. By the way, you can get aloe, tea, and a smoothie while you’re there.

17. Honesty and accountability are vital. My week’s highest in proper form: 20 pushups, 1:08 plank.

FOODIE

LIFE

21

Brownies That (Just May) Change Your Life

ot ofed to Amy Alderman t job.

Food Editor s facarms up to Remember when I told you two weeks ago yourthat I would introduce you to the brownie palmsof all brownies that would completely make o theyou break your New Year’s resolution? Well, twist . Do compalms ing a

these are the ones.

I originally came across these brownies this past summer when I discovered that they were deemed outright fantastic by both Oprah’s O magazine and The Today Show, among others. This recipe originates from Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito’s cookbook entitled, Baked: New Frontiers in Baking.

sets, u are ease times now an-y/ Also, check runs arket, t sesothly.

Mont her (509) with — the m, or st of

Although I love cookies, brownies certainly come in as a close second for me. If you’re a fan of fudgy (not cakey) brownies, then these brownies are especially for you. I know you’re already probably thinking, “Come on, Amy … it’s so much easier to make brownies from a mix. Are these really worth it?” Answer: Trust me; they absolutely are.

I highly recommend using dark chocolate and dark, unsweetened cocoa as it truly adds depth to the brownie. Additionally, if you would like to leave the instant espresso powder out or replace it with Roma (which is what I used), the brownies should still turn out well.

The Baked Cookbook’s Brownies Yield: Approx. 24 brownies | Preheat oven to 350°F

Photos by Amy Alderman

What’s in Season?

What you’ll need: 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, kettle 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. instant espresso powder 1 tsp. salt 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 Tbsp. dark unsweetened cocoa ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 11 oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped 5 eggs at room temp 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch 2 tsp. vanilla extract pieces Butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch glass or light-colored metal baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa. Melt chocolate, butter, and instant espresso powder over heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth. Turn off the heat. Whisk in the sugars. Add three eggs to the mixture and whisk until combined.

Add remaining eggs and whisk until combined. Stir in the vanilla. Sprinkle in the flour mixture, and fold into the chocolate with a spatula, not a whisk, until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the center of the oven for 25–30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. When cool, cut the brownies into squares.

It’s that time of the year, when it feels like you may be struggling to find fruit and vegetables to eat that are in season. Try cooking meals that include apples, carrots, potatoes, or squash to make sure you get the nutrients you need until the wealth of spring arrives.

22

LIFE

SPORTS

SPORTS

Imaginary Girlfriends Trevor Boyson

Wolves Scores Thursday, Jan. 17 WWU vs. West Coast Baptist College, 90–79

Friday, Jan.d 18 WWU vs. West Coast Baptist College, 75–73

Events Lady Wolves host the Hoops Classic

Thursday, Jan. 24 7 p.m.

WWU vs. Northwest Indian College

Saturday, Jan. 26 7 p.m.

WWU vs. Salish Check out basketball intramural scores and pictures online at facebook.com/ wallawallauintramurals.

Sports Editor

If you had asked me a few weeks ago how Notre Dame’s Linebacker Manti Te’o’s 2012 had gone, I would have told you he had fought through incredible adversity to have a phenomenal year. As a captain for the Fighting Irish football team, he led his team to a national championship, and he finished second in the Heisman award voting.

Manti did all this after losing both his grandmother and girlfriend at almost the same time. The story was truly inspirational. Te’o kept girlfriend Lennay Kekua, hurt in a horrific car crash, company over the phone while she spent time in the hospital. After a complication with leukemia, she passed away unexpectedly.

But just before she died, Lennay made Te’o promise to not skip his game for her possible funeral, but simply to send some white roses in her memory. That next game against Michigan, Te’o intercepted

two passes while leading Notre Dame to victory.

tage of a young man riding the waves of his hard work.

But here we stand today, and in response to that same question about Te’o, I have a much different answer. Te’o’s world came crashing down with this article by the sports website deadspin.com: “Manti Te’o’s Dead Girlfriend, the Most Heartbreaking and Inspirational Story of the College Football Season, Is a Hoax.”

All of media coverage about the inspiration that drove him to success collapsed.

Sports is a venue where everyone who participates is under the public microscope. Every detail, even down to the personal facts of players’ lives, is considered fair game. But it wasn’t just Te’o who was fooled; we were all duped. That’s no surprise. It would have been in bad taste to suspect that the death of a close one was fake. Te’o was definitely naïve, and embarrassment kept him from revealing that he had never met Kekua in person.

But make no mistake; he had a very real relationship with someone, no matter her name or intentions.

“Lennay Kekua never existed.”

Long story (quite literally) short, Kekua never existed. The sports world and Internet immediately raged. How could this story of hope not be real? How could a girlfriend not be real? Surely Te’o was in on the hoax. Well, it turns out he might not have been. Someone pieced together an elaborate fake identity to take advan-

This is a moment where Te’o’s life will never be the same, nor will the public’s relationship with any sports player ever be the same again. Unfortunately, we’re going to start questioning everything.

