Fall 2011 - Issue 6

Growing in the greenhouse Page 7

Roll on with the Rodeo City Rollergirls Page 12

The roof is on fire PAGE 3

GABY CHAIDEZ/OBSERVER

BLAZING SADDLES A local fireman participates in the controlled burning of a house on D Street and University Way.

2

NEWS

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Editor//Weston Morrow

cwuobservernews@gmail.com

the observer staff

EDITORS

SENIOR REPORTERS

Katharine Lotze

Nathaniel Iven-Diemer

Iris Dimmick

Ashton Cermak

Editor-in-Chief

News

Managing Editor Online Editor

Scene

Nicole Swapp

Assistant Online Editor Design Editor

Evan Thompson Sports

Michael Harrison Photo

Weston Morrow News Editor

Nichole Williamson Assistant News Editor

Pete Los

Scene Editor

Kelsee Dodson-Carter Assistant Scene Editor

Giancarlo Gonzalez Sports Editor

Danny Schmidt

Assistant Sports Editor

Katie Larsen Copy Desk Chief

Mende Smith Photo Editor

STAFF

Toby Staab

Faculty Adviser 509-963-1024

Kristin Gaskill

Business & Advertising Manager

Laura Mittleider Office Assistant

REPORTERS News

Erik Pague Victorria Self Zach Smith Alea Thorne

Scene

Amanda Bowers Madelynn Shortt

Sports

Tim Park Alex Sherk Evan Slack Conner Vanderweyst

Copy Desk

Amber Benoit Robert Nelson

Photographers Kaylee Bialozor Gabriela Chaidez Brittney Casini Jeff Lass Joey LeBeau Lindsay Rose

Editorial policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression,

in which student editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of the Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large, and to be the best source for information, education and entertainment news. As a training program, the Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism.

It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values, and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions call (509) 963-1073 or e-mail us at cwuobserver@gmail.com

Theft policy: A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of the Observer that is distributed on campus (with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication). A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis. In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.

About The Observer

DEADLINES

Weekend sports information: Sunday 5 p.m.

Letters to the editor: Sunday 5 p.m.

Entertainment, meetings, calendar events, display ads, classified ads: Friday 5 p.m.

SECTIONS

Editor-in-Chief cwuobserver@gmail.com News cwuobservernews@gmail.com Scene cwuobserverscene@gmail.com Sports cwuobserversports@gmail.com Opinion cwuobserveropinion@gmail.com Photo cwuobserverphoto@gmail.com

CONTACT US

The Observer Central Washington University 400 East University Way Boullion Hall 222 Ellensburg, WA 98926 M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

509-963-1073

ADVERTISING

Kristin Gaskill Central Washington University 400 East University Way Boullion Hall 232B Ellensburg, WA 98926 M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

509-963-1026 gaskillk@cwu.edu

• Someone was reportedly knocking and kicking a door on North Walnut Street.

• A person was reportedly sleeping on a bench inside a store on South Water Street.

• A person called to report that someone was telling lies about him and asked that an officer tell the person to stop.

• A person called to report a satellite or meteorite sighting, he was told that sightings were to be reported.

• A truck that couldn’t get through a locked gate drove through a fence and was seen dragging part of the fence down the road.

• A man dressed in a dog costume was reportedly running into the roadway and barking at passing vehicles.

• A person reportedly found a meth kit in a rose garden and brought it inside the building for officers to pick up.

• A person was reportedly dumping leaves on her neighbors property saying that they were from the reporting party’s tree and she would continue to dump them.

• A person called to report that they saw someone driving a golf cart on their way to work and believes it was stolen.

• A person called in reference to a homicide that happened 15 to 20 years ago.

• Five men walking around with bottles of vodka were reportedly walking into random peoples houses.

• A person called to ask about underage drinking because they wanted to go to a party on Water Street.

• Two men reportedly brought two goats to the Palace and tied them up outside the lounge.

• Two men were reportedly dragging goats into a restaurant on Main Street.

• Approximately 100 people were reportedly walking up and down West 26th Avenue with open containers.

• A woman who had been drinking called to report that she was walking home and was afraid of walking home without being on the line.

• People were reportedly harassing goats that were tied up on Main Street and a person requested that an officer check on the goats welfare.

• A man reportedly knocked on a person’s door on Thorp Highway asking for directions to town.

NEWS

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Burnin’ down the house

By Gaby Chaidez

This weekend’s hot spot was on the corner of University and D Street across from campus as firefighters and trainees participated in a simulated fire drill. The crew began the process hours before the fire was lit, taking out any plastic and filling the rooms with wooden crates to facilitate the spread of the fire. This training allowed volunteer firemen to gain a perspective on the reality of dealing with domestic fires.

The fire department had to get a permit from the state Department of Ecology in order to start a controlled burn.

Things got heated later in the afternoon, as onlookers began to gather along the sidewalks and down the street.

Some students brought marshmallows for smores, and many stood by to get warmed up by a giant bonfire.

The fire department will be burning the adjacent house Saturday, Nov. 5.

(ABOVE) Two firefighters stop the water on the hose as the house continues its controlled burn on Saturday. The crew will be burning the adjacent house on Saturday November 3.

(LEFT) Cliff York, Curtis Storer and Steven Dueker watch the fire across from campus.

The three are Central students.

(BOTTOM LEFT) The fire crew sits and watches as the house rages in the background. Deputy chief Rich Elliott said, “You’ll want to stand behind something, because it’ll get too hot to stand so close.”

(BELOW) The Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue Department administer a controlled fire across campus on October 29.

Photos by Gaby Chaidez

3

4

NEWS

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Central prof runs for legislature Staff Reporter

Political science professor Matt Manweller is running for representative of the State Legislature.

Manweller announced his campaign on Sept. 10 and will be running to represent the 13th Legislative District that serves all of Kittitas County and most of Grant County.

Right now, Manweller’s campaigning MATTHEW doesn’t interfere with MANWELLER classes since he waits Political science until after school to professor do so, but he has organized a leave of absence with President James Gaudino for the coming winter quarter if he wins the election.

Manweller will be running for the Republican Party and said that one of the main reasons he’s running is because he feels that higher education is underrepresented in this part of the state.

“We have seen a state legislature who has continued to balance budgets on the backs of 18-year-old students by raising tuition and then cutting funding,” Manweller said. “I just believe there has to be somebody there that says higher-ed

should be a priority. Students shouldn’t tial of Washington workers.

People “are so overburdened by exbear the brunt of budget cuts and that’s cessive regulations, cumbersome taxes, one of the main reasons I’m going.”

This is Manweller’s first time running property right restrictions,” Manweller for public office though he was asked by said. “They’ve got ideas to create jobs, the university last winter quarter to go to to generate tax revenue, they’re just held Olympia to advocate for education sup- back.”

Manweller said that if government got port.

Manweller said that he found that few out of the way and loosened restrictions, people are willing to work to make higher then Washington residents could get back education a funding priority and contrib- to work and the government could begin uted to his desire to become a representa- carving away at the budget deficit.

Jimmie Applegate, a committee oftive.

“Our state constitution says our pri- ficer in the local Republican Party, has pledged his supmary obligation is port to Maneducation,” Manweller and said weller said. “If that’s We have seen a state that Manweller’s the case, why is it that we can’t fund legislature who has continued done a “superb” as the chair our schools?” to balance budgets on the job of the Kittitas Manweller has backs of 18-year-old students County Republitaught numerous classes on the study by raising tuition and then can Party and has earned a reputaof constitutional law cutting funds. tion as the go-to and said that he beguy. lieves our state rep“He was able resentatives have lost -MATT MANWELLER to get people to sight of the ConPolitical science professor agree,” Applestitution and aren’t gate said about focusing on prioriManweller’s exties that he feels are perience as platform committee chair for more worthy.

If elected, Manweller said that he the state Republican Party four years ago.

Applegate has worked with Manweller would vote to reform or roll back certain regulations he feels are stifling the poten- in the Republican Party for some time

“

“

BY ERIK PAGUE

now and said that he is very involved with the lawmaking process and that his teaching experience will pay off if he’s elected.

Linda Huber, who works in Central’s Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, had been involved with an altercation between her husband, Fred Huber, and Manweller.

Last year, the two men got into a heated argument and resorted to blows outside of the KXLE radio station, where Manweller hosts a conservative talk show.

Manweller was hospitalized for a broken hand which he got during the fight with Fred Huber.

The men applied for but were denied restraining orders last year, according to an article published in The Daily Record.

Linda Huber said that her husband went to the radio station after Manweller accused her on air of acting inappropriately during a parade featuring Republican politician Dino Rossi.

“It absolutely, positively didn’t happen,” Linda Huber said.

