The following are samples of my work as a reporter.
All-volunteer EMS operates in rural Oregon
Volunteers balance work, family, and emergency responsibilities
By Kaylee Tornay • For The Bulletin /
Published Oct 2, 2014 at 12:10AM
A phone call in the middle of the night is a source of dread for most people. For Renee Baker, any night of the week it could mean leaving her husband and their 5-year-old daughter for a four-hour round-trip ride to St. Charles Bend in an ambulance with a patient who lives a 40-minute drive away from her house. This followed by a return home to a blessed three hours of sleep until 6 a.m., when she gets up to go work her regular job at the local Chevron.
This is routine for a member of the volunteer EMS corps in north Lake County.
Here in Deschutes County, medical care is rarely farther than a short ambulance ride or airlift away. In less densely populated parts of the state, however, the closest medical facilities may be hours away. Because of this, rural emergency medical services have to be run smoothly, in as efficient a manner as possible.
Members of EMS units are trained to varying degrees based on their choice, from ambulance drivers through first responders and basics up to the intermediate or even paramedic level. Certification is overseen by the Oregon Health Authority and training is offered by various agencies around the state.
More than 50 years ago, one such EMS unit began operation in Christmas Valley, a community in Lake County with a population that hovers around 1,000. This unit transports patients to St. Charles Bend, approximately 95 miles northwest. However, rather than a tax-funded outfit staffed by paid professionals, what arose was a volunteer unit that has depended largely on donations and revenue from their ambulance call volume to survive.
As a result, the volunteers in Christmas Valley shoulder not only the stressful work of being first responders, but also the responsibilities of families and full-time jobs.
Take Glenna Wade, for example. When she first began as an ambulance driver, Wade had a full-time job as well as a baby at home and a second on the way. Seventeen years later, she is the training and communications officer at North Lake County EMS.
Her three jobs around the community include a part-time position at the North Lake Clinic, work on a nearby hay farm and cleaning and maintenance at the station. Her husband, Chris, in addition to working as both the greenskeeper for a nearby golf course and the fire chief for the Christmas Valley Fire Department, volunteers with ski patrol at Lakeview and alongside Glenna as an EMT. Through all of this, the pair has also managed to raise three children, who have been involved at the station since they were young by helping out with trainings, or in the case of their oldest son, by receiving his own first responder certification.
Even though the volunteers do try to have backup for care for their pets and families, “you raise self-sufficient children,” Wade says. There’s pride in her voice.
The lifestyle
North Lake EMS responds to approximately 125 calls from the Lakeview dispatch center every year. There’s no such thing as a typical call, but as far as procedure goes, there is a general outline. Volunteers carry radios that receive the emergency signals; people are considered to be “on call” at all times. Anyone who can responds to the call, radios in and reports the level of care to which he or she has been trained. Once the EMTs reach the patient in question, it is determined whether transport to St. Charles is necessary. Communication with the hospital and AirLink is vital throughout. If it’s a cardiac or severe trauma situation, AirLink will be radioed in and immediately launch to the patient’s location. Otherwise, North Lake EMS will perform a ground transport via ambulance. The EMTs are not permitted to refuse if a patient requests hospital treatment.
The length of the commute to St. Charles is perhaps one of the most stunning aspects of the commitment of the volunteers. A seamless one-way trip could take only around two hours, but Director of North Lake EMS Sue Ingalsbe (employed full-time as a middle school math teacher) says that’s rarely the case. Especially in the winter, the drive can be closer to three or four hours, or in the case of AirLink, sometimes smoke from summer fires can make an air transport impossible. Responding to a call can mean committing to anywhere from five to 10 hours before returning to the duties of normal life.
A shortage of volunteers
Another such volunteer-run EMS unit that connects with St. Charles is based in Silver Lake. An even smaller rural community than Christmas Valley, Silver Lake is serviced by only nine volunteers. Gary Brain, the director of the combined fire and EMT department who has been trained as a paramedic, says it’s difficult to find new people to sign on to this kind of obligation.
“Some of the decline for us is the population base. The younger people are moving on and out more than they used to, ranchers are going by the wayside, the family structure is a little bit different than it was years ago,” Brain says. But, he adds, “We desperately need the help.”
Although Christmas Valley has a larger base to draw from, it too is hurting for new volunteers. Before any willing person gets out in the field, of course, he or she must be trained. Training is provided by physicians from St. Charles or in Lakeview or online, but it’s no small task in itself.
“When you’re talking six hours each commitment, 150 hours of basic training, that’s a tremendous thing to take on as a volunteer,” says Molly Wiseman, an intermediate EMT in Christmas Valley.
North Lake EMS hopes to gain more volunteers and will be holding an EMT training class at the end of October.
