Mount Hood

Getting active together

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

For those who find working out with others helps them push harder, Western’s fitness classes are a valuable option. While several are offered, the following list includes only the sessions that are offered this spring. For more information, head to wou.edu/campusrec/programs/fitness to get prepared before making your way over to one of these sessions.

 

Aquatic Exercise:

AquaFit: Offered Monday to Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 8:55 a.m., and Tuesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.

Hydrosculpt: Offered Monday to Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.

AquaCardio: Offered Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.

Each offering low impact exercise, these programs are geared toward any level of fitness.

 

Step N Sculpt: Offered Monday and Wednesday from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

An aerobic class designed for strengthening muscles, it involves stepping onto an elevated platform, and uses light weights to create variety.

 

Pilates: Offered Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.

Focusing on strength, flexibility, stamina and balance, this class will offer a core-killing workout that can be easily modified to fit anyone’s ability.

 

Yoga: Offered Monday and Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.

Led by trained instructors, this class will give you a workout that intersects your mind, body and spirit and does so while challenging your muscles and flexibility.

 

Spin: Offered Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m., Tuesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m., and Friday 12:05 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.

With very little impact on your joints, this class will give you intense cardio modified to fit any ability level and will make you push yourself at whatever resistance works for you.

 

Zumba: Offered Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m, Wednesday 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m., and Friday 12:05 p.m, to 12:55 p.m.

Working out to the beats of exotic rhythms and high-energy Latin and international beats, this fitness class feels so much like a party that you’ll get your heart pumping without even realizing it.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Exhibit explores how numbers relate to nature

Kevin Reed | Staff Writer

“Art is really for oneself and fine art doesn’t really have one finite message that one’s trying to get across,” said Jennifer Bracy, a professor of visual communications design at Western. “It’s often much more about questions and maybe there’s some kind of an answer or a message within, but it’s less important.” Bracy has been teaching at Western for eight years and recently released a new fine art exhibit called “Forces of Nature,” on display in Hamersly Library on the second floor.

In the past Bracy has mainly worked as a freelance graphic designer.

“I work often with small startups or non-profit organizations that need help with a campaign … or something of that nature,” said Bracy. However, she explained that this display is a new exploration for her: “There’s a specific message and specific audience that has to be communicated in graphic design … It’s much more open to interpretation.”

Though she has done art displays and shows before, this “Forces of Nature” explores new mediums and techniques — utilizing ink and printmaking to create contrasting colors, shapes and forms to make each piece beautiful and have its own personality.

“I named it ‘Forces of Nature’ because a lot of the themes that I have explored in my art, and some of my personal design projects, really came out in this body of work … the infinite wisdom of nature. What we can learn from it as humans, how we have to respect it … the tensions between the us and the environment and the things we do to it.”

Her main focus of many of the pieces in the display was the beauty that is in nature. Bracy drew inspiration from natural phenomena like the honeycomb and the geodesic dome to showcase the random perfection nature can achieve at times.

“The bee hive is so efficient and it represents this strong, stable and efficient community of bees and humans can really borrow from that,” she noted.

In “Number Series,” a specific grouping of pieces, Bracy breaks down the nature of numbers one through ten and what meaning and significance each number has around the world.

“What I love finding out is that in a lot of these human constructs with language that, inherent in them, there’s a lot of nature with a lot of those origins of numbers,” said Bracy.

Each and every day people see numbers or use numbers but nobody ever thinks about the technical side of it all or asks questions about where they come from or what they mean to other people all the way across the globe.

“I had to do a lot of research,” said Bracy. What she found was a whole new meaning for the symbols we use across the world.

Another series Bracy released in the gallery, “Color Moods”  is purely experimentation art: “It’s a series of purely abstract, meaning they were really just experimental. I was just getting a handle on this new medium. It represents the first experiments I did with monotype printing … It’s called monotype because you can only do it once,” explained Bracy. “You can never recreate it … I think it kinda has a vitality that no matter how hard I try I cannot get back too. Because it was just experimenting and now anything I try is trying to hard.”

It’s a fantastic moment for any artist when an experiment comes out perfect. No matter how much effort you put in you can never recreate that first success. However, the short-lived origins of the art is what make it so spectacular and unique. Bracy found the perfect way to display the importance of experimentation in art and how sometimes it’s important to try something on a whim.

