Fall 2017 | Issue Two by Pulse Magazine

pg.

table

contents

our town

10 / DUNGEONS, DRAGONS & DWA RV E S . . . O H M Y ! 14 / THE EVOLUTION OF A MASCOT

life hacks

18 / PARTY ETIQUETTE 101 20 / MY GROUP FITNESS CHALLENGE

spotlight 24 / CENTRAL’S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORS 3 0 / # YO U TOO ? 36 / THE WEINSTEIN EFFECT

sports

40 / THE BASICS OF SNOWSHOEING

mind & body

4 4 / B E AT I N G T H E B L U E S 48 / COPING WITH LOSS

food & drink

5 3 / T H E H O L I DAY D I E T

after dark

58 / FU’S REVIEWS: “THE PRESTIGE” 60 / CANNABIS CALENDAR 62 / BAR CALENDAR Cover: D e s i g n by M a d d i e B u s h , Va n e s s a C r u z & Elizabeth Mason P h o to s by R ya n We i e r & J a c k L a m b e r t Pictured: Leo Andraca & Lana Robinson

pulse staff LEXI PHILLIPS / editor-in-chief VA N E S SA C R U Z / c r e a t i ve d i r e c to r RYA N W E I E R / d i r e c to r o f p h o to g ra p hy

editorial

MEGAN SCHRENK / features editor JESSICA GRIFFIN / assistant editor MACKENZIE TROTTER / copy editor J OC E L Y N WA I T E / P U L S E v i d e o p r o d u ce r ZENA ACHOLONU / writer HENRY CRUMBLISH / writer MIRACLEJOY CURTIS / writer XANDER FU / writer B RYC E J U N G Q U I S T / w r i te r K AT E R I M O S E L E Y / w r i t e r ALEXI PRANTE / writer

design & photography LEO ANDRACA / photographer MADDIE BUSH / graphic designer XANDER FU / photographer BRENDAN LAIRD / photographer JACK LAMBERT / photographer ELIZABETH MASON / graphic designer

faculty adviser

JENNIFER GREEN (509) 963.1066 / jgreen@cwu.edu

business manager

(509) 963.1066 / bianca.bailey@cwu.edu

CWU Pulse Mag azin e

@c w up ul sem ag az i n e

@ CW U P u l s e

Pulse Magazine is a student-run lifestyle magazine, both in print and online at www.cwupulsemagazine.com. Student editors make policy and content decisions for the magazine, which serves as a public forum for student expression. Pulse serves the Central Washington University community with informative, engaging and interactive content covering campus and community life, trends and issues, and providing practical magazine and multimedia training.

editor’s note As a woman in love with film and hoping to head into the industry, the allegations against famous male filmmakers that continue to pour in are incredibly disheartening. Growing up, I had heard about ‘the casting couch’ in passing, but for some reason, I’d always imagined it was an outdated concept that rarely ever happened anymore—boy, was I wrong. It’s scary knowing that these cases are so prevalent, and there very well may still be people who haven’t made their voices heard. I hate that this could happen to me or my other friends going into film. Even worse, it may have already happened to my friends. Along with stories of sexual assault in Hollywood are the stories of sexual assault in everyday life. Once the #metoo hashtag began trending, my Facebook and Twitter feeds were flooded with my friends and peers sharing that they, too, had experienced rape, assault or harassment. I’ve learned that the best we can do in these situations is support those who have been assaulted, and take it upon ourselves to try to stop harassment and abusive behavior in its tracks. To read more on these issues, check out “#YouToo?” on page 30 and “The Weinstein Effect” on page 36. As fall quarter comes to an end, it’s time to start preparing for winter and the holiday season. For a fun winter activity, check out “The Basics of Snowshoeing” on page 40. To figure out how to survive the holidays with a dietary restriction, check out “The Holiday Diet” on page 53. On a more serious note, find out how to cope with seasonal depression on page 44. Lastly, to get ready for a brand new quarter, take a look at a more fun way to work out with “My Group Fitness Challenge” on page 20. Get into the Dungeons and Dragons scene at CWU on page 10. Learn how to party the right way with “Party Etiquette 101” on page 18. Learn the history of Wellington the Wildcat with “The Evolution of a Mascot” on page 14. Another busy quarter is ending, and we all get to take a collective deep breath. No matter what you celebrate, have an amazing holiday and a fun break—you deserve it. Enjoy!

reading your pulse Celebrating bigger bodies—especially those of women, trans people, people of color and differently-abled people—and showing that being bigger doesn’t inhibit a person’s ability to be confident or to go through life how they wish is incredibly important. Though the response to our last cover story, “Body Positivity,” has been mixed, the conversation that has started regarding the true meaning of body positivity is so essential to understanding and celebrating each other as human beings. In both the title and the opening of the story, we didn’t specify that we were only focusing on bigger bodies. Instead, we chose to run the title as “Body Positivity,” which seems to have left some readers feelings underrepresented. A PULSE reader shared their thoughts about the story:

She says: “Say it loud! I’m fat and I’m proud… Every BODY matters” Every body then needs to be addressed in this piece. Though I think that the idea of Curtis’ story is important and powerful, I think it could have been addressed in a different way. If every body matters, then more bodies should have been discussed and showcased. Where are the athletic builds? The small builds? And all the builds in-between? There are some people out there who are actually trying to gain weight because they are unhealthily small. I think an article like this might make them take offense, when they are already very insecure. Pictures and testimonies of more people should be added to this article.

Though the idea of this article is amazing and I support it 100 percent, it needs to be even more inclusive. People should not be fat-shamed, but they should not be skinny-shamed either. -Katie Carlson Response from PULSE reporter Miraclejoy Curtis, who conceived the story and recruited the models for our photo shoot:

First off, may I mention how excited I am to have the opportunity to write about a topic I am incredibly passionate about, from my perspective, and that it is grabbing the attention of the readers in the Central community. Any feedback is good feedback! My initial goal was to talk about a controversial topic that would create dialogue. Growing up, I was lucky enough to live in a household that was full of self-love and body positive affirmations. As I grew older, I noticed a stigma placed on people larger bodies: lazy, un-loved, incapable and just overall not beautiful. Clearly, that isn’t true; there are so many people in the Central community that not only are plus-size but are also disabled, women, trans and/or people of color who are absolutely phenomenal and are in love with who they are regardless of what society says. That alone needs to be celebrated, and that was my objective in the Body Positive story. This may have come across as anti-thin or anti-athletic, but body positivity isn’t just about EVERY BODY, but different TYPES of plus size bodies, which explains the variety of photos and quotes. It is exactly the type of imagery I wanted to represent my story.

BEHIND THE SCENES

OUR TOWN

dungeons, dragons and dwarves... oh my! Story by Alexi Prante // Photos by Brendan Laird // Design by Vanessa Cruz

‘You start in the dwarven tavern, renowned for its bar fights and strong booze. You look around as men in the far corners stare back hungrily at you, seeming eager for a fight…’

the colder months descend on us, check out the adventure that is Dungeons and Dragons for a funfilled pastime—no winter coat needed.

If you see someone walking around in chainmail, that’s probably Erik Rollin, a junior in the integrated energy management major who is also the president of CWU’s Dungeons and Dragons Club. Rollin started playing D&D as a freshman in the residence halls after observing a different group playing in one of the study rooms. They invited him to join, and he ended up playing for almost seven hours that night—a love for the game had formed. Since then, the club has become one of the fastest-growing on campus. It seems D&D has become a staple for college students of Ellenburg. As

D&D came out in 1974 and set the standard for modern role-playing games. D&D is a high fantasy tabletop game that requires a character sheet, pencil, a larger laminated piece of paper used to create a map and the D&D guidebook for the storyteller of the game. There are a few basics one needs to know before playing D&D. The main thing is that for anything your character does, you will need to roll the D20 dice. This dice is the ultimate game changer, for better or for worse as you go along through the sessions. The character sheet that you will constantly check is telling you every stat, such as your health, how great your armor is or your

ROLL OF THE DICE

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

magic levels. This sheet will tell you everything that your character is carrying, what they are wearing for armor and what additional magical items your character might have or pick up along the way. The storyteller is best known as the Dungeon Master, and they are the impartial referee of the game who sets up the scenes and who each character will interact with on their journey. Blake Maskal, a geography major at CWU, is a Dungeon Master at local store Nerdcore Toys and Collectibles. He first fell in love with D&D after finding an original D&D box out of his grandma’s closet at age nine, and grew up playing the game with his brothers. As a Dungeon Master, Maskal works on his story before and after he meets with the rest of his group, saying he spends about four to six hours in prep time writing out what happened in the last session the group played and what the group will be facing in the next session. The current story that his group is playing right now is a short novel Maskal wrote.

Dungeons & Dragons Rule Campus

D&D Club was formed after a group of CWU students realized there wasn’t enough space in residence halls to fit all of the students interested in D&D. Though the club was created a year ago, it wasn’t until Winter 2017 that it became an official club. Now, there are about 40 to 60 students who meet to play each week. “We wanted to build a safe and friendly environment for the players on campus,” says Rollin. “Through this club you get to meet a lot of different people, you get to network with anyone new and if you have a passion for playing you can play people that are like you.” Bailey Abbott, a junior Spanish major, got started playing D&D from watching her boyfriend

play. Eventually, she joined in on the fun and has been playing ever since. She is also one of the founding members of the club. “We started this club because we wanted a safe community for people to play with. There is a real sense of family here and it’s great to relax and get away from the stress of school,” she says. If you want to join in on the adventures, the D&D Club meets every Thursday starting at 5 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. at Black Hall in Room 203.

Female Power

Desi Snazel, a sophomore recreation and tourism major who has been a member since the club first began last January, is the head of public relations for D&D Club. Snazel grew up with the game since her father worked for Wizards of the Coast, the company that created the newest version of D&D. Certain materials, like the dry erase mats and miniature figures, were given to the club by her father. Snazel began running her first campaign in 2016. “Back in the day, it was a little dangerous to say that you played D&D, but now it’s mainstream and cool,” Snazel says. “We are here to help you if you are interested but have never played before. You aren’t alone and you won’t be hated for not knowing how to play.” Snazel adds that even though D&D is a seemingly male-dominated game, the female presence is slowly starting to make itself known. She jokes that the males might be more afraid of the females than the females are of the males. Another female player is Natalie Bleiweis, a sophomore who is double majoring in biology and anthropology. Bleiweis became a member after the club started last January and is also an officer. Bleiweis started playing D&D at around 6 years old after getting the playing bug from her father. Her family would play all the time as a child and after leaving for college, they would still play

OUR TOWN

every time she would come home for the holiday breaks. “Playing D&D is a great outlet for kids; it’s very creative because it works on story-telling and different characters,” she says. Last year, Bleiweis started a Christmas-themed campaign for her family. She is also trying different ideas for a new campaign she is working on right now, which is based off of a zombie apocalypse. Bleiweis has an entire binder filled with pages of story ideas and dedicated to her campaign, which she has spent about 50 hours working on.

