Mount Hood

Art as a metaphor for life

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

What humans leave behind can tell a story of their lives. It can impact future generations, either positively or negatively, for years to come. Senior Eric Frey captured this concept in a multi-media sculpture displayed behind Bellamy Hall named “Wreckreational Fishing.”

Frey, an art major focusing in 3D design, was approached by Western professor Dr. Henry Hughes to design a piece centered around an old rusted motor from the 1940s. The sculpture features a small boat, River Wolf, in front of a silhouette of the Cascades. The river bed on which the boat lies has a tangle of fishing line, beer bottles, old clothes and shoes, as well as a soccer ball.

Frey described his childhood days on the river with his stepdad as inspiration for this piece. “For me, it was really looking at fishing in general and how fishing relates to life. So the inspiration was — how do you make an impactful statement about fishing and life? So I went back to my days as a kid.”

Most of the debris featured in the piece was taken from the Clackamas River that Frey frequented as a child. “All kinds of stuff gets left on the river,” Frey commented. “And going back to when I was a kid, all this junk gets left behind by fishermen. And as recreational fishermen, that’s our responsibility to keep the areas clean … I’ve got kids who are probably soon going to have kids of their own, and I’d like my grandkids to be able to go out fishing and not have a polluted landscape to go to.”

Along with the important environmental message of this piece, an underlying meaning was revealed. “The piece kind of evolved into a metaphor for life,” Frey explained. “The stuff that we leave behind kind of junks up our life, and the longer you live, the more junk you acquire … if you leave things alone, things just kind of decay.”

The plaque next to the sculpture reads, “As you look through this piece, think of what your forgot; think of what you have left behind, both memories and items. What will you do to conserve natural areas so that future generations can go fishing with family and friends? … What legacy do you leave for them? It need not be wreckreactional fishing.”

Visit the sculpture behind Bellamy Hall and view more of Frey’s work in the Werner University Center gallery beginning Feb. 22.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

New developments revealed in annual State of the Cities Address

Byron Kimball | Freelancer

On Feb. 7, community members, city council representatives and members of the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce came together in Smith Music Hall. Details about new city developments and 2017 milestones were revealed during this year’s State of Cities Address.

Among these new developments coming to Monmouth and Independence? A plan to revitalize Highway 99, changes to parking enforcement around Monmouth and a variety of new businesses in both downtown Independence and Monmouth. “We (at Western) look forward to working together with Monmouth and Independence,” said Western President Rex Fuller, who provided opening remarks.

The event, which was co-sponsored by the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce and ASWOU, was presented by Independence mayor John McArdle and Monmouth mayor Steve Milligan.

For both mayors, 2017 was a year full of accomplishments and milestones. The high turnout for events during the August Solar Eclipse was cited by both mayors as a strong sign of renewed tourist interest in both cities.

McArdle unveiled a new renovation initiative, charged with reviving downtown Independence. “We want a place that feels like home,” he explained.

New renovations for the Independence airport are planned as well as an extensive urban renewal project. Independence Station and the old city hall were both recently sold to developers, who plan on leasing the newly acquired space to tenants. One of whom may be an independent brewery, though McArdle’s remarks on the subject were brief.

He cited new business growth, including a chocolatier, which was said to open Feb. 10 according to McArdle. He also expressed plans for Independence to become a new training zone for World Track and Field, bringing in new business and faces. A new strategic plan for the city was also announced, one which McArdle hopes will help boost economic and technological development in the city. “We’re helping Independence become a smarter rural city,” said McArdle.

Though mayor Steve Milligan claimed more modest growth in Monmouth over the course of 2017 and coming into 2018, he remained hopeful that Monmouth would grow strong over the coming years. A new Monmouth Electric building is planned, as well as additional street renovations.

But one of the more shocking changes to Monmouth city policy in 2018 just might have to do with parking. Milligan, along with President Fuller, expressed a wish to revisit downtown parking enforcement, deterring unpermitted Western parking at independent businesses.

Two new cannabis businesses are moving into Monmouth, a move which required Monmouth city council to revise legislation in order to allow both businesses to come in. Also on the books? A Domino’s Pizza, though no opening date was declared.

Overall, Milligan emphasized his goal for the city of Monmouth: to continue to remain a reliable home for residents. “We care about everybody,” said Milligan, citing a continued effort toward last year’s addition of an ‘inclusivity resolution’, which emphasized the city of Monmouth’s commitment to support diversity.

Miriam Haugen, director of the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce, explained, “We may be two cities, but we are one community.”

Contact the author at bkimball16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

How to spot fake news

Tracy Scharn | Library

Originally published in the Hamersly Library winter 2018 newsletter.

