Mount Hood

Review of Jeff Goldblum’s new jazz album “The Capitol Studio Sessions”

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

That’s right folks, Jeff Goldblum — America’s sweetheart, apple of my eye — released an album Nov. 9 and ushered in a new age, breaking music history into two parts: before Goldblum’s honeyed, soulful piano, and after.

Accompanying the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Jeff brings us a 14 track album of jazz classics, including “Cantaloupe Island” and “Straighten Up and Fly Right.”

“The Capitol Studio Sessions” is a recreation of the orchestra’s weekly variety show, held at LA’s Rockwell Table and Stage in Capitol studios. All the tracks were performed in front of a live audience, lending a speakeasy, intimate feel to the songs. Full of improv comedy and playful ribbing, Goldblum’s personality glows.

“I love improvising and that feeling of communication and interplay, it’s one of the cornerstones of my acting technique. I see my music in the same way,” Goldblum commented in a press release about the album.

Playing alongside Jeff are other famous names: Irish singer Imelda May, former “American Idol” contender Haley Reinhart, and awarded trumpetest Till Brönner to name a few.

Some may think that Jeff Goldblum would not measure up to these talented musicians. I am offended that some hypothetical person would ever say such a thing. Goldblum not only holds his own among his fellow orchestra members, he thrives. If no one knew it was in fact Goldblum on piano, one would think they were simply listening to a talented Jazz band.

Goldblum’s jazz piano rarely commands the focus of any song, except maybe in “I Wish I Knew (How it Would Feel to be Free)” and “Caravan.” But that is true of most jazz standards, in which the saxophones and horns take center stage. Piano adds another complex layer to any jazz performance, filling out a group’s sound. This album is no different — Goldblum adds his own skillful flair to each song, but doesn’t try to hog the spotlight like any less professional and less experienced musician would.

 

Overall rating: I strongly recommend this album to anyone and everyone.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of decca.com

Ty Brack reflects on time as editor of The Northwest Passage

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

In the student media building, there is an office that contains every edition of the Northwest passage since 1966. The Northwest Passage is Western’s literary magazine, run by students. Art is submitted by students and faculty, and can include poetry, prose, short fiction, drawings, paintings, photographs and most recently, music.

Since 1966, students have been submitting their work to the Northwest Passage, some anonymously. Their art is made immortal through the pages of the journal, and for several students, that’s as far as their art went. But some continued, whether that be professionally or recreationally.

One of those students is Ty Brack. An English major and communications minor, Brack served as the assistant editor of the Northwest Passage from 2005 to 2006 and editor from 2006 to 2007. Along with his editing duties, Brack also submitted art to the journal, in the form of poetry.

“My favorite part was getting to admire the creativity and talent of my peers on campus,” said Brack, “It opened doors to relationships and ideas.”

From 2009 through 2012, Ty began transferring his poetry into lyrics. Working with local producers and other artists, Ty launched his rap persona Flyvek. Ty performed various local shows at a variety of venues and for charity shows that raised money for nonprofits, including The Global Project.

Brack released his first album, titled “Flyvek is Just One of the _____ and Counting,” in 2012. “This album is still available on iTunes, #shamelessselfplug,” the rapper mentioned. After releasing the album, the rap artist returned to Western for graduate school to receive his Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).

“That started a five-year span of rather busy professional development in teaching, which along with being newly married at the time, made it difficult for me to find the balance of time to continue recording and performing,” remarked Brack.

Ty is currently teaching 10th grade English and poetry at North Marion High School in Aurora, Oregon. He also serves as the Activities and ASB director, as well as the assistant varsity baseball coach.

He hasn’t forsaken his art however: “Now though, I’ve found that balance and have begun recording again, with a new album and new shows planned for the beginning of 2019,” commented Ty.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Diversity education with the Multicultural Student Union

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Western is home to many different clubs and organizations that seek to enrich the college experience. One of these is the Multicultural Student Union, a group that was formed to educate and bring awareness to the diversity of cultural backgrounds at Western.

Gabriela Acevedo, the Activities Director of the MSU and a member of three years, sat down with me to talk about the Union’s work and experiences. She has coordinated a number of events over the years, such as the Dia de Los Muertos celebration as well as last years’ Out and Proud event.

Acevedo explains the club as, “dedicated to sharing different cultures and educating people who are attending our events about people of different backgrounds…It’s a way to connect with different people.”

The purpose of the club and their events are to provide entertainment, but also to educate the public on different cultures. Events are open to anyone at Western, and many are also open to the public.

To students who may be considering joining, Acevedo said, “Give it a try. It’s a great way to meet and learn about new people.” She said that attendance varies by term and time of year, but there are usually at least a few dozen people participating at once.

“We want it to be a supportive environment and a safe zone for everyone,” Acevedo added.