The life of a volunteer EMT is far from convenient. It can mean upset bosses, midnight ambulance drives in pajamas, missed Christmas dinners. Wade and Wiseman recall several years when there was a call on every single holiday. “If any of them piss me off the most, it’s the Super Bowl calls,” says Wiseman.
And yet, there is undeniable gratification that each gets from the job. “My contribution to the country is that I give my time for what I like to do and I like to help people,” says Gary Brain.
Sue Ingalsbe goes a step further:
“Most of our crew feels that this is our way of helping out our community. … I don’t think I would do it for pay. I know it would sound strange, but I know other people would say the same thing. It’s just what we do and how it is.”
http://www.bendbulletin.com/health/2436258-151/all-volunteer-ems-operates-in-rural-oregon#
The ASUO Senate may have a hard time shutting down blogs accused of bullying
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Monday, Nov. 3 at 8:25 am.
During the Oct. 22 ASUO Senate meeting, VP Miles Sisk issued a warning to the operators of the blogs that he accused of cyberbullying members of the senate: To shut them down in the next 48 hours or he would hand over the IP addresses to administration.
Now that almost two weeks have passed, it would seem that following through on this threat has proved more difficult than anyone on the senate originally planned. The exact blogs in question have not been revealed, but repeat offenders ASUO Conservative Problems and ASUO Progressive Problems – which created controversy in the ASUO last year – are suspects.
Sisk says that he was still working on obtaining the IP addresses with the help of a friend. In addition, it’s possible that the university could liaise with Google to get ahold of Google Plus accounts to identify the authors of the blogs, according to Sisk.
However, even in the event that the IP addresses are secured and the situation is brought to the attention of the Office of the Dean of Students, it may not be so easy to take the blog down. First Amendment rights give these people the freedom to post whatever opinions they hold, whether positive or negative. Chicora Martin, Assistant Dean of Students, offered some insight into what kinds of harassing behaviors would engender action on the part of the university.
“We don’t have a specific code by which we deal with cyberbullying, and online or not, we go by the same criteria. If the content is perceived as threatening either physically or emotionally, there could be formal conduct charges brought,” Martin said. She recommended a reviewal of the student code of conduct for anyone seeking clarification regarding unacceptable behavior and the potential sanctions.
Essentially, if the Senate can provide definitive corroboration that any member is being caused or threatened with physical or psychological harm, it has a case against the still-unidentified culprits. Otherwise, it seems unlikely that tracing the negative feedback to its origins will produce much progress. Presently, evidence for this kind of harassment has yet to surface.
This is not to trivialize the matter by any means. Anonymous criticism and debasement of members of ASUO does next to nothing to help the organization improve itself in any way.
Senator Andrew Lubash was among the staff that witnessed the spread of bullying comments last school year. “They contribute to a negative atmosphere and really polarize the body, not to mention the personal impact on the person that they’re talking to,” he said.
Since the allegations were first brought to light, there have been concerns expressed that the problem may, in fact, be internal; or in other words, coming from members or former members of the senate. If this is the case, Senate President Rebecca Rhodes wants to make it clear that she will not tolerate anything less than inclusiveness within the organization.
“That is not the ASUO that I’m trying to make and that’s not the Senate I want to be a part of,” Rhodes said.
For now, those responsible for the blogs continue to remain anonymous. Even if identities are revealed, it may be a far more arduous and prolonged movement to see any penalties implemented.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/11/03/the-asuo-may-have-a-hard-time-shutting-down-blogs/
Never a dull moment in University Theatre’s adaptation of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Sunday, Jun. 1 at 6:00 pm.
It’s a timeless story: blonde-haired, blue-eyed Alice falls down a rabbit hole into an anarchic netherworld that grows ever “curiouser.”
If you’re anything like me, the chaos and confusion of Wonderland was enough to make you want to lie down and take a big nap. (But then, isn’t that how Alice gets into the whole mess in the first place?) Written and directed by associate professor La Donna Forsgren, the University Theater adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland rockets the classic tale into the 21st Century with all kinds of modern-day revamps.
Forsgren began her adaptation a year and a half ago. She discovered nuances of the storyline she thought could be translated into a modern setting.
“The biggest thing I wanted to do was celebrate childhood because I think it’s one of the most amazing moments of your life and it’s so fleeting, and you don’t appreciate it until it’s gone,” Forsgren said.
Even her Queen of Hearts, played by junior Katelyn Lewis, displays certain childlike characteristics, delighting in games (which, yes, allow her to demand a lot of beheadings.) The adaptation is meant to be about children and also for children.
She also wanted to bring new boldness to Alice’s character.
“I wanted a protagonist who recognized her own strength and would not be bullied by others,” Forsgren said.
Her Alice Quivery, played by freshman Lily Anne Smith, is indeed spunky and courageous, refusing to let the bullies of Wonderland walk all over her.
The other aspect of the work that Forsgren strove to preserve was its subtle ironic nature.
