The Signpost Monday November 26 2018 Volume 89 Issue 33.pdf

Monday | November 26, 2018 | Volume 89 | Issue 33

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

MAJ. BRENT TAYLOR » PAGE 8

Brent Steed

SPORTS » PAGE 6

’CATS PREP FOR PLAYOFFS WITH POCATELLO IN PAST

OPINION » PAGE 10

REAL MEN DON’T WORRY ABOUT BEING “REAL MEN“

2 | MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018

WSU AND OGDEN EVENTS

WILD WEDNESDAY: OH DEER!

MOVING AND CREATING THROUGH STORIES

By DARYN STEED A&E Editor

On Nov. 28, join the Ogden Nature Center for a fun and educational evening about mule deer. This Wild Wednesday program features one of the most fascinating mammals living in Utah. Mule deer have antlers that grow back every year and the ability to run at speeds over 45 miles per hour. Join a teacher-naturalist to search for live deer and play fun games to learn more about mule deer. Meet in the Visitor Center at 4:30 p.m. pixabay.com

A FAIRLY POTTER CHRISTMAS CAROL Rick Rea’s Harry Potter Christmas show returns to The Ziegfield Theater for the fourth year in a row. The heartwarming musical parody features your favorite witches and wizards as they learn about the magic of Christmas. This show is affordable and perfect for the whole family. The first show is on Nov. 30. Get tickets at www.theziegfieldtheater.com. .

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BASKETBALL VS. BYU, FOOTBALL BEGINS PLAYOFFS On Dec. 1, join Weber State’s men’s basketball team as they host the Brigham Young University Cougars. The last time Weber played BYU at home was in 2014. The ‘Cats are off to a strong start in their season with a 3-2 start and looking to unseat the 4-1 Cougars. The game will begin at 7 p.m. in the Dee Events Center. At 2 p.m., WSU’s football will host the winner of Stoney Brook University vs. Southeast Missouri State in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The ‘Cats earned a bye after getting the second seed for the playoffs. Get your tickets for both games at weberstatetickets.com. Tickets are free with a Wildcat ID, and you can bring an additional four guests. JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost

On Nov. 29, discover movement and visual arts-based strategies through winter-themed children’s literature. Participants will explore the elements of dance and visual art through hands-on activities that will promote higher levels of thinking. Though the event is focused on grades K-2, the approaches can be implemented across a wide range of grade levels and subject areas. Each attendee will receive a free copy of the books used during the workshop. The workshop will begin at 4:45 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballroom A. Kelly Bruce Glynn and Erinne Roundy will present the workshop.

WC TREASURES OPEN HOUSE SIMPLE BOUTIQUE From Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, come to the Golden Spike Event Center for the annual Simple Treasures Boutique. Join over 130 top local crafters to visit an array of booths ﬁlled with hand-crafted gifts and unique holiday decorations. The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is $1. For more info, call (801) 814-8670.

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MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018 | 3

NALOXENE REVERSES OPIOID OVERDOSES By KIM GROSSENBACH Correspondent

In Utah, 360 people died from fatal opioid overdoses in 2017, a decrease from 449 deaths in 2016, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Jennifer Plumb, an emergency medicine physician with the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics and Primary Children’s Hospital, one Utahn fatally overdoses on opioids every day. “Somewhere in Utah, there was a funeral today, and there will be another funeral tomorrow because of an accidental opioid overdose,” said Plumb. Naloxone is a drug that counteracts and reverses an overdose of opioids and heroine when injected. Plumb, who is also the co-founder of Utah Naloxone, explained it is safe to use because it can’t hurt anyone, even if someone is given the antidote and is not overdosing. Utah Naloxone is working to reduce opioid deaths by giving the rescue kits to families and caregivers with instructions on how to use it. Plumb works with first responders, law enforcement, families, doctors, friends of friends who take opioids, and active opioid users themselves. “A lot of peoples’ addictions start with an injury. Typically what happens next, is when people are addicted to painkillers and can’t get any more, they turn to the streets where heroin is just as easy to get as painkillers,” said Peter Sadler, the Naloxone program director and a recently retired SLC police officer. Utah Naloxone is working to reduce opioid deaths by giving the rescue kits to families and caregivers with instructions on how to use it. Plumb works with first responders, law enforcement, families, doctors, friends of friends that take opioids, and active opioid users

