THE WESTERN
OURNAL
WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 18
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NEWS
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
Restroom locating app brings safety to all humans
Men’s basketball fights to conference playoffs
Western student self-publishes his first book
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THE WESTERN JOURNAL
345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
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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 Contact information will not be published unless requested.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.
Breaking down gender stereotypes Jade Aguilar leads community in discussion about the way gender shapes people’s lives By Jade Rayner | News Editor A small, but lively group gathered at the Lord and Schryver Conservancy in Salem on Friday, March 3, to attend one of the final installments of the Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project. “Mind the Gaps: How Gender Shapes Our Lives” a discussion led by Jade Aguilar, an associate professor of sociology at Willamette University, discussed the ways in which gender affects every aspect of people’s lives from the moment they are born. The event was centered around participation from those attending: Jade Aguilar kicked off her presentation by telling the room, “it is a conversation, so I’ll do a lot of talking but I really encourage you to jump in at any time …
so prepare to speak as well.” At times the conversation would go beyond questions about gender, and expand to discussing many other factors. In response to this, Aguilar said, “That’s what makes this both so fascinating and so complicated … we map gender on things, but sometimes it’s about size, or institutional level power … or it’s about power within families. It’s hard to unpack it all, because it’s not just one of those, it’s about a lot of things.” Aguilar pointed out the way in which everyone, even those that regard both women and men as equals, has internalized sexist thoughts. She explained this by using a study done on a baby playing with a jack-in-thebox toy as an example: “they took a baby, and dressed the baby in yellow … of course it’s a baby so you can’t tell [the gender], and they took a little
Jade Aguilar, associate professor of sociology at Willamette University
video of it, and they did the jack-in-the-box. The jack-inthe-box popped up, the baby was startled, it made out a large cry.” The video was then shown to two different classrooms; one class was told that the baby was a girl, the other a boy; both were asked to describe what the baby was feeling. Summing up the results of the experiment, Aguilar continued, “The students that thought it was a little girl were more likely to say that they thought she was scared … and the ones that thought that it was a little boy were more likely to think it was angry.” One participant added that she felt uncomfortable the first time she had a female dentist; Aguilar responded to that
explaining, “There’s no way you can’t be sexist. Even if you’re a woman and you know women can do anything. We have stereotypes, we’ve internalized them, we have a conscious bias … so you see your female and you think ‘oh, I hope she knows what she’s doing;’ it’s deep in you.” This was the last talk in the Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project schedule to take place in Salem. The next free community discussion will be “In Science We Trust?” in Stayton, Oregon on March 22 at the Stayton Public Library. For more information about the project go to oregonhumanities. org. Contact the author journalnews@wou.edu
Safe restrooms for all humans REFUGE Restrooms releases phone application to easily locate bathrooms be downloaded for free on both usage, many transgender individuals still face both verbal As explained in further detail and physical harassment simply on their website, the purpose for using the restroom. Nobody behind creating REFUGE was, should have to face that.” “one of the biggest battlefields A similar online resource, upon which the fight for Safe2Pee, was created in 2005. transgender rights is taking When the website stopped place daily are restrooms. It working in 2014, REFUGE seems that every other week a gathered their first 4,500 transgender child is made the resources from the Safe2Pee center of a national news story database and continued the because they used the restroom effort to locate safe bathrooms. assigned to the gender they REFUGE Restrooms identify with. Obviously, we continues to be a growing, believe that every transgender collaborative resource between person should have the right to the designers and users of the use the restroom they want to. application; it is encouraged However, we also realize that that users pin locations of safe despite legislative victories in restroom locations, meaning recent years regarding restroom all-gender or unspecified single-
By Jade Rayner | News Editor Android and Apple devices. At Western, there are multiple all-gender restrooms that can be found across campus. However, finding gender neutral or all-gender restrooms becomes increasingly difficult when wandering beyond campus. In 2014, REFUGE Restrooms was created “to provide restroom access for transgender, intersex and gender nonconforming individuals,” as stated on www.refugerestrooms.org. The service began as a website originally, but has recently become an application that can
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Photo by JADE RAYNER
NEWS
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Photo courtesy of REFUSERESTROOMS.ORG
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The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
stalls when they come across ones that have not already been added to the map. For more information regarding the application, and for ways to get involved visit www.refugerestrooms.org or download the application for free. Those who would like a list of all-gender restrooms at Western can find them at http://www. w ou . e du / w p / s afe z on e / on campus. Contact the author journalnews@wou.edu
