THEDAILY of the University of Washington | since 1891 | dailyuw.com
WELCOME EDITION
Abigail Dahl @abbydahll
2 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
Hot spots for hot dates Date ideas on campus
By Hannah Krieg The Daily Editor’s note: Many of these options may not be open or responsible right now due to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the pandemic won’t be around for your whole college experience, and many of these articles are here to get you excited about experiencing campus when this is all over. Some students are convinced they can earn back their tuition by nabbing plates from Center Table and sneaking disposable cutlery from the District Market. While petty crime might knock a few dollars off that tuition bill each quarter, there are less morally gray ways to maximize the benefits of being a UW student. For example, dating. College is not just an overpriced dating app; campus can also function as the perfect date spot for you and your boo. If you are looking for a classic dinner date here on campus, hit West Campus for a “cultidate” at Cultivate. It will give you just enough of a sit-down restaurant vibe, but you can use dining dollars (and, let’s be real, you’ll still have way too much dining money left over). If you’re looking for something a little more active than sitting on the cute stools at Cultivate, the UW has plenty of fitness-oriented amenities that can double as date ideas. Take your S.O. on a walk along the Burke-Gilman Trail, or make your way over to the driving range for a discounted bucket of balls. For all the sports spectators out there, make it a goal
with your partner to attend one game of every sports team on campus. Not only are you supporting your fellow Dawgs, but you have a fun bucket list of date ideas that you can make last all year long. Not a sports fan? Fear not, the UW has plenty of other attractions you can spin into a date. Head over to the Henry Art Gallery. It’s free for students and rotates the exhibitions regularly to allow for multiple visits. So bring your same bae through when the gallery switches out the art — or keep the art the same and switch out the bae. For those of us who like a lazier date, take advantage of the residence halls and your dining dollars. Grab some Pagliacci, go back to your dorm, and “Panopto and chill” for a truly HFS-sponsored date. If you’re an HFS resident, the Alder Auditorium on the first floor is a cheap substitute for an actual movie theater. Plus, most nights you can get the whole place to yourself. Stock up on snacks at the District Market right next door, and you are ready to binge-watch the first season of “You.” There are also plenty of scenic sites to enjoy a picnic on campus. It’s a little touristy, but when the cherry blossoms bloom, the Quad makes for a perfect picnic location. Terry Terrace on West Campus also has a beautiful view if you can get access. Paccar’s terrace is yet another ideal picnic spot for eating pasta from Orin’s Place on a sunny day. We can always try to make our money back by using all the UW has to offer for dates, but the best way to get the
most bang for your buck is to have new experiences. Try out coffee from every place on campus — there’s a lot. (I’d recommend making this a sequence and not attempting it all in one day.) Go to a library and don’t study. Grab a book by an author with your last name, or an inside joke in the title, or just one at random and do dramatic readings. Explore a building
you’ve never been in before: run around and then try to find a way out. It’s like an escape room on a budget. Just go out and do something new with your boo. Reach Engagement Editor Hannah Krieg at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @Hannah_krieg
Abigail Dahl @abbydahll
September 2020
The Daily Distractions // 3
I went on a Bumble Zoom date and I didn’t hate it Stumbling through the new world of online dating in quarantine
By Hannah Krieg The Daily Editor’s note: Thirst Trap is a weekly column on dating and relationships in college. His Bumble profile did not specify a height. Not that it ever matters how tall a man is, but there would be no way for me to tell if “6’ if you care about that sort of thing” was actually “5’10” and I’m lying because my fragile masculinity makes me care about that sort of thing.” We would not be comparing heights on this date. We would be on our beds — separately, gazing into each other’s eyes, or rather, the pixelated renderings projected on our Zoom call. Trust me, Zoom does not do these deep blues justice.
Dating is usually unpleasant, and I seldom recommend anyone attempt it, but alas, the world is ending and I am lonely. In these, dare-I-say, unprecedented times, dating has become all the more difficult. If you’re in an existing relationship, you have issues. If you’re single, you have (and have always had, let’s be honest) issues. We’re not meeting the loves of our lives on our biweekly grocery runs. We aren’t accidentally grazing a stranger’s hand as we both reach for the last pack of toilet paper. (If you are, please use Lysol.) I wanted to give some big sister–type advice about Zoom dates, and then I realized I had never been on one. I would never give advice about something I hadn’t successfully done. That’s why I never write about making
boys like you. That’s an ongoing investigation 20 years in the making. Whenever I FaceTime or Zoom anyone, I do so on a computer. I like to have my hands available to accommodate my nervous habit of playing with my hair. Also, it ensures that the angle stays flattering throughout the call, unlike if I were to hold my phone at a low, comfortable angle and effectively destroy any illusion that I am attractive. Also, my picture is bigger on my computer and I like to look at myself. The illusion tricks me too. To be honest, I didn’t do a lot to prepare for this date. I didn’t feel the patriarchal pull to shave legs — usually my pre-date rituals include some turmoil over my internalized misogyny. I appreciated the efficiency of Zoom dating. What I did do to prepare was clean my room. This man was guaranteed to be invited upstairs to my bedroom simply because that’s where the date was. I even made my bed. I don’t do that for just anyone. On a regular date, if there is a lull in the conversation, you can look to your surroundings and use that as an equal jumpingoff point. Or you can just start
making out. The main thing that separates a Zoom date from a regular date (besides the obvious) is that you don’t have shared stimuli. I certainly did not want to be caught staring blankly into my webcam with nothing to say and no lips to rely on, so in addition to making my bed and combing my hair for the first time in days, I also prepared a few back-up conversations. As someone who is anxious in social situations to begin with, I like to go into most interactions with a few stories in my back pocket. In quarantine, we aren’t generating as many new interesting stories to share with dates, but if you are going on a Zoom date with a stranger, your stories don’t have to be new. And if you’re hot, they hardly have to be interesting. I recycled some old stories, but in reality, I kind of do that on normal dates too. I really only have a handful of date-worthy stories, and half of each story is devoted to me laughing at myself because no one else will. In all honesty, my Zoom date was sort of like any other date. We made small talk, we both ordered pad thai (to our respective houses); he was charming, I was annoying. But
the lack of physical proximity definitely took away some of the fun. We might have been talking on the computer, but there was no electricity. So yeah, sort of like any other date. I couldn’t rely on the physical to keep this other person entertained. It was new. It forced me to rely solely on my conversation skills and personality rather than the much less pressing visual component and non-existent physical aspect of a Zoom date. There might be a potential to delve really deep with another person during quarantine before introducing touch — if you’re into that sort of thing. Right now might not be the time to seek dating opportunities, but we do have time to do some reflection. Seeing what you miss about pre-apocalyptic dating might help realize what you value in a relationship. Then, when this is all over and we can be gross and have reckless skin-to-skin contact, we’ll appreciate it all the more. Reach Engagement Editor Hannah Krieg at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @Hannah_krieg
MAKE TIME TO PLAY You don’t have to be a music major to join one of the School of Music’s performance ensembles. Membership in all groups is open to all UW students regardless of major. So make time to play…in a band, an orchestra, a jazz or chamber ensemble, or sing in one of our choirs, and earn VPLA credits toward your degree.
Info and audition sign-ups: music.washington.edu/ensemble-auditions
Autumn Quarter 2020 Ensemble Auditions Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Campus Philharmonia Orchestra(s)
Auditions have been changed to a video submission audition format for the 2020/21 school year. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, 11:59 PM PDT—Audition videos deadline. Sept. 21–25: Video auditions reviewed and evaluated. Sept. 26–27: Audition results sent via email. Sep. 28: Deadline for auditionees to confirm ensemble assignment.
