WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 15
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ENTERTAINMENT
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Review:
THE WESTERN JOURNAL 345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ZOË STRICKLAND
black panther
Chadwick Boseman as TChalla and Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia
Marvel’s newest installment is the definition of ‘black excellence’ By Stephanie Blair Staff Writer I am sick and tired of Marvel movies. There are too many, the jokes aren’t that good and the plots are formulaic at best and cliché at worst. I don’t want any more — or so I thought before seeing the masterpiece that is “Black Panther.” Starring Chadwick Boseman as the title character, “Black Panther” follows the tale of T’Challa, a Wakandan prince and secret superhero, ascending the throne following his father’s death. The Marvel audience was introduced to the Black Panther in “Captain America: Civil War,” where he served as a righteous and forgiving voice of reason among squabbling superpersons.
This film had the potential to show a meaningful story filled with beautiful culture that would empower black children around the world, in much the same way that the recent Wonder Woman film did for little girls. And y’all, they did the dang thing. The only imperfections were the touches of classic Marvel low comedy, which might have been saved by delivery if the actors didn’t look like they were being forced to drop these scenicallydisjointed one-liners. Which is not to say that there was no place for humor in the film. On the contrary, for example, Boseman and Letitia Wright shared delightful, natural moments of comedy in their portrayal of a sibling relationship that was so true to life the audience in my theater couldn’t help but smile. The music, including compositions by Ludwig
Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmongee and Chadwick Boseman as TChalla
Goransson and original songs by Kendrick Lamar, was incredible. The costumes, influenced by the
vibrant and beautifully complex in a way that sets it apart from the drab, gray and uncompelling
“Black Panther” was released on Feb. 16
fashions and traditions of real African tribes, were gorgeous. The cinematography showed everything the audience wanted to see without being gratuitous. The villain was righteous and still flawed. The entire film was
cinema that Marvel has been churning out for the last three years or so. Overall, I can only hope that this film is the last piece of the trifecta of successful black-led movies which will finally get Hollywood to open its eyes. Between “Moonlight,” “Get Out” and, now, “Black Panther” the message is clear from the world: we want racially diverse films to thrive. If you don’t believe that last statement, let me just mention that “Black Panther” now sits in fifth place for the biggest grossing domestic opening weekend of all time. This movie sparkles start to finish with black magic, and I can only hope there will be more like it in the coming years. Contact the author at sblair13@ wou.edu
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Frances McDormand won Best Actress for “Three Billboards”
“Three Billboards” wins big at BAFTAs
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts honored recent film releases
By Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief The British Academy of Film and Television Arts held their annual award ceremony on Feb. 18. According to the BAFTA’s website, the organization hopes to, “bring the very best work in film, games and television to public attention, and support the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally.” The most recognized film of the night was by far “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri.” The film, which originally hit theaters in the United States on Nov. 10, took home five of the nine awards it was nominated for — most notably, Best Film and Most Outstanding British “Coco” took home an award for Best Animated Flim
Photo courtesy of LATIMES.COM
Film. “Three Billboards” also took home Best Actress, which was awarded to Frances McDormand for her role as Mildred Hayes and Supporting Actor, which was given to Sam Rockwell for his role as Jason Dixon. “Blade Runner 2049” and “Darkest Hour” were tied for the second most awards received, both being awarded two of the eight they were nominated for. “Blade Runner 2049” won awards for cinematography and best visual effects. “Darkest Hour” also took home two BAFTA awards. Gary Oldman won Leading Actor for his role as Winston Churchill, and the film was awarded best Makeup and Hair — undoubtedly because of the impressive job done with transforming Oldman into Churchill. “Get Out” actor Daniel Kaluuya was awarded the EE Rising Star Award, which is the only award that the public votes on. According to the BAFTA website, the award “honours a young actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and has begun to capture the imagination of the British public.” More recently, Kaluuya also starred as W’Kabi in “Black Panther.” Other take-homes for the night included “Coco” for Animated Film and “Baby Driver” for Editing. The next big award show to hit the screens will be on March 4, when the 90th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, heads to Hollywood. The Oscars will cap off award season until it reopens with the People’s Choice Awards in September. Contact the author at journaleditor@ wou.edu
Caroline Rose’s sophomore album is a shock of vigor and dance-pop
“LONER” Social commentary should be hidden by danceable beats. At least that’s what Caroline Rose’s newest album “LONER” leads me to believe. The artist’s sophomore album is a far cry from the tracks she released four years ago, they’re brutally honest while being masked by a pleasant exterior.
By Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief
“Smile! AKA Schizodrift Jam 1 AKA Bikini Intro” is a near-minute of repeated male voices urging the listener to smile. What follows in the track “Bikini” is a song of veiled misogynistic comments centering around the idea that success is related to dressing and acting the way people tell you to. “LONER” is a catchy, intense album that’s more than what it appears to be upon first listen. The album hits the airwaves on Feb. 23. Contact the author at journaleditor@ wou.edu
“LONER” is harder than the moseying vibes put forth by Rose’s first album, “I Will Not Be Afraid.” If her first album was reminiscent of an upbeat version of The Wild Reeds, her second is a hazy Sleater-Kinney or Bikini Kill. The first track on the album, “More of the Same Thing,” sets the tone of “LONER” to be dreamy and danceable. As the album progresses, the lighthearted nature of the first track shifts in a myriad of different directions. Somehow, Rose has created an album that, despite multitudes of different sounds, is blissfully cohesive. “Money” is one of my personal favorite songs on the album. Rose’s lyrics are energetic and full of frenzy; the song is backed by loud synths that threaten to take over the track, but are no match for Rose’s commanding voice. The energetic interlude comes to a pause with “Jeannie Becomes a Mom,” which brings the album back to its dreamy base. The song cyclically repeats the phrase, “now you’re in real life,” creating a whirlwind of surreal dissolution. Throughout the album, the lyrics present an encompassing picture of Rose’s commentary on the society. Towards the end of the album, a 49-second song introduction titled
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“LONER” is Rose’s first full-length album in four years
Photo courtesy of LATIMES.COM
Review:
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Photos courtesy of CAROLINEROSEMUSIC.COM
ENTERTAINMENT
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
SPORTS
Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM
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The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Western earns three titles in championship
Track and Field competes in the GNAC championships, running and fielding multiple events By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor
Men’s team hopes to avenge early season loss
The two top basketball teams in the GNAC square off, Wolves able to clinch regular season title
Ribich. Also in that men’s mile, three runners — junior Dustin Nading, sophomore Justin Crosswhite and senior Parker Marson, ran to consecutive finishes, following Ribich’s first place finish. “I was ecstatic about the results this weekend,” said Ribich. “We were in close competition for the overall team title and the focus and commitment to each other was visibly seen. Neal Cranston, just a freshman, made the final and competed like an upperclassman.” Cranston crossed the line in sixth place in the 800 final. Rufener ran her fastest down the stretch of the 5k, which earned her the conference title and a provisional qualification for the Nationals. “I made sure to stay very comfortable during the race and not to get too excited and with about a mile left to go I made my
move” said Rufener. The women’s team overall nearly doubled their total from the 2017 GNAC championships and moved two positions from where they stood a year ago. Rufener also spoke of the overall team performance and mentioned that the team wanted to score the most points they could in this last chance attempt to qualify for the Nationals. “Finishing two spots up from last year is an improvement and something to be happy about and I wish I had another indoor season to experience it again ... Suzie (Van De Grift) ran great in the mile with a 2nd place finish and Olivia (Woods) and Megan (Rose) had great races in the 800 finishing 5 and 6.” Woods is a junior while Rose and Van De Grift are seniors. Both men’s and women’s medley
relay team’s finished second with times of 11:48.58 and 10:13.68, respectively. The field roster helped rack up more points as well, as sophomore Alani Troutman completed his long jump in fourth with a measurement of 22-7 3/4 (6.90m) and added five more points to the men’s team’s total. Sophomore Mariah Gronbach added three points to the women’s team’s total from her sixth place weight throw finish that measured 52-4 1/2 (15.96m). Western will travel back up to the Dempsey field in Seattle, Washington, on Feb. 24, where they’ll visit the Seattle Pacific Falcons in a final qualifier meet.
that has beaten the Wolves. The Western Washington Vikings defeated the Wolves 85-58 back on Dec. 2. It was a game early in the season, and since then, the Wolves now have an 18-game win streak. “We are a more focused and mature team now, and we are ready to take on WWU Thursday,” said senior forward Tanner Omlid. This game is another
huge matchup, and the team is focused and prepared. “Definitely treating this game a little different with them being the one team to beat us so far. With our competitiveness we have on the team, this is a huge game for us, just like any other game we’ve competed in this season, ” senior guard, Janvier Alaby said.
The two teams have ran away with top spots in the GNAC division. With two games left in the regular season, the Wolves can clinch the conference with a win on Thursday, Feb. 22. Coming into the game, both teams stand out in key statistical categories compared to other conference foes. Both teams lead the league in scoring, point margin and field goal percentage. This game will be a great stepping stone to get over before a hopefully lengthy postseason run. The GNAC Championships is just around the corner, starting March 1. Afterwards, the NCAA Regionals will start to take place on March 8.