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NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
ASWOU Senate meets to discuss potential changes
Sanctuary city proposal update The push to have Monmouth, Oregon declare sanctuary status begins discussion
Topics ranging from parking meters to flying drones were examined by the senate By Jade Rayner | News Editor The Associated Students of Western Oregon University held a senate meeting on Monday, March 6. The meeting went over various topics including, but not limited to, hiring senate secretary, parking meters and drone usage on-campus. A proposal to discuss a safe place on campus to fly drones was brought to the ASWOU Senate meeting because, “There is no safe place on campus for students to fly radio-controlled drones … there are at least 20 students and some faculty that would support there being a safe place on campus to fly … there are currently no guidelines for where students can fly their drones,” among other concerns. A majority of the discussion on drone usage was centered around rules that would need to be put in place for on campus drone flying. One senate member was concerned about drones
Members of the senate looking over their notes
being used for inappropriate reasons. “Even the cheapest drones that we sell at Home Depot, they have a mile radius. So it could be very easy for somebody to do something promiscuous or inappropriate with drones, which is why I’m bringing up this conversation; it’s one we need to have,” they went on to say. Near the end of the senate meeting, a request that the ASWOU Senate President Corbin Garner attend the Monmouth city council meeting on behalf of Western students was placed. Specifically the meeting taking place on Tuesday, April 4, that will be discussing whether or not to declare Monmouth a sanctuary city. Reasons for this request include “sanctuary cities are currently a pertinent topic … some WOU students may feel unsafe coming into the city of Monmouth for school … WOU is a sanctuary campus that is meant to help people feel safe and included ...
By Jade Rayner News Editor ASWOU Senate President, Corbin Garner
some WOU students have expressed their support for making Monmouth a sanctuary city” as summarized by the senate. The request was examined, but not voted on during the senate meeting. All ASWOU Senate meetings are open to students to bring up any issues, or discuss anything on their mind about Western. The ASWOU Twitter account advertised this opportunity using the hashtag #WOURantAboutIt on March 6. They can also be contacted by email at aswou@wou.edu. Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu Photos by JADE RAYNER
On Feb. 21, the proposal to make Monmouth a sanctuary city was brought to the City Council for a third time. Unlike the two previous city council meetings where the proposal for sanctuary status was met with less than two motions, and as a result further discussion was unable to take place, a promising turn of events took place for those pushing to have the proposal go into effect. This time, many members of the community were present and ready to discuss the topic. Hector Virgen-Marquez, one of the six Western students that have been working on getting the community involved with the proposal, said, “I am immensely proud at how quickly and efficiently our community is willing to mobilize for topics of this matter.” The city council decided that rather than declare sanctuary status right then, a work session will be held on March 21, which will be open to all members of the community. During this session, the details on what a sanctuary city looks like, as well as what needs to be done to follow the proper procedures will be examined. Following the work session, another city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. to discuss whether sanctuary status will be implemented in Monmouth or not; community members are welcome to attend and speak their minds during this meeting. Contact the author journalnews@wou.edu
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SPORTS
Buddy Buckets hits The Sac By Burke De Boer Sports Editor On Feb. 12, the Sacramento Kings beat the New Orleans Pelicans. Pelicans shooting guard Buddy Buckets was ejected in the first half, for the very first time in his career, for elbowing Kings All Star DeMarcus Cousins in the groin. Eight days later these two players were among the deals of a stunner of a trade between the two teams. I’ve been a huge fan of Buddy since his Oklahoma days. How could you not be? Oklahoma’s always been a football school but for three years Buddy Hield made it a basketball
school, and won every player trophy he could. Then he got drafted by New Orleans. A team called the Pelicans, with uniforms that look like a junior college team and were already busy squandering the immense talents of Kentucky legend Anthony Davis? It’s hard to get excited about New Orleans. Of course, it’s not like Sacramento was giving their own Kentucky legend the help he deserved. Since 2010, “Boogie” Cousins gave his heart and soul to the Kings without a single playoff appearance to attest to his efforts. Boogie has boot scooted. His loss, of course, is a blow to the fanbase. As Western Oregon alum and Sacarea native Declan Hertel said to me, “I haven’t followed Sacramento basketball in years, but even I knew that trade was b------t.” But now Buddy Hield is a King. Still breaking into the squad, Buddy hasn’t started a game yet. Six games off
the bench have lead to a 13.2 points per game average out of 24.5 average minutes. These are both improvements on his time in New Orleans. His 16 points against the Denver Nuggets were the difference, as the Kings won 116-100. His field goal percentage is .528, and he’s sinking .480 on his three-pointers. Sacramento owner Vivek Ranadive had his reasons for the trade. Like many before him, Ranadive has compared Hield to a young Steph Curry. “Steph Curry, he’s a different animal,” Hield told Bleacher Report. “I’m Buddy Fresh. I’m Buddy Love. I’m just me. I’m just Buddy.” If Buddy Buckets unlocks this potential in the NBA, he will explode. But for now, “just Buddy” is doing work.
