Volume 97, Issue 16

14 February 2013 Volume 97 Issue 16

WALLA WALLA

SHAKES 3

4

13 4

3 7

2 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Emily Muthersbaugh

2

INTRODUCTION

HEAD LAYOUT EDITOR Ricky Barbosa HEAD COPY EDITOR Cedric Thiel HEAD PHOTO EDITOR Josh McKinney CONTENT DIRECTOR Philip Duclos NEWS EDITOR Jaclyn Archer

Emily Muthersbaugh

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

A year ago, the One project came to Seattle as a gathering of around seven hundred Adventists seeking to uphold Jesus in their church above all else. They listened to presenters and discussed the implications of their messages. One year ago, I had the opportunity to join this gathering to better understanding Jesus and his character. My experience in Seattle marked the first time I felt convicted that the rituals I had participated in for twentyone years had personal significance,

meaning, and truth. As I stood in the gathering room with students, teachers, pastors, administrators, volunteers, and friends, I was proud to be in the company of individuals who asked brave questions and gave honest answers. I was proud of my faith.

Adventists around tables discussing presentations about Jesus and his presence in the church — my takeaway was much different. At the start of the first session, the ideas I had been convicted of in Seattle flooded back, but I suddenly thought of all my friends who had given up their faith in the past year. As I thought of the meaning my faith had gained as a result of the discussions in Seattle, I realized how few friends I had shared my convictions with, and how important it was to me to share those convictions. Whether or not you’re a person of faith, you should share the things that you care about with the people that you care about.

Last weekend, I returned to the One project, this time held just outside of Chicago. While the gathering looked similar in many ways — hundreds of

HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITOR Karl Wallenkampf SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Spencer Cutting FOOD EDITOR Amy Alderman SPORTS EDITORS Trevor Boyson Tye Forshee THE HEEL EDITOR Julian Weller STAFF WRITERS Amy Alderman Jennifer Buyco Annie Palumbo Liz Pham 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 Carlton Henkes

Context

3–6

News Week in Review Week in Forecast

Photo by Amy Alderman

Photo by mauik01

Perspective

7–11

Editorial Creative Writing Opinion Religion Service

Life 12–16 Culture Diversions Foodie Sports

Photo by Anthony White

Last week, The Collegian released a special issue on violence. The cover illustration displayed above should have been credited to Kai Kopitzke. We want to recognize his contribution.

Our staff works hard each week to deliver new and relevant content. 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 perspective.

Cover Photo, Illustration Credit: Logan Villarreal, Ricky Barbosa 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 1:17 a.m. on 14 February 2013.

The Collegian | Volume 97, Issue 16 | 204 S. College Avenue | College Place, WA 99324 | collegian.wallawalla.edu

NEWS

A New Phenomenon in Journalism: The Walla Walla Sweet Onion Burger Daniel Peverini Staff Writer

The Walla Walla Sweet Onion Burger is a news blog that runs on a Facebook page entitled “Walla Walla Sweet Onion Burger.” At the beginning of this week, the WWSOB page had just over 6,700 likes and 1,700 people who have talked about the page, almost 2,000 more likes than the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin’s Facebook page. According to the WWSOB Facebook page, the WWSOB works “hand in hand for the support of the community.”

The primary way that the page claims to serve the community is by allowing readers to “Find out first! Get the news the newspaper ignores, spins … or publishes days later!” The anonymous moderator of the page posts real-time updates on situations and emergencies happening throughout the valley. These posts are apparently drawn from listening in on police-radio traffic, the knowledge of the moderator, and tips from the fans of the page. The moderator commented, “The WWSOB is like a switchboard that takes information and sends it to others. What makes us different and unique is that we do news like people want it done. They want it right now. And just the facts.” As for the source of information, the moderator said, “I just post information that others give me.”

The moderator of the WWSOB page commented that maintaining anonymity is important “because people focus on me as a person and not what the WWSOB is saying or doing.” The moderator seeks to emphasize what is being said, not who is saying it: “the value of my communication.

Not my name.” Recently, there have been allegations of criminal activity leveled against an individual identified as the moderator of the page. Whether these are valid allegations, or even if the accused individual is linked with the WWSOB, is not clear.

What remains notable about the WWSOB for the community — the identity of the moderator aside — is that the WWSOB represents a new phenomenon in journalism. The WWSOB serves, in the words of the moderator, to balance “single source news.” The UnionBulletin remains the only professional newspaper in the Walla Walla Valley. Nonsubscribers can only view five online articles every month on the Union-Bulletin site. In contrast, readers of the WWSOB Facebook blog can view as many posts as they want to view, without paying a subscription fee. In contrast to the Union-Bulletin, the WWSOB runs exclusively on a Facebook page. “Facebook is not an ideal platform,” states the moderator, “but because of how people can use it on their phones and its speed of reach, it works very well.”

Employing a Facebook platform provides readership with a unique opportunity to dialogue with the moderator and other readers.

Also, the WWSOB, unburdened by the financial constraints occasioned by reader interests and opinions, is able to provide information without some of the concerns of traditional media. The moderator commented, “Today’s media will only quote what others tell them … [they are motivated by] fear of libel.”

The ease of access, reader-moderator discussions, and financial freedom place the WWSOB in a unique position from which to serve the community in ways that are not available to most traditional news outlets. For example, the moderator of the WWSOB posts photos of missing animals, children, and property. According to the moderator, members of the WWSOB Facebook community have been able to work together to recover some of these animals, children, and property.

However, there is at least one major drawback to the WWSOB that deserves mention. Because the moderator of the WWSOB is not accountable to anyone for the posts made, many posts go without

any external verification. To say the least, some posts on the WWSOB page make questionable allegations. The only verification that takes place is done by the readership: Readers can post corrections.

