Vol.17, Issue 11 (Jan. 18, 2017)

Western hosts Sen. Ron Wyden

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

Western celebrates MLK Jr.’s legacy Page 4

Men’s basketball wins one, loses one Page 6 WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Local band folks it up Page 8

NEWS

THE WESTERN JOURNAL

345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STEPHANIE BLAIR

journaleditor@wou.edu

MANAGING EDITOR ZOË STRICKLAND

journalmanaging@wou.edu

NEWS EDITOR JADE RAYNER

journalnews@wou.edu

CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR PAIGE SCOFIELD

journalcampuslife@wou.edu

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ASHTON NEWTON journalentertainment@wou.edu

SPORTS EDITOR BURKE DE BOER

journalsports@wou.edu

PHOTO EDITOR KEITH MATHEW

journalphoto@wou.edu

DESIGNERS DARIEN CAMPO ELISSA SORENSON

journaldesigner@wou.edu

COPY EDITOR KRISTIN ECK

journalcopy@wou.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER BRIAN TESCH journaladvertising@wou.edu

WEB MANAGER GEANELL BERNARDO journalweb@wou.edu

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER SAMANTHA DUNAWAY STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER RHYS FINCH finchr@wou.edu 503-838-9697

SUBMISSIONS THE WESTERN JOURNAL encourages readers to share their opinion through letters to the editor and guest columns.

Submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name. Contact information will not be published unless requested.

Unsigned submissions will not be printed and original copies will not be returned.

Letters to the editor may be up to 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 500 words.

THE WESTERN JOURNAL does not guarantee the publication of all letters or columns. THE WESTERN JOURNAL reserves the right to edit for punctuation, grammar, and spelling, but never for content.

Please bring submissions to THE WESTERN JOURNAL at Terry House or email to journaleditor@ wou.edu. Submissions must be received by Monday at 5 p.m. to be considered for print.

All opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do necessarily reflect those of THE WESTERN JOURNAL or Western Oregon University.

Career recruiters on campus Information available for students interested in Border Patrol and sales

By TK Layman | Staff Writer On Thursday, Jan. 12, Western had a recruiter from the U.S. Border Patrol explain to students the process of how to apply for both Border Patrol and U.S. Customs. Through the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol secures the southern perimeter of the United States hoping to deter any illegal activity. As for Customs agents, those interested can expect to be stationed at a state port, examining international travel and shipping.

For 2017, the Department of Homeland Security is looking to bolster their Customs and Border Patrol forces by hiring up to 21,070 Border Patrol agents and 23,821 Customs agents, according to to the budget outline released by DHS. The recruitment process is fairly easy, as Matt Zurcher, a recruiter for U.S. Border Patrol explained.

“There’s no degree required, but it must be someone willing

to move,” Zurcher elaborated that they should also be “law enforcement motivated. That’s the main focus.”

The willingness to move was stressed, noting that most people who start with Border Patrol are stationed somewhere along the southern U.S. Border.

“Arizona, California, Texas or New Mexico specifically,” Zurcher explained. “For the Customs side of it, it can be a landport, seaport or airport.”

Those looking to apply can go to cbp.gov or usajobs.gov and submit their resume online.

Western was also going to host Buckeye International on Wednesday, Jan.11; unfortunately, due to weather, the recruiter could not make it.

Buckeye International is looking for students close to graduation who are interested in sales and business for full-time sales positions in Portland, Oregon.

Buckeye is an international distributor and an, “innovative leader in the cleaning/ maintenance industry,” as their website states. Their program targets recent college graduates for their Sales Management

Photo Courtesy of CBP.GOV

Program to give students experience in the business and sales field, offering “accelerated training, performance feedback, increased responsibility in direct decision-making” as a part of the experience according their careers page. Students can find more information at buckeyeinternational.com/ careers.

Contact the author tlayman16@wou.edu

at

Connecting peers together Mentors across campus come together to help

By TK Layman | Staff Writer The new year is upon us and with that comes National Mentoring Month. Mentoring. org reports that beginning in 2002, by a partnership between MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, January became the month to foster new relationships between mentors across the country. For students at Western, there are a variety of different organizations and services that can help you find a

Photo Courtesy of PEER MENTORS

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The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

working relationship between you and your peers.

