Power to the people: Know your rights, p. 4 40 years of music, community and radio, p. 7 Cuddle up and settle down with Netflix, p. 12
Vol. 30 #8 11.10.14
2 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Drawing Jam, the lastest Viking Union Gallery exhibit, allows students to create their own art. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
MAKING YOUR LIFE BETTER, ONE PAGE AT A TIME Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2014. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on underrepresented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.
IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 4 Power to the people: Know your rights
The AS Legal Information Center and Social Issues Resource Center bring you an open discussion
6 Drawing Jam Viking Union Gallery offers a space for students to create art
STUDENT LIFE 5 Viking Radio
Theatre takes over the airwaves Viking Radio Theatre Club premieres its second show on KUGS 89.3, learn more about the club
10 Trigger warnings: Important for all
Take a look into the importance of trigger warnings on campus
FEATURES 7 40 years of music, community and radio
KUGS 89.3 celebrates 40 years of existence on Western’s campus with an anniversary show
12 Cuddle up and
settle down with Netflix Ian Sanquist provides insight on the best movies on Netflix
We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu. We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
Abigail Ramos Kelly Mason Trevor Grimm C Hayley Halstead Auzin Ahmadi Ian Sanquist Nontawat Thammawan Designer Keghouhi Bedoyan Adviser Jeff Bates
Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers
Onlookers watch as Ted Kornegay performs at Open Mic Night in the Underground Coffeehouse on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
11. 10. 2014 • 3
EVENTS Addressing the Cycle: An Open Discussion on Race, Law and Ferguson Nov. 12 // 6:30 - 8 p.m. // AW 304 // Free Join the AS Legal Information Center and the Social Issues Resource Center in a discussion on the dynamic between people of color and law enforcement, featuring tons of guest speakers. To learn more about this event, check out p. 4
Wednesday Night Concert Series: Iji w/ Dogs Nov. 12 // 8 p.m. // UGCH // Free Enjoy free music at the Underground Coffeehouse as part of the fall Wednesday Night Concert Series. This week’s musicians include experimental pop group Iji and lo-fi pop artists Dogs.
Environmental Center Club Summit Nov. 13 // 6 - 8 p.m. // Miller Hall
Collaborative Space // Free Get to know the Environmental Center, meet students who are interested in preserving the environment and learn about environmental issues at the Environmental Center Club Summit.
Harry Potter Trivia Night
Top Ten: Oct. 29 - Nov. 5 1
Say My Name Odesza
2
Forgive and Forget The Kooks
3
I Won’t Let You Down Ok Go
4
Great Horse Tea Workshop
Left Hand Free Alt-J
5
Nov. 13 // 5 p.m. // Great Horse 1200 Harris Ave, Suite 111 // Free
I’m Callin’ Tennis
6
Charlene Go Back to the Zoo
7
Five Sax Piece Moon Hooch
8
Money On My Mind Sam Smith
9
All The Rage Back Home Interpol
Nov. 13 // 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. // UGCH // $1 per person Are you a Harry Potter expert? Show off your knowledge of the wizarding world at Harry Potter Trivia Night. Hosted by AS Productions and the Harry Potter Club. Sign-ups are at 6:30 p.m., teams can consist of up to six people, the game costs $1 per person.
Meet Western’s Brewing Club at Great Horse in Fairhaven to learn about traditional brewing styles and sample some extra special teas. Don’t forget to RSVP with the Brewing Club.
10
Poster by Amelia Barlow
Say You Love Me Jessie Ware KUGS is the Associated Students’ student-run radio station. Listen online at kugs.org. If you’re interested in getting on the waves, pick up a volunteer application in the station’s office on the seventh floor of the VU.