Orchestral Strings Auditions
Auditions are by video submission for Autumn 2020. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, 11:59 PM PDT—Audition videos submissions due. Sept. 28–29: Video auditions reviewed and evaluated. Sept. 30–Oct. 2: Audition results sent via email with add codes.
Choral Auditions
Auditions take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. over Zoom Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 Monday, Sept. 28, 2020
Jazz Division Auditions Music Building, Room 35
Studio Jazz Ensemble (UW Big Band) TBD
Modern Band
Thursday, Oct. 1, 12:30 - 1:20 pm
Small Jazz Combos
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2:30 - 3:20 pm
Can I play without an audition? Yes!
Several of our band and choral ensembles are open to all performers. Follow the link below to find detailed information about each area of performance.
music.washington.edu/ensembles
4 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
U-District takeout and delivery guide
By Estey Chen The Daily While Washington state moves its way through Governor Inslee’s reopening plan, the rules around dining out are constantly changing. If you want to avoid the fuss, crowds, or just feel like a night where someone else is doing the cooking, there are tons of delivery options nearby. To save you time and hassle, The Daily compiled this list of local businesses open for takeout and in-house or thirdparty delivery. Nearly every establishment offers takeout over the phone, a method that saves them from paying commission fees to delivery apps, and some also offer gift cards. Note that with circumstances continually evolving, customers should call restaurants before ordering, regardless of method.
Asian Fusion
U DubBop Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-6975 Website: N/A Delivery: Uber Eats Takeout: Call
Boba
Kung Fu Tea Offerings: Lunch Phone: (206) 294-3900 Website: https://www.instagram. com/kfteaseattle/ Delivery: Seamless, Grubhub, Uber Eats Takeout: Download app Share Tea Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-6975 Website: https://us.orderspoon. com/6KRN4SEZQ2Y31 Delivery: Postmates, Doordash, Uber Eats Takeout: Website Boba Up Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night, giftcards Phone: (206) 547-8800 Website: https://bobaupseattle. com/ Delivery: Seamless, Uber Eats, Grubhub Takeout: Call or website DingTea Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 456-7192 Website: https://www.instagram. com/dingteaseattle/ Delivery: Uber Eats, Grubhub Takeout: Call Tea Republik Offerings: Lunch, dinner, giftcards, loose leaf tea Phone: (206) 497-7631 Website: https://www.facebook. com/TeaRepublik/ Delivery: Postmates, Grubhub Takeout: Call Oasis Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night, giftcards Phone: (206) 547-9967 Website: https://squareup.com/ gift/AX208H75RNCKT/order Delivery: Doordash Takeout: Call YiFang Fruit Tea Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 420-2369 Website: https://www.instagram. com/yifangwa/ Delivery: Seamless, Grubhub, Postmates Takeout: Call
Brunch
Portage Bay Cafe Offerings: Breakfast, lunch at SLU, giftcards Phone: (206) 547-8230 Website: portagebaycafe.com
Delivery: Postmates, Caviar, Grubhub Takeout: Call for SLU pickup
Chinese
Mr. Bian Dumplings Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-2865 Website: N/A Delivery: Chowbus Takeout: Call Little Duck Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 695-2564 Website: littleduckwa.com Delivery: Fantuan, Doordash, Postmates Takeout: Call or website Red Pepper Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 906-9679 Website: redpepperusa.com Delivery: Seamless, Grubhub, Doordash, Chowbus, Fantuan Takeout: Call China First Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 634-3553 Website: https://www. beyondmenu.com/24537/seattle/ china-first-seattle-98105.aspx Delivery: Uber Eats, Grubhub Takeout: Call or website
Coffee
Herkimer Coffee Offerings: Whole coffee beans, giftcards Phone: (206) 525-5070 Website: herkimercoffee.com Delivery: Website Takeout: N/A Cafe Allegro Offerings: Whole coffee beans, giftcards Phone: (206) 633-3030 Website: https://seattleallegro. com/ Delivery: Website Takeout: N/A
Deli
Fat Ducks Deli and Bakery Offerings: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 257-4798 Website: fatducksdeli.com Delivery: Doordash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates Takeout: Call
Dessert
Cold Plate Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night, giftcards Phone: (206) 294-5938 Website: coldplatedessert.com Delivery: N/A Takeout: Call C Fruit Life Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 402-6171 Website: N/A Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Call Oh Bear Cafe & Teahouse Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 823-3688 Website: https://www.facebook. com/ohbearcafe/ Delivery: Fantuan, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Doordash Takeout: Call Sweet Alchemy Offerings: Lunch, dinner, ice cream by the pint, giftcards Phone: (206) 632-0243 Website: sweetalchemyicecreamery.com Delivery: Text (206) 323-0615 for free in-house pint delivery Takeout: Call 632 number for pickup
El Salvadoran
Guancao’s Tacos Pupuseria Offerings: Lunch, dinner
Phone: (206) 547-2369 Website: http://www. guanacostacospupuseria. site/?utm_source=google Delivery: Grubhub Takeout: Call
Indian
Jewel of India Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night Phone: (206) 523-5275 Website: jewelofindiacuisine.com Delivery: Call or In-house with $20 minimum Takeout: Call or website
Takeout: Call Palmi Korean BBQ Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night Phone: (206) 633-9993 Website: uwkoreanbbq.com Delivery: Grubhub, Uber Eats Takeout: Call Cafe on the Ave Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-6001 Website: N/A Delivery: Uber Eats, Postmates Takeout: Call
Taste of India Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 528-1575 Website: http://www. tasteofindiaseattle.com/home/ dinner.html Delivery: Caviar, Grubhub, Seamless, Postmates, Doordash Takeout: Call
Green House Offerings: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-2600 Website: uwkoreanrestaurant. com/menu/ Delivery: Uber Eats, Grubhub, Doordash, Postmates Takeout: Call
Cedars Restaurant Offerings: Lunch, dinner, giftcards Phone: (206) 527-4000 Website: https://cedarsseattle. com/ Delivery: Caviar Takeout: Call or website
Korean Tofu House Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-3119 Website: koreantofuhouseuw.com Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Call
Japanese
BB’s Teriyaki Grill Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 876-9105 Website: https://bbsteriyaki. com/ Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Website Samurai Noodle Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 547-1774 Website: samurainoodle.com Delivery: Uber, Postmates, Caviar, Grubhub, Doordash Takeout: Call U:Don Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 453-3788 Website: https://freshudon.com/ Delivery: Grubhub, Uber Eats, Doordash, Postmates, Caviar Takeout: Call Nasai Teriyaki 3 Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-3572 Website: N/A Delivery: N/A Takeout: Call University Kitchen Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-5688 Website: N/A Delivery: Uber Eats Takeout: Call Itadakimasu Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 659-0722 Website: N/A Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Call
Korean
Bugis Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 547-1918 Website: N/A Delivery: Uber Eats Takeout: Call The BoB Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 633-6582 Website: N/A Delivery: Uber Eats Takeout: Call Tig Kitchen and Bar Offerings: Dinner, late night Phone: (206) 522-4274 Website: N/A Delivery: Seamless, Doordash, Caviar, Grubhub
Bok a Bok Fried Chicken Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 669-5976 Website: bokabokchicken.com Delivery: Uber, Doordash, Caviar, Postmates, Grubhub Takeout: Call
Mediterranean