By Morgan Swaim | Staff Writer As the season starts to wind down, every game is bigger than the last one. This proves to be no exception this coming Thursday, Feb. 22, as it is a crucial game where the Wolves basketball team will be hosting Western Washington, the only team this season
The team looks to finish their remaining two games of the season unbeaten at home (13-0)
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Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM
Western’s track and field teams competed in multiple events in Nampa, Idaho on Feb. 16 and 17. The team raced in the GNAC championships, and totaled scores of 43, good for seventh place for the women’s team, and 91 for the men’s, good for third. Seniors David Ribich and Kennedy Rufener led the pack in their performances. Ribich ran twice, splitting efforts between the 800-meter and mile run. For Ribich’s first place finish times of 4:11.08 in the mile, and 1:50.83 for the 800, he got the attention of GNAC coaches, who awarded him the Track Athlete of the Meet honor, and Performance of the Meet for his 800-meter run. “The award from coaches was a surprise to me for I thought other guys on opposing teams had a fair chance at the award” said
With her title, Rufener became the first Wolf woman to win in an event over 200 meters at the GNAC Indoor Championships
Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
Continued on the back
SPORTS
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Keeping on the road for five more games, Wolves’s baseball will play their first home game on March 9
Men’s baseball get swept, 3-0, over the weekend at Cal State UniversityMonterey Bay By Simson Garcia | Sports Editor From Feb. 16-17, Western baseball traveled to California State UniversityMonterey Bay to compete over three games against the 6-0 Otters. In game one, the Wolves went down 3-13, and in games two and three, while close, also resulted in losses, 14-13 and 4-3 respectively. From the get-go of the first inning in game one, the Otters activated their offense. The Otters managed to get the bases loaded a few times on the game. The first happened before senior catcher Hayden Duer, who leads the CSUMB squad with 12 runs batted in on the season, doubled to center field to run three of his teammates in. A CSUMB home run in the next atbat scored two that made it 5-0. The only three Wolf scores of the game came in the second. The first score came from a double to right center, scoring one. But junior infielder Drey McInnis delivered the Wolves’s highlight home run, to score two more. At 7-3 in the fourth, CSUMB loaded up the bases again to make it 10-3. Runners on base was a circumstance that the Wolves couldn’t evade as 11 Otter players were walked on the day. Duer hit for seven RBI’s in four atbats in the game, and included the last RBI to put finishing touches to a 13-3 win. The next two games were much closer, and the second game included heavy action. The first score was from a single up
Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM
BASEBALL CAN’T AVOID THREE-GAME SWEEP
the middle by Western senior infielder Nyles Nygaard. But runners on bases continued to be a theme of the series, as CSUMB scored two off of consecutive walks to gain advantage, 2-1, to end the first inning. In the fifth, Western got further behind, 5-1, and even further in the sixth, 8-2, the latter of which came off a Duer homer. The lead plummeted to 13-5 before a miraculous come back from the Wolves ensued in the final inning. With one out away, the Wolves had runners on bases and in a sacrificial play, Nygaard flied out to centerfield to score one. Western followed again with more runners on bases and ran in eight of them to tie it up. The game tying and saving run came off a homer from senior infielder Justin Spinner, although senior Wolves’s pitcher Jay Leverett got caught stealing to end the inning. The Wolves had to prevent Monterey Bay from scoring to proceed to extras, but the Otters got one off a single after the bases loaded to end the game. Both teams only scored in the third inning of the final game. Nygaard homered two that made it 3-0. But the Otters filled the bases again after which they tripled in their half of the inning to score it 4-3. Kept at bay for the rest of the game, Western only managed to get one hit and never got a chance to tie or grab the lead. Now at 0-7, Western looks to produce numbers in the win column where they’ll travel to Lewis & Clark college in Lewiston, Idaho, where they’ll play a three-game series from Feb. 23-25. The Wolves will first hit the mound at 3 p.m. Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
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Wolves looking to sneak into last playoff spot
As the season slowly ends, the Wolves are attempting to keep season alive By Morgan Swaim | Staff Writer
Six women’s basketball teams will be eligible for the GNAC conference championships at the end of the season that are to be played from March 1-3, and there’s only one spot available. The playoffs are now in sight for the Western Oregon women’s basketball team. The reason the team is in this position right now is because of a strong showing last week. After
games this week around the conference will be another deciding factor. Four teams are currently battling for the final spot with two games left. As it stands right now, if Western Washington wins both games next week, the three teams sitting one game back have zero shot of the final GNAC conference tournament. The Wolves’s next game will be on the road against the Seattle Pacific Falcons on Feb. 22. After starting 163, the Falcons have hit a rough patch, going 3-3 in the month of February. On Feb. 24, the team finishes out the regular season against Saint Martin’s. This game may be the biggest one of Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM
Western’s locked in a three-way tie for seventh along with Concordia and Simon Fraser
squeaking out a 65-62 win against Concordia on Feb. 13, the team was able to generate newfound momentum. Facing a schedule filled with must-win situations, last Saturday’s game on Feb. 17 against GNAC championship qualifier Montana State Billings may have been the biggest win of the season. While trailing by seven at the start of the fourth quarter, with the season possibly on the line, the Wolves responded forcefully. Outscoring the Yellowjackets by 19 in the final 10 minutes, the team secured a 77-65 win. Though the Wolves do have a shot at making the playoffs, they do not control their own destiny. A couple key
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the season. If everything falls correctly for the Wolves, the game against the Saints (3-15 conference record) will serve as a win or go home situation in their last chance to grab the 6th GNAC conference championship spot. With a conference record of 7-11, Western is currently trailing Western Washington by one game for the last conference tournament spot. With three other teams tied with the Wolves, the last few games will be crucial to earn a spot to play in the GNAC championships. Contact the author at mswaim16@ wou.edu
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NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
How to respond to an active shooter situation
ALERT
This is the way that the individual learns about the incident. “Alert” can refer to hearing yelling or gunshots, By Sam Dunaway | News Editor getting a text from a friend or a WOUAlert warning. Additionally, “Alert” refers to how individuals alert others, either by dialing 911, posting on social media or running and yelling. Clear communication is essential when alerting others about an incident and can lead to fast and effective law enforcement response.
COUNTER Choosing to counter should be a last resort. Countering involves making noises, movements, distractions or making physical contact with the active shooter. Groups can use this tactic to increase its effectiveness. In many cases, the active shooter is expecting individuals in the building to lock down and cover, not fight back. If a person or a group is in a position of power where they can counter, it should remain a viable option.
INFORM
One option to respond to an alert is to lock down and secure in place. This includes locking the doors, turning off the lights and barricading the doors. These small barriers increase the time it takes for a dangerous person to enter the room and allows time for law enforcement to enter the building. This is also a time to make a plan of action with others, whether that be to plan a counter attack, evacuate out of the window or find a place to hide. Simply closing the door and locking it can greatly increase an individual’s possibility of survival.
It is important to communicate the situation to as many people as possible. “Inform” is an extension of “Alert”, but it is ongoing throughout the incident. Examples of this include notifying friends to stay out of the area, calling Campus Public Safety and describing the intruder’s location and direction and posting on social media. Be clear, direct and give as much information as possible.
EVACUATE If evacuation is an option, leave the dangerous area as quickly as possible. Through lockdown training, many students are taught to hide and wait in the event of an intruder. But this option may only increase the likelihood of encountering the intruder. If an evacuation route is possible, use it.
Contact Campus Public Safety at (503) 838-8481 for more information on ALICE Training. Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
One Billion Rising movement spreads awareness on campus
By Sam Dunaway | News Editor Feb.14 was a day filled with love and cherished relationships, but it also marked the anniversary of a powerful movement called One Billion Rising. Abby’s House spent the afternoon educating Western students on this campaign to raise awareness on violence against women. According to onebillionrising.org, one in three women in the world will be a victim of sexual or domestic violence in her lifetime. This adds up
Top left photo: Campus Public Safety Officer Jackson leads ALICE training
Photos by PAUL F. DAVIS
Photo courtesy of ONEBILLIONRISING.ORG
Rising against sexual violence
to one billion women and girls across the globe. The One Billion Rising movement began when people around the world came together to express concern and awareness of the issues that affect a large number of individuals. According to their website, One Billion Rising is the biggest initiative to end violence against women in history. Of the various issues that this
movement addresses, Abby’s House advocates and volunteers chose three to focus on this year: refugee and migrant justice, gender-based violence and prioritizing education. They encouraged students to take action by writing one thing that they could do to further the movement on a balloon. The empowering balloons were displayed throughout the event.
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Students practice evacuating during the ALICE scenario training
Safety is a number one priority in most public institutions and unfortunately, active shooters are a reality in United States schools. The lockdown response to turn off lights, cover and hide is what many students grow up learning. But this passive response to an active shooter is only one way to respond to the situation. ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) is a program that provides individuals with the tools they need to respond to an active shooter. Campus Public Safety provides free ALICE training to students and community members at least twice a year. If students are unable to take part in this training program, read on for more information about taking action in a critical situation.
