January 2018 – Page 5 – The Western Howl

Michelle Bonilla | Freelancer

“The OA”

When a young woman returns home after having been missing for the past seven years it becomes a joyous event for the once small town who have all but assumed her dead. However, everyone is shocked once they discover that the once missing blind girl who lived down the street has regained her sight. Her parents and the FBI plead for her to tell them about her disappearance but she just won’t talk. This trippy sci-fi show will have you questioning faith and reality as your mind reals to discover who is telling the truth and why are they lying.

“Castlevania”

She showed him kindness and love and they burned her at the stake. Inspired by the classic video game series by the same name, take a journey into this animated series in a midlevel land called Wallachia. The legendary Count Dracula takes his vengeance upon the town that brutally murdered and falsely accused his beloved wife. He unleashes an army of monsters upon the land and the only ones who can stop him is a disgraced demon hunter a magician and his exiled son. This show has a perfect mixture of dark humor and drama that perfectly in captures this gritty tale of vengeance and bloodshed if you like movies like Nosferatu and Berserk then you will have very high regards for “Castlevania.”

“Frontier”

Jason Momoa from “Game of Thrones” shines in this gritty and intense historical drama series as he plays a part-Irish, part-Cree outlaw named Declan Harp. Harp goes head to head against the Hudson Bay Company and their monopolization of the fur trade within the Canadian borders. Declan Harp is a smart and dangerous fur trader with a dark and mysterious past who enlist the help of an Irish pauper who doubles as a spy for both Harp and the english soldier in the New world. If you enjoy TV shows like “Outlander,” “Viking” and “Penny Dreadful,” then you will love Frontier.

North and South

“North and South” is a British television series based upon the Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian novel by the same name. The show follows a young woman named Margaret Hale as her and her family leave the quaint countryside in the south of England after her father leaves the church and moves up into the industrial city in the north. The family struggles to adjust themselves socially especially after they meet a predominant family known as the Thornton’s who own a successful cotton mill within the city. Margret is faced with many issues facing gender, class and social expectations. However, her feelings for the town’s people seem to clash with her unknown attraction towards the cold young bachelor Mr. Thornton, the owner of the mill. If you have ever enjoyed films like “Jane Eyre,” “Pride and Prejudice” or “Anne of Green Gables” then you will enjoy this romantic series that proudly features a strong female lead who is not afraid to question society and all of it’s injustices.

Contact the author at mbonilla17@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home »

New club aspires for inclusivity

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western offers over 60 clubs and organizations that students can choose to be involved in. These clubs are created and led by students to enrich the college experience. The newest organization on campus is the Western Oregon University Democrats club, whose purpose is to give all students a place to express their political views and raise awareness of political issues at the local, state and national levels.

After transferring to Western from Chemeketa Community College, senior political science major Steve Bell hoped to find a Democrats organization on campus.

“I noticed that there was a very strong Republican club,” Bell noted. “There’s also a really nice foundation of students that want to get involved that don’t have that outlet, if they have more of a Democrat minded perspective.”

Bell decided to take matters into his own hands and begin the process of starting an organization on campus. Collaborating with political science majors Rubi Tapia and Cristian Urzua, the students founded the club as a project for a civic engagement class. All three individuals have a background in political science, including internships with elected officials and student government positions.

When asked why this club is important, Urzua replied, “I feel like the club comes in handy in allowing students of any view to join in and speak their minds and get engaged on campus. That is part of the college experience.”

According to OrgSync, the purpose of the organization is to promote the principles of the Democratic Party, assist in the functioning of the Democratic Party at all levels of government and help its members develop political and leadership skills.

The club, which meets Fridays at 1 p.m. in the Rogue room of the Werner University Center, is an open space for everyone to share opinions and ideas.

“We are not exclusively just Democrats,” Urzua emphasized. “We accept every different political view. We’re open to deliberation, discussion and debate and we welcome everyone. Just because it says WOU Democrats, doesn’t mean it’s just Democrats.”

Find more information about the Western Oregon University Democrats on OrgSync.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home »

Senator Ron Wyden addresses Polk County concerns

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

One individual asked the senator what citizens could do if the Over 200 citizens of Polk County gathered on Jan. 13 for a public town hall meeting with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Wyden, who has a reputation for listening to the concerns of all Oregonians, holds town hall meetings in each of Oregon’s 26 counties every year.

The Senator has been representing Oregon first in the U.S. House of Representatives and then in the U.S. Senate for a total of 37 years. He holds a ranking member position on the Finance Committee, the leading Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Taxation, and a member of the Selection Committee on Intelligence and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Polk County citizens were given the opportunity to have their voices heard and questions answered in the course of the afternoon. Many questions were regarding the state of the federal government and proposed policy changes by the Trump administration.

Concerns were stated from multiple citizens about the deportation of DACA recipients if the DREAM Act is not passed. Wyden expressed support for the DREAMers, explaining, “You meet with these students and you just walk away with a near breathtaking judgment that they represent all things that we like young people to be spending their time on: working their heads off to get good marks, helping their families, career interests that will clearly benefit all of us.” Wyden emphasized. “We are a better and stronger country because of immigration.”

