CWU Pulse Magazine

Coffee Consumption How Much is Too Much?

Winter

Driving Know Before You Go

Facebook

Dilemma: Accept or Decline?

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CONTENTS 18

3 Editors Note 4 Pulse Staff

OUR TOWN

24

32 Pop The Cork

KISS & TELL

58 If the Boots Fits 60 Organize it, Baby!

34 Facebook Dilemma 6 Santa Claus is Comin’ to 38 Love Lockdown Town 42 Avoid Breakup 8 Photo Contest Winner

SPOTLIGHT

MIND & BODY

66 Pre-funking 68 Karaoke Poison

SPARE CHANGE

44 On the Edge... Of Debt 10 Keeping Skin Moisterized 46 Black Friday Tips 12 Studying 101 14 How To Avoid the Turkey PASSPORT Tummy 48 Winter Driving 52 Fresh Pow FOOD & DRINK 54 Holiday Events 18 Turkey Dinner For Two 22 Turkey Time: Farm Fresh FASHION 24 Coffee Consumption 56 Ugly Christmas Sweater

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46

62 The Gift of Giving 64 Taxi Driver Etraordinaire

AFTER DARK

CALENDAR

70 Music Mania

Cover Photos Courtesy of morguefile.com

EDITOR’S NOTE Pulse Readers, Starting my editor’s note for this issue has been a bit of a challenge. With every word I type I know it’s my last, as I am graduating from Central in just a few short weeks.

Words can begin to explain how blessed I feel to have been a part of Pulse as a writer, designer, photographer and editor-in-chief for the past year. Helping build this publication, watching it grow and change to what it has become today has been the most rewarding part of my time at Central. I’d like to take a minute to thank all my staff, designers, advisors and everyone who has helped me with Pulse over the past year. With a heavy heart, I say goodbye and I wish you all the best!

Since Thanksgiving is only days away, Pulse featured three stories relating to turkey this issue: How to Avoid the Turkey Tummy, Turkey Dinner for Two and Two Five Dollar Bills and Turkey Time: Farm Fresh. Our feature and cover story is on Coffee Consumption: How Much is Too Much? You’ll be surprised at how much the average American drinks per day. With winter temperatures and snow already on the ground, for safety tips read Winter Driving—Know Before You Go and get in the holiday spirit through Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Embrace the Ugly, Empower the Tacky.

Make sure to look for a new issue of Pulse in February and Happy Holidays to all!

Make memories and enjoy the ride!

Britta Dillon Editor-in-Chief CWUPulse@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ cwupulsemagazine Devin Larson Assistant Editor Virginia Holman Graphic Designer Jennifer Green Adviser Kristin Gaskill Business & Advertising Manager

Central Washington University’s policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education in employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, material status, disability, or status as a protected veteran.The person responsible for CWU’s institutional compliance with various federal and state laws and institutional policies dealing with discrimination is Staci Sleigh-Layman, Interim Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Barge Hall 221, -509-963-2205 TTD 509-963-2207. CWU is an AA/EEO/ Title IX institution.

Upon request, this document is available in accessible formats (Braille, large print or audio cassette). Contact Disability Support Services at 509-963-2171 TDD 509-963-2146. Pulse falls under the auspices of the Student Media Board at Central Washington University. For more information, contact the Communication Department at http://www.cwu.edu/~comm/

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THE STAFF

JOHN BARAN What do you like to do in your off time?

Play guitar, play video games and listen to music.

Who is your favorite artist?

Megadeth What is your dream job?

Working with Dog the Bounty Hunter

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VIRGINIA HOLMAN What are you currently reading?

The Communication Arts Magazine design and advertising annuals.

What book is on your Amazon wish list?

South African Township Barber Shops and Salons.

Why are you looking forward to winter break?

More time to weight lift.

KEATON MCATEE If you were an animal what would you be?

I would be a bald eagle. I could fly, I’m not allowed to be killed and I live for a long time. Plus all the girls would love me and I’m the king of the sky!

BRITTA DILLON What do you do to relax/ calm down?

Go on a photo adventure. I love photography.

What song best describes your life right now?

You’re gonna miss thisTrace Adkins One trait you’re thankful to have?

Creativity Favorite Shoes?

Hot Pink Sparkle Converse

BRITTNEY CASINI What is your favorite drink?

Redbull and Vodka or lemon drop.

What was your favorite movie as a child?

I was obsessed with Grease. I had every song memorized.

What is one thing you live by?

Everything happens for a reason.

KELSEY GREUPNER Best advice you’ve ever received?

“Be true to yourself and always stand up for what is right.” My dad What is your favorite movie?

Home Alone!

What is one thing you have on your bucket list?

Take my mom to NY Times Square for the New Year’s Celebration!

WHITNEY HAHN If you could be a mixed drink what would you be?

Sex on the beach If you could makeout with one reality celebrity, who would it be?

ChadOchoCinco, hands down.

JAKE UPDEGRAFF Who inspires you to be a better person?

Carrie Underwood What’s one thing you cannot live without?

Music If you could trade places with any celebrity, who would it be?

Selena Gomez… so I could date Justin Bieber.

HANNAH DAHL What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas is, by far. The decorations make it so festive.

Ski or snowboard?

There is no competition there… snowboarding will always be better.

Favorite Starbucks holiday drink?

Double tall non-fat pumpkin spice latte.

TRAVIS KLECKLEY What superpower would you want?

Shooting lightening from my hands.

Super hero or villain?

I’d like to be a bad guy, but I don’t like to do bad things so it makes things difficult.

Most hated thing?

Racists

DEVIN LARSON What is the worst day of the week?

Tuesday because there are still four more days after and Mondays are expected to be bad.

Favorite smell?

Citrus fruits Favorite quote?

Be yourself; everyone else is taken.-Oscar Wilde

NAOMI NEWELL Do you have an innie or an outtie?

Innie What’s your favorite flavored Pringles?

Pizza flavored!

What is one of your biggest fears?

Rats Do you want to bring sexy back?

I bring sexy back everyday of my life

KIM FAIRBANKS Who inspires you to be a better person?

My mom and Oprah.

If you could go one place in the world for a month where would it be?

BRAZIL – Rio de Janeiro What do you want to be when you grow up?

Oprah.

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SANTA CLAUS IS

COMIN’ TO TOWN! Jake Updegraff

Illustration by Virginia Holman

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OUR TOWN

W

hether we like to admit it or not, people of all ages get excited thinking about Christmas and Santa Claus.

The only problem is finding him. Santa Claus is a very busy man around the holiday season. To help spread the Christmas spirit Mr. Claus sends out helpers to do the giving.

One event that the Ellensburg community looks forward to is when Santa rolls around town in a red convertible Miate passing out gifts to kids.

Ellensburg resident and mother Sofia Najera experienced her own surprise when her 4-yearold son, Skylar, had a santa encounter.

Red car Santa isn’t the only Santa in town. Local residents also get the opportunity to take a photo with the big man himself. Team Hope of Ellensburg gives families a chance to take their own photo with Santa Claus. Laurie Haberman Photography will take the photos Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Sandbox, located at 301 West 4th Ave.

“Each year brings something new. I love the excitement of the kids as they sit with Santa.

Some just stare in awe, some are so happy they can’t sit still and a few nuzzle into his soft beard,” says Haberman.

Even Central students want to experience the magic of Santa Claus.

“It was really exciting to actually see Santa just pull up and give Skylar a present.

Even though he was little, it “I take a picture with Santa was still very, very exciting!” Claus and I’m 21. When Najera recalls.

Christmas time comes around I feel like a little kid all over It might be hard to come again,” says Law and Justice across Santa Claus in his major Heidi Hicks. car, since he doesn’t have a planned schedule and makes Haberman’s prices range his appearances a surprise. from $10-25 depending on the “It happened randomly. We had just pulled into my mom’s driveway, and he saw my son Skylar and did a U-turn.

Immediately he pulled into the driveway and gave him a toy puppy that he still sleeps with every day,” Najera says.

favorite modern

christmas

song Jake Updegraff

A

sure way to get people in the mood for the holiday seasons is by music. Pulse Magazine conducted a survey of 42 students to find out what the most popular modern Christmas song is.

Check out the results!

“

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by *NSYNC. It can cheer me up no matter what during the holidays.

”

Nick Ringbom

package. So if you happen to miss Santa’s surprise drive around town, there are still opportunities to give him your Christmas wish list. Remember, ‘tis the season to be jolly!

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Photo Contest Pulse conducted a photo contest for students to submit their

pictures of Ellensburg landscape or scenery. Here are the winners!

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OUR TOWN

2nd place By Austin Droguett

Burg In the Winter Photos by Britta Dillon

1st place By W. David Covert

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Keeping Skin

Tips to Keep

During Cold

ACCORDING TO EHOW.COM

Moisturized

Your Skin Happy 1. Moisturize daily, in the morning and at night. At night apply thicker lotions to your hands and feet and cover them with socks and gloves. This will keep them moisturized during the whole night and you will wake up feeling pampered.

Weather Brittney Casini

W

hen the weather gets dry and brisk, your skin tends to need more moisture.

According to Ellensburg’s Alente Spa and Salon esthetician Kelsee Drain, using the right moisturizer can help alleviate dry skin and help with other skin problems.

Aveda products like other organic moisturizers are made from all natural ingredients, are gentle on your skin, and help circulation. Among Aveda products, the men’s moisturizers are made with more oil for rougher skin types, Drain says. There are many different types of moisturizes sold, but it is important to make sure that you are satisfying your skins needs. Drain stresses the importance of applying the necessary lotions and exfoliating regularly.

According to Drain, the two products you must have are a lotion with SPF and an exfoliator. SPF is a key

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2. Always use lip balm.

