november 2018
d e c . 4 , 2 0 1 8 vo l . 2 9 i s s u e 0 8
Hol
e u s s i iday
1
2
november 2018
r a g u o C n Va TEAM Link up with us EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bailley Simms
LAYOUT EDITOR Marco Morales
MANAGING EDITOR Kassidy Young SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER July Canilao
COPY EDITOR Nikki Johnson COPY EDITOR Randal Houle
/TheVanCougar
REPORTER Cameron Kast
@thevancougar
REPORTER Katherine O’Boyle
WEB MANAGER Henry Holloway
REPORTER Sofia Grande
PHOTOGRAPHER Sydnie Kobza
REPORTER Anna Nelson
ADVISER Raul Moreno
@thevancougar
our
Mission
The VanCougar, a student run newsmagazine, informs and engages the WSU Vancouver community while practicing the highest standards of timely, ethical journalism.
s terthe Letto editor Corrections The VanCougar welcomes letters and commentary from members of the WSU Vancouver community on current issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, contact information and WSU affiliation: year and major for students, department for faculty and staff, degree and year graduated for alumni. The VanCougar does not publish anonymous letters. Send letters and commentary to van.vancouged@wsu.edu. Once received, letters become property of The VanCougar and are subject to editing for length, clarity and style.
In issue no. 7 The VanCougar stated on p. 4 & 5 the name of the organization as Identify Clark County. The organization’s name is actually Identity Clark County. The VanCougar is a source of honest, factual information. If you see an error, we want to address it. Please contact the editor-in-chief at van.vancouged@wsu.edu for corrections.
in
this
november 2018
Issue
4 Holidays + finals = stress Clark County Food Bank and Food Pantry fight student 5 Cougar and community food insecurities 7 Development Program asks 9 Child Santa for a new play structure 6 10 Away from home for the holidays 14 Opinion: Sounds of the season 16 The VanCougar gift guide Netflix binge guide 17 WSU Vancouver 18 inclement weather policy 12 Cougar Bites: An improvised take on Indian cuisine
Diwali festival light s up campus commons
on the
Cover
The VanCougar illustration by Layout Manager Marco Morales and Editorin-Chief Bailley Simms.
es lebrat e c e c pus llian dent A dha on Cam u t S m Musli er Eid al-A v first e
3
4
s s e r t s = e h t s l h t a i n w i p f hel + o t s s e y p a o h id
november 2018
Hol
ram th i g o w r r p a ” i l ! i s fam oug c o n o t a e V r k a l nts e d u t s “Let’s Ta e g e olle c t s which th o in s n o m ti a t ial situ ossible more soc sed to p bers o p x m stress tha eporter e a h is g al lin am individu John Dil ers,” Ch R
that ect y oth es and indicates ith scrutiny b nds to aff , M. Yerk te w ty e la ie th is x , s h n it w . Social a group gathering bt about 016 Dodson. T eases r u id c o a s d in o n h suc ance daily uring There’s ful. A 2 perform ental arousals, people d an also occur in be stress lp . n e s a s c e lH tr ’s m c ta s y or ever it y Men holida s. arious curiosity hambers, how ducted b of surveyed v teraction ess and , n in y o lt c e e n v y o o d n C stu s cent one-on the str ording to final a rs at 31 per manage ever, acc e up to a certain o w Chambe T found th dents claimed o , H n o s a e u e c r s tr g stu only of the est sou practicin college anxiety the bigg nals are this is g e r s in e d a o e w g d n fi exams point. iety keep es, such ecomme x u r . While n s t iq a s e n ] e d y h n tr m c e s a a r “Stress e diagr ation te . lidays a of their ight of th ges and relax r, the ho ter months. o [r ing s s e e id tr s s d the in this han one are breath w c u e to q e s th c g explaine n a a in r ty m u r s ie r o d x f , e r r s four n b e r e a Cham anoth your p Chambe ling for degree— a t h n in in e d ta n r s o tu e a is c S four All —to a chnique ling for te a in the h d x e e t h is c n g n e ing psycholo nter said she lau s!” conds, th until the breath a e s e g C so on es of VanCou Wellness