Vol. 17, Issue 15 (Feb. 15, 2017)

NEWS The search for an ASWOU vice president ends Page 2

SPORTS Softball pitcher Haley Fabian returns to the mound after championship appearance Page 4

ENTERTAINMENT “Lego Batman” builds off “The Lego Movie” universe in all the right ways Page 8

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 15

Western comes out to have a ball Page 7

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

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COPY EDITOR KRISTIN ECK

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ADVERTISING MANAGER BRIAN TESCH journaladvertising@wou.edu

Emergency ASWOU election comes to a close Samantha Dunaway elected new vice president of ASWOU

By Jade Rayner | News Editor Last week brought with it the result of the Associated Students of Western Oregon University’s emergency election. Due to the death of Alma Pacheco, president of ASWOU, the role of vice president needed to be filled.

ASWOU is the student government at Western; their role is to advocate for student’s rights on campus, as well as in the state of Oregon.

Samantha Dunaway, a junior majoring in biology with an emphasis in zoology will be taking on the role of vice president; her new responsibilities will include organizing meetings, and completing tasks assigned by the new president of ASWOU, Cynthia Olivares.

Dunaway is already very familiar with Western’s student government. Before being elected as vice president, she was working as the ASWOU director of student organizations, overseeing all of the student clubs on campus. Her work with the organization has included training student clubs to use OrgSync and financial

policies, and giving them the tools to run successfully.

When asked what plans she had for improving student life at Western, Dunaway replied that, “My main goal is to support all students on campus. My door is always open for students to voice their concerns about our university, and I will always be open to addressing those concerns. I know how many students struggle with paying for college, pay tuition out of pocket and work multiple jobs to make it through college. I will do everything in my power to support these students and work to decrease tuition rates. My other goals include making Western more environmentally sustainable, increasing involvement in clubs and organizations on campus and helping to create a strong team environment within the ASWOU cabinet so that we can better serve the student body.”

As a final note, ASWOU Vice President Samantha Dunaway added, “I want students to know that my door is always open. I love Western Oregon University, and the best part of this school is the students. I want them to know that I am always available to address questions, concerns, and ideas on how to improve

our school. Also, everyone in ASWOU is here to serve the students. Come by our office and say ‘hi!’”

Students with concerns regarding Western can contact the Associated Students of Western Oregon University at aswou.@wou.edu, or they can stop by their office in Werner University Center room 122.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou. edu Samantha Dunaway elected ASWOU Vice President Photo courtesy of SAMANTHA DUNAWAY

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The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

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.

Date: Jan. 28, 2017 Time: 11:50 a.m.

Incident: Public Safety received a vehicle theft report in Lot J. Date: Jan. 30, 2017 Time: 4:10 a.m.

Incident: Public Safety took a report of alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia inside a car in plain view at Heritage Loop; records show that the owner is under 21.

Date: Feb. 1, 2017 Time: 8:37 p.m.

Incident: Public Safety was contacted about a medical assist in the Werner University Center.

Date: Feb. 2, 2017 Time: 2:20 p.m.

Incident: Public Safety responded to an individual having difficulty breathing in the Richard Woodcock Education Center.

Date: Feb. 2, 2017 Time: 1:17 p.m.

Incident: Public Safety responded to a marijuana violation in Landers Hall.

Date: Feb. 6, 2017 Time: 10:40 p.m.

Incident: Public Safety contacted an individual in Heritage Hall for information.

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

NEWS

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Since becoming President, Donald Trump has taken action in many areas

By Alyssa James | Staff Writer When President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, he immediately began to take action on issues that he spoke about during his campaign.

On that day, per United Press International, he expelled an insurance rate cut for new homeowners which was set by the Obama Administration.

He also began the process to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. UPI.com states that, “Trump’s order asked federal agencies to ‘prepare to afford the states more

Photo courtesy of ABCNEWS.COM

Month one in Trump’s America

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flexibility and control to create a more free and open healthcare market.’”

Since that first day in office, he has been working left and right on presidential duties. For example, he has taken action against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, abolishing the deal that America made with Asia.