Lip balm is great to keep lips moisturized and protected from getting chapped. You should always keep it on hand and use it regularly.

3. Exfoliate once a week.

This will help your skin by removing dead skin. Apply ½ cup of coarse sugar with 1 cup of coconut oil to skin and scrub using circular motions.

4. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Drinking enough water will keep your skin moisturized inside and out. Eating fruits and vegetables will also give your skin a nice glow. ingredient that will protect your skin and keep it healthy in the long run. The skin is your largest organ in your body and the better it is taken care of the happier your skin will be.

First Two Photos taken by Brittney Casini Last Photo Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com

MIND & BODY

TOP 10 BEST NO SHAVE NOVEMBER

By Naomi Newell PRODUCTS TO KEEP SKIN MOISTURIZED ACCORDING TO TOTALBODY.COM:

1. JERGENS- SHEA BUTTER CREAM $3.81 2. AVEENO- DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION $8.49 3. LUBRIDERM- INTENSE SKIN REPAIR $8.79 4. EUCERIN- CALMING CRÈME $7.99

Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

5. JOHNSON’S- MELT AWAY STRESS $6.29 6. NIVEA- SMOOTHING SENSATION $5.99 7. BURT’S BEES- SMOOTHING SENSITIVE AND BUTTERMILK $9.99

Does ‘No-Shave-November’ make guys more or less attractive?

8. BONNIE BELL- LIP SMACKERS LIP GLOSS $2.99 9. BLISTEX- LIP MEDEX $1.59 10. BEECOLOGY- NATURAL LIP BALM $2.99

Our results were split almost right down the middle.Of 33 students surveyed,17 voters felt that facial hair made men more attractive and 16 felt it didn’t.

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Illustration by Virginia Holman

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MIND & BODY

W

ith finals right around the corner, its prime time to begin a plan of attack.

Whether you like to study around the clock or do a little bit at a time, here are some ideas to help you succeed when it comes to crunch time.

Preparing for finals and trying to ease high stress during the last few weeks of a quarter is a huge challenge.

Uri Farkas, of the University of Oregon Alumni Association, provides some insightful tips for students during finals.

“As I would read or study my textbooks, I would actively make note cards with key information on one side and the topic or clue on the other side,” said Farkas. “Just creating the note cards would help with the memorization process and keep me focused.”

Kelene Patterson, Family Studies major, has a similar technique, “The best study method for me is to make note cards. Also, [I] write down the material over and over until I understand and know it.”

A second tip from Farkas was to try and form study groups to quiz one another on the note cards. He likes to pass that tip down to students from his own personal experiences when he attended college.

Some Ways To Limit Stress During Finals:

Repetition is the key for Matt Buckingham, Business Administration major. “I like to read through the entire material first before I even start studying to get a feel for the information. Then, I answer any study guide questions by hand and then lots of repetition.”

3. Eat healthy to stay energized.

Farkas suggests a new location is best for studying.“Get out of the house, apartment or residence hall, because if your bed is too close it’s easy to nap and if the TV is too close it’s too easy to turn on.” Get in the study zone by going to the Student Union, library or favorite study spot.

We have all been there and felt like we practically moved into Brooks Library during that intense week.

“I start studying three days before the test, and go to the library,” says senior, Alex Gaiani.

1. Start prepping for finals at least two weeks in advance.

2. Get good sleep.

4. Get in a low-stress workout to refresh your mind and burn off stress.

5. Limit late nights the weekend before finals.

6. Limit caffeine, incorporate more water.

7. Have confidence and do your best.

Pulse polled 26 students to find out how they study for finals. A majority of students, 69 percent, cram last minute as their studying habit.

DON’T STUDY AT ALL STUDY AT LEAST A WEEK IN ADVANCED CRAM THE NIGHT BEFORE

Keep calm and stay cool.

Everything you worked so hard on all quarter will shine through on your exams. Exert confidence and celebrate when you’re finished.

You can do it!

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Photos Courtesy of morguefile.com

MIND & BODY

How To

Avoid the

TURKEY TUMMY Whitney Hahn

L

ooking to prevent those pumpkin pies from going straight to your thighs this year?

According to one medical website, Mayoclinic.com the average Thanksgiving dinner “can easily add up to 4,000 calories.” Although no one wants to count calories during the holiday season, it doesn’t mean you need to neglect your exercise routine over the entire break.

Here are a few ways to make your body thankful on Thanksgiving:

RACES AND FUN-RUNS First, try finding a local race in your neighborhood or a nearby city. Seattle has a Turkey Trot, a 5k jog, walk or run on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, near Ballard. There are many other 5k turkey day races that are great for the whole family to walk or run.

“Even something as simple as going for a brisk jog or walk could be the difference between staying fit and packing on more winter pudding,” says Ryan Galindo, personal trainer at the CWU Recreational Center.

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DOCTOR’S ORDERS Besides exercise, what else can a student do to stay balanced over break? “Being around family is certainly affirming, but you need to plan for quiet time. It’s not something to feel guilty about and can actually add to the enjoyment of family by allowing oneself a break from just being around family,” says Randy Robinette, director of Central’s Student Health and Counseling Clinic.

CREATIVE WITH CARDIO Yakima Athletic Club Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor Gussie Han says, “Get creative, you just need to get your heart rate up. I like doing lunges or jumping jacks while the commercials are on between your favorite show.”

One of Gussie’s clients swears by running stairs or bleachers, which can be a great way to tone your “tush.” Head to your local high school when you get back home to hit the bleachers for a killer workout.

“Even though it’s called ‘Thanksgiving break’ doesn’t mean you need to completely break your exercise routine,” says the Rec Center’s Galindo.

Keep moving and watch your portions, and you’ll be thankfully surprised when you come back to school.

Photos Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com

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MIND & BODY

What’s your favorite part of

Thanksgiving

o dt ar key.

20/5 m 1st a

rveyed look u s s nt for e o e t a s t o ver w ud d po tu e r sh

dinner?

By Whitney Hahn

M

ost people would assume that everyone’s favorite part of Thanksgiving is the turkey. Not according to our online survey. More students choose mashed potatoes.

percent

24 only

look forward to

PIE

20% look for ward to

“I choose mashed potatoes because without them, is it really Thanksgiving? I mean every family has different side dishes, but I have not met a single person whose family didn’t have mashed potatoes. My family didn’t eat turkey until recently.”

Samantha Dick Family Studies major “Mashed potatoes are great because they go out as easy as they come in!”

Nathan Woodward Education major

TURKEY 17

Turkey Dinner

for Two and Two Five

Dollar Bills Britta Dillon

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FOOD & DRINK

I

t’s the day after Thanksgiving and what’s for lunch? Turkey.

What’s for dinner? Turkey.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat until all the leftovers are gone.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is known as an outsized celebration which requires multiple days of de-thawing, prepping and cooking. And that’s just the turkey! If your Thanksgiving is only two people and you don’t want to eat the same thing every day for leftovers or you plan on doing a ‘college style’ Thanksgiving with a few friends before heading home for the holidays then listen up. We’ve done a step by step process for a simple meal all for under $10!

The Shopping List (for cornbread turkey muffin recipe ) • Corn Bread 50 cents • Cranberry sauce (canned) $1 • Turkey Breast (in this case mine was $5.20) if you prefer dark me at go for a turkey leg or thigh Running total: $6.70 (w/o tax) To make it a full meal also pick up : • Mashed Potatoes $1 • Gravy 89 cents Grand Total: $8.59 (w/o tax) • Milk & one egg need for corn bre ad

The Equipment

• Baking Sheet • Cupcake pans (2, six cupcake s each pan) • Cutting board • Fork/knife/spoon • Salt/peper/EVOO (extra vir gin olive oil) • Medium/Large Plastic Bowl • Paper towel

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STEP ONE: COOK TURKEY 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Rinse turkey off with water and blot dry with paper towel 3. Salt and pepper the turkey (I added a pinch of basil, EVOO and butter) if you only have salt and pepper that works fine by itself!

4. Cook turkey (in this case breast, it might be different times for leg or thigh) 40 minutes or until no pink (look on the back of the turkey package there should be a suggestion for time).

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FOOD & DRINK

STEP TWO: MAKE CORNBREAD 1. Follow instructions on corn bread box for cooking temperature and time. You’ll need one egg and a little milk.

thinly slice.

STEP THREE: PREPARE SANDWICH 1. Now both the corn bread 4. Once corn bread is cooled, cut it in half horizontally (if and turkey are done. they aren’t cooled enough 2. Shred turkey meat using they will crumble) stack turkey meat and cranberry slice 2. Once turkey is done, re-heat two forks. and enjoy! oven to correct temperature All Photos Taken by Birtta Dillon and cook corn bread.

3. Open cranberry can and

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FOOD & DRINK

TURKEY TIME:

Recently she has been attempting to come up with a breed that she deems healthy.

Broad-breasted turkeys in particular get so big that their chest closes off their esophagus making it so difficult to breath that they literally suffocate themselves.

Nicole has now began to breed broadbreasted females with Heritage males in hopes of creating a healthier bird.

Her only requirement for the turkeys is that they are in good health and are intelligent enough to keep themselves alive.

FARM FRESH Kim Fairbanks

Thanksgiving is

just around the corner and the sale of turkeys skyrockets.

This year consider looking past your grocery store deli and buying farm fresh poultry for a healthier turkey day meal. Nicole and David Burk have just such a place in Ellensburg: Triton’s Farm.

Next year the Burk’s plan on having approximately 20 to 30 poults that will be for sale by Thanksgiving 2012.

If you are looking for turkeys next year expect to pay $4/ pound. “There is nothing comparable to the taste of a turkey that has been raised on a farm,” Nicole says. “The flavor is just totally different.”

