Rhys Finch, Author at The Western Howl

By: Ashton Newton
Entertainment Editor

screen-shot-2016-09-28-at-7-01-43-pm
When “The Blair Witch Project” was released in 1999, it was met with good reviews. The film created an entirely new genre of horror with documentary style filmmaking which is still used in today’s film making industry.

The new “Blair Witch” follows the events of the original, as main character Heather Donahue’s brother reenters the forest with three friends to search for his sister after revealing new footage showing her alive 20 years later.

At its core, the film is extremely similar to the original; a group of young adults searching the woods with video cameras are haunted by some unknown entity. In plot, it feels like “The Blair Witch Project” 2.0, with fancier cameras and jump scares.

“Blair Witch” relies heavily on cheap jump scares while the original didn’t have to. The jump scares were both predictable and never used anything truly terrifying. This cheap tactic was overused and had very few successful payoffs.

However, the film shines in its distortion of space-time and isolation horror. Like the original, the group seemed to break free of time and space, going in circles, making five or six days feel like a couple of hours. They were powerless, and that was extremely unnerving and anxiety inducing.

“Blair Witch” is a must see for any fan of the original. Not only is the story directly influenced by it, the folklore behind the Blair Witch, herself, is expanded upon. Story wise, “Blair Witch” succeeds at making the “lost in the woods” trope believable.

While not a terrible movie, “Blair Witch” fails to capture what made the original so memorable. The film is brought down by its predictable jump scares and familiar plot. “Blair Witch” is at its best when the mainstream jumpy horror is replaced with the isolationist horror of the original.

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu

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A Note from the Editor

By: Stephanie Blair
Editor-in-Chief

As someone who has not only read this publication every week for the last two years, and worked on it for just as long, I can hardly explain the excitement I feel about taking the role of editor-in-chief this year.

As I read over the opening statements of the last three editor-in-chiefs before me, I found myself feeling inadequately prepared to write my own.

Even more daunting is the fact that my mostly new staff and I are coming in at the height of election season, but I trust in our ability to handle the issues facing each student with grace and care.

screen-shot-2016-09-28-at-6-56-59-pm Our staff will strive to produce a paper that balances entertainment and information. The Western Journal aims to provide the truest form of journalism: a clear delivery of the facts without personal or political agenda. Our duty is first and foremost to our readers.

This will be in the forefront of our minds leading up to November, with accusations against ‘The Media’ as a heartless, faceless conglomerate tied to corporations backing specific candidates. The Western Journal is, and will remain, an independent publication. This ensures that we are not obligated to withhold facts in accordance with the desires of a benefactor or, similarly, to produce propaganda.

In the upcoming weeks, there will be opportunities for members of each party to make arguments in our editorial section, but elsewhere we will be delivering the news so that our readers may form their own opinions as well.

When writing about news on campus, our section editors and I will strive to not only to highlight more clubs and organizations in spotlight articles, but also to involve them in our conversations. This, along with the decision to continue “Campus Voices”, is in an effort to publish the voices and opinions of as many students as we can each week.

In the same vein, because this publication is by students for students, it makes sense that the best improvements will be made by our readers. And so, just as I ask our readers to trust us with the responsibility of reporting unbiased information, I ask our readers to write to us, to give us feedback both positive and negative.

For guidelines regarding submissions of letters to the editor, see the masthead on page two.

Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu

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Western’s Got Talent

By:Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Many first years eagerly awaited their turn to show the variety show judges what they had to offer. The door the contestants entered through had a heartwarming note wishing each auditioner good luck.

Julia Miller, a first year psychology major, auditioned with an original song titled, “Get Bent” while accompanying herself on the guitar. She described her song as a rhythm heavy, doo-wop styled song.

“I’ve been performing forever, and I’m interested in getting involved with the music program,” said Miller.

Western has plenty to offer for all of its students. Though New Student Week has passed, you can still join clubs and activities at any point in the year!
Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

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Direct From Me to You

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

You’ve finally made it to college. Welcome! The beautiful campus of Western Oregon University will be your home for the next few years. Be prepared to enjoy the late night studying, sleeping in the library, endless amounts of coffee and the wonderful friends that you’ll make.

But, in all seriousness, beginning a new life in college can be incredibly daunting. Just know that it is for everyone. You’re on the first step to adulthood which is one of the most stress-inducing steps you’ll take in your life.

Although college takes a lot of work, the payoff of being a more educated human is worth it and not something you should take for granted. A lot of people who want to be educated and better their minds aren’t able to afford college. So, understand that you have been able to partake in an experience that so many wish they could be a part of.

Throughout my years at Western, I’ve accumulated some wisdom and advice from my peers, my professors and my own experience. That wisdom should be shared, so you don’t have to learn everything the, “hard way.”

1) Always Know Where Your Keys Are!

This is one of the most important tips for living in the dorms. When you leave your room, do the three spot check. This includes: wallet (with your student ID), keys and phone. When you get back to your room, don’t throw your keys just anywhere. Put them on your doorknob, so every time you leave your room you have to grab your keys. Trust me, you’ll get locked out a lot, so heed this warning. (The RSC will only help you out a few times!)

2) Make Your Own Rules!

Being in college is great, because you can finally make your own rules. You don’t have to tell your parents when you’re going out or if you have homework, and that’s awesome! But, it can also be strange not having restrictions. No restrictions can cause a multitude of things to happen.