According to UPI.com, this was done due to the fear that the TPP had the possibility of killing U.S. jobs. Along with that decision, President Trump made a change toward federal workers, bringing about a temporary hiring freeze; the freeze excluded military and some security positions.

A very well-known order that

President Trump signs first executive orders of his term

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Photo courtesy of NBCNEWS.COM

President Donald Trump presents his first executive orders

President Trump has put into action is the prevention of U.S. funds being used toward select health charities that aid with abortion. This order has been on and off in America since the

com that President Trump, “also seeks to hire 10,000 additional immigration officers, build more detention centers and prioritize immigrants for deportation.” Not only that, but many have heard and are aware of the infamous Trump Wall.

Building the wall has not begun; however, he has taken action by signing an order to begin the preparation for building the wall on the U.S.Mexico border.

The United States visa vetting process is being reworked as well due to Trump’s presidency.

This executive order demands for a thorough security check for people from foreign nations who desire to obtain a U.S. travel visa.

President Trump has initiated an order to strengthen the U.S. military.

This legislation wants to rebuild our armed forces in order to increase our national and global security. Along with this, he has restructured the National Security Council, which will aid the president in choosing the best course of action on security issues.

Within this new NSC, President Trump added the CIA to be a part of it.

It has been a just over a month of Donald Trump being President.

Throughout the past few weeks, there have been a large number of orders signed. If anything is certain, President Trump has been an active president since being inaugurated last month.

Since that first day in office, he has been working left and right on presidential duties Reagan Administration.

Another important decision that was made was in regards to the Supreme Court. As of recent, Judge Neil McGill Gorsuch has been nominated to be the replacement of Antonin Scalia.

Considering the Dakota Access Pipeline, which has received a lot of attention, an executive order was signed making the completion of the pipeline possible. With that signed, the process of creating the pipeline from Canada will begin again. In a release on Feb. 8, 2016, Energy Transfer Partners stated that, “The Dakota Access pipeline … and the Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline… (together, the “Bakken Pipeline”) are expected to be in service in the second quarter of 2017.”

Within the Trump Administration, there has been a number of executive orders pertaining to immigration.

Federal grant money has been stripped away from “sanctuary cities,” which are cities that protect immigrants who are not authorized and giving them access to city services. It is noted on UPI.

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Contact the author at ajames16@wou. edu

haley fabian faces the test

Photo courtesy of HALEY FABIEN

SPORTS

Haley Fabian, far right, maintained a 4.86 ERA through her first season

Sophomore pitcher has high expectations

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor Haley Fabian didn’t know she would pitch in the 2016 GNAC title game.

The Wolves softball team had earned a spot in the tournament coming off a red-hot end to the season. Twelve wins in the final 15 games saw Western Oregon finish second in the conference, behind Central Washington. The top four teams entered the title tournament in the last week of April.

The first-year pitcher had steadily proven herself on the mound. As a relief pitcher she picked up two saves over the course of April. Against Simon Fraser she struck out four batters in two innings. She pitched a complete game against Montana State Billings, giving up only three runs.

Her win-loss record was a clean 4-0.

Western Oregon’s first round sweep of Concordia meant that Central Washington would have to beat the Wolves twice to win the title.

Central Washington won the first game 2-11.

“We had to change it up,” Fabian said. “When my coach decided to choose me I was honored, but I was kind of nervous.”

She had only pitched in 11

collegiate games, nearly all of which were in the month of April. She had worked hard to get here and the hard work had paid off.

And so she walked to the mound to pitch the biggest game she’d ever pitched.

Her high school in Washington was often overshadowed by their cross-

“

matchups.

Eastmont High softball coach Cliff Johnson recalled a first base performance from Fabian, where she had “a game-saving play against Wenatchee on a hot one-hopper down the line. Kept them from scoring and was one of the most clutch defensive plays I have seen.”

It was definitely a good starting point. I’m ready to improve on those stats

river rivals. Wenatchee High School serviced a city over double the size of East Wenatchee. When it comes to athletics, Wenatchee was used to winning against Eastmont High.

