Mount Hood

Campus Voices

By: Joleen Braasch
Staff Writer

CampusVoicesHaleyLancourtColor“Other than work I’m going to do drag show rehearsals […] which is the most fun thing ever. Then, on Thursday me and my roommate are gonna go to Idaho and visit my parents because she has never been there and I am showing her all the fun things that Boise has to offer.”
Haley Lancourt, junior, exercise science major

 

 

 

 

“I was going to Disneyland with my family but they decided I didn’t need to go this year. So, I’m just gonna be back home for the entire spring break.”
Jo Ann Grassman, sophomore, psychology major

 

CampusVoicesMattRawlingsColor“NCAA tournament, wherever the Ducks go. They’ll probably end up on the West Coast somewhere, I’m probably gonna try and road-trip and catch a couple games of the regional. So, I’m pretty excited about that.”
Matt Rawlings, senior, communications major

 

 

 

 

“I’m gonna go to Las Vegas and win money for my tuition.”CampusVoicesSadracLopezColor
Sadrac Lopez, junior, social science with a focus in sociology

 

 

 

 

“If I do anything I go to the beach with my friends, and for this spring break I am actually getting a car this weekend, so I’ll probably get to go to Seattle or the beach.”
Lyndsey Harris, sophomore, biology major

 

“I am going home in Astoria and I am basically doing nothing. I did go camping once, in Washington.”
Marilisa Peña, senior, forensic chemistry major

 

“[In the past], we went to Florida and Georgia and stayed at his grandparents’ condo on the beach.”
Samantha Bishop, senior, interdisciplinary studies major
Aubrey Rogers III, senior, criminal justice major

 

 

CampusVoicesJamesMasnovColor“I’m going to play with my band, Fathom, up in Seattle. And try to find one or two days to not do anything.”
James Masnov, junior, history major

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m probably going to watch the Special Olympic soccer practice that my mom coaches.”
Katie Diiorio, sophomore, ASL interpreting major

 

“I’m going home to my parents’ house, in Tigard, Ore., to spend some time with them, and maybe do some volunteering for my education program.”
Cynthia Olivares, sophomore, elementary education major

 

CampusVoicesMollyHinsvarkColor“I’m planning to go to the beach to meet up with some people that are going to the Peace-Corp, and I am also going up to Seattle for Sakura-Con, like a crazy person.”
Molly Hinsvark, senior, social science education major

 

 

 

 

“A couple spring breaks ago, I was driving over the Santiam Pass to Bend and an avalanche hit right in front of me and closed off the road for about three hours. It was pretty terrifying but it was actually pretty beautiful […] and no-one got hurt.”
Troy MacVicar, senior, business major

 

“My grandparents are having their 50th wedding anniversary, and we’re going on a Caribbean Cruise […] In the past I have gone to Germany and normal spring break parties.”
Sam Reed, junior, humanities major

Dear Esmeralda

EsmeraldaColor

Dear Esmeralda,

My roommate flirts with my fiancé all the time when they come over, and I think they might be in love with them, and I think my fiancé might like them back and the three of us are supposed to live together next year. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Caught in a Love Game

Dear Caught in a Love Game,

Well, first off, props for the Lady Gaga reference, even if it was unintentional.
For second, I have some questions for you: Do you want love? Do you want fame? Are you in the game?
For third, gurl what!? Oh honey, nay nay! Goodness! Lord have mercy on your fiancé’s soul! Just soak the body in a hydrofluoric acid solution à la Breaking Bad and wear gloves!
All joking aside, let’s get down to brass tacks. Have you tried talking to both parties separately? Communication is key! It may be a misunderstanding. If not, when all else fails, as they say in France (probably), have a ménagé trois!

XOXO,
Esmeralda

Mack strikes back

By: Conner Williams
Editor-in-Chief

Alright, thrift shoppers, if you’re like me, then you stayed up late and waited until “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made” dropped and then proceeded to listen to it on repeat for the next week.

Hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released their debut album “The Heist” back in 2012 when I was a pipsqueak freshman, and their follow-up came out just in time to take its place as the anthem of my senior year.

Without further adieu, I have decided to list out each track into specified categories that I think make most sense. It should be noted, however, that I have only heard the standard version of the album and not the full deluxe version, so the list below is missing the two extra tracks on the deluxe version.

Certified Bangers

With tracks like “Can’t Hold Us,” “White Walls,” and “Jimmy Iovine,” producer Ryan Lewis has proven that he is one of the best in the business at mixing up beats that bang. TUMIM is a bit more mellow, but it still has a few certified bangers.

“Downtown”: This track was released as a single back in August, and became an instant hit. The best part? It’s a song about mopeds. “Chromed out mirror, I don’t need a windshield; banana seat, a canopy on two wheels; eight hundred cash that’s a hell of a deal!”