Imagine, you’re scanning social media and this news item pops up:

Critically Ill Infant Stopped at Overseas Airport by Travel Ban

You click over and read about an Iranian infant who was on her way to the United States for life-saving heart surgery, but was stopped at the airport because of recently implemented travel restrictions. Your cursor hovers over the “share” button …

Social media has made it easier than ever to share information with others far and wide. It has arguably played a significant role in social change movements, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to potentially have their voice heard on a large scale. This very quality has also made it very easy for misinformation to proliferate and be shared.

While the term “fake news” is in the headlines a lot lately, most people don’t purposely create or share information that they know is false. Instead, a lot of “fake news” is created when people don’t take the time to verify the accuracy of information before clicking that “share” button. If you want to avoid being that person who shares information that isn’t quite accurate, read on.

The News Literacy Project suggests the following approach:

The first thing you should always do is check to see if multiple, reputable news outlets are reporting the same information independent of each other. Go to your favorite search engine and search for information related to the news item you saw. Can you find multiple news outlets reporting the same thing? Are the news outlets you’ve found reputable? If you’ve never heard of them, go to the about us page and see what they say about themselves. Then do a search online and see what other people are saying about them. Finally, are the news outlets reporting information independent of each other? If you see multiple news outlets saying something like, “’The Washington Post’ is reporting today … ” that means that the information hasn’t been verified by other news outlets yet. You still only have one news outlet as your source.

You will also want to monitor your own reactions to the news item you’re seeing. Does it seem like the news item is tugging at your emotions —making you feel sad, angry, outraged, vindicated? Those reactions to news are normal, but it’s a clue that you need to take a step back and evaluate the news with a critical eye. What proof is being presented to back-up claims made in the news item? Also ask yourself: Do you believe what you’re reading because it conforms with what you already think? Challenge yourself to be as objective as you can.

Also keep an eye out for red flags, which can vary widely. Some examples include:

  • Broken links, or only linking to other articles within that same publication. Remember, you want multiple, reputable, independent sources.
  • Does the news item use neutral language or does it seem to have a bias? Look for language choices that convey particular attitudes or biases. Also be aware of your own biases. Just because we don’t agree with something doesn’t mean it’s biased.
  • Is the language over-the-top? (“Unbelievable Action from Congress Makes Your Taxes Go Up!!!”). It may be playing on your emotions and existing beliefs, or it may be satire.
  • What sources are cited in the article? Are they anonymous or named? Do they have specialized knowledge or training related to the topics being discussed, or just opinions?

With time and practice, these techniques will become second nature to you and you’ll approach information with a critical eye. You’ll see a news item, quickly check to see what other sources are saying about the topic, check your own reactions and look for potential red flags. You’ll also become more familiar with which news outlets are more reputable than others and skim past those that have proven to be unreliable in the past. Apply these tips and you can feel confident in sharing information that is important to you with your family and friends on social media.

For more in-depth information about evaluating news sources, visit the library’s research guide, where you’ll also find links to reputable sources for news: http://research.wou.edu/news/evaluation

Fact-checking Tools:

                                           

Politifact.com focuses on claims made by political figures

Factcheck.org is a non-profit, non-partisan fact-checker focused on politics and political figures

Snopes.com investigates a variety of claims, from politics to urban legends

 

Have questions or want more information? Get in touch with your librarian!

Call us at the Reference Desk: ext. 88899

Or find the contact info for the librarian in your subject area here: http://research.wou.edu/librarians

 

Contact the editor at journaleditor@wou.edu to publish a response.

Photo by: thenewslitteracyproject.org

Learning your love language

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

The way that each person tends to interpret and express love varies depending on who you are. Understanding your love language can be something that makes incredible positive changes to your relationships. Not only will it help you understand yourself and the way you desire things to be, it will also help your partner understand the aspects of the relationship that you value and find important. Ultimately, knowing your love language will lead to a better understanding of each other as individuals, and a better understanding of what needs to be done to improve and keep your relationship positive.

“The Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman created a new way to think of relationships. Saving numerous marriages and inspiring others to see how they could grow with their partner and progress as a team, the five languages he defined essentially decode the ways people communicate with their significant others. According to Chapman, they are “universal ways that all people express and interpret love.”

The first of the five languages is words of affirmation. For those who identify with this, they find a lot of value in hearing the words “I love you.” Being complimented or being told that they are loved is something they hold real appreciation for and find incredibly important. And that also means that if someone were to insult them or make a negative comment, it would cut deeper with them than with others.