themselves. “Naloxone is widely available and in 2017 and reversed 99 overdoses in Utah,” said Plumb. “Libraries can even carry Naloxone and give it out for free to anyone who wants it, no questions asked.” Plumb’s brother died in a Salt Lake City basement of an overdose of opioids and heroin when he was 22 years old. She wants to get Naloxone kits in the hands of people that will use them to save lives. “My neighbor was recovering from wrist surgery and we had plans to meet for lunch on a Monday. She never showed up and she died. It’s been two years and I still can’t believe it,” said Laura Johansen. “Her autopsy report showed almost 4 ounces of red wine and her prescription Lortab in her system, she obviously forgot the two can’t mix.” Doctors often prescribe more pills than needed and those pills can end up where children can get their hands on them. Utah is the ﬁfteenth-highest state in the nation for doctors overwriting opioid prescriptions, according to Odyssey House of Utah Addiction Treatment Center. “Primary Children’s Hospital has seen an 87 percent increase in children up to 5 years of age in the emergency room,” said Plumb. “Children are ﬁnding opioids in cupboards, purses and sometimes pills are simply forgotten to be put away and kids eat anything.” The Good Samaritan Law was passed by the Utah State Legislature in 2014 to help reduce drug overdoses. It allows bystanders to report an overdose without fear of criminal prosecution of illegal possession of a controlled substance. “People can’t get better if they’re dead,” said Plumb. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

4 | MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018

THE GHOSTS AMONG US

By PAIGE ROBERTSON Correspondent

Some people say they have seen one. Others are lucky enough to have dodged the chill. I’m not speaking of the Sasquatch — but of ghosts. Ghosts have a distinct pattern of behavior. According to Urban Dictionary, ghosting occurs, “When a person cuts off all communication with their friends or the person they’re dating with zero warning or notice beforehand.” Many Weber State University students have seen ghosts firsthand and were brave enough to discuss their experiences. I am the hunter, and these are their stories. My hunt first lead me to Kathryn Lintzenich. Lintzenich was ghosted by her best friend after a minor argument.

After the argument, her friend blocked her phone number, Facebook and other forms of communication, resulting in complete silence for more than a month. “I feel like I need closure,” Lintzenich said. “If we had a conversation and she was like, ‘I just don’t think we can be friends anymore,’ I would feel so much better than if she did this to me, where she doesn’t speak to me ever again.” Lintzenich is not the only person to have this experience. Brianna Nordgren has been ghosted multiple times and explained what her encounters generally look like. “Basically, they just like talk for a while and then they don’t,” Nordgren said. “It’s like they found someone else.” These encounters left Nordgren wondering what happened and if she had done something wrong.

Another WSU student, Zulyma Mendoza, has also had run-ins with a couple ghosts along the way. Mendoza has the tendency to blame herself. “Sometimes I can talk too much or I can get weird,” Mendoza said. “I jump all over the place and some people can’t handle that, so they just drop me.” The ghosted have spoken, and this is the advice they have for anyone looking to leave a relationship, whether it be friendly or romantic. 1. Resolve potential arguments face-to-face. To avoid miscommunication in words or tone, discuss your problems in person. “I feel like arguments become more and more prevalent when there is text messaging and phone calling,” Lintzenich said. “People are not looking

each other in the face and gauging reactions and understanding body language and tone of voice.” 2. Provide an explanation. “Not knowing the reason is not okay with me,” Zulyma said. “I want to know why, so I can improve and know for future reference.” 3. Be friendly in your delivery. “Don’t be brutally honest, but don’t keep it with white lies sprinkled all over the place,” Zulyma said. No one admitted to ghosting in the making of this article. To avoid being categorized as a ghost, take the advice of the ghosted. A little open communication and honesty can go a long way. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018 | 5

TWO WEEKS AND THEY WERE STILL COUNTING By ALEXA NIELSON News Reporter

As of the evening of Nov. 19, the midterm results were still not ﬁnal, and wouldn’t be until the next day. “The midterm election is two weeks out and all the answers are still not here,” said Dr. Leah Murray, professor of political science and philosophy. Murray, who serves as the Democratic Engagement Coordinator Center for Community Engaged Learning hosted the Meaning of the Midterms 2018 on Nov. 19. She discussed the political ramiﬁcations of one of the biggest midterm elections in U.S. history. Murray noted the play of preference statistics in this election: women preferred Democrats by 19 points while men preferred Republicans by 4. White voters preferred Republicans by 10 points while African Americans preferred Democrats by 81 and Hispanics by 41. White men in particular favored Republicans by 21 points

and white women had an even chance of voting for a candidate from either party. Women, in particular, took major strides in the election. Murray said that 123 women were heading to the 116th Congress, which makes up 22 percent of the total: a 20 percent increase from the last congressional body. This Congress will include 101 women in the House of Representatives and 13 women in the Senate. This is the highest percentage of women ever elected to Congress during one session. The House had a plethora of firsts this election regarding women. Murray pointed out the first two Muslim women in Congress, the first two Native American women in Congress, the first black woman from Massachusetts, the first woman from Iowa and the first Latina woman from Texas. Iowa and Maine both elected their first female governors. In Utah, Mitt Romney was elected senator, but there were still four seats that