LOCKDOWN
Junior Kevan Maloney is an Abby’s House advocate and helped educate students on this movement. When asked why One Billion Rising is important, Maloney replied, “It’s super important because women make up half the population of the world. And almost more than half of them deal with problems like this every day. And that’s super huge because no one should have to live like that. Period.” Volunteer advocate Jessica Lang addressed the importance of this event at Western. “It being out here and being presented like this, people who don’t want to come up and have been in these situations know that they’re supported.” Go to onebillionrising.org or visit Abby’s House to get involved in the movement. Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu
NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
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Students from seven Oregon universities advocated for increased funding for higher education
A large student turnout and multiple meetings with state legislators were just a few defining factors of this year’s University Lobby Day on Feb. 15. Advocates from seven Oregon universities and colleges, including Western, Portland State, Oregon State, University of Oregon, Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon and Oregon Tech joined forces to advocate for increased state funding for higher education at the state capitol. “Ensuring that we have an accessible, affordable education is something we can agree on. It’s why we’re all here today,” explained Ryan Hagemann, Vice President and General Counsel at Western. The early hours of the event on the capitol steps featured performances including university pep bands and cameos from each university’s mascot. Students later filed into the capitol building’s Senate hearing room for briefings on the day’s proceedings,
which included afternoon meetings with senators and representatives, panels by faculty members by each university, music performances by university choirs and a group photo. A first for this year, students were paired into small groups based not on university, but on their legislative district and who their state representative is. According to Hagemann, this change was designed to help students understand the value of engaging with one another as constituents. And, as the intermingling of students and faculty from across the state soon demonstrated, build community between all seven universities. The buzz of student and faculty voices was hard to miss when trawling through the capitol halls and chamber rooms. For Hagemann, who has been Continued on the back
Incidental Fees are expected to increase $11 per term as the committee proceeds to open hearings By Sam Dunaway | News Editor The Incidental Fee Committee, a group of nine students that determine where student fees are allocated, finished their preliminary decisions on Feb. 16. These decisions will be finalized after the IFC receives student input at the open hearings on Feb. 20 and Feb. 23. At open hearings, students have the opportunity to give the committee feedback on their preliminary decisions. Individuals have three minutes to speak and groups have five minutes. Additionally, a form is available on OrgSync for students to voice opinions to the IFC. Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
By Byron Kimball | Freelancer
Western cheerleaders show school pride at the Oregon State Capitol
A .33 percent cut was proposed for Student Engagement operations with a recommendation by the committee to reduce the operating hours of the Werner University Center. The IFC proposed a $28,000 cut for ASWOU with a strong suggestion that ASWOU withdraws from the Oregon Student Association. The committee feels that being a part of OSA is not necessary and those funds, allocated for OSA dues, are better used elsewhere. A 3.5 percent cut was proposed for Student Media and the IFC suggested trying to save money on printing by focus on digital media moving forward. The IFC approved a $17,292 enhancement request from Wolf Ride to hire a student navigator in addition to the Wolf Ride vehicle drivers. The IFC approved ASWOU’s request for a $4,359 enhancement for the Student Veterans of America to attend the SVA National Conference next year. Athletics requested a $396,505 enhancement for various additions to the program such as travel, equipment, uniforms and supplies. The IFC approved $28,250 of this enhancement. The IFC approved a $6,444 enhancement request from Student Engagement to go toward the Student Activities Board, a new Siblings Weekend event and the Discover Leadership program.
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EASING INTO
VEGANISM
Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
Everything you need to know if considering a vegan lifestyle
DELECTABLE
DESSERT MADE VEGAN Photo by CAITY HEALY
LIFESTYLE
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
In order to make a change this large in your diet and habits, it’s a good idea to start with a simple recipe that will match your diet without having to sacrifice any of the flavor you’re used to. When making these brownies, I was at first a little skeptical that they would taste as delicious as the ones I typically eat. However, just by the batter, I knew they’d be amazing. And yes, I did end up eating far too much of the batter.