Due to the number of large events the club puts on annually, all open to the public as well as students, Acevedo also notes that membership can lead to opportunities for building leadership skills, such as the experience she has gained through her position as Activities Director. Students can become members merely by attending weekly meetings, but also have the option of participating in the organizations of the events.

The closest annual event is currently Out and Proud, which will be hosted in February. Other events to look out for are Women of Culture, the annual Pow-Wow which will showcase parts of Native American culture, and Nuestra Fiesta Latina towards the end of the year.

The MSU’s weekly meetings are held Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. in the Columbia Room of the Werner University Center.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Meyers

Keto: The pros and cons

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

As with many other aspects of lifestyle, new trends pop up every so often related to diet. They can have different goals, including becoming healthier or losing weight. Whatever the purpose, however, it’s important that they are done right so as to avoid unhealthy results.

One particular diet trend that’s arrived at Western is the Ketogenic, or “Keto”, diet. This involves making lifestyle changes such as greatly reducing the amount of carbohydrate intake, but not much else — one likely reason for its popularity. It’s rumored to have health benefits, but it brings up the question always raised at the mention of a new diet: is it safe? And if so, what rules should be adhered to in order to keep it that way?

The claim is that keto will help people lose weight quickly as well as give them more energy. It works by severely limiting a person’s carbohydrate intake, which creates a state called ketosis where blood sugar drops and the body starts breaking down fats for energy.

According to Healthline.com, ketosis is actually ketoacidosis, something that affects those with type 1 diabetes, in a very mild form. Despite this, experts like sports nutritionist from Healthline, Rudy Mawer, have said that the diet can be a safe, effective way to lose weight for health reasons and become more energetic. “You can get motivated by this weight loss”, he said in reference to working out on keto. Another expert, clinical dietitian from Healthline, Lisa Climperman, notes that it can increase insulin sensitivity, a plus for those with type 2 diabetes

“The first week was a little rough because of the “keto flu.” Once my body got used to having no carbs and no sugars it was smooth sailing,” said Senior Stephanie Franco, a business major, who tried the diet herself and had an overall positive experience. The “keto flu” referenced occurs in the beginning stages; as the body adjusts it sometimes experiences flu-like symptoms.

However, the diet does have its critics. Some experts like Climperman say it won’t keep off weight long term and that it hinders muscle growth. In fact, she notes that once symptoms like fatigue set in from lack of calories, “Then it actually becomes even harder to lose weight.” Healthline also notes that anything less than a 1,200 calorie diet is essentially starvation, and it’s harder for some to keep up their calorie intake after cutting out nearly a whole food group. Education major Karlene Curtin tried the diet and did see results early on, but quickly learned it wasn’t for her.

“On the third week I began to feel really sluggish and pretty sick when I was working out. I ended up fainting during my regular three mile run,” Curtin said. She visited a doctor shortly after, who told her she wasn’t getting proper nutrition.

“I was just told to eat healthy and work out regularly in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” Curtin added.

As with most diets, a healthy approach is key to reaping any benefits. Before committing to keto, it may be worthwhile for students to consider their own personal health and do some research to determine if it’s right for them.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Off-campus study spots

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Many students regularly find themselves needing a study space. Some prefer the comfort of their own homes, or the convenience and resources of Hamersly Library. For some, however, sometimes physical space away from campus helps clear the head. For these needs, I’ve compiled a list of a variety of off-campus study spots.

DIY Tea and Beyond is closest to campus, located right behind Urban Deli, but it is set up to be the perfect student hangout. The cafe offers both caffeinated and un-caffeinated beverages, as well as wifi and a printer. 176 Main St, Monmouth is where students can find this location.

Java Crew is a cafe located on Monmouth Avenue, right on the edge of downtown Monmouth. This cafe is perfect for morning or afternoon study sessions for those that love an atmosphere that’s not too busy and not too quiet, has different seating options and has access to coffee. This cafe’s address is 139 Monmouth Ave, Monmouth.

A similar cafe can be found just down Main Street. Rick’s Place also has a calm atmosphere great for mornings or afternoons, and is a little more open spacewise. Find Rick’s Place at 123 Main St, Monmouth.

For those that don’t require refreshments and prefer quieter environments, Monmouth and Independence have public libraries. These would offer students similar resources to Hamersly Library, but will likely not be as full of other students. In Monmouth, the public library can be found at 168 S Ecols St, and in Independence at 175 Monmouth St.

However, for those that like their long-term study spots to be open later and offer food, there’s Koyote’s Tacos right next to campus. Students can study at this location using the free wifi until two in the morning, and enjoy affordable food while doing so. Koyote’s is located at 159 Monmouth Ave N.

