Zoe Strickland, Author at The Western Howl

Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief

Being a journalist with disdain for Donald Trump is not a new phenomenon. However, I’d like to take these few column inches to give a fuller explanation as to why I — as a journalist and not as anything else — have a particular problem with him.

Donald J. Trump has no respect for the press and its role in society but, even worse, he has no respect for the First Amendment.

His list of assaults on the First Amendment is almost as long as the list of his assaults on women, so I can’t enumerate all of them. However, for some context, in February of 2016, before his election, Trump stated, “one of the things I’m going to do if I win — and I hope I do, and we’re certainly leading — is I’m going to open up our libel laws, so when they (the media) write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.”

Okay, so he wants to partially repeal the First Amendment. But hey, that was pre-election. He said lots of things before the election. But what has he said now that he has been elected?

Most recently, he tweeted that NBC should have their broadcasting license revoked because the stories they report are damaging to his reputation and, he claims, false.

On Oct. 11, Trump started the day by tweeting, “with all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!” Later in the day, he continued, saying, “network news has become so partisan, distorted and fake that licenses must be challenged and, if appropriate, revoked. Not fair to public!”

Not only is shutting down news sources simply because they don’t help the agenda of the government absurd and a blatant violation of the First Amendment, but him threatening to do so is, too.

In 2015, the Seventh Circuit stated that “a public official who tries to shut down an avenue of expression of ideas and opinions through ‘actual or threatened imposition of government power or sanction’ is violating the First Amendment,” in the case of Backpage.com v. Dart.

Either our president is completely unfamiliar with our Bill of Rights, or he simply doesn’t care. Given how vocal he’s been about the Second Amendment, I would guess the latter. And that should scare the daylights out of every citizen in our country.

Even Thomas Jefferson, the slave owning, rapist, P.O.S. that he was, recognized that “our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

Contact the author at sblair13@wou.edu

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The delta of fashion

Paul F. Davis | Photo Editor

Since the term “fashion” was first keyed, it has always been centered around the craft and artistry of skilled seamstresses and how they could manipulate their materials into wearable pieces of art.

In the 1800s, women’s and men’s clothing were made exclusively out of natural cloths, such as cotton, wool, leather and silk, so the only way to show the level of fashionability was through intricacy of design. This intricacy meant that clothing was heavy, unwieldy and uncomfortable when compared to today’s standards. But with the turn of 20th century in sight, the discomfort that fashion posed began to change.

In 1884, rayon was invented: the first synthetic clothing material. Later, when rayon was released to the masses, it was praised because it was a cheap stand-in for silk, something that was very spendy at the time. This new wonder material ushered in a new age of material science breakthroughs because people no longer wanted to feel restrained by their clothes, and they now knew that that request was not unreasonable. Materials like nylon, polyester, velcro and spandex along with other production techniques were created soon after.

With this change from natural to artificial materials, fashion was forever changed. One could make statements about their fashionability without super complicated patchwork; all a person needed now was a shirt that could be anything with one screenprint.

With the turn of a new century, the process of creating new and more desirable science fiction materials into science fact is accelerating. Materials, and the production of those materials, is quickly becoming an equal or even more important part of fashion than the style of the clothing itself, which is a change from the past.

In the last decade, the most coveted and acclaimed pieces of clothing have not been known for their cut or style; they have almost exclusively focused on the material used. Yeezy Boosts, a shoe that can resell for up to $1,300 even though it has a simple silhouette is rather coveted for their sole material: Boost. This material claims that it has the highest energy return of any sole ever invented. In addition to the Boost’s high energy return qualities, these shoes have been credited with re-establishing Adidas atop the sportswear sector, a spot they were quickly beginning to lose.

Another material that created excitement in the fashion industry was created in a collaboration between Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Reebok, a material called Biologic, the first bio-dynamic material to be integrated into clothing. Biologic is bacteria culture sandwiched between two layers of latex cover that when exposed heat will begin to fold due to a size increase in the bacteria. This folding property, when combined with another fabric, can create a material that will actively cool off the user and warm the user when temperature is correct.

