Fall 2023 Issue 2

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SPORTS

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Pg. 4-5

Pg. 6

Brooks Library spreads awareness about banned books.

Vol. 126 NO. 2

CWU Safety gets awarded his third Defensive Player of the Week in a row.

An artistic representation of the conflict between native culture and American culture.

October 11, 2023

CWU police lieutenant climbs ‘Rocky Horror’ ramps up production 12 peaks this summer Isaac Hinson Scene Editor

McPherson (left) and Burson (right) on the summit of North Sister. Photo courtesy of Marc McPherson

Megan Rogers News Editor CWU’s police lieutenant Marc McPherson climbed 12 peaks from July 23 to Aug. 2. McPherson, accompanied by the Corporal for the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office Nick Burson, traveled through Oregon, California and Washington.

According to McPherson, he climbed Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, Shastina, South Sister, Middle Sister, North Sister, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Glacier Peak and Mount Baker.

Out of the 12 peaks he climbed this summer, McPherson said that his favorite was Mount Jefferson.

“We were hiking and climbing for 24 hours straight just because the approach was so long,” McPherson said.

During the hike, McPherson said they had to bring out rope and anchors and while it was a long day, the views were beautiful.

“There was nobody else on the mountain so we had it all to ourselves,” McPherson said.

“The weather was amazing.”

It was late at night when McPherson was hiking Mount Jefferson. He said he looked over and saw two glowing eyes on the same side of the head, which meant it wasn’t a deer.

“We were being followed by a cougar,” McPherson said. “We started yelling at it and started throwing rocks at it and it didn’t even flinch.”

The cougar followed them for about 200 yards, McPherson said.

McPherson said after a week away from home, napping in random places and missing family and friends, they thought about stopping.

While climbing Mount Hood, McPherson said he thought they might not make it because the conditions were so terrible due to it being late in the season.

Electricity flowed this past Saturday as the cast and crew of the upcoming shadowcast production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” convened to do their first stumble-through of act one of the show.

“Rocky Horror” is an annual tradition at CWU, being put on every calendar year. This year, senior film student Gracen Bayer takes the helm as director.

“The first time I saw Rocky was with my mom,” said Bayer. “We had no idea what ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ was about. We went to some theater in Olympia [that] was doing a shadowcast. We were like ‘Oh my gosh this is going to be so fun it’s just like a little movie’ and then everyone got on stage and was stripping and my mom’s jaw was on the floor … I was like ‘This is really weird.’”

Despite an initial bizarre introduction to “Rocky Horror,” Bayer said she has since grown an intense appreciation for it.

“My perspective has definitely changed and I absolutely love the movie,” said Bayer. “But that first experience was definitely jarring … I’ve watched the movie probably 100 times since. But never again with my Mom.”

One of her first major duties as director was hosting and leading auditions. Bayer cited the challenges of managing that process, stemming from the immense talent she had to deal with.

“The audition process was crazy, just because we got so many talented people,” Bayer said. “This year was insane, it was just like audition after audition topped the last one … Everyone was so talented.”

Bayer finds herself transitioning from behind the camera to behind the curtain. With a slew of short films to her name, including this year’s “Puddles,” Bayer is no stranger to directing, but directing for the stage is a new endeavor for her.

Notably different is the break-neck pace of production.

“We have such a limited amount of time,” Bayer said. “We do auditions from 12 to six that day, and then right after the last audition we go into the casting room and immediately cast everyone because we don’t have time to wait. We spent hours just debating and going back and forth on people.”

Sophomore Paris Marie Glans, majoring in musical theater, was one of many who went out for auditions and found themselves on the other side of Bayer’s eye. Glans shined light on what the audition process was like.

Continued on Pg. 10

Continued on Pg. 10 The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s ensemble practices every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to six p.m.

Photo by Yohanes Goodell

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October 11, 2023

Beyond Our Coverage Local

National

Global

Residents throughout western Washington felt an earthquake of 4.3 magnitudes around 7:21 p.m on Sunday, Oct. 8. It was felt in all parts of the western part of the state according to Kiro 7 News.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the Democratic presidential debate to run as an independent. Leaving Joe Biden the only Democratic presidential candidate to run as of Oct. 9 according to ABC News.

At least two transgender women will be competing in the Miss Universe Pageant held in El Salvador this November. Marina Machete, who was crowned Miss Portugal last week, and Rikkie Valerie Kolle, who became Miss Netherlands in July, will be among the 90 contestants.

Ellensburg Christian School junior, Ava Both, has qualified for the Junior World National Finals Rodeo in barrel racing for her second year in a row, according to Big Country News Connection. This will take place during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Dec. 12 through Dec. 16.