This made the games against Wenatchee Haley Fabian’s favorite

Fabian spent all four years of her high school career on varsity and was named league MVP as a sophomore.

When not pitching, she played first base. Over her high school career she made the All-League first team for both pitching and first base.

Photo courtesy of HALEY FABIEN

Cover photo courtesy of HALEY FABIEN

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The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Fabian enters her sophomore year a starting pitcher

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

“When she entered our program she brought great leadership and a competitive spirit with her,” Johnson said. “We faced Eisenhower High School in a postseason game. Haley had been injured and was unable to pitch for several weeks. On gameday she told me she was good to go.”

She pitched a complete game in her return, recording 11 strikeouts.

It all began when she was a little girl. At eight-years-old, Haley Fabian started playing softball to follow in her older sister’s footsteps.

“She was a pitcher so I wanted to be just like her. But I was the one who was better at it, so I stuck with that and she went with basketball,” said Fabian.

When she decided she wanted to play college softball she poured all of her energy into the game.

“Haley set the tone in our program when it came to hard work and focus,” Johnson said.

Fabian’s leadership has been shown on and off the field.

2015 was the worst year for wildfires in Washington state history, and when the Sleepy Hollow Fire raged into Wenatchee Valley she went to help the Red Cross at Eastmont High School.

“Across the river you could see everything,” said Fabian. “It came into the valley. There were homes

Continued on page 12

SPORTS

Women’s basketball suffered a pair of losses last week when they hosted conference rivals Concordia and Montana State Billings.

Late in the game against Billings, the Wolves held a 12 point lead but the Yellowjackets completed a

Who’ll stop the rain?

Baseball splits opening games, loses the rest to weather

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor Wolves baseball is eager to get its season started, but the season doesn’t want to start for Wolves baseball.

A slated double header against Concordia in Monmouth was rained out at the start of February. In last weekend’s trip to Fresno, the rain allowed only two games to be played out of a scheduled four.

Western Oregon garnered a 1-1 record out of the scheduled six games.

The first game of the season saw Western trail 5-4 before putting up a three-run eighth inning to rally over Fresno Pacific.

Sophomore shortstop Garrett Anderson scored two runs in the 7-5 victory. Sophomore first baseman Koty Fallon hit in two RBIs. The second game had excellent pitching blaze five scoreless innings.

Senior right hander Elias Bedolla was pitching a no-hitter going into the sixth inning when everything went upside down. The first run came on an RBI when Bedolla hit the Fresno batter with bases loaded. Western Oregon would commit two errors and give up a total of seven runs, three of which were unearned.

Western lost the second game, 0-7.

The Wolves are in San Diego this weekend. NBC San Diego reports rain in the forecast.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

With no games played over the weekend, the Wolves are having a full week off after their dropped game against the Yellowjackets.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, they host the last team they defeated as Northwest Nazarene makes the trip to Monmouth.

With four games left in the season, the Wolves have a 7-16 record and are ranked 10th in the GNAC.

Photo by AMBER HOLLAND

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor

5

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

Wolves bench scored 31 points against MSU Billings

End of the road

Men’s basketball loses two in conference play

Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM

Women’s basketball loses twice

comeback in the dying minutes. The Wolves, who had led for more than half of the game, committed 11 fouls in the final six minutes the game. The Yellowjackets were able to capitalize, picking up 16 points on free throws.

The final score was 60-64. The four point loss was the closest the Wolves had come to winning since their three point victory over Northwest Nazarene on Jan. 21.

Sophomore guard Kaylie Boschma put up 16 points against Concordia and 10 points against Montana State Billings to make it four games in a row with double-digit scoring.

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor

Men’s basketball saw their five game winning streak come to a close as they dropped a pair of games on the road last week.

A 63-73 loss to Western Washington on Feb. 9 was the rough start to the week.

The first half in Bellingham saw the two teams feel one another out, with nine lead changes. The final play of the half was a fastbreak dunk by junior forward Tanner Omlid, which cut Western Washington’s lead at the time to one point.

The exciting play continued into the second half.