Local Stores

Dungeons and Dragons is an exciting way to go on an adventure without leaving the comfort of campus. If you’re ready to go on the journey, two local stores in the heart of Ellensburg provide a safe place for people to gather and enjoy a night full of dwarves and daggers: City Comics and Nerdcore Toys and Collectibles. Gus Foster, owner of Central City Comics, has been running the business since late 2005. Since no other similar shops existed in town, Foster decided to open his own spot for gamers and comic book-lovers alike. Now, Foster’s favorite event to put on for the shop is the Free Comic Book Day, which falls on the first Saturday of May. He says it runs like a mini Comic Con, with different sales and appearances from guest artists and writers. “It’s important to have fun and [get] to do what you love,” Foster says. “It’s a great place to be and everyone is welcome.” Nerdcore opened in fall of 2015 and is owned by Jason and Denise Shaw. The name ‘Nerdcore’ came about simply because the owners say they are nerds to the core. When it first opened, the store had a warm welcome; now, it is a part of the Business to Community program that helps direct college students to stores in Ellensburg that may be similar to ones in their hometowns.

According to Jason Shaw, the majority of people coming into the store are college students, but there seem to be new faces coming in every quarter. The number of customers has been growing significantly over time and the Shaws are looking to expand into a bigger store. “It’s a personal freedom to get to work for myself, and work in a field where I can passionately love games,” Jason Shaw says. ‘As you complete your adventure, your name is chanted through the kingdom as one of the greatest warriors of all time. Riches, fame and great honor will follow you for the rest of your days…’

GLOSSARY Campaign: This is what the story

that you would go through is called, an adventure that the characters go through all in the same world Homebrew: Homemade campaign Module: Pre-made adventure

campaign

One shot: A single game session that

usually has one end task throughout the adventure Party: Your group of characters as

they make their way through the world D20: The main dice that you would use

throughout the game

Natural hit: This is if you get a

natural 20 or natural 1 roll of the D20 die. Natural 20 roll is the best thing for your character, natural 1 roll is the worst thing for your character. 13

OUR TOWN

the 1950s, Ellensburg was home to the Wildcat Inn. However, the landlords of this inn were also owners to something much more interesting: a lynx named Tuffy. CWU students could rent Tuffy for games and events, making the lynx a beloved symbol for the university. When the inn closed in 1953, Tuffy was taken in by Central’s student government and given a new hom right here on campus. Not long after, emergency struck Central— Tuffy had escaped. Citizens of Ellensburg banded together to search for the lynx, but to no avail. It would seem that Tuffy was a goner. All hope was not lost, though. Eventually, Tuffy was found in the most serendipitous of ways: he showed up at a sports game. According to ASCWU Vice President of Clubs and Organizations Stan Southern, a member of the crowd noted the aggressive and untamed way the team was playing, like wildcats. People began to make some connections—the Wildcat Inn, Tuffy the cat appearing at a sport game—why not become the Wildcats?

A Wildcat is Born

Story by Bryce Jungquist Photos by Ryan Weier Design by Elizabeth Mason

ASCWU Vice President for Student Life and Facilities Jocelyn Matheny says that since then, the figure of the wildcat has become a symbol of the university. “[He] gets people excited and just brings some extra spirit to our games,” she says. Even before Tuffy was in the picture, all the way back to 1925, people were associating CWU’s football and basketball teams with wildcats and linking the animal with the university, according to Matheny. She continues that in 1981, post-Tuffy, CWU created the new wildcat mascot, naming him Wellington. Southern believes that Wellington displays an aggressive essence—one that wants to fight and win, “like the football teams [have] been doing. But it also shows a [warmth] to the younger generation,” he says. Southern explains that Wellington is inviting and friendly, but can sometimes stir up trouble and “get his nose in places where he isn’t supposed to be.” In general, though, he says Wellington is much more welcoming than he once was. “He is declawed,” Southern jokes. 15

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Connecting Our Town

In addition to representing at sports games, Wellington now participates in different events on- and off-campus, including CWU’s Pride Week and the Memorial Weekend Parade. Even better, Wellington will wear a different outfit for events such as sports games, the rodeo and ROTC events. This year, he will be heading to Christmas in Cle Elum, a holiday celebration, to bring warmth and fun to the extended community there. The mascot is an outstanding instrument for developing collaborations. During important events such as orientation and open house, Wellington will make an appearance to show CWU spirit for incoming students. He has also ventured to Bite of the ‘Burg and farmers markets as well. Southern says that where there is community engagement, there is the wildcat. “That’s because he not only feels like this university is his home, but he also feels this whole city, this whole town is his home,” he explains.

Traditions Keeper

Part of what our mascot does for alumni is reminding them of the wildcat spirit they once had while at Central, by attending various alumni events. According to Matheny, it’s always a good idea to approach Wellington and to take a picture with him after you share high-fives. She wants students to know that a photo with Wellington and the fun times at Wellington’s Wildfire—an event to kick off the school year—are a fragment of your Tradition Keepers book. Both Matheny and Southern encourage students to take part in filling in their Tradition Keepers book so that they can create fantastic memories and become more involved in the CWU community. “The memories you make, especially with Wellington and a lot of the spirit on this campus, comes from other students and Wellington working together,” Southern says, adding that he believes this is why so many CWU alumni—over 400, to be exact—end up as university staff. Southern continues by saying that Wellington, and the spirit he embodies, exists inside each of us. “I think that’s something everyone needs to grasp and understand. The sooner, the better” he says, adding that Wellington is for the students. “He works for the students and … represents the students on and off the field.” 16

The premier student run production company. Business inquiries at www.cwu.edu/film/wildcat-films

Story by Miraclejoy Curtis Design & illustrations by Elizabeth Mason

LIFE HACKS

No one wants to be that person at the party. You know, the person who passes out after too many drinks, has a major mishap or just embarrasses themselves in general. What are some simple guidelines and tricks any person with a sense of decency should utilize to avoid embarrassing themselves—and their friends? Well, PULSE interviewed CWU students and compiled a top 10 list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to party etiquette!

1. HAVE A GOOD BUDDY SYSTEM

Surround yourself with people you are comfortable with who will look out for you in social settings.

2. EAT, THEN EAT AGAIN

Pre-game is all about enjoying an actual meal; this will help absorb the alcohol. According to Spoon University, healthy fats slow the absorption of alcohol.

3. WHO’S THE DD?

Make sure you have a designated driver or a taxi for reliable transportation. Also, walking always beats driving drunk.

4. H2O GALORE

Water is your best friend. Whether you decide to consume alcohol or not, staying hydrated is key.

5. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

Knowing the theme of a party is important. You don’t want to be the person showing up in yellow to a black-out party.

6. LEAVE THE DRAMA FOR YOUR MAMA Join the party to have fun, and leave your drama at the door!

7. BE MINDFUL

Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want to pop up on Snapchat or be tagged in on Facebook.

8. DRINK RESPONSIBLY

We’ve all heard this before but it’s true! Never leave your drink unattended and avoid mixing different types of alcohol.

9. DON’T BE SILLY, WRAP YOUR WILLY!

If you find yourself in a hook-up and don’t have protection, find some or save the fun for another time—safe sex is great sex!

10. KNOW YOUR LIMIT AND PACE YOURSELF

Everyone has different body types and experiences. Understanding the way yours works is essential. The turn up is real at CWU, and we deserve to have a good time considering all the hard work we do. However, there is a balance, and knowing how to party the right way will prevent any mistakes you’ll regret later. 19

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Story by Henry Crumblish Photos by Jack Lambert & Xander Fu Design by Elizabeth Mason

Group Fitness CHALLENGE Fitness can be difficult. Contrary to what many supplement companies and fitness YouTubers want you to think, fitness is a lifestyle which demands dedication for results. I know the struggle of trying to balance a healthy and active lifestyle with the everyday duties of work, school and having to commute back and forth from Yakima. Balancing all my responsibilities the last few months has felt like a tightrope act. When I first arrived at Central Washington University in September, I scoured every bulletin board I could find looking for any information that could be useful to me in the future. Amidst 20

the flyers for school clubs, job listings and campus events, a group fitness class schedule ultimately caught my attention. I’ve never been much of a social animal when it comes to training or working out; I am more of a lone wolf. Over the years I’ve had various training and workout partners, but between our different schedules and routines, it sometimes just didn’t work out. So, in order to overcome my apprehension and self-doubt, I decided to challenge myself to find out what a student could expect to experience if they attended a different group fitness class every day for a week.

Upper & Lower Body Blast One of my concerns going into the group fitness classes was the intensity or the lack thereof to be found in the classes. With little idea of what to expect, I entered my first class, Lower Body Blast, with an open mind. After 50 minutes in one of the fitness studios squatting, lunging and rolling around on an exercise ball, I had gained a newfound respect for group fitness. A respect that extended outward toward my instructor and any other student who chooses to participate in these classes. There is an unspeakable and undeniable camaraderie that is formed when you and a group of people share an experience; I began to feel a bond with my fellow classmates. Upper Body Blast was a challenging mix of upper and lower body. I told my instructor that I wanted a challenge, and she made sure I left huffing and puffing. Each group fitness class has a warm-up period to start off with, then the actual workout itself and lastly a five- to ten-minute cool down period with stretching, foam rolling and mobility work. Hannah Allen, a Graduate Assistant working in the Recreation Center, believes that many students don’t focus on the right aspects of health and fitness. “It’s hard in our culture where it’s all about, ‘burn calories, burn calories,’ to realize there’s a benefit to low intensity stretching, mobility work,” says Allen. “No, it won’t make you lose a ton of weight and look super ripped. But it will make you function well and have a better quality of life and it’s hard for people to prioritize that.” Pound & Zumba Aside from the staple classes like cycling and boot camp, many students will enjoy the variety found in some of the more creative and unorthodox classes such as Pound. Pound is a drum fitness class which is choreographed and timed to music in which participants do approximately 500-600 squats in each session. It’s difficult to find anything to compare to Pound because of its creative and fluid structure, but the music and atmosphere make the class a fun alternative to traditional cardio. Another interesting and challenging alternative is Zumba. Some students, like senior La’Shawnda Mason, enjoy the group fitness classes because it allows them to exercise without the usual dread and judgment associated with going to the gym. Mason has been attending Zumba at the SURC for two years since transferring to Central. “When I take a group fit class it’s set so it makes me go to the gym, because I don’t like running and I don’t like weights that much either. I love dancing. I’m a dancer,” says Mason.

