Mount Hood

Catch and Release: Album Reviews

Discovering newly released music before the masses are aware of it used to be a pastime for some. Knowing all the lyrics, mastering the air guitar and making sure that everyone around knows who found it first were all very important parts of being the coolest. Here a few albums that have been released recently. They aren’t for everyone, but at least it’s something other than listening to the same songs you jammed out to in high school.

“Half Light” by Rostam, a former group member of Vampire Weekend, is an album that’s almost perfect for studying or sleeping. Having listened to Vampire Weekend in high school, I find that there are all the elements of Rostam’s previous group, but there’s a finesse to “Half Light” that sets it apart. Perhaps it was taking a page out of Bon Iver’s book for the cinematography of his music video or the minimalism that, ironically, makes you want to go buy the album. It’s his solo debut and, while it reflects his previous group, it is anything but typical.

Open Mike Eagle recently released “Brick Body Day Kids Still Dream.” After listening to the first few songs, I felt like I had listened to the same song on repeat. Each tone story made me feel the same feelings, see the same images. In an attempt to interpret this album, I noticed that it mainly focuses on the past, but also dreams of the future — an all too common theme. Some of the songs are so erratic that it actually made me physically frustrated. But maybe there is a level of musicality that I have yet to unearth in myself.

After listening to music for hours on end, trying to write this article, I stumbled across the album “I Tell a Fly” by Benjamin Clementine. Just as I was hoping and praying for something different, or an eye-opening album to listen to, I got this. Though it wasn’t exactly what I was searching for, it’s just fine. If you can imagine Death Grips and Timber Timbre having a little music-baby on a rebellious streak, it would be Benjamin Clementine. Similar to past albums, each song carries a similar weight with it and, after having seen Clementine on an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, I was more than a little disappointed. “I Tell a Fly” is jazzy, avant garde, electronic and modern. Frankly, it’s all over the place.

Finally, “Wonderful, Wonderful” by the one and only, The Killers. Perhaps my review of this album is a bit biased, being that I think The Killers are pretty amazing. Imbibing a bit and singing loudly and off-key to “Mr. Brightside” still sounds like a good time to me. This album — however high my hopes were — was not so much of a letdown, as it was a surprise. After disappearing off the scene, The Killers haven’t really lost their touch. “Wonderful, Wonderful” retains the same light and delicate instrumentals that were on previous albums, but with darker emotions. Sure, it is no “Hot Fuss,” but it’s better than a kick in the pants.

 

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu

Transforming Western into a fall fashion show

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
Photo by Caity Healy

As the temperature began dropping on campus, the fashion started heating up. Students made Western their runway as they began throwing on

their sweaters, lacing up their boots and donning themselves in the shades of autumn.

Fall fashion, commonly known as “sweater weather,” is, for many, a favorite aspect of the season. The wardrobe selections begin offering more options than the previous season’s would; building outfits that appear to be well put together is actually a lot simpler than it seems.

In order to assemble the perfect autumn ensemble, students have to know where to look when shopping for those first-rate fall statements. Oftentimes, the best deals can be found online. By looking at apps and websites selling secondhand attire, Poshmark and OfferUp to name a couple, cheap but quality clothing can be found that will add to any outfit.

The search can also continue at local boutiques, such as Gracy Lu’s on Monmouth St., or Fashion Sense on C St. For a more thrifty pursuit, students can head to Dallas to search for the ideal wardrobe by partaking in a bit of a treasure hunt at the Goodwill in town.

Photo by Caity Healy

With a full wardrobe, it’s time to start putting together that fall statement. The easiest way to dress for autumn is with a few seasonal staples. Key items that are a must for anyone are: beanies, sweaters, scarves, boots and, of course, any other piece in the hues of fall — reds, oranges, and certain shades of yellow are a must.

With this short guide, and a full closet, all the necessary steps have been taken now to put together an ensemble that reflects the season. For those who choose to partake, don’t forget to dress in a way that matches your sense of style, as well.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

How to prosper at your next interview

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Tuition, rent, utilities, groceries, internet — this just names a few of the necessary bills that many students pay consistently while trying to make being a student their priority. It’s no wonder that for some, getting a job is an unavoidable demand.

Being in a small town, it can be difficult to find work that will match all of your needs. However, it’s not impossible.

To get the opportunity to work, most times you’ll have to provide a resume, and often a cover letter, that can properly reflect who you are. When writing your resume, make sure that it is formatted in a way that will reduce the work for the person hiring you. Pick a font size that is easy to read and, likewise, pick a font that isn’t too decorative.