In October 2007, they began building their farm from the ground up from what was once only a bare patch of land. With business being seasonal, Nicole and David work year round to maintain their farm. They sell eggs from their chickens at the Farmer’s Market and they also offer delivery of their eggs ito homes in Ellensburg.

Nicole calls her chickens “her girls” and the passion, time and care she puts into these birds is obvious.

Nicole is not a vegetarian and she prefers to raise her own animals. “The thought of eating an animal that has been tortured all of its life bothers me,” Nicole says.

All Photos courtesy of Nicole Burk

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How Much is Too Much?

Coffee Consumption

Britta Dillon

Java, Cup of Joe, Mocha, Espresso, Latte, Frappuccino, Nonfat, No whip, Carmel, Vanilla, Tall, Grande, Venti… the custom-order coffee list could go on and on. With our fast paced on-the-go society, it’s no wonder there’s a Starbucks on every street corner and local drive thru coffee huts popping up all over the map. The coffee industry is booming.

Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

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25

B

ut with all this delicious COFFEE CONSUMPTION convenience, how much A staggering number of coffee is too much?

Americans consume coffee as a daily ritual, with 54 percent Nearly $18 billion hard-earned of Americans over the age of American dollars are spent on 18 drinking coffee every day, coffee every year according according to the National to research by the National Coffee Association. With the Coffee Association. The average overwhelming amount of price for an espresso-based coffee shops within minutes drink is $2.45 and the average of each other, it’s easier than American drinks 3.1 9 ounce ever to get a caffeine boost to cups per day. Hypothetically, make it through a long day. if you were to purchase three “A 24 oz. mocha per day at $2.45, that’s $51.45 per week, $205.80 per month Frappaccino at and $2,263.80 per year spent Starbucks with on coffee alone. With the whipped cream average cost of one quarter has almost 500 of tuition and fees at CWU at $2,600, the money saved calories—that’s 25 from purchasing coffee for percent of [a] daily the average American for calorie intake.” one year could go to pay for 87 percent of one quarter of college education.

A healthy adult should limit caffeine intact to 200-300 Despite the economic downturn, milligrams per day, according 80 percent of coffee drinkers to the American Dietetic have not changed their buying Association’s Complete Food habits, according to the 2010 and Nutrition Guide. This annual survey of the National equates to about two 8 ounce Coffee Association, reported cups of coffee per day. The in specialtycoffee.com. “Even amount of caffeine per cup if economic conditions cause varies depending on style of some to alter their coffee coffee: drip, espresso, latte choices, they are nonetheless and also other ingredients continuing to enjoy coffee at added, like chocolate or levels very much on par with syrups. recent years,” Robert Nelson, president and CEO of the “As far as espresso goes, you National Coffee Association can either get one shot with told coffeemarvel.com. nothing else (known as a

26

“solo”) or “doppio,” two shots of espresso. These are more common in Europe, where as in America most people prefer a sweeter type of drink. A latte is steamed milk and espresso and mocha is steamed milk, chocolate and espresso,” says D&M Barista Dessa Boyle.

STUDY BUDDY Staying up ‘til the wee hours of the morning to finish a paper or cram for a test isn’t a new trend. College students are constantly trying to defy the odds and push our bodies to stay up as long as it takes to get the work done. Most of the time, this means we need caffeine. “[I] definitely notice a rise in coffee sales around midterms,” says Ashley Golding, Barista at Cat Trax East coffee stand in the CWU SURC. Students reaching for coffee or energy drinks to keep eyelids from slamming shut experience both positive and negative effects from this abuse of caffeine. “One positive effect of caffeine on students is a temporary increase in alertness, allowing students to retain focus while they study,” according to livestrong.com.

“We have a lot of students coming in since we’re next to Highline [Community]

FOOD & DRINK

e F a e c f f t s o C 54% of Amercians

OVER

18 old years

drink coffee

EVERYDAY REALITY CHECK

THE HABIT

espresso three times a day THE COST per day $7.35 per week $51.45 per month $205.80 per year $2,263.80

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College. [Most students] get at least two shots and I’ve had some say they had to stay up all night. I think they rely on coffee a lot for studying,” says Samantha Hoffman, Barista at Starbucks in Kent.

The relationship between coffee consumption and mortality, as analyzed by Harvard School of Public Health Assistant Professor of Nutrition Dr. Rob van Dam, states that drinking up to six cups of coffee a day is not HEALTH BENEFITS associated with increased Research on coffee’s health risk of death from any cause, benefits and risks offers some or death from cancer or good news for coffee drinkers. cardiovascular disease.

Coffee consumption may protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer and liver cirrhosis, according to Dam’s research.

However, this research is still in an active stage and new studies are being done to examine individual relationships between effects of coffee and disease more closely.

“Keep in mind that the research is typically based on coffee that’s black or with a little milk or sugar, but not with the kind of high-calorie coffeehouse beverages that have become popular over the past few years,” writes Dam.

() 80

percent of coffee drinkers have not changed their buying habits despite the economic downturn

Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

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COUNTING CALORIES Using caffeine as a temporary boost of energy doesn’t come without consequences.

According to Dam, being aware of how many calories are in your caffeinated beverages is vital to understanding health risks involved.

“A 24 oz. mocha Frappaccino at Starbucks with whipped cream has almost 500 calories— that’s 25 percent of the daily calorie intake for someone who requires 2,000 calories a day,” says Dam. “This could lead to weight gain over time, which could in turn increase risk of type 2 diabetes, and that’s a major concern. People may not realize that having

FOOD & DRINK

a beverage like that adds so from late night study sessions much to their energy intake.” have a negative effect on student brains and bodies.

Former Tully’s Barista Molly “[Students] seem to think Gingerich says most people drinking caffeine can replace are not aware of the calories sleep,” says former barista associated with coffee drinks. Gingerich.

“Especially if they don’t ask for nonfat milk and have a “To avoid this negative effect sugary flavor added, like of caffeine, refrain from using mochas or white mochas, 400 caffeine during evening study or so calories in a 16 ounce sessions, and do not ingest drink,” she says. caffeine within four to six hours The amount of calories depends on the drink and how it’s ordered.

“There are some people who understand calories when it comes to drinking coffee, those are the ones who get americanos or drip coffee,” Golding says. “But there are also people who get a venti extra chocolate mocha with nonfat milk and then add whipped cream. I don’t really think they understand how it works.”

GPA, CRAMMING WITH COFFEE AND SLEEP According to USA Today, a study performed at St Lawrence University indicated that a lack of sleep had a direct correlation with students’ GPA. “If you use all-nighters, your GPA is slightly lower on average,” says Psychology Professor Pamela Thacher, who wrote the study.

may be great for a temporary boost, but the crash back down to reality might hit a little harder than anticipated.

“Caffeine is addictive, as I am addicted to it. On average I drink 3-4 caffeinated drinks per day, measured closer to 12-16 ounces. If I don’t have it I will get a severe headache,” admits Gingerich.

Customers that rely on coffee for daily living have developed an expensive habit and increased tolerance to caffeine. “Dependence on caffeine varies depending on the student but there definitely are some people who admit their day hasn’t really begun ‘til they’ve had their coffee,” says Cat Trax’s Golding.

“With the average cost of one quarter of tuition and fees at CWU at $2,600, the money saved from purchasing coffee for the average American for one year could go to pay for 87 percent of one quarter of college education.” From the occasional social of going to bed,” says Nate Yearsley, Health Sciences professor at Brigham Young University-Idaho, reported livestrong.com.

ADDICTIVE DRUG Does a cup a day keep the stress away? Nope. “The higher the caffeine intake, the greater the feeling of being stressed out,” says Yearsley.

“Adrenaline production is increased by 32 percent as a part of the body’s defense mechanism, similar to nervous Irregular sleep schedules fight or flight response.” and poor sleeping patterns Caffeine products like coffee

activity to helping students stay alert for studying, coffee is a form of caffeine that can be considered to have both health benefits and potential problems. Be aware of what you’re consuming, how much money it costs and how your coffee habit fits into your overall lifestyle choices.

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What can you do with coffee beans?

FOOD & DRINK

Ways to use

Chocolate

Covered

Coffee Beans

old Coffee

Grounds Information Courtesy of drylife.com

1. Use coffee grounds as

an exfoliant for skin. Pat on skin, massage and rinse.

Recipe Courtesy of tasteofhome.com

INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening 1/2 cup coffee beans Baking cocoa, optional

DIRECTIONS In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth.

Dip coffee beans in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand for 10-15 minutes.

Roll in cocoa if desired; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 1 cup.

2. Use coffee grounds to repel ants.

3. Deodorize a freezer.

Place a bowl with used coffee grounds in the freezer to remove unwanted odors. Add a few drops of vanilla to coffee grounds.

4. Rub coffee grounds on hands to get rid of smells from chopping or cutting up pungent foods.

5. After you give your dog

a bath, rub coffee grounds through the coat of your pet. Coffee grounds are said to repel fleas.

Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

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Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

FOOD & DRINK

PoP

THE CORK: Wine Expertise in 4 Simple Steps

Y

Cambree Benetua

ou don’t have to travel to the ancient vineyards of Italy or dine with royalty to be exposed to wine basics.

Impressing your friends is easier than ever, by just having a few tricks up your sleeve and a few expressions to throw around. Central Washington University professor of Global Wine Studies and a vineyardist of 21 years, Parker Roberts* says you can easily impress anyone with just a few simple tricks. The best part? No one will be able to challenge your knowledge. “The more you taste and experience the wine, the more you will learn,” says Roberts. So get out and taste with confidence.

