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Loud landscaping is still necessary

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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The disruptive and loud leaf blowers can be heard across campus, accompanied by complaints from irritated students. Although the early morning leaf removal is disruptive and annoying, it still serves an important purpose on campus.

Leaves and other fallen debris can pose a lot of danger to students and become campus eyesores. However, leaf blowers should be used at more student-friendly times.

Even so, it is time that students recognize the new steps campus facilities are taking to become more sustainable.

“Our grounds crew strives to begin their work around residential halls and apartments and academic quad areas after 9 a.m. during the heavy leaf season. However, sometimes it is necessary to respond quickly to immediate landscaping dangers (i.e., limbs, trees, etc.), which may require that work take place prior to 9 a.m.,” said Allison Horn, director of facilities and auxiliary services.

Emergencies being the exception, 9 a.m. is still too early to be making that much noise. Many students are still sleeping or at the very least still groggy.

A quiet, peaceful morning to enjoy the campus is just what students need to start the day off. Plus, the brightly colored fallen leaves are a beautiful sight and a staple of the autumn season.

Perhaps 11 a.m. would be a better time to break out the leaf blowers. Before this time, quieter landscaping could be done instead. This would not change productivity levels and would undoubtedly help students out.

Many who oppose leaf blowers use sustainability issues as a way to condemn the early morning disturbance. Linfield facilities is actually improving their sustainable landscaping practices, so this is no longer a reliable argument.

“Several years ago, Linfield began replacing the 2-cycle blowers with STIHL 4-cycle blowers, which are even more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL defines “low exhaust emissions” as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards. Budget permitting, we anticipate replacing the final two 2-cycle blowers this fiscal year,” Horn said.

The group continues to use leaf blowers to cover the most ground possible in the shortest time period, as well as to reduce the risk of the employees injuring themselves from performing the repetitive raking motion.

They have decided this is the best ergonomic way for employees to keep paths clear and campus safe.

 

-  The Review Editorial Board

Women should participate in No Shave November

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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As everyone knows, November just ended, as did the infamous “No Shave November.” People from all around shaved their month-long hair growth in celebration of their achievements.

The point of this month is exactly what the name entails. People are supposed to avoid shaving for the entire month starting Nov. 1.

Men everywhere become excited that they can grow out their facial hair, some ending the month resembling gnomes, Santa Claus or like they just walked out of a Western movie.

Women also participate in this month-long holiday but are looked at with disgust for allowing unnecessary hair to build up on their bodies.

There should be no standard that women cannot participate in the festivities.

Disgust is shown when women decide not to shave mostly because there is a consensus that women should not have hair in certain areas. This idea has been spread throughout society without a true explanation of why it is not acceptable for women to participate in “No Shave November.”

Everyone has an equal right to take part in the holiday, and it seems that women are discouraged from it because the wool of hair that crops up is not the ideal image of a woman.

This is only one month of not shaving; it will not be permanent. What bad can hairy legs do besides disgust?

No Shave November came from a charity event called Movember that was a contest for people to grow their mustaches in awareness of prostate cancer and other male cancers.

The event spread throughout the world and now has become something that people look forward to.

Just as men are able to help spread awareness of  female-related cancers, women should be able to do the same.

It used to be acceptable for women to not shave, but since this image is typically not acceptable in our society, No Shave November is not usually a choice.

Many women still participate but usually do so in secret or do not publicly announce that they are. Women should walk around with pride with hairy legs and armpits and not be judged.

No Shave November is a fun way to show awareness during the month and doesn’t take much effort to participate.

If a man can grow out a thick mustache and beard and still be accepted, women should be able to do the same with the hair on their bodies.

Ivanna Tucker

Sports editor

Ivanna Tucker can be reached at linfieldreviewsports@gmail.com.


Holiday gift giving can be challenging, stressful

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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It’s that time of year again, when everyone is racking their brains and rushing around to get gifts for people.

And if you’re like me, there is literally nothing worse than having to go to a crowded store to buy some bargain bin item to wrap up and give to a random family member who you’re not even Facebook friends with.

The holiday season always brings with it a few daunting questions, such as: “Who do I care enough about to fist fight a 13-year-old for the last Nintendo Wii for?”

The uncomplicated answer: close family and best friends.

