Volume 97, Issue 9

29 November 2012 Volume 97 Issue 9

15

14

2 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Emily Muthersbaugh

2

INTRODUCTION

HEAD LAYOUT EDITOR Ricky Barbosa 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

With the last weeks of the quarter underway, The Collegian is here to offer you our final two issues of 2012. We will be providing articles recapping the memorable moments of the year, holiday specials, and entertaining features for your dead week and finals reading pleasure.

In this week’s issue of The Collegian, the Feature considers great achievements over the past year. Feature editors Elizabeth Jones

and Jim Mayne review the “Best of 2012” in music, technology, sports, politics, and more.

Additionally, this Feature highlights notable accomplishments by students, faculty, and alumni in our own Walla Walla University community. This is the content of the Feature about which we are most excited.

While many other national newspapers and magazines will be running similar issues

looking at the best of 2012, this Feature is our opportunity to provide coverage of our local community that will not likely be covered in the national publications.

These individual accomplishments are a reflection of a community committed to excellence. They are also a result of these individuals’ investment in a community of which we are a part.

I encourage you to take the time to read about these accomplishments, as well as to consider the many others around you that are unable to all be recognized in print.

TRAVEL EDITOR Megan Cleveland 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 LAYOUT DESIGNERS Allison Berger Alix Harris Greg Khng Cory Sutton COPY EDITORS Amy Alderman Rebecca Brothers Carly Leggitt Ryan Robinson DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Alex Wickward

Photo by Darin Berning

Context

3–7

News ASWWU/Admin Week in Forecast

Photo byCassy Collins

Perspective Religion Column Creative Writing Scholars Abroad Opinion Snapshots

8–13

Photo by Flickr user aaipodpics

Feature 14–17 The Best of 2012

Photo by Amy Alderman

Life 18–24

Culture Diversions Foodie Sports Health & Wellness

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

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 Credit: Carlton Henkes, Kate Gref, Ivan Cruz. Illustration: 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 3:10 a.m. on 29 November 2012.

The Collegian | Volume 97, Issue 9 | 204 S. College Avenue | College Place, WA 99324 | collegian.wallawalla.edu

NEWS

wwudrama

Fall Play Opens

On Nov. 26 the Walla Walla University drama department released this statement: The Importance of Being Earnest, the classic comedy that has captured the hearts of generation after generation, is gliding onto wwudrama’s Village Hall stage. Wit and wisdom are a promise as guest director Diana Farnsworth, who brought the Romeo and Juliet western to wwudrama last spring, skillfully guides the production.

TheatreMania says of the play: “Oscar Wilde’s 1895 comedy The Importance of Being Earnest … is a perfect piece of writing — a verbal playground to which you wouldn’t want to add a single word or from which subtract a single word.”

To avoid family duties, Algernon Moncrieff (Andrew Woodruff), a bachelor-about-town, has invented Bunbury, a sick relative who frequently calls him away. His friend Jack Worthing (Joshua Haddock) has invented a wicked brother called Earnest to disguise his own misdemeanors. When Algernon poses as Earnest to woo the lovely Cecily Cardew (Nicole Im) and Jack poses as Earnest to woo the hand of Gwendolyn Fairfax (Kaitlyn Beck), confusion takes hold. It takes the discovery of an old black handbag and the formidable presence of Lady Bracknell (Caitlin Stoodley) before Jack and Algernon can discover the truth behind the deceit.

The show also stars Brandon Pierce, Jordan Stephan, Dustin Harter, and Elisa Westman.

The show opens Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and runs Dec. 2, 6, 8, and 9. Box-office sales opened Nov. 25.

For reservations or directions visit drama. wallawalla.edu. wwudrama is a Walla Walla University drama program established in 1961. They produce a variety of productions each year open to the university and community alike. For more information or reservations, visit their website at drama.wallawalla.edu.

David Crawford personally told The Collegian, “I believe this show has a lot to tell us through its satire. Specifically, what it mean[s] to have a specific name, or to align ourselves under the auspices of a single title.

I hope this show creates additional perspective on the discussion as we continually define who we are as a school,” says David Crawford, director of wwudrama.

During the next two quarters, wwudrama plans to present the following productions during in 2013: The student-directed Festival of the One Acts in March, Mother Courage and Her Children in May, and The Festival of the Actors in June. If you interested in assisting or auditioning for the plays, email david. crawford@wallawalla.edu for more information on how to get involved.

Christmas

Tree Lighting Annie Palumbo Staff Writer

The annual Christmas tree lighting took place on Nov. 27 in front of the SAC. Musical numbers were sponsored by OPS and AGA and included some classic carols. Hot drinks and cookies were served, and students took advantage of the last chance for CommUnity credit. The lighting featured the fourth annual Mr. Rogers’ Cookie Contest. While originally named after judge Ken Rogers, this year student dean Scott Rogers judged the cookies.

Third place and $25 went to Melissa McCrery, second place and $50 to Tamara Patrick and Maggie Patiño, and the $100 first place went to Julie Berdan and her molasses cookies.

Big Band and Steel Drums Annie Palumbo

CONTEXT

BY THE

3

NUMBERS

Staff Writer

The Big Band and Steel Drum Band Christmas concert will take place at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5, in the WWVA auditorium. This popular concert is being held in the WWVA auditorium in order to accommodate a large turnout, and both bands are able to fit on the stage. WWU’s Big Band is directed by Michael Agidius, and the Steel Drum Band is directed by Brandon Beck.

Beck says of the music: “The Big Band will be playing a number of tunes by Duke Ellington and will feature Sara Mayne as their vocalist. They will also play at least two Christmas tunes in their set. The Steel Band will play three or so Christmas tunes as well as some other fun Calypso-Soca style tunes.”

These two bands have worked hard to put together the pieces. The concert is free; students and faculty members alike are welcome.

Handel’s Messiah Annie Palumbo Staff Writer

Handel’s Messiah will be performed in the University Church on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. First performed in 1742, the Messiah is a lyrical contemplation on the life of the Savior. The Walla Walla Symphony will be performing, directed by Yaacov Bergman.

The performance will also feature Molly Holleran, soprano; Angela Niederloh, mezzo-soprano; Wesley Rogers, tenor; Jeremy Irland, baritone; and Kraig Scott on the organ and harpsichord. Tickets can be purchased online at wwsymphony.com or by calling the symphony’s office at (509) 529-8020. Tickets are $10 for students and $25 for community members. A free “Inside the Music” pre-concert talk by John Jamison will take place at 2 p.m.

$79

BILLION

Amount of federal aid New York and New Jersey are expected to need for recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

5

Times The Onion has fooled foreign media.

59%

Mass of galaxy NGC 1277 made up by its central black hole, a number which shatters previous discoveries.

2 DOZEN

Number of Tibetans who have set themselves on fire in western China this month in protest of authoritarian rule.

ASWWU

ASWWU JUSTICE

F.L. 4 — Food Baskets for Meske Residents

NATALIE SLUSARENKO

ASWWU JUSTICE

Purpose: To provide baskets of food to Meske residents.

F.L. 5 — ASWWU Fundraiser Purpose: Provide a lifetime of well maintenance for wells to be drilled by ASWWU fundraiser.

P.L. 64–65 ­— Hilary Nieland and Casey Bartlett for Staff Writers.

Purpose: Hire Hilary Nieland and Casey Bartlett to be staff writers for The Collegian.

JUDICIAL

New Business

Over the past quarter, we have featured content which looks at specific areas in ASWWU. An important aspect of the ASWWU governance is its organization into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This week, we are providing a diagram showing who is a member in each branch, with a focus on the legislative — how Senate works with PHILIP DUCLOS its three regular and CHIEF JUSTICE one ad hoc committee.

MEGAN CLEVELAND

EMILY OLIVER

ASWWU PRESIDENT JASON BIRKENSTOCK

EXECUTIVE VP DOUG WHEELER

CABINET

SENATE UPDATE

ASWWU GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE

CONTEXT

JUSTICES

4

SOCIAL VP MATTHEW RANDALL

SPIRITUAL VP JONO PRATT FINANCIAL VP

EMILY MUTHERSBAUGH

COLLEGIAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LEGISLATIVE

STUDENT SENATE JASON BIRKENSTOCK President BRETT SCHULTZ President Pro Tempore PHILIP DUCLOS Parliamentarian

HOLLY STURGES Secretary

TASHA HADDAD Assistant to

the President

Old Business G.L. 11 ­— Portland District Senator Prerequisites

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

Governance Committee

Finance Committee

Personnel Committee

Ad Hoc Committee

In charge of all G.L. bills — updating them and ensuring bills are legal and in accordance with the ASWWU governing documents.

Looks over each F.L. bill and works with the financial VP to ensure correct account codes, reasonable expenditures, and worthiness of the cause.