“(Lewis Carroll) satirized Victorian culture: its music, its poetry and literature,” Forsgren said. “I wanted to make a parallel story incorporating what modern … children, read, watch, listen to.”
The storyline is generally consistent with that of the original work but includes all kinds of references to pop culture. That’s why you’ll witness one character give a stirring diatribe about Minecraft, listen as another recounts his experience being Catfished and hear Tweedledee and Tweedledum rap Little John.
Alice herself is innocent, perceptive and highly sympathetic as she navigates the confusing landscape of modern-day Wonderland. I was captivated as I watched her argue with the flamboyant Mad Hatter (who has a compelling proclivity for Twilight and One Direction) and gallop around in a Merida-from-Brave-esque fashion, delivering her final stirring speech. Between the colors, the costumes and the antics of the cast, the stage held my attention throughout.
This production is also special for another reason other than its content. Unlike other plays throughout the course of this year, this one will not be relegated to two weekends of performances before its retirement. Come mid-September, the show will be going on tour visiting elementary, middle and high schools across Eastern Oregon. However, it will only be performed on campus May 29, 30, 31, June 5, 6, 7, at 8 p.m., and June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free for University of Oregon students ($14 general admission), but I would encourage you to show up right at 7 to optimize your chances of getting a seat.
Because of its eye-grabbing qualities and laughs, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is not something you want to miss.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/06/01/never-a-dull-moment-in-university-theatres-adaptation-of-alices-adventures-in-wonderland/
One on the picket line: Katie Jo LaRiviere, graduate student and mother of two
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8:04 pm.
Katie Jo LaRiviere arrived on campus on Dec. 2 in the midst of the morning fog. She entered her office ready to work on her final essays for her graduate classes, but today wasn’t her typical Tuesday afternoon. Rather than teaching courses and leading discussions, she put on her coat, tied a pink scarf around her neck and pulled a knit hat over her head, in a rush to join her colleagues in front of Friendly Hall.
LaRiviere is a PhD. student in the English department. She spends her weekdays teaching writing classes and helping students. As of Tuesday, when the GTFF began striking after several mediation sessions with the University of Oregon administration failed, she joined the GTFF picket line.
“I’d rather be teaching!” Says one side of the sign.
“I love my students. Fair contract now!” Reads the other.
The GTFF has minimized their demands by meeting a decision with administration regarding salary, but struggle to find middle ground regarding paid medical and parental leave.
In the administration’s most recent offer, they agreed to occur a $150,000 emergency fund that would be administered through the graduate school. In times of medical or parental emergency, GTFs would be able to request a $1,000 fund to cover medical costs, but administration refused to outline the fund in the GTFF contract.
LaRiviere has been an employee, student, teacher and recent mother of two, working without paid leave.
“My oldest daughter was born over Thanksgiving break. I had four days including the weekend to recover from childbirth, to figure out a feeding schedule, bonding, no sleep,” LaRiviere said. “Then I came back to school, wrote two 20 page seminar papers in a week, finished grading all of my students’ work, and finally considered Christmas break to be my maternity leave.”
LaRiviere went through a similar experience with the birth of her second daughter. The birth was days before the mandatory GTF training for 2013. LaRiviere only had days left with her newborn before returning to work, and had to hire a nanny to babysit. Her and her husband didn’t have any close family or friends near Eugene.
A year later, with a one year old and a four year old, the burden is hardly lessened. But, LaRiviere said, she never expected having a family while in graduate school to be easy.
“I know that’s a challenging thing and I’m not asking for the University to pay for my childcare,” she said. “I think it’s disingenuous to say that graduate students should never be able to have children while they’re in school, that just ignores that some people have personal values that uphold family and make family a priority, even while they’re working for an academic degree.”
LaRiviere also said that leaving her students for the picket line was not an easy thing to do.
“I want them to succeed. I want to grade their papers because I know them, I know they’re amazing people. I do care about them. And in the long run, it’s for them, even if right now it doesn’t feel like it’s productive to their education.”
For four hours in 30-degree weather, LaRiviere marched on campus with her fellow GTFs on the first day of the strike, and will continue to do so as long as it continues.
“Any time that I’m not using to write or do my student work, I’ll be on the picket line, because if I’m not allowed to teach under a fair contract then I have to let my voice be heard.”
T. Mills brings to WOW Hall a night of cool hip hop beats, chaos and (a little) debauchery
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 2:00 pm.
It was a general sense of T. Mill’s music, a genuine fondness for a couple of songs, and an easy 15 dollars that brought me to his local stop on his “All I Wanna Do” tour. At just 24, T. Mills has accumulated a fan base that you could call international, but if you haven’t heard of him, you’re still in the majority. It remains difficult to explain what drew me to the LA-based rapper’s performance. If it helps, I spent most of the evening trying to figure out how to react.
The first decision was, of course, what to wear on such an excursion. My friends and I decided on little black shirts and ripped denim shorts were the name of the game.