seconds, our edg f ly r s Talk e a t’ e e th L zing “ in ts the that utili te represen campus d e g d n in d o r a u She regula dents d program square. re will help easing help stu o e to m u l r iq e e n e b f h Octo times ist in this tec h stress and ass ugh it. o g r in th th g these hig a in bre to ble talk stress students w comforta o ll manage a anxiety. s to n lk y io a ta s w s e ess d r n Anothe These s he welln ncerns a ntial T o . c e is ir c r e s e th rough ex ends 20 minute a confide address th in l is a n io ess been ecomm Cougar to a prof The Van center r a day, which has on s . a y Simms/ e w c lle ai n B a m . by e ati m ra Graph setting f exercis k perfor concentr alk prog ersity a o T e e s p v . t’ o s e r to s L p e u The to im get yo od str ll Univ ered go is other found focus. y Corne ho can b id w s d n e ts o p n c r is e lo d s th deve and task wellness cente get reach stu unseling That’ r, if it gets to e v to r u y c a w dents The as a to co f the Howeve help stu coming right] o t come ed. “I ding o e to r in n p a la [f p le im y x a b e e a m il e up rts hambers ncern we’re sid e it sta ers ava gh the stress of th r C ill b e , h m s r a w h te s n C ce Cougs w y co rou ” n that’ r e a a th c V n is a im r lk m a p r T ys e inly erfo Thursda think th ks. Let’s e d e ess certa eling our p n r w a d d s a y e help onda d. Dec. trying to ss and people f explaine ethod found to des be held M nals week, until e tr s fi m lu c t in ut One general ointmen xiety in the througho p n .” p a k d a e e e n t w a s lm king finals ce te set up ervices overwhe e redu y visualizing ta taking 13. To ncouver seling S n u o C or y ll WSU Va nd is known to b b the with 546-9238 . , menta his can be done ) 10 a ts 0 . n ts c 6 e n e (3 d e D m tu t s s a su begin environ exam. T for most eling@w contact in s e n d s m e u s ti o m o l a .c n u x n f g va e dia ctice e am. a stress for thos ording to pra r to the actual ex students email y ll ia c e c a r esp . Ac imil re fo edu ssion s While it is not ra t anxiety , some ty ie x with tes ty and Depre n a test of m test xie uffer fro e social aspects merica, s the An A to f o ty th ie n l r x o e a n ti e il ly f a Associa to be sim ormance ssors, students f n r o e s p a e a s stre holiday anxiety is various of the y g. as b k c la d , e rwhelmin iety is defined ilure caus e a v f o f o r x . n or fea history “Social a xiety about one such as poor test r , o n w a n la r o a ti e s of f dson prepara t mark erkes-Do The Y ychologist Rober fter Ps named a
ande Sofia Gr
november 2018
Clark County Food Bank and Cougar Food Pantry fight student and community food insecurities Clark County Food Bank estimates nearly 25 percent of Clark County accept food donations Katie O’Boyle
Reporter
With the holidays right around the corner, most WSU Vancouver students are concerned with finals or saving enough money for holiday presents. Among those same students, a large percentage are also concerned about having money for food. According to the recently released WSU Vancouver Campus Climate survey, 36 percent of respondents are “food insecure” and 20 percent reported having “low or very low” food security. According to Matt Edmonds, the communication director for the Clark County Food Bank, 112,000 people in Clark County accept food donations. “That means about 25 percent of our community in Clark County needs food,” Edmonds said. Mariah Chapman, WSU Vancouver Cougar Food Pantry coordinator said, “Most WSU Vancouver students don’t even know about the Cougar Food Pantry, let alone know about the fact that in their tuition helps pay for the food the food pantry provides.” According to Chapman, the Cougar Food Pantry, is funded by student activity fees and gets most of the food supplies from Fred Meyer and Costco. The remainder of the available food comes from donations. Both Chapman and Edmonds have noticed a rise in donations and volunteer time as the holidays approach.