But where do we draw the line? Does this mean every time a player’s loved one dies we have to dig for truth? Or instead, just like Te’o, have we realized that we may never know the truth?

Wolves Sweep Eagles Tye Forshee

Sports Editor

The Wolves faced the West Coast Baptist Eagles last Thursday at the WEC. Coming off a loss against Simpson University, the Wolves looked to get back to winning.

The Wolves started off slow in the first half, failing to make shots. Coach Jimmy Hill went to his bench looking for some scoring, and Chad Torkelsen delivered, scoring two three pointers on the first two possessions when he was on the court. Torkelsen was aggressive, taking open shots off some good ball movement. Torkelsen ended the first half with 18 points, and as a result the Wolves held a slim lead, 48–46. The second half, the Wolves played better defense, forcing the Eagles into bad shots. Torkelsen

cooled off, but Tyreek Luckett picked up the scoring along with the big men, Miguel Martinez and Ryan Spady. The Wolves stayed ahead of the Eagles and never looked back. The game was an offensive shootout, as shots seemed to go up every 10 seconds.

The Wolves scored a season high of 90 points and stayed aggressive throughout the game. The Wolves won 90–79.

The Wolves traveled to Portland to face the Eagles the very next day, Friday, and played well the first half. The Wolves were led by Martinez and Luckett, who both had 18 points in the game. The Wolves limited the Eagles to 28-percent shooting in the first half. The Wolves led 38–30 at the end of the half. The second half was a different story as the Eagles started to close the gap, eventually tying the game near the end. The Wolves scored a three pointer and ended up winning by two points, 75–73.

LIFE 23

Want to Get Away?

Megan Cleveland Travel Editor

You know you’ve thought it. The thought comes to you as you are trudging to class at 8 a.m., scarf around your neck, gloves on your hands, wearing so many coats you look more like the Abominable Snowman.

You mutter to yourself through chattering teeth, “Why can’t I be somewhere warmer?” For all of you daydreamers out there, here is a little slice of paradise offering an escape from the grey, cold gloom we call the Walla Walla winter.

Nestled in the Caribbean islands, roughly 200 miles from Puerto Rico, lies the dually governed island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. This tropical getaway is unique in that its 40-plus white, sandy beaches are divided between the French and the Dutch. Visitors can easily travel between the two parts of the island and enjoy the unique sights, experiences, and atmospheres each has to offer.

The French side, Saint Martin, making up roughly 60 percent of the island, is known for its more genteel ambiance and ritzier shopping. It is also home to the highest point on the island, Pic du Paradis (literally Peak of Paradise in French).

From this lookout point reaching heights of 1,492 feet, you will experience breathtaking views of the island. Along with two observation areas, this must-visit site also is located near Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve filled with exotic trees and wildlife; a spring-fed pool and Jacuzzi, called L’eau Lounge; and the Hidden Forest Café perched high in the treetops, featuring dishes crafted with ingredients found on the reserve. For those of you seeking adventure, Loterie Farm has one of the longest zip lines in the Western Hemisphere. Saint Martin has many more intriguing sights including the Butterfly Farm, with over 40 species of butterflies, and the Saint Martin Museum, presenting visitors with a look into St. Martin’s rich history and culture. In addition, there are many great oceanfront activities. Ilet Pinel

Photo by Flickr user puroticorico

is a protected nature reserve just a fiveMuseum provide a great break from the minute ferry ride away from the shore. It is beach. The zoo houses animals and plants a great location for snorkeling, swimming, from the Caribbean and South America, and kayaking. For some beach time, head as well as a few species from around the to one of the many world. At the Sint beach locations, Maarten Museum, including Anse guests can wander Heureuse (Happy through exhibits Bay), Baie Longue highlighting the (Long Bay), Baie culture and history Rouge (Red Bay), of Sint Maarten.

If you’ve ever Couchsurfed, I’d and Baie Orientale For some relaxlike to hear about it! Email me at (Orient Bay). ation, visit one megan.cleveland@wallawalla.edu.

Write me about your experience of Sint Maarten’s The island’s before Tuesday, Jan. 29, and you beautiful beaches: c o m p l e m e n t a r y, may see your response in next Dawn Beach, Mulsmaller, half — week’s Collegian. let Bay Beach, or Sint Maarten — is Little Bay, to name known more for its a few. Be sure to festive atmosphere. Several popular attracvisit the popular Cupecoy Beach, made up tions are a restored Italian carousel, Sint of three beaches encircled by white limeMaarten Park, and the Sint Maarten Mustone cliffs. seum. At the carousel, visitors can ride the beautifully restored attraction while enjoyThose of you who prefer not to have ing homemade Italian gelato, French passand between your toes or smell like tries, and sipping espresso. Sint Maarten saltwater all day will find other activiPark, the island’s zoo, and the Sint Maarten ties more to your taste. Saint Martin and

Ever Been Couchsurfing?