Ten seconds in, Omlid hit a layup

Ali Faruq-Bey scored 36 points over the week

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

“

JJ Chirnside drives for the basket against Western Washington

to take the lead. The Wolves would extend their advantage to as much as eight points before Western Washington fought back.

The teams traded baskets in the final minutes as Western Washington was able to keep the Wolves at bay.

A trip to Burnaby presented the Wolves with an opportunity to salvage a win from the road tip, as they had won 16 straight against Simon Fraser. Simon Fraser had yet to win a conference game.

When Tanner Omlid fouled out with eight minutes left in the game, the Wolves found themselves unable to dictate.

Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM

Struggles persist

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

At 10-6 in conference play this season, the Wolves remain in a good position

Junior guard Ali Faruq-Bey was the hard charger in the final minutes, scoring nine points without Omlid.

But this was not enough, as the Simon Fraser team put up 18 to win it, 63-68.

Even though he fouled out, Omlid picked up a double-double on the night, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Faruq-Bey totaled 16 points in the loss.

At 10-6 in conference play this season, the Wolves remain in a good position. They are ranked third in the GNAC, remaining in control of their spot in the playoff picture.

The Wolves look to get back to winning ways, hosting two Alaskan foes this week. They play the Nanooks on Feb. 16 and the Seawolves on Feb. 18. Tipoff for both nights is 7:30 p.m.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

CAMPUS LIFE

Education majors learn to become competitive for the classroom Western holds the 12th annual Future Teachers Conference

By Paige Scofield Campus Life Editor

The Pacific room of the Werner University Center was bustling with students the afternoon of Feb. 10, when Western held the Future Teacher Conference. Educators from across the state presented sessions on important topics for students who are studying to become educators.

“This conference is designed to help people prepare to enter the job market to get a job in education,” said Aeylin Summers, president of Oregon ASCD, “Mostly the participants are future

Get to know a major: Bachelor of science in exercise science

Photo by PAIGE SCOFIELD

By Paige Scofield Campus Life Editor

Pictured above: Kristin Miller

teachers. The point of this conference today is to start to give future teachers information so they know how to organize, so when they have to go to job fairs they’re as competitive as they can be.”

The Future Teacher Conference was broken up into three different sessions, with six different choices of presentations participants could choose to go to in each session.

“They have to do with different aspects of preparation. How to think about the process of getting a job from the perspective of what a principal would want, how to think like a first year teacher, so you can prepare for a question in an interview. You can learn things from these sessions to help you organize your thoughts,” Summers said.

Western prioritizes its students and makes sure that events can be held to benefit them. This event brought in teachers and principals from all over Oregon to help students get a better idea of the field they’re entering.

The Future Teachers Conference has been a long-standing annual event in Western’s history.

Western offers a wide variety of degrees that students can major in, many of which students don’t know are offered, or know next to nothing about. This week in “Get To Know a Major:” receiving a bachelor of science in exercise science.

Kristin Miller, a junior, is working towards receiving a bachelor of science in exercise science with a minor in dance. Even though she originally came to Western for its dance program, she soon realized that she wanted to switch majors.

“I hope to go into occupational therapy, and exercise science was the

Photo by PAIGE SCOFIELD

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The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Pictured above: Aeylin Summers

“This is the 12th year that this conference has been sponsored here at Western. It is the largest student chapter for future teachers in the nation, right here at Western,” added Summers. “And that’s because you have people here in your educational school that understand that for these people who are pouring their hearts and resources into becoming teachers, that [Future Teacher Conference] is a great step for them.”

This event was able to be at Western

because it was sponsored by the Confederation of Oregon School administrators, the Oregon Education Association, the Western Oregon University Student Chapter of ASCD, formerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Oregon ASCD.

most applicable major that I could do and I’m really interested in keeping people healthy, and the body, and how it works and the science of it,” Miller said.

Although she switched majors, Miller wants to keep dance a part of her life and try to use it in the field of occupational therapy.

“I’d like to incorporate dance into occupational therapy somehow,” said Miller. “I think a lot of people don’t see dance as a sport, but I want people to see it as a way to exercise and keeping themselves healthy.”