Checks each P.L. bill to make sure employees have been hired according to the ASWWU bylaws and have completed all the items on the official checklist. Also, they make sure employees are eligible for the positions for which they are being hired.

In charge of working through past bills to make sure governing documents have been updated accordingly and certain purchases have been made or are not necessary. This is a temporary committee and will be dissolved when the need no longer exists.

CHAIR : ELIZABETH JONES MADDY CLEVELAND WILLIAM FANDRICH ALEXA LUKE EVAN SMITH

CHAIR : BRETT SCHULTZ DENVER LODGE BEN MALOON NANCY PATIÑO KYLE SANTOS ZACH SANTOS ALYSSA SEIBOLD

CHAIR: CALEB BARCENAS RAINEY DAVIS KIANA MYERS GERMAN RODRIGUEZ ERIC WEBER ANTHONY WHITE

CHAIR: BRETT SCHULTZ TREVOR IWATA ATEM MALAK HANNAH MYHRE CLARABETH SMITH

NEWS

5

WWU Alumnus Innovation

king make ocuated rtain been ecesorary disd no

TZ

PERSPECTIVE

The Person

Andrew DePaula graduated from Walla Walla Univeristy in 1996 with a degree in electrical engineering. Since then he’s applied his degree to practical innovation in the information storage industry, and on Nov. 18, 2012, WWU graduate-turnedCEO DePaula launched intelliPaper, a Spokane-based company “committed to providing the highest quality, cost-efficient products in the data-sharing consumer industry.”

News Editor

DePaula promoted his company’s products to Walla Walla’s marketing and enrollment services and made a positive impression. “Something you have to know about DePaula is that he’s very humble,” says Jodi Wagner of marketing and enrollment. “He’s really interested in how his product can serve Christian purposes.”

The company’s “about” page (intellipaper.info/about) reflects a committment to

The Product Led by WWU graduate Andrew DePaula, intelliPaper premiered disposable USB drives made out of paper. They are printed on two pieces of paper with a chip laminated in between them and USB traces on top. When these intelliPaper products are connected to a laptop USB port, the computer opens a browser to a page containing data encoded in the USB device. If the computer lacks an internet connection, it

Jaclyn Archer

Photo by Joshua McKinney

Jennifer Buyco Staff Writer

opens instead to a static PDF displaying similar information.

The disposable USB drives are a breakthrough product because they give “the data-sharing industry a low-cost solution to communicate messages both visually (the paper) and digitally (the data in it) at the same time.” The USB devices are not made out of ordinary paper, but from intel-

The Application Marketing and enrollment is already utilizing paper USB drives in a mailing piece called “10 Tips for Parents.” The mailer was sent earlier this month to parents of third-year high school students as part of marketing and enrollment’s “vanilla” campaign, which will serve as WWU’s basic communication structure with prospective students and their families. Paper USB drives appeared at the bottom of the

both technological innovation and Christianty with the words, “We adopt and utilize the latest technological innovations and processes in the industry, while ensuring the welfare of our team members … [who are] key to intelliPaper’s survival, growth, and profitability.” The page concludes with the statement: “Fundamentally, at the heart of everything we do, is the awareness that a personal loving God is the Creator and Giver of all things.”

liPaper’s patented “intelligent paper.” It has the look and feel of normal cardstock, but there are electronic parts embedded in the paper itself. While the paper USB drives are disposable, and thus have a limited lifespan after first use, the information they provide may be saved or accessed again and again online.

Photo by Joshua McKinney

Jaclyn Archer News Editor

cardstock info sheet as perforated strips parents could rip off, fold, and place in any computer.

“We chose to use this technology [because] we like innovative ideas,” explains Jodi Wagner. “This is an innovative idea from a WWU alum, which illustrates a positive (and interesting) outcome from a WWU education. In the marketing world, ‘new’ or ‘first’ ideas are difficult to find,

and this one represents both. Most of the people we ran the concept by were eager to try the USB technology to see if it works … and that is a good sign.” Indeed, the innovation has already yielded a degree of success. The industry standard of receiver response to unsolicited mail is approximately 1.5-2.5 percent, while responses to WWU’s unsolicited mailers using intelliPaper are approaching four (responses may include visiting the website, using

provided contact info, or otherwise following the “call to action” requested by promotional material).

Chris Drake, director for media design at the office of enrollment at WWU, says disposable USB drives are “a chance for us to utilize the technology developed by an alumnus on campus” and that they are the “beginning edges of a new way of distributing information.”

6

CONTEXT

EWB in Action Engineers Without Borders at Walla Walla University is committed to improving the world we live in, both locally and abroad. We’ve decided to take action and help the world through direct, lasting, and personal contributions to communities in the form of infrastructure and resource management.

We are currently finishing up our most recent project in Nueva Suyapa, Honduras, which will provide a new school building and a stable learning environment for more than 300 children.

With this project coming to a close, the EWB chapter will be starting up new international and local projects. In the future, this segment in The Collegian will bring you new and exciting updates on these projects. But, it doesn’t end there. We would like to get you involved.

Our local chapter currently has 75 active members whose majors include math, biology, humanities, all branches of engineering, and many others. Needless to say, you do not have to be an engineer to be a part of what we do. We look forward to bringing you along on this journey of improving the world we live in and impacting the lives of others in positive and meaningful ways.

For more information on how to get involved, you can contact Caitlin Lupo at caitlin.lupo@wallawalla.edu and Michael Slusser at michael.slusser@wallawalla.edu.

Read more about us at ewb-wwu.org

ASWWU SENATE

SEAT OPENING FOR DISTRICT 6

MOUNTAIN VIEW/BIRCH Submit your declaration for the position by Dec. 11. Declarations of candidacy can be found on the ASWWU Senate webpage.

Information: paid, 2–3 hours/week

OPEN ASWWU

POSITIONS Photo by EWB

Mt. Ash Editor ASWWU TV Manager ASWWU Webmaster Social Marketing Assistant Marketing Vice President Photo Editor Assistant to the Photo Editor

CONTEXT

7

WEEK IN

FORECAST Photo by Kate Gref

Photo by 24-seven.org

Thursday | 29 NOV

Friday |

I Cantori Fundraiser*

Vespers: Matt Gamble

48° 44°

7–9 p.m.

Blue Palm

30 NOV 51° 44°

8 p.m.

University Church

Photo by Darin Berning

Saturday |

1 DEC 51° 42°

Evensong: Kraig Scott 4 p.m.

University Church

Impact by BSCF

ASWWU Dodgeball

9:30 p.m.

SAC

8 p.m.

WEC

The Importance of Being Earnest 8 p.m.

Village Hall

Photo by Darin Berning

Sunday |

2 DEC 45° 37°

Messiah Walla Walla Symphony Concert 3 p.m.

University Church

The Importance of Being Earnest

Photo by Blue Palm

Photo by Greg Khng

Monday | 3 DEC

Tuesday |

Fundraiser for Shayla Brown’s Mission Year in Fiji*

Wear Brown Shoes Day

46° 35°

7–9 p.m.

Blue Palm

4 DEC 43° 38°

Photo by Liz Douglas

Wednesday | 5 DEC

46° 34°

Big Band/Steel Drum Band Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m.

WWVA Auditorium

8 p.m.

Village Hall

*Twenty percent of all purchases made at Blue Palm during this time will be donated to support this WWU student cause.

8

PERSPECTIVE

Question "Why does God make Himself so invisible?"

Response

RELIGION

Enough Atem Malak

Contributing Writer

Tough question, but I’ll share what I’ve learned in the course of my journey.

When Adam and Eve bit the apple in the Garden of Eden, our relationship with God changed.

We could no longer walk with Him in the Garden during the cool of the day. Why? He is perfect, pure, and holy. We are tarnished, broken, and distant.

But this is not what God wants.

God wants to restore us to a right relationship with Him — like the one Adam and Eve enjoyed in the Garden. He has done, and is doing, everything He can to restore that relationship.

Until that day of restoration, He has chosen to reveal Himself to us in ways we wouldn't always expect. First of all through nature, but sadly, it wasn’t enough for God. So God gave us His Word, the Holy Scriptures, but even that wasn’t enough. So then the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us (John 1:14), and when we choose to follow Him, He makes His dwelling in us (Ephesians 2:22).

God wants to get closer to us.

Our job is to learn to see with new eyes until we finally get to see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

The word “enough” is a simple word that we normally say in our conversations.