LGBTQ students nationwide said that they feel underrepresented in sex education classes, and it will become much harder for those students to obtain inclusive material as lawmakers in some states limit what can be taught about sex and gender.

Bryson Fico, a recent CWU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in law and justice and a minor in sociology, started Pages of Redemption, which will consist of the donations of paperback books to the local jail’s library, according to Big Country News Connection. Fico said he aims to “Inspire growth and further educate those incarcerated in jails and prisons across the state.”

According to ABC News, Hamas militants launched a full-scale surprise attack on Israel on Saturday as Israelis were celebrating the conclusion of their seven-day-long jewish festival of Sukkot. This is the latest in a long line of retaliation against Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine.

Utah filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Tuesday saying the video app knowingly uses technology to keep children engaged with material that is often harmful, according to NBC News. Utah has accused the app of using algorithms to target children with content that is sometimes violent and distressing through its “recommendation engine” in order to keep them looking at the app.

According to NBC News, more than 50 current and former Amazon workers in Saudi Arabia say they were exploited by labor supply and recruiting firms. Workers were promised adequate housing and good-pay and were put in moldy houses and were locked into financially crippling contracts.

Knife to see you,

Photo by Yohanes Goodell

Letter from the Editor

As the leaves change color and slowly start to fall from their branches, the temperature creeps downward and the nights grow longer, you might start to feel chills run down your spine and hear things go bump in the night.

Spooky season is officially here, and I’m hoping you’re as hyped as I am to get your haunt on. On nights like these I like to settle down with a hot cup of apple cider, or a pumpkin spice latte and crack open a seasonally spooky book(when I’m not working on the paper that is).

This issue is filled with things seasonally relevant, like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, as well as recaps of notable happenings recently, like the local police officer who climbed 12 mountains (that’s a lot!), to campus events covering heavy hitting topics, like artistic identity and book banning. No matter what stories from this issue vibe with you, we’re so glad you decided to pick up our little paper today.

Morgana’s Magical Prediction: A new direction, the valley winds blow Orange you glad you read this?

Morgana

In our last issue, we mistakenly spelled Justin Santoli’s name as “Justin Santali.”

- Observer Editorial Team We apologize for this mistake and have amended this issue online as well.

Staff Lead Editor

Morgana Carroll

Online Editor Emily LaFave

Copy Desk Lead / Opinion Editor Megan Foster

Faculty Adviser/ Editorial Consultant Francesco Somaini

Scene Editor Isaac Hinson

Photo Editor

Yohanes Goodell

Sports Editor Charis Jones

News Editors Megan Rogers

Graphic Designers Glacie Kehoe-Padilla

Staff Reporters Coal Butler Maria Mann Isaac Dobmeier Lily Goold

Brandon Davis

Editorial Policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression, in which student editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of The Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students

who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large; and to be the best source of information, education and entertainment news. As a training program, The Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism. It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions or concerns, email us at cwuobserver@gmail.com.

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October 11, 2023

Brooks Library handed out resources and infographics about banned books to students. Photos by Maria Mann

These are just some of the books that are being banned nationwide.

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The reasons for banning books ranges from themes of sexuality to bad grammar according to CWU Librar- ies Events and Communications Coordinator Andreina Delgado

Book bans are spreading across America Maria Mann Staff Reporter Representatives from CWU’s library gave a presentation on banned books over lunch at the SURC on Oct. 4. Perched atop a wooden bench were many childhood classics including “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, “Junie B. Jones” and “Harry Potter,” which are now prohibited in many schools and public libraries.

In the case of the “Junie B. Jones” series, the CWU Libraries Events and Communications Coordinator Andreina Delgado said “those are banned because of the grammar, but the books are supposed to be written [like that] because it’s a diary for a kindergartener. Of course they have grammar errors because they’re portraying a kid telling their story.”

According to the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee

State University (FSCMTSU), in a country that is protected from censorship by the First Amendment, book bans have become the most dominant form of it.

This affects books for people of all ages, with the primary focus being on children’s literature.

According to the FSCMTSU, from 2020 to 2022, the number of attempted book bans increased by nearly 12 times, from 223 to 2,571. Some of the main justifications given for these bans are that they contain material that is sexually explicit, promotes sin, is graphically violent, lacks literary quality, is inappropriate for kids of a certain age, or shows disregard for family and parents.

According to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (ALA OIF), people who advocate for such bans typically fear that kids will be negatively influenced by the contents of those books.