One citizen asked a question about where the Selection Committee on Intelligence stands on investigating collusion in the 2016 election process. Wyden replied, “Our committee is supposed to tell the story of how the Russians, in effect, undermined our democracy… A big part of what our committee should be doing is not getting done.” He went on to explain that the investigation is one of his priorities as a ranking member of the committee. “I am committed to staying at this, and I will say here today at Western as I’ve said around the state, I am your guy on the Senate Intelligence Committee and on my watch this investigation is not going to get swept under the rug.”

Concerns were expressed about the offshore drilling proposed on the Oregon Coast. “I’ve been part of a group of about 35 senators that have made it clear that we’re going to fight this arbitrary politically hotwired process,” Wyden commented. “In terms of our land, air, and water, this is really big stakes stuff for Oregon. Once you sell off your treasures to exploiters, you don’t get them back.”

y are concerned about issues that affect them. Wyden responded that calling senators is an effective way to have your voice heard. “Always remember that those contacts, particularly something like a phone call, really make the difference,” Wyden offered. “Finding an issue where you have a particular interest and you can, in effect, educate others… Political change is not trickle-down. It’s bottoms-up. I really encourage you to be out and talking about what’s important to you.”

Visit wyden.senate.gov for more information on Sen. Ron Wyden and a schedule of upcoming Town Hall meetings.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home »

Accepting the flow of new gym-goers

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

With the start of the new year, you can count on a few things. A new sense of hope amongst many, a thousand “new year, new me” posts on Instagram and a completely packed gym, full of excited and ready fresh faces. Each treadmill, stairmaster, squat rack and bench will be occupied, and everywhere you turn will be a new person.

For those who go to the gym daily or at least frequently, I can understand where the frustration is arising from. You’re used to your routines and you can count on the fact that when you get to the gym, the equipment you’re wanting will be available. With a new herd of people joining in, your routine is getting shaken up a bit. However, I want you to remember one thing: it’s not your gym.

Every single person who goes to Western pays to be able to take part in all that the Health and Wellness Center has to offer. They have just as much right as anyone else to be there and utilize it however they see fit. People who chose to start 2018 by going to the gym are likely making a conscious effort to try and improve their health and fitness. Who are you to say that it is not okay?

It’s also frustrating when frequent gym-goers say things along the lines of “well they won’t be here long,” or laugh at the fact that many people choose to stop going after a few weeks into the new year. That is the absolute opposite attitude you should be having towards them. You should be rooting on these new faces. You should be supportive, hoping that they continue to push for better fitness and a healthier lifestyle.

Just because you go to the gym frequently does not mean that you are any better than them. You aren’t. And you have zero right to make fun of them or belittle them for wanting to be there, doing the exact same thing you’re doing.

With all this being said, to the new gym-goers, make sure that you are being polite there, as well. Don’t use multiple pieces of equipment at once if they’re in high demand, be respectful of others, and keep your opinions and criticisms to yourself. However, if you’re being considerate of everyone, and you’re simply doing your own thing, then you are in the right and doing absolutely nothing wrong.

New gym-goers, congratulations on your decision to improve your health and fitness and I hope for nothing but success and positive outcomes for you. Frequent gym-goers, try to be understanding of the position they are in, and learn how to share the gym. It’s a place for everyone. Rather than tearing each other down and criticizing one another, we should be working together for the same goal: maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Make a conscious effort to be welcoming and accepting of everyone who is aiming to reach this outcome. Everyone is in the same boat; find it in you to not only be understanding of all the new faces, but happy for them as well.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home »

Wolves split games while capturing historic victory

Morgan Swaim | Freelancer

With conference play starting for most GNAC teams over winter break, this past week’s games on Jan. 4 and 6 were crucial for the Wolves. After winning their first conference game, the team went into a Jan. 4 game against the Simon Fraser Clan on a three game skid against conference foes.

Unfortunately, that slide continued against the Clan, as the Wolves lost 81-67.

The game had one major difference between the teams — free throws. Simon Fraser took 32 shots from the charity stripe, compared to just 13 for the Wolves. Overcoming that large disparity proved to be too much as the Clan capitalized on getting the Wolves in foul trouble.

Kennedy Corrigan lead the team with 16 points, shooting 6-11 from the field. The Wolves also were able to force Simon Fraser into 19 turnovers in the losing effort.

The game on Jan. 6 brought much more excitement and was a landmark victory. The Wolves defeated the Western Washington Vikings for the first time since Feb. 23, 2008. The 18 game losing streak against the VIkings was snapped during the 54-50 victory.

Corrigan started off hitting a barrage of early three pointers, helping secure a 21-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. The defense from the Wolves was a key factor in this victory, holding Hannah Stipanovich, the 11th highest scorer in the GNAC (13.1 ppg), to just four points.