Photo courtesy of NBA.NET
Dispatches from the sports desk:
Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
Buddy Hield averaged 13.2 points over his first six Sacramento games
track team dominates willamette opener
Women’s throws headline standard in first outdoor track meet By Burke De Boer Sports Editor
The Western Oregon track and field team blew out the competition in their first outdoor meet of 2017. The Willamette Opener was hosted by Willamette University. The Wolves’ men’s team topped their table with 60 points, a 24-point advantage on second place Corban. The women’s team also won their table, totaling 48 points, which was 12 points ahead of second place University of Portland. The women’s team swept all
throwing competitions. Wolves cleaned house in women’s javelin, taking the top three spots. Junior Amanda Short’s event winning distance of 148’7” was a personal best as well as fifth on the Western Oregon all time list. Junior Sheila Limas De La Cruz came in second with 139’9” and first year Halie Korff took third with 131’2.25”. Senior Rachael Huffman won the shot put with a distance of 42’1.5”, a new personal best and ninth on the Western Oregon all time list. Huffman won women’s discus with a throw of 136’3.75”. Korff came in third, her own throw recorded at 122’2”. Sophomore Alecia Falck’s 147’7.5” hammer throw took top honors. Junior Sylvia Dean came in third and Short
Wolves took top three spots in women’s javelin contest
placed fourth to add another point to the Western Oregon tally. “Our throws team opened up the outdoor season just how we anticipated,” Huffman said. “All of our throwers are chasing big marks and we are well on our way to accomplishing that. I’m personally excited for us to keep this ball rolling as we continue to move through the season/” Men’s throws saw junior Brandon Bowen win shot put with a lifetime best of 49’7’. Junior Keegan Allen, Bowen and sophomore Logan Baker took second, third and fourth at discus respectively. Keegan Allen also won the men’s hammer throw, chucking it 139’2”. Wolves runners were short staffed, as many headlining runners are
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Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM
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The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
competing in this weekend’s NCAA Indoor Track Championship in Alabama. But the runners available worked to prove how deep the talent goes on the team, consistently taking top three places. Junior Codi Blodgett won the men’s 100 meter with a time of 11.04, while first year Devon Fortier finished at 11.20 for second place. Senior Sara Madden won both women’s hurdling events, completing the 100 meter in 16.14 seconds and the 400 meter in 1:06.41. Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
SPORTS
The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
5 Photo courtesy of WOU BASEBALL TWITTER
Wolves swat Yellowjackets Baseball opens conference play with dominant show
By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor
After three completed games, baseball is undefeated in conference play
After a month of rain delays stalled the start of the season, Wolves baseball opened conference play with a double header demolition job of Montana State Billings. Wolves won the first game 9-4, with junior pitcher Brady Miller recording the win. They took the second game 3-2, with a win for senior Elias Bodella and junior Cam Walker getting a save. The games continued on March 6, where the Wolves pulled off an 8-7 win and were in the process of throttling the Yellowjackets a fourth time until snowy weather postponed the game. It will pick back up in April, with the Wolves holding a 7-0 lead in the sixth. The March 4 meet up was the first time the Wolves got to play a game since the Feb. 16 trip to San Diego. That’s a 16-day bye week. While Montana State Billings had 10 games
Men’s basketball makes last stand Wolves come close to reclaiming GNAC title By Burke De Boer Sports Editor
to warm up their season, the Wolves had only been able to play four, with the rest of their schedule canceled or postponed. The day opened with junior fielder Jacob Martinez being walked in the first at-bat and soon scoring a run off designated hitter Joey Crunkilton’s RBI double. Martinez was again walked in the third inning, and ultimately scored his second run on a sacrifice fly from junior third baseman Nyles Nygaard. Runs continued to pour in throughout the later innings. Junior second baseman Jay Leverett batted in runner Koty Fallon in the sixth, and was shortly batted in for a run of his own. The seventh inning saw Crunkilton score on a Nygaard single, and again an RBI was repaid when Nygaard was
batted in by a Leverett double. Miller’s efforts on the mound over the first six innings allowed only one run as he struck out nine Yellowjackets. Nygaard had a run and three RBIs off two hits in the game. Jay Leverett recorded the same statline. Outfielders Martinez and Brock Pradere each scored two runs off of three at-bats. “It felt a little unusual being out there at first because our season started so awkwardly,” Joey Crunkilton said. “We responded the best way we could’ve anticipated and I think we’re in a good spot going forward.” The second match of the first day was a more defensive affair. While the Yellowjackets recorded nine hits, the Wolves’ defense was able to hold them to only two runs. A Crunkilton triple in the first inning put him in scoring position,
and he was batted in by Nygaard. Sophomore first baseman Koty Fallon and sophomore catcher Justin Wakem were both ran in by first year shortstop Hunter Johnson in the sixth to clinch the 3-2 victory. The high scoring third game saw seven different players score to contribute to the 8-7 victory. “We prepared for the games the same way we’ve been doing all year,” Crunkilton said. “Our practices are high energy and competitive as we look to improve every day.” The Wolves visit Concordia this weekend for two days of double headers.