Of those people, the most significant portions are made up of 30% parents, 28% library patrons, 17% political/religious groups, and 15% school boards/ administration.

“So far the percentage of who [is] actually more inclined to ban the books, it’s parents, because the children have access to these books at school,” Delgado said.

In the Supreme Court ruling in the case of the Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District v. Pico (1982), public schools may “bar books that are ‘pervasively vulgar’ or not right for the curriculum, but they cannot remove books ‘simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books,’” according to the ALA OIF. The ALA OIF also stated that many of the books listed in the Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 are banned on the basis of portraying sexuality, whether

2022 censorship by the numbers infographic-top13.

Courtesy of ALA

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that be LGBTQIA+ content or sexually explicit material. Delgado believes that the solution is not to ban books, but to determine age appropriateness. “[Parents should address] the personal issues that they have about that book and talk with the children about those concerns instead of just blocking the information,” Delgado said.

The ethics of book bans have been heavily debated, but according to the FSCMTSU website, “the courts have told public officials at all levels that they may take community standards into account when deciding whether materials are obscene or pornographic and thus subject to censor.” The FSCMTSU has also iterated that while censorship does violate the First Amendment, certain exceptions are permissible based on the subjective views of a given community.

BBW23 Censorship by the Numbers. Courtesy of ALA

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SPORTS

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October 11, 2023

Volk’s 7-interception-streak powers CWU football: a team united for success Lillian Goold Staff Reporter CWU football’s safety Tanner Volk has been awarded his third straight Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week award.

Volk is also leading the National Collegiate Athlete’s Association (NCAA) with seven interceptions in the season.

In his junior season here at CWU, Volk has made great strides. Volk gave insight into the kind of person, player and teammate he is and has become over the years, saying that getting the Defensive Player of the Week award was an honor.

“It all just goes back to all the hard work that my team and I have put in,” Volk said.

This highlights Volk’s deep gratitude for having such a supportive team by his side. Regardless

of Volk’s leading record of seven interceptions, he said his mindset moving forward with the season remains unchanged.

“Continue to be bought into the team and be bought into the process, we don’t really look at those numbers, those don’t matter unless we are winning,” Volk said.

Volk expressed the desire to be both a dependable and trustworthy presence within CWU’s football team. “[I want to be] someone people trust, look at when times get tough and someone that leads by example,” Volk said. “Or even someone that anyone can talk to and be there.”

Volk’s teammates can attest to the major contributions that he brings to table. For example, senior running back, Tre’Jon Henderson, said: “[He] gives me confidence,” Henderson said. “[Volk

brings] a great sense of leadership, he’s a hard worker, great guy overall and unselfish.”

Henderson’s perspective on Volk provided additional insights into his character as a player and teammate, underscoring Volk’s steadfast commitment and camaraderie with his team.

Despite Volk receiving the awards these last few weeks, his testimonies relay that he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for his team.

Volk and Henderson repeatedly emphasized the word “trust” when describing the team, putting a significant emphasis on CWU football’s core values. Both parties echoed the team’s fundamental essence, stating, “Trust is everything.”

CWU football’s goal for the season is to attain success at new levels. After flaming out earlier in

previous post seasons, this group said they will continue to work towards winning a title.

“We’re working on winning the conference championship,” Henderson said.

Their win against Angelo State University on Sept. 16 offered a boost in team morale, knowing they were a step closer to the conference championships.With the winning mindset in play, Volk made sure not to mention any of the “secret sauce” about what the team is doing to prepare for the upcoming games.

CWU football will be on the road this Saturday, Oct. 14 for their matchup against Midwestern State University located in Wichita Falls, Texas. They will then be back at the Tomlinson Stadium in Ellensburg on Saturday, Oct. 21 to face off against West Texas A&M University.

Tanner posing for media day. Photo by Jacob Thompson

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October 11, 2023

SPORTS

Dedication, drive and time management: the lives of Juliette Williams CWU student-athletes Background

Meet Juliette Williams, a distinguished track & field sprinter majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing Management, along with a minor in Sports Business. She is poised to graduate in June 2024.

William’s seven-year journey in track & field began with four years at the varsity level in high school, followed by three years at the collegiate level. She stated that this passion for the sport was ignited by her innate speed and further fueled by the encouragement of her high school track coach, Mrs. Piccolo and teammates.

Charis Jones Sports Editor

Balancing classwork Maintaining a successful balance between academics and athletics can be a demanding task, but Williams

Fourth year sprinter, Juliette Williams. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson

has mastered it through careful time management.

“The best way I have found to manage my time effectively is a planner,” Williams said. “I keep a very detailed planner in my backpack that literally has my whole life written out for me.”