Manweller said that the fight with Fred Huber might have an effect on his campaign success but shrugged it off admitting that he has his fair share of supporters and detractors just like anybody else in the public eye.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” Manweller said. “I wish it hadn’t happened.”

Pump down the Volume Students petition bonus Info session tells students to turn it down

BY ALEA THORNE

Staff Reporter

Noise can be a problem in a college town, especially in the residence halls.

With late nights and parties, it’s expected that students get too loud at times, but sometimes things can get a little out of hand, causing neighbors to complain.

“The most annoying thing is the marching band practicing at 8 a.m. on the weekends,” Malana Carlson freshman said. “Since I live in Wendell, I can’t sleep in with all the noise.”

A part of the First Six Weeks program at Central Washington University, the Campus-Community Coalition (CCC) and the Wellness Center presented Pump Down the Volume. It was an interactive role-playing series that teaches students new ways to confront noise issues that come up on a daily basis.

The program started with students who were renting apartments off of campus. Students often have problems with neighbors being too loud, causing tension between each other, according to Lynne Harrison, CCC coordinator. Students would complain to apartment managers or cause conflict with the neighbors instead of sorting out their problems in a civil manner. Since this problem is also an issue for students living in the residence halls the CCC, the Wellness Center, and Residence Hall Leadership Council (RHLC) worked together to come up with a program dealing with these issues for the First Six Weeks Program.

“We’re trying to help students come up with nonviolent confrontations to sort out conflicts,” Harrison said. “It’s a useful skill that can be used with a boyfriend, friend, neighbor or family members.”

On Thursday, Oct. 27, Pump Down the Volume was hosted in Kamola. The session consisted of numerous skits given

by Residence Hall Association (RHA) stu-

dents. The students acted out skits, like having people going back twice to ask nicely for their neighbors to be quieter.

The student showed that through a brief explanation of why the noise is bothersome to the person and maybe by going back a second time and being a little more direct and serious the situation can be handled by the individuals themselves.

“We understand that it [talking to other students] doesn’t work 100 percent of the time, some people are not going to listen.

That’s why we have other resources available,” Harrison said. “We have RAs and RHCs to sort problems but if you can figure it out by yourself you will feel better about yourself.”

During the session, Harrison also discussed with the audience about noise problems involving alcohol. If the police come out on a disturbance call they can issue a $513 ticket for the first offense. The price of the ticket goes up for each additional offense. Even if the student isn’t drinking or it’s not their house, it doesn’t mean they’re safe from being ticketed.

“A lot of students got tickets because they were the only sober one there, the DD[designated driver] or the one that answered the door,” Harrison said. “Students should talk to the host of the party if the party is getting to wild to protect themselves and others.”

The main goal is to help students confront others and sort out noise problems on their own in a nonviolent way.

Through the use of skits and speaking to the students, Pump Down the Volume was able to meet its goal by providing students new ways of confronting others and information on who to talk to if things ever get out of hand.

“It was very helpful. They gave us useful information that we can apply,” said Katie Wells, freshman. “It seems a lot easier now to ask someone to be quieter if you need to.”

Students exercise 1st Amendment rights

BY NICHOLE WILLIAMSON

Assistant News Editor

Students who are opposed to the retention incentive given to President James Gaudino by the Board of Trustees (BOT) during the Oct. 7 meeting at the Lynwood satellite campus now have an opportunity to voice their concerns.

The Associate Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD), in collaboration with students from a First Amendment communications class, are circulating a petition against the incentive.

The petition raises concerns about where the funding will come from and that the contract was not made public until after it was finalized.

Students are concerned the rising cost of attending Central and “that an additional fee or increase to tuition might put them at risk of not completing their degrees due to the overall cost of attendance,” reads the petition.

“I would be doing this with or without class credit, there are better ways to spend this money,” said Ashley Sorenson, senior interdisciplinary studies and petition organizer. “They haven’t given us a real clear picture of where it’s coming from… We can’t even give basic things to departments like printers for students to print off their work.”

As of Tuesday 500 signatures had been gathered. The group hopes to have at least twice that many signatures before they present the petition to the BOT at the Dec. 2 meeting.

“I would like to see 2,000 and I think that’s an attainable goal. I’d love to see 5,000,” said Mike Merz, BOD vice president for legislative affairs.

The group said the petition has received positive feedback from students.

“I think it’s crap,” said Jason Leatherman, a graduate student who stopped to

sign the petition on Tuesday. “I don’t want them raising our tuition to give a bonus to someone who doesn’t deserve to be here.”

While the petition is aimed at students, staff, faculty and community members are welcome to sign as well.

Faculty members petitioners have spoken to said “they’re in full support of what we’re doing,” said Michael Najera, junior public relations, and one of the group members organizing the petition.

The petition will be tabled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and again next Thursday in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) dining area.

Copies of the petition are also circulating through various classes and the protest on Wednesday afternoon.

Students can also sign the petition in the BOD office, located in SURC 236 until Dec. 1.

BOD writes Gov ASCWU-BOD President Steve Ross read into the record a letter addressed to Governor Chris Gregoire during the public meeting on Nov. 1.

The letter was to bring her “a prevailing and grave concern, as well as a resolution,” the letter reads.

Ross goes on to ask Gregoire to support the students of Central and revoke the retention incentive.

NEWS

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

5

Teach-in sheds light on Occupy

BY NATHANIEL IVEN -DIEMER

Senior Reporter

Professors Nelson Pichardo and Rex Wirth, with the help of the Sociology Club and the Diversity Education Center, held informational seminars last Tuesday and Wednesday regarding the Occupy Wall Street movement.

The intention was to inform the public about what the movement is and why it exists, as well as its impact on Central Washington University students.

Pichardo, a full professor of sociology and the director of the Ethnic Studies program, spent much of the lecture explaining what the Occupy Wall Street movement is and how it was started.

After being inspired by the uprising in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, the left-wing group Adbusters started the movement that consisted of 500 protesters camping out in New York City’s financial district on Sept.

17, 2011.

As a result, Occupy Together movements are forming all over the country, and it has spread to the Marines and police forces.

More than 40 days into the movement, news media outlets are finally starting to report on it, but Pichardo said that much of the media has distorted the real story, mentioning that Fox News recently claimed “Islamic Jihadists” had infiltrated the movement, among other things.

The highlight of the teach-in was the presentation of the fact that student debt is estimated at $1 trillion, which is the sec-

ond highest debt in the U.S. behind only mortgage, and that student loan debt cannot be removed or forgiven through bankruptcy.

The U.S. has the fourth highest income inequality level, after Chile, Mexico, and Turkey, making the nation a soon-to-be third-world country, Pichardo said.

Not everyone agreed with Pichardo’s views on the economy and higher education.

“Get out there and work hard--this is the only country in the world where you can work hard and become a billionaire,” said Bill Thelen, county resident.

Dozens of students attended the teachin, and many found it to be particularly effective. Sophomore undeclared Kailonna Crawford thought the teach-in was especially good, despite being unsure about her initial expectations.

“I wasn’t entirely sure [what to expect], but there had to be more people than me who wanted things to change,” she said.

Leah Shelton, assistant director for the Diversity Education Center (DEC), said she was approached by Pichardo about bringing some education regarding Occupy Wall Street to Central.

“Education about social change, social movements, and their power is a value at the DEC,” she said. “I think anytime we come together and use our voices it makes an impact. It’s essential that we use our voices.”

The Occupy CWU movement, while titled as such, was not actually a protest like the ones occurring across the country.

Local group hopes to Fix Central

During last Wednesday’s Occupy CWU teach-in, much publicity was given to the Facebook organization known as Fix Central.

According to the page’s creator, Leena Athan, sophomore undeclared, Fix Central is meant to act as a discussion forum where people can discuss what they want changed at the university.

“I felt that people with the same ideas should have a positive place to throw out ideas without getting ridiculed,” Athan said. I want the “site to be used as a funnel for people to take positive action.”

Fix Central allows people to do just that. By sending Fix Central a friend request via Facebook, people can send messages to the page regarding various problems they believe exist within the university.

Fix Central will voice those concerns in publicly posted notes and others can respond accordingly with suggestions for how to address the issue.

The page has been up and running since Oct. 18, and already has over 100 friends. Athan says her goal is to educate and get as much knowledge and idea circulation out there as possible Those who wish to make a difference by voicing and discussing their concerns with Central are encouraged to become friends with Fix Central on Facebook.

Shelton said that the events were designed by the faculty and staff, but the rest is up to the students.

“I think the students will continue to organize, [be it] protests, teach-ins, community meetings, anything,” Shelton said.

Sophomore Leena Athan does not see a town protest doing more than showing that everyone is united.