Going into the GNAC Championship Playoffs, Western Washington was the only school in the conference to be nationally ranked, taking number 15 on the NCAA’s Division II table. Though lacking the national recognition, the Western Oregon Wolves held the number three seed, and were ranked tenth overall in the western region. Junior forward Tanner Omlid’s double double of 22 points and 11 rebounds helped guide the Wolves over Montana State Billings in the first round of play on March 2. The 72-61 win over the Yellowjackets advanced the Wolves into the next day’s semifinals. The matchup against Alaska Anchorage. The number two seed Seawolves had the opening round bye and were fresh to face the Wolves. But the Wolves would prove
themselves to have the most stamina as they would ultimately seize victory at the end of three overtimes. Omlid again had a double double, with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the first GNAC tournament game to ever go to overtime. A 7-0 run from the Wolves in the middle of the third overtime proved decisive, when junior guard Ali FaruqBey put up four points and sophomore guard Malik Leaks hit a three. The seven points were the difference in a 91-84 scoreline that sent Western Oregon to the Saturday night final. The Wolves had met Western Washington twice during the regular season and were destroyed both times. But the Wolves were also the reigning champions, who had fought their way to a chance to defend their title. The game was an even balance, the
two sides changing leads a total of eight times. Junior guard Demetrius Trammell scored a career-high 33 points to help keep the game always at hand for the Wolves. The final minutes saw Western Washington take the advantage, on a run of scoring eight points while the Wolves could only put up two. A missed three-point attempt by Trammel in the final two seconds was the end of the game, and Western Washington pulled off the win, 71-69. The championship loss spelled the end of the men’s basketball season, as Western Oregon was not voted into the Division II tournament.
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Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu
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CAMPUS LIFE
The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
communication from the heart Hamersly Library presents a new exhibit: “Meeting of Hearts in Monmouth”
All photos by AMBER HOLLAND
By Paige Scofield Campus Life Editor The walls on the third floor of Hamersly Library are adorned with art and poetry from its newest exhibit entitled: “Meeting of Hearts in Monmouth.” On March 1, a reception was held for students to come partake in the viewing of the new exhibit. The exhibit will continue to be in the Hamersly Library third floor gallery until March 24. The artist of the pieces is An (Andy) Haifeng, a foreign exchange student from Guangxi Arts University in China, who is majoring in printmaking. Upon arriving in Monmouth, Haifeng met English poet Janet Avery, who moved to America from England 25 years ago, and then moved to Monmouth in hopes of being closer to the university. Avery houses foreign exchange students, including Haifeng, which is how they met. The exhibit is described as: “Meeting in Monmouth this fall, Haifeng and Avery use paintings and poems as a common ground to communicate the similarities and differences of their own cultures. The exhibit shows how they have joined their creativity to portray a shared view of the community of Monmouth, Oregon and beyond.” They found common ground through their mutual appreciation of poetry, art and culture. They soon
realized that the two art forms they worked with, poetry and art, could easily accompany and compliment one another. Each of Haifeng’s paintings were inspired by one of Avery’s poems. His paintings are created on Chinese art paper, with ink and watercolor. Each piece working with pops of color against the cream white paper. By pairing his art with Avery’s poems, it opens up a way of communication between the arts and people. The overall arc of the works is communication. Coming from China to Monmouth, Haifeng had to adjust to new surroundings, and had to find ways to communicate while he still worked on his English. He luckily met Avery and was able to find a way to connect and communicate with someone from an entirely different culture through art and poetry.