Edmonds said, “Even though there is this rise in donations and volunteers, there is also a lot of support in the summertime.” Edmonds also noted that they receive mostly donated produce during the summer and canned food in the cooler months.
The week after finals the Cougar Food Pantry will be holding something similar to this and we’ll be giving out winter meals.” - Clairee Walters, public affairs major
“We want to raise the dignity level, we don’t want people to feel ashamed when accepting food donations. That’s why we set up a shopping style when people come to collect, so they can be an active participant,” Edmonds explained. When asked if students on campus ever admit to feeling embarrassed or insecure receiving food donations, Chapman said, “Aside from people feeling like they get too much food when they believe others deserve more, most people are just very thankful.” During Thanksgiving break, the Cougar Food Pantry held an open event
Cougar Food Pantry Thanksgiving basket pick up in Firstbenburg Student Commons. (Sydnie Kobza/ The VanCougar)
where students could come to campus and pick out what food they wanted to take home for the break. Clairee Walters, junior public affairs major, was one of the coordinators of the event. Walters said, “The week after finals the Cougar Food Pantry will be holding something similar to this and we’ll be giving out winter meals.” The Clark County Food Bank holds a nutrition education program, which is a six week course to “start people off right” according to Edmonds, explaining how “We are doing everything we can to help with the root of the problem when it comes to food insecurity.” While the holidays may seem like the best time to donate and volunteer, both Chapman and Edmonds emphasized the importance of donating and giving a helping hand during the “off seasons” too.
(Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
5
6
november 2018
Diwali festival lights up campus commons
11-year-old Hrithi Reshi Sivalinki performs traditional Indian dance, Kuchipudi, at Diwali Festival of Lights. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
E v e r y year, the Diwali Festival of Lights is celebrated throughout Southeast Asia as a way of welcoming the new year. The festival, a commemoration of spiritual light overcoming darkness, takes place on Kartik Amavasya, (new moon day) the darkest night at the end of the Hindu lunar month, Ashvin, and the start of the month Kartika. Typically, the date falls between October and November. This year, it took place on Nov. 7. For Avantika Bawa, WSU Vancouver associate professor of fine art, Diwali is a time for celebrating lightness and joy. She said for others, the celebration could means mediation and regrowth. “The north and south celebrate it kind of differently” Bawa explained. “In essence, it’s the one time in the country where everyone kind of celebrates this. It is a two to three-day long holiday where people are repainting houses, remodeling and buying new upholstery.” As for the event, Diwali was celebrated on campus with a plethora of dances, food and henna tattoos.
COUGAR BITES
An improvised take on Indian cuisine Cameron Kast Sydnie Kobza
november 2018
Reporter Photographer
With a mix of vegetables, curry and new spices, traditional Indian cuisine ignited taste buds at the WSU Vancouver Diwali Festival of Lights on Nov. 27. From the perspective of people who don’t eat Indian food often, Sydnie, The VanCougar photographer and I were excited to experience Biryani another culture’s tasty fare. We started with vegetable Kurma, a curry made with vegetables or meat along with coconut, spices and a nut or seed paste. Though we didn’t agree on this dish, due to Sydnie’s sensitive palate, I enjoyed it. I thought it was one of the most delicious foods we tried. From the chunky vegetables to the spicy sauce, Kurma now has a place on my Indian dishes in the Kurma future. The crunchiest item on our plate was Khatta Meetha, a readyto-eat dried snack with peanuts and rice flakes, amongst other ingredients. We both thought the crunchy snack was quite acidic and great for hiking, as it could easily be portable finger food, a perfect snack for a long hike. Another flavor on our plate was vegetable Biryani, a mixed rice dish made with vegetables and eggs. Sydnie and I both thought that the dish was really tasty and complemented the other foods we had. It wasn’t spicy like
some of the other foods we tasted, which was a nice break from the spices and went great with Naan, an oven-baked flatbread that directly translates to “bread” in Persian. Sydnie and I agreed the best dish we had was the chicken Makhani, also known as Saag Paneer butter chicken. We both thought the flavor profile and the texture of the chicken and sauce were delightful. “I liked everything about it,” Sydnie said. “It was my favorite one for sure.” Personally, I thought the sauce and chicken complemented each other nicely, but once we found out that Makhani directly translated to ‘butter’ we thought it was even better. Saag paneer is a classic Indian Naan curry, spinach, cheese and coconut milk dish that is made into a thick and creamy stew. Sydnie and I had opposite views about this dish too; I found it creamy and full of flavor, while Sydnie thought it was kind of bland and lacked flavor. Pakora, a dish that consists of a mix of fried vegetables, was “fun” according to Sydnie and complemented the other dishes we ate. It was crunchy, flavorful and fried like all good foods are.