This level of planning reflects her dedication to excel not only in her coursework but also on the track. Her unique approach of mirroring her days throughout the week also ensures consistency in her schedule, allowing her to stay on top of her commitments.

“Monday and Wednesday follow roughly the same schedule and so do Tuesday and Thursday. As for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I try to pick one thing that I know I need to do in the week and plan it for one of those days,” Williams explained.

Full Story Online

Austin Ohland Logan Brady

Fifth year catcher, Austin Ohland. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson

Background

Balancing classwork

Meet Austin Ohland, a seasoned catcher on the baseball team, and a master of the delicate art of balancing academia and baseball. Ohland graduated last year with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Leadership and Management. He returned for a fifth year of baseball and is currently pursuing a second degree in Managerial Economics, accompanied by a minor in Accounting.

Ohland’s journey in baseball began practically as soon as he could hold a bat. His passion for the sport ignited at a young age, and it never waned. He shared that baseball quickly became more than a game; it became a way of life.

Ohland attributes his ability to successfully manage both academics and baseball to his parents, who instilled in him invaluable time management skills.

For him, separating academic and athletic commitments is paramount.

“Luckily for me, I had parents that instilled good time management skills to get my work done early and then not have to worry about it when it’s time for baseball,” Ohland said. “It’s extremely important for me to separate those times so that I can focus on one thing at once.

When it’s time to get school work done, I can focus 100% on that, and then at the field, the outside world shuts down, and I can focus on the game.”

Full Story Online

Third year wide receiver, Logan Brady. Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson

Background Meet Logan Brady, a crucial presence on CWU’s football team, who shared his journey of juggling athletics, academics and maintaining meaningful connections. Majoring in Environmental Science with a specialization in Geography, Brady is set to graduate in the spring of 2024.

Brady’s connection to football runs deep, dating back to his third-grade days. He explained that his entry into the sport was influenced by his father, a former college football player for the Navy. Although initially introduced to soccer, Brady quickly gravitated to-

wards football, setting him on a path of passion and dedication.

Balancing classwork Brady’s dedication is evident as he prioritizes school and football, reserving his limited free time for relaxation: “I go after school first typically, then football. If I have any time left I usually relax rather than keep up with friends outside of football.”

Balancing the rigorous demands of both academics and football often comes at the expense of a bustling social life, as Brady shared, “I sacrifice my social life for academics and football.”

Full Story Online

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October 11, 2023

Check out the gallery today!

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by RYA

SQUEEZE. Work by RYAN! Feddersen Photo by Isaac Dobmeier

Coyote and the Monsters Yet to Slay 1 (version 1). Work by RYAN! Feddersen Photo by Brandon Davis

Manifest Signs. Work by RYAN! Feddersen Photo by Isaac Dobmeier

Manifest Signs. Work by RYAN! Feddersen Photo by Isaac Dobmeier

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October 11, 2023

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Behind the exhibit: A glimpse into the work of CWU guest artist RYAN! Feddersen Isaac Dobmeier Staff Reporter

According to Feddersen, the exhibit features more of a selection of different types of past projects, including a new mural based on a piece that was done before, shown for the first time as a permanent installation in a new place.

When asked what the best piece is at the exhibit, Feddersen said: “The last one I made.

That’s often the answer [for artists].”

Bold colors, broad shapes and Native American animal references are all hallmarks of Feddersen’s work in the gallery, while a towering monochrome mural previously mentioned serves as the centerpiece of the exhibit—spanning the entire left-hand wall.

Heather Horn Johnson, the Gallery Manager and Department of Art and Design Head at CWU initially suggested that RYAN!’s work should appear on campus.

“Our gallery committee and department have been trying to bring in more diverse perspectives and I think RYAN!’s being part of the Colville confederated tribes, being Native American, and her work showing so many themes, a lot of the changes, and development, inflation… things that we can all relate to but specifically from [the perspective of] her own identity and experiences,” Johnson said.

Gallery attendant Kira Jane was impressed by the gallery’s use of the space, admiring how much was able to fit in the limited area.

“We’ve never had something this ambitious in the gallery because it’s so small and [it] was just amazing to see someone fully utilizing the space,” said Jane, viewing RYAN!’s art along with the crowd.

The RYAN! Feddersen solo exhibition will remain on view until Oct. 21.

(Background) Manifest Signs IV. Work by RYAN! Feddersen Photo by Isaac Dobmeier

RYAN! Feddersen presents her unique perspective on art and modern life through a new exhibition in the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery.