were undecided. Ben McAdams, who was contesting Republican Representative Mia Love, was up 739 votes on Nov. 19. As of Nov. 21, McAdams became Representative-elect, unseating Love with just under 700 votes. The Utah Ballot initiatives Propositions 2 and 3, medical marijuana and Medicaid Expansion respectively, both passed. Proposition 4 has remained too close to call, but it was up at 50.12 percent. Nationally, the House will have a Democratic majority with 232 seats while Republicans hold 199. All toss-ups reported by Nov. 19 turned from Republican to Demo-

crat. The only seat that flipped for Republicans was in Minnesota. In the Senate, Republicans retained majority control at 52 seats with Democrats taking 45 seats, independents taking two seats and Mississippi entering a run-off. Murray noted the Republicans flipped three states in the Senate: North Dakota, Missouri and Indiana. The Democrats managed to flip Arizona and Nevada. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

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I have to get a better job... my family is counting on me... On the left, Dr. Leah Murray of Weber State University who held the seminar on the midterms. On the right, Senator-elect Mitt Romney

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6 | MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018

BACK TO BACK: ‘CATS CLAIM SECOND STRAIGHT BIG SKY TITLE IN POCATELLO By JOE TRAUB

Assistant Sports Editor

The Weber State University football team has done it again. The Wildcats defeated Idaho State University 26–13 in Pocatello on Nov. 17 to clinch a share of their second straight Big Sky Conference title. Wins by UC Davis and Eastern Washington University made it a three-way tie at the top. Because WSU has the best headto-head record of the three teams, the Wildcats receive the automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. Weber State was awarded with the No. 2 seed in the postseason, the first time the team has been seeded in school history. WSU will take on the winner of the first-round matchup between Southeast Missouri State and Stony Brook University. Kickoff for the second-round game is set for 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Stewart Stadium. “It’s been awesome to watch the growth and progression,” head coach Jay Hill said. “We find a way to keep (the games) interesting, and we keep the fans engaged to the end.” The Bengals attempted a trick play to start the game, as junior defensive back Christian McFarland caught the opening kickoff and threw to an open receiver at the 10-yard line.

However, he was called for an illegal forward pass and ISU went threeand-out. After a punt, Weber State scored on their opening drive for the fourth consecutive game. WSU started near midfield and marched into the red zone, thanks to a 32-yard connection from sophomore quarterback Jake Constantine to freshman wide receiver Devon Cooley. However, the Bengals held the Wildcats to a field goal attempt. Sophomore kicker Trey Tuttle connected from 21 yards out to give his team a 3–0 lead. With the first quarter approaching its end, WSU converted their first takeaway in 10 quarters. Senior linebacker LeGrand Toia blitzed ISU senior quarterback Tanner Gueller, forcing him to fumble. Senior cornerback Jordan Preator recovered the ball at the 37-yard line to set up Constantine and the offense. Constantine led the drive from that point forward. He found sophomore wide receiver Rashid Shaheed for a 19-yard gain, then redshirt running back Josh Davis scampered his way 16 yards inside the Bengals’ 5-yard line. The drive culminated on the first play of the second quarter, when Davis ran in a 2-yard touchdown. The ensuing two-point conversion failed, so the score remained 9–0.

Davis said he is appreciative of the role he assumed this season when senior running back Treshawn Garrett was hampered by injuries. “I’m having a great time doing it,” Davis said. “Treshawn got hurt early, came back, got hurt, and I’ve just been trying to fill his role.” As the Bengals got the ball back, the ‘Cats defense continued their superiority. On third down, junior defensive lineman Jared Schiess sacked Gueller for a loss of 9 yards. The Wildcats were ready for the punt, which resulted in a block. Sophomore linebacker Noah Vaea recovered the ball to set up Weber State inside the 35-yard line. Davis ran for 19 yards on the first play of WSU’s possession, then Rathen Ricedorff entered four plays later. The seldom used senior quarterback had been on the field for a total of six snaps on the season prior to Saturday. Ricedorff made his mark on the Wildcats season with a 4-yard touchdown run, as he leapt over two Bengal defenders and into the end zone. The ’Cats led 16–0 after Tuttle connected on the point after. It remained a 16-point Wildcat advantage into the half. Sophomore defensive end George Tarlas added a 9-yard sack to his name. Idaho State attempted an onside kick to start the second half, but the