Arrival at WOW brought me to my next source of confusion. It’s difficult with many artists to determine exactly what their target demographic is; concerts are usually somewhat of a hint. The crowd at T. Mills, though, didn’t give me much of a clue. Attendees ranged from big stoner-guys to high-school-age girls displaying intricately pierced navels in barely there shirts. (I at least had the foresight to bring a coat — who says I don’t know how to have a good time?) There were even a couple of girls who were probably around 13 years old sporting Glo-stick jewelry who you could transplant to a Justin Bieber concert and they’d fit right in.
Blackbear, a vibe-ish artist, also tatted, was the opening act. He staggered around the stage in a delightful affectation of drunkenness, thanking the crowd after every song and engaging us in enchanting banter about the weather. His music was more smooth and melodic than T. Mills; I was pretty fond it. I was mostly caught off guard by his teddy-bear lovability, though, which was even more of a stark contrast from the main act.
Things got more frenzied when T. Mills himself hit the stage. I wasn’t sure what to expect from actual hardcore fans (I don’t think my posse really counted), but I found out pretty quick: They know how to pull, shove and throw some elbows. The tallest member of the closest pack of stoner-guys whipped out a blunt five minutes in and managed to pass it to the rapper, who finished off the second song while toking on it. Needless to say, when Mills pulled people up on stage for the last song, that guy got to go. Also needless to say, he was offered more than one blunt from the crowd following that.
His performance was undeniably entertaining and he radiated player-boy confidence on the stage, but honestly, the crowd itself was distracting on more than one occasion. It’s hard to focus on the guy on stage, however tatted and attractive he is, when the girl next to you decides she suddenly HAS to get closer to the stage RIGHT NOW and the entire crowd shifts like some chaotic ocean to either oblige or deter her efforts. This was happening at a near-constant rate. At one point it culminated in a full-on girl-fight a foot away from the stage. T. Mills stopped the song and waited in mild annoyance as a slow security team attempted to wade through the mass of photo-taking teens to break up the brawl. As soon as peace was restored, he restarted the number and it was pretty much smooth sailing in the sea of people after that.
I’m not sure if it was the venue, the girl-fight, or the throng of people who flooded the stage for Mills’ last song like a Berlin squat, but the whole night left my head kind of reeling. If you’re looking to experience the brand of chaotic entertainment the “All I Wanna Do” tour can offer, T. Mills will be sticking around the Northwest for a couple more days: Portland tonight, Seattle on Feb. 27 and Vancouver, BC on Feb 28. It’s a pretty fair price for a night of what was actually really enjoyable music. If you move fast, you might not even have to fight for a ticket — though I can’t make any promises about the concert itself.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/02/26/t-mills-brings-to-wow-hall-a-night-of-cool-hip-hop-beats-chaos-and-a-little-debauchery/
Foods to get you in the mood this Valentine’s Day
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 9:30 pm.
Let’s be real: college kids can’t afford to be picky when it comes to food. We eat what we can make, pick up from a restaurant or, ideally, get for free. Valentine’s Day, however, is an occasion on which you’ll want to avoid spectacular culinary screw-ups at all costs. Mom isn’t around to cook this holiday meal, and nothing could be worse than seeing the light of passion in your beloved’s eyes falter as she takes her first bite of your pâté.
With food allergies, dietary restrictions and old-fashioned picky eaters, it’s virtually impossible for me to prescribe the perfect meal to set the mood. Luckily, though, there are a number of time-honored ingredients which are prized for their contributions to the pursuit of romance in cuisine. Even if you choose not to make use of them, you’ll have lots of fun information to entertain your dinner guest with, at least.
Aphrodisiacs are as varied as the couples that employ them. They work in an assortment of ways, some of them purely psychological. Chocolate is a great example, tracing its romantic roots back to Montezuma, who would binge on the stuff before hitting the sheets. As Delish.com reports, chocolate has no ingredient that directly relates to sexual performance; the main effect is an increase in serotonin, which basically just improves your mood (which is a great reason for us lonely hearts to also invest in it come tomorrow night). Caffeine contributes to the feel-good quality. It does nothing but wake you up, which can be easily confused with arousal, but hey, as long as it works, right?
When making dinner, consider incorporating a number of foods that have more definitive effects on the body. Olive oil is a good source of poly and monounsaturated fats, which support blood circulation and hormone production. Arugula, according to gourmetsleuth.com, has been considered an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. and “blocks environmental contaminates that can harm libido,” as reported by Reader’s Digest. The ever-evocative pomegranate also promotes blood flow. Incidentally, these three go nicely in a salad with some pecans.
What’s best for a main course is open for debate, but consider flavoring with chili peppers to fast-forward to a flush and a light sweat, as well as an increase in endorphins.