“I see art as a valuable form of communication,” says Feddersen. “The way we see and the way we process our societal experiences. And so I started to create art as a way to positively contribute to culture.”

A mixed-race Native American artist and member of the Colville confederated tribes, Feddersen’s art tackles themes such as the conflict between her native culture and American culture, exploitation, extraction, capitalism and colonialism.

“I work sites specifically a lot, so a lot of my work is very much related to specific topics, and the work is made around thinking through a problem.

Problem-solving is a part of my practice,” Feddersen said. “This idea of working through a societal issue is part of what inspires the way I make work and I always try to look for ways that it can point to a productive resolution, whether it is a

shift in ideology or action or a way to kind of process through what’s happening.”

Feddersen describes herself as a visual artist who specializes in interactive installation and public artwork.

“Interactive installation is a form of art practice that combines different mediums [like] sculpture [and] printmaking, and I have a lot of projects that have elements that are participatory with the audience that they can touch, or have interactive components,” Feddersen said.

Accessibility and connection to an audience are essential to Feddersen’s art. “[My] intent is to encourage introspection in the audience. I try to provide enough direction that they can reach their own discoveries,” says Feddersen. “…I want it to be as legible for a 5-year-old as it is for an art historian… I want everyone to feel like they’re getting something out of it and clearly having an experience that is understandable to them no matter what their starting off point is.”

Feddersen’s public works include murals, sculptures, prints and immersive installations scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Various enameled pots. Work by RYAN! Feddersen Photo by Isaac Dobmeier

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Page 08

Have faith in ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Isaac Hinson Columnist 50 years after the release of the original masterpiece, Pazuzu returned to terrorize new blood in “The Exorcist: Believer,” released on Oct. 6. “The Exorcist: Believer” marks the fourth consecutive collaboration between director David Gordon Green, writer Danny McBride and producer Jason Blum, CEO of horror giant Blumhouse Productions. Previously that group had directed, written and produced the most recent trilogy of the “Halloween” movies.

Gordon Green’s venture into the “Halloween” franchise was a mixed bag. I was a fan of his first “Halloween” upon its release, but it has soured on me after repeat viewings. The sequels “Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends” have had an opposite effect on me, as I grow more appreciation for them as time passes after having initial disdain towards what they were trying to do.

When I initially watched the original “The Exorcist”, I was not a fan. I found it boring and didn’t really understand what all the hype was about.

I was also 16. I rewatched it this past Friday and was absolutely floored. I was astounded by not just the horror elements of the movie, which still hold up, but the drama as well. For my money, it’s one of the ten best movies ever made.

“The Exorcist: Believer” is not one of the ten best movies ever made. In fact, I don’t even know if it’s one of the ten best movies of the year. However that isn’t to say that it’s bad at all, I actually think it’s the best of Gordon Green’s legacy sequels.

“The Exorcist: Believer” follows the possession of two pre-teen girls, Katherine and Angela, played by Olivia O’Niell and Lidya Jewett respectively. Upping the ante in theory from the single girl possessed in the original. Angela’s family consists of just her and her father. Her mother leaves the picture early in the film af-

ter a very morally confusing prologue which involves Angela’s father Tanner, played by Leslie Odom Jr., forced to make his first impossible choice of the movie.

Since Gordon Green got his foot in the door with “Halloween,” he’s made a real effort to include real thematic value to his films. His films act as a sort-of trojan horse under the guise of these big franchise films for what he really wants to talk about; whether that is mob-justice, the inevitability of evil, people’s need to hate something or in the case of this new film: Faith (and abortion ethics, maybe?).

Has he been entirely successful in his endeavors? No, I don’t think so.

His tackling of these themes is often messy and all of his re-quels have been deeply flawed, but they’re equally ambitious and I can’t help but be drawn to that.

The original “The Exorcist” is all about regaining your faith, whether it’s been entirely lost or simply led astray. “The Exorcist: Believer” revis-

B

THE

its this in ways that feel derivative of the original, but also introduce some new layers. It’s incredibly conflicting.

Tanner is vocally an atheist in the film, losing his faith after the incident in the prologue. He dismisses the idea of possession and sends people who have come to bless his then-missing daughter’s bedroom packing. Katherine’s family are all vocally religious, attending church every Sunday as baptists.

This raises a very interesting dynamic between the two families: faith vs. disbelief. This dynamic raises compelling questions too: Are you a believer? You claim to be, but are you? You claim you aren’t, but do you? How hard are you willing to believe? Enough to not make a deal with the devil? All of this challenges our characters to face their faith, or lack thereof, head-on.