1) Start off with visual characteristics: What color is the wine? Is it red, white or rosé? Choose vivid descriptive words, like brilliant ruby, *This is a psendonym Roberts uses for professional purposes

golden or turgid purple. “If you really want to impress the people around, you’ll want to tilt your glass and look at the meniscus. If it’s more orange that means it’s an older bottle,” Roberts says.

4) End with how it makes you feel: Ask yourself, how does it feel when that first sip goes down? “Specifically with red wines, if it makes your cheeks and gums numb; kind of like a tea bag, it tastes bitter. You 2) Next move to taste: Don’t might say the tanins need hold back--say what you taste to fall out of it and integrate because after all, no one else more,” suggests Roberts. has your taste buds. Who can argue with how you taste? Another trick you can add For reds, the fruits are usually in is to count how long you cranberries, plums or cherries. can taste the wine. “If it takes Whites have more flowery, less than eight seconds it’s fruity and herbal tinges. If a a short finish, nine to 12 it’s a wine has a lot of vibrant fruit medium long finish and 13-20 you can say, “Wow, this is a seconds you can say wow, fruit bomb!” Also, ask yourself that’s a good long finish,” if the alcohol is obvious. “If says Roberts. the alcohol comes through, it has too much body and you can speculate about the wine’s hang time,” suggests Turgid: You can’t see Roberts. through it.

WINE LINGO

3) Then talk about the Appellation: Look on the label—it may say something broad, like California or Spain, but it could also be more specific, like Château Neuf de Pape. You can look for the word “origin” to pinpoint the location of foreign wines.

“Integrate the word terroir, which is the location. You can comment on how the wine correctly represents that area and time, by saying it reflects Napa Valley, it was made quite well for that time,” remarks Roberts.

Meniscus: The wine rim you get when you tilt the glass.

Hang time: How old the wine is.

Appellation: The origin of the wine; where is comes from.

Terroir: Pronounced tearWAR, the location and what makes the wine, the soil and how the fruit grows there.

Tannins: A group of astringent compounds that affect taste.

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The Facebook Dilemma:

ACCEPT

OR DECLINE? Illustration by Virginia Holman

34

Whitney Hahn

KISS & TELL

W

ith over 500 million users, it’s bound to happen. You open up Facebook and see a request and have a minidebate with yourself before accepting or clicking “not now.” From old high school friends to ex-lovers, Facebook friending can put users in a catch-22.

We asked Central students how they deal with some of these hypothetical Facebook predicaments and came up with a few guidelines to smooth over the edges of your decision.

THE “I DON’T CARE TO BE YOUR FRIEND” ADD Who honestly wants to be updated with statuses from people that you don’t even like or ever see? What if someone you have met once or twice requests you? What if someone you don’t like requests you?

Assuming there will be no social fallout, just ignore it.

They probably won’t notice, especially if it is a person who friends people for fun.

THE BOSS ADD Wake up, brush your teeth, comb your hair, get dressed and check your Facebook.

‘Oh new friend request… my boss!?!?’ According to training.com, “61 percent of employees consider their boss a friend and 18 percent of them are friends with their boss via Facebook.”

“If my boss requested me, I would decline. I have a lot of inappropriate pictures and my boss is creepy,” says Shane Brady, Elementary Education major.

One online blogger says, “I hope that any boss with a sense of decency will not friend request you.” But the truth of the matter is…it does happen. A boss may request you for different reasons, some harmless or maybe to see if you’re representing their company well.

“Just like adding your boss or your family, stop updating your status about how high you got last night, untag those pictures of you where “Sometimes declining requests you’re partying or anything backfires because I realize they like that,” suggests CWU junior are a friend of a friend. But Joey Wenda. generally speaking, I prefer to only be Facebook friends with Sometimes being a friend of people who I actually know your boss on Facebook can and have spent some time be great. Judging from their with,” says Central student updates, you will already Lauren Render. know what kind of a mood

they are in. “Adding your boss depends on if you like them and what your relationship is.

Just keep in mind, by adding them, they can see exactly what you did last weekend or this past week,” says Chef KC, former Central Head Chef.

THE PROFESSOR ADD Imagine this. Pictures from last night are up: after congratulating you for pulling an ‘A’ on the last test, your professor asks what you were doing in these pictures…awkward! Although most professors aren’t going to friend request you on Facebook, it’s more common than you think. Have a plan in the back of your mind, just in case one of your professors decides to add you during your college career.

According to the Ohio State Research Center, “One out of five faculty who use Facebook were friends with their students.”

It’s important that all students connect with their professors at Central. They act as our mentors and guide us in the right direction. But do they really need to see you doing body shots at a house party? Probably not; and they probably won’t view you in a higher light by knowing such personal information. If you are one of the students that uses Facebook as a professional connector, you already know

35

to keep your profile clean.

he spawned.” This has ultimately led to negative impacts real-world “It all depends on your relationships. relationship; but I think there need to be some boundaries,” “If someone confronted me after says Mathew Phillips Public I deleted them off Facebook, I Relations major. could just play dumb but I would probably just admit it,” says Jordan THE STRANGER ADD Pederson, senior Public Relations Is it weird to friend request major. Might as well not beat around someone that you don’t the bush because they might go know but would like to get to home after your conversation and know? “A lot of people add try to re-add you. me because they might have just seen me at school or THE “EX” ADD around campus and it doesn’t Well, look at that. After months bother me to meet anyone of not talking to your ex, they new; but some people think have now requested you it’s creepy,” says Eric Hunter, on Facebook. Does this CWU senior. mean they want to get back together? Are they trying to stalk you now? This is an area where a judgment call needs to be made. Only you will know if adding them is a smart move, after all, it was your relationship.

It’s not that much different than having a pen-pal, like when you were younger. In this generation, it’s not that easy to meet people in classes unless you’re super outgoing. So just think, by adding someone, there is potential that you might hit Whatever the dilemma, keep it off with the person. Facebook these tips in mind when deciding could be the next Match.com, to accept or decline. In the without the fees. end, it’s just an online book with faces of our “friends.”

BEING DELETED OR DELETING FRIENDS Tread very lightly in this area because if a friend ends up noticing that you two are no longer social networking friends, expect the worse. A recent New York Times article says that Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, “never gave much thought to using the word ‘friend’ in the social network

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ARE Y

Kim Fairbanks

Are you happy for your fri other? Take this quiz to fin

1. Your friend buys an iPad and yo

one for months but have been sa a.) are happy for your friend. b.) tell her yours will be better be version anyway. c.) stomp out of the room.

2. Your guy leaves his Faceboo

a.) Log him out immediately. b.) Browse through his messages b c.) Pull up Facebook Chat and re quiz him on what they mean late

3. You just got broken up with rig

best friend is going on an amazi a.) Buy them a going-away gift. b.) Complain to your other friend c.) Quit talking to her.

4. Your boyfriend:

a.) Has plenty of female friends b.) You are best friends with all o c.) Female friends? Yeah right. T

5. You and your co-worker are

time comes, your friend gets a w a.) are happy for your co-worker. deserve it. b.) Jokingly tell your co-worker th c.) Go home and cry.

KISS & TELL

YOU JEALOUS?

iends when they get something you don’t? Do you trust your significant nd out if you have the little green monster known as the jealousy bug!

Mostly

A’s

ok page open. You…

Either you are lying to yourself of you are an angel and you are generally happy for other people when good things come to them. You support your friends, co-worker and significant other and can be depended on to bring a positive attitude to life.

but log him out after a few minutes. ead every one of his messages and er.

Mostly

B’s

Mostly

C’s

ou have been talking about getting aving your money. You…

ecause you are waiting for the new

ght before Valentine’s Day and your ing vacation with her bf. You…

ds but be nice to her face.

of his female friends There is no way I would allow that.

both up for a raise, but when the way bigger raise than you do. You: They have worked really hard and

hey owe you big time!

You seem to catch the jealousy bug from time to time, but overall can tell when and how to be happy for other people. It’s hard for most of us to turn a blind eye from an open Facebook page, or not be a little envious over the success of others.

You are on the right track.

You, my dear, are quite the jealous person! In general you are not very happy for others when they accomplish things and you seem to have a prying eye when it comes to other people’s property. Try to tone down on the jealousy and you will probably be able to relax a lot more!

OL VE D

O K W C N OL Ke at on

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Illustration by Virginia Holman

M

cA te e

KISS & TELL

R

emember the first person that you had strong feelings for and thought for sure was ‘the one?’ The two of you was good friends and everyone always said what a perfect couple you would make. You decide to take the plunge and make it official. Now, is when the relationship timeline starts From ‘honeymoon’ to ‘the hump,’ we’ve analyzed the different stages and talked with couples in each phase.

Relationships go through many stages and each one offers something different.

HONEYMOON (one to six months) The early stages of a relationship are always the best. Sticking together like white on rice, the sex is on fire and there are no intense arguments. Every other word is usually some ‘cute’ little remark like babe, sweetie or boo. Friends are sick of hearing how ‘perfect’ your new girlfriend is and how she is wifey material. You may think she is the whole shebang, but there is still a lot to learn.

Austin Lubereski and Kelsey Villegas – six months Austin- “Since we just started dating we don’t really know what to expect. I feel as our relationship goes on we will grow together and things will

get easier for us and know what the other wants and is like.”

Kelsey- “The biggest issue has been trust so far. For it to grow each individual needs to have trust and be confident and secure. The next steps in the relationship will be much different because of comfort with each other and trust that keeps building.”

ATTACHMENT (six months to one year) The first six months were smooth sailing; the next six may be as rough as the Oregon Trail. Jealousy might start to play a role in conversations and irritation arises, which may cause more fights. The drama piles up bickering over Facebook comments or texting the opposite sex.

Break-ups may occur for some but others find a way to repair the disagreements.

Josh Gootee and Erica Woodseight months.