One major opportunity for first-year students to get help navigating through the newness of college life is to get in touch with the Peer Mentor program on campus. “We, as peer mentors, help connect the first year residents at Western,” Junior Community Health

student, Kyle Arthenayake said of the program, “through wellness education and being a resource to those residents, not only as a knowledgeable student, but as a friend.”

Another resource is the Student Health and Counseling Center, located across Church Street from the Werner University Center. The center offers free

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and confidential counseling services to those in need from several licensed practitioners and psychologists.

For students looking for tutoring or help with homework, you can schedule an appointment through your Portal in the “My Programs” box.

Continued on page 12

NEWS Western’s surrounding community gathers to ask senator post-election questions

By Jade Rayner | News Editor Western had the opportunity to host the Polk County town hall meeting on Jan. 14. Many concerned members of the community and Western students gathered in the Werner University Center to voice their opinions and have their questions answered by the U.S. Senator for Oregon, Ron Wyden.

Wyden has been a senator for Oregon since 1996; he holds open town hall meetings in all 36 counties in Oregon each year. This meeting marked Wyden’s 784th town hall meeting; topics discussed ranged from environmental issues, the election and health care.

Question: How can we get the entire country to vote by mail?

Wyden: I’d introduce legislation to take “Oregon’s Vote by Mail” national in effect to ensure that everyone in America would get a ballot in the Cover Photo by JADE RAYNER

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mail. In other words, the Constitution makes it clear that elections are essentially governed by locals. But we could have the federal government give all Americans the opportunity to get a ballot in the mail … The fact that our vote by mail system ensures that there’s a paper trail probably helps us advance that cause, so I’m going to push that very hard.

Question: What do you see the federal government’s role [being] in maintaining water quantity, and water quality?

Wyden: It’s very appropriate that you bring this up, because there’s no question that water is going to be one of the paramount challenges of our time. Right before I left Washington D.C., there were some discussions about infrastructure; I and others were making a point that in addition to roads and bridges, we need to consider a basic part of infrastructure.

Things like sewer, and water systems and the like because you clearly cannot have big league economic growth and big league quality life with all these outdated kind of systems … When you hear legislatures talk about infrastructure, roads and bridges and transportation systems, I think the operative question is, will

Photo Courtesy of OREGONLIVE.COM

Polk County has its voice heard

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

you include in that water and sewer which has too often in the past not been.

and we actually start to see what a new administration chooses to do because, clearly, we’re moving out of the campaign and into the kind of Question: What is a way on a more governing period … so, what we’re immediate basis that we can make gonna have to see is exactly what, our voices heard … are all calls you know, policies are. equal?

I, personally, think there are a few Wyden: Well, we’ll be able to tell things that are sort of natural. If you more as we get there on Friday we get a budget, for example, that Photo Courtesy of OREGONLIVE.COM substantially cuts the funds for low-income hunger programs. Number one, I’ll use my seat on the budget committee to oppose that, but number two, we’re gonna need a lot of people pitching in at the pantries and the shelters … so people are gonna be able to get involved that way.

I think probably the best thing you can do is find one more person to join you in this effort of speaking out with elected officials, participating on local programs … but if there’s one thing you can do, it’s find one more person to join you in pitching in.

If you would like to contact Sen. Ron Wyden with your own questions, you can fill out a form at www.wyden.senate.gov/ contact.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

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CAMPUS LIFE

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

So much more than a three day weekend Martin Luther King Day is celebrated by students everywhere as a three day weekend, rather than a day to remember and appreciate all Martin Luther King Jr. did in his lifetime. Western, however, is making a one day holiday into a week long celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. To honor the Civil Rights leader, Western is putting on several different events intended for any who are interested: the community, students, staff and faculty are all welcome.

Although there were no classes on Jan. 16, the University Diversity Committee didn’t waste any time.