The polite answer: everyone within your bloodline.

Why is it completely necessary to get an uninspired and usually poor quality gift for those family members that we only see once a year?

Wouldn’t it be more effective to save the money that you would have spent on a random cousin and instead use it for a fantastic gift to someone you actually care about?

Wouldn’t this save everyone the hassle of throwing out useless gifts like hemp candles and decorative boxes?

Just because it’s ‘tis the season of giving, it does not mean ‘tis the season of forgetting that I hate you.

If you do choose to listen to my mom and stop being a brat and get gifts for everyone you’ve ever met, another question arises.

What’s an appropriate gift for people you hardly know but share a slight biological connection with?

Is it acceptable just to email people Groupons for bikini waxes and frozen yogurt, or is that considered rude?

Or, if you decide to use your limited funds for those you care about, what’s the best way to get that someone special something special?

The Internet is always the way to go for the weak and antisocial shoppers like me (and probably you.)

First, Internet stalking is always a great way to start the gift hunt. Lots of people have Amazon wish-lists, and all you need to find is their email address.

And, who doesn’t drop unsubtle gift tips on social networking sites?

Sure, delivery fees are awful, but Internet shopping is a sure hell of a lot easier than finding a spot in the purgatory that is the mall parking lot.

You know what parents and guardians love?

Homemade things, but not poorly constructed macaroni picture frames because you’re in college and that stuff is not cute anymore.

There are dozens of sites to make photo books where you can pick photos and themes that will make your mother glad she didn’t drown you in the bathtub.

The most important thing to remember this holiday season is that everyone is going through the gifting drama.

So remember be kind when you unwrap your third pair of fuzzy socks.

Paige Jurgensen

Staff writer

Paige Jurgensen can be reached at linfieldreviewopinion@gmail.com.

Copy and paste isn’t for social networking sites

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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That “don’t always believe what you read on the Internet” saying has proved once again to be not only true but also forgotten.

Recently, my news feed has been flooded with people posting about Facebook’s new copyright rules. I think it is time to recognize the hoax and admit that we should be a little more suspicious of online content origins.

The post in question read partly as follows, “In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, comics, paintings, professional photos and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention). For commercial use of the above my written consent is needed at all times! (Anyone reading this can copy this text and paste it on their Facebook Wall. This will place them under protection of copyright laws).”

The post continued to use false facts when it went on to say, “By the present communiqué, I notify Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, disseminate, or take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents… Facebook is now an open capital entity…If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements, such as your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.”

This encouraging message is a total hoax, so don’t fall for the fancy wording and save yourself the embarrassment later.

First off, a Facebook post would make no legal difference.

Also, you are protected by copyright law no matter what. When you upload content on Facebook, you are giving the website the ability to show it.

The key word in that sentence is you. You decide what is posted and to whom, not Facebook.

There is also no such thing as a Berner Convention; there is a Berne Convention, but it is for fictitious books.

I think many people are confused since Facebook is now a publicly traded company. However, this new change is completely unrelated to their policies.

I think this is yet another perfect example of how misinformed people can be.  Once again, think before you post. Just because some fancy jargon is thrown around, doesn’t make it true.

Overall, this should be another eye opener about online content. Be proactive when you read things online. Go and search for information from reliable sources. Don’t copy and paste anything. Research and come up with your own opinions. Be creative and use your own words.

Once you are fully informed, then I strongly encourage you to use social networking sites. That is what they are for, to provide a place for free expression, just make sure you know what you are talking about.

That way you will not only be better informed for your own personal use, but also will be better representing yourself on social media.

Alyssa Townsend 

Opinion editor

Alyssa Townsend can be reached at linfieldreviewopinion@gmail.com.


Animal therapy should be used during finals

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Opinion

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Wouldn’t it be so much easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel during finals week if you had a cuddly kitten or puppy to play with?

Colleges across the country are partnering with nonprofit organizations and abused animal shelters to bring stress relief to students during those last delirious hours before final exams.

Animal therapy programs provide an area, usually the library, for students to take time out from cramming for finals to play with loving animals.

Yale Law School, University of California Irvine, Occidental College, University of Tennessee and Western Washington University are just a handful of the schools that have benefited from this creative and effective stress relief partnerships.

I think that Linfield should be the next college added to this list to experience this therapy program.