With the game locked in at 48-48 in the final minute, the Vikings got out to a late two point lead with a layup with just 54 seconds left. In the last forty seconds, the Wolves were able to draw three late fouls against the Vikings. Junior Shelby Snook had two free throws with just 16 seconds lefts to put the Wolves up on top 52-50.

The Vikings had an opportunity to steal the victory or tie the game, but missed their golden opportunity to tie as Corrigan secured the rebound and was fouled immediately after.

Coming off a huge victory before winter break may lead to some momentum going into this week, as the team will be traveling up to Alaska. Thursday, Jan. 11, the team will be taking on GNAC conference leader Alaska Anchorage. They finish up the trip up north by playing against the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Saturday, Jan. 13.

Contact the author at mswaim16@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home »

Winning ways continue for Western

Morgan Swaim | Freelancer

The previous week’s games on Jan. 2 and 6 were big for the men’s basketball team, as the Wolves captured two outstanding wins. This brings the winning streak to six, helping contribute to a 13-1 overall record.

On Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Wolves drew their first win of the week against Concordia, 71-60. The team played great defense against the Cavaliers’s high scoring duo of Jarrett Gray and Christopher Edward, the 7th and 8th leading scorers in the GNAC conference. Coming in averaging over 33 points per game between the two, the Wolves held them to 20 points combined.

Seniors Malik Morgan and Vince Boumann lead the way for the Wolves, both contributing 17 points in the victory. Points came easy in the paint on Tuesday, with 40 of the 71 points coming from shots near the basket, as the Wolves continued to show they are one of the best teams in the GNAC.

On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Wolves took on the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets, picking them apart in a 92-68 win.

From the opening tip, the offense was in tune, jumping out to a 46-28 lead in the first half. The Wolves had a balanced attacked the whole game, with six players scoring in double figures.

Three of those players, Demetrius Trammell, Janvier Alaby and JJ Chirnside, reached double figures while coming off the bench. Every player who saw the court on Saturday had points on the board for the Wolves, making it impossible for the Yellowjackets to keep pace.

The key stats for the Wolves in this game were the field goal percentages. Shooting 63.8 percent, the team simply had their way offensively while putting up 92 points. The defense was locked in as well, which forced the Yellowjackets to struggle from the three point line (6-25) while attempting to get back into the game.

Before this week, the Wolves were ranked 14th nationally in the NABC/Division II rankings, and could be on the rise after these two wins. As conference play moves on in the coming weeks, the Wolves are currently ranked second in conference record (5-1), number one in points per game (86.6) and number one in margin of victory (19.1).

The Wolves will be on the road this week, taking a trip to Washington to first play St. Martin’s on Thursday, Jan. 11. The team will then take on Seattle Pacific, who is currently on a three-game winning streak, on Saturday, Jan. 13.

Contact the author at mswaim16@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home »

Psychology student receives fellowship abroad

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western psychology major Haley Morris is using her passion for global health to change the world. In late January, Morris will join a team of students and faculty from various universities on a month-long fellowship in Rwanda to conduct research on reproductive health.

In February of 2017, Morris was notified of the opportunity by her advisor, Western sociology professor Dr. Callero. The highly competitive fellowship, funded by the National Science Foundation, covers all domestic and international living and travel expenses. Morris decided to apply in May of 2017 and was notified that she was one of only nine applicants that received the award.

The program begins at Western Washington University in early January, where the fellowship recipients take classes and learn about qualitative research. At the end of January, Morris and her team leave for the country of Rwanda, where they will conduct research for a full month.

The purpose of the research is to gain a better understanding of the contraceptive programs that the country offers. Morris states that the percentage of individuals using contraception have tripled over the course of ten years, and the implementation of contraceptive use programs in Rwanda is much more successful than neighboring countries. The team hopes to obtain data that can give insight into Rwanda’s success and help other Sub-Saharan countries do the same.

In addition to the benefits this research provides for several African countries, it will also help Morris develop important data collection skills and international research experience. She noted that the opportunity is going to be important for her future endeavors. “Knowing how many doors it’s going to open for me is really, really exciting,” she commented. “After WOU, I hope to get my Masters in global health. Having this experience on my resumé is going to be incredibly helpful when applying.”

Callero explained that education abroad is important in gaining a new perspective on the world. “Most students who experience international education through study abroad report being transformed by the opportunity,” he commented. “When our personal beliefs and parochial assumptions are confronted with an alternative cultural worldview, change happens.”

“It’s really exciting knowing that I get to travel and see and experience things that many people go their whole life without seeing or experiencing,” Morris explained. “This experience is going to blow my mind, and I can’t wait for it to begin.”

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Low-key shows to stream

New club aspires for inclusivity

Senator Ron Wyden addresses Polk County concerns

Accepting the flow of new gym-goers

Wolves split games while capturing historic victory

Winning ways continue for Western

Psychology student receives fellowship abroad

Tools

Resources