On Jan. 16 the University Diversity Committee made the holiday a “day on versus a day off ” for the Marion-Polk Food Share Service Project. On Jan. 17, the committee held a Community-Police Dialogue to “engage in a dialogue about race, class and justice with local law enforcement officers,” held in the Werner University Center in the Willamette Room.

On Jan. 18, the committee is holding the MLK Jr. Celebration Annual Dinner in the Pacific Room of Werner University Center.

Along with a dinner, guest keynote speaker Lasana Omar Hotep, will be presenting.

“Lasana Omar Hotep is an entrepreneur, essayist and educator committed to providing insight and practical strategies in the areas of student development, cultural fluency and institutional equity.

His fact-based, witty, multimedia presentations inform and inspire

individuals to think critically about themselves and society. He has delivered talks and engaged audiences around issues of cultural identity and educational equity at over 100 institutions throughout the country,” stated the University Diversity Committee MLK event page.

Tickets for this event are $3 for students and $5 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased, cash only, at the Werner University Center front desk or in the Office of Disability Services, APSC 405.

Students who have a meal plan can use their ID/Meal cards to purchase tickets for $3 at Wolf express in the Werner University Center. Doors open at 5:45 pm and the program

You can get paid for the notes you will already be taking

might have gotten an email from ODS telling you that one of your classmates needs someone to take notes for them. Only one notetaker is needed per class/section, so make sure to take the opportunity when you see it.

The ODS email states, “If you are interested in the opportunity to earn a little extra money, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have legible handwriting and good class attendance, you are qualified to be a notetaker. ODS pays $20 per credit hour, per class-per term for students lecture notes.” That means you can get paid for the notes

you will already be taking.

The home page of ODS states, “ODS uses the credits stated in the catalog, not the schedule of classes, for determining payment; i.e., a Biology class is broken down as 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab in the catalog.

Generally, we only pay for notes provided for the lecture portion of the class; i.e., $60.”

The email from ODS, that was sent at the beginning of winter term, gives you instructions on

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration week

The Office of Disability Services is hiring note takers

By Paige Scofield Campus Life Editor Looking to help out others and get paid doing it? Then look no further, the Office of Disability Services is always looking for notetakers. You

how to apply for the position and it’s on a first come first served basis.

Contact the author journalcampuslife@wou.edu

at

Photo Courtesy of PBS.ORG

Teaser Photo Courtesy of USATODAY.COM

By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor

begins at 6:00 pm.

On Jan. 19 the University Diversity Committee, co-sponsored by the Black Student Union, are putting on a poetry slam. “Join your peers and Western faculty along with BSU as they recite poetry and even read their original works. Grab a drink and listen, or even recite something yourself!”

Make sure you take part in Western’s 2017 MLK Celebration Week so you can learn and appreciate all Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did to start the conversation on equality in America and how he’s impacted those today.

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Contact the author journalcampuslife@wou.edu

at

Photo by KEITH MATHEW

CAMPUS LIFE

Change of seasons How winter could be affecting your mood

By Kinsey Bushart | Staff Writer For some, the start of fall and transition into winter is a beloved time of year. But for others, the change in seasons can cause unwanted symptoms known as seasonal affective disorder.

As stated by American Family Physician, SAD affects 4-6 percent of Americans, and 10-20 percent of Americans can have a mild form of seasonal affective disorder.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons - SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.”

Symptoms can start out mild but can quickly become more intense and excessive. As stated by Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include: irritability, tiredness or low energy, problems getting along with other people, hypersensitivity to rejection, heavy-leaden feeling in the arms or legs, oversleeping, appetite changes,

especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates and weight gain.

Although the cause of seasonal depression is unknown, there has been some speculation of certain factors that might cause some of these symptoms. Those include your biological clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, serotonin levels and melatonin levels.

According to Mayo Clinic, “The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical or neurotransmitter, that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.”

Although SAD can affect all, a higher number of women are diagnosed but men may have more severe symptoms. Severity of symptoms are also dependent on the person.

Someone who may have a family member with depression is more likely to have SAD. Someone who is diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder can also have more severe symptoms during fall and winter.