4 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Power to the people: Know your rights By auzin ahmadi Banner by Tristan Wood The Associated Students Legal Information Center and Social Issues Resource Center have teamed up to bring “Addressing the Cycle: An Open Discussion on Race, Law and Ferguson” on Wednesday, Nov. 12. This event aims to continue a fervent nation-wide conversation about the dynamic between people with marginalized identities and the American legal system. A range of panelists who are passionate about social justice and inciting important conversations will be at the event, including Chief Criminal Attorney for the City of Seattle Craig Sims, local Whatcom attorneys Ziad Youssef and Adrian Madrone, Yacht Lieutenant of the Bellingham Police Department Robert Vander, Community Organizer and Director of the Perkins Center at Seattle Pacific University Tali Hairston and Dr. Vernon Johnson from Western’s Political Science Department. After the panelists speak, the discussion will be opened up to the audience. “Addressing the Cycle” refers to addressing the ongoing police brutality people of color face on a regular basis. On Aug. 9, unarmed black teenager Michael Brown was fatally shot by white police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. The shooting sparked ongoing civil unrest and protests in Ferguson and nationwide, as well as a national discussion on police brutality and racism in America. Students should expect to hear from speakers that offer different perspectives, to learn about some of the context surrounding the events in Ferguson and to
gain a better understanding of the complexities involved. Other events on campus have also been centered around these issues, such as the candlelight vigil held for Michael Brown on Aug. 14 and “Getting Real: A Discussion about Ferguson and Racial Profiling,” held by Western’s Black Student Union. “We hope students will leave the event with a desire to continue discussions like these on campus,” said LIC Coordinator Oscar Aguirre. The LIC is a free and confidential space in which students can go to find the proper resources they need to empower themselves on any legal issue. “We offer a multitude of different literature covering issues from landlord tenant disputes to people of trans* indetity’s employment rights,” Aguirre said. “We inform students of the various legal clinics offered in town in addition to those attorneys who offer free initial consultations.” Traditionally, the LIC holds an event every year called “Know Your Rights,” in which law enforcement officials and attorneys discuss the rights and responsibilities students have when interacting with the police. “This year I decided to have an event reflecting the fact that the dynamic between individuals and law enforcement is very different depending on who that individual is,” Aguirre said. “The Social Issues Resource Center—also very interested in holding an event surrounding the realities people of color experience within our legal system—decided to co-sponsor ‘Addressing the Cycle’ with us.” All students are encouraged to attend this event to gain a better understanding about the issues surrounding race and police brutaility.
11. 10. 2014 • 5
Viking Radio Theatre takes over the airwaves By C Hayley Halstead After creating and producing an hourlong radio theatre show Viking Radio Theatre Club plans to take over the airwaves on KUGS 89.3 for their second show of the quarter on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. The club, which meets Tuesdays in Miller Hall 131 from 4 to 6 p.m., was formed at the end of fall quarter 2013 and since then it has aired several episodes on KUGS. Those that aren’t already part of this group are more than welcome to attend a meeting in order to meet the cast and learn more about how to become a part of the show. Viking Radio Theatre Production Director Walter Lutsch urges that the meetings are a creative space to work and grow. “We generally promote a creative atmosphere to write new things, try out interesting stuff, create scripts and work on acting,” Lutsch said. One of the overarching goals is to have an hour-long show produced every other week. KUGS is actively working with the club to accomplish this goal, but as of now, the club is scheduled to provide two shows this quarter followed by three shows winter quarter. Viking Radio Theatre Vice President Shelly Ewell hopes to expand the club’s reach. “One of the things we are looking to do the coming quarter is running a script contest,” Ewell said. “One of our episodes next quarter will consist entirely of contest winners.” The scripts can include anything from comedy to sci-fi to political commentary with the underlining purpose of entertaining the audience and providing thought provoking content. “Every episode is usually a mash-up of different genres put together so that there’s something that everyone can listen to,” Lutsch said. The process for the show beings with the script committee which evaluates scripts are
The second episode of Viking Radio Theatre season two premieres on KUGS 89.3 Sunday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. Tune in by radio or online. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review based on how well they follow the guidelines and how many levels of depth and meaning are within the scripts themselves. Following the script committee process, the club then begins rehearsing with its actors. Upon completion of rehearsal, the recording process begins. The process can take hours. Actors record their parts, followed an editing session. “We are here to not only use skills you already have, but to use new ones and become better at whatever you’re interested in,” Ewell said. Most recently, the club has been able to incorporate sound effects into their shows, which includes anything from the sound of a flushing toilet to the sound of a chainsaw. One of the actors, Delaney Rogers, found out about the club at AS Info Fair and has en-
joyed taking part in the club. “It’s different from theatre in a few ways, the most obvious being that it’s just your voice. It provides a new experience,” Rogers said. On the other hand, one of the members of the script committee, Ryan Morrow, has had the unique experience to share his stories to listeners. “Radio theatre as an art performance is specifically designed to let you use your imagination to fill in the visual gaps between our sounds, our voices and our effects,” Lutsch said. “I think there’s a desire now that we’ve been inundated with so much video and graphics, to want to be able to just close your eyes, relax and use your imagination.” Tune in as Viking Radio Theatre takes over the airwaves.