As far as things to sip on: red wine can’t really miss. For after dinner, chai features an enticing blend of spices that sets the mood beautifully … or, just keep the wine coming.
For dessert, I recommend something that’s visually appealing and not terribly filling. I’ve already sang the praises of chocolate, but alternatives include figs (suggestive imagery, yes, but they’re tasty too), cherries (chock-full of helpful vitamins and nutrients) and if you can work in whipped cream, you’ll pretty much be golden.
Obviously, what makes a Valentine’s meal special is who it’s shared with, but preparing a seductive spread truly can’t be undervalued. Food is an art, and the 14th is a perfect night to create what may be your first masterpiece. Keep in mind the words of Julia Child: “There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/02/13/foods-to-get-you-in-the-mood-this-valentines-day/
The ASUO Senate may have a hard time shutting down blogs accused of bullying
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Monday, Nov. 3 at 8:25 am.
During the Oct. 22 ASUO Senate meeting, VP Miles Sisk issued a warning to the operators of the blogs that he accused of cyberbullying members of the senate: To shut them down in the next 48 hours or he would hand over the IP addresses to administration.
Now that almost two weeks have passed, it would seem that following through on this threat has proved more difficult than anyone on the senate originally planned. The exact blogs in question have not been revealed, but repeat offenders ASUO Conservative Problems and ASUO Progressive Problems – which created controversy in the ASUO last year – are suspects.
Sisk says that he was still working on obtaining the IP addresses with the help of a friend. In addition, it’s possible that the university could liaise with Google to get ahold of Google Plus accounts to identify the authors of the blogs, according to Sisk.
However, even in the event that the IP addresses are secured and the situation is brought to the attention of the Office of the Dean of Students, it may not be so easy to take the blog down. First Amendment rights give these people the freedom to post whatever opinions they hold, whether positive or negative. Chicora Martin, Assistant Dean of Students, offered some insight into what kinds of harassing behaviors would engender action on the part of the university.
“We don’t have a specific code by which we deal with cyberbullying, and online or not, we go by the same criteria. If the content is perceived as threatening either physically or emotionally, there could be formal conduct charges brought,” Martin said. She recommended a reviewal of the student code of conduct for anyone seeking clarification regarding unacceptable behavior and the potential sanctions.
Essentially, if the Senate can provide definitive corroboration that any member is being caused or threatened with physical or psychological harm, it has a case against the still-unidentified culprits. Otherwise, it seems unlikely that tracing the negative feedback to its origins will produce much progress. Presently, evidence for this kind of harassment has yet to surface.
This is not to trivialize the matter by any means. Anonymous criticism and debasement of members of ASUO does next to nothing to help the organization improve itself in any way.
Senator Andrew Lubash was among the staff that witnessed the spread of bullying comments last school year. “They contribute to a negative atmosphere and really polarize the body, not to mention the personal impact on the person that they’re talking to,” he said.
Since the allegations were first brought to light, there have been concerns expressed that the problem may, in fact, be internal; or in other words, coming from members or former members of the senate. If this is the case, Senate President Rebecca Rhodes wants to make it clear that she will not tolerate anything less than inclusiveness within the organization.
“That is not the ASUO that I’m trying to make and that’s not the Senate I want to be a part of,” Rhodes said.
For now, those responsible for the blogs continue to remain anonymous. Even if identities are revealed, it may be a far more arduous and prolonged movement to see any penalties implemented.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/11/03/the-asuo-may-have-a-hard-time-shutting-down-blogs/
University Theatre’s ‘Landscape of the Body’ mixes American disillusionment, humor and 1970s porn
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Monday, Jan. 27 at 4:00 pm.
You may think there’s no chance you could ever identify with a porn star from Maine who gets killed in a bike accident. But a jaunt to see the University Theatre’s production of “Landscape of the Body” might change your mind. Filled with illicit sexual encounters, the least cheesy musical numbers you could hope for and enough death to keep a sadist happy, “Landscape of the Body” will make you laugh nervously one moment, ponder the nature of existence the next and cause you bewilderment more than once.
The narrator is Rosalie, a New York City travel agent living the good life: snorting coke in her apartment, sleeping with her boss and making porno’s in her spare time. She’s killed in an accident, however, shortly after her sister Betty shows up to try to bring her back to their Maine hometown. Rosalie, played by UO student Anne Lupi, accompanies us as we witness Betty taking over the various city-girl roles of her late sister’s life, eventually winding up accused of her own son’s murder.
“Landscape of the Body” is categorized as a “play with music,” which basically means Rosalie enters sporadically and performs a brief song related to what’s happening in the play. Although this may sound suspiciously like a musical to theatre-rookies, director Jean Sidden pointed out the difference.
“I think of Rosalie like a Greek chorus, commenting on the action of the play,” Sidden said. If that doesn’t clear things up, just take my word for it: it’s not a musical.