Event attendees fill their plates with traditional Indian cusine catered by local restaurant, Abhiruchi. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
7
8
november 2018
THE LIBRARY HAS
Extended Hours DEAD & FINALS WEEK
Sat Sun M-Th Fri Sat Sun M-Th Fri
12/1 10:00a –7:00p 12/2 10:00a –7:00p 12/3 –12/6 7:30a – 11:00p 12/7 7:30a – 7:00p 12/8 10:00a –7:00p 12/9 10:00a –7:00p 12/10 –12/13 7:30a – 11:00p 12/14 7:30a – 5:00p Sat/Sun 12/15 & 12/16 Closed
Wishing you Successful Finals and a Restful Break
WINTER BREAK Mon-Thu 12/17-12/20 10:00a-3:00p Dec. 21 – Jan. 1 Closed Wed. Jan. 2 - return to normal hours
november 2018
WSU Vancouver
Child Development Program asks Santa for a new play structure Program sells wreaths and poinsettias to fundraise for a new outdoor play structure at the childcare center
Kathryn Austin, early childhood specialist (left) and Lindsey Henderson, teacher (right) hold fresh wreaths, awaiting pick up. (Bailley Simms/The VanCougar)
Bailley Simms
Editor-in-Chief
Lindsey Henderson, a teacher in the WSU Vancouver Childhood Development program, carried a handful of fresh wreaths to her car outside of the VDEN building on the evening of Nov. 27. The night was dedicated to general pick up for the program’s annual wreath and poinsettia fundraiser, in hopes of raising money for a new outdoor play structure on campus.
“Kids play a vital role on campus,” said Kathryn Austin, early childhood specialist in the Child Development program and organizer of this years fundraiser. Austin explained how the fundraiser is in it’s 12th year, adding that past fundraisers have helped supply new books, musical instruments and even a “mud station” for the on campus program. Austin said the program holds other fundraisers throughout the year to supplement these additions to the center. With hopes of a new play structure, wreaths were sold for $20 and with various sizes of poinsettias, starting at $13, were ordered from local vendors in Cornelius and Gresham, Ore. The holiday’s seemed so far away when the wreaths and poinsettias first went on sale in October, according to Austin. However the orders took three weeks and delivery took a month, and now it is December and people are starting to decorate for the holidays. Austin and Henderson directed the pick up on Thursday evening, with parents picking up not only their children but their new festive decor too.
9
10
november 2018
Away from home for the holidays “Friends-gatherings” offer an alternative to holiday celebrations Anna Nelson
Reporter
‘Friendsgiving’ refers to a tradition of gathering for Thanksgiving with a group of friends instead of family, but the tradition extends past Thanksgiving. Friendsgiving has been popularized in recent years and is even on MerriamWebster’s “words we’re watching” list, meaning that it soon may be included in the dictionary. According to Statsita. com, 17 percent of people prefer to spend holiday at a friends house, making it the second most popular choice compared to celebrating at a relative’s house or at home. While there are countless reasons for the recent shift in celebration habits, a few possibilities include separated families, distance between relatives or financial reasons. Olivia Cebollero, an integrated strategic communication major at WSU Vancouver, is staying home for the winter holidays to save money and avoid possible family drama. With her dad and sister in Seattle, mom in Texas and her boyfriend’s family in Southern California, Cebollero explains how it is difficult to include everyone in the holidays or afford the travel. She said she considers her friend group extended family and is open to celebrating with them, “If they reach out about spending the holidays together then I’m all for it, but I’m a bit of an introvert and my friends know that I’m perfectly fine with a quiet holiday season with my dogs and boyfriend.”