However, the moderator can always delete reader comments. The lack of accountability makes the WWSOB problematic for readers who want to know that content is accurate.

Despite this problem, the WWSOB remains popular among many members of the Walla Walla community. The WWSOB “who we are” page puts the development well: It says that the WWSOB “has become a very large force.” This is beyond doubt, whatever problems the WWSOB has. As for the future development of the WWSOB, the moderator commented, “Stay tuned.” For further information, interested readers can visit the WWSOB Facebook page at facebook.com/ wallawallasweetonionburger.

The Collegian has launched a new website. Here you will find the latest news, diverse opinions, campus photos, and other features to enrich student life.

The Collegian online features exclusive online content, access to archives, and our new online PDF reader.

Go to collegian.wallawalla.edu to access this online content.

CONTEXT

BY THE

3

NUMBERS

33.5

MILLION Number of people who watched Obama’s State of the Union address.

100

Tibetan self-immolations which have now occurred to show opposition to Chinese rule.

1415

Last year a pope, Gregory XII, resigned.

6,752

Number of views “Harlem Shake — WWU Library Style” had after 24 hours.

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CONTEXT

WEEK IN

REVIEW Photo by Ricky Barbosa

@emilymaresa

Italian Serenade: Voice Students in Concert 10 February This concert featured pianist Kristin Vining and the voice students of Christine Janis and Jeremy Irland in the FAC Auditorium. Performances included Italian arias, solos, duets, and ensembles.

Photo by Carlton Henkes

Senior Recognition 12 February The special CommUnity recognized and honored the WWU Class of 2013. Dr. Ken Wiggins, professor and chair of mathematics and chair of computer science, delivered an address entitled “What Will You Be?”

@jimwrijn

Photo by Logan Villarreal

@mauik01

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

WWU Does the “Harlem Shake” 12 February Several hundred students gathered in the Peterson Memorial Library reference room on Tuesday night to join in the viral meme sensation. This large-scale, 30-second version of the “Harlem Shake” was filmed in 20 minutes.

ed

to This the

CONTEXT

5

WEEK IN

FORECAST Photo by Arella Aung

Photo by Flickr user Carol Browne

Thursday |

14 FEB 57° 34°

Valentine’s Day ASWWU Town Hall Meeting

7 p.m.

The Atlas CommUnity credit available

Photo by Flickr user kndynt2099

Friday |

15 FEB

Vespers: Campus Ministries

Monday |

René Laennec’s Birthday

President’s Day/Snow Frolic

50° 30°

No Classes

18 FEB 45° 27°

Saturday |

16 FEB 57° 36°

Walla Walla Adventist Forum

8 p.m.

University Church

4 p.m.

University Church

Portland Mission Trip Begins

Photo by Katie Palumbo

Sunday | 17 FEB

57° 36°

Photo by Christina Nelson

Photo by Alex Barcelo

Tuesday |

19 FEB 50° 28°

Gospel CommUnity 11 a.m.

University Church

Photo by sxc.hu

Wednesday |

20 FEB 50° 30°

Career & Internship Fair 4 p.m.

WEC

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CONTEXT SENATE UPDATE

NEWS

Career and Internship Fair Hilary Nieland Staff Writer

New Business F.L. 21 — ­ KCACTF Grant F.L. 22 — ­ Memorial Fund F.L. 23 — ­ Girls’ Dorm Parking Lot Lights G.L. 25 — Israel Campechano for Elections Board

Old Business P.L. 80 — ­ Concurrent Position—Allison Berger P.L. 84­— Benjamin Leader for Photo Editor

The Career Center will be holding its annual Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 4–7 p.m. in the Winter Educational Complex. This event is a great opportunity to obtain jobs or internships. All students are encouraged to attend, as the employers at the fair often offer part-time, full-time, and seasonal jobs as well as internships. According the Career Center, it is common for students to obtain jobs and internships through the fair and build valuable contacts. In

Employers attending the fair include Adventist Health, BMAC, AmeriCorps, Bonneville Power Administration, Cadwell Laboratories, Cayuse Technologies, Coffey Communications, Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, DCI Engineers, Friends of Children of Walla Walla, Hong Kong Adventist College, Key Technology, Lifeways, Mary Kay, MyOwn TM, North Pacific Union, Oregon Department of Transportation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Panda Express, Peace Corps, Prescott

Joint Park and Recreation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Marine Corps, and Walla Walla General Hospital.

Professional attire is encouraged when attending the fair. The Career Center advises students to dress as if they were going to an interview and to bring copies of their résumés in a folder to give to employers.

If students need help preparing for the fair, the Career Center is available by appointment to help students create and polish résumés, prepare for interviews, apply to graduate school, and arrange job shadowing, as well as to give general career advice.

Portland Mission Trip Annie Palumbo

Staff Writer

Key: F.L. | Financial Legislation G.L. | Governance Legislation P.L. | Personnel Legislation

addition to the possibility of finding a position, prizes, including an e-reader, from the U-Shop and local businesses will be raffled.

Over Snow Frolic weekend, Paddy McCoy will be leading a group of 20 students to Portland on the sixth annual Portland Mission Trip. This is a great opportunity for people interested in serving in the local community. McCoy says, “It’s something I am very passionate about — the need in our backyard. For some students, they haven’t thought as much about serving locally as they have abroad. Both are crucial, and there are a lot of needs right here.”

The group will be leaving on Friday afternoon and will return late Monday evening. While in Portland, the group will work at the Portland Rescue Mission, serving breakfast and interacting with the homeless in attendance. Work will also be done at Shepherd’s Door, a division of the Portland Rescue Mission, painting rooms for the kids.