Shawarma King Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night Phone: (206) 420-1484 Website: shawarmakingus. com/#front Delivery: Grubhub, Uber Eats, Postmates Takeout: Call Byrek & Baguette Offerings: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-3864 Website: byrekandbaguette.org Delivery: Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, Caviar, Doordash, ezCater Takeout: Call Persepolis Grill Offerings: Lunch, dinner, giftcards Phone: (206) 524-3434 Website: persepolis-grill.com Delivery: In-house delivery, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Doordash, Postmates Takeout: Call Aladdin Falafel Corner Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night Phone: (206) 548-9539 Website: N/A Delivery: Postmates, Uber Eats Takeout: Call Sultan Gyro Grill & Shawarma Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night Phone: (206) 632-7844 Website: N/A Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Call
Poke
Just Poke Offerings: Lunch, dinner, giftcards Phone: (206) 566-6156 Website: justpoke.com Delivery: Grubhub, Uber Eats, Doordash, Postmates Takeout: Call Hiroshi’s Poke Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 325-5855 Website: hiroshis.com/ Delivery: Uber Eats
Takeout: Call
Taiwanese
Mee Sum Pastry Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-7298 Website: meesumpastryseattle. com Delivery: Caviar, Grubhub, Postmates, Doordash, Uber Eats, Seamless Takeout: Call Henry’s Taiwan Kitchen Offerings: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 547-8899 Website: henrysseattle.com Delivery: Seamless, Doordash, Grubhub Takeout: Call
Thai
Jai Thai Offerings: Lunch, dinner, late night Phone: (206) 547-9999 Website: jai-thai-udub.business. site Delivery: Doordash, Uber Eats Takeout: Call Thaiger Room Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-9299 Website: thaigerroom.com Delivery: Grubhub, Seamless, Postmates Takeout: Call or website Amazing Thai Cuisine Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 528-0102 Website: amazing-thai-cuisine. business.site Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Call Araya’s Place Offerings: Lunch, dinner, curbside pickup Phone: (206) 524-4332 Website: arayasplace.com Delivery: Bite Squad, Caviar, Postmates, Uber Eats Takeout: Call directly for 15% off the lunch menu
Vegan
Broadfork Cafe Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 522-6966 Website: http://broadforkcafe. com/ Delivery: Postmates Takeout: Call
Venezuelan
Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 556-4879 Website: facebook.com/ ArepaVen/ Delivery: Uber Eats, Grubhub, Caviar Takeout: Call
Vietnamese
Pho Shizzle Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-1078 Website: N/A Delivery: Doordash Takeout: Call
Thanh Vi Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 633-7867 Website: thanhvi.net/ Delivery: Seamless, Caviar, Grubhub Takeout: Call Pho Than Brothers Offerings: Lunch, dinner Phone: (206) 632-7272 Website: thanbrothers.com Delivery: Doordash, Postmates Takeout: Call Reach writer Estey Chen at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @esteychen
September 2020
The Daily Distractions // 5
Saturdays are for the secret cinema
Audiences frequent this local theater’s matinees without knowing what they’re about to see By Elise Peyton Contributing writer Editor’s note: The Grand Illusion isn’t currently hosting inperson screenings, but instead is streaming virtual cinema screenings of films not otherwise available. The entrance of The Grand Illusion Cinema resembles a page from an “I Spy” book more than it resembles a lobby: a bicycle sits contentedly in the corner, underneath a faded poster for Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and two potted plants and a portable radiator have found a home across from a mannequin wearing a cat-eared beanie. The mannequin is reading “The Andy Warhol Diaries” and is surrounded by walls littered by signed film festival posters. Patrons who enter and exit the theater are watched by the green plastic head near the popcorn machine, and the popcorn machine stands ready to oblige its regular customers. Each Saturday at 2 p.m., The Grand Illusion Cinema’s volunteer team puts on a Saturday Secret Matinee, which consists of a screening of a 30 minute “serial” film followed by a feature film. The serial film (much like an episode of a TV show) is projected for the audience on 16mm film. At the end, the audience is left with a
cliffhanger, which is hopefully intriguing enough that they will come back the following week. “The main purpose of why I started wanting to do the [Saturday Secret Matinees] was to show movie serials — to show them the way they’re supposed to be seen,” Spencer Sundell, a veteran volunteer at The Grand Illusion, said. “Which [means] one episode a week, in a theater, with an audience, and not do a whole marathon or watch every episode.” After the Saturday movie serial, the audience is presented with a feature film (also played on 16mm), which is where the secret part comes in: while regular attendees know the general plot of the movie serials, they have no idea which feature film they are going to see. This last weekend, it was “The Great Gabbo,” a black-and-white musical from 1929 which follows an egotistical ventriloquist’s tragic descent into madness. “I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy, but I think there’s kinda like this secret club kinda thing to it,” Sundell said. “It’s kind of like this weird novelty thing, and then the fact it’s all still on 16mm and you don’t know what you’re gonna get.” Originally called “The Movie House” in 1970, The Grand Illusion is tucked away at the corner of 50th and University Way, hidden in plain sight. The theater room itself seats 69
people (if you count the dusty blue loveseat in the back row as two seats), and the dramatic red velvet panels accent the stamped tin ceiling tiles. When the theater originally opened, the eclectic lobby was not part of it, and patrons entered directly from the Ave. After being sold to the Northwest Film Forum in 1996, the “longest-running independent cinema in the city” was sold again, this time to a group of volunteers who have kept it alive since 2004. “It’s its own non-profit organization; it’s entirely volunteer-run,” Sundell said. “Every single person who works here is a volunteer. We used to have a cleaning lady we would pay once in a while, but not even that anymore, we do it all ourselves.” For three weeks each December, families squeeze into The Grand Illusion to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” projected on 35mm film, a tradition that has been preserved for 50 years. The theater is also known for showing indie, alternative, and occasionally archival films, depending on the week. “I just really liked the experience of coming here,” volunteer Brian Alter said. “It’s a cool little theater and they’re showing good movies, and, you know, I always like movies.” The films are chosen by the programming director, but
the 25 other volunteers will occasionally offer up ideas. Most of these are played on a digital projector, and on some occasions, VHS. But what sets this theater apart is the fact that it is also equipped to run 16mm and 35mm film. “In the case of the 16mm, the digital projector has to be unplugged and removed, and this ridiculous improvised system of boards is set up, and then the 16mm projectors sit up there,” Sundell said. Veteran volunteers and first-time film-lovers alike will agree that The Grand Illusion Cinema is truly grand. Student tickets are only $7 (with a valid
school ID), and volunteers are always welcome. The quirky yet inviting atmosphere is appealing to movie lovers of all ages and hopefully will continue to be so for years to come. “To see these special films, either silent movies or just these early musicals and everything — it’s not something that you can usually find, so it’s special,” Lisa, a regular attendee of Saturday Secret Matinees, said. Reach contributing writer Elise Peyton at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @e_peyton113
Emery Edwards The Daily Originally called ‘The Movie House’ in 1970, Grand Illusion is tucked away at the corner of 50th and the Ave, hidden in plain sight.
6 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
The Campus Sketcher
Walks beside the Montlake Cut
Written and illustrated by Elijah Pasco I took the rare opportunity of Seattle sunshine to go on as many long walks as I could and enjoy the brisk but clear weather.