Another option including food and later hours is Brew Coffee and Tap House, located in downtown Independence. Students can expect a busier atmosphere, but have the options of coffee and food available to them. Students can find Brew Coffee at 211 S Main St, Independence.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Preview: Men’s Basketball

Mikaela Wong | Freelancer

Returning from a spectacular 2017-2018 season, the Western men’s basketball team is back and ready to fight for what they were so close to achieving last season. After losing to California Baptist University from a last-minute comeback that fell just short in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball West Regional, the Wolves concluded their season at No. 3. Western’s 24-game win streak was ended and finished with a 31-2 record.

However, after having a less than ideal ending to their previous season, the mindsets of the players are now stronger than ever. Riley Hawken, a senior business major and a returning power forward, is confident that the team will carry over its success.

“This year’s going to be another phenomenal year and we’re going to have a lot of phenomenal players. A lot of the guys are hungry and we’re all just wanting to do the best we can to represent WOU as great as we can,” said Hawken.

The men’s basketball team has gained quite the following after their previous historic season and do not plan on slowing down any time soon.

“We have a winning culture,” stated Buster Souza, a senior majoring in business and also returning as a power forward, “and that is going to come not just this year and next year, but years and years after that.”

Many players were wondering how this year’s team would measure up to last season’s, especially having nine players graduate last year. But Souza was quite reassuring. “Something we had to work on (over the off-season) was our depth because we lost so many players last year, but we really corrected that just with our recruiting and our deep line-up. Our skillset is pretty even across the board…we have a lot of young talent coming in as well as veterans returning.”

Hawkens adds, “a lot of the (new recruits) have really good attitudes that are (just as) hungry and want to continue on the success that we’ve had. The coaches did a really good job of getting guys in here who could fill the spots (of the graduated players).”

Hawken was unanimously named to the 2018-19 GNAC Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team over the off-season. When asked about what things he is looking forward to most this season, Hawken said, “the biggest part of the journey is how you come together as a team. The thing I’m most excited for is the new team to come together…to see how all these new pieces are going to come together…and how well we are going to progress as a team…and it’s coming along really well right now.”

Western’s men’s basketball team’s first regular season game is against Warner Pacific University on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in New PE.

 

Contact the author at mwong16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Women’s rugby overpowers Whitman

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

It was a still morning with a chilling breeze that cut through the air. All seemed calm as the Wolves took to the field to battle the Whitman Blues. This match was special for the women’s team as it marked their second and final match of the fall season as well as their only home game in the fall. Despite this, the Wolves were ready for a fight.

Within minutes, Western’s offense quickly took it to Whitman. Back to back scores with only one missed conversion rocketed Western to a quick 12-0 lead. But the slow start for the Blues came to an end as they scored back to back tries, missing both conversions to make it a 12-10 game.

In the second period the Wolves offense started to show their strength. Whitman was unable to handle the relentless Wolves as they powered their way down the field time and time again. The Blues were so far back on their heels, they couldn’t even advance the ball on offense, leading to Western growing their lead to 32-10.

“Communication was important. We weren’t tackling very well but I think our offense did a great job,” commented junior ASL/English interpreting major Lexi Osborn.

After some intermission adjustments, both teams took the field for the final period. Western’s defense was unable to contain the Blues as Whitman put up 19 points in a short nine minute window to start the period.

“We have a lot of rookies, so tackling is the scariest part. (They) just have to learn ‘it’s not going to hurt that bad, just get in there and tackle,’” said Osborn on the defense’s play.

After a quick meeting following the team’s giving up another try, the Wolves defense locked down Whitman. Their comeback attempt was cut short when the Wolves finally found their footing and scored a pair of tries. As the high scoring final period came to a close, the Wolves were victorious with a 42-29 win.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Cora McClain

Lighting issues put a quick end to Western lacrosse’s season

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

With gear bags slung over their shoulders and sticks in hand, Western lacrosse walked onto a pitch black field at the University of Oregon to take on the Ducks. Murmurs of what could be going on spread across the team as game-time ticked closer. Due to the adjacent Hayward Field being under construction, there were major lighting issues at the lacrosse field.

After a few pulls of a ripcord, a generator roared to life to finally light up the field on a cold Nov. 9 night. Western took the the field to start their warm ups for the final game of the fall season. They hoped to end the pre-season on a high note but a few passes into their warm up, the hum of the generator faded and so did the lights. Again, the Wolves and the Ducks were left in the dark.

The official game time came and went and the lights were unable to stay on for more than just a couple of minutes. Nearly 45 minutes after what should have been the start of the game, the Wolves and Ducks lined up for the faceoff.

Western had been unable to get a complete warm up due to the lighting issues. Because of this the Wolves quickly sank to a multiple goal deficit. Unable to set up their offense, the Wolves couldn’t seem to find a way to mount a comeback attempt.