In the near future, materials will be the only thing that matter when choosing fashion and we will soon scoff at the fashion of past for its ridiculous over-complication a future that we all should look forward to.

Contact the author at pfdavis14@wou.edu

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Homecoming sparks pride at Western

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

When the fire burns in the shape of a “W,” students gather to touch-up Western’s logo on Church Street and hundreds take to the bleachers to cheer on the Wolves, it can only mean one thing: homecoming.

The theme of the week, “Feels like ‘97: 20 years of WOU,” referred to the change from Western Oregon State College to Western Oregon University in 1997. The ‘90s theme spread throughout the week, from a throwback office decorating contest to a ‘90s trivia night.

Matthew Ciraulo helped plan the homecoming events in his second year as Director of the Student Activities Board.

When asked what his favorite thing about homecoming is, he replied, “I love that it’s one week of events jam-packed and we always try to make something for everyone. It takes a lot of skill to put on a whole week and make it go successful, but I think everyone’s doing a great job.”

“It’s a really great time to show your WOU spirit and show all the reasons why you chose to go to WOU and why you love WOU,” Ciraulo added.

Though the week culminated at the football game on Saturday, there were several events that all students, including the non-sports enthusiasts, could engage in.

Carnival

The festive week kicked off with the carnival. This brand new event set the tone for the rest of the week featuring carnival games, food and, most importantly, prizes. Games like plinko, ring toss and bingo created a genuine carnival feel. A “test your strength” hammer game inspired competition and determination to ring the bell at the top of the tower. The ‘90s theme prompted a “pin the crown on Biggie Smalls” game and a Central Perk sitting area.

“Honestly, I love any event that has free food,” senior Amy Watkins remarked. “SAB always does a great job with trying new traditions … and I love that the whole event incorporated the ‘90s.”

Paint the Town Red

Paint the Town Red was a new homecoming tradition that encouraged clubs and organizations to help decorate windows in businesses around Monmouth. 14 businesses in downtown Monmouth displayed the spirit of homecoming for the whole town to see.

“I know that businesses want to be more connected with the university,” commented Kelsey Elam-Geuting, Coordinator for Organization and Activities at Western.

Miriam Haugen, owner of Haugen’s Galleri, enjoyed the event; “I think it’s really a great way to increase the connection between the business community and the college and show support. We’re all in it together,” she said.

Haunted House

Oct. 31 has come and gone, and the giant sequoia is being ornamented with lights, but it’s never too late for a spooky haunted house for those who are feeling the post-Halloween blues. A traveling haunted house company set up the spine-tingling attraction in the Pacific Room, and a line almost out the door was filled with eager students ready to be spooked. Frightening jump scares, creepy dolls and terrifyingly tight paths intensified the fear.

Theatre students and other volunteers played “haunters” in the dark and creepy maze. “It was fun,” senior Lindsay Spear commented. “Even for someone like me who is terrified by haunted houses.”

The haunted house was a good opportunity to connect the fun of homecoming week with the terror of Halloween.

Bonfire

Despite the bleak and rainy weather that troubled Monmouth during homecoming week, the annual bonfire raged on after Friday’s Powderpuff game. The event, which usually occurs at the beginning of the week, deliberately took place on Friday evening to increase excitement and spirit for the next day’s homecoming football game.

“The one thing I want to make sure we do is get the whole school involved,” Ciraulo remarked.

The football team attended the bonfire to light the “W,” cheerleaders pumped up the crowd for the game and the annual pie eating contest provided hilarious entertainment.

Royalty

Not only did Saturday bring the much anticipated homecoming football game, it also brought the crowning of the Wolf Royalty.