People say “enough” when they feel that their desire is fulfilled. I tend to think of the word enough like the process of eating: When we are hungry our stomach wants food to eat, and after eating we will feel that we have had enough food, but after few hours, we will again demand more food. I have struggled for long time about how to live this word enough. Since my childhood, I have prayed about things that I thought would satisfy my wants or needs. When I was a herdsman, I thought I would live the word enough when we acquired more cows. But when my sister got married and the bridegroom paid many cows as a dowry for my sister’s wedding, I thought that I would finally live the word enough, but my desire for more cows still increased.

fees, I would have enough. The things I have mentioned above were things that I thought, “If I could have them, then I will have enough.” Some of these things sound silly to mention, for example the mattress.

No American kid will ever think of having enough if they sleep on a mattress, but it was a big deal for me in those years when I used to sleep on the carpet, which was very uncomfortable. When I was young, I thought that sleeping on a mattress was the best feeling ever, but now that I have been sleeping on a mattress for a while, I do not think of it as the best thing, but rather as normal. What is amazing about all these things I thought would be enough for me was the fact that God made them come true — except for the English, which I am still working on right now and I still want more. In fact, my desire for new things has increased now more than ever.

family members buy that we do not have, and our love for new things makes us wish we could also have them.

This idea of wanting stuff might relate to some of you: Maybe you have thought that you would have enough if you could drive a nice sports car like your friend, or wished you were like your friend whose parents are financially blessed. I am pretty sure that those kids don’t have “enough”; they wish they could have more stuff.

What I have seen in my life so far is that human beings’ desire for new things will never stop. It doesn’t matter whether you are poor or rich, tall or short, fat or thin: Your desire for new things will always disturb your mind.

So, how do we solve this stress of wanting something we do not have? The truth of the matter is: Nothing will satisfy our wants to have “enough,” but there is one person who can make us have enough. Jesus Christ is the only person who can make us realize what is enough in our lives because He never changes, He never gets old, He was the same person before we were born, and He is the same in this very minute. Jesus is not like things, which change after we hear about new products in the market. He is not like changing the iPhone 4 for the new iPhone 5. He is everything we need if we can trust Him, and because of that we have this truth, my friends: If we have God in our lives, the word enough is living in us.

“Human beings’ desire for new things will never stop.”

When I left the wut, a place for herding cattle, and came to school in 2003, I thought that the word enough would be fulfilled if I could sleep on a nice mattress, but as I stayed in school longer, my definition of enough changed again.

I started thinking that if I could speak English well, the word enough would be finally be fulfilled. When my family lost our cows in 2005, my first thought was that if I could get someone to pay my school

My definition of what will make me live “enough” has changed; my unsatisfiable desire thinks that if I own a car, a MacBook Pro, or a smartphone, my definition of the word enough will finally be fulfilled, but the truth is I will never get enough “things” because there are always new things or products that our friends or

To discuss your eyesight, stop by the chaplain’s office.

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

REAL QUESTIONS Photo by ASWWU

COLUMN & CREATIVE WRITING

PERSPECTIVE

Where Have All the Turnips Gone?

Rebecca Brothers Columnist Thanksgiving is a baffling holiday. First, there’s the strange array of “traditional” foods — stuffing, mashed potatoes, and so on. What is the theme of this smörgåsbord? It can’t be “authentic 1620s experience,” otherwise we’d be sitting down to a spread of venison, cod, and bass, and if the economy hadn’t been good that year, we’d be fasting instead. A theme of “autumn produce” seems closer to the mark, but then where are the beets, turnips, and rutabagas? It’s like they’re being left out on purpose. As for the yams baked with marshmallows, do they count as vegetables or dessert?

Most scholars agree that this dish was invented when some six-year-olds were planning a dinner and their parents told them to include a vegetable.

faster than realizing that when you go to your boyfriend’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, all the guests might have to say one thing for which they’re grateful, and by George you’d better have something witty and original. In the end, I decided to say the first thing that came to mind (always a good decision), which worked out when we sat down, blessed the food, and started eating with nary an awkward silence. It was heartwarming to think of families all across the country taking stock, whether silently or aloud, of the many good things in their lives. It’s America at its best.

Then comes Black Friday, possibly the most puzzling part of the season and — dare I say it? — America at its worst. If Black Friday came a week or two after Thanksgiving, I could see how it’d be easy to get into the great sales and camaraderie.

But mere hours after Thanksgiving dinner ends? We sit down as a nation and remember what it was like to be hungry, ill, cold, and far from home, and then we go out and elbow each other for the last Wii. That’s irony for you — Norman Rockwell on Thursday, Quentin Tarantino on Friday. Imagine what would happen if the whole country got together and said, “You know what? This is excessive.

The only shopping we’re going to do is as rational human beings at rational times of day.”

“Where are the beets, turnips, and rutabagas?

It’s like they’re being left out on purpose.”

“Yams are a vegetable!”

“Those are marshmallows, sweetie.”

“The yams are underneath, mixed with brown sugar.”

“Well, I guess that’s all right.”

Next, there’s the matter of balancing honesty and cliché when giving thanks.

Quick — think of five things for which you’re thankful. If food and housing aren’t on that list, then I’m a stuffed Worthington turkey roll. For many people, including college students, these aren’t clichés; they’re very real blessings.

Still, if you’re looking for motivation to add to your gratefulness list, nothing will make you start counting your blessings

Of course, it’s entirely possible that most Black Friday sales are marked by the utmost courtesy and decorum, and the stories of mayhem are part of a plot cooked up by small businesses. I might also be bitter that I can’t do Black Friday because I love sleep too much. It’s all about perspective, really.

The Old Man Chad Aufderhar Contributing Writer

Adapted from a Cold Mountain song:

Sitting below dark pines built by fragile wind, Vacant eyes look for a refuge to rest his hollow face.

He read away the years with incantations of immortals, Cold Mountain promised safety but never offered grace.

Age is an empty well of frozen honey and one-way portals.

He is blind enough to see the way back has been forgotten, Unable to return from wandering ways, he knows that Every vessel on its way down takes with it the captain’s life.

I took my mind to the mouth of the river To see what the autumn moon would say, In the reflection of silence, “See me for who I am.”

Now life gives way in the cold mountains, Seasons change, cold settles in with a sigh, The early fallen leaves slowly cover Crowded ridges and sunless forests, nature’s lungs Breathe heavy winters of snow and mist; Year in, year out, with moon and solstice sigh.

Here on this heaving chest is a lost traveler On futile quest in search of the absent sky.

9

10

PERSPECTIVE

SCHOLARS ABROAD

Holidays Abroad

Chelsea Hardesty

This week, student missionaries and students participating in the ACA program write about their experiences with holidays abroad.

Thailand

Although there is no “Thanksgiving” holiday in Thailand, there is a day called Wai Khru, where students show thanks and honor to their teachers. Students crawl or bow to their teachers, present flowers, and give thanks. It is a special holiday that bonds teachers and students.

I think it’s a neat spin on Thanksgiving.

Michael Wilkinson Malawi

Ha rd es ty

y Photo b

on ins ilk W l hae Mic

Josh Gaskill

se el Ch y b to Pho

a

Here in Malawi, there exists a significant population of Indian expatriates who live and work in the cities. This past week I experienced their Indian Festival of Lights celebration filled with cultural dances, native foods, and — to cap it all off — a magnificent and grandiose display of fireworks blasting into the night sky for a solid 25 minutes. The delicious food, the choreographed dance routines that were perfectly executed, and the excellent array of brilliant color filling the sky all combined to form a truly remarkable experience of the Indian Festival of Lights.

Spain

Here in Spain they have a holiday called Fallas en Valencia, and it celebrates all of the good things Valencia offers to the world. It is a huge fiesta with lots of fireworks and huge sculptures. The whole city is involved: It’s very impressive.

ill sk Ga sh o J Photo by

Cassy Collins France

ui Aq

Amber Aqui Cambodia

I am unquestionably missing some good ol’ pumpkin pie. However, I cannot complain about my holiday cuisine options. Here in Asia, mangos are ridiculously cheap and I am addicted.

Although an eight-cent mango a day may not keep the doctor away, it sure makes me one happy girl.

llin Co ssy a

by C

s

Pho to by Am be r

Photo

I think the States really need to embrace European Christmas markets. They’re charming, cozy, romantic, nostalgic, delicious, and quaint. There are soft, twinkling lights; decorated booths with handmade holiday trinkets; specialty holiday foods (like spicy cider or rich cocoa to warm your bones); and, if you’re lucky, a light dusting of snow. The school is taking us to the Strasbourg Christmas Market after our final exams (what a treat, right?) and j’ai super envie d’y aller (I’m really excited to go there).

OPINION

PERSPECTIVE 11 COLLEGIAN WISDOM

Social Media vs. Political Media

Opinion Editor

Since Al Gore invented the Internet, social media has played an increasingly large role in political campaigns. Over the past few elections, candidates, candidate’s committees, and other political groups have utilized such services as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to reach voters — sometimes to inform potential voters about their platforms and positions, and other times to scare voters away from their opponents.