6 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Drawing Jam turns a blank wall into a canvas By Ian Sanquist A Drawing Jam is underway in the Viking Union Gallery. Students are invited to come to the gallery and draw on large sheets of butcher paper that are currently covering its walls. Drawing Jam will end on Nov. 15, so make your mark while you can. Drawing Jam has been an annual event for the past four years. VU Gallery Director J.L. Gazabat said that he is always surprised and excited to see how pieces of art begin to interact with each other as Drawing Jam goes on. “Potentially hundreds of people are creating one work of art, so it’s always unique each year, it’s always different,” Gazabat said. “[Drawing Jam] encourages the idea that anyone can be part of a collaborative, creative process.” Some art supplies will be provided, including pencils, watercolors and acrylic paint. Students are asked not to use oil paints or spraypaints. The uninhibited expression allowed by Drawing Jam does open the risk of abuse in the form of offensive drawing or text. Visitors could be tempted to treat the unsupervised butcher paper like a bathroom wall. However, this hasn’t been a major problem during previous Drawing Jams. “We don’t want to censor the work, of course,” Gazabat said. “But if there’s something that’s incredibly offensive we kind of have to, and I don’t think we’ve had to do that very much in the past, which is wonderful, and kind of surprising.” Buried within the Viking Union, the VU Gallery is one of Western’s lesser-known spaces. The goal of Drawing Jam is to bring new visitors into the gallery, turning it into a space where art is not only on display, but where it’s created. It detaches the gallery space from its intimidating reputation as a sterilized chamber of high, intimidating culture.
The Viking Union Gallery Drawing Jam ends on Nov. 15, so make your mark while you can. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review Drawing Jam is meant to challenge such forbidding concepts, making the gallery space itself a canvas for art. It creates an opportunity for visitors to interact with the gallery and have fun. “Everyone can participate no matter what your background or skill set is,” Gazabat said. “A lot of people are intimidated by the gallery space...[with] Drawing Jam I really want to get away from that.” According to Gazabat, after the Drawing Jam, the gallery will almost certainly have to be repainted due to expected damage. But this trouble is far outweighed by the benefits
of holding an event like Drawing Jam, which brings new people into the gallery and builds a community of artistic expression among students. When the event is over, the art will be given away on a first-come-first-serve basis. AS Productions Assistant Allie Long said that she appreciates the spontaneity and diversity of expression that Drawing Jam allows. “You never know what you’re gonna get,” Long said. “Sometimes you have really serious beautiful pieces of art and then sometimes people just write out poop jokes or something.”