Lidya Jewett (Left) and Olivia O’Niell (Right) mid-exorcism Photo courtesy Universal Pictures

Returning from the original film is legendary actress Ellen Burstyn as Chris McNeil, mother to the original of Pazuzu’s victims Regan McNeil.

The treatment of Burstyn’s character here is strange to say the least, and is clearly in vain of the direction Gordon Green took Laurie Strode in the “Halloween” films, specifically in “Halloween Kills,” for better and for worse.

Green makes some extremely bold choices with McNeil’s character, which are often in dialogue with the original film, but it feels like something maybe got lost in translation.

They were incredibly effective in the moment, if not ultimately seeming bizarre, and they appear to be a direct set-up for the next film. Which brings up the fact that this is an incomplete story.

“The Exorcist: Deceiver” is currently set for release on April 15, 2025, and another final film in this new trilogy is seemingly in development as well. Blumhouse Productions and Universal Studios spent $400M acquiring the rights to the franchise, so it’s fair to say that they will be going through with this trilogy regardless of the critical or commercial success of “The Exorcist: Believer”. There are a lot of decisions made by both the filmmaker and the characters that lead fairly naturally into another installment, but this leaves the end of the film feeling somewhat underwhelming.

Is it a good idea for the most precious horror stories in the history of Hollywood to be entrusted to one man? I don’t think so. I don’t even really think he does either, as he has commented that he’s unsure if he will be returning to head “The Exorcist: Deceiver”. Is it good for the industry for the tentpole horror event of the year - every year - to come from the same studio, the same director and the same writers? No, not at all. I would go as far to say it objectively isn’t, but Gordon Green remains committed to giving us as an audience the unexpected and in this current Hollywood landscape, that’s admirable.

Ellen Burstyn (left) and Leslie Odom Jr. (right) Photo courtesy Universal Pictures

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Page 09

October 11, 2023

BSERVED OPINION SECTION

Morgana’s Complaint Corner: I’m mad at streaming services Morgana Carroll Columnist In this last year I am more glad than ever that my mom has bought and hoarded DVDs and VHSs like a dragon on a pile of gold.

As of late I have more recently than not immediately gone to the boxes in our garage full of movies before I go to streaming services when I want to watch an older movie.

I got tired of looking up where to watch a specific movie, and seeing that it was only available on Amazon, Vudu or Apple TV. I recently wanted to binge all the old Men In Black Movies, and despite only having been added to MAX earlier this year.

Streaming services have been treating their libraries of movies and shows as if it were a revolving door, constantly adding and removing their content on a regular basis. What’s the point in paying for so many

streaming services if half the time when I want to watch a movie or show I have no idea which one has it, if it even has it?

On top of the inconsistent libraries, the streaming services have been proposing adding new packages to make up for lost revenue. Disney+, which was advertised at launch as a streaming service without ads, is now reporting that it will have an $8 version with ads, which is close to its original price, and the ad free version will be $11.

The acting and writing talent, you know the ones responsible for the media we like, were also getting paid next to nothing for their work as far as streaming residuals go. Writers are being paid more, a recent change thanks to the writers strike, and it appears that will be the case for actors as well, but it shouldn’t have been that way in the first place.

Why do I have so many streaming services, but nothing to watch?

Photo courtesy of pexels

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What I adore about the fall weather Coal Butler Columnist

Overcast

Fall is such a beautiful time, it best represents what I think of as the perfect season. It’s the slow transition from a scorching summer to a cooler, more comfortable winter. I love the colors it brings out in nature and the atmosphere it brings to public spaces. I find it fascinating to see the variety of amazing colors fall brings.

The weather that comes with fall is something that cannot compare to any other part of it. The holidays, the flavors and the colors can’t compare to the complexities of the weather. It can be so diverse, yet so consistent at the same time. Whether it’s blindingly hot, a calming overcast or a massive downpour I’m almost always content with whatever it may be.

Sunshine There’s just something about a nice sunny day that just puts me in a good mood, especially when you’re going out and about for the day.

Even just walking to class while the sun’s rays are shining on me is an almost enlightening experience. The only time it doesn’t is if it’s shining directly into my eyes.

That I cannot stand, especially if I’m driving or a passenger, it simply annoys me.

An unfortunate side effect of the sun is the heat that it can cause. I hate summer for that reason almost entirely. It’s unbearable. Especially if it’s dry or stuffy, like the inside of a car that’s had its heater running.

If I can avoid overheating, I love the sun. It’s almost like it’s giving me energy to get things done. It can boost my mood on an otherwise average day.

Sun poking out of the clouds.