Being pent up inside and doing one’s best to stay dry during the cold and wet parts of the year for extended amounts of time can get irksome. I only recently started going on long walks on a regular basis, mainly to get out more and be
content with feeling aimless. One of my favorite places to walk is along the Montlake Cut. The Montlake Bridge is probably my favorite drawbridge across the Washington Ship Canal. I love the gothic towers that stand on either side of the
rusted green iron bridge. And on a clear day, looking east, you have a magnificent view of the Cascade Mountains. I walked down to the canal to sketch the bridge and was even lucky enough to see it go up as a barge crane passed through,
pushed by a small tugboat. While I’m sure it was quite an inconvenience for the dozens of those driving above, there is something exciting in seeing a drawbridge raised and lowered. There are benches along the path on either side of the canal which make for the perfect spot to sit and have a snack or a picnic lunch. I’ve lived in Seattle all my life and have experienced my fair share of drawbridge operations. Yet, I still get excited to see the gates get lowered, hear the bells ring, and try to see what boat passes under the bridge when it goes up. Watching boats go by is something you take for granted as a Seattleite. With too many waterfronts to count, seeing sailboats, rowboats, ferries, tugboats, kayaks, and canoes is a part of daily life. People taking a sailboat out onto Lake Union when the weather is nice, waving and nodding as they pass, is no different from politely smiling to someone as you pass them on the sidewalk. So if you feel like taking a long walk along the water, seeing a large boat pass under a bridge, or saying hi to some sailors as they take their boat out, look no further than the Montlake Bridge. Until the next sketch, Reach The Campus Sketcher Elijah Pasco at specials@dailyuw.com. Instagram: @the_campus_ sketcher
Reconnecting with nature at a safe distance By Eddie Milton The Daily It seems like I never wanted to go outside until Gov. Jay Inslee told me I shouldn’t. Pollen makes me sneeze, I don’t like the sun, and laying in the grass leads to bugs crawling on me. But now that I’ve been holed up inside like the rest of the country, I miss the outdoors. Puttering around my backyard was fine for the first week, but then our lawn and plum tree got boring. So I started walking the Tacoma waterfront. I didn’t even step foot on the sand or dip my toe in the Puget Sound, I just walked on the sidewalk along the water or sat on the rocks and watched the waves. Being outside again and reconnecting with a place I was familiar with was uplifting and a nice distraction from the rest of the world. With public green spaces like parks and hiking trails closing down, escaping the concrete jungle becomes difficult. Owner and operator of Cascadia Forest Therapy, Michael Stein-Ross, had some suggestions about how to connect with nature from the safety of your home.
Get some house plants
You can order them online and have them delivered right to your home. Just be sure to get ones that will thrive in your
space. Once you’ve got your plants all set up, take time to care for them. Water them and talk to them. “Do it slowly and tenderly,” Stein-Ross said. “I’m taking 20 minutes to water [the houseplants] instead of the quick five minutes I would normally do.” By turning what used to be a chore into an activity, Stein-Ross is putting more care and effort into the nature around him, something he says is an important aspect of sustainability.
Listen to the sounds of nature
With less air traffic and street traffic, more birds are appearing, according to Stein-Ross. Open your window to listen to their songs. Try hanging or installing a bird feeder near a window to get even more connected. If you live in an area without a lot of birds, try listening to online recordings. Put on nature documentaries or live nature feeds. Have the Seattle Aquarium sea otters swimming in the background while you clean or study.
Practice forest bathing
Take a virtual forest bathing walk. Forest bathing is a sensoryfocused activity that helps people reconnect with the world around them through a relaxing journey
through the forest. With a virtual forest bathing experience, you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, all from your home. If you do venture outside, make sure to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Also, try to fight the feeling that being outside means you need to be active. You can go for jogs or do situps in the grass, but even just contacting nature is beneficial. “Being in nature is good for us,” Stein-Ross said. “For our minds, our immune systems.” Find a comfortable spot, preferably away from the hustle and bustle, and just sit for a while. Pay attention to every sense as you quietly observe and try to “cultivate tenderness,” as Stein-Ross says. You can also do naturerelated artistic activities like leaf rubbing, preserving flowers, or painting rocks. These activities get you out in nature but also provide a way to interact with nature and bring it back into your home. “With the pandemic and social distancing, we have a unique opportunity to rediscover our relationships,” he said. “We’re being forced to slow down, which is healthy.” Reach writer Eddie Milton at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @miggitymilltown
File Photo
WELCOME
Huskies, Did you know? Most (70%) young adults in King County DON’T use marijuana regularly and most (89%) DON’T drive under the influence of marijuana.
Marijuana can impair driving for at least 6-8 hours after use, edibles even longer.
Combining alcohol and marijuana increases impairment. Continue keeping you and your friends safe! Call a ride share, sober friend, or family member for a ride if you or your friends have been using marijuana or alcohol.
moststeerclear.org #moststeerclear
*Statistics from the 2018 Washington Young Adult Health Survey. In King County 786 young adults 18-25 participated in this survey. 69.6% of respondents either did not use marijuana at all or not in the past month. 88.6% of respondents either don’t use marijuana at all or did not drive within 3 hours of marijuana use.
Department of Community and Human Services
8 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
Congrats, you’re moving to a beach The best swimming spots in Seattle By Charlotte Houston The Daily Let me paint you a picture. The shadows are long and the light is slanted. You hear the soft, distant twangs of a country voice — the first chords of Kacey Musgraves’ Grammy-winning album “Golden Hour.” Someone is yelling at me for running a stop sign.
It’s me, going to the lake. There’s some sort of feverish, every-person-for-themself spirit that grips me and my friends when we’re trying to get to the beach. Every second feels like daylight wasted; I seem to hit every red light; I get in fights with the ones who take too long to get ready, all until I reach the cold shock of Lake Washington closing over my head, my
only relief from my non–air conditioned house and a long day at work. When I came to the UW, I spent my first year staring wistfully at the water, hearing Lake Union was too dirty, Puget Sound too cold. I became altogether convinced that although we were surrounded by water, it was not for swimming in. Finally, I began to understand
what I know now —we live in a beach town. I go to the beach more than my friend who goes to UCLA. The water is only a bus, bike, or bickering car ride away. Not only that, but the sheer amount of waterfront in Seattle makes it extremely easy to take a dip on a fairly empty beach. I don’t want you to have to spend a whole year not taking advantage of the water, like I did. And if you’re not sure whether swimming in a giant city lake is a socially distant activity, don’t worry, I’ve done the research. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 spreads through water, and your biggest risk is just being around people on the beach, as usual. So if you’re planning to get out there, wear your mask and don’t overcrowd. Here is my definitive guide of the best, most socially distant beaches in Seattle.
The Docks
Conor Courtney The Daily The Waterfront Activities Center is now taking reservations for kayaks and canoes, which can be a great way to get away from crowds on Lake Washington.
I’m always partial to a dock. My firm belief, when it comes to cold water, is that wading in does you no favors. You must submerge yourself completely, as soon as possible. So this spot gets points for having both a grassy area to lay out and a dock to jump in from, as well as its accessibility and closeness to campus. Located right next to the Waterfront Activities Center (WAC), it’s a small
Greenlake has dozens of places to cool off, either in a designated swimming area or one one of the many small beaches around the lake.
dock that’s mostly populated by UW students. However, it can get crowded, especially during spring quarter, as people congregate to jump in the Montlake Cut right around the corner. Due to its location, it’s where I usually find myself on hot summer evenings, whether that’s by way of a solo bike ride to read and journal or a frenzied car ride with my roommates to cool ourselves down on hot nights. Bike here on the BurkeGilman, walk down from campus, or take the 44 bus down to the light rail.
Magnuson Park Magnuson is a giant park, and I’ve gotten lost in it my fair share of times. Along with a good amount of waterfront and sports fields, there’s even a beach just for dogs to swim. There’s a designated swimming beach, which during normal times (i.e., not during a pandemic), features a lifeguard and a platform with a diving board that you can swim up to. The crowd here is a bit more family-heavy, but the park features a large, grassy beach with plenty of room to spread. Its biggest turn off is its rocky shoreline — you may be tempted to make your assimilatory Teva or Chaco purchase before swimming here. If you’re lucky, you can catch a great view of
Conor Courtney The Daily
September 2020
Mount Rainier on a clear day from the park. You can also check out Concrete Beach on the northern tip of the park which has a large dock that I once went to on an awkward date while my roommate tried to start a fight over text with me. It’s pretty high off the water, so great for jumping in. In general, Magnuson’s beaches are popular, so if you’re trying to stay away from others, this park might not be the safest bet. Take a longer bike ride here on the Burke-Gilman or take the 75 bus from campus to get here.