“The Forces of Nature” is, as the name implies, centered on the features of nature that we as humans could respect and learn from. There are so many little phenomena brought to light within the art and, like Bracy says, “It’s often much more about questions” and nobody really will interpret the art in the same way.  

Contact the author at kreed17@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Colorful in “Candyland”

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa | Freelancer

One of the most popular events is back on campus, and its hype at the school is monumental.

Western’s 22nd Drag Show took place on April 11 and 12. The show is hosted by the Triangle Alliance and the show, script and choreography is completely run by students. The inaugural event is a unique one that has a mix of drag elements, musical performances and unique styles. Often known for its groundbreaking, upbeat vibe and entertainment, it’s an event that everyone wants to attend every year.

This year’s theme was Candyland and the storyline is closely associated with the gameplay of the board game. Similar to the board game, the Drag Show starts off with two girls wanting to play a game of Candyland and later finding themselves in the board game. They learn that King Kandy, the most respected character that keeps the world colorful, is missing and the townspeople are worried that villain Lord Licorice will take over and ruin all of Candyland. The characters encounter other characters such as Mamma Ginger Tree, Jib and Princess Lolly who all join them in their search for King Kandy.

“Candyland” focused on pride and discovering self-identity. Candyland’s main message for the audience is to lift each other up in love and encourage others to celebrate who they are and be proud of it. Characters in the show struggled with this and showed that the digression of self love and acceptance was not easy.

Lord Licorice was embarrassed about his sexuality which caused him to be angry and become the villain he is. He never meant to hurt anyone but felt ashamed because he was different from other people which caused him to act in the way that he did. This shows the struggle that unfortunately many people today go through with acceptance and self-identification.

“Self-discovery is a process, and I really wanted to explore that,” said Suse Doepken, the scriptwriter for the show. “I tried really hard to give a variation of characters and expressions, like genderfluid, questioning, super feminine, super masculine and gay.”

Doepken wanted everyone to feel included whether the person is a part of or an ally of the community: “I truly hope the audience was able to find themselves relating or seeing aspects of themselves in the characters I brought to life.”

Doepken believes that discovering oneself and identity can be a scary and wanted the script of the show to reflect that journey so others out there can relate and not feel alone.

“(The show) was fun and exciting. Being part of a community that encourages each other to be themselves is so heartwarming. It’s always nice to be around people that can relate and support you.” said Chase Tabladillo, who played the Duke of Swirl.

This was Tabladillo’s second year in the show, and she believes the show gives people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and do things they’ve never done before, such as dancing and performing in front of many people; “We all had our ups and downs but at the end of the day we all pulled through as a group and made this amazing show happen.”  

“I decided to join drag show after realizing my sexuality and accepting it,” explained Mandy Storm, who performed as Dame Inatrix, and played Jolly. “I have many friends that do it and they encouraged me to at least try, so I did. And I loved every minute of it. I loved that it could be my true self and not be judged.”

Storm loved the sense of community the show brought and the friendships that were built during the production. This is her first year being part of drag show. “The most memorable part of the show was the support and encouragement that was given to me by everyone in the cast. I was able to build relationships that will last forever.”

“Candyland” was a hit and it was all because of the cast and crew. At the end of the show they stated that society should work together to lift each other up in celebration for who they are. Everyone did an outstanding job executing that message and help make this an event where it’s safe to express yourself in a fun manner.

Contact the author at cnakatsukasa15@wou.edu

Photos by: Paul F. Davis

 

Rugby contends for pacific coast championship

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

The rugby ruck continued for the women’s rugby season, but ended on April 14, as the team pushed on to another trench match with Cal-State Monterey Bay. Despite the 15-5 defeat, the Wolves gave a copious amount of effort to where a few breakaway runs could have declared them divisional champions and an advancement into the next round of the small college rugby organizational tournament.

Senior lock Madison Fagnani spoke proudly of her team’s performance, “For some, it was only their second official rugby game, and they played their heart out. We communicated and trusted each other and played rugby. Our fullback, Brooke Kaylor, made some game-saving tackles.” Fellow leader of the team and forward Sabra Duarte also acknowledged the performance.