There will also be time spent playing games and participating in a worship service at the WWU Portland campus dormitory.

Each evening the group will have worship and play games at the home of McCoy’s parents, where they will be staying for the weekend.

An important part of the Portland Mission Trip is the interaction with people the trip provides. The group will wander the Burnside area of Portland, spending time with the homeless. On Monday, the group will once again hit the streets to hand out the blankets collected during the recent blanket drive. Last year, they handed out over 400 blankets. “[The trip] opens their minds up to a new culture and people that many in this world try to ignore,” said McCoy. “Jesus called us to serve the world, and that includes our own backyard!”

Victor Shepherd, a five-year veteran of the Portland Mission Trip, says the experience is “a great opportunity to help out the local community.” Katelyn Campbell, who after a year as a student missionary wanted another mission experience, says the Portland Mission Trip is a great opportunity to come to a better understanding of homeless people, “and [to] realize there are huge stories behind each person with a cardboard sign.”

L For more info on the Fast Film Fest see page 12

EDITORIAL AND CREATIVE WRITING

ir

PERSPECTIVE

White Noise JaLynn Berglund Contributing Writer

The vacuum hums again As she stripes the carpet clean.

He curses at the screen.

Twenty-eight to seven, Not his lucky day, and meanders to bed.

A zigzag line Of potato chip crumbs Mapping his trail.

She softly sighs.

Pushing stray strands of auburn Back into her ponytail, She turns the vacuum around.

Erasing his stumbles; Dark and light,

Letter to the Editor Walt Meske

Former VP for Student Life Dear Editor, Attending the weekly Friday evening vespers service in the University Church is more than a habit for me. I always look forward to that service as part of my

beginning of the Sabbath. It is a time when I sense God’s Spirit speaking to me. Especially was that so the Friday evening vespers on Feb. 1. The students, in my estimation, were used by the Holy Spirit to present a message that spoke to everyone in attendance. It was a message we all needed. It was deeply spiritual and extremely meaningful. My sincere thanks to everyone involved.

She cleans the carpet in stripes.

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8

Roger Blood L.M.P, NCTMB, R.T (R) and associates.

(over 30 years exp.)

Olympic/Ironman Experienced Practitioners on Staff

WWU Adjunct Instructor – Basic Therapy (18 years) WW Symphony Onsite Massage Therapy (18 years) • • •

Headaches Neck Pain Back Pain

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ASWWU TV Manager ASWWU Webmaster Collegian Opinion Editor Collegian News Editor

TMJ Pain Carpal Tunnel Relaxation Massage

Medical Insurance Risk Mng. Insurance M.V.A. Insurance

$10 OFF relaxation massage For appointment call Whitney Billingsley - LMP

w/ a WWU ID

exp. 2/28/13

Walla Walla Therapeutic Massage Center

You two have been chosen by ASWWU to go out on a date because we think you’re a good match. Come by the ASWWU executive office to claim your date cash. If you choose not to claim your prize, it will be donated to Mission Mozambique.

MEET YOUR MATCH:

Jeff Fischer and Katie Dailey Photos by The Mask

Single Worst Fear

gone?” If you’re a guy and have received this question, there is a good chance that you quietly backed away, or diverted the conversation toward a different, better subject. The fact is, if you’ve been asked this, you feel you’ve already been placed in one of two categories: the good-guy-and-dating-someone category or the not-good-enough-single-guy category.

To put it simply, if you’re a girl and are wondering the answer to this question, the answer may be “far away.”

portion of my shift brewing up the Ryan Gosling? Half the conversational buzz from then on is about how dreamy baby goose is.

You didn’t even notice I was flexing when I handed it to you. Maybe the Ryan Gosling sells better than the Elliotté Latté, but what if the standard of “good enough” is over everyone’s head? Or at least everyone who isn’t Photoshopped and using a script. If that’s the case, we’re all back to the drawing boards, hands shaking as we write.

Going on dates in Walla Walla is frightening. You have a total of six locations to choose from, five of which your date will most likely have visited in the last week, and you will be watched by half of the Walla Walla community. Heaven forbid people who actually know you see you out on a date; that could spoil everything.

Probably the scariest thing about asking someone out is the commitment you’re making. You’re basically obligated to continue going out with them until it turns to mutual hate, in which case you both break up. The idea of a casual date is too far fetched here: You’re either all in, or you’re not committed enough to be worth dating. If expectations for a date weren’t so high, casual would become common.

Ladies, can’t find a date? Are you asking yourself “Where have all the good guys

Why is it, when the Valentine’s Day series of drinks appear in The Atlas, I spend a good

This Valentine’s Day in Walla Walla, don’t forget to keep your expectations high and your vision lowered as you walk by many potentially perfect matches. Until the sharks have turned into minnows, I’m not sure what else to do. Ladies, when looking for a guy at Walla Walla, it’s not uncommon first to search for binoculars. For those of you not being asked out this Valentine’s Day, don’t fret. Quite frankly, we’re all just frightened of each other. The theory of casual dating is debunked.

Opinion Editor

Girls scare me to death. Not on an everyday basis, thankfully, just when obligatory holiday traditions expect me to throw myself into the dating pool, with sharks, when I can’t swim.

Unfortunately, due to the expectations engrained into our being, going on a casual date here is in comparison to winning a Grammy, or passing organic chemistry.

Media Fairy Tales Jaclyn Archer Staff Writer

First there is the notion of “falling in love.”

People are always falling in love in movies. It hits them like a revelation, the music swells, their eyes tear up and suddenly they know: they’re in love! The problem? Most of the characters barely know each other. They aren’t in love, they’re attracted.