There are many career fields that exercise science can put students on the right track to pursue.

According to Western’s website, those careers include: hospital cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy assistance, corporate fitness centers, athletic and health focused fitness clubs, with organizations that provide fitness and activity programming such as YMCA and Boys & Girls Club, physical educators in public and private schools, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and nutrition/dietetics.

Western’s website describes exercise science as, “the study of changes that occur within the human body in response to exercise and physical

activity. Students of exercise science complete foundational coursework in general biology and human anatomy and physiology. Key areas of study within the major include biomechanics, motor behavior, nutrition, physiology of exercise, and social and psychological aspects of exercise and physical activity.

Students learn how the human body adapts to various forms of movement and exercise, for purposes ranging from general health promotion and injury prevention, to rehabilitation and sports performance.”

Miller’s favorite class she took for her major was the anatomy series.

“Even though it was a lot of work, I learned so much in the span of a year about the body, and I think it’s something that will help me a lot with my career.”

“Ever since I’ve changed my major, I’ve been really impressed with the exercise science major and all the professors, they’re all super nice. I think it’s a really good major for our current society, because health is such a pertinent issue and it’s a good field to get into right now because exercise is really on the rise,” concluded Miller.

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

CAMPUS LIFE

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

7

“Out and Proud,” a time for the LGBTQ+ community to shine Photo by KEITH MATHEW

MSU and Triangle Alliance bring awareness to campus

By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor

Students dance to the Cupid Shuffle at the Black and Red Ball

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didn’t acknowledge or discuss the LGBTQ+ community, and growing up to become accepted and loved by those around her. Lake is a big figure in the LGBTQ+ community and has served many different

Participants danced the night away confident in themselves and in their community

and you’re important.’ I think it’s important to bring that to light.”

After dinner was served, Maria Peters Lake took to the microphone to discuss what her life was like growing up gay in a family that

for undergraduate students in the LGBTQ+ and allied community.

On Feb. 10, Triangle Alliance hosted the Black and Red Ball in the Pacific room of the Werner University Center to finish the “Out and Proud” event with a slam-bang finish. This event was to create awareness as well as to raise money for the Cascades AIDS Project.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

positions in the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court, one of Oregon’s oldest LGBTQ+ organizations. Lake also had various fundraising efforts to benefit the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund: a scholarship

Pictured above: students attend the Black & Red Ball

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Photo by KEITH MATHEW

like a double minority, it’s definitely something that is overlooked by a plethora of different groups. I really like the idea of having an ‘Out and Proud’ event because it’s like, ‘hey, we see you and we acknowledge you

Photo by KEITH MATHEW

The Multicultural Student Union and Triangle Alliance came together to create the event, “Out and Proud,” an event that is described on Western’s website as one that, “celebrates and explores the various cultures and ethnic backgrounds that are within the LGBTQ+ community and recognizes their challenges as well as celebrates their achievements and success.”

In the late morning of Feb. 8, there was a Queer People of Color panel in the Willamette room of the Werner University Center to create a discussion about queer people of color and the difficulties and achievements they face as a double minority.

That evening at 6:00 p.m., there was a dinner themed “Let Your Colors Burst,” with keynote speaker, Maria Peters Lake, who dubs herself a “Lesbian drag queen.”

One of the planners for the event was, Katherine Macias-Torres, a sophomore nursing major, who is a campus advocate for the Multicultural Student Union. Their job is to work with other clubs and organizations on campus to see how they can work together to bring awareness to campus. “‘Out and Proud’ is an annual event that we throw and it’s in cooperation with Triangle Alliance.” MaciasTorres stated, “It’s an important event because being a person of color within the LGBTQ+ community is

Bree Clark talking at the QPOC Panel

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Review: “The Lego Batman Movie”

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

Building off of the beloved character, “The Lego Batman Movie” gives a hilarious and heartfelt Batman adaptation

By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor

Will Arnett’s Lego Batman and other members of the Justice League

humorous performance as the Joker, albeit not the most sinister Joker. All the voice acting is top notch. Each actor brings their unique style to these characters, creating something entirely new out of a well known character.