LIFE HACKS

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Mason adds that Zumba’s friendly environment allows her to destress while juggling her responsibilities as a student. “Working out helps a lot mentally for a lot of people, especially me. I look forward to Zumba [because] it helps me just let everything go. Leave it at the door,” she says. “Sweat if off—I’m working out my body and mentally, I just feel refreshed so I can study or do whatever.” Fitness for All Aside from the workout aspect, these classes give participants an opportunity to socialize and meet other people within the community. The group fitness classes on campus aren’t just for students either. A large demographic of staff and faculty use the facilities and attend group fitness classes, according to Claire Cox, the Marketing and Health Programming Coordinator at the SURC. “I would say for me I looked forward to it more because it was a social thing for me,” says Cox, who also participates in some of the classes. No matter your reason for going, these instructor-led workouts are a fantastic way for those who are not athletes, bodybuilders or exercise science majors to build a solid exercise foundation. No experience is necessary, and the price of a single class is three dollars. All of the group fitness classes at CWU are structured to where you can move slower, choose lower weights or preform 22 fewer repetitions based on your fitness level. You

only work as hard as you want to. After a week of cycling, body blasting, insanity and pounding, there are several things I took away from this experience. Most importantly, exercise does not always need to have the tremendous pressure of immediate results attached to it. I also learned that it’s okay to look silly in a classroom, no matter who you are. It wasn’t until experiencing group fitness, where there is an emphasis on taking time to consciously work on recovery and stretching, did I truly realize the importance of self-care and the link between exercise and health. In every group fitness class there are several exercises you can take home and practice without the necessity of a gym or equipment, and there are several moves I plan to incorporate into my own regimen. “Fitness is being able to do the things that you love outside of the gym without discomfort and pain. Feeling energetic and feeling good,” says Allen. “The work you put in inside of the gym should make you feel better outside of the gym.” Fitness can be difficult, but it does not have to be boring or intimidating. The next time you find yourself in an exercise rut, or if you want to begin your New Year’s right, I recommend checking out the SURC’s group fitness classes. Whether you’re dancing in Zumba, lunging in Body Blast, or drumming away in Pound class, there is something for everyone.

PULSE COOL CATS CENTRAL SECRETS VIDEO + AUDIO EXTENDED STORIES & More!

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

SPOTLIGHT

CENTRAL’S MOST ELIGIBLE

BACHELORS Story by Kateri Moseley Photos by Ryan Weier & Jack Lambert Design by Maddie Bush

We have all been asked that age-old question – what do you want to be when you grow up? Some of us may have said space cowboy, maybe animal therapist or fairy princess. Unfortunately, when we get to college we realize that those are not exactly viable career options and after working our way through our general education requirements, we realize that we are facing that same question again. What do you want to be when you grow up? Here at Central we have over 300 majors, minors and certifications to choose from, and multiple on-campus resources that help us make sure the decision we are making is the right one for us. Wanting to help fellow students make this decision easier, PULSE decided to highlight some of the lesser known or newer programs at Central, to save students from the world of blind dating. Let’s meet our most eligible bachelors!

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

HYPED ABOUT HOPS In April of 2015 the announcement was made that Central Washington University was offering a four-year Craft Brewing Bachelors of Science Degree, which allows students to learn in-depth about the science of brewing and the brewing industry. According to the Craft Brewing program, the degree is “built upon a strong foundation in science and is focused on providing students with content, experience, and skills in brewing science.” The program offers a hands-on approach that includes lab time, field trips and practice creating individualized brews. Alumnus Matt Jacobi’s review of the program informed students about the hands-on training in brewing and studying the aspects of different beers through exercises that allowed students to taste, smell and visually describe beers. This was also one of Jacobi’s favorite aspects of the program. “I enjoyed the hands-on experience,” he says, “and working with a team of other students to understand how to improve the brewing process before, during and after brewing the beer.” Some students are drawn to the program because they are interested in the science behind brewing. Others look forward to working in the job field and find Central’s program to be a good 26

start for that goal. Jacobi, looking to return to school after leaving the Navy, was brewing beer as a hobby but wanted to take it to the next level. After looking for brewing programs that were being offered he ultimately decided that Central’s Craft Brewing program was the best way to turn his hobby into a career. When asked what made this program so unique, Jacobi highlighted the resources presented to him and his fellow classmates for employment post-graduation. “I learned quickly that finding a job at a brewery or in any business that works with brewers was much different than the normal job searching process I was used to. Job applications are pretty much non-existent and job postings aren’t common place, so you have to contact breweries directly and hope there is an opening.” Luckily for Jacobi and many students like him, Central’s brewing program contains faculty that have ties to the industry who are able to help students make connections before they graduate. Jacobi now works as a brewery at Paradise Creek Brewery in Pullman, Wash. To learn more about the Craft Brewing program please contact Steve Wagner, Program Director.

SPOTLIGHT

WIND FARMS, SOLAR FARMS AND POWER SYSTEMS, OH MY! Have an interest in bettering the outdoors and aiding in the creation of some of the leading solutions of our time? Then you may be interested in the Integrated Energy Management degree here at Central. Graduating their first student in June of 2017, the Integrated Energy Management program is young in the degree world of Central. IEM offers an interdisciplinary approach at allowing students to specialize in policy, business, or power systems, with many students pairing their IEM degree with bachelor’s programs like Economics for Policy or Mechanical Engineering Technology. IEM advisor Dr. Elvin Delgado explains that the program offers “extensive handson experience via field trips to regional energy facilities like the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Farm” and through a unique professional apprenticeship program where the IEM degree’s board of professional advisors engage with students to help them “succeed at shaping the future of energy.” The ability to face critical challenges, create solutions to global issues and make life-changing innovations is one reason that Delgado thinks

students may be interested in the IEM program. Additionally, the job market for students with degrees in IEM is on the rise. Central’s degree, in fact, was created in collaboration with the region’s top energy employers to make sure students had all the teaching and training to be as successful and marketable as possible after they graduate. “Because the field is rapidly evolving and growing, it demands big picture thinkers, creative problem solvers, analytical minds, and excellent communicators,” says Delgado. The IEM program at Central helps students on the right path to get there. “Most importantly,” says Delgado, “our program empowers students to truly shape the future not just for themselves, but for the world. That’s pretty special, and students want to be a part of it.” To learn more about the Integrated Energy Management degree program contact Elvin Delgado or head to an Energy Management Club to learn more, meet current students and participate in events.

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

ON APPREND LE FRANÇAIS As a student at Central you may have heard of the World Languages Department, or at least had an idea that foreign language education was happening on campus. Even better—along with Spanish and American Sign Language, students at Central can also learn French! The French bachelor’s program is designed to pair with a second major, according to the Chair of the World Languages Department, Dr. Michael Johnson. After completing the first 15 credits of the major, students then have the opportunity to finish their last 30 credits at the program’s partner institution, the Université d’Orléans near Loire Valley in France. Along with classes teaching the language, Central’s French program also teaches French cinema, French-language comics and in the next year will offer classes in French cuisine and Introduction to French Culture. Multilanguage skills can help students stand out against their counterparts when applying for jobs or moving into professional roles. According to Dr. Johnson, “French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English, and the ninth most widely spoken language in the world.”

Companies both domestic and foreign look for students with knowledge of the French language as they can be utilized globally. This type of international access to jobs and opportunities is a large reason why Dr. Johnson thinks the French program is attractive to students. Globalization is continuing to shape today’s market, so knowledge of another culture and language is a great asset to students wanting to work in nearly any industry. Dr. Johnson agrees, saying that he would advocate “learning any language in order to develop your intercultural competence skill set,” but feels that “French is particularly useful given the combined economic power of French-speaking regions.” According to Dr. Johnson, the industries in which knowing French will be most useful would be the tourism industry, luxury industries like fashion and automotive or diplomatic/government/NGO work. To learn more about the program, visit the World Languages and Cultures table during fairs or College of Arts and Humanities Open House events, or email Dr. Michael Johnson to talk further about the program!

CREATE-YOUR-OWN SOCIAL SCIENCES DEGREE Still not sure what you want to study? Or, know exactly what you want to do with your career but can’t find the right major program to get you there? A Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies – Social Sciences could be the best option for you. This degree helps students who are interested in topics that don’t fit cleanly in traditional departmental boundaries. Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies degree get to design their course of study as long as they take courses in at least three disciplines within the Social Sciences. Recent program alumna Anna Carins says she was drawn to the program because of the course options and flexibility it offered. “I was interested in psychology, sociology and women and gender courses, and this program offered all of these areas of interest within the program,” she shares. Additionally, the access of classes online allowed Carins to continue working and gain experience while completing her degree. Carins most enjoyed the variety of courses offered to her. She felt it was a well-rounded set of courses, which gave her “broader views in many areas.” Along with the program’s unique opportunities for students to create their degree and have a hands-on role in their education, each student who participates gets to walk away with a program experience specific to themselves. “My experience in this program ... has been unique [because] I have had the opportunity to work for a higher

education institution that has supported me in my academics, as well as my professional growth,” shares Carins. Carins is now an advisor at Central and is glad that she’s able to translate her experience in the bachelor’s program to the help she gives her advisees as they explore career options themselves. Alena Yastchenko, advisor for the Interdisciplinary Studies – Social Science program, says students have had ample success following graduation. Students have gone into social work, nonprofit and NGO work including human rights, government work, human resources, higher education, therapeutic professions and law. “Those who moved onto graduate school have obtained Masters’ in psychology, social work, law and justice and political science. Several have obtained doctorate degrees in law, physician’s assistant and physical therapy,” says Yastchenko. To learn more about the Interdisciplinary Studies – Social Science degree please contact program advisor Alena Yastchenko. Fairy princess, environmental technology designer, space cowboy, craft brewer? If you’re still unsure about which major to pick, remember that there are many resources on campus like the Career Services Office, Advising and individual major departments to help you pick the right path. So, what do you want to be when you grow up? 29

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

SPOTLIGHT

#YouToo? Story by Jessica Griffin Photos by Jack Lambert Design by Vanessa Cruz

Two words: me too. Within the last month, you may have opened up Twitter or Facebook and seen these words filling your feed. Except this time, it’s not a shared blog post about a stranger’s story or an article on updated statistics about sexual assault; it’s your friend, aunt or classmate telling you that it has happened to them. Tarana Burke started the #MeToo campaign about 10 years ago, according to an Oct. 19 New York Times article, “The Woman Who Created #MeToo Long Before the Hashtags.” But it didn’t go viral until actress Alyssa Milano tweeted it in light of the Harvey Weinstein allegations. The New York Times reported Burke was the sympathetic ear for a teenage girl who was a survivor of sexual abuse. At a loss for words about the girl’s story, Burke regretted not even being able to tell the girl “me too.” Ten years later, the campaign that sparked from this one conversation is trending all over the internet. In the wake of #MeToo, it seems as though an under-the-table topic is slowly being brought into the light with more and more allegations and stories of assault being shared every day. So, the question is: why now? Did it really take one man in a position of power abusing a multitude of women for us to finally say, “Enough is enough— we need to talk about this”?