Students who want to make a differ-

ence are encouraged to get involved now while they still can.

“Don’t wait till your senior year and [it’s too late] to get involved,” Athan said.

Pichardo also strongly implored listeners at the teach-in to register to vote, specifically in Ellensburg, so that a difference can be made both immediately and locally.

“Victory goes to those who show up,” he yelled near the end of the presentation.

Adver tise Your Business find out how:

www. cwuobserver.com

find out

how

you can

advertise with us

Fall 2011

Werther By Jules Massenet CALL:

509-963-1026 OR EMAIL:

WWW. CWUOBSERVER @GMAIL.COM Seattle Opera’s Young Artists Program 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 Jerilyn S. McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall The story of a sensitive young poet in love with the beautiful, but unobtainable, Charlotte, Werther is based on Goethe’s iconic novel The Sorrows of Young Werther.

TICKETS & INFORMATION: $15 general admission FREE CWU Students with CWU ID www.cwu.edu/president/series or 509.963.1976 Tickets available online, at the Wildcat Shop, and CWU Welcome Center.

This series is underwritten and supported by the CWU Office of the President, CWU’s College of Arts and Humanities and private donor contributions. We are pleased to acknowledge the following corporate sponsors: The Daily Record, CWU Foundation, Abbott’s Printing, Inc., Hampton Inn, KYVE 47, and Northwest Public Radio.

CWU is an AA/EEO/Title IX Institution. Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by calling the Center for Disability Services at 509.963.2171 or CDSrecept@cwu.edu

6

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011 cwuobserveropinion@gmail.com

OPINION

Editor-in-Chief//Katharine Lotze

If you like it, wait to put a ring on it

But sir, it’s my seeing-eye goat!

It all started with Britney Spears: her first marriage lasted only 22 hours.

Kim Kardashian is just the latest celebrity to untie the knot, and this isn’t her first rodeo.

Celebrity marriages have a tendency to fall apart as rapidly as they come together.

They’ve made marriage into a novelty, a passing trend. Whatever happened to “’Til death do us part?”

Much like their sway over the definition of “beautiful,” celebrities have now successfully redefined marriage: it’s no longer a permanent commitment.

The shadow of negativity that used to envelope divorce has been replaced with megawatt smiles. They make it seem so easy. Just sign some papers and you’re on your way. Like Heidi Klum says on “Project Runway”: “One day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.” They change spouses like they change clothes.

The average twenty-something is probably up to their ears in college debt and doesn’t make the millions per episode like the Kardashians make to blow on a wedding, only to spend another heap of money to get divorced when they realize they didn’t know each other that well in the first place. At least she was smart enough to make him sign a pre-nup.

Divorce is much more expensive than a wedding, too. Each spouse has to hire a lawyer, pay court fees, divide up their property and bank accounts. It’s messy.

And you thought breakups were bad.

If you woke up on Sunday dressed as (no pun intended) into the bar. a chip & dale dancer in a bath tub filled “Excuse me sir, we don’t serve goats in with packing peanuts this establishment.” and a cat licking pea“Oh this goat? Don’t worry, he doesn’t nut butter off your drink.” nether regions, then Alright so, there’s your go to. But if that you definitely weren’t one fails go with this one. the only one.

“I’m sorry sir, no goats allowed.”

I’m not saying “What goat? Oh this goat? That’s just that’s what happened my buddy’s costume. Great job by the way, to me… but, you Steve!” know. I’m not going I mean, there have got to be at least a WES MORROW to say it didn’t. couple people dressed as farm animals out News Editor And you can’t there on any given Saturday night, right? blame the cat. I’m If neither of those first two work I’ve sure it was just there for the peanut butter. got one more for you, but you should only use this Totally harmless.

My Halloween weekend was one as a last resort. pretty tame, but from what “Sir, we don’t allow I’ve heard, mine was in the animals inside.” minority.

Look slightly off to his Let me tell you, I nevleft and say: er thought I’d see the day “But sir, this is my when a man wouldn’t let seeing-eye goat.” a goat into The Palace.

Okay, no What is this world commore goat jokes., ing to?

I’ll stop kidding What does that say around. about society, when H A H A H A an honest goat gets Okay, seriously this harassed outside time.

Club 301 and I’ll talk about can’t get a pita at something else. I 2 a.m.? heard a girl almost COUR TESY Come on! It just ran her car through OF KE NDYL KING wanted a pita. the Starlight.

ERY Looks like Pita Pit isn’t so I’ve always said PETA friendly after all. They should call Red Means Go was them Anti-PETA pit. setting a bad standard in this town.

I did think it was funny that the guys I think it was all part of her outfit. She with the goats couldn’t get their livestock was probably wearing a big red bowl of into any of the bars, however.

Kool-Aid. Doesn’t anyone care about their rights I bet she was planning on busting anymore? Let’s run through a couple of through the wall and shouting, “OHHthe easiest scenarios here to get your goat HHH YEEAAHHH!!!”

Marriage should be more permanent than celebrities make it seem Don’t make it more complicated by involving a legal and/or religious agreement. Make sure you know what you’re getting into legally and emotionally before you pop that question or accept that ring.

Your marriage and possible divorce won’t be as public as Britney’s or Kim’s, but it will have a bigger impact, financially, on you and your spouse--or ex--than it has on them.

Don’t do it because “they” expect you to. Who are “they” anyway? This is the twenty-first century, not the 1950s. You don’t need a spouse to get a bank loan, or to buy a car.

Some people say, “When you know, you know.” The key is when. It’s different for everyone, but if you say “when,” you’d better be willing to pay for it.

Celebrities have been known to use marriage as a publicity stunt. How many times have people seen Brad and Jen in the news, even though they haven’t been together in years? Why are they still in the spotlight?

The Average Joe doesn’t have any fame to gain by getting married too soon. In other words, they’re not going to make millions selling quotes to People magazine when your marriage only lasts 72 days.

Why not save money and time by waiting, or dating, awhile for the right person?

Give yourself choices before making a decision.

Editorial Board: Katharine Lotze, Nicole Swapp, Mende Smith, Amber Benoit, Giancarlo Gonzalez

Dear Readers,

The Observer welcomes brief letters of 300 words or less from readers on current issues.

Please include your full name and university affiliation: year and major, degree and year graduated, or staff position and department. To be printed in the following week’s issue, please e-mail your letters to cwuobserveropinion@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Sunday. The Observer reserves the right to reject or edited for style and length. All letters become property of The Observer. Anonymous letters will not be considered.

Dear Editor,

It seems as though President Jim Gaudino’s $500,000 bonus is all the talk around campus. I would like to use this letter to take an objective viewpoint on the subject and have people see the bigger picture. So, I would like to give credit where credit is due, on all sides.

Being a Junior, Gaudino has been president of CWU for my entire academic career. I personally have seen Pres. Gaudino very little, but I know, at least vaguely, that he does a lot for the university. Last year, he successfully represented CWU during the PR nightmare that was the Roslyn incident. Under Gaudino, enrollment is at record levels and we have a much improved reputation in the state.

Does his track record show itself worthy of such a large bonus? I honestly don’t know, because I am not familiar with the details of his work. Further, I would venture a guess that most of the protestors are

as familiar with his job as I am.

What protestors are missing is the much bigger picture of the state of the university. On the State level, Christine Gregoire has cut higher education funds immensely to make up for a state budget deficit.

According to a report by KING 5 News, Gov. Gregoire has proposed cutting higher education funds in the state by $533 million. I’m not a mathematician, but $500 million seems muchww bigger than $500,000.

So before you go and blame the BOT or the “greed” of Gaudino for a bonus check, look at who the bigger culprit is: The State that you and I live in. The Occupy movement has inspired CWU to gather in force, but we must assemble for the right causes to have our voices make a difference.

--Michael Tobias, junior, political science

MENDE SMITH/OBSERVER

FALLIN’ FOR FALL Leaves cover the Chestnut mall before maintenance blew them away last Wednesday, October 26, 2011.

SCENE

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Editor//Pete Los

cwuobserverscene@gmail.com

7

CWU facility thrives with life and learning Staff and students intellectually interact with unique, colorful classroom environment

This room contains a mixture of tropical plants from around the world. Plants in the tropical jungle room include banana trees and swiss cheese plants, also called the hurricane plant.

PHOTOS & STORY BY PETE LOS

ASSISTED POLLINATION Page Wooller, graduate biology student demonstrates the pollination process involved in Alison Scoville’s research on the monkey flower.

N

estled on the edge of a small somebody working in the greenhouse at patch of trees behind Dean Hall any given time. stands a weathered, windowed Alison Scoville, assistant biology probuilding that may go unnoticed by stu- fessor is currently conducting research on dents who fear biological sciences. This epigenetic inheritance in monkey flowers. building is the CWU biology greenhouse.