ball was recovered by sophomore defensive end Raoul Johnson. After WSU moved the ball inside the 30yard line, Tuttle missed wide right on a 43-yard field goal attempt. The Bengals cracked the scoreboard almost immediately, as Gueller found his brother, senior wide receiver Mitch Gueller, for a 48-yard touchdown. The two-point attempt failed. As a result of the post-touchdown celebration, ISU was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and was forced to kick to Shaheed. The wide receiver and return specialist made them pay. Shaheed caught the ball at the 21yard line and ran, nearly untouched, 79 yards into the end zone to give his team a 23–6 lead. It was the fifth kick return for a score in Shaheed’s career, which is a Weber State record. Idaho State fought back on their next drive, eventually scoring on a 28-yard rush by redshirt junior running back Ty Flanagan. After a WSU punt, the Bengals had the home crowd in their favor as they worked the ball deep into opponent territory. With ISU at the 2-yard line, senior cornerback Keilan Benjamin intercepted Gueller in the end zone. Idaho State amassed 207 total yards in the third quarter, but the Wildcats held them to 13 points.

JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost

“We knew that adversity would hit and they would attack,” said Jonah Williams, WSU junior defensive end. “They got a few plays on us, but we knew we would work through it. We just came together as a team and got it done.” Toward the end of the third quarter, Davis lost a fumble to give Idaho State new life with the ball at the 42yard line. “The (fumble) added fuel to my fire,” Davis said. “I was pissed off after that, and tried to turn it into a positive.” The Bengals penultimate drive ended in three consecutive Weber State sacks. Vaea, Tarlas, freshman defensive lineman Kalisi Moli and freshman defensive end McKade Mittion all combined to get in on the action. “It looked good,” Williams said. “We had some backups in and they just got after (Gueller). It was great to see.” Weber State finished with seven sacks, two forced turnovers, and a blocked punt. The final points of the evening came on a 23-yard field goal from Tuttle, as the ‘Cats prevailed over Idaho State for the 15th time in their last 16 meetings. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

FOR WSU ART DEPARTMENT

MAYOR’S AWARD SCULPTS A FUTURE

MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018 | 7

By MATTISSE MOSHER A&E Reporter

Weber State University professor Kathleen Stevenson was awarded the Ogden City Mayor’s Award in art education on Nov. 1. Each recipient was honored with a custom-made award, designed and built by Lauren and James Argo with the Industrial Arts and Design. Stevenson was recognized by Michael Vaughan, a professor of economics and director of the Center for the Study of Poverty and Inequality at Weber State University. Stevenson and Vaughan worked together in 2001, when he invited her to teach an assignment in his class where they talked about the visualization of data. Stevenson tries to teach in a way that people can emotionalize and feel passionate about something that is usually very mathematical. “That’s really what it’s about and why the arts are so important for everything we do,” Stevenson said. “They really help people internalize and experience something in a different way that otherwise might just be very scientific or very cognitive.” Stevenson’s influence in the community through the arts continued to 2008 when she began the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program pilot in collaboration with Brent Rhodes at James Maddison Elementary. According to Stevenson, attendance at James Maddison went up nearly 50 percent. “We were essentially trial running stem to steam and it went super well,” Stevenson said. However, WSU was not the first college to incorporate the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. The University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Southern Utah University and Westminster College have similar endowments, according to the Deseret News. “Out of all the other universities that the Sorensen Foundation had placed in endowments, we developed a program that got big enough that the state legislature got involved,” Sorenson said. The $3 million gift from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation also broke a WSU record. “It’s the largest endowment that our college has gotten in history,” Stevenson said. Stevenson’s influence continues as she collaborates with Nurture the Creative Mind to give students of both organizations the opportunity to work with artists and create Movable Murals. These murals have been placed throughout the Downtown area. Stevenson helped raise student attendance, expand a growing art program and earn Weber State’s Art and Humanities the largest endowment seen yet. “My part in all this was only bits and pieces, here and there, and coming together with community activists and colleagues on campus to really make these various things happen,” Stevenson said. “I feel like I’m just a relatively small part of it all but just happened to be at the right place at the right time.” Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

WSU DOVAD

Kathleen “K” Stevenson, Professor of Art at Weber State University

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MyWeberMedia.com| November 26, 2018 | 9

OGDEN MAYOR LAID TO REST AT BEN LOMOND CEMETERY By DARYN STEED A&E Editor

Mayor Brent Taylor was laid to rest at Ben Lomond Cemetery On Nov. 17. Hundreds of community members and friends gathered to pay their respects to the Utah National Guard Major and father of seven. Taylor was on his fourth deployment when he was killed. He was in Afghanistan advising and training Afghan forces. A member of the contingent he was training opened ﬁre during a foot patrol, killing Taylor and injuring another soldier. Before the graveside service, hundreds gathered inside the Dee Events Center for Taylor’s funeral. Toby Mileski, former mayor of Pleasant View, spoke at the funeral. Taylor and Mileski became mayors around the same time, quickly becoming friends. Mileski said Taylor was a warrior and a patriot and that he had strong principles as a

political leader. “No matter where he was, he took a stand for right against wrong,” Mileski said. After the funeral, attendees began a somber procession to Ben Lomond Cemetery. They passed hundreds of flags stationed around North Ogden from community members showing support. At the service, Maj. Gen. Jeff S. Burton presented the folded flag from Taylor’s casket to his family. Burton then gave a flag to each of Taylor’s children, the youngest just shy of her first birthday. “I don’t think I met a man more patriotic than Brent Taylor,” Burton said. “He was respected by his fellow soldiers, and he was respected by his enemies.” Through the trees at the cemetery, a giant American flag swayed in the breeze. The 400-pound flag, hung in Coldwater Canyon, flew in the memory of Taylor and other veterans.