According to American Family Physician, SAD usually affects those who are 20 or older, which is within the age range of students

21 and up

By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor

What you need: 4 ounces of Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur 2 cups of water 2 cups of milk 3 tablespoons of brown sugar 2 chai tea bags

who attend college. If you think you might be suffering from any of these symptoms, Western has a Health and Counseling Center on campus that can help you understand why you have these symptoms and how to cope with them.

Contact the author journalcampuslife@wou.edu

at

Photo Courtesy of HUFFPOST.COM

A warm drink for chilly days Once the weather starts to turn colder, nothing is more relaxing than snuggling up with a hot beverage and lots of blankets. For those of you that are 21 and older, a warm alcoholic beverage might just hit the spot.

Thanks to Alex Schlientz, a junior theatre major, who found the perfect concoction for the end of a winter day. The recipe is as follows:

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Photo by KEITH MATHEW

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Directions: In a medium saucepan add water, milk, brown sugar, and chai tea bags. Bring the liquid to a boil, stir occasionally. When the mixture starts boiling, add and stir in the Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur. Take mixture off heat and let cool for a bit before serving.

Please drink responsibly and enjoy!

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

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SPORTS

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Canadian hockey teams universally improve after paltry 2016

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor The Montreal Canadiens are the top team of the Atlantic Dvision midseason

was all coming up for the Predators.

Nashville mediaman Brooks Bratten reported that Subban said he felt, “a whole closer to winning the Stanley Cup.” But with Carey Price in goal and the defense altered to protect him, the

“

hockey. 20-year-old Connor McDavid has ripped 14 goals and 36 assists this season. Though not old enough to drink alcohol when his team travels to our side of the border, McDavid is leading his team in their race for a playoff return.

In terms of historical significance and sheer entertainment, the year had highlights all across the board

Canadiens are looking tougher than they have in a long time.

Meanwhile, a coaching change in Ottawa has seen the Senators stay on the Canadiens’ heels at the top of the Atlantic Division. Under head coach Guy Boucher, the Senators have improved on defense, special teams and puck possession.

Out west, the Edmonton Oilers are gripped in the throes of the longest currently active playoff drought in

Their Albertan rivals, the Calgary Flames, are neck and neck with the Oilers.

The Flames roster features all-star Johnny Gaudreau and Hart Memorial Trophy candidate Matthew Tkachuk.

The Flames are scrappy, and have recorded upsets against higherranked teams such as the Ducks, Sharks and Bruins.

In one game against the Vancouver Canucks, who are on the playoff

bubble after a midseason win streak, the Flames defense allowed only 13 shots, while their offense put up 46.

But the Canucks came away with the win due to shoddy goaltending from Brian Elliott, which has cemented the brick wall of Chad Johnson as the Flames’ man in goal.

The following night, with Johnson’s goaltending, the Flames became the team that ended the Canucks’ impressive run. Though they began with a rough start, Vancouver seems to have learned from their losses and improved to being a scary team to face.

Vancouver are joined in the Canadian fringe by the Winnipeg Jets and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The young Leafs team is getting better, and the Jets continue to punch above their weight despite rampant injuries.

Whether or not all Canadian teams make the postseason cut, it has been quite a turnaround from last year.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

Photo courtesy of SPORTSNET.CA

Canada may very well be back in 2017.

The 2016 National Hockey League season was characterized by an allAmerican playoff race. For the first time in 46 years, not a single Canadian team posted a good enough record to make it into the postseason.

But we are now halfway into the 2016-17 season, and each one of the seven Canadian teams remains competitive in the playoff hunt.

The most prominent of these is the Montreal Canadiens, currently on top of the Atlantic Division.

The high profile trade that sent PK Subban to Nashville and Shea Weber to Montreal was the jaw-dropping move of the offseason. Subban is younger than Weber and moves the puck across the ice quicker. Since the Canadiens drafted him in 2007, he has become an organizational icon and is known around the league as one of the elite defensemen.