11. 10. 2014 • 7
40 years of music, community and radio KUGS 89.3 FM celebrates its 40th anniversary By Kelly Mason Poster by Tristan Wood KUGS 89.3 FM celebrates forty years of music, community and radio with its 40th Anniversary Show. Enjoy good music and good vibes in the Viking Union Multi-purpose room on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. The line-up, courtesy of KUGS and AS Pop Music, features headliner Sylvan Esso, Manatee Commune, The Flavr Blue and Willdabeast. Except Sylvan Esso, all artists are local or Seattle-based which reiterates a recurring theme within KUGS: by students, for students [and the community]. For KUGS Marketing and Development Director Kaitlin Backus the 40th Anniversary Show celebrates the past forty years, but represents the present and future of KUGS. “I’m really happy with who we ended up getting because when celebrating an anniversary you can go two ways,” Backus said. “You could celebrate the past and
think about all the old, nostalgic things or you can celebrate what we’ve become, and I feel like these artists represent the now and our generation.” Western’s student-run radio station has seen a lot of changes during its forty years of existence. After its beginning in 1974, KUGS has grown to become more than just a radio station. KUGS now offers news programming, featuring broadcasts, such as “Democracy Now” and its most recent addition, “This American Life.” Offering more than music has allowed KUGS to amass an ever-growing audience. To accommodate its listeners, KUGS has expanded by webcasting its show online. “[Webcasting] makes it so much more accessible,” Backus said. “We’re always available to anyone all over the world.” KUGS Music Director Colby Whitton believes the expansion allows KUGS to achieve its purpose. “We are music and news, we’re giving
the community what they want,” Whitton said. “We want to keep growing our audience and making sure that we’re giving back to the community because we are supported by and here for the community.” All listeners [and future listeners] are welcome to KUGS’s 40th Anniversary Show. Pre-sale tickets for the show, which can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office, are $13 with Western ID and $20 general. Day-of tickets are $15 with ID and $22 general. Whitton stresses that these prices offer the biggest bang for students’ buck. “Tickets are only $13 dollars for four bands, you’re not really going to find that anywhere on campus,” Whitton said. “It’s a big deal to turn 40 and still be here at Western. Spend a Sunday listening to music that’s going to be awesome.” In order to give back, KUGS invites Western and the Bellingham community to celebrate forty years on air and welcome in more years to come.
8 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Inclusive language: The language of love By
auzin ahmadi
Have you ever unintentionally misgendered someone and then felt horrible about it? Or cringed as one of your loved ones made a casually racist joke? Are you confused as to how a word becomes “reclaimed” by the people it was originally intended to hurt or dehumanize? Are you unsure about what pronouns are? These are all issues and struggles of inclusive language, a way of speaking which attempts to delete sexist, racist, ableist, homophobic and otherwise offensive or exclusionary language from one’s daily vocabulary. Inclusive language has been fully integrated into Western’s Associated Students’ offices, meaning that all AS employees have participated in workshops on this topic. However, it still may be an unknown concept to many Western students. “I think inclusive language is just a way of being more mindful about how we’re speaking and who that may be excluding, because a lot of ingrained phrases and ways of speaking are exclusive to certain groups in society, particularly marginalized groups such as women, trans* folk, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are undocumented, etc.,” said Women’s Center Coordinator Sarah Covert-Bowlds. There are many easy language switches which people can make to their daily vocabulary in order to avoid hurting, offending or excluding those they are speaking to. “A lot of times it’s subconscious because it’s so ingrained in the way we speak. For example, the phrase ‘you guys.’ While it may seem harmless, it may marginalize or exclude those who don’t identify as male and it normalizes the [cisgender] male experience, assuming that a certain experience is common for all people,” Covert-Bowlds said. Making the switch to inclusive language means being willing to learn why the things
“I think inclusive language is just a way of being more mindful about how we’re speaking and who that may be excluding, because a lot of ingrained phrases and ways of speaking are exclusive to certain groups in society... ” -- Sarah Covert-Bowlds you say might be offensive or perpetuating oppressive social norms. This takes effort and critical thinking about a very personal matter: the way you speak. “Language is extremely powerful and it can perpetuate marginalization or oppression in ways that weren’t necessarily intentionally harmful but are more like microaggressions… it’s not about being politically correct for the sake of just feeling like a good person, it’s actively choosing not to perpetuate oppression,” Covert-Bowlds said. Microaggressions are brief, commonplace instances which normally don’t have any sexist or racist intentions but which communicate stereotypes or derogatory feelings towards an individual or group. Disability Outreach Center Coordinator Mirabelle Blech agrees and emphasizes the universal nature of inclusive language. “On a personal level, if you’re the first person in your friend group to say ‘hey we shouldn’t say that,’ you have no idea how people are going to react,” Blech said. “It’s really brave to start using inclusive language because it shows that you’re thinking about things on a larger scale than just yourself.” College is an especially good time to start learning about and implementing inclusive language because it’s a diverse community based on learning, and that learning doesn’t have to stop in the classroom. “If Western students go out into the community and use inclusive language it perpetuates Western’s image as a more inclusive cam-
pus,” Covert-Bowlds said. “Knowledge is not just something we have to study in books and for tests, it can occur in our interactions with each other and it’s a great time to pick up new, healthy habits so we can create a more just world and we can carry those habits throughout our generation.” Words are powerful. They shape our beliefs, our lives and our society. Make sure to check yourself if you are wary of being offensive and believe those who say your language is exclusionary. Learning about this topic can be overwhelming because of the wealth of information and differing opinions out there, but don’t give up hope and never give up learning. The Resource and Outreach Programs at Western are always here to help and will give you free, non-judgmental advice or information on inclusive language and any other social justice issue.