It took 140 people to carry the flag up the canyon, where it flew for a week. The flag was hung on Veterans Day to surprise Taylor’s family. Maj. Taylor remained active on Facebook while he was deployed, looking to remain connected to his constituents. He alerted the community about events in Afghanistan. On Oct. 28, Taylor posted his final message, encouraging Americans to exercise their right to vote. “It was beautiful to see over 4 million Afghan men and women brave threats and deadly attacks to vote in Afghanistan’s first parliamentary elections in eight years,” Taylor wrote on Facebook. “Many American and Afghan troops have died to make moments like this possible. As the USA gets ready to vote in our own election, I hope that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us.” Taylor was killed by a member of the same forces whose bravery he praised. After Taylor’s

Brent Taylor’s casket being brought in to begin his procession.

death, an Afghan pilot wrote to Taylor’s family, asking them not to see the attack as a representative of Afghan sentiments toward Americans. “The one who shot him represents evil and violence,” Abdul Rahman Rahmani wrote. “On behalf of my family and Brent’s friends here in the Special Mission Wing, we pledge to continue to work hard until the end, the day when peace will return to our country and violence and hatred no longer claim the lives of both of our countrymen.” On Nov. 6, soldiers from the Utah National Guard brought Taylor home for the last time. Taylor’s wife, Jennie Taylor, stood before Brent’s ﬂag-draped casket to offer a statement about her husband. “Brent may have died on Afghan soil, but he died for the success of freedom and democracy in both of our countries,” Taylor said. On Nov. 20, the ﬂag was taken down from Coldwater

Canyon, and most of the flags disappeared from North Ogden front lawns. The flood of press attention will soon taper off, leaving Taylor’s family to find a way to cope without him. In the wake of heart-wrenching loss for the Taylor family, the community is determined to show that though the ceremonies are over, their outreach is not. A GoFundMe for Taylor’s family has raised more than a half million dollars, and meals for the family are planned on a weekly basis. Taylor’s death reopened wounds caused by a 17-yearold war in Afghanistan. In its wake, community members are searching for ways to heal. Taylor’s final message called for Americans to put aside their differences and embrace each other. Only time will tell if his pleas can help a divided America come together.

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BELLA TORRES | The Signpost

Program and ﬂag handed out at the front door “In Loving Memory” of Maj. Brent Taylor.

Stairs leading up to the Dee Events Center for Maj. Brent Taylor’s memorial.

BELLA TORRES | The Signpost

10 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 26, 2018

ZAC WATTS S&T Editor

I was lifting weights at the gym this morning, and a man roughly my age walked in behind me as I was doing dumbbell bicep curls. He walked up to the dumbbell rack, then paused. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him discreetly turn around and check how much weight I was lifting. He then shifted one step to the right and picked the dumbbells ﬁve pounds heavier than what I was lifting. There was no one else there to impress, except maybe his own ego. A few years ago, a pair of male coworkers and I were talking about how hard it is to stay in shape at our age. One of them said to us, “I’m pretty much sucking in my gut at all times no matter where I go.” The three of us laughed hysterically because we had all done it too. Then we wept for our fragile egos. These stories are microscopic examples of the cultural norms surrounding men. These norms are the result of a brand of masculinity that has permeated Euro-centric cul-

tures for decades. Yes, I’m talking about toxic masculinity. Wait guys, don’t go! I get it. This buzzphrase seems to be constantly shoved down our heterosexual male throats these days. I see it everywhere myself. I am not a huge fan of the phrase because I feel like it’s turned into a gross overgeneralization of males. But it’s certainly a real thing and it poses a problem for the psychological well-being of men everywhere. Don’t mistake my speciﬁcation of heterosexual males as an exclusion. This topic applies to all men because toxic masculinity is imposed upon all who would call themselves men. It seems in order to be considered a “real man,” one must drive trucks, drink beer, know how to change a tire, be able to grow a beard, enjoy action ﬁlms, shoot guns, watch sports, play sports and know the names of every member of every team of every league of every sport in every state. Sports. In addition to this laundry list of things a real man must do, there is perhaps a longer list of things a man must not do. A man must not show any negative emotion besides anger, care about personal hygiene, possess even a modicum of artistic ability or expression, eat kale, watch his weight, ask for directions, get help in any way or cry at any movie besides “The Shawshank Redemption” or “Saving