Similarly, the Predators had a great defensive scheme. Weber was an important part of the team, but when the news broke it seemed it

Photo courtesy of NHL.COM

Back from the brink to leave it all on the rink

The Edmonton Oilers are poised to end hockey’s longest playoff drought this year

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SPORTS

Sophomore guard Kaylie Boschma scored 12 against Concordia

Redshirt junior JJ Chirnside stuffs yet another shot against SFU

High-scoring Snook not enough to sneak out win

Men’s basketball fights hard through conference play

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor

Women’s basketball drop two despite best efforts

It was a tough week on the road for the Wolves, who suffered losses visiting Concordia and Montana State Billings.

A 30-point performance from Shelby Snook in Billings wasn’t enough for the Wolves to return to Monmouth with a win. Neither were her nine rebounds and eight assists.

Sydney Azorr put up consistent numbers in both games, scoring nine against Concordia and 11 against MSU Billings. Most of the rest of the roster were hot one night and cool the other.

The 46-55 loss to Concordia in Portland on Jan. 10 kept both near the bottom of the conference, now totalling two conference wins a piece.

The Wolves were more accurate and scored more in the paint when they got the chance. Kaylie Boschma scored 12 points, three of which came from a jump shot and a free throw in the final three minutes as the Wolves attempted to rally. This last ditch effort cut the Concordia lead from 12 to five before ultimately faltering.

Concordia had more turnovers and scored more off them, racking up 17 points just from turnover chances.

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Photo courtesy of AMBER HOLLAND

Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Concordia bench also put up 20 points when it got involved while Concordia’s defensive game kept the Wolves bench to only nine.

These problems persisted in the trip to Billings. Snook’s 30 points and the 16 put up by Jasmine Miller couldn’t lead the Wolves to victory.

MSU Billings scored 25 points off turnovers while Western Oregon only got two. And they were able to play slightly deeper into the roster, as the Billings bench put up 11 points while the Wolves were held to six.

Head coach Holli HowardCarpenter spoke to wouwolves.com after the match. “This was a tough loss to swallow. We played them even for much of the game but just could not close the gap enough at the end,” Howard-Carpenter said. “We have to value the basketball more, we just can’t give up 25 points off turnovers, period.”

The road trip continues for the Wolves this week, when they will visit Central Washington and Northwest Nazarene.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

Men’s basketball goes 4-2 during the break

Men’s basketball split a pair of home games last week: beating Simon Fraser then falling to Western Washington.

JJ Chirnside broke the Western Oregon school record for blocked shots in a single game, a record that dated back to 1988, by stuffing nine players in the win over Simon Fraser.

Chirnside also picked up the most rebounds on the night with seven.

“They were a driving team trying to get to the rim,” Chirnside said. “It was just one of those games where everything was clicking and going the right way.”

Ali Faruq-Bey continued to tear it up offensively, scoring 20 points against Simon Fraser and 17 against Western Washington. Faruq-Bey is on a four game streak of scoring in the double digits. Only four times in the 16 games played so far has he been held to under 10 points.

The 85-60 win over Simon Fraser on Jan. 12 had the Wolves in high spirits. But two days later, Western Washington came to town sitting at the top of the conference.

The Wolves went into halftime with a six point lead. Through the whole first half, Western Oregon executed

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an effective game-plan, sinking threes and making layups. Tanner Omlid put up 11 points in the first half alone.

Western Washington regrouped and came out in the second to take the lead for the first time all night. The lead changed frequently in a close second half. When Demetrius Trammell hit a three-pointer with 11 seconds left to cut the Western Washington lead to six, a miraculous finish seemed in reach.

But then the Vikings drew a foul and after sinking two free throws finished out the game 76-84.

“We had control for most of the time,” JJ Chirnside said afterwards.

“We just need to keep getting better and finish plays down the stretch.”

The Wolves go on the road to close out the month, but will be back in the New P.E. building to host Saint Martin’s on Feb. 2.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

Teaser Photo by AMBER HOLLAND

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Review: “Detroit”

Northwestern band makes a strong debut

By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor

Photo courtesy of SHELDONCOLE.BANDCAMP.COM

Vancouver based folk duo Sheldoncole released their first EP “Detroit” in December. Sheldoncole is comprised of Sheldon Kozushko and his brother Nic, who are originally from Newberg, Oregon.

