Mount Hood

SWANK allows Western students to stream movies for free

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

This fall, on-campus residents will have access to a free movie streaming service. The company providing the service is called SWANK. Western has branded this service “ResLife Cinema.”

The Housing and Dining Committee decided not to renew their contract with MINET two years ago, and thus left Western with limited entertainment options. After a lengthy search for replacements, the committee chose SWANK.

Aside from offering a wide selection of shows and movies, SWANK places a strong emphasis on educational programming. Ryan Jennings, an analyst programmer for computing services, performed the setup for this new service.

“Our Resident Assistants (RAs) can now request and select nearly any film they wish to build a program around, for free,” said Jennings. SWANK provides discussion guides along with films to help staff start dialogues around important topics, such as identity, mental health, sexual violence and more. Residents can also take part in monthly polls which provide feedback about what kind of content they would like to see.

Madeleine Hannah, senior humanities major and a resident of Ackerman hall, commented that, “I think it’s really beneficial…not everybody has Netflix or Hulu, or ways to nicely stream things, so it’s good to have access to that.”

Sabrina Smith, junior ASL/English interpreting major, brought up another point.

“I think it’s cool because when me and my roommates want to have movie nights we can just put it on instead of using people’s Netflix, because most of them share with their families and parents and they’re like, ‘oh we can’t actually watch this, cause my parents might see it.’”

Western organizations can also create their own channels and upload content to the site. “Since the product is new to us we have yet to explore this option,” Jennings commented, “however it might be a nice to upload a replay of latest (Western) sporting event, or allow residents to develop their own custom content to share with others.”

All on-campus residents have access to this resource, and there is no account set-up required. ResLife Cinema can be accessed through the WOU portal. The link is located under the “My Programs” tab, and is titled “ResLife Cinema (SWANK).”

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Volunteering with local art organizations can help emerging artists

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

The art profession is notorious for being one of the most competitive communities in the world. It can be difficult to get involved, especially since rural areas, such as Monmouth, have less access to art education compared to urban areas, according to the U.S. Department of Education. But there are resources near the Monmouth area that are helping to support student involvement in the arts.

The Salem Art Association offers many opportunities for emerging artists. They offer workshops on marketing yourself and connecting with established artists. Professor Paula Booth, Director of the Cannon Art Gallery, is along-time volunteer at the Salem Art Association. For artists struggling to get their art into the public eye, Booth says “they need to be spending not just the time making art… but (they) also need to be working on marketing (themselves) all the time.” Professor Booth says that about 50 percent of an emerging artist’s time should be spent marketing themselves.

The Salem Art Association provides volunteer opportunities in their galleries, teaching positions, and a residence program. The Association also holds an arts festival every year in the summer, and the volunteer opportunities there are endless.

When asked on the importance of getting involved, Booth said, “If you want to be in a certain field you have to go out and meet the people who are doing what you want to do.” Volunteering is a great way to meet people and to connect with the organizations that match your interests. To see a more comprehensive list of opportunities for involvement, visit salemart.org.

Salem also offers an art walk, held the last Friday of every month. Artists hold regular meetings every Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Prism Gallery, which is located in the Reed Opera House in downtown Salem. The Salem Art Walk includes a group theme show, also held at the Prism Gallery. Anyone can inquire about being involved in the group shows. Each month a different taphouse or bar hosts the After Party, at which committee members and artists can be found. To find out more information, visit salemartwalk.com.

In the end, volunteering can also lead to work. Booth recalled her own journey with volunteering, noting “I was just volunteering when I was interested…took on more responsibility as a volunteer…then I was able to eventually get a job.”

Connecting with organizations and artists in the surrounding community seems imperative for emerging artists. When it comes to on-campus opportunities, the theater department and the arts department are always offering different opportunities depending on the time of year — that’s why it’s important for students to get in contact with their professors about volunteering.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

New music releases

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

October 5:

Photo courtesy of mollyburch.bandcamp.com

  • Molly Burch: First Flower
    Over a year since her first album, “Please Be Mine,” Molly Burch will be releasing her sophomore album. “First Flower” is said to comment on the artist’s struggle with anxiety and broken friendships.

Photo courtesy of twentyonepilots.com

  • Twenty One Pilots: Trench
    After a year long hiatus, TOP has been alluding to the release of their fifth album since July when they released two singles. This will be their first album in the three years since “Blurryface.”

Photo courtesy of tokyopoliceclub.com

  • Tokyo Police Club: TPC
    “Hercules,” a track on the album, is available for listening now. This new track listens like a light, summer jam that will surely carry them on a wave of nostalgia through the fall.

