WAZZU(P)

Springfest

2010-04-26T07:11:00.001-07:00

This past weekend many Washington State University students enjoyed their Saturday and attended Springfest.

Springfest is an annual event put on by Student Entertainment Board (SEB), and features bands and other events that students are able to attend.

This year SEB booked four different bands for Springfest’s night entertainment. The bands included the Ying Yang Twins, The Maine, Redeye Empire, and Genevieve. During the day inflatable’s, food, a beer garden and many more activities were featured for people’s enjoyment. At 5:30 p.m. Beasley opened its doors for the main concert series.

Students celebrated Saturday from early in the morning to late at night. Lee Montgomery was a student at WSU in previous years and came back to enjoy the festivities.

“I enjoyed being with my friends,” said Montgomery. “It’s always fun to come back on weekends like this, when all of the students on campus are just enjoying themselves.”

Although the concert wasn’t held outside like it has been in previous years, students did not seem to mind. Springfest to many students is always just a good way to start the end of a semester.

Riverside Campus Blood Drive

2010-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

On April 27 the Riverside Campus in Spokane will be hosting a blood drive from noon to six in the evening.

According to the event calendar located on Washington State University’s website someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds nationwide and most of will need a transfusion in our lifetime.

The event is located at 600 N. Riverpoint Blvd. and individuals can sign up at the Academic Center Suite 525. People can also go to the website, here, to make an appointment.

To learn more about donating blood the WSU website offers a toll free number to call, 800-423-0151.

WSU Intramurals

2010-04-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

WSU Intramurals is an outstanding program. It gives people the opportunity to get out and play. Watch the video below to hear from a supervisor and a softball player participate.

GO COUGS!

April showers bring May flowers

2010-04-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Spring time weather couldn’t be truer than what it has been. Remember when you were a little kid and you heard the same phrase every time in April? April showers bring May flowers.

The Pullman weather of course tricked us March when it was so beautiful and sunny, then we feared the snow in April, but all we’ve had is rain, rain, rain. The tides are turning for the upcoming week though. The temperature is rising and the sun is making its appearance again. Don’t let it fool you too much though because we still have more rain on the way, to bring those beautiful blossoming flowers.

Before you leave Pullman for the summer don’t forget to experience the wonderful outdoor activities available during the window of sunshine upon us. Take a picnic with friends at the many parks in Pullman such as, Reaney Park home of the National Lentil Festival, Sunnyside Park, which includes tennis courts, ponds and Frisbee golf. Or get a group of people together and go enjoy an afternoon of playing softball at the City Playfields. Another option is to go for a stroll on the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail that is a seven mile pathway between Pullman and Moscow.

If wildlife is what you’d rather do, take the opportunity to go visit the bears at the WSU Bear Center. They really are something amazing to go see.

Of course don’t forget to support your Cougar Athletics by stopping in at a baseball game or tennis match.

Whatever you decide to do, take the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful Pullman weather before it turns back to rain, because soon finals will be here once again and then you have to depart for summer.

Remember, April showers bring May flowers.

GO COUGS!

WSU's Annual Mom's Weekend

2010-04-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

We are approaching the 83rd annual Mom’s Weekend tradition, Friday, April 9-Sunday, April 11. Throughout the weekend there are numerous activities and events hosted by various organizations to celebrate Coug Moms.

Mom’s Weekend has undergone many changes through the years as it is evolving and growing. The First Mom’s Weekend was held May 28-29, 1927. Activities that were sponsored originally are still featured today, including many others that have been added through the years.

This weekend there are tons of activities and events scheduled to accommodate any mom and daughter or son to their needs or wants. University departments, living groups, student organizations and local businesses coordinate the weekend to fit the tradition of Mom’s Weekend.

I will go ahead and name just 10 of the fun activities or events that will be happening this weekend to give you an idea of all the fun you could experience.