Not only would we benefit from the animals, the animals would benefit from us. Many of the organizations bring animals from shelters who do not get near enough attention, so bringing them onto a college campus filled with students who are restricted from having pets in their dorm rooms and apartment buildings would most likely result in a lot of attention.

Basically, it’s a win-win deal for students and the animals.

Indicators of stress are heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown animals are successful stress relievers for people conducting stressful tasks, such as taking finals, even more effective than friends and significant others.

And definitely more effective than pancakes and cookies that the school provides during the weeks of finals.

Don’t get me wrong, they are delicious and convenient, but also promote even more late night stress eating than is necessary.

The animals who participate in these therapy programs for college students have met certain standards, which include comfortableness and outgoingness around strangers, enjoyment of being petted and obedience. Animals in these programs are required to pass tests before beginning therapy services.

I don’t know about you, but I am in no way ready to rely on Linfield’s overpopulation of squirrels for stress relief during finals. I would much rather have a cute dog or cat to play with.

Sarah Mason

Staff writer

Sarah Mason can be reached at linfieldreviewopinion@gmail.com.


Del Rey leaves listeners lost in paradise

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Culture

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The self-proclaimed “gangsta Nancy Sinatra” releases the follow- up to her debut album, her much-anticipated EP “Paradise,” just in time for the holiday season.

With the EP’s nine tracks, “Paradise” is what you would expect from the 26-year-old singer, who shot to fame via YouTube videos.

Though I never heard Del Rey’s debut album in full, her singles, such as “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans” offer an eerie sense of what type of musician Del Rey is and strives to be. It takes a lot of guts to call yourself the “Nancy Sinatra” of our generation.

Born and raised in New York, Del Rey suffered through a tough childhood and found solace in music.

Citing Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Janis Joplin as some of her inspirations, Del Rey wanted to create music that was reminiscent of ’50s and ’60s Americana.

“Paradise” includes direct references to pop culture icons, such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe in “Body Electric” and Bruce Springsteen in “American.”

The top three tracks to check out on “Paradise” are “Ride,” “Gods & Monsters” and its closing song, “Burning Desire.”

“Ride” references Del Rey’s dark days as an adolescent, regarding her alcohol abuse, parental problems and depression.

“I don’t really wanna know what’s good for me,” Del Rey sings in “Gods & Monsters,” which may also parallel the criticism she has received since she’s been under the spotlight.

What’s intriguing about Del Rey is her ability to be a breath of fresh air for the music industry. Her voice is unique and distinguished, which allows listeners to emotionally connect to her lyrics, as well as the cinematic sound she has embodied.

With lyrical content regarding Americana, love and lust, loneliness, and suffering, Del Rey’s “Paradise” creates an atmosphere for listeners to get swept away due to her deep, sultry soulful voice. In other words, listeners will find themselves ‘lost in paradise’ and enchanted by Del Rey’s refreshing sound that the indie/pop industry is now lacking.

While “Paradise” contains some explicit content, it’s worth a listen. Del Rey takes some risks on her follow-up to “Born to Die,” and though it’s not an extreme departure from the latter, her musical experimentations are certainly appreciated.

Tune into KSLC 90.3 FM to hear Lana Del Rey: “Paradise.” You can also listen online at www.linfield.edu/kslcfm or stream the station on iTunes.

Vanessa So

Assistant Music Director

RAPEX downplays bigger issue

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Culture

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A new female condom has been created with the intention to decrease incidences of rape. It is called RAPEX. The idea is for women to wear one when they are going to be in unfamiliar areas or situations. By putting one in beforehand she is “armed” with a defense that cannot be used against her. It was designed by a retired blood technician in South Africa, the nation which has the world’s highest rate of rape.

What makes these condoms unique are the plastic spikes on the inside that point toward the back of the vagina. For this reason it is inserted with an applicator. In an incident of rape the inserted penis is caught by the spikes when the assailant pulls backward. This is extremely painful and is designed to cause enough distraction to allow the woman to escape. The condom also allows for the capture of more rapists because it can only be removed surgically. When the rapist goes to the hospital in need of the removal procedure, police can be contacted.