Although the Monkey flower grows loThe greenhouse cally and is native serves several difto the area, Scoferent purposes inville said the greenIt’s been a great facility. house is essential to cluding research, classroom instrucI wasn’t actually sure I would her research. The tion and public prohave such a nice space to work greenhouse tours. According vides a controllable in but it’s perfect. It’s one of environment so she to Jonathan Betz, instruction and can manipulate the reasons I came here. classroom support how the plants are technician, the crossed and polli-DR. ALISON SCOVILLE greenhouse has nated.

Assistant biology professor seen more than “It’s been a great 7,000 visitors since facility,” Scoville 2008. Art students said. “I wasn’t actualso frequent the greenhouse for sketch- ally sure I would have such a nice space ing or photography projects. Greenhouse to work in but it’s perfect. It’s one of the open hours are 2:30 - 4 P.M. on Thrus- reasons I came here.” days.

Scoville has been working on the projThe plant life in the greenhouse comes ect for approximately one year. Growfrom all over the world including: Asia, ing about 1,500 plants at a time, she has Africa, South America and Europe. The roughly five students that work with her plants are separated into four rooms: re- regularly to help grow the plants and colsearch, tropical, tropical jungle and desert. laborate on the project. Page Wooller, The greenhouse doesn’t maintain itself, biology graduate student and jack-of-allthe students do. Whether for work-study trades, has worked with Scoville for a year or research studies, they take on the tasks and has seen the plan and focus of the of regular cleaning, watering, fertilizing, monkey flower project develop. pruning and propagating among other “It’s a long process,” Wooller said. “But chores. New to the department, Teo Bic- it’s fun.” chieri, freshman undeclared, works in the The greenhouse is just one element of green house and said he will most likely what the biology does. It provides a suitmajor in biological sciences or chemistry. able environment for students and staff to “I’ve done a little bit of pruning on the conduct biological research. Without the plants and the trees and bushes,” Bicchieri facility the greenhouse provides, Scoville’s said. “Probably at least once a day some- work would not be possible. body goes in there to do something along “It makes it easy to have a lot of stuthose lines.” dents working in my lab, which is great,” According to Betz, there is usually Scoville said.

“

Desert This room holds an abundant species of cacti and plants that have adapted to survive in high light and low water conditions. Plants in the desert room include agave and aloe. The desert room is also home to a 40 pound, six-year-old African tortoise native to the hottest deserts of Africa.

Research This room is used for research purposes as well as growing plants for the general biology laboratories. The research room is also home to a small variety of unique plants, such a touch sensitive plant, used for tour lessons.

“

Tropical Jungle

Tropical This room is home to plants that would normally be found in the upper stories of tropical rain forests where there is much light. Plants in the tropical room include orchids, bromiliads and (above) giant trumpet vines.

8

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Concert for the cause

SCENE

Musicians rock SURC Pit to foster greater breast cancer awareness

coordinator, Bridges is not well known so they are doing their best to get more involved on campus.

The SURC Pit was transformed into “I love being informed every time a concert last Wednesday where students about new things,” Mastin said. “It opens had a front row seat to enjoy great music your eyes to things that you would never and support a great cause. This benefit know.” concert was hosted by the Civic EngageFor Mariah Crockett, freshman element Center’s mentary education Unheard Voices and volunteer, this program and deplays a perI’m not trying to scare you event signed to bring sonal tune because and I don’t want you to feel bad her grandma died awareness to breast cancer for me. My story is important from breast cancer. prevention and “I know how and people need to hear it. treatment.

All much breast candonations went cer effects people,” directly to KittiCrockett said.

-Katie Johnson tas Valley ComShe knows the munity Hospiexpenses for exFifth year senior elementary education tal to help fund ams and tests can mammograms be quite expensive. for those who cannot afford this very im- She hopes that by donating the money portant procedure. raised, people will be able to catch the Among the festivities were $1 raffle cancer before it’s too late. tickets for prizes donated from Ace ApOne student, Katie Johnson, fifth year parel, Bluestone Academy, 301 and the senior elementary education, was brave Seattle Sounders. Redbull donated 200 enough to share her story. cans that were selling like hotcakes at a “I’m not trying to scare you and I don’t dollar a piece. want you to feel bad for me,” she said.

Service-learning fellow Jenna Fernan- “My story is important and people need dez thought the event turned out very to hear it.” well. She said that people don’t have to Two years ago Johnson attended one of be plastered in pink to bring awareness to the clinics sponsored by the Civic Engagebreast cancer. ment Center. She didn’t think it was a big “I want students to know it happens deal, but when she got home and did a self to everyone,” Fernandez said. “Everyone exam, she found a lump. knows someone who is affected.”

“It was probably the scariest moment The Bridges Program was another of my life,” Johnson said. sponsor of this event. Bridges sends colShe decided to have the lump removed, lege mentors to public schools to tutor and which turned out to be a benign ping pong mentor disadvantaged students. Accord- sized mass. Now Johnson has a routine ing to Ashley Mastin, retention project mammogram.

BY KELSEE DODSON - CARTER

Assistant Scene Editor

PHOTOS BY GABRIELA CHAIDEZ/OBSERVER

SLAMMIN’ Guitarist rocks a pink wig while rockin’ out for breast cancer.

“

“

JAMMIN’ Ben Newby, senior public relations strums and sings to an original song titled “Black and Blue.”

“I’d rather have a mammogram every six months than sit around and worry about it,” Johnson said.

She loves any opportunity to share her story and said it’s important to talk about the issue of breast cancer.

“It’s not something that comes up all the time, but you should definitely talk about it with people that you love and care about,” Johnson said.

She said she likes supporting this event especially because it hits home for her.

Live music was performed by a variety of musicians including: Night Will Never Fall, The Walktalls, Stand in Motion, Ben Newby, Chris Azueta and Audre Belt Band.

Ben Newby, senior public relations and member of Blue Like Jazz, performed solo singing original songs as well as a cover of Lil Wayne’s “How to Love.”

“It feels good to play here because you’re not just playing for yourself,” Newby said. “You’re playing for a cause and helping someone out.”

Proper drug disposal process the medications, not even the event staffers are allowed to touch the drugs.

“When they do the take back in Engines roar as a large mechanical arm approaches to lift a bin full of pa- Walla Walla, they have to have a DEA pers over a large shredder. It was the agent on site,” Findley said.

Although there semi-annual free are specific days prescription drug when the drug take back and document-shredWhen they do the take take back is done an event, it is ding day on Oct. back in Walla Walla, they as available anytime.

29. This was the have to have a DEA agent on “We need to first time the two get the word out events where held site. that you can drop together. off your medica“The sher-CAROL FINDLEY tions any time,” iff and I started Director of Retired and Senior Findley said. working on the Volunteer Program of Kittitas County The document drug take back shredding is done day a couple years in an effort to cut ago,” said Carol down on identity Findley, director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer theft and educating the community on Program of Kittitas County. “This is a how to prevent identity fraud.

“The shredding has been going on national thing, this is going on all over for years,” she said. “I write a grant the United States right now.”

The drug take back is done in con- twice a year because it costs $2,000 to bring the shredding truck and the junction with the sheriff ’s office.

“Seniors have gobs of medication driver for the day.”

The shredding truck is equipped in their homes because they hoard it,” Findley said. “What happens is a with a small viewing window so you lot of younger kids would go see their can watch as your important docugrandparents and go through their ments turn into confetti.

“This is actually very environmenmedicine cabinets, steal drugs and go tally conscious,” she said. “That pasell them on the street.”

Aside from receiving medicines, the per gets turned into those cardboard drug take back also saw the disposal dividers you find in boxes of apples or of needles and syringes. Sheriff ’s pears.”

Findley also combats identity theft deputies were on hand to receive and

BY ASHTON CERMAK

Staff Reporter

“

“

BRITTNEY CASINI/OBSERVER

TOSSIN’ PILLS Community members gathered unused perscription drugs and tossed them away in red hazard bags.

on a more personal front.

“One of the sheriff ’s deputies and I give talks on fraud, identity theft and scams just to make people aware,” she said. “One of the new scams that is going on happens when people take out their credit cards when they are in line at the store, someone behind them will pretend to talk on the phone while they are actually taking pictures of your credit card.”

Everyone that disposed of documents got an informational packet about ID theft, document disposal

and medical ID fraud, something that affects elderly citizens.

“Sometimes health care companies will charge people for items or services they never needed,” Findley said.

Among the information regarding document disposal was a set of tables laying out how long you need to keep what documents before they can be thrown out.