Then there is the myth of “love” as an independent force. “Why it don’t last, is that too much to ask? Why do we love love, when love seems to hate us?” Those are lyrics from one of my favorite Jasmine Sullivan songs. I love the song, but the words imply “love” is a force of independent will, and it isn’t. To borrow a cliché, relationships are like gardens, they have to be cultivated. Sometimes people decide the amount of cultivation necessary for the success of the garden is more than they want to invest. Sometimes people decide they want to plant new flowers, and that’s okay. But let’s not blame love. Let’s take responsibility for our choices. We choose what is valuable to us. If the relationship is over, it isn’t because the nebulous warm feelings faded away. The loss of warm feelings is only a symptom of the choice of one or both parties to stop cultivating the relationship.

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So the bad news is that many entertaining movies and shows have little to do with functional, healthy relationships. The good news is that if people don’t really fall in and out of love, then perhaps our love lives really are — to some degree — in our control.

Instead of waiting for love to strike us, or hoping that love will stay, we can pursue the people we’re attracted to, and cultivate the relationships we value. We can take the reins of our own hearts, recognizing the innate risk of loving another human being, and do so intentionally.

Intentionality isn’t just useful for romantic relationships. It’s how we make friends, it’s how we find mentors, it’s how we stay close to our family members long after adulthood has separated us. It’s the small, purposeful decisions to invest our time and energy in others that yield the loving relationships we come to value later in life. I won’t tell anyone to turn off their sappy music or pause the chick flicks this Valentine’s Day. But let’s make sure we keep entertainment separate from reality. Don’t wait for love to find you.

Go out there and get it.

=

I have a bone to pick with the TV, music, and movie industries. I won’t accuse them of corrupting our morals (we buy them).

I’m not going to accuse them of wasting our time. They do that, but at least visual can be considered an art form, unlike Facebook. No, my problem is with the film and TV. They keep selling us (and we keep buying) an image of love that is completely unrealistic.

If we forget to separate entertainment from real life, these misconceptions might just get in the way of the real thing.

Love isn’t a passive event; love is a choice. In my opinion, love is being the best friend you know how to be despite both of your flaws.

This takes time. Lucy learns this in Sleepless in Seattle. She wasn’t supposed to marry the man she’d obsessed over; she was supposed to marry the man she had gotten to know.

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COLLEGIAN WISDOM

C

Elliott Berger

PERSPECTIVE

C

OPINION

Pope Benedict announces retirement Vatican struck by lightning.

WWU Harlem Shakes.

WWU > SAU, PUC

Chris Brown crashes car into wall.

Thought it was Rihanna’s house.

Kansas strippers may now claim unemployment.

Climbing the polls as worst job option.

C

C

Westminster Dog Show says no to plastic surgery and doping.

Purebred just isn’t enough sometimes.

Survey shows good grammar and teeth are most desired traits.

Two Collegian copy editors available.

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PERSPECTIVE

Earlier this week, I went in and asked Pedrito about what inspired his joy.

This is a paraphrase of his answer: “You know, as we kids were growing up, my mother influenced us to be happy with everything. Later on in life, I can look back and say, you know, we were living in poverty. Today, I will remember the food we ate and I’ll think, man, that was poor food. But you know, we always had mangoes on the tree or something.

We never were really wanting; as a kid, I didn’t even realize we were in such poverty.” Pedrito’s mother would point them to Jesus — Jesus in your life was enough. That’s what brought happiness.

Pedrito continued, explaining that, “You can find a silver lining in everything. It’s kind of practiced, and I’ve been surrounded by [that practice] through my life.” When I shared that his way of being is kind of rare, he again pointed to how he was raised and brought up an analogy about the piano. Essentially, we could all play the piano, but we don’t; someone who starts playing the piano at an early is going to be better than someone who started when they were 40. That’s just how it is.

Also, he shared that if you aren’t so focused on yourself, you can realize that you need to be energetic for those around you. Their day or hardship may be worse or heavier than yours, or you may find that another’s joy pulls you up with them.

For example, if you’re over at Davis Elementary mentoring one of the kids and having a great time out there where everyone’s just laughing and enjoying themselves, it would be hard to be morose.

Joy is contagious.

REAL QUESTIONS

RELIGION

Belief, Reason, and Another Good Word Nick Ham

Religion Editor

I’m not an atheist, but I find some beliefs irrational. What I mean to say is that in the past, people thought the earth was the center of the universe, people have claimed to become well faster by not drinking water, people have died for a point about which it was impossible to be certain, people have followed maniacs into suicide, people have gone to Christian camps to become heterosexual, and some people have strapped bombs to their bodies and detonated them. People will go to extremes, and those extremes aren’t always reasonable.

Maybe, though, there is more to think about than whether something is reasonable or not.

To start, I want to look at two words: belief and reason. Belief, to me, is walking up to a climbing route not knowing if it’s possible to complete it, yet throwing everything at it anyway, sometimes making it and other times not. The standard definition of belief is, “an acceptance that something is true or that something exists, or something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction.” But belief hasn’t always meant what it means today.

Karen Armstrong wrote a book called The Case For God, and in a chapter she titled “Faith,” she mentions all those times Jesus asked people to believe in Him. To Armstrong, who isn’t a Christian, this wasn’t a claim of divinity, it was an invitation into a way, a lifestyle Jesus was showing His followers. He was asking his disciples for commitment to his mission. She ties belief to the word faith, which in Greek was pistis.