Sint Maarten offer great shopping, boasting prices 15–30 percent lower than U.S. prices due to its duty-free shops. If you are in the market for luxury brands, head to Marigot, located on the French side, or Philipsburg on the Dutch side. For more market shopping, try Baie de Grand Case (French side), featuring bits of shopping tucked between bistros and restaurants; for some boutique shopping, try Great Bay (Dutch side).

Food fanatics will find a paradise of their own on Saint Martin. The island features an array of cuisine from French to Vietnamese, Indian, and, of course, Caribbean. For a culinary adventure, be sure to try one of the island’s famous roadside barbeque stands, known as lolos. Whether you are looking for fine dining or for something more low key, Saint Martin and Sint Maarten have it all.

What’s the best news of all? Today’s forecast on Saint Martin is sunny and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

“The best thing since sliced bread.”

Verbatim SUPER JEWEL QUEST “I mean, it wasn’t like, ‘Let’s gouge each other’s eyes out, and dogs eat you.’”

— Trina Yeo, comparing Gangster Squad to Django Unchained

“I call it Adventastic.”

— Cheris Current, on Adventist art

“If I’m getting bullied at the playground, I don’t want my grandma there.”

— Paul Dybdahl

“D2L really needs an enema.”

— Michaelynn Paul, on the recent D2L glitches

“Not all of us are dog-walking majors!”

— Elliott Berger, when hassled by Kate Beck to play Hanging With Friends

Questers, how was last week? This week brings new adventures. Remember: If you have a jewel, e-mail me for fabulous prizes.

Would you rather live in Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings?

“Um … neither. I don’t really watch or know anything about them. … Oh, medieval castles then!”

Kalyse Rose

This week’s first clue needs resolution.

First find what these three primes produce: 5×997×414611. Then remember paradise, believe.

Ask SMS, and you shall receive.

The second jewel is higher, nested up behind a glowing exit.

The last will try your courage, friend.

Check the plaque-back of the vice pres. of SL&M.

“Middle Earth, because … I like elves … No! Don’t put that down.”

Elliott Berger

“Probably Star Wars, because Annakin’s way cuter than Frodo.”

Carly Barruga

“Middle Earth, ‘cause I like bows and arrows more than guns” Xandrix Ecklor

“Lord of the Rings, because I haven’t seen Star Wars. Lord of the Rings just seems much more epic.”

Julianne Price

Hear something funny? Report it! julian.weller@wallawalla.edu

Julian Weller The Heel Editor

In high school, I dated a girl for a year and a half, and we were in love, and we hung out all the time. But she’d text while we hung out. She said her friend was waiting for replies, and it took only a second. I said Julian was actually in the room, and it was rude.

My family didn’t get cell phones until I came to Walla Walla, because my parents wanted to be able to call me and ask how many of my things they could get rid of.

(After backpacking last summer, I’m nearly prepared to donate all but my Legos.)

They also wanted talk to me, so I got a cell

phone, and like everyone else I mostly just text my mom. That’s what a keyboard does to you. I understand now. God forbid I ever get a smartphone.

Social interruptions worked differently before texting. There’s a more obvious break in conversation when you stop reading poetry to your harem and answer a messenger boy, but it’s more temporary.

When you’ve sent the urchin on his way, he probably won’t be back in two minutes, unlike a text. Where does it end, technology? Well, there aren’t lines where you don’t draw them. That’s why your friends are deactivating their Facebook accounts.

In 1959, the American public was shocked to find out that their favorite game shows had been rigged and pre-planned.

John Steinbeck wrote to his politician friend Adlai Stevenson. In his letter, Stein-

beck asked: “Adlai, do you remember two kinds of Christmases? There is one kind in a house where there is little, and a present represents not only love, but sacrifice. The one single package is opened with a kind of slow wonder, almost reverence. Once I gave my youngest boy, who loves all living things, a dwarf, peach-faced parrot for Christmas. He removed the paper and then retreated a little shyly and looked at the little bird for a long time. And finally he said in a whisper, ‘Now who would have ever thought that I would have a peach-faced parrot?’

“Then there is the other kind of Christmas, with presents piled high ... the wrappings are ripped off ... and at the end the child says, ‘Is that all?’ Well, it seems to me that America now is like that second kind of Christmas. Having too many THINGS,

they spend their hours and money on the couch searching for a soul. A strange species we are. We can stand anything God and nature can throw at us, save only plenty. If I wanted to destroy a nation, I would give it too much and would have it on its knees, miserable, greedy, and sick.”

It worked for Rome, according to our Puritan forefathers, and Steinbeck wrote almost 50 years before you signed up for Facebook. What would he make of America with computers and texting? I think his answer has more to do with how we socialize than with Christmas. What would your life be like if you didn’t text for a week? If you made a phone call, or only talked with the people around you. Have you tried to imagine it? Until next week, Onions, read the entire beautiful Steinbeck letter here: tinyurl.com/heelsteinbeck.