In a USA Today article, Laura Petrecca discussed the impact of online political spats on real-life relationships. “It takes just a few posts to inadvertently damage a friendship, put a rift in family relations, alienate a oncefriendly neighbor, or infuriate a colleague.”

Elliott Berger Opinion Editor

Most of you have probably heard about the scandalous photos taken by Lindsey Stone at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

The photos were uploaded onto Facebook

This past week I had the mucky luck to discover several videos of people being attacked and small children being beaten.

I was shocked that these videos would float so casually around YouTube and Facebook without age filters, until I realized that the videos were intentionally circulated with the sole purpose of catching the criminals faster due to the increased awareness.

As I thought about it more, I began to appreciate the idea that both the good and evil sides of crime take advantage of technology.

I was searching YouTube to discover more videos that were posted to catch criminals, and I came across a mother

C hitting her child multiple times while the child, not yet old enough to talk, could only accept the beating through tears.

There was no possible way to watch the video with a clean conscience. It removed me from my comfort zone and had my thoughts centered on frustration and justice. Available technology has produced hundreds of walking surveillance cameras on every street corner and, thankfully, in this case, perhaps the child now lives in a better situation, away from his mother’s violence.

I cannot tell you that these videos trying to put a stop to crime are entertaining or even easy to watch, but I am supportive of the idea. Personal viewing discretion can always be exercised when searching the web, and I feel that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Videos giving a vision into someone’s experience of injustice can increase our understanding of the true condition in which humanity exists, and our lives can be improved even by a YouTube video’s increase in awareness.

Powerball reaches a $550 million high.

Think of how much tithe money that could bring in.

Brad Pitt stars in upcoming film Killing Them Softly.

CW thinks it’ll be hard to top his performance in the Chanel No. 5 commercials.

Lincoln film comes in third at the box office.

C

Because slaying vampires wasn’t enough.

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As finals week approaches and my top Firefox tabs move to Facebook, Wolfram Alpha, and Wikipedia, I find many tangents from my original study intentions. Catching waves on the World Wide Web opens a world of possibilities, allowing you to share and discover information from all around the world.

The “share” idea has brought many wonderful innovations and, more recently, there have been many cases of laws being enforced or security measures taken using popular social-media sites. Sure, it’s not exactly private, but I think social media could become an effective tool for public safety and law enforcement.

Destroying childhood fantasies everywhere.

1. huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/04/socialmedia-political-impact-poll_n_1853224.html.

2. usatoday.com/story/news. politics/2012/10/12/facebook-politicsunfriend-obama-romney/1597491.

#socialsecurity and were apparently deemed offensive by enough people to petition for her unemployment, not to mention a lifetime of humiliation. In Ms. Stone’s case, when you share information with the world, the world is given a chance to give an opinion and, specifically, act on the situation as well.

Santa Parade in New York City.

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Up to this point, the Democratic Party has had the biggest and most effective presence in this form of campaigning, and Republicans have been criticized for not effectively making use of this platform.

For example, Barack Obama currently has 33 million “likes” on Facebook, compared

She continues, “Mix together a divided country and hot-button political issues and Facebook commentary can become an online landmine.” On election night, as I’m sure most of you did, I witnessed a slew of online quarrels, mostly regarding a person’s presidential choice. While the majority of these discussions remained tactful, some of them turned pretty nasty. The ease of access to information that we have today is an unparalleled asset, as is our ability to discuss relevant issues with others online. However, it’s important to be mindful and conscious of how we conduct ourselves online when it comes to politics and campaigns. Oh, and yes, I was being facetious when I said Al Gore invented the Internet. We all know it was Mark Zuckerberg.

C

Grant Gustavsen

to the more than 12 million “likes” that Romney had before his loss. Prior to the presidential election, the Pew Research Group conducted a poll that found that one-third of Democrats surveyed said social media websites played an important role in causing them to be more active in political campaigns, compared to just 24 percent of Republicans. Democrats shouldn’t claim online victory just yet, however, as the survey also found that 84 percent of site users posted little or nothing politically related, suggesting that perhaps most people completely avoid being politically involved online. The social media political monopoly may not belong to Democrats or Republicans but to apathy.

Southern’s Christmas tree is taller than Walla Walla’s.

Who’s measuring anyway?

C

“Gangnam Style” passes “Baby” for number-one spot on YouTube.

Selena Gomez leaves Justin.

12

SNAPSHOTS

Photo by Joshua McKinney

Photo by Kate Gref

SNAPSHOTS

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@dustinwitzel

Photo by Ivan Cruz

@rickyjaybee

@lmostcool

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

Photo by ASWWU

14

FEATURE

James Mayne

Feature Editor

Photo by nokia.com

BEST IN MUSIC19

Elizabeth Jones

Feature Editor

Carly Rae Jepson led the summer with her hit “Call Me Maybe,” giving tweens the worst pickup line of the decade. K-pop star Psy went viral with “Gangnam Style,” taking the record as the most-watched YouTube video of all time (836,882,767 views as of 27 Nov. 2012).Taylor Swift also gave us a new breakup song every month, and DJ David Guetta collaborated with practically every dance artist on the globe. It has been a year of the overplayed, teaching us how when “We Are Young,” we can find love in a hopeless place by calling “Somebody That I Used to Know” on a “Payphone.”

2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS Medal Count: London 2012 Olympics2

Photo by Carlton Hen

kes

BEST WWU FACU LTY ACCOMPLISHMEN TS

Rank Country

Gold Silver Bronze Total

1

United States of America

46

29

29

104

2

People’s Republic of China 38

27

23

88

3

Great Britain

17

19

65

29

Medal Count: London 2012 Paralympics3 Photo by Flickr user iwillbehomesoon

Rank Country

Gold Silver Bronze Total

1

People’s Republic of China 95

71

65

231

DAN LAMBERTON

2

Russian Federation

36

38

28

102

As a part of Humanities Washington and the Washington State Arts Committee, Lamberton played a role in the selection of Washington state poet laureate, Kathleen Flenniken.

3

Great Britain

34

43

43

120

RON JOLLIFFE Joliffe had his book Q 11:46b, 52, 47-48, 49-52 published.1

BEST INTERNATIONAL EVENT

A Walla Walla University alumnus, David Wagner, won a gold medal in the quad doubles wheelchair tennis match in the London Paralympic Games with his partner, Nick Taylor. He also won a silver medal in the wheelchair quad singles.4

FEATURE

SUPER BOWL 2012: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

APPLE iPHONE 5

nosoldier

ckr User Di

Photo by Fli

BEST NEW NE O H P T R A M S

On Sept. 21, 2012, Apple released the new iPhone 5. The phone is 18 percent thinner, 20 percent lighter, and has 12 percent less volume than the iPhone 4S, despite its extended length.

The eight-mexapixel iSight camera now allows for panorama shots, enhanced HD video recording, and FaceTime on an HD camera.

Within the phone, the new A6 chip offers faster CPU performance and faster graphics, as well as better battery life, allowing for eight hours of LTE browsing time, eight hours of talk time, and 10 hours of video playback time. Not only has the phone improved, but the earbuds have also received an upgrade. The new earbuds, called EarPods, are designed to provide the best audio experience, with microphones in the front, back, and bottom of the buds, and they stay comfortably in the ear.5

15

The Giants pulled through with a victory, beating the Patriots 21–17.6 NBA FINALS 2012: Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Photo by SF

BEST SPORTS GAMES

By the end of game five, Miami Heat had won the NBA Finals.

Miami lost game one and then went on to win four games in a row to finish off the series and claim the title.7

WORLD SERIES 2012: San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers Giants won the series 4–0, starting out strong and maintaining a lead throughout the series.8

BEST IN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

ra

varva press user 02

Photo by Word

JANUARY 21:

JUNE 5–6:

Laura Dekker’s Around-the-World Sail

Alex Honnold’s Yosemite Triple Crown

In an astonishing time of only 18 hours and 50 minutes, Honnold soloed Mt. Watkins, El Capitan, and Half Dome. Beginning his climb of Mt. Watkins at 4 p.m., he free-soloed about 90 percent of the combined 7,000 vertical feet and ended at the top of Half Dome at around 11 a.m. After this incredible feat, Honnold remarked, “I want to chill for five days” — probably a rest well earned. 10

After sailing for over a year, 17-year-old Dekker arrived in Sint Maarten on Jan. 21 to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Her record-breaking attempt had been held up in a Dutch court, which tried to prevent her from departing because they deemed her too young for such an adventure, but she did eventually set off, braving 18-foot waves, harsh weather conditions, and piles of homework on her way around the globe.9

Photo by thelinelife.com

OCTOBER 14: OCTOBER 4: Adam Ondra’s 5.15c

Ondra became the first person in the world to credibly climb a 5.15c (9b+) route after completing his project in Flatanger, Norway.