Pistis turned into fides (loyalty), or cor do (I give my heart), and to credo. Credo translated into “I believe,” and the meaning of “I believe” has progressed over time too. Belief in Middle English was bileven (to prize, to value, to hold dear); this was related to the German belieben (to love), to liebe (beloved), and to the Latin libido. Claiming pisteuo or credo, as was the practice in some early Christian sects,

meant, “I will!” Belief in a modern sense is unfortunately less alive, and it doesn’t really have a pulse. The word “believe” tends more toward an acceptance of a list of empirically unproven propositions or empirically proven propositions. A list of propositions only goes so far in any argument. A list of propositions only goes so far in becoming a lifestyle.

“Belief, to me, is walking up to a climbing route and not knowing if it’s possible to complete it, yet throwing everything at it anyway.”

Reason, to me, means to be full of common sense, but it can also suggest an overdose of moderation. To be reasonable sometimes looks like an unwillingness to move from the center of the teeter-totter and to choose a side, but it’s generally not that simple. The dictionary definition of reasonable is “based on good sense, or having good judgment,” and a list of synonyms is topped by the words rational, sensible, moderate, fair, and sane. The word reasonable can be seen in different ways: Some people find faith reasonable, and others see faith as the completely unreasonable.

I’d like to point out that some of the most unreasonable things in this world can be the most awe inspiring. The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is not exactly reasonable. Tyler Bradt kayaking 18 stories over Palouse Falls and surviving: not reasonable. The Wright brothers inventing an airplane: unnecessary and not entirely

reasonable. Bill Gates giving away huge portions of his fortune: probably pretty reasonable (I haven’t seen his tax returns).

Spending your life serving others rather than yourself: maybe not so reasonable.

Jesus, to me, was a radical. Some might say otherwise, but to me, from where I’m sitting today, I understand Christ as a radical. He was asking His disciples to believe; He asked for that trust, loyalty, and commitment upon which belief is based. He wanted them to engage in His mission: to give all they had to people in need, to clothe the naked and feed the hungry, to leave family, to be humble and discard their self importance, and to rely on God and trust in Him. He told them to spread the good news of the kingdom of God to everyone, especially the lowest among them, while turning no one away. He told them to live compassionate lives and go the extra mile. He told them to move mountains and to change their world.

I can’t answer the question, “Is faith in God reasonable?” I don’t have a list of points for or against it. Frankly, the best debates I’ve seen about it could be of better quality. Christians and atheists alike deal with burdens of proof, which are problematic gaps. Why do we suffer, what about morality, what’s conscience, how did something come from nothing, and what about multiple levels of consciousness?

It’s all worth exploring. Either side uses some of the same points, though. A Christian might challenge an atheist with, “How did something come from nothing?” but really the question can be placed right back on the Christian. While still maintaining the question, “Is your faith reasonable?” I would argue it’s important to ask other questions, like, “Is your faith (or lack of it) fulfilling or meaningful?” In the end, what will you say about the life you’ve led?

If belief becomes a lifestyle, and is more than holding a list of intangibles in your head, and reason is more than having to be certain about everything, I’m led to another word, passion: “strong feelings or a strong belief.”

40 DAYS OF SERVICE

Houses: We Build Them; It’s a Lifestyle.

Nick Ham

Religion Editor

Habitat for Humanity operates all over the world and also in our relatively small college town. The organization is dedicated to inviting people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Families in need can apply for a home.

Based on their current living conditions, income, and finance level, and their willingness to commit to the project, families in need can be selected to own a house. Students have volunteered on local projects for years now.

Joe Hughes, a senior here at WWU, started helping out at Habitat for Humanity in limited ways last year. Hughes

just pursued it. He explained, “I want this world to be a better place; I was tired of just hoping for that and wanted to actually move and do something about it. Habitat was my way of accepting some responsibility.”

Hughes found a number, called up the local coordinator, and later he and a few friends would wake up at eight on Sunday morning and work until the afternoon with a homebuilding crew associated with Habitat for Humanity. “It feels right, and you know you’re doing a good thing. It’s nice to see something tangible: We’re not just hugging people or giving them something that doesn’t last, Habitat ends with a home being built.” Seeing a need met on this level in a lasting way is a surreal experience.

Habitat for Humanity projects offer a unique kind of service — the project is one you’re really connected to. The person receiving the house has to put in hours upon hours of “sweat equity” to earn their

$60,000

home, so you work on the place with them.

Hughes appreciates running into Daniel, the homeowner, or his wife at Andy’s Market. The weird community that comes from working toward a common goal doesn’t just disappear when the project is finished, unlike a mission trip to Mexico, where you make an impact then essentially disappear. Local Habitat for Humanity projects can foster relationships in the local community that last.

It’s also easy to get involved. All it takes is a phone call, plus a small amount of motivation to wake up and spend a portion of your free time helping. Also, it doesn’t matter how experienced you are: One of Hughes’ roommates helped out on the project and had never used a hammer before in his life. Hughes is only one of the few who have spent time working on Habitat for Humanity projects here in the valley. Look into it.

Good Samaritan Home

HelpLine

Provides conversation, companionship, and activities for local women.

Contact: Pat Brooks (541) 938-7667

Provides emergency social services for the homeless and at-risk community members.

Contact: (509) 529-3377

Habitat for Humanity Works alongside lowincome families to construct basic housing.

Contact: Gary Henderson (509) 520-7667 henderson1970@charternet.net

11

Services for Women

Birthright of Walla Walla

and

Underreached

Provides pregnancy, healthcare, and adoption services for local women.

Contact: Joyce Paine (509) 529-8678

$18,700 qeriajkfasdkasfdkjl

Blue Mountain Action Council (Gleaning) Works with low-income people to achieve self-sufficiency by mobilizing resources to provide healthy food.