Green Lake Is it the best place to swim in the city, or did it give you a UTI one time? Opinions are divided. Green Lake is an outlier on this list, as it’s not part of the large apparatus of Seattle waterways consisting of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and the Puget Sound. It’s a man-made lake perfect for walking or biking around, and while its small size causes its temperature to get quite toasty by the end of summer, it also has the reputation of not being the cleanest. I’ve given it a try and I know plenty of people committed to its eponymous greenish shallows, but my loyalties still lie with Lake Washington. The grassy, tree-lined shore makes up for any worries about water quality, in my opinion. And if you’re afraid of cold water, this is your spot. There’s a designated swimming beach with a lifeguard, dock, and diving board, but these days, I
The Daily Distractions // 9
would search for a less crowded spot to dip your toes in. About three miles around, there’s plenty of nooks and crannies to tuck a hammock in, and this spot would be perfect for a day of paddleboarding. Green Lake is definitely still within walking distance or a short bike ride along Northeast Ravenna Boulevard, or take the 45 bus to get up there.
Secret Beaches If you’re still doubting your decision to move to Seattle, let me let you in a little secret that will convince you that you made the right call. Every time a street dead-ends on the water, that street end becomes public property. Thanks to this city council resolution, there are 149 secret beaches in Seattle, just waiting to be discovered by you. The city has fixed up some, and community members have spruced up others, but not all are quite ready for public access yet. The Shoreline Street End page on Seattle.gov serves as a handy guide that lets you know how improved they are and whether there’s water access or just a nice view. They’re scattered all around the city and are great if you’re looking for a fun adventure and quiet spot all to yourself. Reach Special Sections Co-Editor Charlotte Houston at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @lilgarlicclove
Conor Courtney The Daily Magnuson Park has many places to swim in Lake Washington, but also attracts crowds on hot days.
Conor Courtney The Daily
Magnuson Park, Seattle’s second largest park, has about a mile of shoreline on Lake Washington, guaranteeing good spots to cool off when tempuratures rise.
10 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
Wanderings
Ravenna Park Solace in the shade
By Austin Van Der Veen The Daily As the quarter becomes more challenging, it’s good to find a place of solace as a reminder that everything will be okay. To wander, ideally, is to stumble upon such a place and to call it your own for just a moment. Seattle is a city full of parks and open spaces that readily serve this role, and this column has sought them out in a somewhat rambling manner, akin to the spirit of wandering. This week the wandering carries over to the park next door, because often the place full of the most wonder is also the nearest at hand. In this case, it also has the most shade, for when the lack of airconditioning at home becomes a noticeable burden. Ravenna Park is, simply put, a half-mile wooded ravine at the
northern end of the Ave, but it is also much more than that. It is a great place for a winding run in the looping trails and is also peaceful enough to sit on a bench somewhere in the canopy of trees or sprawl out in the sun on the lawn above the ravine. The ravine itself is carved by the endless trickle that is Ravenna Creek, over which crosses three distinctly iconic bridges: one separating Ravenna Park from its sunny neighbor Cowen Park, one standing high above in the middle of the ravine, and one hidden away at the park’s northeastern edge. Starting with the lattermost bridge and working down into the ravine along moss and ferncovered trails is the most unique experience: there’s always a sense of being lost in the woods, though with the knowledge that everything will be okay. The park traces its modern
biographical roots to George and Oltilde Dorffel, who named it Ravenna Springs Park in 1887, and quickly became known for its 40 or so sulfuric mineral springs. Though the springs have somehow escaped commodification or even widespread attention today, in 1902 the springs had become such a popular destination that the 25-cent admission fee was paid by an estimated 10,000 visitors. A visit today, now free of charge, can sometimes include the brief smell of sulfur, and an observant eye might happen upon the remains of masonry tubs. The steep topography of the ravine made the area nearly impossible for early development and logging, so visitors here will find a volume and variety of trees and ferns unlike anywhere else in the city. Benches line the
if you’re social distancing.” The video notes that “with over 485 parks in the city, our hope is that if we’re smart and spread out, we can keep our parks open.” Bring a mask, along with a bottle of water — and perhaps a snack in case the sense of being lost in the woods persists — and enjoy Seattle’s open space safely in community with those seeking out the same sense of solace. For local Huskies who have been diligently staying at home, Ravenna Park is a welcome escape close by with plenty of space to also consider the wellbeing of others. Be well, and wander into the sunshine. Reach writer Austin Van Der Veen at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @avanderbean
Conor Courtney The Daily
One of the three bridges that connect various parts of Ravenna Park.
A runner crosses the 20th Ave bridge over Ravenna Park on May 24, 2020.
trail system and invite a pause to appreciate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest; to have such a dense forest so close to home is something to cherish. The trail system is a series of interwoven loops crossing the creek over and again, eventually leading out of the ravine into either Cowen Park to the north or to the softball field and old wading pool to the south. Each visit to this park can be an entirely unique experience if a single choice is made differently than before: a different starting point, a different turn here or there, or even a different pace. Every visit, no matter how busy the day, will include considerable solace in the shade of the trees. Seattle Parks and Recreation pinned a tweet on their Twitter profile over the weekend containing a video reminding parkgoers why “crowded parks can lead to closed parks, even
Conor Courtney The Daily
Conor Courtney The Daily Flowers can be seen from one of the three bridges in Ravenna Park. Hiking, running, and relaxing can all be done at a socially appropriate distance at Ravenna Park.
September 2020
The Daily Distractions // 11
Rainier Vista Always a generous welcome By Austin Van Der Veen The Daily Few spots on campus have the capacity to welcome both new and returning students to campus like Rainier Vista. The vast open space between the fountain and the light rail station on the southern edge of campus will be, for many, the catalyzing first point of contact on the long, uncertain journey ahead. For others, this park will represent the welcome return to some semblance of normalcy, though much of the normal we once knew has been erased. This is an invitation to begin a journey here centered around the natural spaces which define the campus’ character. There is perhaps no better location to begin the conversation of belonging than at Rainier Vista. On the surface, the park is everything the name claims to be: an unobstructed view of Mount Rainier. Yet the space represents so much more, for Huskies and for long-term Seattleites alike. It is a reminder that the Earth is both solid and in motion. There is a history here, and it is one which will define who we are and what we hope to become in the middle of such shifting tides. The park was originally designed by John C. Olmsted (whose firm designed several other iconic Seattle parks worth visiting) to host the AlaskaYukon-Pacific Exposition, which was held here in 1909. This was, in many ways, Seattle’s (and
thereby the UW’s) entrance to the grand stage of the “Western” world. What was seen as a soggy logging town on the fringe of a new country became a center of international culture and commerce. Of course, this place existed in its full beauty long before the Westernized eye of the Olmsted’s generation ever came to see it. For the tribes of Lushootseed peoples indigenous to this region, the mountain this park showcases, which they call Takhoma, has been revered for centuries and is described in stories as being animated by an angry spirit which inhabits a “lake of fire” in the summit crater. Though the mountain often hides in a shroud of clouds, safely out of mind 60 miles to the southeast of the vista, it is an inescapable regional god. Its sheer size and power is something that sits in the back of all our minds. “Mount Rainier has not produced a significant eruption in the past 500 years,” says the United States Geological Survey’s “Natural Hazards” website. Yet it continues saying, “it is potentially the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range because of its great height, frequent earthquakes, active hydrothermal system, and extensive glacier mantle.” With that in mind, this park, which takes the volcano’s name and frames the center of the UW campus, is also a reminder
of the notion that humans are beautifully and hopelessly interwoven with the natural world while oftentimes casually disassociated from it. Whether you are standing by Drumheller Fountain at the top of the park, or hiding in the shade of the multitude of evergreens in either grove flanking the lawn, there is a peace to being part of something greater and much longer-standing than even the
oldest book in Suzzallo Library. This excerpt from the “Vision & Values” statement of the UW mirrors the reality felt when standing in the middle of the open grassy field bordered by groves of trees, facing the mountain in the distance: “The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest envelops us. This is an important element of who we are, for this awe-inspiring place not only anchors us, it reaffirms
our desire to effect positive change in the world around us.” No matter what may be coming this year, spend a moment in this park to enjoy a reminder that this place is what it has always been. Be well, and wander into the sunshine. Reach writer Austin Van Der Veen at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @avanderbean
Nicole Pasia The Daily Rainier Vista provides stunning views of Mount Rainier on July 15, 2020. The field offers visitors a sense of peace and tranquility, and the forested spaces surrounding it provide an escape from anxieties of the outer world.