Hans Min, an international student from China who is also majoring in integrated strategic communications returns home for the winter break, but did not make the trip for Thanksgiving. Min said that due to the amount of time and money it takes to travel to China, Thanksgiving break is not long enough to go home and visit family. However, Min is not particularly bothered by this. “I’m totally fine with this. In our culture, we don’t have Thanksgiving [or] celebrate it,” Min said. Not being able to return home for the holidays poses a different dilemna for Min. “I almost didn’t spend any holidays with my family in [the] last five years. Although we have vacation, any important Chinese holidays are not [part of ] vacation. Especially the Spring Festival, which is [the] Chinese New Year, the most important holiday in Chinese culture,” Min said. He elaborated that Chinese international students and others away from the country usually travel back home for the celebration. Min said he also spends time with local friends when he cannot return home. “For me, I have a lot of friends [that] can’t go home, so we’re going to travel and spend holiday together. There must be a lot of students in the school who can’t go home, we can throw a party or have a dinner together on that day,” Min said.
Like most other components of the holidays, traveling can be another financial burden. “Finances definitely play a role. I’m a full-time student and work two part-time jobs in order to pay bills so I really don’t have the flexibility to drop money on plane tickets or hotels,” said Cebollero. She added, “It’s so hard being away from family. I’m all about my family and I’m very close to each of them so it will be very different this year. Thankfully, I have my boyfriend during this holiday season.” Cebollero offered advice to anyone who cannot spend their holiday break with family, “Surround yourself with people you love and love you back. Whether that’s friends, co-workers, or even your pets. It makes me feel close to my family when I still decorate my apartment for the holidays. That includes little things from my childhood like family ornaments or familiar smells like pine scented candles. It gives the illusion that my family is with me.” Hosting a potluck between friends or community members, volunteering at a food bank or homeless shelter, keeping busy with work or a hobby or simply some down time are just a few recommendations for staying in high spirits when away from home for the holidays. “Enjoy the holidays and surround yourself with love. And food! Lots of food!” Cebollero said.
november 2018
11
“For me, I have a lot of friends [that] can’t go home, so we’re going to travel and spend holiday together. There must be a lot of students in the school who can’t go home, we can throw a party or have a dinner together on that day.” -Hans Min WSU Vancouver international student
Integrated s t r a t e g i c a Integrated strategic comunication communication major major and international student and from international China, Hans Min. (Sydnie student from China, Kobza/The VanCougar) Hans Min. (Sydnie Ko
12
november 2018
Students play table games in the Firstenburg Student Commons at the Muslim Student Alliance’s first ever celebration of Eid al-Adha on Nov. 15. (Taylor Jones/WSU Vancouver)
Muslim Student Alliance celebrates first ever Eid al-Adha on campus Newly established club honors Islamic tradition Anna Nelson
Reporter The Muslim Student Alliance hosted the first ever Eid al-Adha celebration on the WSU Vancouver campus on Nov. 15. The festivity, which was held in the Firstenburg Student Commons, included guest speaker Khalid Elolaimi, senior program manager at Intel, games, raffles, prizes, food and desserts. Although Eid alAdha was celebrated in August this year, the event was postponed to November due to the new establishment of the club on campus, according to MSA
Senior program manager at Intel, Khalid Elolaimi presents to event attendees. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
member and neuroscience major, Kawther Elolaimi. Mohammed Hashem, a WSU Vancouver international student from Bangladesh, is currently pursuing his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Hashem and Elolaimi are both part of the new club, which became active in the fall. “Eid al-Adha is celebrated to remember a significant event of Islamic history,” Hashem said. Hashem and Elolaimi, explained the religious