“Most people don’t know you only need to keep canceled bank checks for a month,” Findley said. “Most people keep them for a whole year.”

SCENE

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

9

Job & internship fair invades Central campus Career day focus on relationship building

dyed bright purple. She stood in the red, white and blue Peace Corps booth and cheerfully shared stories and information Central usually holds job fairs through- with students who will listen. out each school year for students to wanThe Peace Corps regional office is loder through a smorgasbord of possible cated in Seattle. They have representatives employers. However, this year the term visit five different states: Washington, Ida“job fair” didn’t begin to scratch the sur- ho, Alaska, Oregon and Montana. face of what was available for students.

“We like CWU because it’s Peace Central held a fall job, internship and Corps friendly,” Zahava said, describing graduate study fair - everything in one. volunteer and service orientation as beAccording to Jaqualyn Johnson, di- ing something CWU faculty and students rector of Career demonstrate.

Services, this is the After being infirst time graduvolved in small ate schools have When I recruit, I get to tell business developbeen involved in for women in my story over and over again. ment the fair. Graduate Morocco, Zahava It’s fun and I wish everybody has a memory full universities present at the fair includof moving stories to could have this opportunity. ed, among others: share.

Bastyr University, “When I recruit, -LINDA ZAHAVA Washington State I get to tell my stoPeace Corps representative University and Sery over and over attle University. again, it’s fun and “I was wonderI wish everybody ing why there were other colleges here,” could have this opportunity,” Zahava said. said Colin Snow, senior broad language In the Peace Corps “all of your expenses study, as he looked over his shoulder at the are paid, your basic needs are met and you Washington State University booth. don’t have to rush … it’s hard not to come Snow has been to a job fair at Central back.” once before but says as a senior this is his Zahava did business-based service first time actually taking it seriously. work, but she says that the Peace Corps “I was just looking for something to is currently in need of people who speak catch my eye that I could get into right af- French and Spanish and those with a ter graduation,” Snow said. background in agriculture, forestry and The Japan Exchange and Teach- the environment. ing Program (JET) booth immediately Melanie Forthun, Peace Corps public grabbed Snow’s attention. affairs specialist, said there are currently Snow, familiar with JET, was unaware eight Central graduates abroad through they’d be at the fair, described the pro- the Peace Corps. gram.

According to Forthun, there have been “They just basically pick applicants to hundreds of Central graduates in the go over to Japan and teach Japanese for Peace Corps. a minimum of one year and a maximum “The total count is 306,” Forthun of five,” Snow said. “They helped me with said. “That is quite a good number from knowing the specific requirements to get CWU.” in, as well as what programs and clubs like The timing of the event caused some study abroad I could be in now to help.” issues for students. The fair hours ran U.S. Bank, Snoqualmie Casino, Kraft from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - a time Foods, the Navy and the Peace Corps also frame that didn’t seem to work well with had booths and representatives ready and many students. willing to answer questions and provide “I received e-mails saying ‘Why do you information. stop so early, I work during those hours Linda Zahava, a Peace Corps represen- etc’, ” Forthun said. tative since 2010, is a bubbly woman with Forthun agreed that the fair should silver-colored hair that had a small section have longer hours, but mentioned that the

BY MADDY SHORTT

Staff Reporter

Hygiene drive supports victims of domestic violence

BY AMANDA BOWERS & KELSEE DODSON - CARTER

Staff Reporters

According to domesticviolence.org, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. October is national domestic violence awareness month and has been since 1987. Each year, Congress passes an act for domestic violence.

Anne Vassar, junior anthropology, started planning for domestic violence week the last week of September. The Center for Student Empowerment teamed up with the Civic Engagement Center to host a hygiene drive for domestic violence awareness week.

The centers collected hygiene supplies and make up for domestic violence victims. The donations were given to the Abuse Support Prevention Education Now (ASPEN) center in Ellensburg to help out local victims.

“I’m really proud of the outcome of domestic violence week,” Vassar said. “We met all of our goals, especially for the hygiene drive.”

The week of Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 was domestic violence

MICHAEL HARRISON/OBSERVER

GET A JOB Peace Corps representive Linda Zahava recruits students by sharing stories and information about the program.

main reason behind the short hours in the middle of the day were because companies in the fair have to travel back to the west side by a “decent time.”

This fair was the first of its kind at Central, somewhat of a trial run.

“I would have done [each fair] at sepa-

rate times because if someone’s going in there for internships they don’t want to see a bunch of grad programs and viceversa,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, there was a steady flow of people that totaled to, what she believed to be, over 600 people.

awareness week on campus, with an event held each day.

Placemats were scattered on the SURC tabletops Monday, Wednesday and Friday purple ribbons were Thursday, Oct. 27, in honor of domestic violence awarehanded out and the hygiene drive for ASPEN domestic ness weeks entitled “Empty Place at the Table.” violence shelter collected various hygiene products.

The goal was to set 528 placemats on the tabletops “Collecting hygiene items for domestic violence vic- to represent the 528 domestic violence related deaths in tims is a good idea because when women get out of that Washington since 1997, but it got too cluttered. situation they don’t always have “It graphically demonstrates money to buy the products that that when someone dies from help boost self esteem, such as violence they are gone It graphically demonstrates domestic make up, after a relationship that forever,” Vassar said. “Their place that when someone dies from at the table will never be filled destroyed it,” said Tiffany Tackett, sophomore undecided. domestice violence they are again.”

Tuesday, Oct. 25, was wear Vassar said that seeing all of gone forever. Their place at the these purple day signifying support for placemats makes her sad besurvivors of domestic violence. table will never be filled again. cause each one represents some“On Tuesday I wore purple one’s death that could have been to honor the survivors that I prevented.

-Anne Vassar know personally,” Tackett said.

According to Vassar, domes“It really meant a lot to see all tic violence affects everyone in Junior anthropology the people wearing purple this the community and people who week.” are being victimized shouldn’t be Domestic violence week has afraid or afraid to ask for help. been a tradition at Central for more than ten years. In “Its not your fault,” Vassar said.

2009, there was a survivors panel, in her shoes and silence For those who know of someone that is being abused, day.

Vassar said to take action before its too late.

On silence day, volunteers did not speak for an entire day and wore signs saying “ask me why I’m silent” then handed out information to people who passed by.

“I’m really happy they are acknowledging domestic People who know a victim of domestic violence and need more informaviolence,” said Mari Martinez, freshmen psychology. “It’s tion call ASPEN at (866) 925-9384. All ASPEN services are free and not something that gets brought up and it’s painful, but confidential.

I’m glad that it is being put out there.”

“

“

Goals reached

“

“

Call for help

SCENE

10 The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

T H E S C O O p nov. 3

nov. 3

RUMEN TREJO: A CHICANO ARTIST AND ACTIVIST OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST RANDALL HALL RM 117 4:00 P.M. FREE

“REIGEN” MILO SMITH TOWER THEATRE 7:30 P.M. GENERAL $12 SENIORS $10 STUDENTS $7

nov. 4

Nov. 5

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK CWU RECEPTION CENTER 5 P.M. FREE

BEHIND THE BADGE 5K RUN OPR PATIO 10 A.M. $15

Nov.6

nov. 7 MONDAY MOVIE MADNESS “COWBOYS AND ALIENS” SURC THEATER 7 P.M. & 9:30 P.M.

KIDʼS ROCK CWU CLIMBING WALL 3 P.M. $8 FOR REC. CENTER MEMBERS $12 FOR NON-MEMBERS

STUDENTS FREE

nov. 9

NOV. 9

FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT MICHAELSEN HALL RM 126 6:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M. FREE

SEATTLE OPERAʼS YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM MUSIC BUILDING CONCERT HALL126 7:00 P.M. STUDENTS FREE $15 GENERAL

Puss disappoints

BY JEFF COTÉ

Staff Reporter

After the so-called “Disney renaissance” fizzled in the mid 1990s, the void was quickly filled by two exceptional protégés. The masterminds at Pixar Animation Studios gave us “Toy Story” and “A Bug’s Life,” while DreamWorks Animation, headed by the recently ousted Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, was nearly on par with films like “The Prince of Egypt” and “Shrek.” Both studios provided audiences with an perspective on animation that had yet to be fully explored in American cinema.

However, while Pixar generally delved into original concepts and strayed away from re-hashing their previous ideas, Katzenberg’s studio found the need to make a sequel for every picture they released that found a decent level of popular success. Hence why in 2011, a full 10 years after the release of “Shrek,” the moviegoing public is given director Chris Miller’s “Puss in Boots,” a spin-off from the popular series that serves as the franchise’s fifth title.