“Everyone went out and gave it their all for the whole 80 minutes. We seemed to keep up our energy pretty well throughout the whole game.”
The Wolves have had an eventful season in the lead up to the match. Their record stood at 7-3 and, in a season that’s spanned since early fall, they became battle tested having faced off with competitors such as Willamette University and division I school Eastern Washington. They derailed Willamette three times on the season, including a route of 48-5 on March 10, and got the best of Eastern Washington, 27-7, a week after on March 17. Both Eastern and Willamette were the two lone teams to defeat Western.
The wins were also part of a larger five game win streak that included two other blow out wins of 78-5, and 49-0.

“Our main goal is to get girls to fall in love with rugby,” commented Fagnani. “Rugby teaches you so much more than just how to play. It teaches you (both on and off the field) sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie. Our goal was to build a family and we did it.”

Their next opponent, Cal-State, were ever the formidable opponent. The game was an uphill climb for both teams to start as either team hardly got passed midfield. But a breakaway try put the Golden Eagles on the board first.
Both teams neared to the goal line several times in the second half. Western created initial ground in the half off Fagnani’s returned kick for a big gain, but Cal-State’s defense in the scrums and rucks prevented them from reaching closer many times over.
Finally, with 15 minutes left, Western broke through Cal-State’s rucks for their only try in the game.  

After the game, Fagnani and Duarte applauded the teams play; “It was an awesome opportunity getting to play in California,” said Duarte, “It’s always exciting to see us hold our own against schools that are bigger than us and get more experience throughout the year.”

“Each one of us did something amazing on the field,” expressed Fagnani, “and the best part is that we are a rookie team (mainly beginner players). The fact that there are only minor issues to work on is amazing and that speaks loudly on our coaching staff Emily Applegate, Marissa Minato, and Sammi Williams. We will only get better from here.”

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: Simson Garcia

27,660 flags, 13 million lives

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

One by one, volunteers drive colorful flags into the soggy grass on Monmouth Avenue. Rain is the only sound that can be heard as the students, staff and faculty silently reflect on the annual display —  27,660 flags that represent the deaths of over 13 million individuals during the Holocaust.

“I thought it was really cool that our community would actually do something like this,” said freshman psychology major Alicia Ojeda. Ojeda was one of the numerous volunteers that helped place the flags in the ground on the evening of April 11.

First-year psychology major Brooklyn Giles reflected on how she felt helping set up the display.

“Yesterday, when I was putting them down, it was just really impactful. I couldn’t believe this happened,” described Giles. “Putting in a flag seems so simple, but to someone who was either a victim and still may be alive or a family member … it could mean more than just putting a flag in the ground for them.”

This annual display hosted by Student Engagement falls on Yom HaShoah, a Jewish day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust. Around the world, this day of remembrance began on the evening of April 11 and ended on the evening of April 12.

“Part of what makes this event so powerful is that it’s here and then it’s gone,” explained John Wilkins, Coordinator for Leadership and Inclusion for Student Engagement. Wilkins is in charge of coordinating the flags, signage and volunteers for the display. He noted that the display reveals a powerful and important piece of history that needs to be commemorated.

“I think we remember it so it doesn’t happen again,” said Wilkins.

Senior social science major Sara Madden is exploring the topic of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust in her honors thesis. Her interest in this topic started years ago when she visited a concentration camp in Germany. Even Madden, who has been studying this time period for years, found herself impacted by the display.

“There’s something about reading it in a textbook that doesn’t hit you the same way as actually seeing it,” Madden expressed. “It makes it so much more real and easier to relate to.”

Madden also noted that the display gives a holistic view of the victims of the Holocaust. Not only are the six million Jewish individuals that lost their lives represented, but various flags also represent people with disabilities, Spanish republicans, Polish Catholics, LGBTQ+ individuals, Roma and Sinti tribes, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Serbians and Soviet prisoners of war.

“For me, I’ve only really focused on the Jewish impact during the Holocaust,” explained Madden. “But I know there’s so many other types of people and demographics that were affected. I really like how the different flag colors emphasize that.”