11. 10. 2014 • 9
The AS Review’s
Guide to Inclusive Language Inclusive language avoids any expression, phrase or word that may exclude people with certain identities. Incorporating inclusive language in your life creates a mindful, safe and wecloming environment for you and those around you. It’s important to note that inclusive language is constantly changing and that this list is non-exhaustive. We encourage you to explore new forms of inclusivity through the Resource and Outreach Programs. If there were any terms, expressions, phrases we missed or were incorrect, please inform us as we are all constantly learning.
Words/phrases to avoid: “You guys” when addressing a group “Dude/man/bro” when addressing a stranger or someone who doesn’t identify as male Disabled people, mentally ill, handicapped Lame, crazy, insane, psycho
Try instead: When addressing a group use: “y’all,” “folks,” “all of you” or “everyone” Always ask for a person’s personal gender pronouns instead of assuming People with disabilities, individual with a mental illness Ridiculous, absurd, ludicrous, nonsensical
Here’s why: Though these phrases may be considered “gender-neutral,” they’re actually far from it. To avoid misgendering someone, politely ask the individual for their pronouns or refer to the person as “they/them/their” until you know. People with disabilities or illnesses don’t need to be defined by them, and their disabilities or illnesses definitely shouldn’t be used as derogatory terms or taken out of their medical context.
Illegal alien, illegal immigrant
Person without proper documentation
Describing people as “aliens” or as “illegal” is dehumanizing and others a person, making it easier to generalize or dismiss them as a group.
Victim of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc...
Survivor of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc...
“Victim” has a negative connotation in our society, whereas “survivor” has a more positive one. In addition, “victim” implies that the individual is at fault which is in no way true.
Referring to a group of people as a minority
People with marginalized identities
Colored people
Person of color, the person’s identified ethnicity with their permission
Describing somebody as marginalized or as a person with a marginalized identity emphasizes that the person’s struggles and oppressions are not their fault. Similar to individuals with disabilities, adressing people as people of color puts the fact that they are people first. However, some individuals prefer to be identified with their specified ethnicity.
Hispanic
Latino/a, unless the individual specifies that they are Hispanic Gay people or gay community Transgendered
LGBTQ or the queer and trans* community or the queer community People who identify as trans*
The queer and trans* community encompasses more than people who identify as gay, ignoring the reality that different identities experience oppression. The asterisk in trans* represents an umbrella term which encompasses both people who identify as trans* and all noncisgender identities within the gender identity spectrum. However, there is debate in the queer and trans* community over whether the asterisk should be used.