Called Change, the route is 55 meters high and located on a severely overhanging section of a granite cave. The 19-year-old climber thus has bragging rights to bagging the hardest rock climb ever.11

Felix Baumgartner’s Free Fall

In a helium-filled balloon, Baumgartner rose to 128,100 feet and then did what most would consider insane — jumped. During his free fall (which lasted for four minutes and 22 seconds), Baumgartner reached an estimated speed of 833.9 mph, thereby becoming the first person ever to break the speed of sound without assisted propulsion. The mission was not just for thrills; scientists are hoping to use the huge amount of data that the mission generated to learn more about how the body reacts to the extreme conditions on the edge of space.12

Photo by National Geographic

Photo by Beverly & Pack

BEST IN POLITICS

APRIL 1:

NOVEMBER 6:

Historic election of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar

Presidential Election

The 2012 election in Myanmar marked a dramatic shift toward democracy for a country that has been dominated by a ruling military junta for decades. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (which has not been on the ballot in 22 years), underwent 15 years of house arrest as well as political suppression to arrive at this point: a political office in parliament. Myanmar’s transitioning political scene was welcomed in the United States, as President Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Myanmar on Nov. 19.8

With 332 electoral votes and more than 64 million popular votes, the incumbent Barack Obama defeated Republican candidate Mitt Romney to win a second term.

Obama carried 26 states as well as nearly all of the battleground states that were deemed essential to win.

JULY 4: Higgs Boson Discovered

Scientists working at the CERN research center in Geneva, Switzerland, announced that they had unlocked the key to the mysteries of the universe. Maybe not all of the mysteries, but the discovery of the Higgs boson certainly is important in helping scientists to understand the laws of nature and our universe. If you want to try to understand the intricacies of why this is important, and if you enjoy wrapping your mind around complicated physics, look it up and read about it — there’s not enough space here.14 AUGUST 6: Curiosity Rover on Mars

Photo by cbc.ca

BEST IN SCIENCE

Photo by wallpaperswide.com

BEST IN MOVIES

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After traveling more than 350 million miles, the Curiosity rover successfully landed in Gale Crater on Mars. The size of a small car, the rover will spend the next two years exploring the crater and examining rocks for evidence of life-friendly conditions. The project cost $2.5 billion and took years for NASA to pull off, but scientists are hoping that the rover will significantly increase our understanding of the Red Planet. If you haven’t seen demonstrations of the rover’s sky crane–landing maneuver, check it out. It was pretty impressive.15

This year, superheroes fought crime and saved the world on multiple occasions. Fortunately, Hollywood was smart and grouped many together in The Avengers, but it left Spiderman and Batman to head up their own films. 2012 also carried the Twilight series to a close, gave us two diverse views of President Lincoln, and revealed a new side of Middle Earth in The Hobbit. Lead heroines stole the scene with huge hits like The Hunger Games and Brave. And, as usual, Ryan Gosling was everywhere.

Photo by Flickr user Mamboman1

DRAW SOMETHING For about one month last year, people couldn’t put their phones down because they were too busy playing Draw Something. The social media app is a sort of combination of Pictionary and Words with Friends. It connects friends through their ability to draw and guess random words and phrases.

Photo by Flickr user aaip

odpics

BEST SHORT-LIVED APP

FEATURE

Best of Walla Walla University April 27: University Academic Symposium — Students had the opportunity to listen to the presentations of 21 peers’ research projects, each of whom had gone through an application process that included recommendations by department chairs and approval by a special symposium committee. The first such event of hopefully many more to come, the symposium gave participants the chance to share their research in a setting similar to an academic conference, an experience that many students at WWU don’t often get. A wide array of disciplines were represented, from science and math to history and sociology. Dr. Cheris Current of the School of Social Work and Sociology, who helped organize the event, said this about the conference: “Completing a major research project is isolating, and you generally feel like no one cares about this topic that you have spent months on. … I think this conference allowed students to see that people were interested in the projects that consumed them for so long.”16 A second annual UAS is scheduled for this school year.

October 20: University Church’s 50th Anniversary — With a special ceremony of music and a sermon, the University Church celebrated 50 years in its current building.

The program featured beautiful organ music by Brittni Bryan, a senior music major and organist at the time (she recently completed her degree), as well as a sermon entitled “History. Seriously.”

by Senior Pastor Alex Bryan. We look forward to many more years of worshipping in the beautiful building with which we’ve been blessed.17

sored by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust) is an opportunity for undergraduate students from the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Montana to present their research in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering.

This year, Whitman College hosted the conference, and five students from WWU participated: Mandi Skilton, Chanel Giles, Cedric Thiel, Katelyn Winter, and Joe Hughes.

Skilton and Giles, both senior biology majors, presented research from their summer at Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory, entitled “Dude, where’s my floater? Measuring ocean currents with a GPS-mapping subsurface drifter.” To discover the efPhoto by Marketing fects of current patterns on various and Enrollment Ser vices small habitats within the bay, they U NIVERSITY ACADE designed and built a simple and MIC SYMPOSIUM inexpensive current drifter and tracked its movements with a waterproof GPS. Then they overlaid the patterns on Google Earth to see the patterns of the currents in the bay ing whether or not their T-cell proliferation and how they related to certain habitats, (a type of white blood cell and a major part such as an eel grass of the immune system) was promoted or bed. suppressed. She found that hyssop seems to Thiel, junior have an inhibitory effect on T-cell proliferabiology major, tion, which leads to potential questions for investigated how future research in regard to its benefits as an chia (like in chia herbal remedy. pets) affected the Hughes, senior physics and mechanical immune systems engineering major, presented “Detection of of mice and presuper-thermal electrons in a plasma column,” sented his findings based on research he did over the summer. on a poster entitled His goal was to find out if energy released (in “The effects of chia the form of light) from a collapsing arc in(Salvia hispanica) cluded super-thermal electrons — electrons on murine lymthat speed up as they shoot forth.

By buildphocyte proliferaPhoto by Jim Nestler ing a particle detector called a Faraday cup tion.” His research — which essentially acts as a catcher’s mitt found that chia — and by placing a speedometer in front of appears to have an it, Hughes was able to measure the speed of inhibitory effect incoming electrons. His experiments found on mice. Winter, that there were no super-thermal electrons senior biology mabeing released, which is a positive discovery jor, also investigatas it validated the model that he was using. ed a mousy subject, with a poster titled “An investigation of the effect of Hyssop officianaAll five students felt that the conference lis on T-cell proliferation in mice,” looking was a great experience and a wonderful opat the effect of hyssop (an herbaceous plant portunity to present their research, mingle often used for medicinal purposes) supplewith, and learn from other undergraduate

MURDOCK CONFERENCE

October 26–27: Murdock College Science Research Conference — The Murdock College Science Research Conference (spon-

mentation on the immune systems of mice.

Her experiment involved feeding ground hyssop to mice for six weeks and then test-

17

students. Thiel and Winter remarked on the “unintimidating atmosphere,” and Giles felt that it was not only beneficial to the scientific community, but also good training for the students’ future careers in science and research. Everyone agreed that it was also just plain fun; according to Winter, “Getting excited about research on yew trees, crippled purple shore crabs, and drunken finches was infectious.”18 1. See The Collegian article Q by Ron Jolliffe from the October 25, 2012 issue.

2. “Medal Count,” London 2012, accessed 27 Nov. 2012, london2012.com/medals.

3. “Medal Count,” London 2012, accessed 27 Nov. 2012, london2012.com/paralympics/medals/ medal-count.

4. Rosa Jimenez, “Graduate Wins Paralympic Gold: Graduate Competes in London Games,” Walla Walla University, accessed 27 Nov. 2012, wallawalla.edu/nc/about-wwu/news/article/view/ graduate-wins-paralympic-gold-1.

5. “iPhone,” Apple, 27 Nov. 2012, apple.com/ iphone/features.

6. Mark Maske, “Super Bowl 2012: Giants beat Patriots 21-17 in a heartstopping repeat of 2008 title game,” Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2012, accessed 27 Nov. 2012, washingtonpost.com/sports/ redskins/super-bowl-2012-giants-beat-patriots21-17-in-a-heartstopping-repeat-of-2008-titlegame/2012/02/02/gIQAmfAssQ_story.html.

7. “2012 NBA Playoff Series Results,” NBAUniverse. com, accessed 27 Nov. 2012, nbauniverse.com/ yearbyyear/2011_2012_playoffs_series.htm.

8. “World Series 2012: Results from the Giant-Tigers Fall Classic,” SportingNews.com, last modified 23 Oct. 2012, last accessed 27 Nov. 2012, aol. sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-10-23/worldseries-2012-schedule-tv-times-dates-tigers-giantsfox-games.