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

A year ago, PULSE put out an award-winning feature story on sexual assault, specifically looking at its presence on Central’s campus. Then, stories of survivors seemed to be harder to come by, though reports of rapes and other sexual assaults were up on our campus. Scrolling through social media today, we are now constantly seeing people we know saying, “Hey, this happened to me too.” Jill Hoxmeier, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences, has been conducting research in this field for a number of years. When asked ‘Why now?’ Hoxmeier pinpoints an underlying issue that society seems to miss. “We see this famous person [Weinstein], he’s got a lot of money … he’s powerful, why would he need to sexually assault someone? Why would he need to use his power in that way? And we confuse sexual assault for sex, not violence and power.””

The Celebrity Factor

Hoxmeier also points out another significant incident that took place this year during the presidential race that sparked a flame on this topic worldwide. A month before President Trump’s election, a 2005 Access Hollywood clip was released in which Trump bragged about sexually assaulting women. “I mean, I hate to say it’s a slap in the face,” Hoxmeier says, but “for the people that have been working so hard to change policies, create new policies, to just generate awareness and speak to the more systemic issues that support violence against women … here we have a new president misaligned … with that [sentiment].” Perhaps more insulting for some, she adds that this video wasn’t a deal-breaker in regards to who was voted in as president. Trump’s claims that “when you’re a star... you can do anything” were seemingly upheld

by the years of alleged abuse by Weinstein. Andre Dickerson, Director of the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, believes the ‘why now’ question can be answered by the influential roles celebrities have in our society. “Here’s a celebrity, an artist, an actress, someone who is admired by millions of people—and maybe they have embodied womanhood or they’ve embodied success or [something like that],” Dickerson explains, adding that when we “recognize that they’ve been attacked [or] assaulted, it resonates with [us] on a much deeper level.”

Coping in Silence

Unlike most trending hashtags, the #MeToo campaign was not defined by one generation or demographic. Though this movement spread through all age groups, Hoxmeier notes that there was one significant difference between older demographics compared to those in college and younger—the level of self-disclosure. She noticed that friends her age shared briefly the story connected to their post, while younger individuals tended to simply post the hashtag and maybe a small note supporting the fight for awareness. “My concern is that for the most part, survivors of sexual assault have become very good at coping in silence, because socially we make them do that,” Hoxmeier says. “I think that it’s kind of the underground public health issue we talk about. We’ll say sexual assault is a public health issue, but we don’t see survivor struggle.” She also notes that students may feel they experience more pressure or are more at risk in higher self-disclosure than older generations or even celebrities. “We have in our society just so much

Check out PULSEvideo producer Jocelyn Waite's virtual reality experience based on one woman's #MeToo account at www.cwupulsemagazine.com 32

SPOTLIGHT

shame and stigma around people that have been sexually assaulted, that it reinforces the idea that they should take care of themselves, maybe go to a therapist, but don’t talk to [their] friends about it and just try to… keep [their] chin up, keep going to class,” she continues. And crucially, Hoxmeier says, “Celebrities … don’t have [as much] to lose to come out and say ‘I was victimized,’ but your average college student probably believes they have a lot to lose just by saying that, if their friends don’t believe them or if their perpetrator is in their peer group.”

It’s On Us

When we talk about sexual assault, it’s impossible not to immediately follow with the discussion of what we can be doing to prevent it. Campaigns like #MeToo focus on bringing awareness, while other movements such as #ItsOnUs look more into accountability and bystander behavior—how we can all have a part in prevention. According to their website, the #ItsOnUs mission is to “recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault. To identify situations in which sexual assault may occur. To intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given. To create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.” Hoxmeier suggests it’s the “recognize” and “identify” parts that college students tend to have the hardest time with. “It’s difficult for people in these social systems to differentiate between ‘they’re too intoxicated to give consent’ and ‘this is hook-up culture’ and ‘they know each other.’” Dickerson, who serves as one of the faculty advisers for the Brother 2 Brother organization

on campus that aims to encourage primarily male students to succeed in academics, professionalism and as citizens of the community, stresses the importance of taking responsibility not only for our own actions, but looking out for those around us. “We really teach awareness and accountability,” Dickerson explains, “so within the organization we make sure that we communicate being aware of our surroundings, being aware of our actions, being aware of the influence we have [and] making sure that when we are at events, meetings [or] social engagements ... that we are aware of our actions, we’re aware of the actions of those around us [and] we’re holding ourselves and others accountable for their actions.” As a mentor, Dickerson strongly encourages bringing up the conversation and awareness in general, but also emphasizes the necessity of making it normal for guys to have these kinds of conversations with each other. “The guys have to talk to the guys and make sure that we’re holding each other accountable and raising awareness about it and say, ‘Hey, how can we do better and be better?’”

Solidarity and Empowerment

There’s power in numbers. Going viral is one thing, but these hashtags, and so many more that are trending globally, are doing more than generating publicity for this issue, they are creating a force of community. Alison Powell has her own #MeToo story and has experienced this bond for herself. “The #MeToo movement means that women are feeling emboldened in the rise of sisterhoods. Women are seeing other women rise up and we’re no longer

“The guys have to talk to the guys and make sure that we’re holding each other accountable.” Andre Dickerson | Director of the Center for Leadership and Commun

ity Engagement

To hear more from Andre Dickerson, check out an audio of his interview at www.cwupulsemagazine.com 33

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

ople that identify pe ] nd [a .. s. im ct “Men can be vi sk.” at much greater ri e ar so al ry na bi es outside of that istant Professor in

Jill Hoxmeier | Ass

afraid of the stigma of saying, ‘This happened, and it’s not okay.’ The feeling of solidarity is perhaps the most important thing about the movement.” In sharing her story, Powell makes it clear that there is no specific situation or criteria to post for the campaign; there is a spectrum of stories tied to the hashtag. Whether it’s uncomfortable catcalling, inappropriate conversations, being asked to smile, over-touching, assault, rape— she says it’s all encompassed in the #MeToo movement. “So many women I know have stories that are worse, and I share because some of them can’t or won’t. People need to know that this is common, and that it needs to change.” Although Dickerson disclosed that some of the closest women in his life are survivors of sexual assault and harassment, he says this fact did not soften the impact of the movement for him.

#WhatWereYouWearing Another hashtag that quickly went viral here in the U.S. is #WhatWereYouWearing, sparked by an exhibit displaying 18 outfits tied to an individual’s story of assault. CWU followed the trend of other universities around the country and put up their own exhibit to break stereotypes and generalizations that occur in response to gender violence. The outfits included in the exhibit ranged from men’s clothing to women's clothing, children’s clothing, work uniforms and everything in between. This display recently went up in the SURC, the library and the Milo Smith Tower Theatre in partnership with the CWU Theatre Department’s Fall production of “Good Kids,” which showed the aftermath of a high school girl getting raped at a party. 34

the Department of

Health Scienc

“I’ve seen #MeToo posts from some of the most phenomenal, empowered, highly-educated women who I have so much respect for,” he comments. “To see that level of strength and courage they had to communicate that… I hold the same level of respect for [them, and] now have a higher level of admiration [for them] because I recognize them as being phenomenal women,” Dickerson says. He adds that the biggest kicker of all is the fact that you would have never known. “In my opinion, what we’re experiencing here is an empowerment.”

Around the World

It’s not just an empowerment that is spreading across the U.S.—it is spreading around the world. Following this hashtag, numerous others have been trending globally. There are some that translate out to ‘me too,’ such as #YoTambién in Spanish, #‫ ונחנאםג‬in Hebrew, and ‫نامك_انأ‬# in Arabic. However, there are other countries that have adopted their own unique hashtags with the same purpose of raising awareness and empowering a community. In Italy, the hashtag #QuellaVoltaChe, which roughly translates to “that time when,” has opened the door for women to speak out about times they have experienced sexual harassment or assault. According to an NPR article released in early November, a video of a beauty pageant in Peru went viral, sparking the hashtag #MisMedidasSon, which means “my measurements are.” In the video, each contestant went up to the microphone and said, “My measurements are...” and instead of giving facts about their body image, stated a statistic of gender violence in Peru. The video and hashtag quickly went viral and sparked a lot of traffic all over social media, inspiring people to share their support and stories. One of the biggest hashtags to follow #MeToo was in France. Their hashtag, #BalanceTonPorc, which roughly translates to “expose your pig,” took the country by storm. Along with this particular hashtag going viral, protests and women’s marches occurred in response as well. According to an Oc-

SPOTLIGHT

tober article in the New York Times, with so much support and such a big response from this movement, it was proposed and is under discussion for France to institute a fine for men catcalling women in the streets.

It’s Not Just Women

In relation to gender violence, one of the important aspects of the #MeToo campaign is the inclusivity of the movement. It isn’t uncommon to scroll through the posts and see people expressing support for men who are also posting their own stories of assault or abuse with the hashtag. Additionally, Hoxmeier stresses the importance of recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community and the risk factor they face. She says especially when she is in front of her class in particular, “I don’t use gender-specific terms; I’ll just try to say ‘survivor’ and ‘perpetrator’ or ‘when someone assaults somebody’,” she says. “I think I can be more inclusive by just kind of using those gender-neutral terms. I think that is what we need to do. Not only because men can be victims, but we also know that people that identify outside of that binary also are at much greater risk.” The biggest question after all of this is what’s the future of this discussion? Is it going to go back under the table when the news stories start dying down? Or are we recognizing survivors and their stories as valid and listening when they speak out? “We’re talking about something that is preventable,” Dickerson says. “So hopefully the future of this discussion can be how do we try to make this something that could be prevented or we could see those statistics lowered significantly.” “I think that all women hope that men will become aware of what women go through on a daily basis outside of relational outrage,” Powell comments. “Indignation over the treatment of a sister-mother-daughter is a place to start, but needs to expand beyond that relationship.” Hoxmeier mentions that in light of this movement, she has seen some of the men on her feed own up to being part of the problem i.e. laughing at rape jokes, not speaking up at another’s sexist remarks and so on. “All too often, we just expect the people who are disempowered to make the changes, that’s just counter-intuitive.” “My hope would be [for us to] all look at our own behavior and acknowledge our own participation in perpetuation this culture.”

In PULSE's "Sexual Assault" story last fall, then-Central Police Chief Michael Luvera said, "We want people to know that we want them to come forward and report so that we can try to prevent other cases happening on campus." PULSE's fall 2016 story also includes information on campus trainings on sexual assault, detailed information about how to report sexual assault on campus or to local police (anonymous or otherwise), and also how to help a friend in this position.

