Mount Hood

Tips for long distance relationships

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

As it turns out, some of that technology that our parents kept complaining made us antisocial can actually be used to be keep in contact with people in many new ways. One big example is long distance relationships, which tend to rely on methods of communication like texting and video chat. These still can’t quite make up for missing the real thing, however, and because of this many are skeptical when it comes to making long-distance work. The good news is that these relationships can work just fine as long as both people are committed to making it work. Stephanie Franco, a senior business major, is just one example of why this is true — she’s been in a long distance relationship for about five years. Her reason why come down to a few simple tips.

“You gotta put in the work, and you gotta communicate,” Franco said. Any relationship requires some work put in, but the distance adds a little extra. Even if you’re in the same time zone, coordinating the best time for face to face communication takes a bit more effort. Also, though it is constantly repeated in relationship advice, it’s still worth remembering that communication is important, even more so when it’s restricted.

“You have to be confident and trusting,” Franco added. One side effect of the skepticism surrounding long-term relationships is that people often feel like there’s pressure to make every communication or interaction count. The reality is that this is not necessarily the case for any other couple, so dropping these high expectations can have a relieving effect on partners who might feel they need to spend their limited time together a certain way. Embracing any quality time will ultimately strengthen the relationship.

Another main thing to keep in mind is to make sure you’re both on the same page about when, how and if you’re going to continue their lives together. Otherwise, someone might end up putting some of their life on hold in order to make things work out, only to find out they want different things. It’s important to still feel like your life is still progressing, or at least that there’s a plan you can depend on to make things work out in the end.

In the end, it’s up to each person to decide whether long-distance relationships are for them. Like any relationship, there’s a potential for it to end poorly, but there’s also great potential to be closer than ever thanks to having stuck it out together. As Franco pointed out, “If you’re both committed to making it happen, it will work out.”

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photos by Ashlynn Norton

On campus to off campus

Karlene Curtin | Staff Writer

Finally — it’s time to have your own personal space that is finally not a dorm in the residence hall. That means lighting candles, a full kitchen, no strictly enforced quiet hours nor resident assistants. As exciting as it was to move into my first apartment, there were a couple things I wish I was more prepared for. Here are a few things I wish I had known when I moved into to my first apartment.

 

I missed campus dining

Trust me, this surprised me more than I expected. But with budgeting and going out adds up. Cooking becomes the alternative to save money. It is fun for a little bit, but on those days when the motivation to cook is just not there, taking a small trip to Valsetz Dining Hall seems to be the better alternative.

 

I didn’t realize how much furniture and kitchenware cost

Sometimes there are other alternatives to finding furniture, like posting an “SOS” to Facebook in hopes to score some free couches or even pots and pans. I suggest saving some money after every paycheck to put towards necessities.  

 

Budgeting is key

Food, gas, water, garbage, rent and school expenses add up and sometimes can feel impossible to budget out. I saved money by working extra hours and putting a portion of my paycheck into savings. Also by making smart purchases at the store instead of impulse buying can help save.

 

I have to deal with real adult problems with no third party

Turns out when the neighbors begin to get rowdy at 2 a.m., there’s no R.A. to tell the neighbors to cork it. And let’s be real — confrontation can be awkward. Maybe ask if they can give a heads up before they have another party.

 

Contact author at kcurtin14@mail.wou.edu

Photo by Ashlynn Norton

Daniel Sampson’s capstone presentation on “Kaleidoscope ‘85”

Cora McClain | Copy Editor

May 10, in Smith Music Hall, senior music major Daniel Sampson gave a presentation on the journey of his album “Kaleidoscope ‘85.” He began work on the album in the summer of  2018, after being thoroughly inspired by the music of the 1980s, specifically that of George Benson’s “20/20” album that he heard growing up. After explaining why he decided on an ‘80s inspired album with a focus on his major instrument, the clarinet, Sampson dove into how he created it.

Taking the audience right into his production software, FL Studio, Sampson played a track that did not end up on his album. “Timeless Lover” played out over the theater, but had a few crackling issues. Sampson kept in good spirits despite these hiccups and broke down the track by each of the samples he took.

Sampson even explained how he chose specific samples to use.