Efra Quevedo and Poka Matagi had the honor of being selected as Wolf Royalty for Homecoming 2017. Quevedo is the Treasurer of Omega Delta Phi fraternity and President of the Fraternity and Sorority Council, the Student Coordinator for the Upward Bound program and volunteers as a Multicultural Representative mentor. Matagi is Vice President of Western’s Kappa Delta Chi chapter, as well as a Multicultural Representative mentor with the Multicultural Student Services and Programs office. Both Quevedo and Matagi are serving in Costa Rica this December and volunteering with at-risk youth in impoverished areas.

The crown was awarded to current Western seniors who have been nominated by students, organizations and staff members. In years past, the two Wolf Royalty individuals were chosen solely by popular vote. This year, however, the nominees underwent an interview process to be eligible for Wolf Royalty. The nominees were given scores in the interview based on the core values that Western leaders should possess: excellence, diversity and respect, and sustainability and stewardship. The score from their interview combined with the popular vote score decided which individuals received the crown.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

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Duckworth is prepared

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

“I’ve never seen that much rain in my life,” said Wolves quarterback Nick Duckworth, of experiencing the complete weather difference between here and Arizona, his native home state. Duckworth transferred to Western from Phoenix Community College.

He grew up in Scottsdale, but is now prepared for the new forecast of this here Oregon weather. He’s also prepared to fulfill the position of a starting quarterback for the Wolves football team as he is about to finish his two-year career at Western.

While he prepares for the final stretch, he’s also working on finishing up his degree in economics, with a business minor.

Athletes, too, have a lot to prepare for during a transfer transition. Usually, junior college transfers make that transition between their sophomore year and the start of their junior year at the university they’re transferring to. Duckworth is one of those transfers. He’s also understood, very well, the differences between the two institutions of community college and universities.

“It’s a challenge at first,” said Duckworth. “With the four-year school, there’s more of a social aspect with it.”

Perhaps what makes him more ready and at ease with the transition is based on the fact that he’s not alone, and that that social aspect is present here at Western.

This is the case especially when it comes to his teammates.

“I was worried about getting acclimated with all the guys, but that was the easiest part… and I think we’ve had a lot of junior college transfers as well, so it helps that we’ve been through a lot of the same stuff,” he said.

In fact, according to the Western’s website, 10 players from the Wolves football roster, including Duckworth, are transfers from junior colleges. That shared bond with teammates is something he’ll take with him long after he’s graduated from college.

When asked about what he would carry with him from the experience of playing at Western, Duckworth answered, “definitely the relationship with my teammates. The relationship with those guys, I feel like I’ll have a lot of lifelong relationships with, even though I’ve been here in such a short time.”

In the short amount of time he’s had on the field, he’s amassed 3,121 in passing yardage, and has nearly doubled his touchdown number, from 9 to 16, compared to last year.

Of course, last year he didn’t start a single game and only played six games total. The fact remains that he became ready when his number was called upon.

“Last year,” speaking on his first touchdown on Western soil. “Winter was not fun.”

And the recurring theme here is that he may just be warming up.

Duckworth had said that he would like to continue the profession of football, and wants to turn it into coaching at some point after college.

Speaking on the change from year one to year two, he said it has been quite a shift; “I’ve put on a lot more warmer clothes. I definitely can get used to it. The first year was very tough, but I think I’m more prepared now.”

Duckworth will have another chance to ready himself on senior day, when he and the Wolves look to sweep the season series against Simon Fraser on Nov. 11 — and where they will look to end a tumultuous season on a high note. But he’ll have more chances, during life after Western.

“I love the summers up here,” he said.

And perhaps, after next summer, a shot at the green — the golf course, of course, not the gridiron.

If there was another sport he was as equally as passionate about as football, it’s golf.

“I play golf a lot—that gets my competitive juices flowing,” Duckworth said. “I actually worked at a golf course last summer.”

And his favorite club: “Definitely the driver.”