The second language is quality time. With this, it’s important to the person to have undivided attention from the person they love. While they don’t need it all the time, they put a lot of value into the thought of the person they love setting aside time to make it just about them. Togetherness and being close, as well as good conversation and maintaining eye contact is important to them. This also means that if you choose to blow off plans, are constantly distracted — especially by other people or your cell phone — or feeling like they aren’t being fully listened to can have negative effects.

The third language is receiving gifts. Having something they can hold that took thought and effort to some is a material representation of the love that their partner has for them. It doesn’t mean that they are necessarily a materialistic person, but knowing that effort was put into a gift means a lot to them. Gifts will make them feel appreciated.

The fourth language is acts of service. Helping out your partner when they are going through a tough time, or just lending a hand when they are struggling will speak volumes to them. Being perceived as lazy by them will bother them a lot; to them, actions speak louder than words. Favors will go a long way.

The fifth and final language is physical touch. While this can mean in the bedroom, it goes outside of those walls as well. A warm hug and embrace will make them feel safe and loved. They’ll put a lot of value into cuddling and hand-holding. This doesn’t always mean they want a ton of PDA, but they’ll appreciate the feeling of being held by the one they love.

Knowing your partner’s love language can be incredibly beneficial. It will solve the mystery of “what is missing in this relationship?” and open doors to a far more understanding and well-working partnership. Knowing your own is important too, because if you don’t know then how can you expect your partner to?

Note that while your partner may favor a certain language, the others cannot be neglected. Most find every single aspect important, but a specific one is held to the highest degree. Don’t let the others fall behind just because you are putting preference on one.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Wolves accelerate but couldn’t endure opponents

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

Two early leads were unsustainable as the women’s basketball team lost two games on Feb. 1 against the Western Washington Vikings, 66-46 and Feb. 3 against the Simon Fraser Clan, 74-57.
The last time Western Oregon played Western Washington resulted in a winning effort from which the Wolves ended an 18-game losing streak to the Vikings. Free throws were the barometer that enabled the Wolves to barely edge out the Vikings.
This go-around found the Wolves in free throw struggles. As one of the best teams in the GNAC in that category, they shot 7/13 on the night. But a bigger woe was the 3-point shooting as the box score entailed 3/18 from beyond.
As the Wolves looked like the team from their earlier matchup, it was a tale of two different halves. They traded baskets with the Vikings and ended the first-quarter knotted at 16-16.
The Wolves kept it up in the second-quarter and had their biggest lead of six at 27-21 before the Vikings sailed back for the lead at 28-27.
Western was able to keep the Vikings to a low percentage in shooting; 3-point woes were also a problem for Washington.
But the second half was in high contrast compared to the first. The Wolves scored season-low totals in the back to back quarters including its lowest of nine in the third, as part of another team-low of 46 total points for a game on the season.
Washington meanwhile was starting to hit their marks in shooting, and got above 50 percent in the second half.
Overall the Wolves shot 30 percent on the game. In their last meeting, the team not only prevailed in stopping the previous 18-game losing streak but held senior forward Hannah Stipanovich, the top-10 scorer in the GNAC, to four points. In this second match up, she was able to score 17 points.
The Wolves got another early lead against SFU off a pair of three-pointers from senior guards Shelby Snook and Kennedy Corrigan, to establish a 12-6 lead in the first.
And as they were able to have their largest lead of the game at eight, the Clan soon battled back to retain the lead, 32-28, by halftime.
The last these two teams played, free-throws were a theme in the Wolves’s losing try.
The Clan got to the line plenty in that first meeting and continued to do so in the second game. But poor Wolf shooting from three-point carried on from their game in Washington as this time, they shot 3/19.
The second half also paled in comparison to the first as the Wolves couldn’t help matters with their shooting, going 30 percent in the half compared to the Clan’s 62 percent.
The Wolves continue their season and GNAC campaign on a five-game losing streak and hope to shake it off against a pair of Alaska teams on Feb. 8 and 10. The games are at home and both have a start time of 5:15 p.m.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: wouwolves.com

The low-down on the Olympic snow-down

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

Get ready for takeoff when that snowboarder launches from that half-pipe. Brace for impact when that skier hits that gate. Then get your footing as soon as that ice skater gracefully lands that triple axle.
Feast your eyes — the Winter Olympics are back. Every four years, Olympians from a diverse range of sports race, jump, spin, land and cross the finish line in hopes of gold, silver and bronze glory.
Snowboarding, skiing, ice hockey and figure skating will once again be a few of the mainstays during the month of February. American gold medalists in past Olympics such as snowboarder Shaun White and skier Lindsey Vonn make their return. Canada, gold medal winners of the past two games in ice hockey, will once again deploy the puck.