The characters, despite inclinations toward various disturbing elements (if you’re uncomfortable with talk about golden showers, plug your ears for most of the second scene), have a relatable charm to them. When we’re introduced to Betty, played by UO student Rebecca Lee, she’s under police investigation. She’s harsh and angry about her son’s death and — honestly — less than likable. However, through flashback, we develop an affinity with her as we witness her descent from folksy single mother frustrated with her monotonous life to hardened city woman living an often-idealized life that leaves her just as dissatisfied.
Rosalie is enchanting with a saucy, Mae West-y persona that commands attention. Lupi describes her as “a big person, essentially.” Being dead is the best thing ever, she says. Yet, as we listen to her recounting events in the living world, there are clear indications of a longing for life. Running themes include feelings of belonging nowhere and disillusionment with the intangible American Dream. In the words of Sidden, “the All-American, clean-cut, Currier-and-Ives atmosphere [is] just shattered in Landscape.”
All in all, the play strikes a satisfying balance between bizarre (when Rosalie recounts a sex scene she filmed with a man in a gorilla suit), humorous (the sleazy boss who wears a gold-lamé evening gown because he thinks that’s what successful Americans do) and downright gut-wrenching (watching the relationship between Betty and her son disintegrate the longer they stay in the city). Far from a pro-America production, Landscape of the Body will definitely cause you to rethink the much-lauded national idea of aspiration—or at least, make you want to investigate 1970s porn.
“Landscape of the Body” will be showing in the Hope Theatre this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., along with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. The show is free for UO students.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/01/27/university-theatres-landscape-of-the-body-mixes-american-disillusionment-humor-and-1970s-porn/
UO Swing Nights put the swing back in Eugene
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 pm.
Surely I’m not the only one who feels disillusioned with the forms of dance that have come to represent our generation. Now I’m not going to lie and say I haven’t busted out a (flawlessly executed, of course) Cat Daddy on the dance floor when I’ve been feeling it, but I can’t really say I’ve felt any creative satisfaction from doing so. I won’t even address twerking.
There is a group on campus, however, that celebrates dance as it used to be: big band music, two people dancing with — rather than on — each other, and etiquette about asking for a dance.
Every Monday, UO Swing Nights happen in Lawrence 166. Started this year by sophomores Mateo Palfreman and Nika Jin, the events are composed of an hour-long lesson at 7:30 p.m., and a social dance from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The dances draw about 20 people, all of whom look like they’re having a hell of a good time. Even if you’ve never danced swing and “Suit and Tie” is the closest you come to listening to jazz, if you’re interested, you’re welcome.
The living testaments to the speed with which one can pick up the art form are the club founders themselves. Though today they swing around the Lawrence floor effortlessly, both students started dancing only this past year.
“I started dancing because last year they had free swing lessons in the Buzz and one night I was walking by and saw it and I thought ‘That looks cool’ and I didn’t have anything to do on a Wednesday night!” Nika Jin said in a phone interview. “They don’t have that anymore and Mateo and I missed it so we started the club this year … It was really surprising because I never thought I’d be a swing dancer.”
Even as a seasoned dancer, Jin sympathizes with the trepidation people feel about approaching the dance floor. “I know exactly what people feel about asking someone to dance. The biggest thing is to just have fun … With swing dance, it’s pretty much half about the dancing, half about the social experience. We want to make sure people are having a good time being there as well as dancing.”
Both Palfreman and Jin are clearly passionate about swing, as evidenced when they explained to me why their club is valuable to the UO campus. “It’s basically my favorite thing to do,” Palfreman said. Jin’s excitement was obvious as she communicates her vision: “I have an image of … this speakeasy, Charleston era image in my mind. In Corvallis they have dancing every week and it’s tied to the university … and I would like for Eugene to start looking like that. In a general sense I would love for swing dancing to blossom in Eugene.”
As far as tangible ambitions go, UO Swing Nights hopes to achieve club status with ASUO funding in future years, no easy task to be sure. Palfreman also told me of the goal to get a live band for Monday nights. “Live music and this dance go hand in hand. It’s how it’s meant to be.”
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/02/11/uo-swing-nights-put-the-swing-back-in-eugene/
Volunteers balance work, family, and emergency responsibilities
By Kaylee Tornay • For The Bulletin /
Published Oct 2, 2014 at 12:10AM
A phone call in the middle of the night is a source of dread for most people. For Renee Baker, any night of the week it could mean leaving her husband and their 5-year-old daughter for a four-hour round-trip ride to St. Charles Bend in an ambulance with a patient who lives a 40-minute drive away from her house. This followed by a return home to a blessed three hours of sleep until 6 a.m., when she gets up to go work her regular job at the local Chevron.
This is routine for a member of the volunteer EMS corps in north Lake County.
Here in Deschutes County, medical care is rarely farther than a short ambulance ride or airlift away. In less densely populated parts of the state, however, the closest medical facilities may be hours away. Because of this, rural emergency medical services have to be run smoothly, in as efficient a manner as possible.