Taking this into consideration, in the way he uses his club on the course, or his arm on the field, there’s a drive in him towards accomplishing a goal.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

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DIY bath bombs made simple

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

It’s seems as if I can’t go on any social media without seeing the new fad: bath bombs. With eco-friendly brands, such as Lush, being one of the largest sellers of this product, many people have given it a try. It seemed like an exciting and fascinating thing to use, so I wanted to give it a go as well. However, being a college student on a budget, I decided to turn it into a DIY project anyone could do. Using cheap ingredients, many of which are found in your pantry, it’s a straightforward activity that won’t break the bank.

I must admit, I was a little nervous that using red food dye in something that I would bathe in would turn my skin a semi-permanent shade of pink. Nonetheless, I gave my DIY bath bomb the benefit of the doubt, and I loved it. The project was easy to do overall, it worked very well and I had a lot of fun getting to try out the new trend for the first time. By following some simple instructions, you can try the exciting craze as well.

Directions:

-Mix 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cup of citric acid (I bought mine on Amazon), ½ cup of cornstarch, and ½ cup of epsom salts.

-In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of essential oils if you have them, 3 teaspoons of oil (can be coconut, olive, vegetable or any that you’d like), and a couple drops of food coloring if you want to make it more fun.

-Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture, a spoonful at a time, mixing as you go. Make sure to mix quickly so that it doesn’t completely dry out.

-If you’d like to buy a bath bomb mold online to make them look more professional, you can. I just molded them into spheres myself, and that worked just fine.

-Allow to dry for about 24 hours

-Yields about four bath bombs

Based on instructions found on instructables.com

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

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Upgrade your Halloween look

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Can’t think of a costume for Halloween? No problem. What you can’t achieve with your ensemble, you can achieve with special effects makeup. For those who still want to celebrate the holiday without having to don a full look, using these techniques will let you portray a perfectly festive Halloween appearance or — even better — it can add to whatever costume you already have.

While special effects makeup can be on the spendier side, these four simple looks utilize items that you likely already have, or that can be found for very cheap either online or in most drugstores.

So, gather your supplies and get your camera ready. You’re going to want to show off these looks to all of your friends — and potentially terrify them.

Look of the Living Dead

Making yourself look dead is an easy way to add flair to any costume. It’s also the basis of many different special effects looks. Zombies, appearing sick or simply being dead, rely on these basic techniques. On top of that, it’s an incredibly simple look to achieve.

To get this look, I used a foundation significantly lighter than my skintone, a white eyeshadow and a deep purple eyeshadow.

I applied the foundation evenly across my whole face, including on my lips. I then took the purple eyeshadow and applied a copious amount in any areas that should appear sunken in. This included my eye sockets, by my temples, below my cheekbones and on each side of my nose. Then, I made sure to blend each one so that it appeared more natural-looking than sharp lines. Finally, I took the white eyeshadow and used it to make the bonier parts look harsher than they are: down the bridge of my nose and across my cheekbones.

‘Tis But a Scratch

This look is an easily altered one, because it can be one of two things. Without blood, it will appear to look like rotting flesh, which is an ideal special effect for zombie looks. If you add blood, then it looks like a large, fresh wound. Either one will add up to a horrifying result.

To get this look, I used toilet paper, Elmer’s glue, foundation, black eyeshadow, deep purple eyeshadow, a maroon eyeshadow and fake blood. This can be substituted for red food dye and corn syrup.

I started by cutting the toilet paper into round shapes about the size I would need for the wound. I then applied a thin layer of glue to my face and pasted four layers of toilet paper on top of each other. While it was still slightly wet, I used tweezers to pull it open from the center. Once it dried, I applied foundation to make it look more natural. Then, I took the black eyeshadow and applied a thin line of it around the outer inside of the wound, to give it depth. Then, I mixed it with the purple color and filled the rest of the wound in with that shade. I took the maroon eyeshadow and shaded the outside of the wound to make it look inflamed. Then, I added fake blood and let it drip down outside of the wound.

DIY Nose Piercing With a Pencil

This one always leaves people in shock. It’s a little bit harder to do, but the results are worth it.