If you don’t have lengthy job experience, don’t let this deter you from providing a resume; name your accomplishments and volunteer experience, as well — but make sure what you mention will impress the right people. Whatever you emphasize should match the job you are applying for. Once everything is written out, try keeping it to one page.

Once you have the first draft of your resume written out, head to the Service Learning and Career Development office in the Werner University Center for further advice. There, they’ll provide help with editing, connect you to jobs, provide career advice and can even hold mock interviews. Allow them to look over your resume, and grab a handout that can point out every aspect that should be included. Make sure that your resume matches all the necessary requirements, and then include it while applying for jobs.

If all goes well, and the hiring managers are impressed with your application and/or resume, you may be called back for an interview. This is where you’ll make a real impression on the people you’ll potentially be working with; take advantage of it. Dress a step up from the job you are applying for. Always look put-together, wrinkle-free and bear a welcoming a smile that will make your interviewer feel comfortable, as well — remember, in many cases, they’re just as nervous as you are.

Basic tips for interviews include, “look them in the eye, and don’t deadfish them”, as noted by junior psychology major Kaylee DeBolt. Maintaining eye contact creates mutual respect, and a firm handshake is an impressive and necessary factor to most interviews.

Finding work, especially in a college town, is not always an easy task. Making use of the services at Western such as SLCD, can help ease that burden. Take advantage of it.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

New Oregon distracted driving laws now in effect

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Oct. 1 marked the beginning of the updated 2017 distracted driving laws in Oregon.

Distracted driving is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as, “anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” This includes talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, adjusting the stereo — anything that distracts from driving in a safe and responsible manner.

According to oregon.gov, there were 917 crashes from 2011 to 2015 in Oregon caused by a driver using a cell phone.

The previous 2015 cell phone law prohibited texting and talking while driving without using a hands-free device, but drivers could use cell phones for other purposes.

The 2017 House Bill 2597 prohibits any sort of cell phone use while driving. It is even illegal to drive while holding a mobile electronic device, including cell phones, tablets and GPS trackers. This law is in effect whenever the vehicle is being operated. For example, drivers may not use electronic devices while stopped at a stop light. However, if drivers are pulled off on the side of the road or parked in a designated parking space, cell phone use is permitted.

Talking on a cell phone is only allowed when a hands-free device is being used and the driver is over the age of 18.

The law does not apply when a driver activates or deactivates a function of the cell phone. This may include pressing the “end” button on a call, or swiping the lock screen to unlock the phone.

Violations for cell phone use have also been updated from 2015; a driver’s first offense that doesn’t contribute to an accident is a Class B violation with a $1,000 maximum fine, a second offense is a Class A violation with a maximum fine of $2,500 and a driver with three offenses within a 10-year period could face a maximum fine of $2,500 and six months in jail.

Driving distracted is a serious offense. Put down the cell phone and, as oregon.gov’s Drive Healthy Campaign states, “Hands on the wheel. Mind on the road.”

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Football redeems itself

Zoë Strickland | Managing Editor

After a two-week dry spell, Wolves’ football got back into the action with an 82-21 road win against Simon Fraser University.

On Oct. 7, the team travelled north to Burnaby, B.C. to face off against Simon Fraser and along the way ended up setting a new school record for the Wolves and tying an old one.

The team racked up a record-breaking 82-points — the highest amount to scored since a 2012 game between the Wolves and Dixie State, which set the record at 66-points.

Senior quarterback Nick Duckworth’s six touchdown passes led him to tie the record for most touchdown passes, previously set in 2013.

The team gained 604 offensive yards for the day, against Simon Fraser’s 248-yards.

“It all started with our week of practice. We focused on pushing the ball down the field in practice which resulted in big plays throughout the game,” said Duckworth.

Throughout the game, Western consistently sat above Simon Fraser on the scoreboard.

The Wolves started out strong in the first quarter, with senior Paul Revis scoring a 59-yard, eight-play touchdown. Simon Fraser scored one touchdown in the first quarter, opening up the field to the Wolves. At the end of the first quarter, the board read 24-7.

A similar scoring pattern continued throughout the game, with the Wolves scoring three touchdowns in the second quarter and Simon Fraser inching behind them with their second touchdown of the game.

The score was a promising 44-14 going into the third, and continued to look-up from there.

“Early in the third quarter I threw a touchdown to Paul Revis, and after that I knew our defense would be able to hold on from then on,” said Duckworth.

The Wolves finished out the game with an additional four touchdowns and a field goal.