“Puss in Boots” stars Antonio Banderas as the titular feline lothario who entangles himself in a scheme to steal a goose that lays golden eggs in order to repay an old debt.

Along for the ride are his de facto love interest Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and his old school chum Humpty Dumpty (Zack Galifianakis).

Banderas’ character was always one of my favorite elements of the “Shrek”

franchise. Puss’ sharp dialogue and adorable kitty stare were more than enough to make him a memorable character. Sadly, the filmmakers at hand have failed to give this beloved character a decent movie on his own.

First and foremost, the screenplay penned primarily by Tom Wheeler and David H. Steinberg is an absolute mess.

Some of the more visible problems include terrible pacing, one-dimensional characters, a loose plot, pointless subplots, poor dialogue and worst of all, unbelievably painful predictability.

Based on the title alone, it is kind of a given that Marlin will find his son by the end of “Finding Nemo.” Yet, the journey to find Nemo was so fun and heart-warming that no one would ever give it a second thought. In this regard, nearly every great film has some element of “predictability.”

When this predictability actually stands out is when a film has a serious problem, especially in the case of “Puss in Boots” and its haphazard “twist ending.” Anyone over the age of two could see the “twist” coming from a mile away.

“Puss in Boots” is one of the most infuriating films I have ever seen. Every decent aspect of the film is countered by something even worse. Though the quality of the animation is remarkable, with its lush color and splendid quality of shading, this is only spoiled by the horribly animated Humpty Dumpty character – an odd, darkly portrayed, downright creepy-looking creature the filmmakers expect you feel sympathy for.

Not only do I lack any sympathy for

PHOTO COURTESY OF DREAMWORKS

Miller’s Humpty Dumpty, I find such contempt for him that he might just be one of the most unlikable characters I have ever seen on screen. I would much rather make an omelet out of him than to be forced to feel sorry for him.

Unless people go the the theater having taken out half of their brain cells, I can’t see any good reason why they would be entertained by “Puss in Boots.”

Miller’s attempts to create a new DreamWorks franchise fails to incite any excitement and instead calls into question whether or not anyone involved in the production has ever taken a basic filmmaking course. Stay away from this train-wreck and watch an old Pixar film at home instead.

SCENE

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011 11

GABRIELA CHAIDEZ/OBSERVER

TRICK OR TREAT Children of all ages put on thier best costumes and attended the Halloween celebration of the year, Boo Central on Monday.

17th annual Boo Central spooks again, allowing kids to be kids Photo Editor

Trick or treat? At Central Washington University’s 17th annual Boo Central, children and families of both. Black and orange balloons and festive crepe papers hang stiff as zombie limbs while a creepy soundtrack plays from a small CD player in the main entry.

Boo Central, a no cost candy-collecting, ball-tossing, pumpkin decorating, and face-painting event has drawn hundreds of local power rangers and princesses to the Central Campus for years. Every year brings another parade of happy spooks both seen and unseen, vying for the “best costume” award, pop-up door prizes, or a creepy consolation prize.

Open to the public, the event makes

Halloween in Ellensburg a little more fun. istry Club, and bright rows of fishing In Central’s Student Union and Recre- booths and crafty installations for Octoation Center (SURC). The event is open beresque prizes and art projects. The nearto local children by downtown through the fifth Halloween grade and their trick or treat My granddaughter was siblings are also event has getting handfuls of candy from been drawencouraged to come out for the the CWU students, ten times more ing neighborspooky sojourn. hood spooks than she could ever eat.

Each year, for three genaround 500 kids erations, and -Mary Beaurel turn out to the the SURC’s SURC for the annual event Ellensburg local event, which inis a close seccludes a sweet ond alternacompetition for tive to knockthe most candy in buckets, an apple bob- ing on doors down chilly dark streets. bing station, daringly original demonstraYear after year, the CWU students put tions of goo and jello brains by the Chem- on a memorable event. The Observer

Interested in officiating High School or Jr. High Basketball?

“

“

BY MENDE SMITH

caught up with Mary Beautel, a local woman and her two grand children, attending the Boo Central Event for the first time.

“I think it is a fun event for the kids,” Beautel said. “My granddaughter (Sophia, 1, ladybug) was getting handfuls of candy from the CWU students, ten times more than she could ever eat.” Beautel said that the crowds were pushy at the downtown businesses and though the majority of local shops were open and shoveling skittles and tootsie rolls fervently into plastic buckets, her merchant neighbor’s downtown event was not well organized. The SURC, she said, was better for the kids.

The best part is that each child goes home with a bag of treats and gets a chance to walk the costumed-only red carpet wearing a smile.

Not a Law and Justice major?

No problem!

LAJ300: Administration of Criminal Justice is open to all students, freshmen through senior, in any major.

Learn about the law, crime, policing, the courts, corrections…and much more.

Call Dick Eglet Yakima Valley Officials

509.945.2379

Register for LAJ300 for Winter 2012! www.cwu.edu/~lajhome • www.facebook.com/CWULawAndJustice

SPORTS

12 The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Editor//Giancarlo Gonzalez

cwuobserversports@gmail.com

R E L L RO Y B R E D ROUGH MAKES IT H G U O t d n a EVAN SLACK

« HERE I COME BABY, COMIN’ TO GITCHA’ Mad Mina speeds around the track on the heels of the Rolling Hills’ jammer during the final bout of the season on October 29, 2011. The Rodeo City Roller girls slugged out the win 176-163.

Photo by Katharine Lotze

BY :

go in the first half. Mad Mina, a 40-yearold Ellensburg local, proved that age has little sway on playing this brutal sport. As the oldest player on the posse, Mina envelops the ideal of clean, fun sportsmanship.

She enjoys the physical challenge presented by this one-of-a- kind sport, but also holds her experience very sentimentally.

“There is a league in Seattle, The Rock City Rollergirls, they have been around since 2006 maybe longer, and they are early is more simple than it REAL people,” Mina said of her role models. sounds. If the lead jammer “They are so willing to teach other players, is ahead of the other by a long margin, the like let me show YOU something. Just like lead jammer can score her points and call off you might look up to a quarterback or an the jam before her opponent has a chance NFL coach, those girls are awesome, its alto score. It is the pack’s duty to block the op- most like we’re family.” posing jammer and keep her from scoring.

The RCR managed to keep their heads The game is played in two, 30-minute halves above water with superior conditioning and and is one of the only games where the pen- well executed blocking schemes throughalties are called in real time. Nothing but a out the second half. The Dames felt the thrill timeout stops the clock, and if a player com- of taking the lead early on, but RCR made mits a penalty they are removed from the sure to keep them wanting, as they racked game for one minute. up more than 150 points.

The bout began with a Dames jammer, .50 The final jam was similar to something Cal Killer, claiming the first lead. The Dames out of a ‘feel good’ movie as fans roared and kept the pressure on as cheered, rising to their feet Kraken the Whip claims in a near animalistic fashthe next lead as well. Afion. The jammers gave it They are so willing to all they had and sprinted ter the end of two jams, the Dames held a 20-10 teach other players, like let for the pack, with Rodeo point lead over the Rollme show YOU something. Just City claiming the lead. After ergirls, and they didn’t a few final points, like you might look up to a scoring stop there. The next few lead jammer Critical Erin, quarterback or an NFL coach, called off the jam as well as jams yielded a 40-28 point lead in favor of the those girls are awesome, its the game. The Rodeo City Dames girls cheered and took a almost like we’re family.

Nearly half way victory lap as they celebrat-MAD MINA through the first period, ed their 176-163 point win the Rollergirls found their over the Derby Dames.

Rollergal rhythm and began rackRoller derby, although ing up points. A clever a serious and competiblocking scheme allowed War Paint Wenda, tive sport, finds room for a little fun on the an Ellensburg native, to rack up quite a tally track as well. With music playing constantly of over 25 points. throughout the bout, players and referees “We need to work on switching from of- alike could be seen dancing and singing. fense to defense,” War Paint said. “Today we There was also a sense of camaraderie, even were a little slow on making the transition between opposing teams. and it led to a lot of unnecessary points “There is a large entertainment value that scored against us.” goes along with this sport, there’s nothing Rodeo City continues their onslaught and like it,” RCR’s Lucy Ballbuster said. “I mean racked up a respectable 30 point lead over its difficult but its really fun, people love to the Dames with less than three minutes to come watch.”

“

“

T

he Ellensburg High School gymnasium was packed wall-to-wall Saturday evening, with fans eager for the roller derby to get under way. Quite a stunning sight was beheld, as players and fans alike dressed up in their Halloween best.

Clowns, zombies, mad hatters, and a showstopping medieval chicken strutted for an entertaining costume contest.