“When I heard the track, I was like, ‘I’ve got to use that,’” he said in reference to the sample DX7 Electric piano. He concluded stating that it can be found somewhere in every track on the album. He also highlighted using electric guitar samples, stating “it is the poor man’s way of not hiring a guitarist.” He highlighted another two tracks, “Warrior” and “Remember When,” to illustrate how he stacked these sounds.

Explaining the recording of his clarinet tracks, Sampson said that he did so in “WOU’s very own recording studio.” Sampson continued by stating the gear that he used to do such recording. Later he explained how he used different preamps to change the sound of the clarinet, often using vocal synth to add depth and sparkle to the sounds. He even explains using a guitar preamp to create the sound of an electric guitar.

Then Sampson transitioned into the production side of the album, covering copyright and his difficulties with that, as well as having to change his mastering engineer, who finishes out the sound of the album. “It didn’t sound like an album” he said. But he soon found another mastering engineer who fulfilled on his vision.

He finished off the presentation with a little Q&A, answering more technical questions such as one on where he wants to see his music go.

“Out into the world? … Move down to LA?” he joked.

When asked about what advice he would give to others putting together a capstone presentation, Sampson answered, “You should get started on it as early as possible. Also, make use of your strengths when preparing the presentation.”

“Kaleidoscope ‘85” will be released on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon on July 2, which is Sampson’s birthday. He will also be releasing physical copies, but still has to work out the kinks with things such as shipping.

 

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Photo by Cora McClain

Review: “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile”

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

Ted Bundy is one of the most notorious serial killers in the United States according to history.com. Aside from his trial being the first televised in history, Bundy’s trial was unique in many ways. Bundy acted as one of his own defense attorneys, escaped twice and even gained an immense fan-base.

Released on Netflix on May 3, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile” was released not long after the docu-series “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” was strategically made public by the same streaming site on January 24.

While “Extremely Wicked,” whose title is too long to say naturally in conversation and is therefore always referred to as “that new Zac Efron movie,” could be seen as a complementary fictionalization of “The Ted Bundy Tapes,” it watches as a slightly fuzzier iteration of the same show. It seems as though nothing much happens that watchers familiar with the case wouldn’t have already known about the Bundy case.

Every event was predictable, and the liberties that were included weren’t shocking — to me, this film really didn’t shine a new light on the case or the characters involved. The film often flip-flops between painting Bundy in a sympathetic light and trying to make him out to be the manic killer that he was. In my opinion, we really didn’t need another “slightly-sympathetic serial killer” story in the world.

I did appreciate a look at the ways in which Liz Kendall, played by Lily Collins, was affected by her long-term relationship with Bundy, but it all felt like a glorification of Bundy thinly veiled through a “different” perspective. I would’ve been more intrigued with a story from the point of view of Carol Daronch, the woman who successfully escaped Bundy’s attempted kidnapping.

Arguably the most disappointing aspect of the movie was Zac Efron’s performance. Efron, I believe, embodied Bundy in an extremely believable way, but “Extremely Wicked” overall was an underwhelming film and I feel like Efron’s performance was wasted. I was honestly surprised at how effectively creeped out I was at the actor whose breakout role was Troy from the “High School Musical” franchise. I believe this could’ve been a breakout role for Efron, if only it wasn’t an overrated, over-told story.

 

Overall Rating: I would not recommend this film.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of voltagepictures.com

Western hosts GNAC Track & Field Championships

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

In both the temperature and in events, records were ready to broken at the GNAC Track & Field Championships. On Friday, May 10, ten schools came together to be deemed champions, competing in 87-degree-weather. Western, Alaska Anchorage, Central Washington, Concordia University, Montana State Billings, Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin’s, Seattle Pacific, Simon Fraser and Western Washington all found themselves ready to race at McArthur Field.

In the first day, and at the peak of the heat, the events began at 2 p.m. But rather than letting the temperature bring the athletes down, it seemed to do the opposite. Several Wolves earned personal bests, and by the end of the day, Western found themselves qualifying eight individuals to advance to finals the next day: Codi Blodgett, Gabe Arce-Torres, Curt Knott, Max Carmona, Adam Alnazer and Ana Popchock. On top of this, Moana Gianotti earned All-GNAC honors by achieving 3rd in Women’s Discus. 

On May 11, the temperatures took a slight dip — slight, being five degrees — but the energy was still as high as it was the day before. The athletes came ready to set records. Another full day was ahead of them, and the ones competing continued to smash their personal-bests. With fans from all teams cheering from the stands and the sidelines, each race and field-event was nothing short of a show.