10 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Warnings against triggering topics pare emotionally and mentally for the material, the exercise becomes futile and insincere. Trigger warnings for difficult material have recently become a “If professors just issue a trigger warning they have to be mindhot topic on college campuses across the nation, with passionate ful of what kind of space they’re going to be creating after they issue arguments on both sides, for and against. that trigger warning,” Williams said. A trigger warning is a list of possible “triggers” which can be Natlai Sandoval, from the Center for Education, Equity and found in a piece of media. A student can be “triggered” by explicit Diversity [CEED] agrees, saying that “if you’re doing [trigger warnmaterial in a book or movie, and their reactions could range from ings] correctly, then it’s not just a matter of who’s going to get somesevere mental disturbance, to panic attacks, to post-traumatic stress thing out of it, but how it can holistically better the space.” flashbacks. Williams and Sandoval both agree that a good way for profesIt all depends on what a person has experienced and how it has sors to introduce trigger warnings in the classroom would be to affected them. provide them on the syllabus, which students receive on the first The intention of trigger warnings is to make sure a person is day. aware of any potentially triggering content before they go further “A lot of professors have curriculum planned out far in advance into the topic. and know what they’re talkAS Queer Resource Center ing about each week. That “Even beyond people being affected by the topics, it Assistant Coordinator Dreya would make it easier because Williams defines trigger warnif, hypothetically, I look forces everyone to think critically about the language ings as “when a heavy topic ahead on the syllabus and saw we’re using and to think about how the topic affects comes up, for people who may something triggering there, have experienced that or are I could just not attend class others. It really forces you to be socially aware and I just affected by the topic in that day and nobody would think that’s a benefit for everyone. ” general, and to offer them necessarily know why,” Wilspace to take care of themliams said. -- Nika Renée selves, whatever that looks like However, this leaves the for them.” possibility that students will Trigger warnings and conbe penalized for prioritizing tent warnings began in feminist spaces online, and they continue to their health and well-being. be used mostly on the internet. Not all students feel comfortable with missing class or leaving in However, they are beginning to trickle into campuses nationthe middle of a lesson, as it can impact their grades or draw unwide and many believe that professors should use them regularly in wanted attention. their curriculum. “If there are things like movies that are really graphic or triggerTrigger warnings not only prevent emotional reactions to topic ing, you’ll still be judged or counted as absent if you leave, not to but also allow people to look at the language they use. mention it makes you very visible as somebody who has been trig“Even beyond people being affected by the topics, it forces gered,” QRC Education Coordinator Coco Dunbar said. everyone to think critically about the language we’re using and to Trigger warnings are a burgeoning concept, and one that people think about how the topic which we are speaking about affects oth- are beginning to see as thoughtful or even necessary information to ers. So it really forces you to be socially aware and I think that’s a provide for students. benefit for everyone,” said QRC Coordinator Nika Renée. It’s impossible to know what will trigger somebody, and it’s even Although trigger warnings are easy to incorporate into online harder to comb through a piece of media wondering what should be or print media, a class discussion or lecture requires a bit more advertised beforehand so that it can be dealt with or avoided. thought beforehand. But if one has the time and ability, if it could help or hurt someIf a professor just throws out a list of possible triggers in the one tremendously depending on one’s actions, shouldn’t the effort material without creating opportunities for students to not to prebe made? By Auzin Ahmadi
11. 10. 2014 • 11
Backpacks in, “thank you” out: Bus etiquette 101
By Nontawat Thammawan Using public transportation has been a usual routine in many people’s lives. But every once in a while, people will make mistakes and cause disturbances that affect the bus driver and other passengers. It’s time to get familiar with rules and etiquette necessary to use public transportation. Whatcom Transportation Authority provides public transportation services throughout Whatcom County and mainly serves the city of Bellingham. WTA initiates the “Rules of the Road” for all passengers to follow as they use WTA services which is listed in the transit guide and posted on the inside of every bus. “Rules of the Road” include all basic allowances and prohibitions. For example, smoking, eating and drinking aren’t allowed on buses, electronic devices must be used quietly and profanity is prohibited, accord-
ing to WTA’s website. Despite the prohibition of bringing alcoholic beverages on buses, no rule requires passengers to be sober as they use the bus services, WTA Community Relations and Marketing Manager Maureen McCarthy said. Drunk or sober, if the passenger exhibits good behavior, it’s not a problem, according to McCarthy. “In the end, it really all comes down to their behaviors,” McCarthy said. “If they’re being threatening or intimidating in anyway, they’ll be asked to get off the bus.” Set aside the regulations, passengers should also follow certain guidelines necessary to help smooth the riding experience. Exiting is one important step of using the bus. While people are encouraged to exit through the back door, there is no rule against front-door exiting. It all depends on the circumstances, said WTA bus driver
The Whatcom Transportation Authority provides alternative transportation for the Bellingham community. A simple “hello” can go a long way for the drivers who get us from place to place! Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
Jamie Fairbanks. “If the bus is not too crowded, it’s a preferable option for passengers to exit through the back door. On the other hand, it’s best for passengers who have their bikes hanging upfront to exit through the front door as they can notify the driver to wait,” Fairbanks said. During the morning and afternoon, buses are usually full and require passengers to exit through both doors to keep a good flow. If passengers cooperate well, it’s usually easier for drivers to keep their schedules, WTA bus driver Margaret Anaya said. When the bus is packed, a bus driver will usually tell people to move all the way to the rear to create more space. For a better flow, people who wish to remain on the bus are recommended to step outside the back door to let people out and step back in, after passengers exit. “We can only carry passenger up to the line in front of the bus,” Fairbanks said. “If we can’t take everyone, then generally there will be a bus to come shortly after to take the overflow.” Giving up the seat for older people, greeting and saying “thank you” to the driver or even offering to help pay the bus fee to those whose bus passes don’t swipe, are behaviors that WTA encourages all passengers to have. Fairbanks said her happiest moments driving a bus are times when passengers say “thank you” for the bus ride and greet her as they enter. Riding a bus is a simple activity, but people should still pay attention to rules and guidelines to promote the best bus ride environment for themselves and everyone else. McCarthy said of all the time she spent driving for WTA, she has seen nothing but beautiful behaviors in people.