A documentary called “Orchestra of Exiles” showing on May 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Willamette Room will continue the education and awareness of the Holocaust on Western’s campus.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Getting crafty with cosmetics

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

You’ve put together the perfect outfit from head to toe, you’re almost ready to head out the door, but at the last second you decide you need one last thing to tie your entire look together: the right lip shade. You could search through your mountain of half-used lipsticks and hope that one will be just the right hue to perfectly upgrade your style, but odds are, none are going to be exactly what you’re looking for. That’s when DIY lipsticks come in handy.

Simple to make and created specifically for you, these straightforward projects take only a few ingredients and only a couple minutes of actual time to get them created. Never again will you have to dig through endless tubes of lipstick to find the right shade – just make that shade yourself.

 

What you’ll need:

1 tube of lip balm

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon of olive oil

1 Crayola crayon of whatever color you’d like (or a different brand, just make sure it isn’t too waxy)

Optional — an old eyeshadow you don’t use in a color you like

 

Instructions:

  1. Empty the contents of the entire tube of lip balm into a microwave safe bowl. Peel the wrapping off of your crayon and add that in. Melt this in the microwave for about two minutes, or until the wax melts. Check periodically, as melting wax in the microwave can be dangerous.
  2. Add the vanilla and the olive oil to the lipstick and mix with a fork or toothpick, as it will dry and harden on a spoon too quickly.
  3. Pour the contents back into your lip balm container.
  4. Allow this to cool, which would take about an hour or so.
  5. Note: As an alternative to the crayon approach, you can use eyeshadow for a more matte look. With this option, follow all of the previous steps, but without the crayon. Between step one and step two, add as much eyeshadow as you deem necessary until you reach the right shade.

Instructions from instructables.com

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Can’t cope, won’t cope

Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief

I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention, but the past couple years have been a bit stressful. Regardless of what side you’re on, the election has taken its toll and, in recent months, it’s hard to open up a tech device without getting piles of notifications about scandals or court trials. It’s virtually impossible to stay connected on social media without receiving countless notifications about breaking news. So, in a world where news is being shoved down the throats of the populous 24/7, how do we cope? Well, dear reader, I think we’ve begun coping with memes.

As someone who identifies as being at least moderately hoity-toity, I generally try and downplay the level of internet trash that I am. However, I’m internet trash and the internet has been excessively trashy lately — particularly when it comes to avoiding any semblance of stressful information.

Hear me out: I love a good vine compilation and I live for crappy Kermit/tea combinations. However, at least throughout my own journey through the internet, it seems like people are using humor more and more to just avoid the reality of what’s going on in the world around them. Instead of having compelling conversations about rights or privacy, people are instead posting images that use sarcasm as a way of conveying information — it’s like the extreme version of people who only got their news from watching “The Colbert Report” or “The Daily Show.” It works by bare-minimum standards, but it could definitely be better.

Take, for example, the most recent Mark Zuckerberg case: a trial wherein Zuck’ had to stand before Congress because of a Facebook security breach. Rather than hearing actual news about the trial or the questions and comments made, my feed was clogged with jokes about his hair, his makeshift booster seat and comments about his childlike demeanor. Though some of the jokes made were harmless, they detract from the issue at hand. In cases like these, they can get in the way of information that could be beneficial — especially since Facebook reports having over one billion users. Where people should have been concerned about the security breach and the power that Facebook has, they were instead focused on infantilizing a grown adult.

Though I think that memes are a way of avoidance, there’s also an argument to be made in favor of memes as a way of allowing people to detract from reality in a way that’s positive for their mental health. Humor can be healing, and it’s important to acknowledge that.

Many marginalized groups use this type of online humor to connect with people that share similar circumstances.

“Increasingly, identity-based virtual communities are becoming invaluable tools for fostering solidarity and healing, and for providing humor in the face of socio-political adversity,” explained writer Ludmilla Leiva in a March 2017 piece for Wired. “Finding amusement in dire circumstances has been both empowering and cathartic, and though I still participate in other types of activism, memes have become my favorite form of resistance.”

While I think that using different media to form relationships with people in your community is important, that isn’t all they’re used for.

Instead of blindly jumping on the newest internet bandwagon, I think we should start evaluating the ramifications of the ‘harmless’ jokes we share on social media. Are we doing it as a way of contributing to the conversation, or as a way of withdrawing from reality?

Contact the author at zstrickland14@wou.edu

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