When the events came to a close later that night, four All-GNAC honors had been earned by Western. Darian Wilson earned 2nd for Women’s Javelin — for the second time in her career; Moana Gianotti earned 3rd for Women’s Discus; Grayson Burke, Bethanie Altamirano, Olivia Woods and Michaela Yonkman earned 3rd for Women’s 1600 Relay; and Gabe Arce-Torres, Lashaun Emile, Max Carmona and Curt Knott earned 3rd for Men’s 1600 Relay.

Western’s season will come to a close in Kingsville, Texas from May 23-25, as the Wolves head to the NCAA Division II National Championships.

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”Day One Results”]

Men’s

100: 4. Codi Blodgett, 10.87. 200: 17. Codi Blodgett, 22.92. 400: 4.Gabe Arce-Torres, 48.93. 800: 4. Curt Knott, 1:53.99; 5. Max Carmona, 1:54.09; 8. Adam Alnazer, 1:54.70; 9. Trey Reed, 1:54.87; 10. Justin Crosswhite, 1:55.06; 12. Neal Cranston, 1:55.50; 17. Zach Kanelis, 2:00.61. 10,000: 16. Sawyer Heckard, 34:11.04. Steeple: 9. Hunter Mosman, 9:43.41; 18. Simon Walsh, 10:22.37. Shot: 10. Sam Cole, 48-6 3/4 (14.80m); 11. Chris Steffey, 47-5 (14.45m); 12. Owen Collins, 47-0 1/4 (14.33m); 14. Karsten Collins, 46-2 1/2 (14.08m).Discus:8. Karsten Collins, 148-4 (45.21m); 9. Chris Steffey, 146-7 (44.68m); 12. Owen Collins, 138-3 (42.13m).

 

Women’s

100: 17. Logan Jackson, 12.78; 19. Hailey Sears, 12.85. 200: 16. Hailey Sears, 26.13; 18. Taryn Wilson, 26.22; 20. Logan Jackson, 26.37. 400: 11. Bethanie Altamirano, 58.94. 800: 2. Olivia Woods, 2:10.49; 16. Shayla Soloman, 2:24.31. 10,000: 9. Cassie McKinnie, 41:27.30. 100 Hurdles: 10. Ana Popchock, 15.44; 12. Natalie Legras, 15.59; 15. Michaela Yonkman, 16.07. 400 Hurdles: 8. Ana Popchock, 1:04.90; 9. Grayson Burke, 1:04.90; 11. Michaela Yonkman, 1:06.78; 11. Michaela Yonkman, 1:06.78; 12. Nicole Niskanen, 1:05.83; 14. Sarra Soladey, 1:07.90. Long Jump: 18. Lauren Berry, 16-2 1/4 (4.93m). Shot: 4. Moana Gianotti, 41-4 1/2 (12.61m). Discus: 3. Moana Gianotti, 136-1 (41.48m). [/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Day Two Results”]

Men’s

100: 5. Codi Blodgett, 11.24. 400: 5. Gabe Arce-Torres, 48.97. 800: 4. Curt Knott, 1:55.35; 5. Adam Alnazer, 1:55.37; 6. Max Carmona, 1:55.52; 9. Trey Reed, 1:57.03. 1,500: 4. Justin Crosswhite,3:56.79; 7. Parker Marson, 3:57.79; 13. Hunter Mosman, 4:03.99; 14. Stephen Fey, 4:08.84. 5,000: 6. Tyler Jones, 15:07.35; 11. Parker Marson, 1516.92. Hammer: 7. Mont Child, 167-11 (51.19m); 8. Sam Cole, 165-10 (50.56m). Javelin: 12. Austin Goldstein, 173-9 (52.97m); 16. Kyle Wells, 165-9 (50.52m); 18. Mitchell Kruse, 154-6 (47.10m). 1,600 Relay: 3. Western Oregon, 3:17.87.

 

Women’s

800: 5. Olivia Woods, 2:12.62. 5,000: 7. Grace Knapp, 17:29.49; 13. Kaylin Cantu, 18:17.83. 400 Hurdles: 5. Ana Popchock, 1:03.69. Hammer: 6. Moana Gianotti, 138-9 (42.30m). Javelin: 2. Darian Wilson, 151-4 (46.13m). 400 Relay: 6. Western Oregon, 49.07.