You can become: lazy, irresponsible, more of a procrastinator than you already are and stuck in a endless loop of naps. Create your own rules or borrow some rules from your parents. Make sure you try to do some homework before you binge watch something on Netflix, only nap twice a week, try to motivate yourself! Believe me, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself and you’ll start to create your own college routine.

3) Give Yourself a Break!

College can be incredibly difficult. Homework, studying, midterms, finals and life can really start to pile the stress on. Try to remember that your health is more important than what’s going on in school. Don’t skip class all the time, but if you really need some time for yourself, take it. Mental health and physical health need to be at tip top shape in order for you to function happily! Treat yourself! If you feel that you need to talk to someone, go to the Student Health and Counseling Center!

4) Keep an Open Mind!

During your time in college, you’ll be meeting people who are 100 percent different than you are. College is not only a time to learn about academics, but to learn about others. You may be set in your ways now, but you will grow, change and learn so much in your college career. Listen to others, debate and discuss. Your way of thinking isn’t the only way of thinking. When you graduate, you won’t be the you that you were in 2016. Learn how to grow and listen.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

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New Student Week

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

On Wednesday, Sep. 21, during the Student Organization Fair, the Werner University Center was buzzing with first-years. Greenhorns were eager to see the many clubs and activities Western has to offer. If you weren’t able to attend the Student Organization Fair, here’s a list of some of the clubs that attended:

AXO Sorority African Friends & Student Association Club

ASWOU University League Legends

Triangle Alliance International Students’ Club

WOU Food Pantry Women’s Soccer

Student Activities Board Men’s Soccer

Business & Economics Club Hawaii Club

Women’s Rugby Campus Crusade for Christ

Men’s Rugby Wolfpack Dance Team

Student Media Natural Science Club

Anime Club Western Lacrosse

M.E.Ch.A WOU Byte Club

Acappella Club

Not all clubs at Western were present, but if you are interested in or have questions about any of these clubs, search on wou.edu and go to Student Organization List for more information.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

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This week in completely made up horoscopes

By: Zoe Strickland

NASA recently reminded all of us that they truly hold power over the stars. NASA scientists came forth with the information that there are actually 13 zodiac symbols, rather than 12. The ‘new’ zodiac, Ophiuchus, sits nestled in the winter months. Some of you may be freaking out right now, but this (completely fake) astrologer is here to tell you to chill out. Ophiuchus has been around for centuries! Constellations don’t just randomly appear in the sky, and not all constellations are zodiac symbols. When Babylonians were creating the zodiac calendar, they decided to pick 12 of the constellations that the sun passed through to represent the 12 different parts of the zodiac. Ophiuchus was always there, the Babylonians just didn’t want it in their calendar. As NASA pointed out on their Tumblr page: they’re in the business of studying astronomy, not astrology. So, take a deep breath, you don’t have to update your Tinder bio just yet.

Aries 3/21-4/19
Yes, that professor doesn’t like you. No, another class won’t fit with your schedule. It’s time to buckle up and face that this year might just not be your year.

Taurus 4/20-5/20
You most definitely need more office supplies. If you can’t fully stock an Office Depot, how do you expect to survive this year?

Gemini 5/21-6/20
That person you’ve been crushing on all week? Just ask them out. New school year, new beginnings. (Maybe some new rejection.)

Cancer 6/21-7/22
The next bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos you buy will be completely empty. Inhale that Cheeto-flavored air, Cancer. It very well may be the highlight of your week.

Leo 7/23-8/22
Your week is looking bright, Leo. On Friday morning you will be gifted with one and a half Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The missing half was consumed by a ravenous squirrel.

Virgo 8/23-9/22
You’re going to have a wild weekend, Virgo. I’m talkin’ tequila, board games, and making homemade bath bombs. Go crazy.

Libra 9/23-10/22
Double check your bank account, Libra. I have a strong suspicion that someone is going to take your credit card and go crazy at Michaels. It’s almost Halloween; identity thieves need decorations, too.

Scorpio 10/23-11/21
Scorpio, this week would be a good time to start talking to your plants. We had a meeting last night and the succulents are considering going on a strike. I don’t know the logistics.

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21
Gear up, it is your week in PokemonGO. You’re about to hardcore catch ‘em all. I see a Snorlax in your future, so start hunting.

Capricorn 12/22-1/19
The stars are telling me that there’s only 13 weeks left until Christmas. If I were you, I’d start reminding people about your birthday as soon as possible.

Aquarius 1/20-2/18
It’s kind of ironic that you don’t like seafood.

Pisces 2/19-3/20
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you definitely left your stove on this morning.

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Summertime news (or lack thereof)

We at The Western Journal wanted to let you know that we’re out of the office from now until New Student Week begins on September 18. Thank you for your readership and support throughout the last year. If you think that this year was a big one for you, we cannot wait to show you what’s in store for next year. We can’t divulge anything yet, but we’re excited to share it all with you starting in the fall. Until then, have a great summer.

Love,

The Western Journal Staff

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.

Blair Witch Review

A Note from the Editor

Western’s Got Talent

Direct From Me to You

New Student Week

This week in completely made up horoscopes

Summertime news (or lack thereof)

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