Contact: Casi Christiansen (509) 529-4980

a

Mission Mozambique Fundra ising Progress

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LIFE

CULTURE

Twenty-Four Hour Insanity: The Fast Film Festival Grant Perdew Culture Editor

This year, the annual 24-hour film festival contest is going to be bigger and better than ever before. Not only will there be large cash prizes, but it is a perfect way to express yourself artistically and to share with people via the powerful medium of film. I sat down with Jerry Hartman, WWU communications professor and also a leader of the Fast Film Festival 2013, to get some more details: Perdew: What is The Fast Film Festival?

Jerry Hartman: The Fast Film Festival is a 24-hour student film festival and contest open to anyone. At the end, judges critique films and more than $400 is given in cash prizes. Originally, the goal of the festival was to create a buzz surrounding film on campus. There are a lot of very talented people on campus, even outside of the media program. The other goal is to give students an opportunity to submit their projects, if they're good enough, to the large SONScreen Film Festival. How it all works is that everyone meets together on Saturday night at 5 p.m. and we give the rules out.

Then, small teams take off, finalize their

story idea, and have 24 hours to complete a film. After turning in the films on Sunday, everyone regroups on Monday for the prizes and the official screening.

P: What are the rules for the film itself?

H: This year, the theme that each film has to include is Honesty. These films will be limited to three minutes and under.

Since teams only have 24 hours, the films will generally be stronger if they are kept shorter. The judges, who are various media professionals from around the area, give multiple prizes for different categories, such as best male lead, best female lead, best screenplay, best film, and more. Each prize is worth up to $100, and people can win multiple awards. Last year, there was only one entry, and they walked away with all the money.

P: Well, that was lucky for them. But you'd definitely like more this year, I'm sure. who can participate?

H: Any student can participate. Also, anyone who is participating can check out cameras and other equipment to use from the communications department. There have even been some pretty successful short films done on iPhones too. As far as that goes, story is really powerful, and you can

LOVE V-DAY? "Let's Get It On"

Soulful artistry at its finest, the 1973 single sums up love in a simple, satisfying groove.

Corinne Bailey Rae "I'd Like To"

A U.K. homegrown soft-soul anthem that carefully croons of the desires of one's heart.

P: So, you say story. Is that the key to a winning short film?

H: So, in general, [the key is to have] a hook right toward the beginning so the audience wants to keep watching. A good film has some kind of story arc, and at the end, it pays off. There has to be a reason you took the three minutes to watch the film; it was worth your time. I've talked to people who screen for film festivals: One of my contacts says that he gives a film 30 seconds, sometimes a minute, but if there's not a hook that captures his attention, he usually won't watch any more. That hook could be a surprising visual that captures your eye. So yes, have a good story and think of ways to make your audience feel something.

Author Ken Dancyger said, "The freedom of the short film relative to the long film lies in the possibilities of using metaphor and other literary devices to tell the story, a luxury not available in the commercially driven, realismoriented long film." It is a glorious experience to make a good short film with friends. And don't think because of their length they are not as entertaining or meaningful. Author Jane Campion says, "But short films are not inferior,

just different. I think the short gives a freedom to filmmakers. What's appealing is that you don't have as much responsibility for storytelling and plot. They can be more like a portrait or a poem."

Want to get involved? Form a team, or just come to the Black Box Theater on the evening of Feb. 23 ready for a sleepless night of mayhem and creative madness. It's going to be reel fun.

LOCAL FOCAL The Marc

The ideal combination of atmosphere and elegance, the Marc is a perfect spot for your Valentine’s Day date. Working with local growers, they diligently bring the best of what is fresh and in season to the table. House-made pastries, soups, pastas, desserts, and salads are just a few of the many items you can enjoy. It’s a bit pricier than your normal dinner outing, so save this extension of the Marcus Whitman Hotel for a special occasion.

Mon.–Thurs. 5–9 p.m.

Fri.–Sat. 5–10 p.m.

LOATHE V-DAY?

tinyurl.com/cgq4bvn

Marvin Gaye

communicate a lot with that.

tinyurl.com/d9coqqd

Snow Patrol

"Dark Roman Wine" Scottish indie rockers present an atmospheric vow of warmth and intimacy.

Blink-182 "First Date"

Rampant teen angst in its most glorious form, this is a reminder of the times of adolescent "love."

Robyn

"Dancing On My Own" The innovative Swedish talent brings great beats and the honest lyrics of a solitary life.

The Naked and Famous "Jilted Lovers"

A cry of angst after being abandoned by a lover, the New Zealanders rock this psychpop anthem.

Jack White

"Love Is Blindness" Outrage and passion scream at the heart of White's guitar and vocal croons in this U2 cover.

Cake

"I Will Survive" Yet another cover of Gloria Gaynor's classic, but this one is quite different from you'd expect.

al

DIVERSIONS

YOU ASKED FOR IT

The Advice You Need to Hear

— Depressed Daphne

OK, Gurl, I know exactly what you need to do. First, you need to pick yourself up off the kitchen floor, put the ice cream back in the freezer, take a shower, and get dressed.