Josh- “In the beginning of the relationship you always want to be together. We went through a phase of figuring out boundaries of what is okay to do around her and what isn’t or what pisses her off. As it grows longer it gets more romantic and you would rather stay in and be lazy together.”

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OON

A

ATT

HONE

YM

CHMENT

Erica- “In the start of the relationship it’s all butterflies and flirting, you’re still getting comfortable with the other person. Soon after you become comfortable and things that were not acceptable to do in front of the other person or that were embarrassing are now acceptable. I feel that the more time that goes on the harder it can be to keep the relationship going, you have to be willing to apologize and take responsibility.”

SERIOUS (one to two years) Most relationships hit the “serious talk” sometime between one and two years. The true feelings of love have set in and long term potential is being considered. According to CWU senior Erica Guerrero, who is majoring in Psychology and specializing in relationship and marriage counseling, your brain may be constantly thinking—should I stay or should I go? Is he/she really the one to spend the rest of

40

SERIOUS

my life with?

Tyler Cardin and Sarah AlQabandi– one year one month

THE HUMP

stage since future wife takes priority over other friends.

Chances are you’ve found someone you think will be a good mother—so she’s Tyler- “An issue that we have probably no longer exuding had is probably been my that honeymoon stage sexiness, excessive drinking and I think but rather a partner for life. me growing up a little more will be a good change. Everything Jordan Pasinetti and Amanda we have been through has Perez-three and a half years made us stronger though.” Jordan- “Over time Amanda Sarah- “After the first six began to trust me and not months you grow and learn care as much for me to go more about someone. You out and be around other have to accept differences girls because she trusts me in a person to truly make it more now.” the best.”

Amanda- “We are more THE HUMP comfortable with each other and we don’t fight as much (three years & up) Congratulations! Relationships because if something is from here on out focus on upsetting us we just say it.” three things for most couples: the future, getting married or Guerrero says a relationship starting a family. By this point is more likely to succeed if her friends are your friends both partners have all three and vice versa and all the corners of the triangular people you hang out with are theory of love: commitment, couples. A night out with the intimacy and passion. A healthy single guys/eternal bachelors relationship illustrates trust, is a rare occurrence at this communication and humor.

KISS & TELL

Best Date Stories Keaton McAtee The opportunity to go on a date with a significant other is always a pleasure.

It doesn’t have to be expensive most will appreciate the thought. We asked a few ladies on campus what was their most memorable date, here are a few of their romantic stories: Cambree Benetua Senior/ Broadcast Journalism In high school my boyfriend took me on a surprise date and we went to a park/dock. We had a picnic and he bought me a fishing pole so we could fish in the lake. Only problem was he made me wait in the car when he was getting his fishing license and it made me mad ‘cause I didn’t know what I was waiting for.

Michele Dunn Sophomore/Para medicine My date picked me up from my house for a surprise date. He took me gokarting at an indoor course. After that he took me to dinner at Joeys in Tukwila and then to a movie.

Shayla Doherty Junior/Fashion Merchandising My date took me out to dinner at an Italian restaurant. Than we went up on top of the space needle and hung out for a bit. After that we went to Alki beach.

Dakotah Sisco Sophomore/ Elementary Education In high school my boyfriend (at the time) and I skipped school and went up to Pike Place and walked around Seattle for a bit. We went out to lunch, went to the Tacoma Dome and watched a couple state basketball games. After the games we went back to Seattle and had dinner at Salty’s, and hung out at Alki beach. We eventually went back to his beach house and stayed the night there.

Alia Malo Senior/ Exercise Science We went on a hike near Mt. Rainier. It was very sceney and had really cool waterfalls and wildlife. At the top we had a picnic, which he packed for us.

Mandy Mcclure Junior/ Recreation & Tourism We went to a bed and breakfast on Mukilteo beach. When we got there it happened to be an ex nun convent. It was weird but it was real fun!

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Photo taken by Brittney Casini

KISS & TELL

HOW TO

AVOID A BREAK-UP DURING THE

HOLIDAYS Brittney Cassini

D

oes it seem like your friends are changing their relationship status on Facebook to single?

Well, according to “Information is Beautiful; Peak Break-up Times on Facebook,” the most common time for breakingup is two weeks before the holidays. Facebook has the ability to track changed status updates that tell if how many users went from being “in a relationship” to “single.”

HOLIDAY HELP FROM A CWU COUNSELOR CWU counselor Rhonda Mckinney explains that the holidays can be a very stressful time for everyone.

Students tend to be stressed out by personal family issues, which can lead to fighting with your partner. Mckinney explains that break-ups can

occur for many different reasons including, “lack of communication, looking for your partner to meet all your needs, unrealistic expectations, expecting your partner to make you happy and trying to change or fix your partner.” It is important to have open communication, and to be able to be happy with your relationship.

CWU STUDENTS IN LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS Becky Surgis and Michael Domia have grown up together.

They have been dating for seven and a half years. “No matter how much we see each other it doesn’t feel like enough,” Surgis says. “We know each other inside and out so I think that if you can bond with someone on a certain level that you’re bonded for life.” Surgis and Domia have shared special memories and believe that the holidays are the most romantic time of the year. However, Surgis does understand how the holidays can add stress. “I could see how the pressure of getting someone a gift may put a strain on a relationship but if it’s not your thing then don’t make presents a huge deal and embrace the warm spirit of the holidays.” Surfis and Domia believe that it is important to keep a sense of humor and to be able to make each other laugh. The

holidays are about happiness and there is no better way than to share it with someone you love.

Stephen Moffitt shares his relationship and advice for other students to be aware of how important it is to make sure you’re keeping each other happy. Moffitt and Hominda have dated for two and half years and are recently engaged. Over the years both made it a point that it’s the little things that count. “I like to bring her flowers every now and then or leave notes so she will find them, go on dates and make time for just us two,” Moffitt says. Their relationship was love at first sight and with the holidays approaching Moffitt isn’t worried they will have any problems. Moffitt and Hominda think that the holidays bring them closer.

They enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit and trying new activities together. “I really like to treat her like a princess and be the hopeless romantic that I am,” says Moffitt.

Just remember that it is important to have open communication with your partner and that the little things in life are the ones that count. If you’re stressed make sure to make time to enjoy the holidays with your partner, which can help prevent a painful break-up.

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Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com and lightingpictures.net

iN

om

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Li t e ve r o f Wi e B thin s n a e Your M

Na

w Ho

ew ell

he Ho lida ys

‌ GE

LIVIN G

H E T E N D O

SPARE CHANGE

W

hen Christmas season hits, your wallet feels the force of the blow. Buying gifts for parents, siblings, extended family and significant others can do some serious damage to your finances. Here are a few tips from Central Washington University Financial Advisor Gary Richardson to keep your Christmas spirit and your bank account, from going over the top.

1. MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT Before going Christmas shopping and deciding what you intend to purchase for each family member, choose how much money to spend on Christmas presents and set a strict limit. “I don’t deposit my checks until around the time I go to buy gifts so I feel secure about the money I’m spending,” says senior Nicole Jarvis. If you’re looking to become a saver rather than a spender, consider using a commercial budgeting program to see how much you’re spending.

2. BEFORE YOU GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, MAKE A LIST Prior to hitting the Christmas sale racks and door buster deals, create a list of all the people you want to buy for before you head to the mall.

Richardson admits he uses this tactic when he drops dough during the holidays. “Before I go out, I know what I’m looking for. Would I randomly buy my wife a new jag? Nope, not going to happen, I check the price tag. I don’t do impulse buys; I go out and get what I came for.” Senior Alida Linavat also believes that saving and spending go hand in hand. “When it comes close to Christmas, I see how much each gift costs then calculate how much I’ll need to afford the presents.

Then save a certain amount a day, whether it means not buying coffee for a month or not going out to eat as often.”

another, so it is in your best interest to compare each store’s prices before your purchase. Don’t forget to factor in online purchases as well, by comparing shipping and handling fees between each site. Richardson also pointed out the pros and cons to using your Visa card and buying a product while it’s on sale. “If you have to use your visa at 21 percent interest with an item that’s 10 percent off, it’s better to buy it at full price. You don’t want to go into debt trying to save money!”

Living within your means can be as easy as buying a few less lattes and being a little more prepared. Start hunting down the best sales and planning ahead so you can be stress free while dreaming of a white Christmas.

3. COMPARE PRICES FOR SIMILAR PRODUCTS Often a product will be cheaper at one store than at

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Black Friday Tips That Won’t Leave You Sad and Blue John Baran

A

s the holiday season rapidly approaches parents, students, family and friends begin the number crunch to figure out how to get the best gifts on a limited budget.

Two words: Black Friday. But what is the best way to make sure you can get the items you want? Following these tips can help ensure you get the items on your list on the craziest shopping day of the year.

the weary, they take place before the sun comes up and if you sleep in, better luck next year. “The lines can become seriously monstrous,” says senior English major Bill Muhlstein. “If the store opens at 5 a.m. showing up a few hours before can be the difference between getting the gift or not.”

Bundling up and bringing provisions is also important to staying comfortable and BE PREPARED AND BUNDLE UP awake in the early morning.

Black Friday sales aren’t for “It’s always super cold that

46

early in the morning,” says Muhlstein. “Bundle up and bring some coffee. The coffee will keep you warm and keep you up.”

Doing research a few days before can also give you the edge needed to get the perfect gift. Some stores have different lines for different items; so you don’t want to be caught in the wrong line.

“Office Max goes to the front of the line and asks what the person wants then gives them a piece of paper with

the item on it,” says senior History major Nick McLean.

“This is different from other places and is important to know ahead of time.”