Members of EMS units are trained to varying degrees based on their choice, from ambulance drivers through first responders and basics up to the intermediate or even paramedic level. Certification is overseen by the Oregon Health Authority and training is offered by various agencies around the state.
More than 50 years ago, one such EMS unit began operation in Christmas Valley, a community in Lake County with a population that hovers around 1,000. This unit transports patients to St. Charles Bend, approximately 95 miles northwest. However, rather than a tax-funded outfit staffed by paid professionals, what arose was a volunteer unit that has depended largely on donations and revenue from their ambulance call volume to survive.
As a result, the volunteers in Christmas Valley shoulder not only the stressful work of being first responders, but also the responsibilities of families and full-time jobs.
Take Glenna Wade, for example. When she first began as an ambulance driver, Wade had a full-time job as well as a baby at home and a second on the way. Seventeen years later, she is the training and communications officer at North Lake County EMS.
Her three jobs around the community include a part-time position at the North Lake Clinic, work on a nearby hay farm and cleaning and maintenance at the station. Her husband, Chris, in addition to working as both the greenskeeper for a nearby golf course and the fire chief for the Christmas Valley Fire Department, volunteers with ski patrol at Lakeview and alongside Glenna as an EMT. Through all of this, the pair has also managed to raise three children, who have been involved at the station since they were young by helping out with trainings, or in the case of their oldest son, by receiving his own first responder certification.
Even though the volunteers do try to have backup for care for their pets and families, “you raise self-sufficient children,” Wade says. There’s pride in her voice.
The lifestyle
North Lake EMS responds to approximately 125 calls from the Lakeview dispatch center every year. There’s no such thing as a typical call, but as far as procedure goes, there is a general outline. Volunteers carry radios that receive the emergency signals; people are considered to be “on call” at all times. Anyone who can responds to the call, radios in and reports the level of care to which he or she has been trained. Once the EMTs reach the patient in question, it is determined whether transport to St. Charles is necessary. Communication with the hospital and AirLink is vital throughout. If it’s a cardiac or severe trauma situation, AirLink will be radioed in and immediately launch to the patient’s location. Otherwise, North Lake EMS will perform a ground transport via ambulance. The EMTs are not permitted to refuse if a patient requests hospital treatment.
The length of the commute to St. Charles is perhaps one of the most stunning aspects of the commitment of the volunteers. A seamless one-way trip could take only around two hours, but Director of North Lake EMS Sue Ingalsbe (employed full-time as a middle school math teacher) says that’s rarely the case. Especially in the winter, the drive can be closer to three or four hours, or in the case of AirLink, sometimes smoke from summer fires can make an air transport impossible. Responding to a call can mean committing to anywhere from five to 10 hours before returning to the duties of normal life.
A shortage of volunteers
Another such volunteer-run EMS unit that connects with St. Charles is based in Silver Lake. An even smaller rural community than Christmas Valley, Silver Lake is serviced by only nine volunteers. Gary Brain, the director of the combined fire and EMT department who has been trained as a paramedic, says it’s difficult to find new people to sign on to this kind of obligation.
“Some of the decline for us is the population base. The younger people are moving on and out more than they used to, ranchers are going by the wayside, the family structure is a little bit different than it was years ago,” Brain says. But, he adds, “We desperately need the help.”
Although Christmas Valley has a larger base to draw from, it too is hurting for new volunteers. Before any willing person gets out in the field, of course, he or she must be trained. Training is provided by physicians from St. Charles or in Lakeview or online, but it’s no small task in itself.
“When you’re talking six hours each commitment, 150 hours of basic training, that’s a tremendous thing to take on as a volunteer,” says Molly Wiseman, an intermediate EMT in Christmas Valley.
North Lake EMS hopes to gain more volunteers and will be holding an EMT training class at the end of October.
The life of a volunteer EMT is far from convenient. It can mean upset bosses, midnight ambulance drives in pajamas, missed Christmas dinners. Wade and Wiseman recall several years when there was a call on every single holiday. “If any of them piss me off the most, it’s the Super Bowl calls,” says Wiseman.
And yet, there is undeniable gratification that each gets from the job. “My contribution to the country is that I give my time for what I like to do and I like to help people,” says Gary Brain.
Sue Ingalsbe goes a step further:
“Most of our crew feels that this is our way of helping out our community. … I don’t think I would do it for pay. I know it would sound strange, but I know other people would say the same thing. It’s just what we do and how it is.”
http://www.bendbulletin.com/health/2436258-151/all-volunteer-ems-operates-in-rural-oregon#
The ASUO Senate may have a hard time shutting down blogs accused of bullying
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Monday, Nov. 3 at 8:25 am.