By Aubrey Manculich | Freelancer If you’re considering transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, here are a couple quick tips to follow to make it easier to you than it was for me. When I made my decision, I lived in a college dorm and with my only food being from the dining hall, my options were limited. I had to figure out what I could eat and when it was available for me. Also, my
family was very unsupportive and a lot of other people were too. I struggled a lot at first; here are some small things to keep in mind to make the transition more seamless for you. Do some research before trying or committing to a vegan lifestyle. Just get yourself familiar with the types of vegans there are, what a vegan diet can do for you and maybe look at some recipes to get inspiration. It’s also a good idea to try and have a transition week before where animal product consumption is limited rather than simply cut off immediately. Plan a two-week trial run for where you eat a strictly vegan diet. Pay attention to how you and your body begins to feel, especially toward the end of the trial. Always check the contents and allergens part of your food’s nutritional information to see if there are any animal products. It’s also a good idea to check through the whole ingredient list — and sometimes look up the confusing ingredients — but usually the contents list will tell you right away. There are often vegan sections in grocery stores near produce or frozen vegetable areas and many vegan products have a “V” on them to distinguish them for convenience. Realize that it may not be the most convenient life to live; there are fewer options when eating out and fewer easy options at the grocery store. You will have to cook your own food more often and many times it may be from scratch. However, there are countless cookbooks, online recipes and blogs to help. Some of my favorites include “Vegan with a Vengeance” by Isa Moskowitz, and the YouTube channel “Cheap Lazy Vegan.” The vegan
community is much larger than you may think and it’s incredibly supportive. If veganism is right for you, it’s a rewarding lifestyle that can give you a better relationship with your food and your health. The most important thing to know is that it’s completely a personal decision, meaning you can live it however you want. Within that, the way any person chooses to live a vegan lifestyle will be entirely dependent on the reason they went vegan in the first place. Personally, I became vegan because most research I’ve seen regarding nutrition has shown me that whole foods and plant-based vegan diets promote the healthiest eating habits. As a result, colloquially, I call myself vegan despite really being what I call a “dietary vegan,” since I still use animal products, such as leather, but do not consume animal products. Someone may choose to adopt a raw vegan diet because it’s supposed to be healthier, while another may decide to eat vegan with a cheat day once a month to avoid developing an intolerance to meat or eggs. Everyone can take part in a vegan lifestyle, however strict their opinion dictates their commitment should be. When someone offers me food I can’t eat, I politely decline without further information why, unless they ask. If someone wants to make it public that they are vegan, more power to them, but not everyone does. If you’re worried about nutrition, simply pay careful attention to what you’re eating to ensure you get everything you need from a variety of foods. The point is, again, that it’s all up to you. Contact the author at amunculich16@ mail.wou.edu
Simple recipe to help you begin your progression into new lifestyle
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
By Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
To the dry ingredients, add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I added in ½ teaspoon of almond extract with mine as well, but you don’t have to do this.
Plus, the batter didn’t have raw egg in it so it was risk-free. After I pulled them out of the oven, the center had that warm, gooey, chocolatey consistency that’s to die for. The texture was more dense than a normal brownie, and every bite had my mouth watering. This is definitely a recipe worth trying if you’re considering that transition into veganism; it’s both simple and delectable.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of white sugar, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Mix this until it’s well combined and there are no clumps in the batter. Spread the batter evenly into a 9x13 pan. I greased my pan by using vegetable oil on the bottom, then coating that with a thin layer of flour to avoid sticking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency. Personally I prefer mine a little more gooey, so I opted for about 25 to 27 minutes and it was perfect. Allow brownies to cool for at least ten minutes before you begin cutting into them. Contact the author at Recipe inspired by allrecipes.com chealy16@mail.wou.edu
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WATCHING WHAT YOU SHARE The importance of being cautious with your social media posts
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Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
LIFESTYLE
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
By Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
WHERE TO STUDY AT WESTERN It’s no secret that within the boundaries of Western’s campus lies several spots that would make the ideal study area. No matter your preference when it comes time to hit the books, the campus has a spot that will work well for you. One of the most obvious spots that some students have yet to utilize is Hamersly Library. This location is ideal for multiple study types. If you like complete peace and quiet, the third floor will offer you not only entire silence, but bright lighting and windows to sit near and get work done. “I like the library,” commented sophomore ASL/English interpreting major Lexi Osborn, “It’s quiet and it’s really easy to get stuff done there.” However, there are also perks to studying on the first floor of the library. “I like studying there at the dry erase
impact on their future. Everything that’s posted is public. Think about it; one might think they’re safe by making their account private, but what happens as soon as one person screenshots something? Maybe you wanted to share something personal on your private Instagram account, then it was saved and spread. If the thought of that isn’t bothersome, then posting those types of things is okay. But recognize that nothing is truly private; a setting won’t stop posts from spreading. Think about your current or future jobs. Would your employer be okay with what they see on your account? If one uses their platform to criticize a coworker, a customer, or even just to complain about their job, this could
make their boss or whoever they work with uncomfortable, and probably very unhappy. A common guideline to follow is to not post anything about your coworkers that you wouldn’t say to their faces. While everyone needs to complain from time to time, choose to do so without involving the internet; just talk it out with someone. Everyone thinks they’re a comedian on the internet. However, just one misinterpreted comment can lead to an uproar and many offended people. While a post may seem funny, if the wrong audience reads it, it can get you into trouble. In person, if something like this were to happen, many people would apologize and explain themselves. However, on the internet, it will linger with you forever and could
hurt reputations. Before posting a joke or any comment, really give it thought. Use the perspective of multiple people, then decide if it’s really worth posting. Ultimately, the things we choose to share on the internet are going to follow us forever. It’s very important that everyone shares their voice, and social media makes it easy for everyone to do. Just make sure that what you’re choosing to share is something you’re comfortable with everyone seeing; you never know what the repercussions might be.