Also bringing ads can be a valuable asset to your arsenal. “A lot of stores have price matching policies,” says Muhlstein. “Having the ads on hand to show them can save you even more money.”

PRIORITIZE If you have your eye on an expensive gift for someone, make sure you are able to get to this item first. “Last year I wanted to get a laptop for my mom,” says McLean. “I ended up not getting it because I went to get the new Fallout game instead and by the time I tried to get the laptop, it was sold out.”

Prioritizing your list can end up saving you some major dough. “If I had gone to the laptop first, I could have saved a few hundred dollars,” says McLean. “But instead I only saved $30 on a $60 game.”

Following these tips will ensure you aren’t the Grinch of the holiday season from missing the biggest sales of the year.

Planning out a Black Friday schedule will save time, money and overspending on presents for family and friends.

Photos Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com

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PASSPORT

Winter

Driving Know Before

YOU GO! Kim Fairbanks

D

id you know that according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 23 percent of weather-related crashes occur because of ice, snow and slushy pavement? Or that approximately 358,400 car crashes happen annually and of those 1,300 are fatal? These are all statistics you should know before you go. If you must drive over the pass there are certain strategies you can use to avoid accidents and prepare for the trip.

so stay back 15 car lengths going on the pass before you until you’re sure it is safe to even get up there,” says Lt. pass or until the plow pulls Martin. off the road.

Remember to be safe and You can also purchase keep your cell phone battery chains at a local tire store, charged and ready to use in as well as check tire pressure case of an emergency. Family and the tread to make sure and friends are expecting they are not too worn. Filling us home for the holidays. up your gas tank before you Making sure we follow these head out is something you rules will guarantee a safe must cross off the checklist arrival for the fun festivities. and program your radio for traffic reports and emergency messages. The WSDOT radio SURVIVING THE DRIVE: YOUR can be found on 530 and GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE SNOW & ICE 1610 AM. Lt. Scott Martin of the Washington State Patrol recommends mobile apps as well. “In today’s technological age we have a lot of resources available to us. If someone has a smartphone we have the WSDOT mobile app. It has web cam pictures up to the minute so you can see what’s

Gone are the summer months when the roads are clear and the sun is shining. The winter season is coming fast and furious. Students and citizens of Ellensburg may already be considering how to get over the mountain passes.

Many of us are now starting to prepare for the daunting snow and ice-packed roads.

Frequently check www. wsdot.gov and track road and weather conditions to make sure it is safe to be on the roads as well as to make sure the pass is open. Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination and drive for the conditions. According the WSDOT, make sure that you don’t use cruise control.

If you find yourself behind a snowplow, remember they have limited field of vision

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One way to avoid driving your car over the pass is to make a reservation on the BellAir Airporter Shuttle. Starting their rounds at the Yakima Air Terminal, the shuttle makes six stops before its final destination at Seattle Amtrak.

Along the way the bus makes stops in Ellensburg, Cle Elum, North Bend and the SeaTac Airport. Be sure to make reservations at least three days to one week in advance in order to guarantee a seat on the bus. Also keep in mind that they do not run the shuttle service on Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

the biggest problem the drivers face. However, Weese feels confident in his drivers, saying that “most of us are pretty comfortable with it, we are all from this side of the mountains and have done it for a long time. We all have driving backgrounds and are used to chaining up.

We help people get to their destinations.”

One of the stops the buses make is outside the Starbucks next to the CWU campus.

Senior CWU student Sherrod Sims often takes the shuttle to and from this location, even when there is not inclement weather. From there he can hop on a bus that takes him to his home in Seattle. There does seem to be one draw back - the lack of people that are aware of the shuttle. “I don’t think a lot of students know about it because there isn’t a whole lot of advertising,” said Sims.

Jay Weese, the supervisor and driver in Yakima for BellAir Airporter Shuttle emphasized how safe it is to travel on their shuttles. The crew based out of Yakima is very experienced and as a company they do extensive training every year that is mandatory, even if they have taken it before.

In general the weather is Michael Dickson, a senior

50

at CWU, and Rocky Sumrall, a junior, both refrain from using the shuttle. Although Dickson was previously unaware of the multiple stops along the way, he would still prefer to drive himself over the pass. “I have confidence in my truck going over the pass in the snow,” says Dickson. Sumrall has never used the shuttle but has seen it advertised in the Student Union and Recreation Center.

Even though knowing she has the option for the shuttle, it is not an option she is likely to choose. She says, “I have anxiety and I can’t let anyone drive me, ever. I feel safer driving myself. I have driven the pass so many times so I feel comfortable doing it.”

For more information on the shuttle and to purchase tickets, you can visit www. airporter.com or call 1-866-235-5247.

Photos Courtesy of morguefile.com

R/ E P RA USH C S ICE OWBR SN ROAD FLARES SNACKS TIRE

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Illustration by Virginia Holman

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PASSPORT

S

Keaton McAtee

itting on the chair before the first run of the day and your body goes numb like you just got out of the dentist. Butterflies begin to flutter in the pit of your stomach as anxiety mixes with adrenaline. There is nothing more beautiful than the sight and smell of fresh powder. Winter snow brings an abundance of activities for everybody in the Pacific Northwest (PNW).

SNOW TUBING The skill level to become a ‘professional’ tuber isn’t much beyond a first grader’s potential. This winter activity can be participated in by any age group or skill level.

Tubing can take place practically anywhere, like sledding, only a slight incline is needed for this family-fun activity. For more intense snow tubing, make a day trip to Snoqualmie. There are also multiple resorts in the PNW that can enhance the experience. Central Washington University’s OPR offers the chance to rent tubes and other snow gear for the winter season.

SNOWBOARDING/SKIING The PNW is a great region to find a mountain range that fits your style of riding.

There are 13 mountain ranges located throughout the Cascades in the state of Washington, including a life changing opportunity with Heli-Skiing. Snowboarding

and skiing may take a longer time to learn but once you have it dialed in it becomes addicting.

SNOWMOBILING One of the most popular winter activities in Washington State, there are over 3,000 groomed trails to snowmobile across according to Washington State Parks. No prior experience is needed to take a snowmobile out. However, only those over 12 years old can ride alone. Rentals can be expensive, pricing about $200 dollars for a full day.

Going snowmobiling allows you to be free with the great outdoors and see numerous amounts of wildlife and even explore to the top of the Cascades.

Bring on the cold weather and snow—for these seasonal activities are only available for a limited time of year. Winter brings families together, not only with the holidays, but also with these fun events. Get out and enjoy yourself this winter and try something new!

Top Photo courtsey of Charlie Coultas Bottom Left Photo courtsey of Tyler Ceccanti Bottom Right Photo courtsey of Cory Elliff

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SEATTLE Winterfest at Seattle Center Thanksgiving through New Years 305 Harrison St Seattle, WA 98109 Dec 27 Pacific Northwest Ballet Nov. 25301 Mercer St. Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Nov. 24, 2011 Jan. 1, 2012 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. $13 per vehicle $28 per mini-bus (16-24 passenger capacity) $45 for each bus (25+ passenger capacity) No walk through THERE IS NO ADDRESS TACOMA / PUYALLUP Victorian Country Christmas Festival at the Puyallup Fair Nov. 30-Dec 3 10 am to 9 pm Dec 4 10 am to 6 pm Adults $10 Seniors (62+) $8 Students (6-18) $8 Military $7 Children (5 and under) Free Admission tickets to Victorian Country Christmas can be purchased at the gate.

Mary Bridge Festival of Trees Dec 1-4 409 South J Street

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Photo Courtesy of Mara Dillinger

STANWOOD Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp December 1-4, 8-11, 15-23, 2628, 2011 Warm Beach Camp 20800 Marine Drive 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

* * *

THORP Christmas in Thorp Chili Contest, Chili feed, craft fair, raffle, bonfire, wagon rides, Santa visit, games for children Thorp, WA Dec 3 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

10700 N. Thorp Highway 509-929-0131

**

ELLENSBU Moments Remembe Nov. 25 Downtown

A Christm Dec 1-4 McConne

** *

PASSPORT

ROSLYN Santa visits Dec 24 Pennsylvania Ave. Christmas in the Cascades Roslyn Winterfest Nov 26 Downtown Roslyn CLE ELUM Christmas in Cle Elum, Parade of Lights and Santa Breakfast Dec 3 Downtown

**

URG to er

n

mas Carol

ell Auditorium at CWU

* TOPPENISH Toy Train Christmas Dec 3 - 4 Dec 10 – 11 Dec 17-18 10 Asotin Ave. , WA 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $6 for adults $4 for kids 12 and under 509-865-1911 YAKIMA Downtown Holiday Light Parade Dec 4 S. 6th Ave. and W. Yakima Ave. 5:30 p.m.

Suncadia Christmas Tree Lighting Nov 26 Carols, an ice sculpture, and Santa himself Begins at 6:30 SPOKANE Free Ice Skating Riverfront Park 507 N Howard St Nov 25 - Dec 24 Free Horse and Carriage rides Nov 25 – Dec 24 Downtown Fridays, 3-8:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, 125:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve 12-3:00 p.m.

Pick up on Wall St. and Main First come first serve Campbell House Holidays Open House A self-guided tour through Spokane’s most famous historic home.

Nov 25 – 26 Dec 21-24 Dec 28-31 509-363-5355 northwestmuseum.org

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Ugly Christmas

sweaters: Embrace the Ugly, Empower the Tacky

T

he time where you can wear an ugly sweater without being judged has come. Yes, we’re talking about those ugly Christmas sweaters you wear for annual holiday parties.

The idea of ugly Christmas sweaters has taken the holiday season by storm over the past decade and you see it more and more every year.

ANOTHER REASON TO PARTY!

