Mount Hood

Wolves women’s basketball outlast Mavericks in a road win

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

Unable to find a win in their first match against Dixie State University on the previous day, the Wolves hoped for a different outcome against Colorado Mesa University on Nov. 17. Colorado Mesa had won their match the previous day setting up a challenging scenario for the Wolves coming into the game.

Coming out of the gates, the Wolves were ready for a fight. After a short stint in the lead the Wolves quickly jumped right back in front of the Maverick. An unstoppable Western offense pushed the Wolves to tripling the score of Colorado Mesa 24-8 by the end of the first quarter.

The lopsided score came to a quick end as Colorado Mesa took their turn controlling the game. Points were traded back and forth but the frequency of scores fell more in favor of the Mavericks. As the time left in the first half dwindled, Western barely clung onto their lead, going into halftime on top only by eight.

The score gap continued to narrow as both teams traded blows back and forth. An impressive offensive effort by Colorado Mesa was matched by an equally vicious defensive attack from Western. The game continued to close as Colorado Mesa claimed the third quarter but still trailed by six to the Wolves.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Wolves knew that if they wanted to win, they had to outlast the Mavericks final push. Colorado Mesa’s assault on the Wolves pushed the leading gap smaller and smaller. But the Wolves’s defense held off a late run, preventing a comeback.

The end of the game showed that Westerns first quarter lead was enough to eke out a win. The second, third, and fourth quarter all saw Colorado Mesa outscore the Wolves by varying amounts but never enough to overtake the Wolves’s lead. The Wolves picked up a crucial victory bringing them to .500 on the season.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Opinion: Why to avoid using dating apps

Paul F. Davis | Managing Editor

I had just broken up with my high school girlfriend of three years and I was devastated, but also interestingly at ease. The relationship was great for the majority of the time we were together but it needed to end. We started to become distant. The time we spent together felt more like a habit than it was rewarding, we were growing apart, and we weren’t right for each other — but I knew someone was.

So what were my options? Go to the bar and find the one — well, no, I was only eighteen; flirt with everyone who I ran to — obviously, but that was too slow. I wanted something fast to help with the withdrawal of touch, of intimacy, of affection. So I went to the exact place I knew I could find someone — Tinder.

I made my profile, added pictures, typed some bio that was so forgettable I don’t even remember it now, and started swiping. It was fun, I got to look at so many beautiful people in various stages of undress and it was exciting to say the least.

“Ping,” you have your first match. Dopamine rushed, I was already hooked and the conversation started off with the most interesting sentence: “hey :).” I felt like a Casanova, smooth and ready for anything, so I kept swiping and it continued to be great. I felt like this was what I had been promised dating was like — being single was great.

But weeks later, that initial rush wore off and the good feeling that app gave me in the beginning started to change. I would talk to someone and we talked about everything; I felt sparks fly. She was cute, she was smart, she was incredible by all measures. I would type well thought out responses to everything she said. Laughing crying emojis flowed like koi through a pond… I was naively smitten. I would press send and wait for a response, but none ever came. I was crushed. I felt like just another guy (what’s his name?) in a stack of cards. Reflecting back it made sense to why they didn’t respond. I was over-eager, and what did it matter if they didn’t respond to me? They could always find another person to talk to. I was part of the game and that was my value, just another step along the road. I was just as lost as I had been before joining — being single was awful.

So I became jaded but addicted and kept swiping, doing exactly what they had done to me, talking and sometimes never responding to them, making them feel just as devalued as I had felt before. But, like me, they were just another card in a deck so it didn’t matter. With time I started to say things and make decisions I wish I hadn’t said or made. I was still single, but worse, I was becoming a monster that I despised.

Tinder never made me feel any of these things directly or made me make the decisions I had made, but when you insert thousands of horny or heartsick (or both) young adults into one app, it’s doomed to happen. So for those still wanting to be a part of Tinder, or any other dating app for that matter, please discover enough self-love to know that you are more than a card in a stack. And have enough respect for the people behind those cards to know that they deserve your respect too. Ohh… and I’m still single.

 

Contact the author at pfdavis14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

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

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