1. Special Treats at Ferdinand’s
2. Chocolate Tasting with Lunch and Art Exhibit
3. International Folk Dancing
4. Mom’s Weekend Tea & Spa
5. Mom’s Weekend Day Hike and Yoga
6. Mini Golf with Mom
7. Portrait Photography
8. Quilt Sale
9. Official Mom’s Weekend Brunch
10. Mom’ Weekend Antique Show

Of course, not to mention the main featured entertainment of the weekend taking place Saturday evening with Jay Leno at Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Then, for all those sport fans who love to enjoy some solid competition and support the Cougar Athletes, there will be baseball games, tennis and soccer matches and a football scrimmage.

So many options, so little time to enjoy all that there is offered throughout the weekend. Because then again, I guess I can’t forget the nightlife activity taking place all weekend at houses, apartments and bars throughout Pullman.

Just remember to act appropriately and use your head. Some moms are ready to come and get down to party, others want to get out and enjoy the day and others are just excited to experience the day-to-day environment of Washington State University and meet all your friends. So remember to know your audience and act accordingly.

Above all, have fun, enjoy the activities and events and make it a fabulous weekend with your mom.

More information about activities and events taking place throughout the weekend can be found in the Program of Events. It will give descriptive details about the events and many options to pick from. Have a fun, safe and enjoyable weekend!!

As always, GO COUGS!!!

Soon to be Graduates

2010-03-28T22:22:00.001-07:00

This past week the Alumni Center hosted a Grad Fair for the upcoming 2010 graduates.

Their halls were filled with seniors making their last arrangements before the big day in May and mixed emotions flying around the room.

On May 8, most of these seniors will fill Beasley Coliseum at their designated graduation time and will leave the coliseum and official Washington State University alumni.

For some it is an exciting conclusion to one chapter of their lives to another, but for others it’s a scary end to a place they have made so many great friends and memories.

Hilary Crawford, a senior at WSU made comments about how she is feeling about graduating.

“I am unsure how I feel about it, I have created so many friendships, and don’t know if I am ready to say goodbye to the comfort of Pullman,” said Crawford.

Also for seniors who are ready to graduate and who are not ready to graduate a lot of them are suffering from senioritis.

According to Wikipedia, “senioritis is a colloquial term used in the United States to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college and graduate school careers.”

Cameron Douglas, another WSU senior said he is excited to graduate, but senioritis is kicking in and it is bringing the added stress to the ending trying to make sure everything is done and actually being motivated to do it.

No matter what all these seniors spent the past couple of years of their lives in Pullman and got the opportunity to grow and develop, and WSU was there to help shape their futures.

WAZZU(P) wishes all these upcoming graduates luck to finish everything they need to do, and life after graduation.

ASWSU

2010-03-25T02:20:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday WSU

2010-03-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

WSU's birthday is March 28, 1890. The university will be 120 years old. This is a soundslide wishing WSU a happy birthday. Guest speakers are Professor Val Miskin and student Amanda Stewart. It gives a little history about our university and some of the unique characteristics that WSU offers.

On the bottom of the soundslide there is a button called captions. Click on that for more information about the pictures as they appear.

I hope you enjoy this tribute to WSU and will help celebrate its 120 years of excellence!

GO COUGS!

Greek Leadership

2010-03-02T05:36:00.001-08:00

C.J Zita had plans for his college experience and the Greek community was not part of it.

Zita came to Washington State University because of his sister and the strong academic program WSU had to offer and had no intentions to join the Greek community.

“I had all the negative connotations of what being in a fraternity meant, and thought to myself that I would never want any part of that,” said Zita

He realized never to say never because as soon as school started and he began meeting fraternity men he had prejudged the community. C.J became interested in joining the community and started searching for a chapter that fit him best.

“The men of the brotherhood I joined were guys that I knew I would always get along with and be able to call my brothers,” said Zita. “Becoming Greek has been one of the best life choices and has provided me with many great friends, leadership opportunities, networking, and most importantly some of the best times of my life.”

Today he is the Interfraternity Council’s Director of Programming and Development. The position plans programs throughout the year that the Greek community will attend. Each program helps build awareness around hazing, sexual assault, alcohol, and chapter development said Zita.