I really enjoyed the EP. Sheldoncole’s style is reminiscent of folk artists such as Jose Gonzalez and Greg Laswell. The lyrics are simple yet thoughtful and hold strong emotion that is easily felt by the listener.

The highlight of the six-song EP is definitely “West Coast.” With a catchy tune and beautiful lyrics, “West Coast” is one of the best songs on the EP. The song “Merely Breathing” is less memorable than all the others. It

Sheldoncole’s first EP “Detroit”

feels a little all over the place, while the other strong songs on the EP are well-crafted and focused. In both lyrics and music, “Merely Breathing” had me waiting for the next song rather than enjoying it.

Another strong song is “Live for Love.” The song is sad, but thoughtful and hopeful. Sheldoncole’s friendly and uplifting style pairs well with the feeling of melancholy, creating a different and hopeful vibe in the song.

“Made for No” is heavily focused

Continued on page 12

Teaser Photo courtesy of SHELDONCOLE.BANDCAMP.COM

New year, new shows Many new shows are set to premiere in 2017

Archie and his friends in their small town. The tagline for the show speaks for itself: “A great place to get away with it all.” You can catch this show on Jan. 26 at 9 p.m.

For something less dramatic, check out the show “Powerless” which is premiering on NBC. It’s an actioncomedy sitcom show based in the DC universe. Emily Locke, played by Vanessa Hudgens, is the Director of Research & Development at Wayne Security. With this job, she deals with all the citizens that are tired of

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

Entering into 2017 means more than just a new year and a new you; it means new TV shows to premiere.

Since shows ended in the fall, it’s finally time for old shows to return for their winter season and for new shows to start with high hopes of lasting just one season.

“Riverdale” will be premiering on The CW. This one-hour drama is based off of the “Archie” comics. The chief creative officer of the “Archie” comics, Robert Aguirre-Sacasa, is the writer for the show. It will follow

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

By Alyssa James | Staff Writer

The cast of Fox’s “New Girl”

the fights that the superheroes have with their villains. It premieres Feb. 2 at 8 p.m.

HBO is releasing their new miniseries show “Big Little Lies” starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley. This show follows three mothers as their lives begin to spin out of their control into chaos. This comedy-drama will only have seven episodes and will premiere on Feb. 19 at 9 p.m.

Some shows have already premiered but are definitely worth checking out. If you like to be able to watch TV shows whenever is convenient for you, Netflix released the TV show adaptation of “A Series of

Cast members of the CW’s “Riverdale”

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Unfortunate Events” on Jan. 13.

If you want more drama in your life, ABC premiered their new season of “The Bachelor” on Jan. 2. It is on every Monday at 8 p.m. Not into drama but enjoy laughing? Another season of “New Girl” began on Jan. 3 on Fox; catch it every Tuesday at 8 p.m.

No matter what, there is a show premiering this winter season that will suit you. Take some time to explore and enjoy the latest TV entertainment.

Contact the author at ajames16@ wou.edu

ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

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Review: “Monster Trucks”

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

Poor acting and bad CGI makes “Monster Trucks” a disappointment

By Kevan Maloney | Freelancer

Lucas Till from “Monster Trucks”

part of Tripp, began by putting on a half decent performance but joined the ranks with the rest of uncaring actors by the end.

The acting wasn’t the only subpar piece in this movie. The CGI was atrocious and obvious, which is a shame considering that “Monster Trucks” relies on CGI to make up several characters.

The soundtrack wasn’t so bad, however, it did have the feel of a cheesy early 2000s Disney channel movie in the sense that It just pulled semi-popular songs from all different genres and threw them in at appropriate times in the movie.

The only part that I felt was

decent was the storyline because it didn’t attempt to do anything extraordinary. The story was exceedingly predictable, you saw everything coming 10 minutes before it happened. It felt like they just cut and pasted some movie ideas from other movies.

All in all, I felt that this movie had the potential to be a good movie, but was put together so irresponsibly that all the good ideas fell apart.

“Monster Trucks” just felt forced and poorly put together.