Many say Halloween is the only day that people can wear what they want without getting judged. Whoever said that forgot about ugly Christmas sweaters at Holiday parties. It’s the day when one can be judged in a good way and whoever has the ugliest sweater wins.

“Embrace the ugly, empower the tacky,” says Centrals student Scott Power. “Ugly Christmas Sweater parties have been helping the festive ones get laid since 4 B.C.” College kids are known for coming up with crazy ideas for themed parties: Toga, ABC (anything but clothes),

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Stoplight (red-taken, yellowit’s complicated and greensingle), white trash, you name it. It seems only fitting that we’d celebrate ugly Christmas sweaters too. If nothing else, it’s a time for the students to get together and create an excuse to party.

MYUGLYCHRISTMASSWEATER.COM

Anne Marie Blackman owns a site where she sells the most notorious ugly Christmas sweaters. Blackman has even had the chance to sell some of her hard work to people involved in the entertainment industry. She’s sold her infamous sweaters to Stephen Colbert’s assistant, a pro football player, an actress in Hollywood, and to some big television cable networks.

“I actually just sent some to the Disney TV studious for a series they run,” says Blackman.

How did Blackman get into the business of making ugly sweaters? It all started when she was researching something to sell around Christmas time.

Blackman was able to find

Jake Updegraff

trends on the Internet and she came across the term “ugly Christmas sweater.”

Blackman decided to whip out the sewing machine, hot glue and Christmas items and spend a few hours creating ugly sweaters. She posted a few on eBay and noticed they started selling fast. This wacky idea became a new hobby and eventually a career.

As the holiday season comes closer, traffic hits for her website sky rockets. This causes more sales, money and an abundant amount of work.

“I typically work 40 hours a week during the rest of the year, but when the holiday season hits, I will be working 16 hour days for a month,” says Blackman.

So if you’re really looking to impress your friends, family or co-workers with an ugly sweater, be sure to check out her website. Chances are you’ll take the “ugliest sweater award” at the party.

FASHION

HOW TO MAKE

AN UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER Materials Needed - Sweater - Hot Glue Gun - Scissors - Sewing Machine or Needles/Tread (and know how to sew) - Christmas decorations - Battery operated lights (Optional) 1. Go to a local thrift shop to find tacky sweater that has Christmas colors, or find one buried in the attic. The older, the better.

2. Search for holiday props that you can add to your sweater. Make sure they aren’t too heavy.

Local dollar and crafts store finds or old, unused decorations around the house work great.

3. Find battery operated Christmas lights. You’ll stand out in the crowd if your sweater lights up!

4. Use your creativity to place the items on the sweater.

5. Have fun with it, remember the uglier the better!

Photos Courtesy of myuglychristmassweater.com

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Ha

nn a

h

Da

hl

W

e’ve all been there. The ice hits and all of the sudden you are on your butt. It may not be lack of balance; it could be from improper snow boots.

WARMTH & BOOT TEMPERATURE When looking to buy a new pair of boots for this year’s winter season, it’s crucial to buy something that will keep

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your feet warm. Boots that are waterproof and have a thermal layer will keep your feet both warm and dry. If your feet tend to get too warm wearing boots, look for breathable fabric. Tami Walton, owner of Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg, stresses the importance of buying the right boots. “If your foot gets too warm in a waterproof boot that does

FASHION

not breathe, it may sweat and also get wet,” says Walton. When feet get wet, they get cold.

you buy boots while wearing thin socks, they may fit too snuggly once wearing winter woolies. Bring along orthotics or shoe inserts as well. It is Different boots will have critical to make sure the temperature ratings on shoe fits the same every time warmth. It’s important to note it’s worn. the rating when purchasing a new boot. If you plan to RED FLAGS engage in any aggressive It is also important to look for activity such as snow hiking, red flags such as discomfort stay away from boots with a and price. If the boot is removable liner because it uncomfortable when you will move as you’re tromping try it on, it is likely that it through snow. will cause discomfort later.

“Price can also indicate a SOCKS & TRYING ON NEW problem. A very inexpensive BOOTS boot is usually just that…very Thick socks will make the inexpensive and may not biggest difference when perform as well as a higher trying on boots, so bring quality boot,” says Walton. along the thickest socks Popular boots for durability you have or two to three include those made by The pairs of regular socks. This North Face, Sorel, and Keen. will ensure sure the boots fit the same when layering FASHION up during winter months. If Fall fashion boots might

leave your feet feeling cold and wet when snow hits the ground. Keep in mind that warmth and traction should be top priorities when it comes to making the trek to campus.

Winter weather is bound to hit the Burg, so make sure you’re prepared with proper winter boots that will keep feet warm, dry … and may even prevent an embarrassing fall in snowy conditions.

Price Ranges for Boots: Mountain High Sports $100-200

REI

$100-180 0

Dicks Sporting Goods $75-200

Shoes 2 Boot $90-140

Photos By Hannah Dahl

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ORGANIZE IT, B D

oes rummaging through your closet every morning make you late to school?

Trying to make perfect use of every inch in a small closet space can seem impossible at times. Erin Gentry from Rubbermaid’s Consumer Engagement Team gave

some insight for students will never use. Purging your looking to organize on a closet of old belongings will budget. feel extremely refreshing and will help to utilize the wasted STEP ONE: CLEARING space.

CLUTTER Get rid of clothes you STEP TWO: MAKE THREE PILES haven’t touched in years and donate or sell things you PILE ONE: clothes that will stay in the closet.

PILE TWO: clothes that are going to be thrown away donated or sold.

PILE THREE: things that shouldn’t go in the closet and can be put elsewhere.

To organize a closet regardless of its size, “look for under-utilized areas like the door. Over the door shoe organizers are great for storing shoes but also jewelry, scarves, gloves and hair accessories,” says Gentry.

STEP THREE: ORGANIZE

UN-ORGNAIZED 60

Results from an online survey conducted by Pulse Magazine showed that 58 percent of people need help organizing shoes. Two space-saving options for shoes are over the door shoe organizers or containers that slide underneath your bed.

Separate your winter and summer clothes. Only keep out the outfits needed for

BABY!

FASHION

Kelsey Greupner

the season, which will help alleviate clutter and save space in a small closet.

One thing Gentry can’t live without are her CleverStore Storage containers. “They contain my items that I fold, yet let me see what is inside. I use them without the lids so I can easily grab what I need,” says Gentry.

The local Dollar Tree, Fred Meyer and Bi Mart all have plastic storage containers from small plastic drawers to keep your accessories in to large plastic pull-out bins with multiple drawers to store sweatshirts and bulky clothes.

DON’T FORGET When you’re organizing on a budget, it is important to keep in mind that you don’t have to spend money to organize your belongings.

Be truthful with what you will wear and don’t hesitate letting go of some items.

We could all probably use a closet makeover, so why not start now?

Photos by Britta Dillon

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The Gift of

Giving Hannah Dahl

W

hat have you done recently to give back to your community? To many, the holidays are the perfect time to help those in need.

Some donate food and clothing to local charities, but one of the best ways to give back is to volunteer.

for more volunteers. “Some people can’t volunteer very long. Maybe they have been laid off for a short period of time and then they go back to work. Teachers sometimes will come in during the summertime and work. We have quite a bit of rotation,” The Ellensburg FISH Food says McCune.

Bank is one of the volunteer opportunities around town, with During the holiday season, the about 65 current volunteers. amount of volunteers jumps “Seems like we get good fits,” about 10 percent according says Roger McCune, program to Warehouse Supervisor Rob director. “Having sensitive Williams. “It’s what Roger and people is really important.” I call the feel good season… people want to do something Even with the number of for the holidays. Whether they volunteers they currently are feeling guilty, lonely or just have, about eight hours of want to help out… which isn’t work must be put in for every a bad thing,” says Williams. two hours of distribution, so they are constantly looking The holidays are coming up

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quickly and now is the perfect time to start giving back to those in need in our community.

The food bank provides this opportunity. “We have a lot of good people working here and it’s a lot of fun. We tease around and just have a good time,” says weekly volunteer Cheryl Cornelius.

Looking to be a part of the feel good season? Volunteering for even a couple hours helps out the less fortunate in Ellensburg or your hometown community.

• The FISH Food Bank is sponsored by 14 local churches • Open from 8am to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with distribution hours of 3pm-5:30 p.m.

M,T,TH,F and W 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

• Soup kitchen is available to anyone in need Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 to 1 p.m.

• Current shipments are received from SuperOne, Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Happy’s Market.

Local volunteer

opportunities: •Ellensburg FISH food bank •Hopesource •Apoyo •Dry Creek Retirement home •Ellensburg City Animal Shelter (min of 6 months)

Tim Barnes, daily volunteer “I have seen amazing things since I’ve been here... I’ve seen [volunteers] be a little anxious and maybe a little panicky and then a truck stops by and says ‘hey do you want two palates of tomatoes or waffles?’ I’ve seen a literal answer to prayer: someone comes through and says, ‘What do you need?’

‘Potatoes and onions.’ ‘Well, guess what, we have a couple palates now.’... Really amazing stuff that I wouldn’t have ever imagined seeing happen, I’ve seen happen here.”

Carol Carrothers, weekly volunteer “I think sometimes [the people that come in] feel a little bit nervous and I want to say that they don’t need to be. [The bank is] here for them, and were excited to have it available and glad they can have it. I don’t want anyone to feel nervous.”

Eyob Michael, daily volunteer “It’s rewarding. You get satisfaction from helping others. It’s a way to get to know the community.”

Photos by Hannah Dahl

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EXTRAORDINAIRE

TAXI DRIVER Naomi Newell

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H

e’s been struck by lightning, saved someone from a burning building and almost had to deliver a baby himself—all while on the job.