“

“The Lego Movie’s” big moral is creativity, “Lego Batman” puts a huge focus on teamwork.

One of the best parts of the universe that “The Lego Movie” created was the merging of different film franchises, and “Lego Batman” does

While ‘The Lego Movie’s’ big moral is creativity, ‘Lego Batman’ puts a huge focus on teamwork

The all-star cast doesn’t stop there; Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill reprise their roles as Superman and Green Lantern, Billy Dee Williams voices Two-Face and Conan O’Brien voices The Riddler. The incredible cast is not utilized very well though, with many of the supporting characters only having one or two lines in the whole film. Billy Dee Williams, for example, has a lot of publicity for playing Two Face, yet he only says 10 words throughout the entire film.

At its core, “The Lego Batman Movie” is about family. The story of Bruce Wayne’s parents being murdered is common knowledge among superhero fans, but this film takes it one step further by highlighting Batman’s emotional struggles with attachment. While

The Bat team crams into the Batmobile in “The Lego Batman Movie”

the same thing. Film’s worst villains, such as Voldemort, Sauron, King Kong and Daleks challenge Batman while reminding viewers that the film is still set in a massive universe.

The film also did a great job of parodying Batman and DC movies. Multiple jabs were thrown

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

at “Suicide Squad” and “Batman v Superman.” There are throwbacks to multiple different “Batman” films as well, poking fun at some of the ridiculousness of them.

“The Lego Batman Movie” is not only hilarious throughout, but it has every aspect of a good Batman film. There is fantastic character development for Batman and Robin throughout. I found myself caring more about these Lego characters than I did in either the “Dark Knight” franchise or “Batman v Superman.”

The team dynamic and growth is extremely rewarding.

From start to finish, “The Lego Batman Movie” is engaging, accessible for any audience and absolutely hilarious. With well written jokes and strong characters, “Lego Batman” is not only one of the funniest films so far this year, but also one of the best Batman films there has ever been.

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu

Cover photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

The original “Lego Movie” (2014) introduced a different kind of Batman. Batman was funny, poked fun at previous Batman adaptations and knew how to kick some butt.

“The Lego Batman Movie” brings that concept back but this time on a much larger scale.

Will Arnett’s overly confident, sometimes childish and emotionally damaged Batman is hilarious from the very beginning. He’s sympathetic, struggling with loneliness and a major fear of attachment, but he’s also constantly making jokes.

Batman himself is a very wellrounded character. In “The Lego Movie”, Batman’s negative qualities are shown without much of the positive, but “Lego Batman” makes a point to highlight both.

The supporting cast is great as well.

Michael Cera’s Robin is adorable and loveable and Zach Galifianakis gives a

film’s best

Amy Adams in the Oscar-nominated film “Arrival”

Predict me an Oscar

A preview of what may be expected at the 89th Academy Awards

By Blayde Biacan Staff Writer

The 89th annual Academy Awards, or Oscars, is recognizing many great people and films this year. Many of the selections this year have a great diversity of cultures depicted in the movies.

I’ve watched the films nominated and predicted the winners for some categories. The following categories and nominees are: Animated Feature Film - “Zootopia” Directing - “La La Land” Cinematography - “La La Land” Editing - “Arrival” Music: Original Song - “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana” Writing: Adapted Screenplay “Arrival” Visual Effects - “Doctor Strange” For this particular Oscar ceremony there is a lot of controversy over the

...

movie “La La Land.” The musical looks good and uses a lot of long takes. It also received 14 Oscar nominations, rivaling “All about Eve” and “Titanic.” Both lead actors, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, received Oscar nominations.

Some of the backlash that “La La Land” has received is from critics on how it depicts jazz culture, which can be compared to pop culture in how it could be misrepresented and may not be true to its roots, which is why it may not win as many categories as some would expect it to win.

The films nominated offer a lot of diversity in setting, such as in “Moana.” It is based off of Polynesian culture when they used to sail the seas, especially when finding new land. In the film “Lion,” it shows the Indian culture and also how the protagonist has to get used to other cultures throughout the movie.