Contact the author at anewton15@ wou.edu

Photo courtesy of GAMESPOT.COM

“Monster Trucks” is a movie entirely undeserving of being on screen. Director Chris Wedge direct this $125 million budget movie but it felt like everyone taking part in the production of this movie just stopped caring halfway through.

That isn’t to say that the premise is bad, I actually feel that it has potential to be a good movie but gets bogged down by its chosen style and target audience.

The actors made it abundantly clear that they had stopped caring about this movie. Because of this, the acting fell way below what a paying moviegoer has come to expect. Lucas Till, who played the

Editor’s Picks

By Ashton Newton Entertainment Editor

“This War of Mine” screenshot

Editor’s Recommendations: Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” book series is the perfect thing to get completely absorbed in.

With over 40 books in the series, spanning different timelines and groups of characters, there is always

somewhere new to explore on the Discworld.

The series takes place in a fantasy world on a disc shaped planet that rests on the back of a giant turtle who is flying through space.

“Discworld” is filled with wizards, adventures, Death and more.

The series even contains books explaining the science behind the exciting and complex world.

With so much in the “Discworld” series to explore, it’s worth it to give it a try and check it out.

Editor’s Disparagement: I recently bought the popular strategy game “This War of Mine.”

The game is set in a modern day besieged city, where survivors inside must search for supplies, eat

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3.5/10 -

The cast didn’t put as much effort into it as necessary

-

The CGI underperformed

-

The soundtrack felt ramshackle

+

The storyline wasn’t terrible

and avoid sniper fire from enemies outside the city limits.

While the game is challenging and sometimes fun, the harsh realism and dark art style make for a unenjoyable experience. There’s a difference between playing a dark game and playing a game that just puts you in a terrible mood for the rest of the day.

The art style also focuses primarily on the color black, which gave me a headache after a while.

If you’re in the mood to feel terrible, “This War of Mine” is for you.

Otherwise, almost any other game is happier.

Contact the author at anewton15@ wou.edu

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The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

This week in completely made up horoscopes

HUMOR

Compiled by Western Journal Staff Aries 3/21-4/19

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Gemini 5/21-6/20

You know that body height mirror you have been looking at? Go for it, Aries.

Now you can fingergun yourself all day.

Be bold this week: take that spider outside instead of killing it.

You shouldn’t literally be seeing double, Gemini.

Consider getting your eyes checked this week.

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Leo 7/23-8/22

Virgo 8/23-9/22

You will find your real horoscope at the bottom of a bottle of Code Red Mountain Dew.

Stop teasing your hair, Leo. Let 2008 die.

You might want to get tested for STDs this week, Virgo.

Libra 9/23-10/22

Scorpio 10/23-11/21

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

Keep your head out of the clouds this week. We’re expecting it to rain.

Save calories and feel better by using BBF Organic Agave.

Don’t forget to walk like a penguin over ice. You might look dumb, but you’d look dumber falling.

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

Aquarius 1/20-2/18

Pisces 2/19-3/20

Dude, clean off your desk. Take all those tea and coffee mugs and face the sweet, moldy music you’ve left for yourself.

Don’t forget about taco Tuesday this week, Aquarius. Fish tacos are on your horizon.

Winter can be tough; stay hydrated.

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

EDITORIAL

CAMPUS VOICES

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

“The Lone Ranger” Katie Wilson, mathematics, senior

11

“‘Alice in Wonderland’, it just seems over the top.”

Lenny Flores, criminal justice, sophomore

By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor

What do you think is the worst Johnny Depp movie?

“‘Alice in Wonderland.’ I think it’s the only time I didn’t like him.”

Rebecca Gordon, technical theater, junior

“I don’t like him in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, that’s just not a good version.”

Javan Davis, dance, senior

Photos by JADE RAYNER

Remember that money talks

Reconsider who to support when buying things this year

By Zoë Strickland | Managing Editor

Why is it, that when someone famous is accused of a crime, it rarely ever affects them?