Introductions began with the visitors, the Rolling Hills Derby Dames, hailing from Pullman. Each skater had a unique persona, complete with a quirky derby name such as Mad Mina, or Hang Em Heidi.

After the Dames were named off, the Rodeo City Rollergirls (RCR) made their chilling entrance. Dressed to match, the posse crawled and hobbled onto the floor as skating undead to making their introduction.

As many spectators don’t fully understand the inner workings of roller derby, a short briefing on the sport is in order.

The game is played with five players per side: eight blockers that make up “the pack” and two jammers. The pack is lined up on the frontline, several yards ahead of the two jammers, and on the first whistle, the pack begins moving. On the double whistle, the jammers then take off after the pack and fight for a leading position.

The first jammer to make it through the pack without drawing a penalty, or getting knocked out of bounds becomes the lead jammer. Points are scored by jammers passing the pack after making it through the pack the first time. So essentially, points are scored for lapping opposing players. Both jammers can score points once they have cleared the pack the first time, but the lead jammer has control over the “jam”.

A jam is a two-minute period, comparable to one series of football action. The jam is only over when either the two minutes are up, or the lead jammer touches her hips, ending the jam. The point of ending a jam

sports

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011 13

Sublime cliff hanging challenge BY evan thompson

Senior Reporter

Students who have wandered by the Rock Climbing Wall in the SURC are a short climb away from nirvana. The rock wall offers a unique experience; participants can choose to either take on the intense bouldering section, that varies in routes and difficulties, or attempt to peak the towering harnessed climb. Built as a part of the SURC in 2005 and situated in the north section, approximately 40 climbers per day use the rock wall as a part of their daily work out or exercise.

“Physically it’s very challenging,” said Ryan Hopkins, who is the challenge course facilitator for the University Recreation department. “It’s unique in the sense that it’s not just a physical challenge, it’s also a mental challenge.”

The rock wall offers a controlled environment and climbers know what to expect if they follow the rules and take the necessary precautions.

The bouldering and harnesses sections both have easiest-to-most difficult routes, with different handholds marked with different colors.

In an environment like this, the varying degree in difficulty gives climbers the leeway they need to better themselves, depending on their current skill level. Climbers can make climbs however easy or difficult as they prefer.

Rock climbing is also completely an individual sport and the wall challenges each climber individually.

Freshmen Jannicke Moffat said her friends are the reason she first tried the rock wall.

“A bunch of my friends convinced me to go one day with them and I got addicted to it and I go almost every day now,” Moffat said.

Moffat is undeclared in her major but is sure that she is interested in exercise science, and what better a way to study then to go to the rock wall?

“I enjoy that it’s a challenge,” she continued. “And it’s a good workout and its fun to do.”

Moffat goes to the rock wall every day, varying from 45 minutes to an hour of climbing, and prefers the harness rather

than the bouldering section. She also said that the level of intensity depends on what specific routes you take, and that is solely a personal test.

Fellow freshman Jordan Vidorme who is planning to major in graphic design, climbs at the very least two or three times a week for around two hours a session, depending on if he does easy or hard routes.

He enjoys the rigors of climbing and when the staff changes the hand holds and foot holds to increase the challenge and mix things up.

“I like it a lot,” Virdome said. “They change it up all the time, there’s always new routes to climb it’s really nice.”

Virdorme agreed with Moffat on how physically demanding the sport is, and also prefers the mental aspect of figuring out the most efficient way to make one’s way up the wall.

“I like how it’s just basically problem solving and how to get up and how to do the next move,” Vidorme said. “But it’s also physical so it’s a workout.”

Vidorme is on the Central Washington climbing team that competes against other schools. He said the fees are a bit higher than the climbing club, but it is worth the experience.

The bouldering competition is rated by how difficult the problems or routes are.

Judges use a point number between 100 and a 1,000, the more points the harder it is. Once the problem is completed you get that many points.

Even though he competes regularly, Virdorme prefers climbing more for the joy of it.

“I do it more for fun,” Vidorme said.

“It’s nice to meet different climbers and see what other people do for a problem and get ideas on their techniques to better yourself.”

Rock climbing is a great way to allow one’s mind to wander from the daily struggles of school and life in general. Climbers say the intense focus it requires can stop many negative thoughts that may be lingering in their mind once they get there.

The rock wall is a safe and effective way of overcoming any fears of heights that students may have.

Many climbers agree that the challenge allows them to push their mind, body, and

brittney cassini/observer

HANG ON A Central student demonstrates proper rock climbing technique at the rock climbing wall in the Rec center on October 31.

spirit, and allows them to reach new limits.

Hopkins feels the group of climbers is a well rounded group of individuals.

“It’s a great community,” Hopkins said.

“You’ll meet a lot of people and there’s been some extremely strong relationships formed hanging up together and participating in the rock wall together.”

CWU soccer collapses

ored as the GNAC women’s soccer player of the week. This was her second time winning the award.

“It was really cool because I got recognition for my hard work,” McKole said.

Central bounced back Saturday against Northwest Nazarene with a timely goal from freshman Danielle Brandli. The Wildcats won 1-0.

“We stayed positive and we stayed through the whole game. We didn’t let down,” sophomore goalkeeper Kori Butterfield said.

The win marked Central’s ninth of the season bringing their overall record to 9-44 and 8-3-2 in the GNAC. The Wildcats overtook Montana State University-Billings for second place in the conference after the Yellowjackets lost to Seattle Pacific Saturday.

The Wildcats have been a resilient team all season. With this victory, the Wildcats finished the season without losing two games in a row for the second time in the 25-year history of the program.

Central’s season finale is next Saturday at Seattle Pacific. The Wildcats will look to upset the nationally ranked Falcons who will come into the match riding an eight game winning streak and have only one loss in conference play.

The Wildcats will need to bring some swagger into Saturday’s match if they want to leave Seattle with a victory.

“We just need to be a little bit cocky and a little bit confident,” Butterfield said.

BY connor vanderweyst

Staff Reporter

joey lebeau/observer

TOUGH TO SWALLOW In this photo taken September 22 vs. W. Oregon, Taylor Stanley is injured during a jump ball. The image sums up their season long struggles.

Central’s dreams of a playoff berth after the season were destroyed Thursday when the women’s soccer team fell to Montana State University-Billings 3-0 in Billings, Mont.

The loss eliminated the Wildcats from post-season contention. Central’s record fell to 8-4-4 overall and 7-3-2 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC).

Coach Michael Farrand summed up Central’s playoff chances in two words: “We’re done.”

“Division II soccer is the toughest level to come out of,” Farrand said. “Even with our record and things like that we had to have a perfect way out.”

Farrand was disappointed with the end result, but thought the team played well once the mental errors were corrected.

“I’m not going to say [the Yellowjackets] outplayed us as much as we gave things away a little bit,” Farrand said.

The Yellowjackets drew first blood when the Wildcats gave up an own goal in the 29th minute.

On an otherwise dismal afternoon, junior forward Carson McKole was hon-

SPORTS

14 The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011

Volleyball shows heart, resilience in 3-2 defeat

games in a row.”

Ryan was close to achieving a doubleStaff Reporter double with a total of nine digs, while juFor a season that has been chalk full nior Jordan Offutt also had nine digs. of ups and downs, the Wildcats volleyball With their shortly gained momentum team continued their tedious trend on and hopes of leaving the weekend unThursday and Saturday night at Nicholas scathed, the Wildcats played the Western Pavilion.

Oregon Wolves, once again hosting a After winning in dominant fashion over GNAC game at Nicholas Pavilion SaturSt. Martins 3-0, Central fell to Western day night.

Oregon 2-3, losing by a close three points Central came back to force a game five in the fifth set. after being down two sets, but couldn’t Central now sits at 12-9 overall and 6-7 come up with the defensive answers losin the Great Northwest Athletic Confer- ing a close fifth set. The first two sets the ence (GNAC).

Wildcats lost 25-17 and 25-23, Central Against an improved St. Martins team, then rallied from behind and won two the Wildcats’ balance of offense and de- consecutive sets 22-25 and 19-25. The fense was in full swing. The Wildcats went fifth and final set was a roller coaster ride on to sweep the Saints in three sets 25-23, but the Wildcats couldn’t pull it together 25-17, and 25-22. in the end, losing just Offensively, soph15-12. omore Erin Smith started off We have had a little rough slowOffutt and senior Meg Ryan but eventually each had 10 kills. spill over this past week. I was came through for her Central had a total a little frustrated in practice team finishing with of 38 kills by five best 17 kills this week from losing two aforteam different players. In the match. She later sets, Central’s games in a row. couldn’t help but be setters were successremorseful.