Yoga for Healing class offers safe space for students to regain comfort in themselves By Paulo Frank Contributing writer
kind of coping with the same kind of things that hurt,” Edmondson said. “When you come into this class I always When going through a difficult time, have a theme we’re working with, so I’ll it’s important to remember that you’re do a little talk and then the group will go not alone. This is why the Yoga for around in a circle. Sometimes students Healing class offered by UW Recreation share how the theme is showing up for emphasizes togetherness. them in their life, but you never have to Now being offered online, the class share anything.” is taught by Josephine Edmondson, a Meeting weekly with the same people certified trauma-informed yoga teacher. The class has been structured for students and instructor who are all ready to engage undergoing a variety of painful situations. in meaningful conversation helps to create a supportive environment where “It’s a six-week class for students students can gradually gain confidence in that are navigating the effects of verbal sharing about their lives. Furthermore, abuse, self-harm, disordered eating, deep unlike a traditional yoga class, which depression, sexual assault, domestic would be based around an instructor violence, things like that,” Edmondson said. “It’s an opportunity for them to learn simply telling participants what to do, Yoga for Healing puts students in charge about the healing effects and possibilities of yoga and meditation in an environment of their own experience. “There’s this idea of choice and consent that is very supported.” in everything,” Edmondson said. “Just Through weekly meetings, the class being able to have the courage to walk practices yoga while allowing students into the space and be with the group is an opportunity to be around people with enough for you to have been successful, similar experiences. the actual yoga postures are secondary.” “At the end of the day, we’re all still Beyond creating community, the physical yoga aspect of the class has been tailored to help students regain confidence and control over their bodies. Rather than focusing on achieving the most flexibility or holding the most difficult poses, Yoga for Healing emphasizes confidence and empowerment. “It’s the same basic yoga practice every single week, and each time I add on new elements to it,” Edmondson said. “There’s this familiarity that students can build and that allows them to actually be in their bodies a little bit easier.” Edmondson explained that many Abigail Dahl @abbydahll
people who come to the class with traumatic experiences cope by finding ways not to be in their actual body, whether that be through panic attacks or other means. Establishing a consistent yoga routine can be a way to regain some level of control. “When we do the same kinds of meditations and postures week after week, it allows their body to finally have this sense of safety,” Edmondson said. Anyone undergoing traumatic circumstances should know that the class
exists and can be a great resource to look at for support. “Realize that if you’re struggling ... there is a place for you to go that is really loving,” Edmondson said. “This class is really fun. Healing and working through hard things in life doesn’t have to be serious all the time.” Reach contributing writer Paulo Frank at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @Paul0Frank
12 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
Scouring the shelves at five of Seattle’s used bookstores SEEKING THE BEST AND THE BOOKIEST By Sophie Aanerud The Daily In this dark era of e-books and online retailers which shall not be named, many have predicted that the used bookstore will meet its end. Somehow anachronistic no matter the era, it only makes sense that these famously quirky and idiosyncratic institutions would be lost in the increasingly digitized and cookie-cutter 21st century. Yet, various studies have found that used booksellers have actually been making a modest comeback in recent years. Perhaps it’s the narrow aisles. Perhaps it’s the creaking floors and haphazard shelves threatening to buckle beneath the weight of their literary load. Perhaps it’s the cozy nooks and the cats nuzzling at your feet and that unexpected title, at once new and already so well loved, that now sits safely within your arms. Perhaps it’s the convergence of all these charms, so desired yet so rare, which ensures that, despite the pressure of the cruel and corporate, used bookstores persevere even in Seattle, beneath the shadow of the spheres.
Twice Sold Tales Strongest cat game
A 2016 article by Jason Diamond traces the fabled relationship between books and cats to ancient Egypt. “While mainly used to keep rodents and poisonous snakes away from homes and crops, some cats were trained specifically to keep pests from eating away at the papyrus rolls that contained texts,” Diamond wrote. Now, 4,000 years later and on the other side of the earth, cats can still be found purring between stacks of texts in many used bookstores, with none providing a better feline fix than Capitol Hill’s Twice Sold Tales. While no longer tasked with text protection (the solid brick building Twice Sold Tales occupies is, thankfully, rodent-proof ), Hardy, Eleanor, Buster, and Lily still play a crucial role at this iconic used bookstore. After perusing the shop’s extensive collection of first editions and rare copies, what could be better than plopping down in a quiet corner and reading to your heart’s delight with a fluffy friend perched on your lap? Yes, the dream of Bastet is alive and purring at Twice Sold Tales.
Left Bank Books Best reading spot
This anarchist collective bookstore has been attracting both local revolutionaries and literary connoisseurs alike to its Pike Place Market location since 1973. Step from bustling Pike Street straight into what can only be described as a 1970s New York City punk’s dream and browse the shelves of local leftist texts and zines. Of course, if for whatever reason anti-imperialist publications aren’t your preferred genre, the shop boasts a healthy selection of fiction and poetry (not to mention all the required reading for understanding intersectional feminism). An additional draw for this quirky bookstore is its famed reading nook. Climb a charmingly creaky set of stairs up to the second-story loft, and tucked between the “Anarchism” and “Anti-Civilization” sections is a quaint window seat. It is the perfect perch from which
to follow the happy chaos of Pike Place and read some Audre Lorde (seriously, read Audre Lorde). Also, be sure to check out Left Bank’s involvement with the Books to Prisoners program; they do some great work.
Ophelia’s Books
The epitome of the used bookstore There’s a certain image which comes to mind upon mention of a used bookstore. You know the one: irregular shelves rising from uneven wood floors jammed with book after book. There’s a multi-volume collection of Emily Dickinson bound in 1900 and probably a few first editions of “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.” A cat is scampering around by the children’s section, and right between the erotica and the plant guides is the perfect reading nook. If there is a used bookstore in Seattle which best represents this joyful chaos, it has to be Ophelia’s Books in Fremont. To call the assortment of books in the store “eclectic” would be an understatement. Pass through a maze of fiction and poetry on the first floor, climb the stairs to the cozy reading loft (which sports a sizable collection of children’s literature and YA), then descend the shop’s iconic spiral staircase to the basement, packed with nonfiction. There is no better place to spend an hour browsing for strange and hidden gems than Ophelia’s. And keep an eye out for the shop’s resident cat: she’s always happy to greet a new customer.