Private Ryan.” I fully realize I have just written every stereotype about men. There aren’t many men who actually fit every one of these criteria, but the cultural pressure on all men to meet all or most of these standards cannot be overstated. Advertisements aimed at men are perhaps the most obvious example of these cultural pressures: “Use our beard blades to murder your face hair until it’s dead.” “Our pheromone-infused body wash will merge your flesh with sex magnets so that every chick in every room will want to eat your meat sword.” I was raised in a home surrounded by women. I have no brothers and four sisters. I am also fivefoot-seven and my greatest athletic achievement was scoring one three-pointer at a Jr. Jazz game. It went in the wrong basket. It was inevitable that most of these criteria would never be imposed upon me in my formative years, at least from my family. Once I started attending school, I was flabbergasted by some of the things that were apparently expected of me by virtue of my status as a boy. I have always been obsessed with my hair. If my hair isn’tt perfectly coiffed, it’s a bad day. If you see me around campus wearing a hat, I am probably not in a good mood. I’ve also always put serious effort into style. I can count on one hand

the number of times I’ve set foot in a grocery store in gym shorts. And forget about flip-flops or Crocs. Ugh. This, apparently, means I’m gay, according to the countless attempts at insult I’ve received from my fellow males since junior high. The irony of these statements is that men who hurl these insults are often mostly concerned with “getting laid” as often as possible. My wife regularly reminds me that she was initially attracted to me because I take care of myself. As the result of eons of reinforcement, men have grown accustomed to getting what they want. This unfortunately includes women. The #MeToo movement is a perfect example of the threats toxic masculinity presents to our culture. Part of my upbringing included a strong focus on respect for women. My dad regularly reminded me how important it was treat my sisters and all other women, especially as I grew old enough to date, with the respect they deserve. It’s sad he had to specifically teach me that, as if “being nice to others” wasn’t enough. I realize this may sound like virtue signaling. I don’t include this example to self-aggrandize but to highlight an important concern: this obviously isn’t taught by enough parents. My wife and I were blessed to welcome a beautiful baby girl in August. The prospect of sending her

out into the same world as scum like Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby makes me want to lock her in her room until she’s 30. This is the most egregious result of toxic masculinity. Never mind the psychological harm its expectations may cause men. The actual, measurable, physical harm it brings to countless women all over the world sickens me, and it should concern all of us. I may have been teased throughout my youth (and even in adulthood at times) for not looking or behaving within the parameters of what is considered a “real man,” but I’m grateful for a father who set an example of what an actual man is. If there were more fathers like him in the world, there would be far fewer douche-bros walking around. Parents, teach your boys that it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to like “girly” things like romance ﬁlms or art. Teach them that they are never entitled to the affections of another person just by virtue of “being a nice guy.” Teach them that there are no such things as “alpha males” or “beta males” and that the size of the vehicle they drive has no bearing on the status of their masculinity. And please, for the love of all that is holy, teach them that it’s okay not to like sports. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

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12 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 26, 2018

ﬂickr.com

By RYAN MARION S&T Reporter

Weber State University’s physics department held a seminar Nov. 14 at Tracy Hall Science Center to discuss Utah’s rock composition, its relation to climate change and their new handheld X-ray ﬂuorescence (XRF) spectrometer. XRF is a process that measures a material’s elemental composition. According to seminar speaker and WSU physics student James Hurford-Reynolds, Weber State University purchased their own handheld XRF device with grants in August. Prior to receiving the handheld XRF de-

vice, Weber State classes that wanted to measure XRF would have to use a large container of liquid nitrogen in a lab to cool samples to 77 kelvins in order to collect acurate data. Often, elements recorded during this process were heavy metals like magnesium and uranium. Due to liquid nitrogen’s destructive nature, Weber State’s experience with XRF was limited to exploring historic climate change from the composition of rocks. “Another application of this new XRF device is its use in the medical ﬁeld,” said Hurford-Reynolds. “We’ll look at the amount of lead within shin-bones because that’s is where they typically are deposited BELLA TORRES | The Signpost

over time.” Hurford-Reynolds also pointed out that the handheld device does not require tissue incisions to examine the tibia and is considered a relatively harmless and non-invasive form of XRF. Elizabeth Sandquist, attendee and assistant professor of zoology at WSU, attended the event because of her fascination with Utah’s rock formations. “I’ve started to become more interested in learning from those rocks and seeing where they come from,” Sandquist said. Dr. Sandquist’s favorite part of the seminar was the explanation of how the past’s climate, weather and biology can be understood by scanning the composition of

rocks with XRF technology. “I didn’t even know that they would be talking about this really cool new device,” Sandquist said. “I used to do heavy metal research, so I’m deﬁnitely interested in seeing how useful of a tool it can be.” Attendee and WSU physics student Melodie Jensen attended as part of her undergraduate research, which requires physics students to attend a number of seminar-style events. “I still wanted to come to each one,” Jensen said. “It’s pretty exciting learning about how there is so much more to learn.” Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