This action didn’t last long however. After a short 30 minutes of play, again the teams found themselves engulfed in darkness. This was the final straw for the coaches. With the inconsistent lightning, the game was canceled. This delay and eventual cancelation left the Wolves very ill tempered.

“We were (very upset). We drove all the way to Eugene for a game time that was already late. Then, add on the 45 minutes we had to wait in the cold and the game was canceled. It really got under our skin,” said senior education major Bryce Hinkle.

After the official cancelation the game only lasted approximately 30 minutes. This short game with a lack of warm up ended the Wolves fall ball leaving them 3-5. Western packed up and got ready for the short off season with their first game only two months away.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Western men’s soccer defeats Reed College

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

As the season draws closer to an end, the Wolves looked to pick up a much needed win against Reed College Griffins. In their last meeting on Nov. 3, the Wolves lost a very lopsided game to the Griffins 8-1. But now at home, Western took the field with revenge in mind.

The first 20 minutes of the half saw Western continually challenging the goalkeeper for the Griffins. Although the ball stayed glued to Reed’s side of the field, the Wolves couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.

After several saves from the Griffin’s goalkeeper, the Wolves offense still fought for points. With a deeply kicked ball, Western sprinted up the field to bury the first goal of the game. From this point, the Wolves took complete control of the Griffins.

Due to the relentless offense of the Wolves, the Griffins unable to clear the ball. Another break away lead to a high powered shot finding the back of the goal to make the score 2-0. Moments later, the Wolves scored yet another goal to finish off the first half of play.

The first half was an offensive firestorm with Western spending a vast majority on the attacking side of the field. Reed needed to find a way to slow down the offense of Western if they wanted any chance to win. But the Wolves had other plans.

The second half saw Western’s offense continuing with their momentum from the first half. Two more points from the Wolves was matched by only one from Reed. Western finished the game on top with a final score of 5-1.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Western’s fall sports wrap-up

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”Lacrosse”]

Record: 3-5

Biggest win: In the Fall Tournament in Bend, Oregon the Wolves took on Humboldt State. While the game was shortened due to being a tournament game, the Wolves still overpowered the Lumberjacks to cruise to an easy 6-2 win.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Men’s Rugby”]

Record: 4-1

Biggest win: On Nov. 3 the Wolves took on Willamette University. Even though the game was cut short at halftime due to the Bearcats losing too many players to injury, there was no shortage of scoring. The Wolves’s offense tore the bearcats to shreds, putting up 33 points. The defense mirrored the offense’s dominant performance by not giving up a single score.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Women’s Rugby”]

Record: 1-1

Biggest win: Despite having only one home match, the Wolves did not hold back against Whitman University. The game was a tough defensive struggle for the first two periods. Whitman battled their way back into the game early in the final period but the lead was too much to overcome as the Wolves powered their way to a 42-29 win at home.

[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Men’s Soccer (Still competing)”]

Record: 3-4-1

Biggest win: On Nov. 11 the Wolves took on Reed College. From the first whistle it was evident that the Wolves were playing on a different level than the Griffins. By half the game was 3-0 in favor of the Wolves. After giving up a single point, Western was victorious with a score of 5-1.

[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Women’s Soccer (Still competing)”]

Record: 4-0

Biggest win: The Wolves took on the University of Oregon in their second match of their first official fall season as a club sport at Western. Stellar goalkeeping and a strong offensive drive helped the Wolves shutout the Ducks 2-0.

[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”Football”]

Record: 5-6

Biggest win: The Wolves best game of the year came Sept. 29 against Simon Fraser University. Western’s offense, defense, and special teams all combined for a season high of 54 points. Meanwhile the defense held the Clan to only 13 points. The defense forced a school and GNAC record nine interceptions in this meet up.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Volleyball”]

Record: 6-21

Biggest win: There are two games worth mentioning as the highlight of the year for the Wolves. On Sept. 1 the Wolves swept Hawaii Pacific University, winning each match by an average of five points. Later in the year, Western swept conference rival Montana State University Billings in three straight matches, winning each match by an average 4.66 points per match.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Women’s Soccer”]

Record: 5-9-3

Biggest win: One of the most exciting games this season came in their matchup on Sept. 10 against Pacific University. After Pacific jumped to an early 1-0 lead, the Wolves battled their way back into the game by burying a game-tying shot in the second half to force overtime. Western’s defense held strong, and the offense came up big to overcome Pacific 2-1 in overtime.

[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Cross Country”] Best finish: Prior to the start of the school year, the Wolves men and women teams ran the table in their first home meet at Ash Creek. Both the men and the women defended their home course with first place finishes. The women narrowly defeated their closest competitor by a slim two points. The men dominated the field, with their next closest team being over 20 points behind. [/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis (Football), Ashlynn Norton (Soccer)

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