October 12:

Photo courtesy of youngthegiant.com

  • Young the Giant: Mirror Master
    An album about shattering stereotypes and blazing our own trails, this will be the fourth studio album from this band, and is sure to satisfy Young the Giant’s fanbase.

Photo courtesy of tomodell.com

  • Tom Odell: Jubilee Road
    This album was recorded by Odell while living on a quiet street in East London, and promises to be his most honest album. The catchy piano melodies and passionate performances of his previous album “Long Way Down” are promised to return in this new project.

October 26:

Photo courtesy of robyn.com

  • Robyn: Honey
    Robyn is returning with her first studio album since “Body Talk” in 2010. This new album boasts a new emotional transparency and softness that contrasts with the party songs featured on her last album.

November 9:

Photo courtesy of universalmusic.com

  • Jeff Goldblum: The Capitol Studios Sessions
    That’s right, Jeff Goldblum is releasing an album. An accomplished jazz pianist, Goldblum’s debut album stars The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (and Jeff on the piano) playing at the Capitol’s Studio A and B, which they turned into a dinner club to capture the music in front of a live audience.

Photo courtesy of muse.com

  • Muse: Simulation Theory
    “Simulation Theory” is a science-fiction themed conceptual album inspired by 1980s pop culture. In their eighth studio album, Muse blends nostalgia with contemporary themes to create something unlike they’ve ever done before.

November 16:

Photo courtesy of mumfordandsons.com

  • Mumford and Sons: Delta
    “Delta” promises a journey back into Mumford and Sons acoustic roots, but also ushers in innovation. This album also incorporates genres such as jazz, electronica, and rap.

November 30:

Photo courtesy of the1975.com

  • The 1975: A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

Two years after their last album, The 1975 returns with their third LP. The cover and tracklist have already been released, and if the song titles tell us anything, it’s that this album will be done in the band’s classic, indie-pop style.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Ensuring diversity in the arts

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

Often, liberal arts colleges and universities are privileged environments; when it comes to the creative atmosphere they foster, they can promote critical discussions on important topics, and allow traditionally underrepresented voices to be heard and appreciated. Continuing this trend can be quite difficult as our generation transitions into the “real world” — a world in which white, male, cisgender voices are often still held up as the standard.

Americansforthearts.org states on their website, “We must all hold ourselves accountable, because acknowledging and challenging our inequities and working in partnership is how we will make change happen.” Holding ourselves accountable can start by analysing the kinds of art we ingest. People should go through the music they have on their phone or computer. How many straight white males’ music is downloaded? The same should be considered with literature and art collections. What types of perspectives dominate?

“I believe students need to see people like them doing the things that they want to do,” commented art professor Paula Booth in regards to the way diversity can be reflected through this creative outlet. Representation through this medium is a way to help all students feel included, and to give a voice to the underrepresented.

Booth goes on to add that “people need to understand that art is not just something that was made by white men a couple hundred years ago, which is often what we’re taught.” To get a deeper comprehension of this concept, students can benefit from being mindful about what they choose to expose themselves to, especially when it goes against what they might have been taught growing up.

“When we’re exposed to other people’s cultures… we become more compassionate, we have greater empathy, we express our curiosity,” stated Catherine Ndungo-Case, the founder of the Cheza Nami organization. According to chezanami.org, the goal of this organization is to “promote cultural education and diversity awareness.”

Of course, being perfect is not the goal here. Rather, the goal in ensuring diversity in the arts is to become more well-rounded individuals and to give a platform to the underrepresented. This can be achieved by looking at the literature, the art, the theater, and the visual content absorbed by most on a daily basis — by making an effort to surround ourselves with perspectives that aren’t our default.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

A look at “Inside Black Mirror”

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

Darkly satirical and terrifying, the cult show “Black Mirror” is peeling back a new layer in the form of a book that will be released on Nov. 10. “Inside Black Mirror” will dive into the minds of creator Charlie Brooker and executive producer Annabel Jones to give us an oral history of the show. Fans of this British science-fiction series will be able to follow the show from inception to execution and rise to global hit. Also featured in detail will be the inspirations behind every season. Various directors and other creators are interviewed in-depth about their creative process. Key actors will discuss their experiences bringing the show to life. Behind the scenes stories that have never been told before will also be included; all this content will be supplemented with photographs exclusive to this book.