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Within the exhibit, Haifeng has a small binder filled with short chapters about his life so far here in Monmouth, and his journey to find the best way to communicate with others. He decided, “The best language should be from heart to heart.” He discusses that many artforms such as poetry, fiction, painting, song and dance, are all a language from the heart, “... but in different translations.” Haifeng believes that you first need to understand yourself and then let your, “heart language translate to other people,” Haifeng said. “So when you face the world with your heart, the world is real, the world is full of warmth and hope. When you meet a bosom friend, you are lucky.” Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
CAMPUS LIFE
By Jasmine Morrow Staff Writer On March 3, Western’s Model United Nations club hosted their annual dinner and silent auction in the Werner University Center. Using the money they raised from the auction, they payed for expenses for the club’s next trip to San Francisco. This term, the Model United Nations club was able to afford a trip to Frankfurt, Germany, where five club members were able to learn about
president. Each president of the United States has had different visions for the United Nations over the last 68 years. For example, when former President Truman made his inaugural address, he stated he wanted to put others first, while in 2017 President Trump’s vision is making America the first priority. Dr. Parayil doesn’t believe this is true. The United Nations deals with many different global challenges the world has been facing. One example of this is seen in the increasing number of refugees and trying to find safe places for them to live has been difficult. After he was done presenting, he allowed time for club members to ask questions, and he answered them gladly. After the question and answer, the students who bid the highest for the silent auction received their items to wrap up the evening.
Photo by HALEY MORRIS
United Nations club hosts annual dinner and silent auction
international studies. To start the event, Model United Nations President Sapphire Dorfman, who was one of the students who was able to go to Germany, talked about her time in Germany. She said that she was very grateful to be able to go to Germany and to meet people from around the world, as well as be exposed to different types of culture. One of the most significant moments for Sapphire was being told, “You’re really charming for an American.” She loved the idea of being able to change stereotypes of Americans and that she and her other club members got to put Western’s name out there. Once members were done discussing their trip to Germany, dinner began and a guest speaker presented. The guest speaker was Dr. Govindan Parayil of Willamette University. He discussed the relevance of United Nations in the world today. Dr. Parayil discussed what is happening with the United Nations today and what has changed over the years. He believes that 2017 is a very critical year for the United Nations now that Donald Trump has become
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Contact the author at jmorrow16@ mail.wou.edu
President Rex Fuller looks on at U.N. event
Social Science Symposium Western Professor Dean Braa discusses socialism
By Jasmine Morrow | Staff Writer Dean Braa, a professor at Western Oregon University and a socialist, ran for United States Senate in the ‘90s. On Mar. 2, Professor Braa held a Social Science Symposium to discuss socialism and how it can be helpful to the United States. Professor Braa almost got one percent of district votes, but he fell short and didn’t win. He went as far as appearing on television and the radio. With the help of his colleague Ed Dover, they both discussed why people should be socialists and how it is helpful to the community. Socialism is the belief in social rights and democratic order, as well as political rights. Socialists want to empower the public and workers in the workplace so
that entrepreneurs would benefit more. There are 2,000 companies that are owned by the workers and Socialists want more worker owned companies. The Western Europeans vote regularly for a socialist party and they have the highest standard of living.
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Pictured above: Professor Dean Braa and Ed Dover
socialist party wants the U.S. to be like that as well. People want a new alternative party that will be more progressive and socialism could be just that. It wasn’t always easy for minor political parties to be on the ballots with the
Socialism is the belief in social rights and democratic order, as well as political rights
With socialism, there would be a lot more worker ownership and public ownership to utilities. There also would be a better family wage, more job security, and not to mention free health care and education. Western Europe and Canada both have free education and free health care, and the
Photo by AMBER HOLLAND
Raising money for future travels
The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
top political parties: Democrats and Republicans. There was a petition that a large number of people had to sign so that socialists would be able to be on the ballots. When they finally got on the ballot, it was incredibly hard for them to stay on them. They needed
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one percent of the district and it was hard for them to get the resources they needed because they didn’t have as much money as Democrats and Republicans. Professor Braa stated very clearly, “Working people deserve a break.” He also said that people deserve public rights and equality. The first universities were privately owned, and when public universities opened, it was supposed to be for everyone. Dean Braa and Ed Dover shared their views about socialism in a very professional way. Contact the author at jmorrow16@ mail.wou.edu
ENTERTAINMENT
Tackling a trend of sadness Western student Ollie Bergh publishes his first book
Photo by JADE RAYNER
By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor
information about the inspiration behind “the joy you hide.” “We’re so cynical, our generation, people say ‘the millennials.’ I remember talking with someone and we were one upping each other with our lives, and I just thought that was ridiculous. There’s so much happiness we have in the world everyday, but it’s kind of ‘trendy’ in a way to be sad. So I thought I’d argue that” said Bergh. Bergh’s favorite poem, and the one where he got the book’s title from, is “our biggest fear.” “This is maybe the thing I’ve always wanted to say. It’s six lines, but it took me so long to make sure I got every word right. I just really love it. It feels to me like the expression of the book itself ” Bergh recounted.