“Within a year, we have to do one month of fasting, from dawn to sunset. It is to realize the [hardships] of the poor.” - Mohammed Hashem, WSU Vancouver international student and MSA member
november 2018
13
“Holidays in general all have a similar theme. If you’re talking about back in the Middle East, you’ll see people decorating and having fun in the streets and everything, which is kind of similar.” Muslim Student Alliance members Kawther Elolaimi (left) and Mohammed Hashem (right). (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
aspects of the holiday, how God asked Ibrahim [often referred to as Abraham in Christian religion] in a vision to sacrifice his his son. Ibrahim dismissed the request the first two times, but on the third vision he conceded. Ibrahim’s son agreed to the sacrifice since it was an order from God. Instead, according to Sura 37 in the Qur’an, a miracle happened and an animal [ram or lamb] was slaughtered instead of Ibrahim’s son. Now, to commemorate the miracle and Ibrahim’s obedience, animals [most often rams, sheep, goats or lambs] are sacrificed on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah every year and meat is shared equally with family, relatives and the poor. “We want to distribute the meat to poor people and poor relatives to make balance in the society. There are some people who don’t have the ability to buy meat,” Hashem explained. When the animal is sacrificed, it is divided into three portions, according to Hashem, “One is for your family, one is for poor people, one is for relatives.” Islam celebrates two major holidays: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr following the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. The lunar calendar allows 29 or 30 days within a month and 355 days in a year. This means that the holidays are shifted approximately 10 days each solar year. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated two months
before Eid al-Adha and marks the end of the month-long fasting practiced during Ramadan. “Within a year, we have to do one month of fasting, from dawn to sunset. It is to realize the [hardships] of the poor,” Hashem said. Elolaimi explained, “It’s a chance to [humble] yourself and give back to your community. During that time, it’s very encouraged to give back, give donations, to provide meals to those in need and it’s just an eye-opener to see, ‘hey, this is what people are going through.’” According to Elolaimi and Hashem, both celebrations emphasize charity. “It’s the whole kind of religion. It’s always about giving back.” Elolaimi said. Hashem said that American holiday culture is comparable to that practiced by Muslims in Bangladesh. “Like Christmas, we also invite our friends and family to visit, celebrate together, we share food, we buy new clothes as people here [in America] buy new clothes for Christmas, it’s almost similar,” Hashem said. According to Pew Research Center, 90 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas. As of 2017, only 46 percent of Americans said they celebrate it for religious reasons, while the remaining
-Kawther Elolaimi, Muslim student Alliance member
54 percent celebrate it for cultural reasons. “Holidays in general all have a similar theme. If you’re talking about back in the Middle East, you’ll see people decorating and having fun in the streets and everything, which is kind of similar…For me, I was born and raised in America, so I’m just used to American culture and American holidays,” Elolaimi said. The main difference, according to Hashem, is the importance of charity in Islam. “Charity’s kind of mandatory,” Hashem said. Whether for Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr, giving to the poor is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it necessary, along with a testimony of faith, prayer, fasting during Ramadan and a pilgrimage to Mecca. Every year, Muslims are expected to to donate 2.5 percent of their makings to charity as practiced in Islam. Elolaimi said that WSU Vancouver does a good job of being inclusive during the holidays, “The staff is open and welcome to it and the students want it, so it works perfectly.” “There is a misconception about the religion of Islam and Muslims actually, so it’s a good opportunity for people to clarify their misconceptions, if they have any questions they can come and ask in the event,” Hashem said regarding the first celebration of Eid al-Adha on campus.