-ERIN SMITH ful in getting them “You know, it’s Sophomore, middle blocker the ball in different frustrating, because I scoring positions. know I didn’t do my The Saints “have great defense,” Ryan best at the beginning, and that’s what the said. “So our whole game plan no matter team needed,” Offutt said. what was when they keep digging us up Offutt triggered a five point servto just keep going back and playing our ing swing at the end of the fourth set to game and coming back even stronger on advance the lead to six, 24-18. Central defense.” forced an essential fifth set after a service Smith contributed to the Wildcats’ error by the Wolves. nine blocks, which left St. Martins with a “She knows she came out slow, [her] hitting percentage of .016 for the match. mind wasn’t quite there, she got back into While Central shined on offense, their de- it later in the game and we rallied, not just fense was what won them the game. with her, but with other people too,” An“Poise was the biggest [goal], because daya said. we knew St. Martins was going to dig the Sophomore Emmy Dolan came off the ball and keep returning it,” Head Coach bench for the Wildcats with a total of 14 Mario Andaya said. “They did a great job, kills and a team best .242 hitting percentthey kind of stifled our offense in the first age. Ryan also tallied up 10 kills and 20 game, but we did stay poised and accom- digs, with senior Carlee Marble ending plished that goal and wore them out in the with 47 assists and 19 digs on the night. end.”

“It’s kind of hard because it was so In the second set, the Wildcats came close and we really wanted the game. I back from being down 19-15, scoring six just wanted to go out and step up for my points to take the lead 21-19. Central then team,” Dolan said. had to work hard to come out on top.

Western Oregon gained momentum Smith ended the set with a kill. off three blocks and three service errors “We have had a little rough spill over by the Wildcats, leading them to the five this past week, but I came in with an open set victory. mind,” Smith said. “I was a little frustrat“Granted Western Oregon played well, ed in practice this week from losing two I don’t think they played well enough to

BY ALEXANDRA SHERK

Halfway home

BY DANNY SCHMIDT

Assistant Sports Editor

The NFL’s now halfway through the 2011 season and the playoff pictures is still far from decided. Games are extremely meaningful to players, so lets take advantage of that. Here are the week nine pickups.

QUARTERBACK: Sam Bradford (STL): You may think I’m crazy but pick up Bradford this week. He is playing Arizona this week and St. Louis is on their longest winning streak of the season: one.

RECENT GAME: L 49-35 @ West Texas A&M Quarterback Jose Mohlerʼs 358 yards were overshadowed by the 430 yards A&Mʼs Dustin Vaughan racked up against the Wildcats.

CONFERENCE Western Oregon Humboldt State Central Washington Dixie State Simon Fraser

Bradford has most likely been dropped from many teams around different leagues, so pick him up if possible. Don’t play him over Tom Brady, but if Blaine Gabbert is running the show, go for it.

RUNNING BACK: Dexter McCluster (KC): Aside from San Francisco, the Chiefs are the least talked about good team in the NFL. After starting 0-3, Kansas City has reeled off four straight wins and is tied atop the AFC West. McCluster is a risky pickup because he is predominantly a receiving running back. I’d take a chance on him because the Chiefs host Miami this week and McCluster could see more action than usual.

Jonathan Baldwin (KC): Sticking with the Kansas City theme, Baldwin finally stepped up last week against the Chargers.

The rookie caught his first touchdown pass of the season last week on a deep ball.

Against Miami, Baldwin could be targeted frequently.

WIDE RECEIVER: Michael Crabtree (SF): Crabtree stepped up last week in the 49ers win over Cleveland. This week the team travels to the nations capital to take on the struggling Redskins. Expect the 49ers to get their passing game going

W 6 5 3 1 1

L 1 1 3 5 6

NEXT GAME: 11/5 at Simon Fraser 2 P.M. Central looks to rebound across the border.

“

“

FOOTBALL

WOMENʼS SOCCER

MICHAEL HARRISON/OBSERVER

READY SET SPIKE Carlee Marble sets up Julie Hulbert for the spike.

beat us at our best,” Andaya said.

Western Oregon had four players in double digits for kills, while totaling 18.5 blocks as a team. Krissi Kemper led the wolves with 16 kills, while three other teammates added 15, 10, and 10 kills apiece.

Central will venture off for their final week on the road against both Alaska teams hoping to make a final statement.

The Wildcats will then return home for their final matches against Western Washington and Simon Fraser, Nov. 10 and Nov. 12.

For a recap on Wildcat football’s 49-35 loss to West Texas A&M, go to cwuobserver.com and Crabtree is always a great red zone threat and can make big plays happen.

Laurent Robinson (DAL): The Cowboys host the pitiful Seahawks this week and will be angry after a Philadelphia beat down last Sunday. Dallas will try and run the score up in a hurry, and the way to do that against an above average run defense, is throwing the ball. Seattle’s pass defense schemes will heavily focus on Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten. Expect Robinson to take advantage this week.

TIGHT END: Brent Celek (PHI): Philadelphia is hosting Chicago this week on Monday Night Football. Michael Vick and Andy Reid should take advantage of the spotlight. The game should be a tough game for both teams, leading Vick to throw to his big tight end as much as he can. Brian Urlacher and the Bears defense will be paying close attention to DeSean Jackson and the other dangerous receivers the Eagles have.

DEFENSE: Houston Texans: The Texans host Cleveland this week. Houston is hot and their defense will look to keep up their consistency against a mild Browns offense. Houston will try to keep up in the division shut down Cleveland.

RECENT GAMES: L 0-3 at MSUB W 1-0 (OT) at Northwest Nazarene Central is now 9-4-4 CONFERENCE Seattle Pacific Central Washington MSUB Western Oregon Western Washington Saint Martinʼs Northwest Nazarene Simon Fraser

W 12 8 7 8 4 4 2 1

L 1 3 2 4 6 9 11 10

T 0 2 4 1 3 0 0 1

NEXT GAMES: 11/5 @ Seattle Pacific University.

SPU is the last game of the season for Central. Itʼs a 1 p.m. game.

VOLLEYBALL

RECENT GAME: W 3-0 vs. Saint Martins L 2-3 vs. Western Oregon CONFERENCE Seattle Pacific Western Washington Alaska Anchorage Northwest Nazarene Western Oregon Central Washington MSU Billings Saint Martinʼs Alaska Fairbanks Simon Fraser

W 13 11 11 10 10 6 4 4 2 1

L 2 3 3 4 5 8 11 11 12 13

NEXT GAME: 11/03 at Alaska Fairbanks

CROSS COUNTRY

RECENT GAME: M: 8th W: 10th GNAC Championships in Yakima.

NEXT GAME: 11/05 NCAA Division II West Region Championships @ Spokane FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CWUʼS TEAMS VISIT WILDCATSPORTS.COM

SPORTS

The Observer • Nov. 3 - 9, 2011 15

MIKE MASSARELLI

»

OUTDOOR PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

This photo was taken of Central student Mike Massarelli on Oct. 16. The deer was killed in Goldendale.

Massareli is a senior technology education major.

The Observer is hosting a weekly photo contest! We want to share your outdoor experiences and photos with the community.

We’re looking for »Animals or fish that you have harvested »Any outdoor adventures »Wildlife or anything outdoors Send all photo and story submissions to Tim Park at parkti@cwu.edu

Sofas, desk lamps, bean bags...OH MY! Zip to the Habitat Store where there’s always a GREAT BUY!

Pregnancy Center of Kittitas County

Check out Tim Park’s outdoor article on hunting on private land at cwuobserver.com

PregnancyHelpEllensburg.org call 509-925-2273 anytime 24/7

Compassionate Care of Kittitas County Dr. Allen Johnson

510 N. Ruby Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Call for an Appointment (509) 859-3293 Providing Medical Marijuana Reccomendations HCG Weightloss

$100 Renewal Fee

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Testing

SPONSORED BY CWU SUMMER SESSION 2012 2011

Win a Wildcat Shop Gift Card!

1st Prize: $400 2nd Prize: $200 3rd Prize: $150 4th Prize: $100

www.cwu.edu/summer This talent contest is open to all current CWU students. We welcome all types of talent acts, from the amazing to the extreme! Acts will be judged on !"#$#%&'#()*+,"-&./#()*+&%0+1(&$-+2"-1-%,-3 4!"+5!"-+#%6!"5&.!%+&7!8(+(9-+"8'-1+&%0+&22'#,&.!% process, go to www.cwuce.org/summer/rules.aspx. :2&,-+#1+'#5#(-0*+1!+&22')+%!;+&(+(9-+<=,-+!6 >!%.%8#%$+?08,&.!%*+@&"$-+A&''*+B!!5+CDE

AA/EEO/TITLE IX INSTITUTION. FOR ACCOMMODATION: CDSRECEPT@CWU.EDU