Self-loathing doesn’t look cute. Forget Valentine's Day; it’s overrated and only an excuse for couples to touch each other more than they already do. So, find some friends and have a night out. Have a nice dinner, go bowling, see a movie: Do whatever girls do. Then, when you’re ready to go to bed, get a bottle of Martinelli's, a box of chocolates, take a Nyquil, and watch your favorite Quentin Tarantino film.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and we Diversions Editor all need to get with the picture: It’s not a good thing. Valentine's Day is horrible. You may be wondering if I know the history behind Valentine's Day, and the answer would be that I know absolutely nothing about it, and I’d like to keep it that way. There are some things about which it's better to be naïve. For instance, I choose to be naïve about the internet filter, Obama’s second term, my grandma's drug addiction, Mitt Romney, my roommate's hoarding problem, my ingrown toenail, One Direction, and porn. But there are some things to which we need to open our eyes, and that is the lie of Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is not there to make us feel better; it’s there to make us realize that we’ve been doing the right thing for too long. We need to stop caring about which socks go with which shoes, or which tie goes with what shirt, or what profanity goes with which gesture. Go out and get a significant other, and then break up with him or her before it gets too serious; that’s way too much commitment.

Co

ur

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

13

It's Valentine's Day ... Gross Eric Weber

Hello, Eric. This is always my least-favorite day of the year. Most of my friends are dating, so when Valentine's Day comes, I hate it. I don't want to hate life every Feb. 14, but I never know what to do with myself. I've never had a good Valentine's Day. I have had boyfriends, but I never seem to have one on Valentine's Day. And it's because of this that I hate this day. ... What can I do on Valentine's Day to keep me from feeling depressed that I don't have a boyfriend?

LIFE

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LIFE

FOODIE

Peanut Butter Bon Bons into some much more humbling facts about heart health: Each year, 715,000 Americans have a heart attack, 600,000 people die from heart disease annually (that’s one in every four people), and cardiovascular disease costs the U.S. $312.6 billion each year in health care services and medications.2

maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; and monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting blood-sugar levels.

Happy Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, Walla Walla University!

I wanted to find out exactly how much chocolate is purchased in the United States this month: 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold, 58 million pounds of chocolate are purchased, and $448 million is spent on chocolate and candy the week before Valentine’s Day.1

I really like chocolate, so it’s almost like Valentine’s Day was made for me. However,

However, February is also American Heart Month, so I thought it might be good to look

This month, I challenge you to take charge of your heart health by eating a healthy diet;

1. history.com/interactives/valentines-day-by-thenumber.

2. cdc.gov/features/heartmonth.

Amy Alderman Food Editor

But before you do, treat yourself tonight to these homemade peanut butter bon bons — you won’t be disappointed.

Peanut Butter Bon Bons What you’ll need: sifter, bowl, wax paper, cookie sheet, toothpicks, kettle 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 6 bricks chocolate bark

Photos by Amy Alderman

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Cream together butter and powdered sugar. Add peanut butter, walnuts, and vanilla extract (peanut butter will roll into balls easier if refrigerated prior) and mix together well. Roll mixture into small balls and place on cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Place in freezer for 15 minutes (or as long as it takes for them to be frozen through). Melt chocolate in kettle over very low heat or else it will burn. Stick toothpick into peanut butter ball; dip into chocolate. Remove once completely covered with chocolate and place on wax paper to cool. Once chocolate is hardened, they will be ready to eat — approximately 10 minutes.

Wash room-temperature strawberries and dry well, as any water will cause the chocolate to seize. Melt together 8 oz. of chocolate chips with 2 tsp. unsalted butter to create a smoother texture for the chocolate. Melt chocolate in double boiler.

Dip strawberry in chocolate; shake slightly to remove excess chocolate. Place on wax-paper-lined surface. Chill in fridge for 15–30 minutes before eating.

-the-

SPORTS

Halfway Home Trevor Boyson

Sports Editor

The NBA season is shaping up to be an interesting one, where new storylines have developed and old stories continue. As we roll into the midway point in the season, let’s take stock of how teams have done and where they are going.

them to cede the top spot in the conference to the Thunder. But don’t think this doesn’t make them dangerous; this is the team most capable in stopping the Thunder from speeding straight through the playoffs to the finals. Their grit and experience, as usual, will go a long ways.

The Western Conference has shaped up in a fairly predictable manner as Oklahoma City is essentially the team to beat. Seeing James Harden go to the Rockets hasn’t slowed them down, and they’ve got the highest-scoring team in the league. In the long run, I expect them to easily lock down the number-one seed in the conference and be the favorite to make it to the finals.

“It’s hard to imagine the defending champions not heading back to the NBA Finals.”

The San Antonio Spurs are defying odds again and winning with an aging roster.

They’re playing a team game and leading the league with over 25 assists per game. They’ll probably finish the regular season well, although as the season goes on I’d expect

The Eastern Conference might as well just have one team: the Miami Heat. It’s hard to imagine the defending champions not heading back to the NBA Finals. The way they most recently handled the Lakers seems to have easily solidified their dominance.

New York basketball is doing exceptionally well this year. Carmelo “Melo” Anthony has led the Knicks to the second spot in the Eastern Conference. He may be their only chance at a deep run in the playoffs. That may not be enough, as the Knicks recently fell to the Clippers, despite Anthony’s 42 points.

The biggest surprise of the year comes from Los Angeles. The Lakers looked set to topple the Western Conference when they added Steve Nash’s offensive distributional abilities and Dwight “Superman” Howard’s rebounding and offense to the legendary Kobe Bryant’s team. Things could not have turned out more unexpectedly. Howard appears not to have overcome his previous injuries, and his performance has suffered, and with Pau Gasol out from a tear in his foot, the gold and purple find themselves without even one elite-performing big man. The Clippers will easily continue to be the dominant team in Los Angeles as long as the Lakers continue their sub-.500 performance. The Lakers may not even make the playoffs this year unless they change things dramatically.

Wolves Win Last Home Game Tye Forshee

Sports Editor

The Wolves played the Multnomah University Lions in their last home game of the season on Feb. 6. Before the game started, the Wolves honored their only senior player, James Thorn. Thorn, a transfer student, played point guard for the Wolves and provided valuable leadership skills for the young players to emulate.