WILDCATS SLIP UP:

MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018 | 13

WSU GOES 1-3 IN BEEHIVE SHOWCASE By JOE TRAUB, COTON PACK, RAYMOND LUCAS & TIM ROMNEY Sports Staff

The Weber State University hockey team participated in the annual Beehive Showcase on the weekend starting Nov. 15, as they hoped to improve off a 1–3 record in last year’s tournament. However, it was more of the same as the Wildcats again dropped three of four contests. In the first game, Williston State College edged out WSU by a final of 5–4. Both the Tetons and Wildcats started quickly, as each scored three goals in the first period. Halfway through the second period, Williston took advantage of a power play. Payton Okon scored for the Buffalos to make it 4–3 in favor of the visitors. The ‘Cats had an answer, as Salt Lake City native William Fobair delivered on a power play to tie the game at 4 with five minutes remaining in the second period. On a fastbreak with 13 minutes left in the game, Weber State sophomore goalie Ryan Scheide was hit and knocked by a Williston player. Due to Scheide’s injury, Kyle Lane stepped in the net to finish the contest. Scheide was diagnosed with a concussion after the game and was unavailable for the rest of the Beehive Showcase. Following the goalie switch, the Buffalos scored with 12 minutes remaining to take the lead 5-4. This proved to be the game winner, as the Wildcats were kept out of the net for the remainder of the game. WSU team captain Jon Cosman was proud of the effort his team showed. “Hard battle, they were a skilled team,” Cosman said. “I thought we came together really good as a group but a few injuries killed us tonight. We moved the puck well, got some good shots on goal.” On Nov. 16, the Weber State Wildcats got the best of Dakota College on the ice rink as the hockey team won 5–3 in their second game of the weekend. The Wildcats second game of the Beehive Showcase got off to a quick start, when both teams found scoring chances and found the back of the net once. As the teams went into the locker room for the first intermission, more fans started to pile into the ice cold arena as the

teams met and made adjustments in the locker room. The ’Cats scored early in the second period in what they thought would give them the 2–1 lead, but the refs overturned the call on the ice. Just four minutes later the Wildcats scored again, this time giving them the advantage. Dakota College answered right back and tied it up. With the score again evened up, the physicality picked up with emotions began running higher. With 2:10 left, the emotions in the arena went from anxious to excitement as WSU scored once again to push their lead out to 3–2. During the second intermission, fans got loose and warmed up as they waited in anticipation for what looked to be an exciting closing period. The intermission came to an end with both teams ready to battle. The ’Cats fought to protect their lead defensively as Dakota College was aggressive on the offensive attack, but WSU kept the puck out of the back of their net after many close calls. Weber State added an insurance goal with five minutes remaining that proved to be a major factor when Dakota College found the back of the net 30 seconds after 4–3. WSU sealed the deal with an empty net goal giving the Wildcats a 5–3 win and their first of win of the showcase. The next night, the Michigan State University Spartans wore the Wildcats down early to hand them a 6–3 loss. Weber State started the first period off quickly with a goal in the third minute by senior forward Troy Quarnberg, assisted by Brian Martinez. Michigan State responded with three goals of their own, and the Wildcats were not able to recover. Forbair was disqualified midway through the first period for making contact to the head of a Michigan State player. Cosman and forward Joel Johnson scored for WSU to keep the score respectable, but it was ultimately a three-goal defeat. The next morning, the Wildcats did not awaken in time as they fell 7–1 to the University of Northern Colorado to finish the weekend. Despite the three defeats, head coach

Ken Gorges (4) on offense against Dakota College at Bottineau. SARAH CATAN | The Signpost

A.J. Kapinos said it was an overall positive experience. “Overall, it felt like our guys showed a lot of good effort,” Kapinos said. “It’s a four game weekend, and we have guys who are really banged up. We had to make a lot of lineup changes, but I think guys fought hard. We just had a few more mistakes than we would have hoped.” The Wildcats struck ﬁrst from a goal by junior center Zan Hobbs three minutes into the game, but that is all they would get on the day. “It was a good conﬁdence booster, and I thought we would build off it,” Hobbs said. “But they scored a few quick ones, and it kind of shut down our intensity.” Northern Colorado scored twice be-

fore the end of the first period and never looked back. UNC found the scoreboard twice more in the second period. They completely put the contest out of reach with three goals in the third and final stanza, including two in a 60-second span. “Our guys were trying really hard, but we had a lot of players in positions they don’t always play,” Kapinos said. “Overall, there were just four or five big mistakes in there and they capitalized.” The ‘Cats will take on Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University down south from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