“Being in a position like this will help me develop my leadership skills and allow me to become part of something bigger during my college experience,” said Zita. “I want to try to bridge the gap and tie bonds between other organizations to put on joint programs for the WSU community.”

IFC is a body comprised of representatives of the Greek community that acts as a liaison between the university and the community to ensure both university and chapter values and expectations are met.

Zita is a junior at W.S.U majoring in kinesiology with a minor in psychology.

Chile Earthquake and Students Affected

2010-03-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday students who were affected with news of an 8.8 earthquake that hit Chile and a possible tsunami could be heading towards Hawaii agree every student should be concerned.

Over 500 people died when Chile was affected by the 5th largest earthquake ever recorded that sent out a tsunami warning to residents in places like Hawaii and Japan, whom had to start preparing for the worst and the possibility the same death toll could soon affect them.

Vanessa Bader, a junior at W.S.U, said she learned about the threat of a tsunami was headed towards Hilo, Hawaii where her family and twin sister both live. Her sister called her at 5 a.m. to let her know they were being evacuated to higher ground. Bader became alarmed because her father and family were already affected once by a tsunami that devastated the town of Hilo in 1960.

“My first thought was fear,” said Bader. “I was very worried and didn’t really know what to do since I am 3,000 miles away.”

Not all students who had family in Hawaii were as lucky to hear the news right away. Phil Caalim, also a junior at WSU found out while getting lunch at Subway from a friend.

Caalim said his first thought was about his family and hoped they would be able to get to higher ground and Aeia, where he is from, would be high enough not to be affected by flooding.

Although Hawaii was not affected by a tsunami, students like Bader and Caalim felt what it would be like if something bad happened to the people they love and couldn’t do anything to help. Both students agree W.S.U students need to be aware and the university should look into helping people affected by natural disasters and offer students opportunities to help.

“It is important for W.S.U students (…) a tragedy like that could happen here in Washington since we live on a fault line,” said Caalim. It could very well have been us in the same position as Chile and Haiti.”

Moos speaks at WSU men's basketball game

2010-02-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

Bill Moos, who is WSU's new athletic director, spoke at halftime of the men's basketball game vs. University of Washington Saturday evening.

I was in attendance at the game and thoroughly enjoyed hearing from the Cougar alumni. He directed his talk to both the alumni and student section at the basketball game. His speech got everyone up on their feet and cheering.

He thanked the WSU alumni for all of their dedicated support through the years, explaining that they are the core of WSU. He mentioned they are the ones he had been in school with while he played football at WSU and was happy to see them still supporting Cougar Athletics.

Next, he turned to the WSU student section. This is when he thanked the students for the support they give toward athletics and let them show their love for their university.

In my opinion, it was a nice and evenly addressed introduction speech given by the new athletic director. It will be interesting to watch how Moos, the re-established Cougar, does in the future.

Fire leaves WSU students without housing

2010-02-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

Nobody was reported to be injured when a fire erupted at a WSU apartment complex, forcing many students from their homes.

A fire broke out at Chief Joseph Village complex about 5 a.m. Saturday. According to fire officials, the fire caused about $500,000 in damage and left more than a dozen students without a roof over their head.

The school and American Red Cross are working to find new housing for the students.

All information was found from the Seattle Times Web site.

WSU..Flying High

2010-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Cougars have been flying high for just over two years. On Jan. 22, 2008, WSU got to see their present from Horizon Air. The university's airplane, a Bombardier CRJ-700, was the first of the four jets that the airline had decorated with colors of Pac-10 Conference schools. Other schools that received a plane were University of Washington, University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

WSU's Athletic Department, Alumni Association and Office of Business Finance worked with Horizon to get the Cougar logo flying high.

Horizon Air had been serving WSU and Oregon for 25 years at the time. According to the Horizon Air spokeswoman, it gave the organization a chance to show their school spirit and dedication to the Cougar fans and customers.

All the information was found at the Daily Evergreen Online and the video is through YouTube.

Fulmer Cup, A Positive Ranking?

2010-02-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Picture from EDSBS

According to a college football blog Every Day Should Be Saturday, Washington State University placed fourth for the Fulmer Cup.