Like all condoms, it is a one-time use. It does prevent the exchange of fluid so it protects from STIs and HIV/AIDs. However, they have not been released to the public. The condoms would cost about 60 cents each in South Africa. This sounds inexpensive but it is not necessarily feasible for women to afford every time she might need one.

When I first heard about this condom, I thought it was a good thing. It may be able to decrease the rape numbers, something South African women are in desperate need of. But there may also be some flaws. Some women are concerned that their assailant will hurt or even kill them. The condom will be painful to the man, and it is predicted that he will be too distracted by the pain and unable to move much.

I had two concerns of my own about the condom. First, it reinforces the idea that rape is a woman’s fault by insinuating that she should be in charge of not getting raped. It may not seem like it at first but the message “don’t get raped” is larger than “don’t rape.”

My second concern is, what will prevent a rapist from inserting a foreign object into a woman’s vagina first to check for and remove the condom? Rather than making the target changing society’s ideals, it could be just a temporary fix that doesn’t address the bigger problem. It could, however, be a stepping stone for women’s safety. The outcome is uncertain, but I hope for the best.

 

Dear Bailey

Zamyatin’s novel shows down side of communism

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Culture

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“We” by Yevgeny Zamyatin combines science fiction and classical literature. In 1921, Zamyatin, a Russian native, asked the question “what would happen if Communism succeeded?” Zamyatin’s answer was numerically ordered humans living and controlled in the ‘One State.’ Zamyatin also made history by writing the first science fiction novel.

“We” is a futuristic novel that follows D-503, a brilliant engineer that had just built a rocket and his journey as he comes to terms with his diagnosis of the worst illness in the One State: a soul. D-503’s soul allows him to see his community as the oppressive, brain-washing society that it is.

The One State was a communist wonderland, where all citizens lived in literal glass houses and everyone received the same amount of food and clothes and intimate loving as everyone else, all given to the people by the ever-vigilant Benefactor. The best part of the One State: no one questions authority.

D-503 fell victim to the dangerous emotion of love with an intoxicating woman, I-330, who seduced him and introduced him to a group of rebels who had been fighting in the shadows to take down the One State. Now, D-503 has to choose between submitting to the life and civilization that he’s always known or striving for freedom.

Even if the reader is not a huge fan of science fiction literature, “We” is such an amazing piece of literary genius that it should be on everybody’s to-read list this holiday season.

An astonishing fact about “We” is that Zamyatin wrote it when Communism was still new and no one knew whether it would fail or succeed, or what it would turn into—perhaps Zamyatin’s One State. Almost immediately after its publication, “We” was declared the first novel to be banned by the Soviet censorship board. In an act of defiance, Zamyatin had his work illegally sent to Western Europe for publication, which resulted in Zamyatin’s exile from Russia after the Soviets found out.

Zamyatin wrote in a letter to Joseph Stalin, “True literature can only exist when it is created, not by diligent and reliable officials, but by madmen, hermits, heretics, dreamers, rebels and skeptics.”

Along with his impressive predictions, the reader will be sure to find Zamyatin’s characters both foreign and familiar and his storyline completely intoxicating. Zamyatin’s “We” would be the perfect holiday gift for science fiction fans and literature lovers alike.

Paige Jurgensen

Staff Writer

Linfield Chamber Orchestra holds first performance

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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One usually does not hear laughter during an orchestra concert—but Anton Belov’s performance with the Linfield Chamber Orchestra on Dec. 2 provoked more than applause from the audience. Belov sang baritone, while a collection of student and non-student musicians played classical arrangements.

Belov is a professor in the Linfield music department and typically teaches voice and music history classes.

He appeared in a few LCO concerts last year, and performs solo recitals for organizations, such as the Oregon Symphony and Tacoma Orchestra.

During the concert, Belov displayed his sense of humor by interacting with the audience and giving background information about the music they performed.

“I think he is just an incredible professor. He studied at Julliard and travels and performs all around the world, but he can still be relatable. It creates a connection with the audience,” sophomore Jessica Newton said.

Music students are not the only members of the LCO, as local musicians serve as extra numbers to create a more complete orchestra.

“It’s really cool. You learn a lot because they’re all professionals,” said junior Lauren Perch, who plays the violin in her second year involved with the LCO.

Perch says that the visiting musicians help students with their music and make the experience in the orchestra more enjoyable.

“They’re all so funny,” Perch said.