For free, confidential help from the Wellness Center: SURC 139 (509) 963-3213 Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm 35

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

THE

weinstein

effect Commentary by Jocelyn Waite // Design by Vanessa Cruz

There appears to be a disconnect between sexual predators and the weight of the actions they carry out. Hollywood elites are a prime example. As a film student and a young woman, the quickly unfolding allegations toward multiple powerful men in Hollywood was intriguing to me. It was a bittersweet experience researching this topic because although it is disheartening to hear how long these men have been using their power to abuse others, it is empowering to finally see these types of men face consequences for their actions.

SPOTLIGHT: OPINION

Billy Eichner @billyeichner

“Kevin Spacey has just invented something that has never existed before: a bad time to come out.” October 29, 2017

EXPOSING THE ABUSE Harvey Weinstein, the infamous subject of the Oct. 5 New York Times exposé written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey which gave an in depth look at the decades of abuse he carried out, appeared to brush off the accusations made against him. In the statement Weinstein sent The New York Times, he talked of growing up “in the ‘60s and ‘70s when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different.” He did not deny the accusations, but rather redirected the blame, calling it a byproduct of the time he grew up in and claiming that he was committed to changing his behavior. Later in the statement he said he’d hired therapists and plans to “take a leave of absence from my company in order to face this issue head on.” He also claimed he “cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt and I plan to do right by all of them.” However, if Weinstein was truly remorseful of his actions, he would not have gone to such extreme lengths to prevent these stories from coming to light. On Oct. 29, Kevin Spacey tweeted an apology to Anthony Rapp regarding Rapp’s allegation that Spacey sexually assaulted him at a cast wrap party in 1986. Spacey said he did not remember the incident, seeing as it occurred over 30 years ago, and apologized for his “deeply inappropriate drunken behavior,” finishing the apology by coming out as a gay man. In doing this, not only did Spacey use his sexuality as a distraction from the sexual assault accusation, but he also used it as an excuse for his actions, perpetuating the myth that gay men have pedophilic tendencies. On Friday, Nov. 10, comedian Louis C.K. released a statement published in The New York Times in which he admitted the claims of his sexual misconduct—namely, masturbating in front of

several female comedians—were true. Louis C.K. went on to say, “I learned yesterday the extent to which I left these women who admired me feeling badly about themselves and cautious around other men who would never have put them in that position.” Louis C.K.’s apology points to a loose grasp on his understanding of the impact his actions had on these women. To say he left these women “feeling badly about themselves” is a gross understatement. As his accusers said in the original Nov. 9 New York Times article, “Louis C.K. Is Accused by 5 Women of Sexual Misconduct,” written by Chris Cirillo and Mark Scheffler, what Louis C.K. did was abusive. Most of the women said they feared “career repercussions” after their fateful encounters with Louis C.K. He is an influential comedian and his manager, Dave Becky, according to The New York Times, “represents Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Amy Poehler and other top performers ... his company, 3 Arts, puts together programming deals for nearly every platform.” Becky’s sphere of influence is on par with Louis C.K.’s and could arguably hold a greater impact for the women and their careers since most were not very established at that point in time. To claim the only power Louis C.K. wields was that he was “admired” by these women is naïve.

KEEPING THE ABUSE QUIET In The New York Times’ Weinstein article, it was revealed that “employees of the Weinstein Company have contracts saying they will not criticize it or its leaders in a way that could harm its ‘business reputation’ or ‘any employee’s personal reputation.’” It seems these preventative measures were put in place in order to combat those who might speak out against Weinstein’s ongoing sexual abuse. On Nov. 6, The New Yorker released an article written by Ronan Farrow titled “Harvey Weinstein’s Army of Spies” that accused Weinstein of hiring “private investigators, including exMossad agents, to track actresses and journalists.” In the article, Farrow describes how Weinstein began in earnest to suppress the sexual assault and harassment allegations against him last fall. Farrow states that Weinstein “began to hire private security agencies to collect information on the women and the journalists trying to expose the allegations.” Among the firms Weinstein hired was Kroll, “one of the world’s largest corporate37

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

intelligence companies,” and Black Cube, “an enterprise run largely by former officers of Mossad and other Israeli intelligence agencies.” Weinstein tracked journalists and survivors in an attempt to silence and discredit their stories.

CONSEQUENCES Powerful elites in Hollywood have been using their power to sexually abuse others for decades. They sway the public to their side, making it difficult to separate the manufactured image of themselves with the severity of their actions. Woody Allen is infamously accused of having molested his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow. According to a February 2014 Vanity Fair article by Maureen Orth, “10 Undeniable Facts About the Woody Allen Sexual-Abuse Allegation,” the presiding judge in Allen’s 1992 custody battle for Dylan Farrow found Allen’s behavior towards the girl to be “grossly inappropriate and that measures must be taken to protect her.” And yet, Allen has continued to make movies in the industry since then and his film “Wonder Wheel” is set to open in theaters this December. Similarly, according to a Sept. 15 Deadline article written by Dominic Patten, Bill Cosby has had several sexual assault allegations brought against him, but when he was tried for the 2004 rape of Andrea Constand, it ended in a mistrial despite the amount of evidence stacked against him. To be a silent bystander, and therefore complicit, allows the abuse committed by these predators to continue while going on to gain power and status without consequence. Actress Ellen Page mentions Cosby and Weinstein in a

post to her Facebook page on Nov. 10 regarding sexual assault in Hollywood, saying for each, “the crimes were his, but many were complicit. Many more chose to look the other way.” But the days of abuse with no consequence may no longer be the norm. Brent Lang and Justin Kroll reported in Variety on Nov. 10 that in response to the allegations against Kevin Spacey, Sir Ridley Scott cut him out of his upcoming film “All the Money in the World,” which is set to premiere in December. Not only was this move by Scott very sudden and last minute, it was also expensive. Additionally, Netflix released a statement in November saying they will “not be involved with any further production of ‘House of Cards’ that includes Kevin Spacey.” Weinstein has also faced consequences. The New York Times Brooks Barnes reported on Oct. 17 that Weinstein was first terminated from his position at The Weinstein Company on Oct. 8, with his formal resignation being placed on Oct. 17. Alvan Chang wrote an article for Vox on Oct. 14 detailing how Weinstein was ejected from the film academy by the board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, becoming only the second person in the academy’s history to be removed. Then, on Nov. 15, a class action lawsuit worth more than $5 million was filed that claims “Weinstein, The Weinstein Company and Miramax and others like lawyer David Boies ... actively participated in what is being called the ‘Weinstein Sexual Enterprise.’” So, not only is Weinstein facing repercussions, but so are other major players who may have aided and abetted his predatory behavior over the years.

WHAT COMES NEXT James Van Der Beek @vanderbeek

“I’ve had my ass grabbed by older, powerful men, I’ve had them corner me in inappropriate sexual conversations when I was much younger...” October 11, 2017

Page insists there is still work to do, saying, “I’ve heard the industry decry Weinstein’s behavior and vow to affect meaningful change. But let’s be truthful: the list is long and still protected by the status quo. ... We cannot look the other way.” When it comes to sexual abuse or harassment of any kind, no matter who the perpetrator is, being complicit to these acts of injustice aids the predator, hurts the survivor and allows abuse to continue. Don’t be complicit. Speak up. Be heard. And persist. For extended commentary by Waite, visit www.cwupulsemagazine.com

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Story by Megan Schrenk // Photos by Ryan Weier & Leo Andraca // Design by Elizabeth Mason

SPORTS

The 10 essentials: + Navigation + Maps and compass + Sun protection + Sunscreen and sunglasses + Extra clothing + Insulated and waterproof layers + Illumination

+ + + + + +

Flashlights and headlamps First-aid Basic to advanced first aid depending on trip. Fire Waterproof matches and flint Repair kit and tools

+ Food + Extra food that does not parish easily. + Hydration + Extra water and electrolyte mix + Emergency Shelter + Buggie bag or tarp

This list can be found in detail online at REI’s Expert Advice Journal

The sun rises low on the horizon, molded leaves litter the damp, peaty ground, and crisp, frost-bitten air foretells the inevitable snow to come. Around this time of year, many hikers are cleaning their gear and hiding it away for the dark, cold winter.   Nature’s beauty does not go into hibernation, though, just because several feet of snow blankets the ground. Fields of wildflowers turn into expanses of pristine white, rushing rivers freeze in meticulously crafted patterns. To experience this beauty, a different approach is needed from the summer time hiking boots. Snowshoeing enables hikers like you the ability to continue exploring year-round, without worrying about sinking into waist-high snow.   Hiking and snowshoeing do have many similarities, and just as many differences. From specific gear, to safety, and even different trailheads, snowshoeing is its own world, with its own rules. Dive into the world of snowshoeing with the following advice from two snowshoeing enthusiasts with a combined 15 years of experience.    Essentials Before setting off into a winter wonderland, Ally Reinmuth who has been snowshoeing for over eight years, suggests researching the types of terrain that will be crossed. There are three commonly categorized terrains, including: Flat: “These are relatively flat, even walking trails,” Reinmuth says. “They typically are not technical, or require advanced gear.” Rolling: “Rolling terrain requires shoes that are equipped to handle more steep, icy patches of land,” continues Reinmuth. Think more moderate to advanced skill level, along with the endurance to push forward. Mountain: “Mountain terrain snowshoes are for those who enjoy hiking in the back country where there is little trail to follow,” says Reinmuth. Unless the snowshoer has prior experience, and has been versed in avalanche safety, she does not recommend this terrain or types of snowshoes for

those looking for a fun day hike. There’s more to equipment than just snowshoes, especially if frozen digits are not on your bucket list of things to experience. Holly Dunham-Wheeler, another snowshoeing enthusiast with more than six years of experience, recommends the following to fully enjoy the snow: waterproof boots gaiters poles with baskets Locomotion Up, down and flat are the three planes that snowshoers trek on. Flat: “Start off with a wider stance than you’re typically used to,” says Reinmuth. “To make sure your snowshoes don’t clank together, your legs need to be a little wider than hip-width.” From here, it’s all about walking. Up: How you progress up a slope depends on the conditions you’re entering. In powdery snow, Reinmuth explains you have to “Plant the front of your snowshoe into the powder firmly. The tails [of the snowshoe] should be pointed downhill.” She also recommends that if the snow gives too much and creates a hole, to find another route. Powder snow can be the most difficult to navigate. Crustier, hard pack snow, can be much easier maneuver on. “In those conditions, you’re relying on the crampons on your snowshoes and your poles to maintain traction,” says Reinmuth. This can also include moderate to steep slopes, in which case, Reinmuth recommends to “use your Televator to ease some of the pressure off your calves.” A televator is a heel lifting device found on many snowshoes. Down: “No real trick to going downhill,” jokes Reinmuth. “Make sure you’re using your poles and keep your knees soft. If your snowshoes have heel crampons, keep your weight slightly back. Otherwise, if they do not, keep your weight over your feet. If you slip, just sit down.” 41