This game continues Western’s winning streak against Simon Fraser — a streak that began in 2010.

The Wolves are back home on Oct. 14 to go against currently undefeated Central Washington University. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu

Salem Cinema introduces alternative film experience

Alexandra Martin | Entertainment Editor

Going to the movies, a popular pastime since the Nickelodeon debuted in the early 20th century, is not only about the movies themselves but the whole experience. For most, attending a movie as a child was the first glimpse we received into the adult world. However, with the rise of Netflix, Hulu, on-demand and the increasing popularity of Redbox, along with the untimely demise of Blockbuster, watching a movie seems to have lost some of the magic that it once had.

Instead of going on a first date to the local theater and drowning the butterflies in your stomach with too-buttery popcorn and Coca-Cola products, people would rather save the $20 and “Netflix and chill.” But one theater is sticking it to the man and retaining the roots that remind us of our first experience watching a movie on the big screen.

Those familiar, dimly-lit, slanted walkways, dancing soda and candy previews and the intimate seating arrangements still remain intact at Salem Cinema, a three-screen theater located on Broadway Street.

It’s more than just a place to make a person nostalgic for youth and to see an overpriced cinema remake of a movie that came out thirty years ago.

As part of the Manhattan Short Film Festival, Salem Cinema screens movies from Sydney, Moscow, Kathmandu and Vienna providing a most unique experience for any Friday night out.

Furthermore, the Salem Cinema is beyond being merely a business out to make a profit. The cinema also participates in a program called “Reel Change,” which allows non-profit organizations to borrow the reels that the theater screens to raise money for causes in the Salem area. Some such causes are: The Straub Environmental Learning Center, Salem Audubon Society and Marion-Polk food share.

The Salem Cinema, also known as High Street Cinema, opened in 1982 and is the only locally owned and operated theater in the greater Salem area. It strays from the straight and narrow, bringing cinema’s alternative side to life: showing independent, art and foreign films such as Wind River, Viceroy’s House and Deconstructing The Beatles: SGT. Pepper, to name a few of the far-fetched titles now playing. It is an ideal place to get a taste of the past while enjoying the leisure of attending a silver screen feature film.

 

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu

The importance of a full night’s rest

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

“I maybe get five hours a night,” commented first-year pre-nursing major Stephanie Oseguera. “I feel really good in the mornings and then I just crash.”

This problem amongst students at Western is all too prevalent. With seemingly never-ending to-do lists and countless responsibilities, sleep can often fall to the back burner. Priorities are made and, for many, getting to bed on time isn’t one of them. Making this a part of your routine is far more than a nasty habit; it’s detrimental to your health.

Short-term sleep deprivation has many negative consequences: drowsiness, forgetfulness, high anxiety, high irritability and decreased awareness are among the few. Regularly having nights of poor sleep, though, will do far more than the simple next day irritability.

Without proper sleep, you’re putting yourself at risk for problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It’s not just a want — getting a full night’s sleep is essential to living a full and healthy life.

According to a study done at Stanford University, the average sleep requirement for college students is well over eight hours. So, if you have an 8 a.m. class, and want to get up at least an hour before — which will also help you feel more awake and energized during class — you’ll want to be asleep by 11 p.m.

While getting to bed on time is definitely a good start, you’ll want to make sure that you’re actually getting a full night’s rest, rather than being fitful and never actually getting deep sleep. In order to do this, there are some simple steps to follow.

Do not drink caffeinated beverages four to six hours before you head to bed: no late night lattes, energy drinks, soda or even drinks such as green tea. Simply enjoy those well before bedtime.

Next — and this one is often the hardest for many — create a sleep schedule and stick to it. Unfortunately, this also includes your weekends. While it may be tempting to stay up until 3 a.m. when you know you have no responsibilities the next morning, you’re setting yourself up for failure when Monday morning rolls around. Do yourself a favor, and attempt to stick to a similar schedule everyday.

Put away all your electronic devices 30 minutes before bed; Instagram will still be there in the morning, you can check it after sending your Snapchat streaks when you get up the next day. It can wait. Dedicate those 30 minutes in bed before sleeping to unwind, relax and let your mind shut-off.

In the end, we are still human beings. Sometimes, those late night homework sessions are unavoidable. The best thing you can do to deal with sleep deprivation the next day is to make sure to stay fueled up and hydrated. Give yourself some breaks during the day. If possible, take a very brief nap. Make sure you aren’t napping too long though, or you’ll be stuck in the same cycle tomorrow.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

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