“Light Tunnels”: As the opening track, this song sets the tone for the album, and it does just that. Macklemore calls out celebrities as he recounts his experience at the Grammy’s when he won album of the year and details what it’s been like facing the pressure of living up to the success of “The Heist.” “Watch celebrities take selfies with celebrities; it feels so make believe; they want the gossip, they want the drama; they want Britney Spears to make out with Madonna.”

“Brad Pitt’s Cousin”: There’s no doubt that Macklemore has an interesting sense of humor. With the chorus chanting “When you see me in the club; Brad Pitt, that’s my cousin; Angelina show me love,” the song still leaves me a bit confused as to where to draw the parallel between the two men (despite them both being incredibly attractive). But who cares, the song still bangs. “Every white dude in America went to the barbershop like ‘Give me that Macklemore haircut!’”

“Dance Off”: Featuring a celebrity appearance by Idris Elba (“Thor,” “Beasts of No Nation”) on the hook, this song is another Macklemore great that details just how much he loves to dance. And the bass is killer too. “I grab my ankle and pull it up; and do that thing where I move my butt; I got the juice motherfucker don’t use it up.”

Social Justice Issues:

Macklemore is fairly well-known for being a present voice of many social justice issues; “Same Love” advocated for marriage equality and became a huge hit that inspired millions around the country, and “Wings” detailed the culture around Jordan shoes and how people literally kill for them.

“White Privilege II”: This track is a nine-minute-long slap to the face for white Americans. Macklemore discusses his conflicted thoughts of taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest as he feels like he should be doing something while simultaneously feeling out of place, as well as how he used the hip-hop genre that arose from black culture to further his own agenda. “Want people to like you, want to be accepted; that’s probably why you are out here protesting; don’t think for a second you don’t have incentive.”

“Let’s Eat”: This track is all about positive body image. The message: quit worrying about eating that slice of cake. Go for it. “Supposed to be on a diet; I wanna be like Ryan; he lost 30 pounds on that paleo; but fuck it man I love fried shit!”

“Kevin”: Macklemore premiered this song at the AMAs, and it sure had an impact. A huge shot at the prescription drug industry, it discusses how Rx’s have harmed people by getting them addicted and, in some cases, killing them, all while robbing them blind. “Got anxiety, better go and give him a Xanax; focus, give him Adderall; sleep, give him Ambien; ‘til he’s walking ‘round the city looking like a mannequin!”

(Potential) Cult Hits:

Tracks like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us” became iconic pop anthems that have a special place in everyone’s musical repertoire. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t know where the line “I’m gonna pop some tags” comes from?

“Buckshot”: I honestly don’t know what it is about this track, but it’s got me bobbing my head and dancing around my apartment like I’m possessed. There’s just something behind a song about graffiti that I find intriguing. “They hella mad, say my art is really bad for business; but I’mma paint a better world until the cans are empty.”

“Need to Know”: Featuring a fantastic hook and verse by the increasingly popular Chance The Rapper, this track gives off a vibe of a lazy Sunday afternoon coffee shop. Gentle piano and horns serve as the background beat and almost supersede the fact that this track is about bending the truth and only revealing what one truly needs to know. Macklemore believes he is living a life that is a lie and really just looks better on the surface. “I’m really good at telling the half truth but usually only when I have to; the money doesn’t work, the chain doesn’t work; something broken in my brain got me praying in the dirt.”

Lowkey Jams:

In the midst of his speedy verses and eccentric dance themes, Macklemore likes to take it easy with a few slow jams as well.

“Growing Up”: Featuring an appearance by Ed Sheeran on the hook, this track is simply a heartfelt love letter from Macklemore to his unborn daughter. This really is a fantastic song and shows the rapper’s emotional side. “I’m gonna be there for your first breath; I don’t know if I’ll be there for your first step; I can promise you I’ll try to work less.”

“St. Ides”: While the title is a referenece to the malt liquor, it’s really about Macklemore appreciating the “non-commercial greatness of life,” as Genius.com put it. “Rollin’ round, we know where to go; argue with the homies over who’s gonna roll; bumpin’ Goodie Mob, have some food for the soul.”

“Bolo Tie”: This track shows Macklemore’s frustration with originally trying to get his music out there, and then people harassing him for new content after the hype of “The Heist” had ended. He didn’t want to put out music just for the sake of it; he wants it to be real. “Motherfucker you ain’t my accountant; you don’t know what I’m doing; focusing on what I’m giving back; man, make better music.”

“The Train”: As the final track on the album, it explores the rapper’s feelings of detachment and that he feels like he’s departing somewhere, like he’s on a train to nowhere. “Watchin’ the trees pass by at a tempo; got a round trip ticket out to limbo; and I’m getting close to my kinfolk.”

Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu or on Twitter @journalEIC

Insane in the membrane

By: Jenna Beresheim
News Editor

While lice may have a reputation of popping up in small children within the school system, outbreaks are possible wherever high populations of people gather. Now, recent reports state that “super lice” have shown up within the last few years.

“There are a number of theories as to how “regular” lice have mutated into “super” lice,” said Jennifer King, FNP-BC, Medical Services Director at Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center.

“Most likely, it is due to incorrect usage of over-the-counter treatments, either by not using enough product or leaving the solution on the scalp for an insufficient amount of time to kill the lice,” King continued. “Based on research, it has been found that lice can mutate genetically and become resistant to traditional OTC treatments, [also known as] pyrethroids.”

These super lice have spread to over half the country, including Washington, California, and Arizona.

In 2000, the over-the-counter treatments of pyrethroids were 100 percent effective in the removal and killing of head lice. Now, those numbers have dwindled to just 25 percent effectiveness in recent trials.

To combat the mutated lice, Lice Clinics of America has developed an FDA-approved treatment called AirAlle, reports FoxNews.

“We use heated air, and we dehydrate the lice and eggs in a single treatment,” said Claire Roberts, CEO of Lice Clinics of America, to KSDK.com.

“It takes about an hour, and we guarantee it,” Roberts continued.
Each treatment of AirAlle costs about $170, which may be out of a college student’s budget range.

“If there is a concern about resistant head lice, a.k.a “super lice” we recommend scheduling an appointment here at the health center for evaluation and prescription treatment,” encouraged King.

Some suggestions to reduce the chance of spreading lice can be found through the Center for Disease Control. The CDC recommends a few of the following tips: avoid head-to-head contact, avoid sharing clothes – especially hats, and try not to use an infected individual’s objects, such as pillows or hairbrushes.

If you do happen to become infected, machine wash all clothes and bedding in hot water, then dry at the same temperature. Fumigation sprays are not necessary as they are not meant to treat lice. Wash all other possibly infected objects, such as hairbrushes and towels, in hot water as well. Lastly, vacuum and wipe down the affected living areas, such as bedroom and living room.

Once lice have left someone’s body, they quickly dehydrate and die within one to two days, but cleaning ensures less chance of the lice finding their way back to a body. Lice eggs also require a specific temperature, one found close to the scalp, in order to hatch. Investing in specialized lice picks and combs may help combat the further spread.

“To help control a head lice outbreak in a community, it is imperative that we provide information to prevent the spread of lice. The student health center utilizes social media, including Facebook and Twitter as well as email to share information about a number of general health topics and concerns,” said King.

“While lice are irritating and uncomfortable, the good news is that they don’t spread disease, according to the CDC,” said King.

Contact the author at jberesheim11@wou.edu or on Twitter @WOUjournalnews

Cocktail Corner

By: Megan Clark
Campus Life Editor

To welcome spring, I asked for a springtime inspired cocktail at Crush. The bartender provided me with a Vodka Collins made with apple flavored vodka.

A Vodka Collins normally consists of vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, and an orange slice and maraschino cherry as garnish.

It was pretty tart, but refreshing and light, and the alcohol was almost unnoticeable.

While the apple flavored vodka added another dimension to the otherwise one dimensional drink, it also tasted like the fake apple flavor used in Jolly Ranchers, which I didn’t much care for.

If I were to drink it again, I would want to cut the citrusy tartness with a sweet flavored vodka instead of apple, or eat something bready between sips to calm my palate.

Bethany McWhorter, a prior student at WOU, joined me on my excursion. She ordered the Blood Orange off of the menu, which consisted of blood orange vodka, pomegranate liqueur, honey water, and orange juice.

The pulp from the muddled orange provided a nice texture and slight zing that cut through the sweetness of the drink itself. The drink was a fruity concoction that hid its alcohol well.

“It was good, a little sweeter than I expected, but I’d order it again,” said McWhorter.

Contact the author at meclark13@wou.edu or on Twitter @WOU_campuslife

#FreeKesha

By: Brianna Bonham

The Free Kesha movement has been going on for a couple of years now, but has gained significant attention after the court’s decision on Kesha’s case.

For those that don’t know about the case, here’s a little background: Kesha released her popular album “Warrior” in 2012, and shortly after in 2013, her fans began to suspect that her producer, Lukasz Gottwald, was controlling her. A petition was created to free her from Gottwald’s control, and Kesha later said in a Rolling Stone interview that she felt as though she did not have creative control over her music.

In October 2014, Kesha filed a lawsuit against Gottwald saying that he had controlled her and abused her physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The suit said, “For the past 10 years, Gottwald has sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abused Ms. Sebert to the point where Ms. Sebert nearly lost her life. Gottwald abused Ms. Sebert in order to destroy her self-confidence, self-image, and self-worth so that he could maintain complete control over her life and career.” The suit included claims of multiple instances where Gottwald had “forced himself” on Kesha while she was “intoxicated and drugged,” and then threatened her into silence.