Author Ollie Bergh holding his first book “the joy you hide“
The idea of publishing is exciting for writers, but can also be scary. Western student Ollie Bergh, a Bachelor of Fine Arts theater major, recently self published his first book, “The Joy You Hide,” a collection of poetry and a short story.
Pentacle Theater plans two exciting shows in the coming months By Kinsey Bushart Staff Writer The new theater season has begun; the next two shows to be put on by Pentacle Theater are the drama “Emma’s Child” which was originally written by Kristine Thatcher, and the rock musical “Jesus Christ, Superstar” with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
“The joy you hide” includes 21 poems and a short story called “kintsugi,” in which, taken from the book’s description, Bergh “... tackles a young tragedy like a film.” Sitting down with Bergh, I was able to get some
“The runner up would be the poem right next to it, ‘the loneliest generation,’ which for me was super fun because I got all four seasons in there and I created a form that I wanted out of nowhere. I made some rules for myself and it was a fun puzzle that came out. People really like it.” Bergh added. Bergh compiled his work into the book and published the book himself. “As soon as I got the book in my hands, I felt guilty. I cheated in a way, I feel. I haven’t gone through the gambit that a lot of young go through which is they write, write, write, write, write their whole life. For me, this has just been a hobby. I didn’t really want to go through the arduous process of going through a publisher, so I thought ‘I’ll do it myself ’” said Bergh. “What I would say to someone who wants to do it is, if someone like me can do it -
on a whim, you absolutely have every responsibility to do it. Get your writing out there, and if no one is going to publish it for you, publish it yourself ” he added. Bergh cites the inspirations for the book as our generation’s cynicism, his faith and his experience at Western. “The biggest direct influences are the people on campus and Dr. Hughes, who has helped me a lot. I think it was my freshman year, I reached out to him and said ‘hey I want to understand what makes a good poem’ and he helped me out with that. Campus itself, the people have crafted me here” said Bergh. Ollie Bergh’s book “the joy you hide” is available now on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback editions for $10. Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou. edu
Photo courtesy of PENTACLE THEATER FACEBOOK PAGE
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The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
drama, jesus and rock and roll “Emma’s Child” was originally produced at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in April of 1995 and this year will be directed by Joe Silva. According to The Statesman Journal, Silva said that “there was no doubt in his mind about taking it on,” while lead actress Laura Davis, who is playing Jean Farrell, has a personal connection to the plot of the drama. As the mother of two adopted children herself, Davis had faced various difficulties in the adoption process similar to those of her character.
The story of the play “Emma’s Child” is about a woman named Jean and the attachment she grows for the child she hopes to adopt from a woman named Emma. Over the course of the birth mother’s pregnancy, the hopeful Jean faces many difficulties in her marriage as well as her friendships. This drama about family, hardship and perseverance is one to attend when looking for hope in the future. “Jesus Christ, Superstar” is a rock musical that debuted in 1971 on Broadway. The story
Set from Pentacle’s “Addams Family” production in October
is of the retelling and detailing of Jesus Christ’s final days. The entire musical has no spoken dialogue, with a storyline loosely based on the Gospel’s accounts on Jesus’s final week. It’s chart-topping songs won Andrew Lloyd Webber the Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Composer. The Drama Desk Award is an annual award given in recognition of achievements in the theater among Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions. The musical’s cast has been
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announced and is available on Pentacle’s website, as well as its director Geri Sanders, though as of yet there is no other information from cast or crew. “Emma’s Child” is going to be at the Pentacle Theater March 3-24, and “Jesus Christ, Superstar” will begin showing April 14 to May 6. Contact the author at kbushart16@wou.edu
ENTERTAINMENT
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Review: “Logan”
Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM
Hugh Jackman ends his X-Men career on a high note
Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman reprise their iconic roles in “Logan”