For this one I used a pencil, fake blood, glue, toilet paper, red lipstick and vaseline.

Break the pencil in half. On the half with the eraser, take the blunt end and wrap it in toilet paper so that it won’t be so sharp and can be stuck in your nostril without causing harm. With the other end, help it stick to the bridge of your nose by applying glue, and also let the pencil rest against your forehead and stick it there with glue as well. Use the vaseline where it appears that the pencil is bursting through your nose, to make it look like torn flesh. Then, take the red lipstick and, using a light amount, apply to anywhere that should appear bloody or enflamed. Finally, fake blood is a must in this look. Apply it along the pencil, in the nostril and all around your nose.

Oh, Deer

Special effects doesn’t always mean scary. Sometimes, you want to opt for something fun, or at least less gory. Doing a deer look is an incredibly simple way to get the cuteness of a Snapchat filter that you get to wear all night. For this look, I used brown eyeliner, black liquid eyeliner, white eyeliner, light brown eyeshadow and foundation.

I started by using the brown liner to create the nose of the deer. Then, draw a line all the way down to your top lip. Fill in the top lip with the brown liner. Also use that liner to add a slight amount under your eye, but not on the waterline. Take the black liquid liner and draw an extended wing that also goes inwards towards the bridge of your nose. Use the foundation to cover your bottom lip, making it appear nude. Take the brown eyeshadow and do a slight contour of your nose. Finally, take the white eyeliner and paint small, filled-in circles on your cheekbones and forehead.

To complete this look, I made simple deer ears by cutting out small triangles from a brown paper bag and pasting them to a headband.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

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Western’s food pantry educates about food insecurity

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The minds of Western Oregon University students are often occupied with upcoming exams, social events and balancing various responsibilities. But for more than half of Western students, food insecurity is also on that list.

Food insecurity, as defined by the USDA, is “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” A 2016 USDA report stated that 16 percent of households, nearly one in six, experienced food insecurity between 2013-2015. This number is much higher among college students.

Food insecurity has tremendous negative effects on the body. According to oregonhunger.org, food insecurity is linked to obesity in children and adults, reduced brain activity and often leads to higher risks of chronic health issues.

In addition to its harmful impact on physical health, food insecurity can also affect academic achievement in individuals of all ages. A 2014 study, a group effort project done by various Western professors, a Benton County Health Service employee and an Oregon State University professor, found that students facing food insecurity are more likely to have a lower GPA than those who do not. This issue can have negative effects on an individual’s ability to graduate and reach their career aspirations later in life.

The Western Oregon University Food Pantry is one of eight food pantries that serves Polk County residents. Located in the Academic Programs and Support Center, the pantry aims to provide nutritious food to the Monmouth community from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Food Pantry Director Ashley Biles wants to support students that may be facing food insecurity.

“It’s a very prevalent issue … it’s a very large percentage of students. You’re not alone. There’s a lot of people going through this, and we’re here to support you.”

The Food Pantry holds various events throughout the year to educate the community about food insecurity and available resources. A passive display on Oct. 16 informed students about World Food Day and hunger, and a Pumpkins for People event in the Werner University Center on Oct. 24 traded pumpkins for monetary or non-perishable food items for the pantry.

Biles encourages students and community members to visit the pantry if they are experiencing food insecurity.

“It’s all confidential,” Biles explained. “Some food pantries you have to give your name or identification. But in our food pantry, you can come in and pick that food that you need or want, weigh it, and then answer a few questions, so it’s all confidential.”

For questions about the food pantry or becoming a volunteer, contact foodpantryvolunteers@wou.edu.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

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.

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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.

Trump v. Free Speech

Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief

The delta of fashion

Paul F. Davis | Photo Editor

Homecoming sparks pride at Western

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Duckworth is prepared

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

DIY bath bombs made simple

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Upgrade your Halloween look

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

Western’s food pantry educates about food insecurity

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