12 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
Cuddle up and settle down with Netflix By Ian Sanquist Illustration by Keghouhi Bedoyan We all know how Netflix loves to tease and torment us by making movies available to stream and then without warning takes them down. So consider this a tenuous list, subject to change at Netflix’s infuriating discretion, of some of the best movies currently available to watch instantly. The Master This film features Paul Thomas Anderson’s impressionistic take on the early days of Scientology, although you won’t hear that word—it’s strictly a “faith-based organization,” led by the charismatic and eponymous Master, played with vigor by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Beautifully filmed, jarring, sexually charged and sometimes dreamlike, “The Master” follows a disturbed veteran of WWII— Joaquin Phoenix at his most mumbly and violently physical—as he takes up the religion and ultimately shows himself as a danger to their cause. Glengarry Glen Ross Filled with the most colorful profanity imaginable, “Glengarry Glen Ross” is the filmed adaptation of a David Mamet play about desperate and despicable real estate agents who sell worthless properties to sometimes-hapless-sometimes-wary customers. The movie’s jazzy score oozes sleaze and duplicity. It stars Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey and Alec Baldwin. Sleeper One of many Woody Allen films currently streaming on Netflix, “Sleeper” tells the story of a nervous health food storeowner cryogenically frozen in 1973, woken up in a dystopian 2173, and asked to lead the revolution against the totalitarian
government. The sci-fi template acts primarily as a sounding board for Allen’s jokes on sex and culture, including a send-up of Marxist revolutionaries practicing free love in the forest. Sonatine A Yakuza gangster movie in which everyone seems to be doing his best impression of Albert Camus’ “The Stranger”, this is another movie that deconstructs its genre. Brutally violent, yet with startling indifference to its own violence, “Sonatine” follows some gangsters from Tokyo who go to Okinawa to mediate a gang war, but spend most of the movie just hanging out on the beach. Heathers The funniest movie you’ll ever see about teen suicide, “Heathers” stars Winona Ryder as Veronica, a cynical high school student who’s gotten in with the most popular clique, a trio of girls that share the name Heather. Endlessly quotable for its inventive and profane teen slang, “Heathers” is also shocking for its gleeful depictions of murder and violence in a school setting, trading on shock value and a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style dynamic to create a truly merciless satire of a society that commodifies tragedy—in “Heathers” the number one song in
America is something called “Teenage Suicide [Don’t Do It]” by Big Fun. Carlos “Carlos” comes in two versions: one is a nearly-three-hour theatrical cut that I haven’t watched; the other is a six-hour miniseries that’s one of the most energetic cinematic achievements. Self-obsession collides with revolutionary politics in this post-punk biopic of Carlos the Jackal, a terrorist who’s more beholden to his own image than to any particular ideology—he probably would have been a rock star if he’d had any musical talent, but instead he went around shooting people and lobbing hand grenades into bakeries. If you can get past its thoroughly unlikeable subject and his casual disregard for human life [as well as the six hour runtime], you’ll find an immensely captivating docudrama of one man’s rise and fall. Remember, this list is current only for as long as Netflix allows it to be. So if you need a break from studying, start watching!