There are many other categories that I have not mentioned with great nominations and even many more categories that include “La La Land.”

The Oscars will be premiered live on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. PST in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Contact the author at bbiacan16@ wou.edu

and

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film’s worst

Worst actress nominee Megan Fox in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadow”

And The Razzie goes to …

Predictions for the annual “worst in film” award show

By Alyssa James Staff Writer

The Golden Raspberry Awards, also known as The Razzies, is an award ceremony that recognizes the worst in the film industry. The 37th annual Razzie Awards will be covering a variety of different categories all focusing on the poor and unfavorable aspects of some of the films from 2016.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the categories that will be presented include: worst picture, worst actress, worst actor, worst director, worst supporting actor, worst screenplay, worst supporting actress, worst screen couple/ ensemble and worst prequel/remake/ rip-off/sequel.

I decided to look it up and consider the categories to make my own predictions of who will be awarded The Razzies throughout that infamous night of celebrating the substandard features of 2016 films. Here are my predictions of the winners for the 2016 Razzies:

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM

ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Worst picture: “Dirty Grandpa” Worst actress: Megan Fox - “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” Worst actor: Ben Affleck – “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” Worst director: Roland Emmerich – “Independence Day: Resurgence” Worst supporting actor: Nicolas Cage – “Snowden” Worst screenplay: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” Worst supporting actress: Kate Hudson – “Mother’s Day” Worst screen couple/ensemble: “Gods of Egypt” Worst prequel/remake/rip-off/sequel: “Zoolander 2” The Razzies will take place on Feb. 25 at 12 a.m. PST. Anyone can watch these awards on The Razzies’ YouTube channel, “razziechannel,” or stay updated through their Facebook page or Twitter account.

Now that the stressful midterm season has just passed, it may be a relaxing and fun way to destress by getting some friends together to make predictions of who you think deserve these awards and then on the night of The Razzies, get together to see if your predictions come to be true.

Contact the author at ajames16@wou. edu

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HUMOR

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

This week in completely made up horoscopes Compiled by Western Journal Staff

Sagittarius, stop bringing your umbrella with you everywhere you go. Any day you have it, it’ll be useless. The rain only comes when you’re unprepared.

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

You have to break up with them, Pisces. I know you love them, but you have to. The deep-fried golden perfection is cheating on you. That’s what you get for dating a chicken tender.

Pisces 2/19-3/20

Aquarius 1/20-2/18

Sweet Virgo, I see a furry friend in your future. Time to put that dog filter to rest, and start taking snaps of your newly adopted pup.

Virgo 8/23-9/22

Scorpio 10/23-11/21

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Re-think getting that, “best friends,” tattoo.

You’re going to regret it in a week.

Gemini 5/21-6/20

Leo 7/23-8/22

The stars are throwing you a life jacket, Aquarius. Be sure not to drown in the work that you’ll inevitably procrastinate doing.

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Use Husqvarna.com’s chainsaw selector to find the best saw for your needs.

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

Treat yourself this week; get that spacethemed eyeshadow palette that you’ve been pining after. It’ll only momentarily distract you from your anxiety, but it’ll be worth it.

Be careful, Leo. With the moon where it is, you’re likely to accidentally print pages in color instead of black and white.

You’re going to need those print credits.

Libra 9/23-10/22

Stop listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers.

They’re not having a comeback, it’s not 2008; there’s no reason to be listening to them.

Love yourself.

Don’t drink milk ever again, Taurus. The stars are telling me milk is the preferred beverage of your future nemesis.

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Your screams echo into eternity. Has it been a hundred minutes or a hundred years?

You cannot recall, for time has come to a standstill.

Aries 3/21-4/19

There’s a movie marathon in your future, Aries. Time to break out your “Die Hard” DVD collection.

Speak while everyone’s watching Celebrity activism’s positive impact on society

By Ashton Newton Entertainment Editor Celebrity activism has always been a big deal in the world of entertainment.