The popularity of superhero movies recently in Hollywood can be traced back to the 2000 release of “X-Men.” Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and
Western brings the music Upcoming on-campus music performances By Ashton Newton Entertainment Editor With the end of term approaching, classes are starting to pick up with exams and projects. Luckily, Western’s
Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier both helped to create a beloved universe that is still around even 17 years later. Both have said that “Logan” is their last appearance in the universe, and a fitting end it is. From the very beginning, “Logan” is a much different
music department has a busy rest of the term planned with student recitals and music performances. On Thursday, March 9, Western’s music department will be holding the end of the term student recitals. This event gives the public a chance to come and see Western music students perform. The recitals start at 11 a.m. and are located in Smith Music Hall. Friday, March 10 will be the next show in the Smith Fine
superhero movie than anything done before it. It’s R rating gives it room to be dark, gritty and full of violence. The hacking and slashing that Wolverine had done in films prior is nothing compared to the full-blown decapitation and dismemberment of
“Logan.” The film takes place in 2029, in a very different and almost dystopian America. Corporations are big, even in North Dakota trees are a rare sight and mutants are mostly gone. World-building is done right in “Logan.” The dystopian aspects of the world are learned throughout, rather than forced by exposition. Logan and Professor X are the two main focuses of the movie and are both different than ever before. Logan is working as a limo driver, trying desperately to make money to provide a physically and mentally ill Professor X with medicine. These are characters that I’ve grown up with for the past 17 years. To see them in such low places in “Logan” is
difficult, but their struggles and character arcs make for an engaging movie. For Jackman and Stewart, their performances are both some of the best in the past 17 years of films. This is a superhero movie with no costumes, no heroic speeches, but instead real consequences, guilt and lots of regret. This is all shown by compelling performances from Stewart and Jackman. The film also introduces X-23, a young girl with very similar abilities to Logan, played by Dafne Keen. X-23 is the character that takes Logan and Professor X out of their everyday lives and moves the plot along. She doesn’t say much, but her presence in the
Continued on page 12
Arts Series, Orquestra Brasil events are a great way to Contact the author at with Gilberto Gil. Gil is a well unwind and take some of the journalentertainment@wou. known Brazilian musician and stress off. edu cultural icon. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is free with a Western student ID. Lastly, Western’s percussion ensemble will be performing both classic and modern works on Monday March 13 in Rice Auditorium. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is free with a student ID. With the stress of finals approaching, Western music
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Photo courtesy of WOU MUSIC DEPARTMENT
By Ashton Newton Entertainment Editor
Members of Western’s percussion ensemble
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HUMOR
The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
This week in completely made up horoscopes Compiled by Western Journal Staff Aries 3/21-4/19
Taurus 4/20-5/20
Is the 64 ounces of coffee a day you’re drinking really making you more productive, Aries?
Remember to turn your stove-light off before you go to sleep, Taurus. Do this, or you will never have a full night’s sleep again.
Gemini 5/21-6/20
Cancer 6/21-7/22
Gemini, it’s time for you to step up and be the Shrek of your friend group. You’re a rockstar.
THE HORROR OF FLESH REVEALS ITSELF TO YOU. YOU CANNOT MOVE, FOR IT IS MAGNIFICENT IN ITS GROTESQUE BEAUTY.
Leo 7/23-8/22
Virgo 8/23-9/22
Seriously, Leo, I know it’s tempting to get jacked up on Adderall during finals. Don’t.
Was it worth it, Virgo? The stars are telling me you’ve been sacrificing the temperature of your coffee for “just the right” photo.
Libra 9/23-10/22
Scorpio 10/23-11/21
It’s time to delete your “Wedding Inspo” board on Pinterest, Libra. They’re not coming back.
Scorpio, why don’t you come to your senses? You’ve been out ridin’ fences for so long now.
Sagittarius 11/22-12/21
Capricorn 12/22-1/19
Watch your step, Sagittarius. Each moment carries more meaning this week, be careful.
The stars are telling me that you’re looking pretty spiffy this week. Keep doing though, Capricorn.
Aquarius 1/20-2/18
Pisces 2/19-3/20
This week you will trip while walking through a puddle. It’s best to swim through them.
The burrito that you’re about to eat has feelings, you know? Don’t be rude.