The Cup is an award given to a division one college football program that collectively has the worst criminal record and is decided by points that are given to players on the roaster for the current year.

According to Wikipedia, “Points are scored for each charge received by players. (Players must be on the team roster at the time of the offense). The scoring for the Fulmer Cup is imprecise — murder is 5 points, rape, bestiality, and grand larceny are 4 points, assault et al is 3, drug possession et al is 2, and misdemeanors are 1 point.”

The EDSBS commented WSU had two players who were involved in illegal activities. One was for a DUI which is worth two points and the other was a fourth degree assault, worth one point. All together the team racked up 3 points and earned the current ranking of fourth place on board.

Internet user f o u r commented on the article and said, “Seriously how can the worst team in the BCS engage in such heightened weekend dipshittery? You think they would be studying or something.”

Embarrassingly the article continues and said, “The Cougars--arguably the worst football team in the nation two years running at the D-1 level--still manage to produce points in this game, and kick off the 2010 season with a pair of point-worthy stupidities.”

In relation, WSU also has a recent resignation of athletic director Jim Sterk, who was actually given an extension in his contract, but decided to try new things in San Diego.

Sterk hired Paul Wulff, a decision that has become questionable for many students, alumni, and staff, especially since the Cougars have not had a winning season in the past two years.

Although the Fulmer Cup is an embarrassment to the type of reputation our football athletes have nationwide, is it safe to say WSU might being going up now that Sterk is gone. It was during his time we not only received a rank for the Fulmer Cup, but his decisions for Cougar football have an impact on why our program has declined.

Students should feel relieved we get a chance of someone new, maybe with better judgment?

Over the Weekend

2010-02-17T05:09:00.000-08:00

“Love is the only shocking act left on the planet,” said Valentine’s Day actor Ashton Kutcher during a scene of the new movie, Valentine’s Day.

Pullman couples, friends, and families celebrated Sunday with the idea of love and its capabilities that make it ever so shocking, and they did it at the Pullman Movie Theater.

The star packed movie displayed different relationships at all ages and what it takes to stay together, how much fun love is, the excitement of finding someone to love and showed the consequences of when you abuse it.

Movie goers arrived early to purchase tickets and waited in line just to get a good seat for the anticipated blockbuster hit.

The movie sold out the rest of the day at the cinema, but was a wonderful Valentine’s Day example for the holiday that many see as a fake, or are not excited for because they do not have valentine of their own. The movie showed a wide array of people, who just wanted to be together and be happy.

Sarah Hensley, a senior at Washington State University arrived 30 minutes early to the 3:50 p.m. showing at the Pullman theater just to make sure she could get seats. She said although she did end up in the very front, she was happy she even got to see the movie and spend it with her friends.

Not all movie goers were has thrilled to see the movie. Craig Harris, a senior at Whitworth University, was visiting friends when they all decided to see it together.

“It was okay, it wasn’t what I expected, but in all honestly I just wanted to be with my friends and have a good time in Pullman this weekend,” said Harris. “They wanted to see the movie so I wasn’t going to stop them; I just wanted to be with them.”

It seemed to be a constant theme throughout the movie theater and you could tell by the emotion and body language of people there. The movie gave many people just an opportunity to do something fun with people they cared about.

“This day is about love, not only for boyfriend and girlfriends, but for family members and friends,” said Hensley. “I am sharing this intimate day with friends because I want to show them that I love them and I don’t need to be in a relationship to celebrate this happy holiday.”

A fresh and perfect way to describe a holiday many see as a burden.

The Voice of the Cougars

2010-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

Learn a little bit more about the Voice of the Cougars Glenn Johnson. Also speaking is Carrie Neppel, who is the Program Coordinator of Alumni Engagement for the Washington State University Alumni Centre and a WSU Alumni.

Go Cougs!

Working for the Community

2010-02-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Cable 8 Productions is hosting a telethon to support the Cougar Outreach Vision Program. The telethon will take place Thursday, February 18, 2010 from noon to 3 p.m. at Studio A in Murrow and also the CUB Lair. They are working to raise money that will be used as a college fund for a Pullman 8th grade student who recently lost his mother and his father who is suffering from cancerous diseases as well.