Belov shared Perch’s opinion about the musicians outside of Linfield.

“It’s great to raise the level of our performances,” Belov said.

The LCO performers dedicate a lot of time to preparing and met every night to practice from 7:30-10 p.m. the entire week before the concert. “

It takes work but it’s a lot of fun,” Perch said.

It seems the time spent preparing was not wasted, as many audience members impart positive reviews about the concert.

“I thought it was incredible. I thought it was really professional. It was technically correct, but it was also moving and evoked feelings from the audience. They went really beyond the technical carrying out of the piece, to the point of really communicating the moods of the composer,” Newton said.

Carrie Skuzeski

Senior reporter

Austria provides students with many opportunities

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
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Category: Culture

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Fisherman’s Bastion located in Budapest, Hungary.

culture1_ONLINE(From left) Junior Nick Kintop, sophomore Ariana Lipkind, junior Annika Yates and junior Kelly Carmondy stand outside of Fisherman’s Bastion located in Budapest, Hungary.
Photo courtesy of Adison Wisthoff

 

Most who have traveled abroad can tell you that learning a language is one of the hardest parts about being in a foreign country. But for those going to study abroad, it is essential to the experience. Traveling to Austria has provided Linfield students the opportunity to improve their German speaking skills, as well as the opportunity to see Europe.

“At Linfield, I would only speak German for an hour or so each day for class, but here it’s nonstop,” junior Addison Wisthoff said. “I can definitely tell my German has improved from this.”

Attending the Austro-American Institute, Wisthoff has been immersed in Austrian culture. While the classes meet the Linfield Curriculum and catalogue, Wisthoff said that they are very different in teaching style.

“I took three classes: Ethnic Diversity, Austrian Cultural History and Austrian Politics. We also take [a German class] at the University of Vienna,” Wisthoff said. “The classes are taught differently than at Linfield.

“I have gone on tours/field trips with all my institute classes. I really enjoy this aspect of school,” Wisthoff said. “We were able to learn about Gothic or baroque architecture one day and the next day we get to go see real baroque and Gothic building or learn about a Habsburg monarch, and then see where they lived and where they were buried. The time spent in class was slightly different from Linfield, in the aspect that it was primarily lecture-based with little discussion.”

Junior Angie Aguilar went to Austria during the fall of 2011 with only one year of German under her belt, which caused some difficulties adjusting to the culture.

“I was able to go through the classes alright because our professors were very patient with us,” Aguilar said. “But when I would try to speak German in stores, the salespeople would switch to English as soon as I made a mistake.

“After that happens so many times, it gets very discouraging,” Aguilar said. “Also, when I would have dinner with my host family and their friends, it was really awkward to be able to understand what they’re saying but simply not have the vocabulary to add to the conversation.”

While school in Austria has provided a more exciting learning environment, the city life has been a little shocking for Wisthoff.

“Since Austria is a strongly Christian state, nearly all the stores are closed on Sundays,” Wisthoff said. “This means that you need to plan ahead when you go grocery shopping, since the stores would be closed. The stores also close around 7:30 p.m., so that was something else to think about.”

Aguilar struggled with the conservative style of Austria in comparison to the brightly colored clothing from America.

“When I went to Austria, I had bleach-blond hair and dressed in skirts, knee high socks and hair bows, usually all in pretty bright colors,” Aguilar said. “This didn’t mesh with Vienna’s fairly conservative fashion of jeans, a button-up shirt, blazer, and scarves in dark or neutral colors.”

During his time in Austria, Wisthoff has gotten the chance to do many things he wouldn’t have expected to have the chance of doing had he not studied abroad.

“I met both the Austrian chancellor and president, I was on an Austrian national TV News Talk twice [as an audience member], and [was] able to go all over central Europe on weekend trips,” Wisthoff said. “I have been to Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Italy and Hungary. I am thankful for all these opportunities that I could have, and I would recommend others to look into the Austrian study abroad program.”

Aguilar’s favorite thing she experienced while in Austria was the connections she made with new people from different places and backgrounds.

This semester, Wisthoff and four other Linfield students are studying in Austria. While Linfield does not normally host Austrian students, they regularly have teaching assistants to help teach German, according to Marie Schmidt, assistant to the International Programs Office.

Kaylyn Peterson

Copy chief