Photo illustartion by Brandon Davis

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My personal favorite type of weather, when there are clouds in the sky but little to no rain. It’s calming and sets the temperature to an almost perfect amount.

Seeing clouds in the sky but no rain is just so calming, it just melts away any stress like butter. I love how the gray tone in the sky can bring out the other, brighter colors around me.

The only grievance I have, and it’s a minor one, is on days where I’m doing something exciting or high energy. It can be kind of disheartening to be playing football or volleyball and the sky is gray. I can overlook that disappointing feeling since waking up late on a weekend, nothing to do and the sky is gray is such a relaxing experience to me.

Rain When we talk about rain, there are so many different varieties to talk about. There’s sprinkling, misting, pouring, dumping and so many others. I’m just going to talk about classic, everyday rain; the kind that you don’t go out into if you have the chance.

Rain is the best excuse to not go out and do anything. It’s also when I find myself inthe most productive mood, the pitter patter of raindrops hitting the ground makes me work more efficiently for some reason.

Washington is a rainy state so it’s something I’m used to, but nevertheless, rain is something I can still enjoy.

On rainy days during spring break when I was in 5th grade, I would always hang out with my best friend, who lived right next to me. That gave me some of my best childhood memories. Walking home from elementary school while it’s raining, in anticipation of playing whatever game we were going to play, it gives me a great wave of nostalgia.

Overall, I love the rain. Even though it can sometimes ruin a day’s plans, I enjoy the relaxation that a nice rainy day can bring.

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NEWS Page 10

October 11, 2023

‘Rocky Horror’ ramps CWU police lieutenant climbs up production 12 peaks this summer Continued from Pg. 1 “By that point, we were far enough into it that the motivation to finish the project was there,” McPherson said.

The last peak McPherson and Burson climbed was Mount Baker. McPherson said while they were exhausted, it was exciting knowing they completed the trip.

According to McPherson, when they got to the top of Mount Baker, it was a clear day and they had the summit to themselves.

At the top, McPherson said they could see to Canada and out through the Pacific Ocean to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

“It was exciting knowing that you’re done,” McPherson said.

McPherson said that being able to share this experience

with Burson was awesome because they are such great climbing buddies and have the same goals. He said that they have been climbing together for 13 or 14 years.

“Somebody mentioned that I climbed mountains too and so we got connected and started climbing and we’ve been buddies ever since,” McPherson said.

McPherson said he got into climbing as an adult after the loss of his father and sister, who both wanted to climb Mount Rainier. McPherson and his brother took some flowers and spread their ashes at Rainier.

“That’s where I got hooked, just because I know that both my dad and my sister had wanted to climb Mount Rainier [but] never had the opportunity,” McPherson said.

North Sister in the morning. Photo courtesy of Marc McPherson

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Gracen Bayer makes her stage-directing debut. Photo by Yohanes Goodell

Continued from Pg. 1 “We had to prepare a 90-second dance lip-sync routine, which is strange,” Glans said. “That’s not how most auditions are formatted.

But we’re also in a strange situation where we’re a shadowcast and not a normal-cast … We did ‘Into the Woods’ last year and that was a full musical.”

“Rocky Horror” is unique in being presented as a shadowcast as opposed to a traditional production, where the original film is played behind the actors as they perform on stage. This creates a different experience for everyone involved, notably the actors.

“Being in a shadowcast requires different skills,” Glans said. “Like accuracy and precision with timing of matching your mouth to the characters on screen. Mirroring what they’re doing but also filing in those gaps of what you can’t see in that moment in the scene. Like if a camera zoomed in on a specific character, then you’re not seeing the ensemble anymore on screen.”

Senior musical theater student Yuka Kawai has taken on the task of choreography for the show. For her first ever choreography job, Kawai drew from many places for inspiration, including from last year’s show.

“Last year’s choreographer Annabelle Brash,” Kawai said in regards to her influences. “She did a phenomenal job last year … I also ended up searching a bunch of Beyonce videos actually, especially looking at her backup dancers.”

Kawai said she wanted to maintain the spirit of the original movie when creating the choreography, out of both pure necessity and to

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honor the audience that knows and loves the show.

“A lot of the vibes come from the movie itself,” Kawai said. “Numbers like ‘Timewarp’ where the dance moves are literally in the lyrics: ‘It’s just a jump to the left and a step to the right.’ There are some things that I cannot change, especially since Rocky is such an interactive show and the audience knows the choreography.”

Kawai also wasn’t afraid to deviate from the source material either, especially when she would come up with an idea she decided was too good to pass up.