To find out more about the event, check it out on the Facebook event page.

Cable 8 Productions is Washington State University's independently, student-operated television station. Since 1986 it has been giving students the opportunity to produce, manage and air their own television shows. It has won many awards and produced and aired nine original shows.

The Story Behind the Logo

2010-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

To some it resembles a cougar head, to some it says WSU and to others it is the unmistakable, well-known trademark that represents Washington State University Cougars. Created in July 1936 it continues to serve as the legacy of the man who created such a simple creative symbol for our university.

Randall Johnson is the creator of the WSU logo that is seen everywhere on campus and included on a majority of merchandise that is sold. For how much profit this logo has most likely created, Johnson decided to sell the rights of the logo to the university in a total amount of $1.

Click here to read more about the creator behind the logo.

Around Pullman

2010-02-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

Taco Del Mar was visited early one weekend morning by a brave super hero. The superhero, wearing a batman cape, held superman in his hand as he ate and enjoyed his pleasant getaway from the world of crime fighting. Pullman is pleasantly pleased to have superheros aroud, even if its for quick bite or they are really small, they are watching and keep us safe!

Photo: Whtiney Parsons

Cougars helping Haiti

2010-02-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Check out a video from The Daily Evergreen of Cougars bringing awareness to the issues in Haiti.

Over 100 years of excellence

2010-01-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

The Victory Bell has been part of WSU for about 100 years. In my opinion, it seems quite remarkable that this object has been, and is still serving the students, alumni and fans of WSU.

It was placed in the middle of campus and was rung to start and end class.

It was later placed on top of College Hill because automatic bells were installed. The next time the bell was rung was when the WSU women's basketball team beat the Washington Huskies in 1902.

Overtime, the bell began representing the win of the football team. Every time WSU won a football game, the Intercollegiate Knights would ring the bell. It then moved locations for the last time from College Hill to the Lewis Alumni Centre. Now, the Student Alumni Connections (SAC) takes on the tradition of ringing the bell after each home football win while alumni and fans gather around.

Remember to listen for that bell after a Cougar football victory! Also, according to thecoug.com, the only keys that the bell rings in are "G" and "C"...could that be a representation of the universal saying, Go Cougs!

Does it matter...'WAZZU' or WSU?

2010-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

The term 'WAZZU' is still used by many to address Washington State University. The use of 'WAZZU' is to be able to pronounce WSU as a single word.

It was used as promotion on clothing, merchandise and other items sold as the nickname of WSU. As of 2002, WSU President V. Lane Rawlins and other university officials worked to downplay the nickname and use WSUs primary trademarks on merchandise.

President Rawlins said that the term 'WAZZU' is derogratory and supports the idea of WSU being a party school, according to the Seattle Times Associated Press. The idea was to take out the "party school" representation of 'WAZZU' and return to promoting WSU by its proper name and trademarks that illustrate it as a world-class institution.

As far as I know whether someone says 'WAZZU' or WSU they are a Coug supporter and as we all know, Cougs stick by each other. Once a Coug, always a Coug no matter the official or unofficial term used to describe Washington State University.

WAZZU(P) and Welcome

2010-01-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Urban Dictionary defines this word as a way "to properly greet someone without offending them."

"WAZZUP", a slang term for "What's Up" and can be heard on television, radio, and by everyday people everywhere. It has been incorporated into commercials,parodys and also has been used to promote a presidental candidate.

An obvious pop culture phenomenon,and it would only seem fitting the word would have "WAZZU" in it.

"WAZZU" another word for Washington State University, and a word describing the best place on Earth, according to UrbanDictionary.com.

If a blog were going to be about pop culture around Washington State University, the best place on Earth, then "WAZZU(P)" would be the title without a doubt. It would encompass everything great,wonderful wierd, unique, and fun about WSU without offending anyone and always greeting everyone. The definations from above clearly illustrate how WAZZU(P) is the perfect title.

It is only polite now that I say, "WAZZU(P), and hope you visit again."