1,600 Relay: 3. Western Oregon, 3:50.93.

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[/fruitful_tabs]

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Hannah Greene finds semi-pro success with CFC Atletica

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

Hannah Greene, a junior Spanish major, began playing soccer at 3-years-old. Right from the start, she fell in love with it.

“There was no trying to get me to do other things,” said Greene. “They put me in ballet, and I got kicked out … I couldn’t just sit there and move my arms. And gymnastics — I got kicked out of too … I had to have soccer.”

Looking to play for a semi-pro team, she began searching for ones in the area; she found that Capital Fútbol Club Atletica, a team under the Northwest Premier League Soccer, was holding tryouts in March. So, she contacted the one in charge and was invited to try out.

In late April, Greene found out she made the starting team. Although she hasn’t been on the roster long, she already loves it.

“So far on this team, I’ve loved every second and I honestly hate having to leave practice, because I have so much fun out there,” said Greene. “All the girls are so welcoming … but they’re also such good players and want to get better, so it makes the whole atmosphere a prize to be around.”

Making this semi-pro team was another step in the right direction for Greene, as she hopes to continue on with soccer in life.

“I would love to get into the Women’s Premier Soccer League and play there, and obviously my end goal is to go pro,” Greene said.

But as of right now, making the CFC Atletica team not only proved her skill and likeliness to continue on with the sport, but it also proved her abilities to those who have doubted her before. After sustaining an injury while playing at Ventura College, she had an experience that almost ruined soccer for her.

“I was only going to be out for a short time, but I overheard (my coach) basically telling the other coach that I was worthless. And that completely crushed my soul, so I was done for a little bit,” said Greene. After that, it’s been a struggle to just get back into the game. She began playing for Western’s Club Sports team to try and find her passion and have fun with the sport again. She found that being in this environment with no pressure helped tremendously with her skills, preparing her to try out for a semi-pro team.

Greene’s next game with CFC Atletica will be away, against Thurston County United Soccer on May 18.

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

Opinion From the Sports Desk: Take the “I” out of team

Lake Larsen | Former Sports Editor

With both the NHL and NBA playoff races in full swing, whittling away teams to find the 2019 champions, something caught my eye. Maybe there is an “I” in team. By this, I mean that the whole of professional sports is seeming to drift away from the notion of “teams win championships” to the selfish idea of “individuals win championships.” This cultural shift became more evident to me as I flipped between watching the San Jose Sharks and Portland Trail Blazers fight for the next game in their respective series.

As a person with a love for both watching and playing sports, it pains me to see that the idea of being a part of a team no longer seems to matter. With the explosion in popularity of fantasy sports, viewers don’t appear to care about franchises anymore. Due to fans abilities to select single players from the entire league to belong on a pseudo all-star team, fans focus on single players instead of franchises. This has led to individual athletes falling under the assumption that they are more important than the team they play for, thus inflating player egos much larger than they should be.

As a fan of the NHL, I became accustomed to seeing players work together as a unit. It was commonplace to see athletes dive in front of shots and put their physical well-being aside to help earn their team a bid to the postseason. But with the soaring egos of athletes in other sports, it’s now a regular occurrence to see athletes throwing tantrums on Twitter over petty issues or franchise hopping with the hopes of snagging a ring and a nice paycheck.

Seeing players engulf themselves in social media drama shows younger athletes that only they matter, and that maybe there’s no I in team, but there’s an I in champion. I don’t believe individuality should be outlawed in sports, nor is that the point I’m trying to make. I just think leagues should try to reintroduce to players the idea of actually caring about the rest of the roster.

Having played team sports my whole life, it was instilled to me that sometimes the group is more important than the player — that it doesn’t matter what your stat sheet read as long as you did your job. That’s what I believe team sports are about. Not how many triple-doubles or hat tricks a player got, but instead, the final score.

According to Gallup, 72% of Americans aged 18-29 watch sports in some capacity. And with such an overwhelming majority of young viewers tuning in, I believe we should be shown that it’s okay to be a part of something bigger than you; not everything is always about standing out. In the words of Olympic gold medal winning hockey coach Herb Brooks, “When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back.”

 

Contact the author at llarsen13@wou.edu

To publish a response, contact the editor at howleditor@wou.edu