Different locations on campus offer various features for studying
go would be the Health and Wellness Center. With multiple couches on the first floor to keep you comfortable and bright lighting to keep you awake, this would be the ideal spot for someone who doesn’t mind a little bit of noise to keep you attentive and focused on your studying. Another notable indoor place to include is DeVolder. It has huge dry erase boards for people to write on while studying, and many of the chairs include a desk attachment. Located right next to the Health and Wellness Center, it’s an easy location that doesn’t get too busy. Ackerman offers study rooms to students, as well. They are first come first serve, but it’s worth checking out. Note that the doors do lock after 10 p.m. on weekdays, and it’s closed all
weekend so you’ll want to go before then. If you’re someone who enjoys studying outside when it begins getting a little warmer, there are outdoor options as well. Studying in front of the WUC offers you several benches, tables and chairs. If you want to go somewhere a little more secluded, there are several tables located on the side of the Richard Woodcock Education Center that are rarely used. If you’re just trying to find a nice bench to sit on and read, the best option would be the ones located between the ITC and APSC building. With pretty views and hidden away from everyone, they will keep you focused and peaceful while you’re studying.
By Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor tables,” noted junior business major Riley Hawken. “It’s a social hangout at times because you get to see people you know walking in and out of the library.” The dry erase tables are also located right next to The Press, so you can grab your caffeine fix to keep you going and it won’t sacrifice much of your time. Finally, the library offers the 24-hour room, which means that if you need a place to study, at any point in the day or night, you can find yourself in there. If you wanted to work in the library, but find that it’s crowded, you can actually reserve spots to study in the Werner University Center. Or, if you walk to the far end of the second floor of the WUC, there are multiple couches and tables to study at, located right next to the Willamette Room. If you like to study with music to keep you energized, a good place to
Contact the author at chealy16@mail. wou.edu
Contact the author at chealy16@mail. wou.edu Photo by PAUL F. DAVIS
For many, the usage of social media on a regular basis has become second nature. Whenever we get bored, we pull out our phones and instinctively pull up Instagram or Snapchat to see what people we do and do not know have been up to. For some of these people, their accounts have become similar to a personal diary, where they post anything and everything they can think of. Social media is an ideal platform for many as a way to express their voice and opinions. While everyone is entitled to free speech and has the right to post whatever they feel is necessary, sometimes people can forget to really think about what they’re posting. What one chooses to share on the internet stays there forever, and may have an
The first floor of Hamersly Library offers ample area for studying and socializing
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HUMOR
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
ARIES | 3/21-4/19
TAURUS | 4/20-5/20
GEMINI | 5/21-6/20
We know the last book you read cover to cover was S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” in like, sixth grade, Aries. Shut down Netflix for a night and opt for a good book instead. And stay gold, Ponyboy.
Tag yourself, are you the rushing water, the muted rays of sunlight, the existential dread, the facade or that dog — you know, that one right there — hovering over your left shoulder in another plane of existence?
Soon Gemini, you will have everything! So prepare to clasp your hands together and ready your best evil laugh. Mwuahahaha! Mwuahahahahahahaaaaa!
CANCER | 6/21-7/22
LEO | 7/23-8/22
VIRGO | 8/23-9/22
The stars are telling me one of your dreams this week was actually prophetic. They aren’t very specific, but let’s all hope it wasn’t THAT one.
I hope you survived that snowpocalypse that we had on saturday Leo; you know that snow that definitely stuck to the ground, great job surviving it by the way! Unlike your mom, I’m super proud of you!
Listen, Virgo, a 16-page resume is not a good idea. Your RuneFest awards mean nothing to future employers.
LIBRA | 9/23-10/22
SCORPIO | 10/23-11/21
SAGITTARIUS | 11/22-12/21
Feeling like the control-freak in that group project? Make a 180 and stop doing anything — that’ll teach your group members.
We know you have a marriage pinterest board, but do you have one devoted to each of your future children? Step up your game, Scorpio.
Your time has come, Sagittarius. Valentine’s Day candy is half off this week.
CAPRICORN | 12/22-1/19
AQUARIUS | 1/20-2/18
PISCES | 2/19-3/20
Rewarding yourself with a 50 minute break after ten minutes of work isn’t being responsible with your time, Capricorn.
If you feel compelled to go to the beach this week, ignore the temptation. The kraken is taking a vacation to the Pacific Northwest.
Don’t let your resolution of making new friends fall by the wayside. Treat yourself to a fish tank and name all your new friends after your favorite “Spongebob” side-characters.
