Thursday, February 4, 2010

Heads Vs. Feds


Legalization of marijuana: a highly controversial topic that is very prominent on our campus at Washington State University.

We all know what it is like to have to sit through a boring lecture that is mandatory for class, but the debate, “Heads Vs. Feds” is anything but that.

On February 24 at 6:00 pm, a debate on the legalization of marijuana is being held in the CUB Ballroom.

The debate is between two profound speakers on the topic, Steve Hager, editor of High Times Magazine, and Robert M. Stutman, a DEA veteran.

This is a college tour, and while looking at reviews of it by other colleges online, it seems that the debate is highly praised.

The perk of going to such an event is not only will it inform you on a topic many of us students have strong opinions on, but it is a cheap form of entertainment. Students get in free, and it is only $5 for the public!

So mark your calendars for February 24th, and go on over to the CUB Ballroom for an intellectual and interesting look on the highly controversial debate of marijuana legalization.

An excuse to drink beer!

For all of you students 21 and older, check out the beer tasting event on February 17, in Moscow Id. at the Moscow Food Co-op from 6-9 p.m. The owners of Old Schoolhouse Brewery will be there with three of their beers to taste.

The Coug and Stubblefields are great places to kick back and grab a beer, but why not try something new in Moscow? For more information and directions, go to Moscow Food Co-op.

Chris Larson


Chris Larson, a contemporary artist from St. Paul, visited the WSU Fine Arts building on February 3, to present his latest exhibition,"Pause". Chris Larson is no ordinary artist, and his collection surprised, shocked and awed viewers. Larson’s work ranges from film making, sculpture, and architecture. Among many of the extraordinary pieces in this collection, two of my favorite were his "frozen shotgun shack” and a wooden sculpture depicting a spaceship crashing into a house, both from his films. (seen in the picture to the left)

This collection was inspired by a true event of a railroad entrepreneur who crashed two trains into each other, resulting in an explosion. Chris Larson was interested in the collision of two separate entities, and based his collection on this idea. Through his work, he wanted to make art come to life, and he wanted his art to disturb and shock viewers.

After talking with Chris Larson, I was able to understand why his work is so important. Larson is not interested in making art for a specific purpose, but likes creating art that people are not used to seeing. He wants to create things that cannot happen, and produce art that is absurd and disturbing.

The exhibition was absolutely beautiful, extraordinary, and strange. Since the collection is so odd and absurd, it made me appreciate his work for being so unique and eccentric. I liked that his motivation behind his collection was not for any specific reason other than producing things that are not ordinarily experienced in every day life. It was refreshing to see art that was so different from any other collection, and which made me think about art and life in a new perspective.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Lets’ Go Paintballin'


As it is my third year of attending WSU I always feel like I know all the places to go around Pullman, and the surrounding areas. However, after beginning this blog I have proved myself completely wrong.

I was researching places to go around Pullman, and I stumbled upon an outdoor paintball place right outside of Colfax. Colfax Paintball offers scenario paintball games in a scenic location along the Palouse River as well as outdoor woods ball. The field is free but there is a day pass that is only $10 for all day or a $15 weekend pass. Renting your own equipment is $25 and everything is included. Colfax Paintball is open through the months of April 1st – October 1st. This activity is offered only on the weekends from 9am-6pm.

I think everyone should try out new activities and this maybe be the place to do it! I realize that it is a pricier activity, but it is a way better way of spending your money than at the bars on the weekend. Also, the field is located on a beautiful ranch in which will give you all a change of scenery!

*If you want special group rates you can contact the owner on his e-mail greyman@wildblue.net or 509-397-2378.

Address: 2011 Chicken Ranch RdColfax, WA 99111

Looking for a New Adventure?

When participating in physical activities I typically think of sports such as football, soccer or baseball, but never rocking climbing. Located in the heart of Pullman there is a rock climbing wall that is available for those who are ready for a new adventure.

The WSU Climbing Wall is a place where anyone can learn to rock climb. The climbing wall has courses set up for those who are just starting out or for those who are experienced climbers that want to be challenged! The best part about being a member of the WSU climbing wall is that there is only a one time membership fee of $5.00 for all Cougs! Climbing shoes and helmets are available for in-gym use at no charge. So if you’re craving for an adventure, and want to try out a new activity I would advise you to take a walk on the wildside and climb our very own rock climbing wall!

Location/Address: The Climbing Wall is located in Hollingbery Field House Court Seven at 1277 NE Colorado Street in Pullman

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 11:30am-1pm, 6-10pm >Friday: 4-8pm >Saturday - Sunday: 2-5:00pm

Coffee and a book

When I go to Daily Grind, one of many things usually takes over my thoughts: studying, coffee sipping, conversing, etc.. Typically, browsing a selection of books in the very back of the store is not one of them. Unbeknownst to me (and my rigid agenda that seems to conquer any out-of-the-norm thinking when it comes to coffee shops), is a lending library in what used to be cold storage near the music room at DG. After checking out some of the titles the other day, I realized I had been missing out...

On foot when the sun gets up

Early morning walks aren't for everyone, but sometimes even the staunch opponent to waking-up when the sun does can't deny its benifits. In a town like Pullman, a person faces more than a few potential walking routes.

A few promising stops are the parks of Pullman. With footpaths and trails linking some of the more centrally-located parks in Pullman, a trip out to one of these getaways with coffee cup in hand makes for a perfect way to start up a day.

Take a walk near the Palouse River near downtown and stroll down to its banks for a quiet place to read a favorite book, or browse Pullman's historic district and see the houses that have gained national recognition for their rich presence in our area's past.

Whether you decide a trip to the coffee shop is in order or a stroll through one of Pullman's inviting parks, think outside the box and look to the subtle things overlooked in the everyday. Sometimes its a simple early morning walk than can make a day great.