14
OPINION
november 2018
So
unds
e h t of
n o s es a Cameron Kast
Reporter
s ion in op ng sti ra nt Co
This year, I started hearing Christmas music on the first day of November. I get it. I hadn’t even removed my Halloween candy bowl from beside the doorstep Christmas when I heard a song that was written 65 years ago. Now, before I get music isn’t started, I don’t despise Christmas music. In fact, on Christmas Eve and for everyone. Christmas Day I willingly listen to my favorite Christmas album, A To some (like Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio. However, in my Cameron) it’s old, opinion, hearing Christmas music the day after Halloween is overplayed and only completely ridiculous. What’s even more ridiculous is the deserves to be listened to large amount of repetition. Every year, it’s the same songs one (maybe two) days a year. sung by mostly the same people and if it’s not the same Now don’t get me wrong, I am people, it’s still the same song. There’s loads of musical by no means a person who starts talent in the world today, why are there no new the tunes before Thanksgiving. I do, songs? I would be okay with hearing Christmas however, enjoy listening to Christmas music more than just one or two days a year music after Thanksgiving and pretty if some newer songs were played. Tradition much the entire month of December. is not a good excuse for incessant Cameron, I hear you; there seems to be no repetition of the same songs over and new Christmas songs, they can become repetitive over again. Sure, throw some of the and yes, sometimes I rather turn something else on classic oldies into the mix if you rather than singing along to “Baby It’s Cold Outside” want. Some of you may enjoy for the seven-hundredth time. But, as my good friend the music and some may Randal would argue, it’s tradition. I personally love not, but I think it’s time listening to music throughout the day, so during the holidays to mix it up or turn it I listen to beats that match the theme of the season. In fact, a down. So, Bailley, just 2015 study published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience because the music shows correlations between one’s mental health and emotions with is on in the regards to listening to music. For me and most of my close family and office, doesn’t friends, listening to music is a mood booster. So during the holidays, the mean I’m first chime of “Walking In A Winter Wonderland” reminds me of friends, listening. family and the warm feeling of the holidays. Yes, I would appreciate some more variety in the songs that are played this time of year, but that doesn’t mean I refrain from listening all month long. So go ahead, Cameron. Change the radio station and avoid the holiday tunes until Christmas Eve, but I will be singing along to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” in the office, so you are just going to have to deal with it.
Bailley Simms
Editor-in-Chief
november 2018
WE ARE HIRING Apply today!
WEBSITE MANAGER REPORTERS COPY EDITOR ADVERTISING MANAGER Apply today on CougSync! Questions? Contact us at van.vancouged@wsu.edu
15
16
november 2018
The VanCougar
Bailley Simms
gift guide
Editor-in-Chief
Finding the perfect gift is hard, so The VanCougar is here to help you out!
Friends $5-10 Movie tickets, candle, journal $10-30 books, collage picture frame, coffee gift card $30-60 Favorite team gear, insulated water bottle $60+
Perfume/cologne, watch, jewlery
Family $5-10 Holiday pajamas $10-30 Restaurant gift card, wallet
White elephant
$30-60 Kitchen utencils
$5-10
coffee mug, Candy
$60+
$10-30
Wine/alcohol
$30-60
Heated blanket, double insulated water bottle
$60+
headphones, blue light blocking glASSES
Massage package, home technology
november 2018
netflix Binge guide Anna Nelson
17
Reporter We all love to curl up and watch a good show when our schedule slows down. It is no doubt that Netflix is capturing the world’s attention with their original series. If you do not have an account, use the one-month free trial to get caught up on the latest. Use these ratings and this to help guide your holiday binging.
Ph
o t o by Adee n a W a
de
Recommended for you
The Crown This drama is inspired by and based on the early life of Queen Elizabeth II. This show is best-suited for history buffs or those who follow the royal story, but has something to offer everyone. Humor is minimal, but it will certainly have you on the edge of your seat and craving a hot cup of tea. Rated 90 percent by Rotten Tomatoes.
The Haunting of Hill House
The End of the F***ing World
Horror fans beware: this show will give you chills, thrills and ultimately, disappointment. The series starts out strong and tantalizing, but the ending fails to fulfill the plot. If you are going to watch, I would suggest stopping after episode eight—but good luck with that. Rated 92 percent by Rotten Tomatoes.
For those with alternative tastes, give this quirky drama/comedy a try. It is fun and different, but not for the faint of heart. The story follows two teenagers who do not fit into society. Despite the language, this show provides a nice getaway from a traditional series. Rated 98 percent by Rotten Tomatoes.