9. nytimes.com/2012/04/02/world/asia/myanmarelections.html.

10. guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/23/laura-dekkersailing-heroine-times.

11. climbing.com/news/honnolds-biggest-baddestsolo-yet-2, examiner.com/article/alex-honnoldfree-solo-climbs-the-triple-crown-less-than24-hours.

12. climbing.com/news/ondra-5-15c-norway/ and outsideonline.com/blog/outdoor-adventure/ climbing/the-worlds-first-515c-rock-climb-justwent-down.html.

13. redbullstratos.com/the-mission/world-recordjump.

14. nytimes.com/2012/07/14/opinion/weinbergwhy-the-higgs-boson-matters.html, nytimes. com/2012/07/05/science/cern-physicists-mayhave-discovered-higgs-boson-particle.html.

15. nytimes.com/2012/08/06/science/space/curiosity-rover-lands-safely-on-mars.html.

16. Quoted in Amy Wilkinson’s article “Excellence in Thought,” Westwind, Summer 2012, p. 15.

17. wallawalla.edu/nc/about-wwu/news/article/view/ university-church-celebrates-50-years.

18. All of the above information is from email and/ or personal interviews conducted on 26 and 27 Nov. 2012 with Jim Nestler, Mandi Skilton, Chanel Giles, Katelyn Winter, Cedric Thiel, and Joe Hughes.

19. Courtesy of Grant Perdew.

18

LIFE

CULTURE

Classy, Festive, Ugly: Christmas Sweaters Grant Perdew Culture Editor

beauty is in the eye of the beholder; these repulsive hand-me-downs have grown in popularity with the rise of the hipster.

Not only has it become incredibly, terribly, bone-chillingly cold outside, but the Christmas season is quickly creeping up on us. The holidays are a time to bond with family, eat your weight in fruitcake, and wear the ugliest clothes imaginable everywhere you go — to social events, in particular. During the month of December, many people will flock to ugly sweater parties, dressed in alien, vintage apparel in an effort to out-ugly the ones around them.

The best place to find these fine pieces of class and culture is at a thrift store. Opinions vary on how to pick out and describe an ideal ugly sweater, but a few definitive characteristics prevail. The sweater should be brashly colored, overwhelmingly bulky, and — for this month especially — decorated with anything that could be found in Santa's factory.

Misshapen reindeer, snowmen, and moderately creepy characters help bring a taste of refinement; appliqué lights, bells, and waytoo-many sequins are always a quality addition of sophistication.

Where did this trend start? Nobody really knows exactly. The fact remains that ugly sweaters are quickly becoming not only a holiday tradition, but a year-round fashion statement. This wonderfully hideous garb receives mixed reviews from the people who see it. They're either really cute and bring out delightful holiday cheer, or they're really ugly. Most people seem to think the latter — excluding all grandmothers, of course. But

One of the greatest things about ugly sweaters has been the price. Since all the best holiday attire is used and ancient, the cheap cost at thrift stores has been a great advantage and lure for many young people. But now it is becoming a necessity, and the business world is catching on. When the demand exceeds the supply, ugly sweaters must be sought elsewhere. If the closet of an '80s survivor isn't accessible, there are entire websites devoted to

the buying and selling of these festive monsters, unfortunately running as high as $45.

This may seem like a ridiculous amount of money to pay for an outdated sweater, but for the chance to own a genuine piece of holiday spirit, it may be worth it.

If you're not ready for the full power of the ugly sweater, don't fret. You don't have to wear one. Just don't make fun of people who decide to sport them. Yes, he/she could be an overly proud hipster, but he/she might also just really like the Christmas present his/her grandmother knit for him/her 19 years ago.

And he/she may miss his/her grandmother.

Don't make fun. When's the last time you visited your grandmother? Regardless of all that, you should just wear one. All the time.

Start a sweater revolution and then go bowling. Happy holidays …

Here's some inspiration as you begin your search for the perfect holiday monstrosity.

HOLIDAY TRANSITION TUNES Do you hate Christmas music? These songs will ease you into the holiday season carefully, and will help you lose that urge to destroy every Christmas tree and reindeer sweater you come upon.

Sufjan Stevens

Alternative

"Christmas Unicorn" First, an odd holiday tune. This way, you can subliminally be exposed to seasonal music without realizing it. The eccentric Michigan singer/songwriter has now released two Christmas albums. Before turning the radio to overplayed seasonal shopping tunes, try the reverent, intergalactic, angelic, and even downright looney sound of Sufjan.

Stromae

Euro-House

"Alors On Danse" This is for when you get fed up with trying so hard to tolerate Christmas music. Nothing is more effective than dancing your face off to some pumping euro-house jams. This Belgian singer has taken over European radios and clubs, and he just might take over your holiday season.

The National

Rock

"England" This is not a Christmas song, but it sounds like the splendid joy of a holiday far away. It croons triumphantly of cathedrals over properly magisterial drums. These Ohioan indie rockers aim for powerful and poetic. The National can make anything sound grand and contemplative. This is an anthem for the cold melancholy of winter.

Coldplay

Rock

"Christmas Lights" Lead Chris Martin seeks distraction and redemption in the commercialism of Christmas. There is real melancholic emotion here, and it doesn't drown in a sea of seasonal schmaltz. With a truly rousing anthemic chorus and soaring strings and piano, this is a holiday tune that holiday-haters can learn to enjoy.

Alaska in Winter

Electropop

"Berlin" Welcome in the terrible wintry chill with this odd brand of vocoderglazed indie pop. The synths are torqued into gleaming waves, the base line sits magnificently beneath, and the surging snares are set so we can relish the sound over and over. This anthem might lead minuscule elves across the German dance floor.

Fleet Foxes

Indie Folk

"White Winter Hymnal" Yet another salutation to winter, the Fleet Foxes' harmonies remain the primary draw among the album's winding paths and unexpected vistas. This song is a firelit roundelay, whose lyrics convey strange fairytale-like rhymes about snow and the cold of winter.

DIVERSIONS

Eric Weber

Diversions Editor

LIFE

Turn Up the Swag.

Noah wrote Allie 365 letters, so I think you can answer my text message.

EASY

HARD

EASY

Hello, world: My name is Eric Weber, and I’m obese. Thanks to Thanksgiving, I am the proud owner of a double chin, and sadly, Jenny Craig is my new best friend. I had high hopes for Carly Rae Jepsen's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performance, but once again, she made my ears bleed, and NOT in a Skrillex kind of way. But something has been brought to my attention that is inexcusable: laziness.

Everyone, I realize that your sweatpants/basketball shorts really complete your “I don’t care; let me die in peace” look, but you need to turn up the swag. We are in a veritable Petri dish of relationships and life partners. Take advantage of it! Stop trying to convince yourself that you look good in a sweatsuit.

You don’t. Nobody does. All you need to do is dress nicely until you get a boyfriend/girlfriend and then STOP. That’s what Chris Brown and Rihanna did and they were great together, right?

I want to unfriend you on Facebook, and also in real life.

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LIFE

Markedly Less Convenient Thomas Cutting Contributing Writer

Thomas Cutting is a Walla Walla University alumnus, graduating with a B.S. in forensic psychology in 2008. Thomas went on to earn an M.A. in school counseling from Gonzaga University in 2011 and is a licensed school counselor in the state of Washington. He then continued graduate studies for an additional year at Gonzaga University in community counseling. Previously, Thomas has worked at high schools, assisted-living facilities, residential treatment programs, and inpatient hospital settings for over three years, providing individual counseling, assessment, and group therapy for a variety of mental and behavioral health issues.

Regardless of political affiliation and worldviews, most will agree that Nov. 6 of this year marked an important and historically significant day in the history of United States policy and leadership. In addition to the numerous and intensely contested house and senate races, as well as the hard-fought re-election of our president for a second term, came profound and unprecedented legislation from the states of Washington and Colorado with electorates voting to legalize the sale and possession of cannabis. Though various states have legalized medical marijuana since 1996, this remains a bold change in policy on a much larger scale than we have previously seen.

Although we may not all be comfortable with it, there are clearly some financial and societal benefits that could result from this new measure. Under the new law, there will be a 25-percent excise tax on all retail and wholesale cannabis sales.