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Compiled By The Western Journal Staff
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Photo courtesy of ONEOHIONOW.ORG
EDITORIAL
The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
The importance of contributing to society through taxes By Lake Larsen | Digital Media Manager
It’s getting to be that time of the year again, everyone’s least favorite season: tax season. As your W-2s, 1099Ts and all sorts of other forms with seemingly random letters and numbers come in the mail, you might find yourself asking, “Why do I even need to pay taxes?” After all, you earned the money already — now the government is going to take it from you? Some people are so adamant about keeping their money that they adopt the slogan of “taxation is theft.” But in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The simple notion that taxing citizens is thievery from the government is commonly perpetuated by individuals who not only don’t understand what taxes are but also what taxes pay for. So what is a tax? In its simplest form, a tax can be thought of as a fee you have to pay to the government. The most common form of taxes you’ll see is income tax. Based on variables ranging from your filing status to how big the check is, you’ll have different amounts taken out. And these taxes pay for a large variety of things that are vital to the existence of a first world country. So now that you know what a tax is, it’s time to learn why taxes are actually a good thing. Do you enjoy driving on roads? How about going to a public
school? Are you a fan of hospitals? All of these things in one way or another are paid for by federal and state tax dollars. The money that is taken from your check pays for the police officers and firefighters keeping you safe, the teachers that helped you learn how to read and write, and if you ever get down on your luck, your tax dollars
a hybrid car then that also helps lower your income. There are countless ways the government helps to lower the amount you have to pay. But at the end of the day, it’s still important that you pay the taxes you are asked. The most common argument about getting rid of taxes or implementing major tax cuts is the idea of privatizing
Taxes are a vital and irreplaceable part of living in a first world country fund the social safety nets that will get you back on your feet. It’s important to note that taxation isn’t designed to break the bank. What you make in a year isn’t the amount you get taxed on. If you have children or are married, that lowers your tax burden. If you pay back some of your student loans or are forced to drive around a lot for work, that also helps lower your taxable income. Moreover, if you buy
sections of the government we pay taxes to. While this can lead to cheaper costs for consumers, it doesn’t always work. In the instance of space travel, privatization has led to SpaceX being able to develop a rocket for fractions of the cost of what NASA has been able to do. However, when the tax funded NASA sends rockets to space, it’s with the intent of conducting various experiments. Meanwhile, privately
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funded SpaceX sends rockets to space with the intent of making a profit off cheaper rockets. However, privatizing schools has resulted in charter schools that have some of the lowest literacy and mathematics levels in the country. On top of this there are some sectors that no business would ever want to make private, like paving and maintaining roads for free for the use of everyone because there is no monetary incentive. Based off changes we’ve already seen, giving tax cuts in exchange for privatizing sectors of the government will only result in unhappy citizens with fractions of what used to be available to them. Taxes are a vital and irreplaceable part of living in a first world country. They take money from all citizens and use it for the betterment of the country as a whole. Thinking that taxation is theft means you either don’t fully comprehend what taxes are or you refuse to indorse the basis of what a first world country is. So instead of seeing the government as taking your money, try to think of all the good your dollars do for everyone. Contact the author at llarsen13@wou. edu
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The Western Journal Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Lobby Day
Men’s basketball
Continued from page 7 involved with University Lobby Day since 2013, the turnout was bigger than he remembered from years past. It was clear that students involved were passionate about the endeavor. ASWOU, who helped organize the event, worked to ensure what Hagemann described as “excellent engagement.” ASWOU President Jessica Freeman was quick to express the importance of lobbying to have
TAIL-END
Continued from page 4 student voices heard. “The legislators care about student experiences, and they want to hear student voices,” Freeman explained. “I would highly recommend any and every student attend at least one University Lobby Day in their college career.” Contact the author at bkimball16@ wou.edu
This past week saw the Wolves streak improve to 18 and received votes as the number one team in the nation this past week, but not without some worry. On Thursday, Feb. 15, the team withstood a huge second half performance by Northwest Nazarene, winning 70-67. This past Saturday, Feb. 17, Central Washington was dealt a 89-59 loss. Due to his huge performances the week prior, senior guard Ali Faruq-Bey was named conference player of the week. Faruq-Bey commented on the
anticipated Viking match up, “I don’t think we’re going to treat this game any different than any conference game we’ve played, just added emphasis because we don’t want a share of the conference title, we want it outright.” The big matchup on Feb. 22 against Western Washington will be at home at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Wolves host Simon Fraser to cap their weekend, with tip off also being at 7 p.m. Contact the author at mswaim16@wou. edu
The 18-game winning streak is the farthest the team’s gone since their transition to NCAA DII (2000-01)
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