GIVING 14 | MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018

SANTA

A HAND By HANNAH OLSEN

News Reporter

Community Christmas, a Sub for Santa program sponsored by the Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership, offers the big man in red a helping hand throughout Weber and Davis counties each year. “OWCAP provides Christmas assistance for over 3,000 children in Weber and Davis county alone,” said Tania Romo-Ayala, the OWCAP Student Chair for the Weber State University Student Association Service Team. This year, OWCAP conducted the project using Giving Trees. These trees are delivered and fully assembled by volunteers at over 120 different local businesses all over Utah. Romo-Ayala said over 1,000 volunteers join in to help the effort run smoothly. The Giving Trees are decorated with cardstock ornaments, each of which contains a short list of items the individual or family needs. To donate, all one needs to do is take a card and bring donations back to one of the businesses with a Giving Tree. These donations are collected and then distributed at a Holiday Carnival hosted by OWCAP. “It is our mission to provide each child with at least one toy, one pair of clothes and a fun experience at the festive carnival that we host for the children while their parents ‘shop’ for

the children’s gifts in a separate area,” Romo-Ayala said. Since the operation is so large, volunteers help OWCAP collect donations from the businesses and wrap and sort the gifts before they arrive at the carnival. On the day of the carnival, volunteers check families in and out, assist the parents with shopping, oversee children playing at the carnival and help manage the store. “Any time you can donate to help make Community Christmas happen truly helps to makes a difference,” Romo-Ayala said. The carnival doesn’t just provide clothes and toys but also provides parents with groceries for a holiday dinner and a resource fair. “Individuals are offered an opportunity to walk through the resource fair where they may interact and connect with various local community resources available to them for all their needs,” Romo-Ayala said. Families can learn how to receive assistance and gather information about continued education at the carnival as well. Students that would like to volunteer, can reach out to Romo-Ayala through email or sign up online. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com

Giving Trees are assembled by volunteers from over 120 businesses. HANNAH OLSEN | The Signpost

MyWeberMedia.com | November 26, 2018 | 15

HELP WANTED

FEATURED JOB

ASSISTANT - STUDY ABROAD DIRECTOR

PROPERTY CONTROL CLERK The position performs the following functions and duties: • Working within the Property Control/Surplus Department, the Property Control Clerk processes incoming and outgoing surplus request. Will also work as cashier for sales. •Functions of the position include

but are not limited to: Moving of furniture and other surplus items. Customer service and sales. Processing computers and other assets. Some miscellaneous inventory functions. $$9.75

Requisition Number: H00257P

Indoor Field House Hourly Attendant Dee Events Center $10.00 Requisition Number: H00563P After School Program Co-Director for Burch Creek Elementary Financial Aid Office $11.79 Requisition Number: H00472P Math and Reading Tutor for Adelaide Elementary After School Program-Work Study only Financial Aid Office $9.50 Requisition Number: H00467P Math and Reading Tutor for Layton Elementary School-Work Study only Financial Aid Office $9.50

THE SIGNPOST TEAM

The position performs the following functions and duties: • Student assistant position available for the Study Abroad Directed. Selected applicant will be tasked with monitoring office emails, directing inquiries to correct parties, and keeping summaries of email exchanges. This position requires a very high level of professional

Requisition Number: H00466P Weber County Elections Intern Financial Aid Ofﬁce $10.00 Requisition Number: H00461P YMCA Program Leader. Level 1 Preventative Maint. General $9.59 Requisition Number: H00414P Technical Support Specialist Vehicle Repair $11.00 Requisition Number: H0054P

communications, attention to detail, and adherence to privacy and FMLA policy. This position has a set amount of duties and tasks that are critical to the overall success the Study Abroad Office. T- Quality control. Reviewing promotional material before final printing. $9.50 Requisition Number: H00560P

Boys and Girls Club-Youth Development Profressional Respiratory Therapy $TBA Requisition Number: H00227P Youth Futures Shelter Home-Floor Staff Financial Aid Ofﬁce $TBA Requisition Number: 00226P Video Producer - Studio 76 Communication $10-$12.00 Requisition Number: H00392P

Reading Tutor for H. Guy Child Eementary Financial Aid Ofﬁce $9.50 Requisition Number: H00229P

Editor-in-Chief Harrison Epstein harrisonepstein@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Nic Muranaka nicholasmuranaka@mail.weber.edu

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Adviser Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu

The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber.edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.

Photo: Chris Morgan

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