Steve Jennings, Ellensburg local taxi driver extraordinaire goes above and beyond when he’s behind the wheel.

Originally, Jennings was just a customer who expressed interest about the job in the summer of 2008. He’s now the manager, lead driver and dispatcher for the Rodeo City Taxi Company.

There are six employed drivers with four vans out on the weekends, two on Thursdays and one every other night. Vans

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are operated 24 hours a day.

It costs $7 to get anywhere, with an extra dollar for each additional passenger.

detour, and we went to the apartment complex to pick up the woman. The boyfriend sent her down with the cab fare and didn’t even ride “It’s a lot cheaper than a DUI,” along,” Jennings recalls. laughs Jennings.

Jennings’s job description However, you might not get doesn’t just include getting out of the cab unscathed; a passenger to the hospital there’s a $100 fee for pukers. in the nick of time. He once “It’s meant as a deterrent,” says saved a man from a burning Jennings. “If I have to collect, building, barely escaping you’ve ruined my night.” great peril himself.

Unfortunately, Jennings is a veteran when it comes to being on puke patrol. Once he picked up a group of freshman coming back from a house party and gave them the speech, but he was fresh out of luck.

“I hear one girl go ‘Oh my God, you puked on me!’

The girl had actually puked all over her friend to avoid paying the fee. I gave her a break and only charged her 50 bucks.”

This isn’t the only time Jennings has come a little too close for comfort with a customer’s bodily fluids. In one instance, he picked up a group of students from club 301 and received a call from a man whose girlfriend’s water had broken.

be in safe hands. But heads up, the man does have some rules: - Whether you’re at a party or the bars, walk outside before you call your cab.

- Be looking out for the cab, don’t just expect a call - Be ready. If they have to wait 15 minutes for you, so does the next party.

- Whatever substance, gas, “I saw flames shooting out of liquid or solid is in your body a house. I stopped the van when you get into the cab and started banging on all needs to stay in your body. the windows and doors,” says Jennings. “I finally got - It seems like large groups in through a window, and a of students always have the guy was passed out on the most intoxicated person call. floor and smoke had filled Try doing the opposite! the room. I crawled in on my hands and knees and got - Know the address before him out.” you call for a taxi.

For his heroic efforts, Jennings was honored with the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award in 2010.

Last January, Rodeo City Taxi hit a record high of 19 passengers. Although cab rides can get packed and expensive, don’t think you That’s not the craziest of can ride along without paying Jennings’ stories. “Last May I a fee. got struck by lightning while driving my cab. There was a “Sometimes I get ‘If I flash you, huge, bright flash and the can I get a free ride?’ I mean lights in the cab flashed and that’s a nice tip, but it doesn’t then came back brighter pay the bills,” Jennings cracks. than ever. So now I can say I’ve done everything!”

“I asked the students in my As a passenger in Jennings van if we could make a cab, you know you will always

Photos Courtesy of morguefile.com

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Prefunking Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

Travis Kleckley

L

et’s face it, being drunk is awesome, but spending money sucks. As poor college students most of us can’t afford to spend $40 at a bar. Enter the prefunk: the art of drinking before you go drinking. * Pulse sent the absolutely brilliant and extremely handsome writer Travis Kleckley to find out how students get wasted without wasting money.

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Joose or a bottle of the classic Night Train Express. FourLoko and Joose both cost around $2-3 will get you around six solid shots in one can while Night Train Express costs a little more at $5-6 but gets you a Law and Justice major Travis good seven and a half shots.

LaForest, prefers the cheapest and strongest concoctions he “[Prefunking] helps me save can find: bottom shelf rot-gut. a ton of money when I go LaForest’s weapons of choice to the bars. Cause I’m a big are either a can of FourLoko, guy and it takes me about There are different techniques for different people but all for the same purpose, saving money and avoiding that awkward moment where no one is drunk yet.

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10 shots to get a good buzz going. Especially if each shot is like $2.50 that’s $25 and I’m not even drunk yet,” LaForest says.

This means that LaForest saves around $13 when he reaches his buzz at 10 shots. With that $13 he can get three gallons of gas, four more Joose’s or around 12 cheeseburgers.

But readers, there are different strokes for different folks. show up wasted or cause Ian Doyle, a Global Wine problems.”

Studies major, prefers to drink the hard stuff. More specifically: But prefunking is not limited to just saving money at the whiskey for his prefunks. bars. Who can afford a taxi “When I do prefunk [I drink] ride home after a night at the maybe four shots. A fifth holds bars and who wants to risk 17 shots and if you buy a $15 getting a DUI? Prefunking and bottle it’s less than $1 a shot. walking to your destination It’s just economically a smart has its benefits. decision to drink before you go to the bars,” Doyle says. LaForest says another great reason to prefunk is that you There is a technique to it. You get a nice “beer blanket” don’t want to be too drunk also known as the “alcohol because unless you have the blanket.” That alcohol blanket “game face” of a champion, will keep you warm when the bars will not let you in. walking to the bars and They don’t need problems. help you “have a great time getting there.”

“Buzzed is fine,” says Tav Bartender Justin Ridens, Next time you are going to “Honestly the only major the bars or anywhere that issue is if they are going to you might have to pay for alcohol—stop and think, be belligerent.”

“Have I prefunked? Have I Ridens even prefunks himself, had enough to stay warm “It is cheaper,[but] I don’t and not spend $40 tonight?”

Photo Courtesy of morguefile.com

If the answer is no, then shell out a few dollars for some cheap booze. You won’t regret it. * Editor’s note: We can’t ignore that CWU students and FourLoko made national headlines. We’re all about having a good time, but drink responsibly.

Photo Taken by Travis Kleckley

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KARAO

What F rom Japan to Ellensburg, karaoke has provided hours of entertainment--sober and drunken entertainment-since its invention in 1971.

Inevitably though, people choose songs that are both loved and hated.

WHAT MAKES FOR BAD KARAOKE? “There is technically no bad karaoke song,” says Troy Edwards, Karaoke DJ at Club 301. “Long songs are a big no-no.”

Club 301 has Karaoke every night from 9-11 and Edwards has heard hours of people singing.

“I would say ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ is the epitome of a bad karaoke song,” says Edwards. “It’s a 9-minute long song with a lot of interludes – great song, bad choice.” Edwards offers advice on what genre to shy away from. “Only thing to stay away from is more of the hip hop. It has a lot of repeating – they get bored with it.”

Also being ultra-serious is

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OKE POISON:

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t to Avoid a major buzz kill for others trying to enjoy the karaoke.

“It’s important to remember karaoke is about having fun,” says Edwards. “If they take it too seriously, they ruin the fun for others.”

The lyrical content can have a huge effect on whether or not it is a good song choice or not. “You may think it’s funny to do a really dirty song but really it makes everyone uncomfortable,” says Jordan Koy, a frequent karaoke goer.

“Really sad songs just put everyone in a bummer mood too.”

WHAT MAKES FOR GOOD KARAOKE? “Singing songs everyone knows is totally awesome for karaoke,” says Koy. “Singing obscure songs is no fun.”

Performing famous songs from your childhood is also a good choice for karaoke. “A lot of us grew up in the 90’s, with a lot of the alternative music,” says Koy. “If you put on like Eagle Eye Cherry – Save Tonight, I guarantee you will have people bobbing their

John Baran heads and smiling, saying, ‘Hey I remember this!’”

Koy claims that much of the fun of karaoke is having the crowd being involved. “If the people at karaoke look bored, it’s hard to really get into it and sing your guts out,” says Koy. “If you sing a song and everyone is dancing having a good time, I’ll be more likely to put in more effort.”

The amount of alcohol consumed also plays a large role in doing well or poorly in karaoke. “You want to be drunk enough to be okay with singing horribly in front of people you don’t know,” says Koy. “But at the same time you don’t want to be so drunk that you can’t even function on stage.”

Edwards offers Karaoke goers one last piece of advice: “Enjoy yourselves. Relax and realize everyone is here to have fun,” says Edwards. “The worse you get, the better the Karaoke.”

Illustration by Virginia Holman

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Music Mania: Raw Space

NOVEMBER 21 22 29 31 • Theatre in the Raw (presented

by Ellensburg Film Festival) FREE – Mon. 7:30pm – 10:00pm

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• Central Jazz Org presents: The Chill (live jazz jam session) FREE – Tue. 9pm – Wed, November 23, 12am

• Central on Stage (a CWU Production) FREE – Tue. 7:00pm – 8:30pm • Hardcoretet (amazing jazz) $5 – Tue. 9pm – Wed, November 30, 12am

• CWU Community Christmas Cookie Exchange (FREE) Wed. 7:30pm – 9:00pm

DECEMBER

6 8 9 2 1 • HIV fundraiser – Thu. 4pm – 11pm

• Flowmotion & Open Country Joy – Fri. 8pm – Sat, December 3, 12am

• Central Jazz Org presents: The Chill (live jazz jam session) FREE – Tue. 9pm – Wed. 12am

• Scott Pemberton (guitar master a la Jimi Hendrix, Dick Dale) – Thu. 8pm – 11pm

• Striking Back, Run From Cover, Van Eps – Fri, December 9, 8pm – Sat, December 10, 12am

13 19 21 31

• Central on Stage (a CWU Production) FREE – Tue. 7:00pm – 8:30pm • Central Jazz Org presents: The Chill (live jazz jam session) FREE – Tue. 9pm – Wed, December 14, 12am

• Theatre in the Raw (presented

by Ellensburg Film Festival) FREE – Mon. 7:30pm – 10:00pm

• Central Jazz Org presents: The Chill (live jazz jam session) FREE – Tue. 9pm – Wed. 12am

• Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs + Kasey Anderson (alt rock), $10 – Sat. 9pm – Sun. 2012, 1am

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