Whether celebrities speak out by taking to social media or writing

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“I think it’s a positive thing because they have such a big influence, especially on young kids. If they’re able to use their platform for something good, I think it’s useful.”

Joel Haro, sophomore, education

“I think it’s a positive thing because they bring the attention they get and use it for good.”

Kailee King, sophomore, pre-nursing

“I think it can take both effects.

I’d say probably more positive if it has a positive message, because some people really look up to celebrities, maybe more than they should.

They can be a big source of power to talk to more people than a politician might have.”

Brent Sumner, sophomore, criminal justice

“I think it’s positive for society and for everybody just because they’re humans too, not just celebrities.

They have their own private lives, so they have the voice and the option to say whatever they want.”

Sergio Lopez, sophomore, criminal justice

targeted speeches for award shows, the wide audiences that popular celebrities reach make for an opportunity for their voices to make a large impact.

No matter the issue, or whether I’m for or against it, celebrities sparking up discussions is healthy for society and gets people thinking.

Celebrities speaking out about the election, both for and against President Trump, has been big in the news lately, but celebrity activism is far from a new thing.

One of the most notable examples was during the 1973 Oscars, when Marlon Brando refused to attend the ceremony or accept his award for best actor in “The Godfather” to protest the treatment of Native Americans by the film industry and at Wounded Knee.

Instead, an Apache trade member named Sacheen Littlefeather was sent

Photos by ASHTON NEWTON

By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor

to announce that he couldn’t accept the award.

Leonardo DiCaprio used his award platforms for “The Revenant” to discuss issues as well. During his speech for best actor at The Golden Globes, DiCaprio advocated for the Native Americans who live in the areas where the film was made.

“I want to share this award with all the First Nations peoples represented in this film and all the indigenous communities around the world. It is time we recognized your history and that we protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests,” said DiCaprio.

Award speeches are moments where fellow celebrities, the media and massive audiences of people all have eyes on someone, and I think bringing up a social cause that most people

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wouldn’t think of is a great thing to do while everyone is listening.

Afterwards, people take to social media voicing their opinions on what

Continued on page 12

Photo courtesy of OSCAR.GO.COM

Do you think celebrity activism is positive or negative for society and why?

CAMPUS VOICES

EDITORIAL

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

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TAIL-END

The Western Journal Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Celebrity activism Continued from page 11

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

was said. While some individuals are mean and hurtful, a lot of people honestly voice their opinions on either side of the issue. The sharing of opinions, the small dinner table debates, it’s what creates a healthy, thoughtful and intelligent society.

Numerous celebrities took to the streets for the Jan. 21 Women’s March, using their voices to reach wide audiences with information and encouragement; Scarlett Johansson, Lady Gaga and Cher were all present at the Women’s March in Washington DC. Among the celebrities present, there was also actor and comedian Nick Offerman, who took to Twitter voicing his support and sharing photos of the march.

Whether it’s marching for causes, speaking out on Twitter or dedicating an award speech to a cause, celebrity activism provokes thinking and is positive for society.

Contact the author at anewton15@wou.edu

Fabian

Continued from page 4 that were burned down.”

She left at the end of the uncommonly hot summer to face the demands of college ball.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be getting a lot of innings. I’m glad I was able to execute and have a good outcome.”

And in late April, when it came time to change the gameplan against Central Washington, the Wolves coaching staff called on the first year spin pitcher.

Her day wouldn’t last two full innings. Central Washington scored seven before she was pulled as the Wolves were dragged to a 3-9 loss.

“I think honestly it’s just that Central was a great team,” said Fabian. “Just a good hitting team.”

The setback was the lowpoint of an otherwise good season. Fabian has been at work ever since, and enters 2017 as one of the team’s starting pitchers.

“It was definitely a good starting point. I’m ready to improve on those stats. I’ll have more innings, so that’s going to be a challenge, but …” she took a pause, “I’m ready for it.”

With multiple returners, the Wolves don’t plan on backsliding at all from 2016 - and Haley Fabian certainly doesn’t.

“We gotta get a GNAC title. Gotta get Central.”

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

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