Last year, Johnny Depp was accused of domestic abuse by his then-wife Amber Heard. Despite clear evidence that Heard had been injured, people still took Depp’s side. Even now, after their divorce has been settled some, including Depp’s lawyers, claim that Heard was only trying to prolong her time in the spotlight, even though she’s an actress with multiple forthcoming movies.

Abusing Heard barely put a dent in Depp’s career. According to the Internet Movie Database, he is slated to have ten roles within the next two years.

Depp is nowhere near the only celebrity whose abusive tendencies have been overlooked in favor of their career. Bill Murray, Gary Oldman, Michael Fassbender, John Lennon and Chris Brown are only some of the people who make the list.

As a society, we need to start

asking ourselves why we justify spending our money supporting people who commit crimes, why we assist in breeding a culture that inherently sides with the accused.

Though the accusations against Depp had nothing to do with his career, the money and power he obtained as a result of his celebrity status most likely played a role in how the domestic abuse accusations were perceived.

People in my life have made the argument that a celebrity’s personal life shouldn’t play a role in how their professional work is viewed. I disagree.

We exist in a moneydriven, power-hungry society.

Consuming the work of someone who has been accused of something like domestic violence is still a form of promotion; your views and ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ are still building revenue. You’re putting money in the hands of the people who do things you don’t agree with, and money talks.

After all, when Tiger Woods

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

cheated on his wife he lost multiple sponsorship deals. If something like infidelity can have a negative impact on someone’s career, why does abuse not result in a similar outcome?

If Disney sees that people are going to theatres to see the next “Pirates” movie, they are more likely to use its lead, Johnny Depp, in their movies.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. Rather than spending your money on a movie or CD by a celebrity who has committed an act of violence, consider putting that money towards helping victims of domestic violence.

You can donate to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence by going to ncadv.org.

Contact the author zstrickland14@wou.edu.

at

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TAIL-END

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 18, 2017

STUDENT MEDIA PRESENTS A FILM BY WOU STUDENTS STARRING WOU STUDENTS FILMED ON WOU CAMPUS

Do you want to: Improve your writing?

Get your work published?

Eat free pizza?

AND Get paid for doing so?

ITC, ROOM 211

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, we’d love to have you work with us at The Western Journal. We’re always looking for freelance writers and photographers.

Visit http://www.wou.edu/westernjournal/apply-now/ for more details.

Follow us online @ theWOUJournal and use #WOUnow to stay updated on what’s happening around campus!

FRIDAY JAN. 20 6:30 P.M.

BATTERED, BRUISED, AND A LITTLE BIT STUPID.

A BODY IN THE WINDOW SEAT FILM

Detroit Continued from page 8

Photo courtesy of SHELDONCOLE.BANDCAMP.COM

BODYINTHEWINDOWSEAT.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/BODYINTHEWINDOWSEAT

on the lyrics: a story of heartbreak and grief.

The song has the most memorable lyrics on the whole EP. I found myself humming the chorus hours after listening.

The EP ends with a song called “Detroit”, a soft, relaxing spoken word song retelling the story of a night in Detroit. The song is a lot less focused than the rest of the EP. It feels out of place and ends the EP on weird note.

Sheldoncole’s debut EP gets a lot right, but misses the mark occasionally. Yet its thoughtful lyrics and all around good music makes “Detroit” a pleasure to listen to.

Contact the author at journalentertainment@ wou.edu

Peer Support Continued from page 2

By clicking on “Schedule a Tutor” students can set an appointment in the Academic Programs and Support Center, located on the south end of campus, to receive help with any subject. To become a tutor, a 3.0 GPA is necessary along with a faculty recommendation in your specified subject. For further information, students should contact the Academic Advising and Learning Center in APSC 401 or at advising@wou.edu The Writing Center, located on the third floor of the APSC is an area students can go to get individualized attention and help with their written work.

If you would like to get involved with Peer Mentors, contact advisors Pam Medzegian or Craig Wimmer through the SHCC Wellness Education Department.

Contact the author at tlayman16@wou.edu

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT MAY REQUIRE SOME ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN A WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY CLASS OR ACTIVITY, PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES AT 503-838-8250 OR SE ODS@WOU.EDU AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS IN ADVANCE.

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