The Washington State Office of Financial Management has estimated that the legislation will net over half a billion dollars in tax revenue during the first year, with the law stipulating that this money be reserved for research funding, substance abuse prevention programs, health care, and education. In addition to the new tax revenue from Initiative 502, we can expect to see a significant reduction in

the burden that is currently felt by law enforcement. When reviewing House Bill 1550, a previously proposed piece of legislation very similar to Initiative 502, the Office of Financial Management noted that the reductions in spending for local budgets could total as much as $13.5 million every year simply due to the reduction of cannabisrelated arrests, trials, and jail sentences. However, there are some very real concerns to be evaluated when taking a closer look at Initiative 502.

ual. Cannabis use can often result in tolerance, an effect of frequent use that causes the smoker to need a greater amount of THC to achieve the desired effects. This is of special concern to medicinal cannabis users. Patients who utilize medicinal cannabis for chronic conditions will typically develop a considerable tolerance due to the frequency of their use. Because of this, a medical cannabis patient could easily have a blood level far over the five-nanogram limit and not be impaired, yet still be subject to full DUI penalties. The Seattle Times noted in the Nov. 5 edition of last year that medical cannabis patients have passed various cognitive tests with THC blood levels of up to 47 nanograms, and that patients have been found to still have THC blood levels at over five nanograms nearly four hours after use.

“Although we may not all be comfortable with it, there are clearly some financial and societal benefits that could likely result from this new measure.”

Some concerns arise over Initiative 502’s establishment of DUI limits imposed on those driving who are suspected of being under the influence of cannabis. Police may ask for a blood test if they suspect that a motorist is under the influence, but this in itself becomes much more complicated than the common breathalyzer test for alcohol. The procedure involves the driver being placed under arrest and taken to the hospital, where their blood will then be drawn by a medical professional. Refusal to comply with this testing amounts to admission of guilt and will result in license suspension, similar to current drunk-driving laws.

The standard of the new law for establishing impairment is five nanograms of THC (the primary psychoactive chemical found in cannabis) per milliliter of blood, thought by drafters of the legislation to be comparable to the standard 0.08 blood alcohol level. The problem is that it is not comparable, and five nanograms per milliliter of THC can produce a significantly different effect depending on the individ-

Additionally, college students convicted of a marijuana DUI would lose student loans and financial aid, and the new law’s zero-tolerance measure would subject young adults under 21 to a DUI conviction if any amount of THC is detected in blood levels. The law is unclear about whether this zero-tolerance policy will apply to active THC levels or the longer abiding inactive THC that is stored in the body; it simply states drivers under 21 will be found guilty of a DUI “if the THC content of the driver’s blood is above 0.00.” THC and the majority of other cannabinoids are fat-soluble compounds, causing them to be detectable for roughly a week in normal users and up to three months in frequent users. Because of the extreme length of this elimination

half-life, young adults under 21 could potentially face serious consequences for driving days, weeks, or even months after being under the influence.

Most of us would agree that having stoned drivers on the road is something that society should avoid: It has the potential to be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. But cannabis does not lend us the same convenience of consistency that we get from alcohol. While it can be determined with little effort how many drinks you can have and how long you should wait before it’s safe to drive, cannabis is much less predictable. The U.S. Department of Transportation has even stated, “It is not possible to conclude anything about a driver’s impairment on the basis of his/her plasma concentrations.” The harsh reality is that the only true way to ensure safety for those who choose to utilize their newfound liberties is to avoid driving for many hours after use.

This may be inconvenient, but those who choose to risk it would be well advised to thoughtfully weigh the risks.

In the end, only time will tell the full impact of this groundbreaking piece of legislation. It could be remembered as the stepping stone that signaled the beginning of the end for our nation’s 75-yearlong prohibition of cannabis, and history could view it through the same lens as it did the ending of alcohol prohibition: a reinstatement of freedoms for adults to choose how they recreate and manage their own health. It could also end up being scrapped for new legislation, or even the previous, familiar ways of prohibition. It may even be a moot point entirely: Cannabis is still very much illegal at the federal level, and the DEA may be utilized to stop things before the legislation even begins. The only certainty is that it never hurts to be fully aware of the science and legality of any situation.

When the new law is enacted this January, please make sure that your decision is a thought out and informed one.

FOODIE

LIFE

21

Easy Chocolate Fudge Amy Alderman Food Editor

Have you ever made fudge before?

Amy’s moment of truth: About five years

ago, I completely ruined a pan while trying to make fudge from scratch. After hours of trying to scrape my homemade concoction out of the pan, we ended up just tossing the pan in the trash. It was not a very proud cooking moment in my life.

Since that initial attempt, I have discovered a foolproof chocolate fudge recipe. It has three entire ingredients (four if you add in nuts) and can even be made in a microwave if you’re careful not to burn the chocolate.

With the holidays right around the corner, this fudge recipe will also make an easy, delicious gift for friends and family that won’t break your college-student budget.

Easy Chocolate Fudge What you’ll need: measuring cups, knife, 8- or 9-inch baking pan, foil, kettle or microwave, stirring spoon 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Photos by Amy Alderman

Christmas Market Specialties

Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with foil. Combine morsels and sweetened condensed milk in medium saucepan or kettle. Warm over lowest possible heat (so that the chocolate won’t burn) and stir until smooth. (If making in microwave, reduce power level and stir every 30 seconds.) Remove from heat and stir in nuts and vanilla extract. Spread evenly into prepared baking pan. Refrigerate for two hours or until firm. Lift from pan and remove foil. Cut into pieces.

In our last edition of The Collegian, our travel editor wrote about European Christmas markets. As per her recommendations, check out these recipes for scrumptious international treats — inspired from French and German markets — that you can make in your own kitchen: Bredele (France) tinyurl.com/3ngjc36, Kinderpunsch (Germany) tinyurl.com/cylqu6t, Lebkuchen (Germany) tinyurl.com/d9gwbyb, Stollen (Germany) tinyurl.com/35e2w5r, Gebrannte Mandeln (Germany) tinyurl.com/d39ztyk

22

LIFE

SPORTS

SPORTS

Blazers, Chalupas, and Basketball Shoes Tye Forshee

Men’s Basketball Saturday, Dec. 1 6 p.m.

WWU vs. Lewis–Clark State College

Sunday, Dec. 2 3 p.m.

Sports Editor

Over Thanksgiving break, I made the trip to Portland to spend some time with my family. After a few days, I found myself sitting with little to do, as many of us do on vacation. I noticed that the Trailblazers were playing that night in Portland, and I went to stubhub.com to see if I could get some cheap tickets. Sure enough, I found tickets for nine dollars each — the price of seeing a movie. I made the purchase for my wife and me and printed out the tickets.

We went to see the Bulls face off against the Blazers, and even though Derrick Rose is not currently playing, due to injury, I thought it would be a good game nevertheless. I was excited

to see rookie Damian Lillard play and to enjoy some time well spent. Our seats were in the lower section of the upper deck, just a sneeze below the nosebleeds. The game was a good one to watch as it was relatively close, with the Blazers leading by fewer than 10 points most of the game. When the Blazers play at the Rose Garden in Portland and they score more than 100 points, everyone who is attending the game gets a coupon for a free chalupa from Taco Bell. For a while it seemed like the Blazers were not going to score more than 100 points, but the Bulls gave the fans a gift by intentionally fouling the Blazers with less than a minute left to play catch-up. The Blazers ended up scoring 102 points, and all the fans (nearly 20,000) received their free chalupas. The best part is that they won (102–94) while doing it. After the game, we received our free chalupa coupon, as well a 50-percent

-off coupon for the Adidas store.

We decided after the game to use our free chalupa coupons immediately, so we drove to Taco Bell and had some free food, as did most of the other people in the Taco Bell. We decided we would make good use of the 50-percent-off coupon and see what was at the Adidas store. The next day we went to the Adidas store inside a corporate headquarters office that left me speechless. The whole store was 50 percent off. After looking around for a while and browsing the store, I tried on some of the Adizero basketball shoes that feel as light as a sock. I decided to buy them, and all told I saved over $50 on them.

I would say overall it was a really good game: the Blazers won, I got a free chalupa, and I saved a lot of money on some sweet basketball shoes. I would say it was nine dollars well spent for a Blazers ticket.

WWU vs. Pacific University

Women’s Basketball Tuesday, Dec. 4 7 p.m.

WWU vs. Whitman College

Photo by Emily Forshee

HEALTH & WELLNESS

es Spirituality, Karl Wallenkampf Health & Wellness Editor

As of yet, the spiritual and intellectual material I promised at the beginning of the year has been largely absent from this column. This time, I’ll rectify that and provide further evidence that your research writing class was not in vain.

“How?” you ask incredulously. Well, I went into the deep, peer-reviewed, fulltext depths of Academic Search Premier to find evidence for my perception that a spiritually healthy life has a positive correlation with a physically healthy life.

Also, I read another very interesting article that I summarize later. Both avenues brought up some interesting results.