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Safety The mountains are unpredictable in the best of circumstances. Throw in winter weather and a quickly changing forecast, they can be downright deadly. Reinmuth and Dunham-Wheeler provide some safety tips to make sure you stay safe while exploring. Research is key. “Know the conditions you plan to be out in,” says Dunham-Wheeler. If you are unsure about how to prepare for certain conditions, speak up and ask questions. REI stores, and other outdoor stores, typically have someone on staff who is knowledgeable about winter sports suggests Dunham-Wheeler. “Call up the local ranger station,” Reinmuth recommends. This is where you can find the most current snow reports. “Also find out about avalanche danger and if there will be blasting in the area you want to go hiking into,” she elaborates. Avalanches are one of the deadliest forces of nature in the backcountry. According to A 42 valanche.org, “The 2016-2017 year saw four fatali-

ties, including two backcountry tourist.” “Have a GPS device, or another sort of tracking device whenever you go into the backcountry,” says Reinmuth. “It does not matter if you’re snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, or anything. If you’re away from civilization, carry a device that can notify people to your location.” Trails Washington state has some of the most beautiful, intricate trails throughout the entire state. It doesn’t matter where you live, odds are there will be a trail or two near you. Dunham-Wheeler advises taking your equipment to a park first to test it out before venturing off into the mountains. “I use the Washington Trails Association’s website to find my snowshoeing trails,” says Reinmuth. They have trip reports on many trails that will give you up-to-date information on the trail you’re looking for. For beginners, Dunham-Wheeler recom-

SPORTS

mends researching trails in Teannaway, Blewett Pass, Oak Creek, White Pass, and Snoqualmie Pass. The following list are some of Dunham-Wheelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Reinmuthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite snowshoe trails in Washington State: Goat Peak (Chinook Pass) Sand Lake (White Pass) Cle Elum Ridge (Central Cascades) Artist Point (Mount Baker Highway) Snow Lake (Snoqualmie Pass)

Before stashing away your daypack, hiking boots, and sense of adventure for the long winter, consider other options for enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Get out and discover your nirvana in the snow-covered mountain ranges that span all of Washington, with trails that connect every corner of the state. With a pair of snowshoes, the right gear, and a heart for adventure, exploring your world can continue year-round. Bring on the snow.

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Story by Mackenzie Trotter Design & illustrations by Maddie Bush

As the seasons change, so do we. As the clock strikes midnight on All Hallows’ Eve, we break out the winter décor and are engulfed with the holiday spirit—we go from scary to merry almost instantaneously. But there’s more that changes than just our decorations. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is considered a kind of depression or bipolar disorder that is typically seen in the winter months and affects approximately 5 percent of people in the U.S. predominantly women, according to Mental Health America’s website. So, is it really the most wonderful time of the year? For some, it’s far from it. This disorder is already beginning to rear its ugly head for many as we approach the full

onset of winter. As we set our clocks back in the fall, daylight becomes shorter and our energy defuses. Instead of joy and celebration, people may experience an onset of anxiety and depression. WINTER IN THE PNW In the Pacific Northwest, especially, we are no strangers to gloomy weather. Constantly surrounded by rain and clouds, we are accustomed to the sad ambiance year-round. But if you couple this with seasonal depression, it’s a hard load to bear. LaDonna Hebert, a 42-year-old with seasonal depression, says, “I’ve lived [in the PNW] my entire life.” She adds, “I know it was one year that was kind of an extra-long dreary year and just constant dark, gray days and it just ended up getting to me

MIND & BODY

and throwing me into that depressive mode.” Hebert has dealt with seasonal depression for about 20 years now, though it wasn’t clinically diagnosed until 10 years ago. She describes her experience as “just random, not-so-happy days where I just feel sad for absolutely no reason,” adding, “Some years are worse than others. Usually the worst part is right around February or March.” According to Mental Health America, “the further one is from the equator, the more at risk they are for seasonal depression … The reduced level of sunlight in the fall and winter months may affect an individual’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Lower levels of serotonin have been shown to be linked to depression.” What helps Hebert fight her seasonal depression is keeping busy. She says, “If I sit in it and just kind of dwell in it then it just lasts longer. Whereas if I get up and start doing stuff, then it kinda helps me live through it and move past it.” Nicole Phillips, a 23-year-old CWU alumna recalls her experience with seasonal depression, “[I] generally feel like I’m going through the motions of my day. I’m getting up and I’m not excited to go to work.” Phillips describes her symptoms as “Generally apathetic about everything.” She experiences feelings of negativity and hopelessness and says everyday mundane tasks like hanging out with friends feels like a lot of work. With winter quickly approaching, Phillips says, “I’m already feeling it now.” Like Hebert, Phillips is from Washington and

admits, “The rest of the country doesn’t experience it like the northwest does.” Phillips was a freshman at CWU when she first experienced seasonal depression. It was the winter of 2012 and she was living in the dorms. She remembers being sad and staying in her room all the time. “I didn’t know what seasonal depression was. I hadn’t heard of it before,” says Phillips. She called the CWU Medical and Counseling Clinic and though she didn’t know what was wrong with herself, after explaining her situation the staff was able to help her understand what she was experiencing. Phillips says that the clinic on campus is a great resource for anyone who needs help. According to the CWU Medical and Counseling Center’s informational webpage about SAD, “Many people experiencing the symptoms of depression might begin to wonder if there is something really wrong with them. One typical fear is that they might be going crazy.” Often the suggestion is to ‘cheer up’ or ‘don’t think about it,’ when in reality that’s not feasible for people with SAD. Phillips admits, “I would love to not feel this way.” She adds, “I also feel like there is a huge stigma about depression and mental disorders in general but especially for men.” While the majority of people with SAD are women, this doesn’t exclude all genders from experiencing seasonal depression. It’s not shameful or embarrassing to admit that

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

you need help, even if you are a man. Phillips says, “Young men do experience depression, anxiety, mental disorders.” She encourages everyone to have the courage to speak out. According to a survey that PULSE conducted from a sample of 100 people, 59 percent know someone who has seasonal depression. When these participants were asked if they had seasonal depression themselves, 24.24 percent said yes while the majority with 55.56 percent answered “No, but I get the occasional winter blues.” So, even if it’s not clinically diagnosed or as severe as SAD, there is a large margin of people in this region who experience sadness during the winter months for various reasons. Additionally, most people will admit that they know someone struggling with this condition, but are hesitant to do the same for themselves. Phillips says that she has a hard time calling her disorder what it is, explaining that there is a stigma surrounding SAD where people think it’s a trend. Her advice: “Being aware is the first step. Don’t invalidate yourself.”   HOW TO COPE There is a difference between experiencing occasional sadness and actually suffering from seasonal depression. If you have recurring symptoms of depression every year that are exclusive to one season, then it’s important to reach out for help. Whether that means seeing a doctor, talking to a counselor or even confiding in a family member or friend, it’s essential that you talk about what you’re experiencing. Both Hebert and Phillips stress heavily the notion that this disorder is common, it’s normal and it’s okay to admit that you need help. Phototherapy, bright light therapy, antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are all ways that seasonal depression can be treated by professionals. However, there are things that we can do ourselves to combat the symptoms and better manage SAD. For Phillips, “remembering to practice self-

care is imperative.” She explains that “boring selfcare is still self-care.” This can look like taking a shower, putting off homework and giving yourself time to do something just for you. It’s important to make your own happiness a priority. Additionally, Phillip says, “[I] realize that I need to be out in the sun.” Going for a 15-minute walk after work, hanging out with friends, taking a multivitamin, sitting in the sun when possible and keeping busy are all ways she continues to battle her seasonal depression. Social interaction is also important, which means relying on friends. For her it’s “validating to know that other people are experiencing it, too.” According to our survey, 47 percent of people are most happy in summer. That being said, even though seasonal depression makes itself known in the winter, this doesn’t mean individuals with SAD hate this season as a whole. Phillips says she often gets excited about the change of the seasons, adding, “Summer is definitely emotionally easier but I enjoy fall and winter a lot. … Seasonal depression has not ruined winter for me.” Being that winter is the season of giving, togetherness and the spreading of cheer, we naturally want those around us to be happy. So, what can we do to help those with SAD? According to Hebert, “Lead with love. If you’re dealing with a family member or a loved one, lead with love and you’ll be able to support them through it.” Unless you’re a professional in the field of mental health, it’s not always easy to help individuals with any type of mental health disorder, especially seasonal depression. But this shouldn’t deter us from trying. Offering support in various forms can make a positive impact on those around us. Phillips adds, “Supporting someone can look like just sitting with someone.” Some people need verbal support, while others just need you to be there. So even if you don’t know what to say or how to help, simply being present is a comfort in itself.

MIND & BODY

Photo by Leo Andraca

“The world changes. The ground shifts. We still make plans. We still find gifts.” Lin Manuel Miranda

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

coping with loss

Story by Zena-Marieâ&#x20AC;¯Acholonu Design by Vanessa Cruz Photo illustration by Jack Lambert 48

MIND & BODY

I remember the call like clockwork. I was in Michaelson Hall, eating a chocolate muffin and scrolling through my homework. It was a quick call—the phone rang twice before I answered. My mother relayed the message for what would be her fifth time that day: “Your uncle has passed away. He was trying to hold on to see you—he just couldn’t keep on.” A gush of wind left my lungs. I was supposed to say something comforting to my mother, but even the kindest of words were too painful to even whisper. I remember that day, I have just never spoken about it. Until today.   Although you may  not know someone who has experienced loss in college, you might be shocked to find out that many students are grieving by night while still attending classes by day. After losing two uncles within the span of two weeks last spring, I was unsure if my feelings of guilt, sadness and emptiness were self-specific. I was able to interview two students about their experiences and was surprised to find that others felt exactly as I do. “How exactly do you grieve someone who you always thought would never leave you?” asks Marlot*, a CWU student who recently lost her mother. “It’s hard to put into words the abandonment, emptiness and the fear loss has engraved in me.”   Marlot’s and others’ responses to my questions were a reminder that I was not the only student suffering. According to the CWU Wellness Center, Marlot and I are part of the 2 to 3 percent of students who come into the Student Medical & Counseling Center (SMaCC) because they have lost a family member or friend while in college. Cindy Bruns, a psychologist at the SMaCC who received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, recognizes there is a stigma surrounding counseling as an option for dealing with grief. “In some ways, I think people know about us when they’re ready to know about us,” she says, referring to the 330 students who have come into the counseling center fall quarter 2017 and the total 1,826 appointments that have been scheduled.