Netflix bought the rights to “Black Mirror” in the fall of 2015, and recently renewed the series. Season five is already under production, rumored to be released in late 2018. “Inside Black Mirror” will be a nice companion to the show and is sure to be a hit among fans of its eerie symbolism and cultural critiques. Anyone who needs a fix of contemporary, technological fiction should keep their eyes out for when “Inside Black Mirror” hits the shelves.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Review: “Reversing Roe”

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

Netflix’s documentary “Reversing Roe,” released on Sept.12, follows the transformation of abortion legislature in America, which has been a consistently controversial topic in this country in recent history. Narrated by prominent figureheads on both sides of the divide, this documentary takes us through the history of abortion, from the illegal, backroom abortions of the 1960s to the ever-increasing restrictiveness on abortion legislation today.

According to the Netflix website, “Reversing Roe” is “essential viewing to understand how the country got here.” However, there does not seem to be much information contained in this documentary that isn’t common knowledge to anyone who already holds an opinion on this subject. New information is severely lacking, making this documentary more of a refresher course on the abortion debate in America.

Netflix also advertises “Reversing Roe” as a documentary that allows both sides of the debate to be heard: this does seem to be true. Of the individuals highlighted, 18 professionals are pro-choice and 18 are pro-life — so from a purely metric standpoint, everyone is given an equal voice. However, it is important to mention that there is a slight bias. It does seem that this documentary leans more pro-choice, mostly because there is more focus on the pro-choice professionals and their arguments against restricting a woman’s right to choose.

Despite an apparent pro-choice bias and overview of already-available information on the abortion debate, “Reversing Roe” is worth a watch simply because it emphasizes the fact that America is at a very fragile point in its history. Pro-life groups have been steadily chipping away at Roe v. Wade since its ruling in 1973, ensuring that over 300 abortion restrictions have been passed since 2010. Seven states have only one clinic that provides abortion services.

I would suggest watching this documentary if you are interested in learning about the abortion debate in the U.S., or just as a refresher if you haven’t been following politics these past few years. But keep in mind, there is a slight bias involved.

Contact the author at cweedon16@wou.edu.

Photo courtesy of: Netflix.com

Review: “Marvel’s Spider-Man”

Keith Mathew | Freelancer

With the popularity of Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” released Sept. 17, decides to go a different route. This new action-adventure game starts years after the masked hero acquired his powers — so no Uncle Ben trauma to go through for the tenth time.

The opening cinematic tells the player right away that Peter Parker has been in the hero business for years and is now a veteran.  There is a high energy tutorial which shows the basic abilities without leaving out any moves that may be needed. This is especially helpful because this game leans heavily on combo attacks to build up the focus bar, a resource used for instant takedowns or to heal during a fight.

Combat in this game is very fluid; dodging attacks is natural. However, learning the timing of the dodge takes some time to get accustomed to.  A combination of melee and ranged attacks in the form of gadgets sets the foundation of fighting enemies along. Additional skills picked up later in the game augment combat to make a personal style.

What is great about “Marvel’s Spider-Man” is the characterizations. Peter Parker is the awkwardly sarcastic and caring college graduate outside his Spidey-suit, but when he starts his crime fighting, he becomes the well-known quippy web-slinger we all know.  One liners and hilarious character interactions are abundant. Aunt May and MJ Watson both make appearances. In the customization of suits and abilities department, “Spider-Man” has succeeded. Unlike similar games, “Marvel’s Spider-Man” has separated abilities obtained from different suits and the suits themselves.  These suits can be purchased using different varieties of tokens found in the game, or can be awarded through the completion of tasks or collection of items.

Tokens come in six different varieties and can be obtained through the collection of backpacks or pictures, the clearing of a base, challenge or crime.  Tokens are also used in upgrades and passive abilities. The customization of a Spidey-suit consists of the look, the suit power and the passive abilities.  Once the suit and suit power are purchased, the suit power can be applied to any suit. This game gives what gamers want on that level of personalization.

With so much that is good about “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” there are also elements that could have been done better.  Knowing that the tokens collected throughout the game are helpful for powers and upgrades, I didn’t enjoy the vast amount of items to collect and complete.  The game makes me feel it is padding the runtime by having so many collectables.

Further into the game, enemies become large hordes and the dispatching of them becomes tedious. The gadgets are powerful but have limited ammo. Thus, after all the ammo is gone it’s all punching and dodging from there.

For those who like Easter eggs or references, this game is chock full of them.  Each suit is a reference to a different iteration of Spider-Man in comics, previous games or movies.  Suits include the Iron Spider from “The Avengers: Infinity Wars,” Spider-Man 2099 and others. Additionally, Pride flags can be found scattered throughout the city and one theatre’s signage can be seen with a proposal.

Despite the critiques, I think “Marvel’s Spider-Man” is a well-rounded game with great elements.  I would score this game an 8/10.

Contact the author at kmathew14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Insomniac.games

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