Illustrations by ELISSA SORENSON
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EDITORIAL
Look to the stars What NASA’s TRAPPIST-1 discovery means to me By Ashton Newton Entertainment Editor I don’t want to be cliche and begin this with a “Star Trek” quote, but it’s hard not to with NASA’s announcement of the discovery of TRAPPIST-1. TRAPPIST-1 is a star 39 lightyears from Earth, and is about the size of Jupiter. It was found when scientists noticed small, recurring blips in its light. These blips were the seven
Get your head out of the clouds What NASA’s TRAPPIST-1 discovery means to me By Stephanie Blair Editor-in-Chief So, space is great and all, but no one is going to make it to the TRAPPIST-1 planets in our lifetime. Not only do we not have the technology, but the distance makes it physically impossible. Maybe it’s
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Earth-sized planets that orbit TRAPPIST-1, four of which are in the “sweet spot” in distance from the star to hold liquid water, and subsequently support life. I’m beyond excited about this discovery. Not just about the potential for liquid water and life, but because TRAPPIST-1 seems like something out of science fiction. TRAPPIST-1 is an ultra-cool star; cool as in temperature, despite my obvious opinions. The planets are so close to each other that one could stand on the surface of one and see geographical landmarks on the next. The planets don’t rotate, so one side is stuck in an eternal day while the other is stuck in darkness. Small details like this about TRAPPIST-1 seem so exotic to us, but are actually more common than what we deal
with on our own planet. Getting to TRAPPIST-1 is completely impossible with our current technology. Even the closest star to ours, Proxima Centauri, is completely unreachable at four light-years away. We don’t have the technology to reach it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an exciting discovery. Focus being put onto studying TRAPPIST-1 has not only excited me, but many others have taken to the Internet to voice their excitement as well. Already, the discovery has sparked creativity. The star’s official website, www.trappist.one, is filled with poems, short stories and artwork inspired by the discovery. Neil DeGrasse Tyson responded to the discovery by suggesting that the planets be named after the seven
dwarves. Other people on Twitter have suggested naming the planets after the seven wonders of the world or even the seven dwarves featured in “The Hobbit.” With a lot of stress in everyday life, looking to the stars and learning about breathtaking discoveries in our galaxy is a great way to take a break from the world and think about the future. It’s exciting to think about the potential discoveries that could be made in the future as our technology gets more and more advanced. TRAPPIST-1 is not only an example of how cool our galaxy is, it’s an example of how cool our technology is getting.
my deep-rooted pessimism or my penny-pinching upbringing, but I think that maintaining this planet is more important than trying to reach another planet, let alone another solar system. I’m all for excitement and hope, but shouldn’t it be placed in something tangible? Get excited about humanity reaching Mars, okay. Dream about going to the moon on a SpaceX tourism trip, sure. But spending time being excited about the possibility of reaching TRAPPIST-1 is on par with panicking about the sun’s inevitable collapse that will result in the earth being engulfed in flames. It’s just not a practical use of energy; it’s not happening in this lifetime. So, what is a practical use of
energy? Going super Al Gore on your friends. Work to lower your personal carbon footprint: grow plants, recycle, go vegetarian. Heck, join the Green Team on campus! There are so many ways to help slow, and eventually reverse, climate change, which would negate the necessity of moving humanity to another planet. Well, at least until it comes time for the great sun collapse. That’s not to say we shouldn’t work towards reaching other planets for the sake of science: I’m all for NASA checking out Mars. The keyword here is necessity; humanity shouldn’t be seeking ways to other planets because we have to, or worse, because people just didn’t want to clean up their own mess.
If a reversal remedy for cavities was found, making drilling and filling obsolete, wouldn’t you rather keep your original teeth? Think about the shift in attitude that would surround the dentist: no more dread and shame, just a nonchalant partnership to repair what’s been damaged. Why not work towards this with our planet? Especially when it’s so easy and there’s so much work to be done. Come on, y’all. I’m glad that the TRAPPIST-1 discovery has provided some with a spot of excitement in these heavy, politically charged times, but it’s too little, too soon to reasonably hold as hope.
Contact the author at anewton15@ wou.edu
Contact the author at sblair13@wou. edu
Photo courtesy of NASA.GOV
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TAIL-END Review Continued from page 9
Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM
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The Western Journal Wednesday, March 8, 2017
film is powerful. She also kicks some serious butt for a child. “Logan” is a must-see for superhero fans and casual moviegoers alike. The performances are top of the line, the story is tragic and beautiful at the same time and Jackman and Stewart end their “X-Men” careers on a high note. “Logan” is not only the best film in the “X-Men” franchise, it is one of the best superhero movies that there has been in a long time. Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu
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Todd Norton’s day starts out on a bad note when he wakes up in an alley having been mugged the night before. Though his fresh concussion prevents Todd (Burke De Boer) from remembering who cold-cocked him, he is not deterred — and now armed with a list of every person he’s ever pissed off, Todd blows his way through the Pacific Northwest University campus in a desperate search to identify the perpetrator.
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