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

It appears counseling is becoming a more popular option for dealing with grief. However, Bruns notes that it is often not the first choice for students but a decision made for their betterment. “Grief is very much a natural process until we get into our ways. When we start judging ourselves about our grieving process and start beating ourselves up, or assuming about what other people are thinking about us ... I think those kinds of behaviors get people stuck in grief and that’s often when some professional help is appropriate.” According to Dr. Roberta Temes, a psychotherapist and author who maintains a website on the Stages of Grief, grief shows itself in three different stages:  numbness, depression and  accommodation and acceptance. However, grief is not selective; it is a part of life that seems to reach us all at some point. For those who face the grieving process in college, the pressure, responsibilities and focus separate themselves from the grief, making this pain much harder to bear.   These perspectives from CWU students shine light on the importance that friends, family and even college have in easing the coping process.  Everyone deals with grief differently.

kind of structure and routine [is important]. Loss makes everything feel very chaotic; having some structure, having some predictability… is important,” she says.  Dr. Temes notes on her website that in this first stage of grief, “mechanical operations take over one’s life. The mourner spends a great deal of time in discharging basic and simple responsibilities. People report feeling: numb; robot-like; suspended animation; like a bad dream; like in a movie; unreal; ‘just buggin.’” This numbness can protect a person from the overflow of emotions that would disrupt a normal life, repressing feelings of anger, guilt, loneliness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, fear and depression.

“Loss makes

Depression is the stage during which many experience feelings of hopelessness. Dr. Temes describes this stage as the time period where “insulation wears off and all the repressed feelings come through and often overwhelm the grieved.” Often lasting between one to two years, depression can make the grieved feel as though they are being held hostage by their own feelings and can cause disorientation between reality and the purpose of one’s life.  Coupled with depression, individuals undergoing this stage in grief can experience feelings of guilt as well. “I mean, what was I supposed to do? I can’t stay out and just live my life... For me at least, I just felt incredibly selfish,” Marlot says about how her decision not to return home to be with her father some weekends often made her feel culpable. The World Health Organization notes that depression is not a selective illness, confirming that “depression is the main cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.” Moreover, depression is a contributor to increased isolation which can be a dangerous for individuals coping with pain, sadness and guilt. “People will tend to isolate from others, get quiet and not want to talk,” Bruns says. “Sometimes people are irritable... because they are dealing with a

everything feel very

chaotic...”

numbness

With all life events—birth, marriage and even divorce—there is a specific end-time or period where the said event has commenced and concluded. Death is the only life event that even when ‘prepared’ for or aware of, can still be paralyzing, according to Dr. Temes’ website. It is a feeling of pain that is unique to the individual and often times cannot be explained.   Craig*, another CWU student, speaks of the mechanical attributes that are linked to the numbness one experiences with grief. His pressure for a routine—school, gym, “Call of Duty,” sleep and repeat—was a clear indicator of his numbness after the loss of his best friend of 15 years.  However, Bruns evaluates the difference between isolation and routine. “Maintaining some 50

depression

MIND & BODY

lot of things.” She adds that excessive isolation is a definite indicator of depression. Craig says he reverted to isolation, especially from his home town. Though many students visit home during the first six weeks of the quarter, Craig chose not to. “I don’t really need to [go home] right now. … I would for the holidays, though,” he says.  Depression is the part of grief that holds no bounds. It is often within this stage of grief that hopelessness can overtake an individual, which leads to students dropping out of college and returning home. With education generally considered a beneficial decision for one’s future quality of life, being prompted to place one’s education on hold at the expense of depression can hinder the ability to succeed in the future. It is evident the pressure to grieve wholeheartedly while staying focused in school is difficult.   It takes more than just ‘getting over it’ or believing ‘life goes on.’ Grief is a calculated set of emotions spanning a multitude of time periods. Bruns notes that when it comes to overcoming depression, it is important to establish self-compassion: “The first part is self-compassion... Grief is really hard work, and it’s okay for it to take time— it’s okay for it to be hard.” In college, going through these stages while attempting to secure one’s future can be daunting. Keeping focus on day-to-day activities and milestones can help ease your feelings as you move into the healing process.

is it grief? • Your friend is suddenly more hostile   • Your friend no longer enjoys their usual hobbies

• Your friend requests that the deceased individual not be spoken about

• Your friend has begun to lack energy in regard to their appearance, lifestyle or school  Source: Cindy Bruns, Psychologist, SMaCC

support groups in college

So, what exactly can you do to cope with grief? Family Studies Graduate Student Natalie Porter goes into detail about her experiences with loss and finding her path to healing. She lost her father in 2013, just two weeks after turning 30. After moving back home for a few years, Porter became a non-traditional college student, entering college well into her adult years. She began researching loss as a way to see if everything she was experiencing was unique or common.  Though her research proves to be significant, she says there is not much information about emerging adults and what to do after losing a parent in the age range of 18 to 30.  Additionally, Porter’s research study is still within its first few months. However, out of the 15 people she has interviewed, several patterns have emerged. Only two to three students have found refuge in counseling services, with many choosing to focus on religious support and family as a means to cope with the loss. Likewise, Porter notes that her research showcased that most of the people she interviewed found that losing a parent allowed them to grow closer to the other parent, a newfound codependence stemming from a mutual need for one another.   For Craig, cleaning out his best friend’s apartment with his family was his biggest step in the healing process. Marlot, on the other hand, began returning home every weekend to spend time with her dad, oftentimes going on weekend getaways.   In  interviewing college students between the ages of 18 to 30, Porter was able to place her deeper pain into the spotlight. She used her experiences to craft a graduate thesis on what grief and loss is like, and how people are learning to be resilient to the process during their college years. Porter goes on to note that her research is not only self-influenced, “I’m doing it because I want to help people,” she says. Her research is a notion of understanding between those who grieve and the way in which we can understand and help one another heal.   Porter plans to utilize her research findings and experiences to create a grief counseling group where students coping with grief can meet and express themselves. She has nicknamed the group, which is set to meet once a week in the Winter 2018, “FIG: Forward In Grief.” This is an idea spawned by Porter’s Family Sciences Professor Dr. Amy Claridge, who says she believes Porter is performing the best service for those suffering in silence.

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

“Grief is really hard work, and it’s okay for it to take time.” Likewise, a grief counseling group has been created in the Student Medical and Counseling Clinic after the success of its initial introduction spring of 2017. Bruns summarizes the purpose of support groups as allowing students to understand that they’re not alone. “Getting your degree, and [attending] school in general, offers you greater opportunities. Grief can lead students into a downward spiral, which is detrimental to their success,” says Claridge. “We’re really interested in keeping students at Central and providing them with the support they need, especially since they will eventually leave Central. We want them to go out in the world and be as healed as possible.”

accommodation & acceptance

Which leads us into the final stage of grief: accommodation and acceptance. Dr. Temes notes that in this stage, “the mourners must expand their social network. They need to rejoin life’s activities. They must take the risk; the risk of living again fully. The relationship with the dead loved one is now taking on its proper form and the mourner is adapting to a proper perspective of the relationship.”  “[It’s] not a betrayal to the person who died if you don’t always feel horrible … it’s important to also feel good sometimes,” Bruns says, referring to the underlying feeling many experience while coping with loss. But what exactly does it mean to live again? It means working alongside your friends, family or finding a support group that can place your needs

first. A support system that can help you begin to heal. Porter found her research, Craig turned to roommates and best friends and Marlot delved into traveling, choosing to study abroad in her final college quarter.   As for me, I write—like this article. As I look over my notes and re-read my interview questions, one question in particular resonates with me: “Where were you when you heard the news of your friend/family member/parent’s passing and how did you feel in that moment?” The sun is rising at 9:57 a.m. as I twirl the jade ring my uncle gave me over my index finger. Pain, sadness, depression and hopelessness are natural feelings. You’re not alone, I promise you. It’s about coming to terms with this grief, and moving into a healthy emotional point in your life where you can reinvest your energy and bring the light back into your life.   *Subjects’ names have been changed for privacy reasons.

advice for those dealing with grief • You won’t operate at 100% some days and that’s okay

• Be kind to yourself and use self-compassionate talk

• Grief is hard work and it is okay if it takes time

• Find people to talk to who you can laugh, share stories and feel comfortable confide in – whether that person is a family member, friend or professional Source: Cindy Bruns, Psychologist, SMaCC

FOOD & DRINK

Paleo & Gluten-Free Skillet

The Holiday Diet How dietary restrictions affect holiday meals Story by Lexi Phillips Photos by Ryan Weier Design by Maddie Bush

We’re all familiar with the traditional holiday meals—roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Families and friends gather together to stuff their faces and spread love and cheer. These are the basics of Thanksgiving and Christmas. But tradition isn’t always the best option for every family—especially when you have a dietary restriction that prevents you from eating the same foods as everyone else. For some, this means finding alternatives to certain foods: tofurkey, gluten-free stuffing, dairyfree mashed potatoes and the like. For others, it means figuring out different types of foods that they can eat along with their family. To get a better look at how those with dietary restrictions eat during the holidays, PULSE spoke with past and present CWU students for their experiences and their favorite holiday dishes. Check out what they had to say, and find some new holiday recipes to try this season! 53

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Accommodating for Differences in Diet and Lifestyle For senior Steven Baril, who is double majoring in film and physics and has been a vegetarian for almost two years, the holidays are easy. “It’s kind of nice for my family. They kind of like it, because … it caused them to make new dishes that they hadn’t made before,” he says. He goes on to explain that since he’s gone vegetarian, his family has started eating more vegetarian as well, and have begun experimenting with meat-free foods. Trevor Krey, another senior film major who is also vegetarian, says things are harder for him. “[For] most of the … holidays, I basically just don’t eat. I just avoid everything that has meat in it, because my parents don’t really care what I do.” This is not an uncommon occurrence. Those who choose to go on a certain diet may find their family criticizing the diet change or just generally not caring or doing anything to accommodate for it. “I was born into a vegetarian family, so I’m fortunate,” says junior Karie Urban, who is double 54

majoring in English and history and has been vegan for over year and vegetarian for nine, “I know [for] a lot of vegans, sometimes their parents will reject them.” Urban continues to say she is a member of a group for vegans on Facebook, on which she hears many stories of people being rejected by their families due to their veganism. Urban also explains that as a vegan, the food isn’t the hard part so much as receiving gifts. “My boyfriend is Mexican, and his mother reads and speaks English and stuff like that, but sometimes she forgets, so one year she bought me these really cute boots … but they were made out of suede. I didn’t know how to tell her, or what to say,” she says. Additionally, she says she occasionally receives wool blankets and sweaters, and that she has to check the tag on certain gifts to make sure they don’t contain a wool blend. So, if you are planning on giving a holiday gift to someone with a dietary restriction, talk to them and see if their dietary restriction extends to items as well. If it does, make sure you’re not about to

FOOD & DRINK

Dairy-Free Eggnog ingredients

run into an awkward moment where your friend or family member can’t accept your gift. If you have a dietary restriction and you are unsure if your family (or the people hosting your holiday dinner) will be willing to accommodate for you, you may have to accommodate for yourself. “If you’re going to a family gathering where you know them well enough, just [tell] them, ‘Hey, I just adopted this new dietary change. You don’t have to accommodate me, but can I bring … cranberry sauce, or a gluten-free stuffing?’” says Nutrition grad student Alicia DiFolco, who has her B.S. in Food Science and Nutrition and is a certified registered dietitian. “Because it’s hard to put that on the host to make something.” Other options, she says, are to either eat the side dishes that are available and adhere to your diet, bring a main dish that everyone can enjoy but that you can eat most of or ask for certain toppings to be put on the side. “That means you can choose—‘Oh, I want the  brussels  sprouts, but I can’t have cheese because I’m vegan, so I’ll just add my own stuff,’” DiFolco explains.