Who to watch:
Two-time gold medalist and 18-time X Games medalist, White, will compete in his fourth Winter Olympics — in one of his signature events, the half-pipe. White didn’t medal in the 2014 Games but has emerged from a few spectacular performances this past year. 2010 Olympic gold medalist Vonn also makes her fourth Olympic appearance and will get a shot at her signature event in the super giant slalom. Vonn, a winner of 81 titles over 135 made podiums also returns after a long rehabilitation from a severe knee injury in 2013 that set her back and is one of the comeback stories to look forward to.
Mikaela Shiffrin, arguably the next Vonn, will race in similar skiing events and at 22 is already rivaling Vonn’s number with 59 total podiums, including her first gold in the slalom at the 2014 Games.

What to watch for:
This year around, 92 nations and their 2,952 athletes will take their talents to Pyeongchang, South Korea to compete in over 102 events in seven different sports. Out of the seven different sports are 15 different disciplines such as freestyle skiing and Alpine skiing or downhill skiing, the latter of which Vonn and Shiffrin compete.

When to watch:
The competitions kick off on Feb. 8 and ends on Feb. 25. While the opening ceremony sets the stage on Feb. 9, the actual events will begin as early as Feb. 7 as Alpine skiing and curling start things off at 8 p.m. pacific.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: Chicago tribune

Softball opens season at 3-2

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

Wolves softball is back again on the diamond. The 2017 GNAC championship contenders emerge once again and have another season to look forward to. In January they were picked in the preseason coaches poll to finish third in the conference. From Feb. 2-4, they returned to the turf in the Desert Stinger invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada, to open their first five games of the season.
The Wolves started things off right on their first day of competition on Feb. 2 in two games against Eastern New Mexico, 7-2, and Sonoma State, 4-3. Things flipped and the Wolves fell twice on Feb. 3 versus Concordia-Irvine, 12-0, and Cal-State San Bernardino 11-8. Finally, the Wolves went up against Notre Dame de Namur sealing the weekend off correctly in a win, 13-6.
Batters were surely up against New Mexico and so was the ball. Home runs set the tone for the Wolves in the second and third innings to go up 3-1. If it wasn’t homers, it was hard slugging as first-year outfielder Ayanjmna Arceneaux run batted in junior infielder Jenna Kelly off double to right-center field to a score of 4-1 in the fourth. Then in the fifth, Arceneaux helped again by scoring on a single from first-year utility player Tyler Creach to put the game away.
The offensive momentum transferred onto the defense as junior pitcher Haley Fabian threw a complete game earning a win in the process and striking out nine players.
The later game against Sonoma State saw the Wolves down early 3-0 by the fourth inning. Unable to get things going with a mere two hits, the fifth had the Wolves revive their wounds after an Arceneaux single to left that ran in senior outfielder Zoe Clark. After a single rounded Arceneaux to third, she advanced home on a Sonoma error to further ensure the deficit at 3-2.
Inning six came around and so did the Wolves. The Wolves got their fourth homer of the day from freshman catcher Mariah Deleon to win the game. Senior pitcher Lizzet Dominguez got the start and win by throwing a complete game and allowed only three hits in the comeback.
An opportunity to stay undefeated closed the next day. No openings for a score were present against Concordia as the Wolves went hitless. A pop-up or walk was all the Wolves could conjure up and in all, nine batters struck out. The Eagles, who were just lurking on the outside of the top-25 Division II preseason poll offed the Wolves’s defense scoring 12 unanswered in the last three innings to shutout the Wolves.
In the fourth game against Cal-State San Bernardino, the Wolves continued their struggles giving up five early runs. Three more runs extended the Coyote lead by the top of the fourth. Down 9-3 in the bottom of the sixth, back-to-back singles to center field via the Wolves scored two. But Cal-State outpaced the Wolves stretching the lead to 11-5 in the seventh and final inning. A make-or-break situation for the Wolves in the bottom half had them RBI three but a ground out and strikeout ended hopes. Fabian played her second complete game, with her first loss of the season.
The Wolves faced off against Notre Dame de Namur for their fifth and final game where the Argonauts pushed out to a 3-0 lead early. But the bottom of the second was in the Wolves’s favor as eight batters in total locked in and the resulting home-run by junior infielder Ryann Huffman scored two to grab the lead at 4-3. After scoring two more, the Argonauts knotted the game at 6-6. But a 5-0 Wolf run in the sixth established a comfortable lead and the win. Dominguez completed the game with her second win of the invitational to put her at 2-0.
The 3-2 Wolves will now look ahead as they’ll play six more games from Feb. 9-11 in the West Texas A&M Lady Buff.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: wouwolves.com

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