Magus Books A shelf of our own
No tour of Seattle’s used bookstores would be complete without a stop by the U-District’s very own Magus Books. Having served UW students, professors, and neighborhood book aficionados since 1978, Magus is a U-District staple, still drawing a constant stream of customers to its location just off the Ave daily. Its towering shelves offer a rich variety, including, but definitely not limited to, photography, sci-fi, memoir, nature, religion, travel, fiction, and cooking. An underacknowledged perk of this store is its solid selection of foreign language literature, with titles ranging from Arabic to Mandarin to Spanish. Be sure not to miss the mass-market fiction section, where you’re likely to find all the classics at prices even college students can appreciate. With its rapid turnover and quintessentially independent-Seattle vibe, it’s hard to pass up a stop by Magus on the way to class; you’re bound to find something special. Reach writer Sophie Aanerud at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @thesraanerud
Mercer Street Books A hipster haven
Anyone who has ever argued that used bookstores are relics of the past need look no further than Lower Queen Anne’s Mercer Street Books for a bit of a shock. Started in 2009, Mercer Street Books is the youngest shop on this list, though this is not to say its roots are shallow. It occupies a storefront that has featured used book stores since the ‘80s and was founded by Debbie Sarow, a queen of the Seattle used book scene who sadly passed away last August. Upon entering Mercer Street Books, one is immediately struck by the decor: This place is — if one can describe a used bookstore as such — chic. Verdant tropical plants hang from tall wooden shelves, which are all organized immaculately. There are even — get this — crystal bookends maintaining order between the collections. Mercer Street is such a dramatic counter to the chaos many associate with used bookstores, and this is largely on account of Sarow, who took great care in creating a refined and organized collection of titles in a space attuned to the 21st century. And boy did she do a beautiful job.
Abigail Dahl @abbydahll
September 2020
The Daily Distractions // 13
The biggest distraction of all: Poor mental health How to take advantage of free counseling services on campus By Charlotte Houston The Daily When I was deciding what college to attend, I knew it was important for me to go to a place where I would be surrounded by sufficient distractions from my academic pursuits — accessible concerts, book readings, and beautiful parks and hikes — which, of course, is why I chose Seattle. All of the rest of the articles in this section are about how to take advantage of those distractions. But one of the least fun distractions that many young adults face upon entering college is understanding and dealing with mental health. The rate of diagnosis for anxiety, ADHD, depression,
panic disorder, and OCD has increased among the population of college students between 2009 and 2015. However, in 2017, 64.1% of youth with major depression did not receive mental health treatment, and of the adolescents who did have the privilege of having some sort of private insurance, 7.9% of them had insurance that didn’t cover mental or emotional problems. Along with that, the period of young adulthood is the time when many psychiatric illnesses are triggered, including substance use disorder, schizophrenia, manic-depressive disorder, anxiety, and other depressive disorders. This is thought to occur because of the
complex changes that are taking place in both the brain and the body; moving parts break more easily. The adjustment period of college can be especially difficult, as living away from home for the first time, the possible loss of your support system, and a complete upending of your routine can present challenges that you might not have experienced before — not to mention the increased stress that everyone has been under for the past five months. However, this article is not meant to scare you, or even be negative. Although a struggle with mental health can be a huge distraction, that’s only if it’s
Milo Nguyen @silverkoolaid
left untreated. Plenty of people diagnosed with these disorders — even ones that carry the stigma in our culture of being dangerous or unmanageable, like schizophrenia — live fulfilling lives, but usually not without the aid of therapy and/or medication. In this really tricky time in which mental illnesses are likely to rear their heads, the great news is that there are plenty of resources available to figure it all out. The UW offers free counseling services via the Counseling Center in Schmitz Hall. The therapy provided is completely free for currently enrolled students, confidential, and administered by either masters-level counselors or psychologists. It’s a short-term model, which means that, due to limited resources, counselors may only see you four to six times; but they will work with you to find help elsewhere if you still need it, and they won’t abandon you if you obviously need more help. Thanks to the American healthcare system, therapy usually is still around $80-$150 a session without insurance, and even with insurance, there is often a co-pay of $20-$50 every session. Taking advantage of the system on campus is a good way to decide whether therapy is something you need or want to continue, or if it’s just something you want to engage with a few times to see how it feels, without having to spend money on it.
Due to COVID-19, all appointments are currently being conducted remotely, and you are only eligible if you are residing in Washington state. However, the center will aid you in connecting you to local resources if you need them. You can even take an online screening test on the Counseling Center’s website for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder if you aren’t sure about the symptoms you’re experiencing. However, even if you aren’t experiencing any of these things, therapy is for everyone. There is also group counseling offered there: the Men’s Group, Understanding Self and Others, a Woman’s Group, a sexual assault survivors’ group, and others, as well as virtual workshops, like the “Womxn of Color Healing Circle” and a drop-in communal space for LGBTQ folks. You can book an intake appointment over the phone at (206) 543-1240, and, if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, such as sexual assault, suicidal thoughts, or hearing voices, you can call King County’s Crisis Connections at (206) 461-3222 or toll-free at 1-866-427-4747. Reach Special Sections Co-Editor Charlotte Houston at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @lilgarlicclove
Virtual Let’s Talk serves students’ mental health through free, drop-in consultations By Tatum Lindquist The Daily Ever since the UW announced the transition to remote classes, faculty and students alike have been scrambling to find and build structure in a seemingly disconnected world, including services designed to support students emotionally and mentally. Hall Health’s Let’s Talk is one of these many crucial services designed to provide mental health outreach to UW students, especially those unsure of how to approach mental health or wanting to seek care. “Let’s Talk is sort of that more casual space, not such a formal therapy space, and we were hoping that those students who are less likely to come into the clinic door would access some sort of support or get an introduction to the mental health world via Let’s Talk,” clinical psychologist Iris Song said. Since moving online, Let’s Talk is virtually offered Monday through Friday at designated times and students can still sign up 15 minutes before a scheduled session. On a first-come, first-serve basis, Let’s Talk uses the HIPPA-compliant telehealth conferencing service doxy.me to conduct its remote sessions, ensuring privacy and security for both students and counselors. These sessions are free, drop-in, informal consultations that last 15 to 20 minutes. Students can chat with a counselor, many of whom speak more than one language, about a variety of concerns. “We see everything from family issues to relationship issues to roommate issues to school issues to ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve never talked to a counselor, should I go
talk to a counselor?’” Song said. Quarantine and isolation are necessary right now and have become normalized during this crisis. When the people who otherwise provide support in students’ lives, like friends and family, may not be as readily available, Let’s Talk provides another option. “I think those people who have experienced some sort of stressor right in that moment and they can’t access their family in that moment, they can’t access their friends ... Let’s Talk is definitely a great place to come for that,” Song said. If students attend a session with a concern or moment of crisis that Let’s Talk isn’t designed to address, counselors direct students to appropriate UW resources, such as the Counseling Center, which offers immediate virtual crisis counseling. Quarantine and COVID-19 pose a lot of stressful situations, taking a toll on students’ mental health. Whether coping with grief, eating disorders, or increasingly heightened levels of stress and fear, isolation persistently presents new challenges and triggers to students’ mental health and well-being. Worse, isolation has a funny way of making support seem inaccessible — but it’s important for students to reach out during this public health crisis as often as possible. “If you need help, just ask for it, whether that’s at Hall Health, Let’s Talk, or the Counseling Center,” Song said. “We are open, we’re available, so please access our services.” Reach writer Tatum Lindquist at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @TatumLindquist
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Hillel UW - Your Jewish Home Away from Home
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14 // Distractions The Daily
September 2020
Valley of Roses’ owner is a jean-ius Vintage shopping and a trip down memory Ave By Zoe Schenk The Daily Valley of Roses Boutique, a family-established vintage clothing store in the building that was once Bruce Lee’s first martial arts school, just recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. It’s a bit of a walk, but worth the journey up the Ave any day of the week. It carries men’s, women’s, and children’s vintage clothes, all in good condition. I went this week to interview the owner, Mary Ghoddousi.