First, the Journal of Religion and Health: A group of reserachers studied students enrolled in personal health and wellness classes at the University of Tennessee. They concluded that students who nurtured a spiritual life experienced better health in general, even while making decisions on risks that could be seriously detrimental to their personal well-being.1 Likewise, a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine followed 167 younger-adult cancer survivors and found that, while religious attendance itself did not have a significant effect on health behavior, daily spiritual experiences did, causing them to conclude that aspects of religiousness and spirituality play “important … roles in the lifestyle choices of cancer survivors.”2 Furthermore, research published in the Western Journal of Black Studies stated, “For those respondents yielding higher spiritual and religious salience scores, better health-promoting behaviors were reported than those with lower spiritual and religious salience scores. The findings suggest that living a spiritually or religiously oriented lifestyle perhaps can lead to a healthier existence, both physically and psychologically. Most

LIFE 23

Daniel, and Women’s Health

importantly, these results highlight the importance of a spiritual framework in understanding health.”3 Given this body of research that links spirituality with better health behavior, I begin to better understand the passage of Daniel 1 that regards the culinary plight of Daniel and his friends.

Due to their spiritual and religious beliefs, they chose a more healthful and natural diet, and consequently “in all matters of wisdom and understanding … the king … found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.”4 Having already established that healthy spirituality is positively correlated with better health, and that Daniel and his friends benefitted mentally — hint hint — here are some practical links between physical activity and mental stamina.

books I certainly struggle with actually getting through the material, yet there is hope. She relates the advice of neuro-health expert David Yaden, from the Community Biofeedback Clinic in Phoenixville, Penn., who states that “You can build your willpower like you would a muscle,” thus having daily routines such as flossing or making your bed (men, open dorm is coming up) can build up the ability to stick with your work.

“You can build your willpower like you would a muscle.”

Over Thanksgiving break, I had the opportunity to read Women’s Health magazine. You might ask me why I decided to expand my literary scope in such a way. I have two answers: (1) I have three aunts as well as my mother, and (2) so the

Next, Yeager noted the correlation between exercise and you actual brain tissues. While exercising, as the heart beats more quickly, more blood flows to the brain, and “over time more capillaries develop in the brain.”

Also, she states that as our nerves pass sensations along, they increase the production of proteins such as brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is a part of the good feelings after working out, and other molecules that increase brain-cell formation. As Brian R. Christie, Ph.D., director of the neuroscience program at the University of Victoria in Canada, notes, the buildup of these cells actually builds up the brain over several weeks. To gain these benefits, Yeager recommends spicing up your workouts with something new. Christie says, “Cognitively complex asks can have benefits for the brain, so it makes sense that combining physical and mental exercise provides the most benefits.”

“While religious attendance itself did not have a significant effect on health behavior, daily spiritual experiences did.” sweeter onions will know that I care. And maybe because it helped me diagnose my wardrobe troubles. ... Anyway. An article entitled “Train Your Brain” had some excellent things to say about how exercise affects your brain.

First, author Selene Yeager focused on willpower. I know that when I hit the

Finally, Yeager notes that researchers in Ireland put students through “braintaxing tests,” then had half of the group lounge while the other half spent a halfhour on exercise bikes, and then put everyone through the test again. As a result, those students who rode on the bikes made major improvements to their scores, while those who lounged did not.

The researchers concluded that the likely reason for their higher scores was higher levels of BDNF, since it is linked to areas of the brain which control learning, memory, and higher thinking. Therefore, as Yeager states, “[S]urges of the protein may contribute to why adults who exercise display sharper memory skills, higher concentration levels, more fluid thinking and reasoning, and greater problemsolving than those who stay sedentary.”5 So there you have it. Those teachers who told you in grade school that reading your Bible would make you smarter, while perhaps not precisely correct, have actual evidence from peer-reviewed journals to support them. And while Daniel didn’t need my research, you now have some simple physiological reasoning to show how exercise is related to mental stamina.

Maybe since I make my bed, I’ll be able to choose a different publication next time — one infused with a little less estrogen.

1. Linda Nelms, Edwin Hutchins, Dorothy Hutchins, and Robert Pursley, 2007, “Spirituality and the Health of College Students,” Journal of Religion and Health 46, 2:249265, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed 27 Nov. 2012).

2. Crystal L. Park, Donald Edmondson, Amy Hale-Smith, and Thomas O. Blank, 2009, “Religiousness/spirituality and health behaviors in younger adult cancer survivors: does faith promote a healthier lifestyle?,” Journal of Behavioral Medicine 32, 6:582591, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed 27 Nov. 2012).

3. Reid Bowen, Terra L., and Ciara Smalls, 2004, “Stress, Spirituality and Health Promoting Behaviors Among African American College Students,” Western Journal of Black Studies 28, 1:283-291, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed 27 Nov. 2012) 289.

4. Daniel 1:20, NKJV. 5. Selene Yeager, “Train Your Brain: Want a beautiful mind? Sculpt a beautiful body,” Women’s Health, Oct. 2012, 72-75.

24

Verbatim SUPER JEWEL QUEST “Oh, here we have naked babies ... and now, older naked babies.”

As always: 3 jewels hidden, 1 theme, myriad glorious toy prizes redeemed once you email me. Avanti!

— Martha Mason, on nudity in art

“We’re graphic designers, Gabby — we do whatever the [heck] we want.”

— Trevor Iwata, on posters

“I try to make sure my trashy music is at least European.”

— Cedric Thiel, on refinement

“Yeah, you should get your friends to come do homework in Kretschmar or something. ... Like, there are hot engineering guys there that your friends would be into.”

— An engineer, to a girl

Which Christmas decoration would most help you to survive a zombie apocalypse?

“Probably those glass balls.

Yeah, because they’re glass and you can throw them.”

Randy Folkenberg

They’re coming, Onions. Best beware; for finals you should soon prepare.

“Depending on how big the candy cane was, you could, like, suck on them and make them into stabbing things. ...”

When studies leave your head

“I’d have to say that five-pointed star. You know, like club status?”

The Heel knows your coming doom.

I’ve hid my jewels in helpful rooms. near swimming,

partake of staples and free printing.

And when you’re done, get down to business.

But make sure to screen your searches.

And last, close in, complete these clues in the half of here that’s still of use.

Weston Lodge

Jeff Andersen

“Probably a garland, because I could use it to strangle a zombie or wrap it around myself and hide as one of the bushes.”

Chelsea Moon

“I don’t know ... I choose death.

I choose death every time.”

Sarah Wart

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

Julian Weller The Heel Editor

I didn’t batter down any doors with my courtesy cart this Black Friday, but I’ve got something else to which to look forward — not Christmas, either. I’m obviously talking about The Hobbit coming out Dec. 14. It’s so close! In the meantime, don all of the vests and cultivate all of the toe hairs you can. Don’t do anything else a hobbit would do, though, no matter what the state of Washington says. Different times.

I know Black Friday and commercialism have been on The Collegian’s brain of late, but something else has been on my mind. I just wanted to educate you about my intel-

lectual property rights. In response to the new Collegian guidelines, I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to whatever personal details, photos, drawings, uh ... pottery ... (sure, why not), sketches, illustrations, comics, paintings (I guess), amateur and professional videos and photos, etc., you may glean from this obviously profitable page (as a result of the ... um ... the Berner Convention. Yeah). For commercial use of the above (mostly the stuff about comics), my written consent is needed at all times. At. All. Times. I’m looking at you, Emily Muthersbaugh. I know how much you love to use my pottery and amateur videos to promote your brand.

You can copy this onto your Facebook timeline, or wherever you worry your copyright may be infringed upon. All you have to do is make sure to change “The Colle-

gian” to the name of wherever you’re slapping your new terms. That’s how this whole thing works. You can alter the terms of anything you want as long as you use big words, reference a convention, and slip in a word from another language. This will place you under protection of Official Copyright Laws.

place. Again, the violation of my privacy is punishable by law (UCC 1 1-308-308 1-103 and the Rome Statute). See that? I’ve got a convention, a statute, and a French word to back me up. I’m gonna paste this thing all over the place! That’s how the West was won, you guys. What should I conquer next? I’m invincible!

By the present communiqué (See? Foreign!), I notify The Collegian — again, mostly you, Emily — that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, disseminate, or take any other action against me on the basis of this page and/or its contents.

The aforementioned prohibited actions also apply to employees, students, agents, and/ or any staff under The Collegian’s direction or control. The content of this profile is private and confidential information, obviously. That’s why I wrote it here in the first

I know none of us have been fooled by Walla Walla’s premature celebrations — it’s just not Christmas yet, but thanks to garlands, lights, and carols filling campus like drums in the deep, we know: It’s coming.

So, I got you something, baby. If you’re nearly as excited as I am about The Hobbit, and if you like Legos as much as I do, then this beautiful YouTube compilation will help get you in the mood for Peter Jackson’s early gift to us all: tinyurl.com/heelxmas.

Happy Adventistmas.