The Wolves started the game against the Lions by attacking the basket early and getting points in transition. The Wolves packed the paint on offense and let the Lions shoot jumpers. This paid off, as the Lions were 5–22 on threes in the first half. The Wolves capitalized by rebounding off missed shots and creat-

ing second-chance points. The Wolves led at halftime 55–42, their highest-scoring half this season.

The second half was much of the same as Tyreek Luckett created offense with his passing and his scoring drives. Miguel Martinez and Ryan Spady crashed the boards combining for 28 rebounds. The Wolves kept the scoring going as they scored 56 points in the quarter. This game was different from most, as the game was a high-tempo, high-scoring affair. The Wolves never trailed in this game and never let the Lions come back. The Wolves saved their best game for the last home game as they won 111–93.

The Wolves’ win included some impressive stats from some key players. Luckett ended the game with a double–double, notching 17 points and 10 assists. Miguel

had easily the best line of the season with 32 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks.

Chad Torkelsen added 19 points off the bench, and Ryan Spady added a double– double of his own with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Wolves shot an impressive 55 percent from the field, making this win the easiest one of the year.

This season, the Wolves have improved as the season has progressed. Many of the players have seen some dramatic improvements in their game, and the team’s execution has also been more consistent with what the coach wants of his team.

The Wolves are now on a three-game winning streak and are headed to the road to play Portland Bible College and Multnomah College this weekend in their last two games of the season.

LIFE

15

SPORTS

Friendship Tournament Results Men Mt. Ellis wins against Upper Columbia Academy, 68–50 for 1st place

Women Auburn wins against WWVA, 43–34 for 1st place

Women’s Softball Friday, Feb. 15 1 p.m. (doubleheader) WWU vs. Northwest University

Sunday, Feb. 17 1 p.m. (doubleheader) WWU vs. Big Bend Community College

Basketball Intramurals Top Teams A-League WWU-Tang Clan

B-League Friendship Squad

Women’s Jugo de Papaya Scores, schedules, and pictures avaialable @ facebook.com/ wallawallauintramurals

“The best thing since sliced bread.”

Verbatim “Listen to him: He’s making love to the music!”

— Kraig Scott, on a soloist

“I don’t care about you, I just want the chocolate!”

— Linda Emmerson

“I’ve been on dates with over 300 women.”

— Anthony Smith

“An alien clown ... you should have a fetish for that.”

— Bob Egbert

“If the other bird doesn’t know the secret handshake, they won’t get lucky.”

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

Julian Weller The Heel Editor

“Love is a many-splendored thing,” says Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge, failing to mention that sometimes those splendors involve cleaning up each other’s vomit or avoiding political debates with each other’s parents. “Love lifts us up where we belong,” he continues, neglecting to describe the fall from the top of the windmill or the constant revolutions of circumstance that twist our arms and make love all the more difficult to grab onto, but all the more dizzying when we finally grab hold. C’est l’amour, Ewan.

I won’t wax eloquent for long, because from what I’ve heard, a lot of people are already burnt out on Valentine’s Day. I’ve heard people talking about the waste of time

SUPER JEWEL QUEST Find this week’s SJQ is on Tumblr: sjqww.tumblr.com.

Email me for fabulous prizes!

Love is weird, fun, and awful — just like you, Onions.

Here’s a poem I found in Oxford and offer you now:

Valentine Carol Ann Duffy Not a red rose or a satin heart.

I give you an onion.

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.

It promises light like the careful undressing of love.

Here.

It will blind you with tears like a lover.

It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a cute card or a kissogram.

I give you an onion.

Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, possessive and faithful as we are, for as long as we are.

Would you rather your life be a roller coaster or a sofa?

“Roller coaster — there’s always a chance to excel at something and find your weaknesses.”

John Burns

“Sofa ­— it’s comfortable and you can just take a nap.”

Nadine Posthumus

“I’d rather it be a roller coaster. It’s more fun.”

Julie Pierson

“Roller coaster — take one day at a time, stay close to God, and pray for the best.”

Manuel Armesto

“Definitely roller coaster … probably because I could fly all day long.”

Brendon McNally

Take it.

Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring, and the conspiracy turn into expecif you like. of Hallmark and tations about Hershey to woo their what you Lethal. ways into our wallets. should Its scent will cling to your fingers, I’ve also heard people be docling to your knife. worrying they and ing. If Hey, their valentines will you’re Would you be my valentine? be labelled as an item, whether or not they not with someone, you must We’re just ordinary people. think so. But that doesn’t mean you’ve got to be doing something wrong, We could study together, buy in to or throw out the whole affair. right? Well, maybe — I don’t or eat some food, or really know you. It’s too early To me, Valentine’s Day is like any other to say, Onion.

Let’s take it slow. ______________. holiday: an excuse to break rank with the Either way, just do your thing!

What do you think? ceaseless march of days and to try something Be you, and be a good one.

You new, or a day to remind ourselves why we’re can’t control the rest anyway. As Yours, ________ in our ranks in the first place. Like any other Dr. Seuss says, “Whether you like holiday, it’s a chance to live differently for a it or not, alone will be something bit — or not. What you do with this chance 1. For a you’ll be quite a lot.”1 Or not. If the for perspective is up to you. wonderful spirit moves you, give this nice card to the reading of Like Christmas, Valentine’s Day can have Oh the Places sweet onion of your choosing. I’ve got your You’ll Go, the unintended effect of being a pretty good back (and cover). watch this: way to feel very alone. It’s easy to let traditions youtu.be/ahv_1IS7SiE.