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family. Ghoddousi herself planned to open a vintage shop in high school, and in 2000, she succeeded. The shop (currently known as Valley of Roses Boutique, though the name is in the process of being changed) has a family feel. During the 45 minutes or so I was there, multiple long-time customers came in, and if you visit Valley of Roses’ social media, there are pictures of customers posing in the vintage clothes they bought. The store is chock-full of
She can look at anyone who walks in, any size, and find the perfect pair of jeans for them. The outside of Valley of Roses is colorful and welcoming. There’s a sale rack by the front door, and Ghoddousi warmly welcomes all the customers coming in. Within the shop, there’s an eclectic and plentiful bounty of high-quality pieces, ranging from jackets to a collection of hats. Whatever you’re looking for, Valley of Roses is likely to have it. According to Ghoddousi, entrepreneurship runs in her
amazing, unique finds, and you feel like Ghoddousi is invested in your experience. I asked Ghoddousi how she gets all of the items in the store, because there was such a variety of pieces offered. She explained that there are four ways Valley of Roses gets the items it sells. Some vintage items come from rare vintage dealers or antiquing trips taken by Ghoddousi. The store also imports vintage jewelry and rugs from
Afghanistan, and Ghoddousi also goes to fairs to meet local artists. Having local products is an important aspect of Valley of Roses. To Ghoddousi, it’s one of the most significant parts of vintage shopping, because it allows the store to showcase the local artist community. “I think vintage shopping is important because it’s ecofriendly and helps save the earth,” Ghoddousi said. “And we’re supporting local artists and international artists with unique pieces.” Valley of Roses is not a chain thrift store like Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads Trading, making the shopping experience feel more intimate. There’s a clear personal touch to the layout of the store, and the items sold are curated to fit a specific vibe. Every item is quality, namebrand vintage, like Levi’s or Pendleton, and before being sold, all the clothes are washed. Valley of Roses also stands out for the amount of turquoise jewelry it carries (turquoise is something Ghoddousi always looks for if she’s shopping for herself ). However, Ghoddousi’s favorite pieces in the store are the perfect-condition 1950s dresses, which hang along the back wall in a delightful rainbow. Looking at them feels like you’ve stepped back in time. If what I’ve already written
hasn’t convinced you to check out Valley of Roses, then maybe this will: Ghoddousi is known as the “jean whisperer.” She says she can look at anyone who walks in, any size, and find the perfect pair of jeans for them. She has the magic touch — or, as my roommate says, is a “jean-ius.” If you don’t have someone who can just find the perfect pants for you, or if you aren’t sure how to start vintage shopping, Ghoddousi has some advice. “I think it’s best to start on the Ave; it’s probably the most affordable,” she said. She’s been on the Ave since before Valley of Roses opened. Before I left, she pulled out a black-and-white photo album filled with film photographs she had taken of different people on the Ave during her teenage years. She pointed out the boy who worked at another vintage shop on the Ave, explaining that everyone had a crush on him back in the day. The photo album helped tie the store to the evolution of the Ave. Valley of Roses is a quintessential stop if you want to understand the history of the U-District. The key takeaway I got from my visit was to not be intimidated by vintage shopping. Vintage shopping and thrift shopping are slightly different, though the end result is similar: looking cute while reducing your
Courtesy of Viola Mitchell carbon footprint and helping break consumer culture cycles. If you’re looking for a good experience, a vintage piece for a specific look, or just want to find something truly one-of-a-kind, I highly recommend journeying up to Valley of Roses Vintage. Reach writer Zoe Schenk at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @schenk_zoe
Courtesy of Viola Mitchell “Valley of Roses, an eco-friendly boutique on the Ave, offers unique items ranging from vintage jewelry to high-quality jackets and hats. Owner Mary Ghoddousi planned to open her own vintage shop since her high school days and succeeded with the opening of Valley of Roses in 2000.”
September 2020
The Daily Distractions // 15
When sex positivity turns toxic Many aspects of our college campus culture are the products of the modern-day sex positivity movement. Sex positivity — a value system that seeks to destigmatize sex, sex work, and desire — has led to incredible societal progress, especially our current ability to hold open discussions about consent and queer desire. For people who have historically been unable to openly, authentically, and enjoyably participate in their own sex lives, this movement is invaluable. But what happens when this movement, without nuance or any sort of critical perspective, is exposed to young girls who then internalize the idea that giving a blowjob is the most empowering — nay, feminist — act they can perform? What happens when the movement gets so caught up in its own celebration of sexuality that it completely excludes the people for whom sexual attraction is not a significant part of life? “The pressure for young people to have sex is real,” Amber Torell, former assistant director of the ASUW Womxn’s Action Commission, said. “It’s a personal choice not to have sex, and one that can be equally as empowering. This pressure isolates asexual individuals, or
those that otherwise do not want to have sex.” As a peer sexual health educator in high school, I witnessed a huge share of young people’s anxieties and regrets surrounding sex. Especially for young girls (often under or hovering around the legal age of consent), there was a recurring theme of engaging in sexual behavior that they would later come to regret, as a result of the discourse that sex is inherently “empowering.” We shouldn’t shy away from these problems out of fear of seeming prudish or disempowering. In fact, addressing them can and should be the next big phase of the sex positivity movement. It’s up to us to take a long, critical look at the idea of sex we are celebrating — something portrayed as always positive and liberatory — and recognize the situations where this is just not true. When I posted about this subject on Twitter, several people reached out to me saying that it resonated with their experiences. While many identities may feel invalidated by the sex positivity movement, I spoke to folks on the asexual (“ace,” in casual LGBTQIA+ parlance) spectrum for whom this is true.
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By Mac Murray The Daily
“On the one side, there’s this idea that sex is taboo and whatnot that has prevailed in American culture for a long time,” Owen Crandall, a senior who identifies on the ace spectrum, said. “Efforts to push against that have created a kind of counternarrative that sex is inherently liberating. Neither of those narratives make space for ace people because they operate
It’s a personal choice not to have sex, and one that can be equally as empowering.
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•Online and In Person faith, service, and community opportunities for grads and undergrads at UW: Bible studies, speaker series, Fellowship nights, hiking trips, volunteer opportunities, small groups and retreats
•Sacraments: Confession, Mass, Adoration To register, see our Liturgy schedule, get updates, etc:
www.uwnewman.org 4502 20th Ave NE, Seattle 98105
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on the assumption that everyone desires and participates in sex.” It is empowering to feel in control of your own body — what you do with it, how you choose to present it, and who gets to see or touch it. But sex in and of itself does not automatically grant you this power. “It’s important to understand that sex isn’t inherently good or bad or liberating — it’s just sex; what’s liberating is agency,” Crandall said. “I think discussions about sex should
center around agency and consent, because those are the elements that make sex pleasurable and positive for everyone involved. The more open we are, the more ace people will be comfortable expressing their needs.” In other words, the fundamental tenets of sex positivity have the potential to create a world where everyone engages in sex only whenever, if ever, they feel truly ready and willing to. While striving toward this goal, though, we can’t overlook the different ways in which sex is weaponized in our world. “Because of existing patriarchy that claims womxn’s bodies as something to be taken, unfortunately there is this idea that not having sex is out of the norm,” Torell said. “It shouldn’t be that way.” She also mentioned that the Womxn’s Action Commission recently lobbied the Washington state Legislature in support of SB 5935, which would increase access to comprehensive sex education for K-12 students. “Not only would this improve public health, but it would give young people the access to information they need to make the right choices for themselves,” Torell said. “The hope is to destigmatize sex as something that is taboo in our culture. Removing the taboo around sex
Edith Freeman @edithfreeman would make young people more empowered in their sexuality, no matter when they choose to have sex.” As we work toward a world where everyone feels free and empowered to express their sexuality however they’d like (with consent), let’s make sure that we don’t conflate sex and feminism. There’s nothing feminist about young people feeling pressured to engage in sexual behaviors they don’t feel truly ready for, or about persistently excluding an entire marginalized group of adults. Reach Editor-In-Chief Mac Murray at specials@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @merqto
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