What to Eat  For Urban, it’s all about finding substitutes for traditional holiday foods. “I love making vegan green bean casserole. So, I make my own mushroom gravy and cook with fresh green beans,” she says. For tofurky, she recommends the Tofurky brand or Field Roast, both of which taste “so much like turkey. … I’ll [also] usually do creamy mashed potatoes. So, I’ll use vegan sour cream, almond milk and red potatoes.” Desserts, however, can be harder for vegans. Urban says she always buys organic sugar, due to non-organic sugar being processed through bone char. “PETA will confirm certain things, like at Costco you can get apple pie, and that one’s been confirmed vegan-friendly,” she says, but she warns that any store-bought dessert may seem to be vegan, but may not actually be. First-Year Clinical Physiology Major Sarah Sanders, who has been gluten-free by choice for seven years, takes a similar approach. “I don’t eat rolls, because I haven’t found a gluten-free roll that I like so far, but [my family and I] have figured out how to make a pretty good gluten-free stuffing. … For pies, my mom makes me my own little soufflé that’s without the crust—so it’s the inside of pie,” she explains.

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Vegan Biscuits ingredients

For many vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters, it only takes a little bit more work to make something close to the traditional holiday meals so prevalent in America. For others, they simply choose to take a different route. Elijah Bergevin, a sophomore double majoring in music and actuarial science who has been a vegetarian for almost two years, tries to spice up holiday dinners by making different types of salads, using things like cranberries or broccoli. “We just try to focus on things beyond the meat and potatoes,” he explains. Former PULSE Associate Editor Mandi Ringgenburg, who has been lactose intolerant for three years and vegan for two, prefers to make simple, fruit- and veggie-rich dishes during the holidays. “My ideal dinner has tons of fresh, cooked vegetables, a salad, sweet potatoes, cooked spiced apples and vegan ‘meat’ dishes,” she says. First-year Secondary Education Major Gerald Lemmon says things are hard for him during the holidays due to a dairy sensitivity, especially when it comes to desserts, which often contain milk. “With that, it’s hard to really get through the holidays sometimes, because there’s candy, there’s festivities, there’s all kinds of stuff.” To make up for this, Lemmon uses marshmallows in place of milk in pastries. “You can make cookies into a cake using that, and it just adds another layer of soft, gooey flavor, which is kind of cool.”

Lemmon also says his favorite holiday dessert is his grandmother’s chocolate cookie bars, which contain sugar, flour, non-dairy butter, non-dairy chocolate chips and walnuts. These are combined and baked in the oven, then cut into squares. “It’s just like having a cookie, but it’s much softer and it doesn’t have milk,” he explains. Former PULSE Editor-in-Chief Nicole TrejoValli, who has a gluten and dairy intolerance, says she still allows herself to indulge on foods that her body is sensitive to. “It has never really been an issue for me other than when it comes to desserts, but if there is something I love, then I’ll eat it even if I shouldn’t,” she says. “The holidays are a special occasion, and my dietary restrictions are more of a personal choice, which is why I’ll indulge when it comes to dessert during this time.” Trejo-Valli says her favorite foods to eat during the holiday season are apple pie with ice cream and her mom’s pork. Making the Most of the Holidays For some, the holidays are a time of joy and love, regardless of whether or not they eat a turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. For others, it can be hard, and they may find themselves unable to enjoy the holidays as much as they’d like. All in all, remember that it’s not about the food; it’s about appreciating what you have and the people you love. Whether you have a dietary restriction or not, and no matter what you celebrate, Trejo-Valli says it best: “Live a little and indulge during the holidays.”

For full recipes, go to www.cwupulsemagazine.com 56

DESIGNERS, WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED! Contact OUR FACULTY ADVISER at jennifer.green@cwu.edu for more information.

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

Fu’s Reviews

THE P R ES T IGE Story by Xander Fu Photo by Jack Lambert Design by Vanessa Cruz

In cinema, there exists a fine line. On one side, reality, and on the other, perception. Good films strike a perfect balance: Enough orthodox to keep the viewer grounded but not so much that it carries the tenuousness of everyday life. Some films focus primarily on immersion so as to include the viewer in the emotions and the weight of events within, adding only a touch of the extraordinary. Others rely more on the viewer’s suspension of disbelief, choosing subject matter less ordinary to regular life without straying to far from base. Such is the subject matter of “The Prestige”, Christopher Nolan’s fifth feature length film. Whether from his epic Batman trilogy which showed a comic book movies don’t have to be, well comical, or from his intricate and grand originals

AFTER DARK

like “Interstellar” and “Inception”, Nolan has certainly made himself a force to be reckoned with in regard to 21st century cinema. Though I can’t argue that Nolan’s body of work consists mostly of fine examples regarding storytelling and spectacle, I do find upsetting how “The Prestige” seems to have been tragically swept under the rug. Perhaps this can be chalked up to it’s lack of unique heady concepts in its foundation; there’s no elite team of slickly dressed dream robbers or minutemen style astronauts using black holes to teleport from planet to planet. The main characters are two illusionists who compete against one another. From a surface level, it’s vanilla in comparison. Looking deeper into this film, however, may change your mind. I would argue that “The Prestige” is Nolan’s most inventive film to date. The film revolves around Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), two highly skilled magicians living and performing in 19th century London. Angier is the showman who knows how to dress up an act to get the best reaction from a crowd. Borden is more technical and articulate with his tricks. What starts as a friendly competition between the two evolves into an all out war driven by obsession, greed and their impermeable desire to best one another. They begin by sabotaging each others’ acts. The game changes, however, when Borden showcases a too-good-to-be true illusion in which he appears to teleport across the stage. Angier is left hollow and clueless, determined to find the secret. “He used a double”, both his assistant and his illusion designer insist. He refuses to accept that conclusion, though. Astonished by Borden’s performance, he can’t believe it to be that simple. He has to know the trick. This is when the attacks become personal. Angier gives his assistant away and buries Borden’s assistant alive. Borden crashes Angier’s act, resulting in on-stage humiliation and a broken leg.

Angier, despite all odds, eventually finds what he thinks is the secret to Borden’s teleportation: an actual teleportation device designed and built by a fictionalized Nikola Tesla (the late David Bowie). Equipped with new knowledge, new equipment and his preexisting hatred for his rival, he crafts his grand exit. In the end of his scheme, Angier escapes the limelight and frames Borden for murder. While watching the film for the first time, I thought it was well done but nothing amazing. That is, until the final scene, in which Borden reveals that he had been using a double the entire time. The teleportation trick was not just a piece of his act; it encompassed his entire life. It’s very much in line with Borden’s character, who shows a propensity to forgo the grand, and focus more on perfection in simplicity. A twist ending isn’t all too uncommon, especially in modern movies. What makes this movie special is how Nolan skillfully hides the solution in plain sight of the viewer, as well as Angier. The entire film is littered with clues. Borden’s wife, in response to Borden telling her he loves her, says, “Not today… some days it’s not true.” Nolan even shows the viewer a trick that is a small scale version of Borden’s teleportation act, using birds instead of people. Borden explains the use of a second identical bird to a small boy. Borden even asks, “Are you watching closely?” In hindsight, this seems about as subtle as a kick to the face. But just like Angier, we become far too absorbed in our perception of what goes on that we’re made blind to what stands right in front of us. This film in a way no other has before, deconstructs the perfect movie experience, without deconstructing itself in a way that would pull the viewer out of immersion. It’s marvelous. Just like a great magic show, a second (third and maybe fourth) viewing is a must.

FU’S REVIEW:

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

AFTER DARK

Design & photo by Ryan Weier Email updates to: cwupulsemagazine@gmail.com

FALL 2017 | ISSUE TWO

ELLENSBURG

DAILY SPECIALS MONDAY Iron Horse Brewery Study Session 4-close $5 tasting menu

The Porch $4 pints

WEDNESDAY

The Porch $5 mojitos

Blue Rock $5 burgers

Starlight $5 signature martinitis

Iron Horse Brewery Study Session 4-close $5 tasting menu

The Tav $1.50 RBR Wings $2 Bud Light

TUESDAY Blue Rock $1 tacos Iron Horse Brewery Study Session 4-close $5 tasting menu The Palace 88 cent tacos, $2.50 Coronas, $3.75 loaded Coronas The Porch $2 tacos, $2 Coronas, $5 loaded Coronas, $3 well tequila shot Starlight Half of liquor 9-close The Tav $7 domestic pitchers

Wings 59 cent wings, half off bomb shots

The Palace $4 Moscow Mules

Starlight $5 long island iced teas The Tav $5 wells, $2 tequila wells, $7 patron Wings $1 off all bottles & 16 oz beers 301 $1 Rolling Rock beer

The Porch $5 glasses of wine

FRIDAY

Starlight $2.50 single & $4 double wells

The Palace $3 Fireball shots

The Tav $7 domestic pitchers during happy hour

Starlight $2 shot specials 9-close

Wings $2 Coronas, $3.50 Loaded Corona, $5 Coronaritas

The Tav $2.50 fireball shots

SATURDAY

301 Ladies Night $1 wells

Starlight $2 shot specials 9-close

THURSDAY

The Tav $2.50 Fireball shots

Blue Rock $1 beer, $5 long island teas The Palace 88 cent tacos, $2.50 Coronas, $3.75 loaded Coronas

SUNDAY Wings All drink specials

Design by Vanessa Cruz Email updates to: cwupulsemagazine@gmail.com

AFTER DARK

Blue Rock 2 - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Friday

Starlight 3 - 6 p.m. everyday

The Palace 4 - 7 p.m. everyday

The Porch 3 - 6 p.m. everyday

Roadhouse 3 - 6 p.m. & 9 - close Thursday - Tuesday All day Wednesday

The Tav 3 - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

301 5 - 7 p.m. & 9 - 10 p.m. everyday

TIME FOR

HAPPY HOUR