“There are some things I strayed away from,” Kawai said. “For example, ‘Touch Me,’ I don’t actually remember how this idea struck me initially, but I took full liberty in saying ‘Yep, I want this number to be a lap dance routine,’ which is not in the movie. But I thought that would be fun.”

This year’s production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” showcases on Oct. 29th. Kawai is most excited for people, specifically people who have never seen Rocky Horror Picture Show before, to experience the same things that made her fall in love with the show.

“What made me fall in love with Rocky initially was seeing all the finger lights,” Kawai said. “We give the audience members goodie bags.

In them there are finger lights, and we ask the audience to hold them up during ‘There’s a Light,’ and it’s just a wave of colors among the audience swaying side to side while they’re singing. I think that;s the first moment that the audience are going to clutch onto and I’m really excited to see it again this year.”

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Page 11

EVENTS

October 11, 2023

Wildcat Words: What is your favorite thing about fall weather?

Molly Spilker

Zara Yokoyama

Rebecca Rose

Hideki Takei

Fr. Communications & Public Relations

Data Consultant (IERP)

Sr. Psychology and Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies

Professor and Director of University Student Research

“I like it when it’s a little bit cold so the weather is a little bit crisp, and with the gray clouds, and the bright orange and red of the leaves is just so pretty and cool.”

“The changing colors and it starts to cool off, so you can spend more time outside.”

“I really like the style of Fall outfits because it’s not too cold and not too warm, so you can still wear jeans and stuff.”

“It’s nice weather and nice wind, but at the same time it’s a new academic year so I can see the fresh faces and active atmosphere of new students.”

Education and French Horn Performance

Kellen Schuetze is a Senior who’s majoring in music education and French horn performance. Despite being born in Tacoma, he was raised in Switzerland for six years before returning home and eventually pursued a music career playing the French horn.

Q&A compiled by Yohanes Goodell

A A & & Q Senior, Major in Music Q

Kellen Schuetze Tell me more about your origins in playing the French horn?

I originally started playing the horn in sixth grade because of how unique and how little it’s really played. You see a lot of people who want to play the clarinet or want to play the trumpet, but it’s really rare when you have a student who wants to play the French horn. The French horn is circular, you put your hand in the bell and it’s just weird, but it’s such an iconic instrument. I’ve been playing since sixth grade so it’s been around 11 years.

As you’ve played for 11 years, have you had any milestone achievements or events you’ve been a part of throughout your career?

I’m a total advocate for you know, going to competitions and some of that. Have I done many of that, you know, during my years, whether it was in high school or college? No, not really. Though I’ve made it into the top ensembles, here. I made it into the wind ensemble two years ago and then the orchestra last year. This year, for the first time, I became principal for the CWU orchestra.

What made you enroll and play at CWU in the first place?

I used to live in Switzerland but I was born in Tacoma. I’ve always known that I wanted to be an educator. Through my high school years, it started to become more of a music focus, however it didn’t really hit until we had this wind festival at my highschool. The wind ensemble back then played on this piece called Symphony Number Four by David Maslanka. As I was just sitting there in the audience as a junior in high school, I was blown away. That’s why I came here, because I wanted to play just as good as they did and have someone else be inspired to say, oh, if I go here then I can also sound like that and I can be that person on stage.

Kayla Chrobak Soph. History

“I like the rain because I’m from the far west side, and the rain just makes me feel comforted.”

Weekly Events

12

National Farmers Day Noon to 2 p.m. - Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry

THURS

13

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 3rd Annual Healthy Relationship Fair 9 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. - SURC presents The Hot New Jam

FRI

14

National Dessert Day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Ellensburg Farmers Market

SAT

15

National Grouch Day

SUN

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - THRIVE: Book Club in Black Hall 105-01 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Chemtoberfest Science Lobby, Science 101, Science 103 and Science 147 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m - Monday Movie Madness: “Joy Ride.” SURC Theatre

16 MON

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Dress for Success in SURC 137 A and B

17

9 a.m to 11 a.m. - Wildcat Farm Open Hours 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - SURC presents Geek Out, Game Out

18

National Pasta Day

TUES

WED

On the topic of CWU and Ellensburg, what’s your favorite place to eat around here?

I feel like Ellsberg is such a small but unique town because it has everything. If I were to go to one place it would probably be The Red Pickle “because they have this chicken sandwich that’s to die for.”

What’s one piece of advice you would give to any aspiring music student?

I tell all incoming freshmen this: get out of the building, don’t play too much and don’t burn yourself out. You can burn yourself out because you think you must practice constantly, but if you burn yourself out you can lose the love of music.

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HEALTH CARE YOU DESERVE.

October 11, 2023