Gottwald filed a lawsuit against Kesha claiming that her accusations were an attempt to get out of their contract. On Feb. 19, Kesha left the courtroom in tears after the judge denied her request to be freed from the contract binding her to Sony music, and ultimately, Gottwald, saying that there was not enough evidence to support the case.

This case astounds and concerns me.

First and foremost, Kesha is a human being. The stress the situation is causing her is apparent both physically and mentally. After the case was initially brought up, her appearance changed and she was not as active in the industry as she was in years previously. Her fans noticed these changes and voiced their concerns before the case was even brought up.

The fact that the judge decided there was not enough evidence to support the case makes my stomach turn. What if that was me presenting a rape case and they decided that I had to work with my rapist? Imagine what that could do to a person.

Kesha was not asking for anything unreasonable either; she simply wanted to have the contract revoked so that she could produce music elsewhere. Kesha was not asking for him to serve jail time.

Shortly after the decision was made, Lady Gaga released a statement saying, “No one needs to validate Kesha.”

“Why is the victim always the ‘liar’? Why do we let people in a position of power get away with behaving inhumanely?” she continued. “These guys hide behind the legal system and it’s their litigious behavior that is precisely what they use to rape these girls. Give me what I want or else I will come after you’ and they have all the money and the resources to do it.”

Many musicians, celebrities, and fans have banded together to show their support for Kesha. A GoFundMe page was created to buy out Kesha’s contract. In 11 days, supporters have raised $23,077 out of the $2 million goal.

This also brings awareness to rape culture and the power that a rapist can have in a situation. It’s hard to know for sure without any solid evidence whether or not the rape occurred, but I believe it is extremely important to take into account how the decision will affect the victim and what kind of message this sends to an audience.

One of the arguments I have heard from a couple people is that Kesha did not come forward in a “timely manner,” to which I say, why do we place a time limit on abuse?

If it happened, it happened. No amount of time is going to change that. It may be harder to gather evidence 10 years after the abuse, but that doesn’t make it any less of a concern. By placing a time limit on Kesha coming forward, that forces her to continue working with her abuser.

The beginning of my senior year of high school, I was verbally abused by my theatre director on multiple separate occasions. I went to the principle after it happened and explained that I did not feel safe in the theatre anymore, and that I was concerned for the wellbeing of other students.

I fought for something to be done for over a year, and to this day, nothing has been done. It kills me to see Kesha working with that abusive man. As someone who has experienced verbal abuse, I can attest that it is both physically and emotionally draining.

I can’t even begin to imagine a situation where someone is forced to work with their abuser, and to me it shows that the legal contract between Kesha and Gottwald is valued more than she is as a human being.

After reading up on the case, I feel as though Gottwald has “won.” He keeps the contract with no punishment except the anger of her fans. There is also potential for the situation to happen again. I hope that there are measures being taken to make sure Kesha is safe when they are together. I stand with Kesha, and hope that she gets the justice she needs.

Contact the author at bbonham15@wou.edu or on Twitter @WOUjournalphoto

Hey Teacher! Don’t leave this club alone

By: Joleen Braasch 
Staff Writer

When Western was first founded as Monmouth University in 1856, the school was focused on creating educators. Today, Western is a liberal arts campus, but the tradition of excellence in education continues 160 years later.

“Kids need competent teachers who have undergone quality training. That’s why I’m at WOU. So I can get a top notch education that will eventually allow me to become a top notch educator,” said Heather Nelson, a junior double-major in elementary education and Spanish.

Assisting in this top-notch endeavor, the WOU Education Club, the only Oregon chapter of the Association for Supervision and Career Development, provides a space for anybody interested in education to build valuable connections, resources and skills for their future as an educator and socialize with other education majors.

Nelson, who is not part of the education club due to commuting restraints, believes that the education club is extremely important for all education majors, as the networking with established professionals is crucial for obtaining jobs in tight-knit communities.

Adelina Vazquez, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, goes so that she can meet like-minded people. Addie Sherman, a junior early childhood/elementary education major, appreciates the professional development. Mariah Castro, a senior early childhood/elementary education major, is involved so she can give back to the community.

This year, the education club officers have been working hard to engage with the community and have partnered with the Monmouth Burgerville to host family literacy nights every third Thursday of the month. The officers have also started a new silent-auction fundraiser this year, “A Night at the Gardens,” which will occur Saturday, March 5 at the Oregon Gardens.

Are you interested in the education club? Like them on Facebook at “WOU Education Club (ASCD).” Do you have questions? Contact Linzy Griffin, Webmaster, at lgriffin14@wou.edu

Contact the author at jbraasch12@wou.edu