13 Reasons Why
A Series of Unfortunate Events
This drama is based on the real-life problems of high schoolers. Watch with caution because the story goes deep. Fair warning: season two is better than the first. The series itself is controversial in the way it deals with and portrays suicide. Suicide is shown in an episode, but you will be warned beforehand. If you plan on watching it, expect to finish the series within one or two sittings. Rated 52 percent by Rotten Tomatoes.
While it may be a ‘kids show’ this series will bring you just as much delight as it does them. If you like puns and dry humor, this show is for you. Whether or not you have read the books, it will have you on your toes throughout the episodes. Rated 94 percent by Rotten Tomatoes.
18
november 2018
WSU Vancouver inclement weather policy WSU Vancouver is a commuter campus, with faculty and students arriving from diverse regional micro-climates. Conditions in one region may significantly differ from conditions in another region. In the event that an adverse weather event (e.g., snow or ice) or natural hazard that poses a safety risk occurs, course instructors can use their discretion to decide whether they would like to offer students an alternative learning option that does not require travel to campus. Faculty and students should take personal safety into account when deciding whether they can travel safely to and from campus, taking local conditions into account. Faculty will not be penalized for working remotely to provide students with alternative learning options and students should not be penalized if they are not able to attend class in person. The faculty member is responsible for choosing the best mechanism for alternative learning, if WSU Vancouver is open and the instructor decides to cancel the face-to-face meeting and substitute an alternative learning activity. A repository of alternative learning options is available on the WSU Vancouver Knowledgebase website or you may contact Information Technology for help. Faculty are encouraged to use universal design when possible, to make online content accessible. Faculty are expected to notify all enrolled students by email or through Blackboard, along with letting their Academic Director and office support staff know the status of their course, within a reasonable time after the determination has been made to open or close campus. In the case of a course taught by AMS over multiple campuses, AMS should be notified, if possible. If an instructor holds class during a weather event or natural hazard, but a student does not attend due to adverse conditions, the instructor should not penalize the student. Allowances to course attendance policy and scheduled assignments, including exams and quizzes, should be made by the instructor. Faculty delivering a course via AMS to a campus that closes for inclement weather should make similar allowances for students enrolled at that campus. Students who attempt to gain advantage through abuse of this policy (e.g., by providing an instructor with false information) may be referred to the Office of Student Standards and Accountability for disciplinary action. Source: https://admin.vancouver.wsu.edu/public-safety/adverse-weather-or-natural-hazard-statement
november 2018
19
DECEMBER m a r k yo u r c a l e n da r . . . wed.
05 sat.
08
Christmas ship parade Vancouver Waterfront Dec. 5 – 20 sat.
Oregon Ballet The Nutcracker Dec. 8 – 22 Keller Auditorium The Grotto’s Festival of Lights Entire month of December except Dec. 31
15
The Nightmare Before Christmas in concert 2 p.m. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
fri. Timed Write 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. VMMC 06
18
mon.
10 fri.
14
First day of finals week mon. Campus Closed Dec. 24 – Jan. 1
Last day of finals week
24
iTech Prep Film Festival 1 – 4:30 p.m. VDEN 110, 129, 130
Issue no. 9 of the vancougar on stands jan. 7
Holidays are full of surprises Holidays surprises Holidays are full of surprises should not
tech issues tech issues
should not should be onenot be one be ofone them ofthem them of
Let Let
SH S SH Students helping students Students students Students helping students
Take care of your Take care of your your Tech Tech Issues Issues
tudents helping students (SHS) offers Free in-depth tech support ove Students Free in-depth in-depthtech techsupport supportover over Studentshelping helpingstudents students (SHS) offers Free any personal device to all wsu students. Come visit us today! any students.Come Comevisit visitus ustoday! today! anypersonal personaldevice device to all wsu students.
Classroom ClassroomBuilding 225| Classroom Building 225|
WALK-IN OR SCHEDULE AN WALK-IN OR WALK-IN ORSCHEDULE SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT: (360)ANAN 546-9770 APPOINTMENT: APPOINTMENT:(360) (360)546-9770 546-9770
Happy U Vancouver VancouverIT IT HappyHolidays Holidays from WS SU Happy Holidays from W Vancouver IT