During the Oct. 22 ASUO Senate meeting, VP Miles Sisk issued a warning to the operators of the blogs that he accused of cyberbullying members of the senate: To shut them down in the next 48 hours or he would hand over the IP addresses to administration.
Now that almost two weeks have passed, it would seem that following through on this threat has proved more difficult than anyone on the senate originally planned. The exact blogs in question have not been revealed, but repeat offenders ASUO Conservative Problems and ASUO Progressive Problems – which created controversy in the ASUO last year – are suspects.
Sisk says that he was still working on obtaining the IP addresses with the help of a friend. In addition, it’s possible that the university could liaise with Google to get ahold of Google Plus accounts to identify the authors of the blogs, according to Sisk.
However, even in the event that the IP addresses are secured and the situation is brought to the attention of the Office of the Dean of Students, it may not be so easy to take the blog down. First Amendment rights give these people the freedom to post whatever opinions they hold, whether positive or negative. Chicora Martin, Assistant Dean of Students, offered some insight into what kinds of harassing behaviors would engender action on the part of the university.
“We don’t have a specific code by which we deal with cyberbullying, and online or not, we go by the same criteria. If the content is perceived as threatening either physically or emotionally, there could be formal conduct charges brought,” Martin said. She recommended a reviewal of the student code of conduct for anyone seeking clarification regarding unacceptable behavior and the potential sanctions.
Essentially, if the Senate can provide definitive corroboration that any member is being caused or threatened with physical or psychological harm, it has a case against the still-unidentified culprits. Otherwise, it seems unlikely that tracing the negative feedback to its origins will produce much progress. Presently, evidence for this kind of harassment has yet to surface.
This is not to trivialize the matter by any means. Anonymous criticism and debasement of members of ASUO does next to nothing to help the organization improve itself in any way.
Senator Andrew Lubash was among the staff that witnessed the spread of bullying comments last school year. “They contribute to a negative atmosphere and really polarize the body, not to mention the personal impact on the person that they’re talking to,” he said.
Since the allegations were first brought to light, there have been concerns expressed that the problem may, in fact, be internal; or in other words, coming from members or former members of the senate. If this is the case, Senate President Rebecca Rhodes wants to make it clear that she will not tolerate anything less than inclusiveness within the organization.
“That is not the ASUO that I’m trying to make and that’s not the Senate I want to be a part of,” Rhodes said.
For now, those responsible for the blogs continue to remain anonymous. Even if identities are revealed, it may be a far more arduous and prolonged movement to see any penalties implemented.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/11/03/the-asuo-may-have-a-hard-time-shutting-down-blogs/
Never a dull moment in University Theatre’s adaptation of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Sunday, Jun. 1 at 6:00 pm.
It’s a timeless story: blonde-haired, blue-eyed Alice falls down a rabbit hole into an anarchic netherworld that grows ever “curiouser.”
If you’re anything like me, the chaos and confusion of Wonderland was enough to make you want to lie down and take a big nap. (But then, isn’t that how Alice gets into the whole mess in the first place?) Written and directed by associate professor La Donna Forsgren, the University Theater adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland rockets the classic tale into the 21st Century with all kinds of modern-day revamps.
Forsgren began her adaptation a year and a half ago. She discovered nuances of the storyline she thought could be translated into a modern setting.
“The biggest thing I wanted to do was celebrate childhood because I think it’s one of the most amazing moments of your life and it’s so fleeting, and you don’t appreciate it until it’s gone,” Forsgren said.
Even her Queen of Hearts, played by junior Katelyn Lewis, displays certain childlike characteristics, delighting in games (which, yes, allow her to demand a lot of beheadings.) The adaptation is meant to be about children and also for children.
She also wanted to bring new boldness to Alice’s character.
“I wanted a protagonist who recognized her own strength and would not be bullied by others,” Forsgren said.
Her Alice Quivery, played by freshman Lily Anne Smith, is indeed spunky and courageous, refusing to let the bullies of Wonderland walk all over her.
The other aspect of the work that Forsgren strove to preserve was its subtle ironic nature.
“(Lewis Carroll) satirized Victorian culture: its music, its poetry and literature,” Forsgren said. “I wanted to make a parallel story incorporating what modern … children, read, watch, listen to.”
The storyline is generally consistent with that of the original work but includes all kinds of references to pop culture. That’s why you’ll witness one character give a stirring diatribe about Minecraft, listen as another recounts his experience being Catfished and hear Tweedledee and Tweedledum rap Little John.
Alice herself is innocent, perceptive and highly sympathetic as she navigates the confusing landscape of modern-day Wonderland. I was captivated as I watched her argue with the flamboyant Mad Hatter (who has a compelling proclivity for Twilight and One Direction) and gallop around in a Merida-from-Brave-esque fashion, delivering her final stirring speech. Between the colors, the costumes and the antics of the cast, the stage held my attention throughout.
This production is also special for another reason other than its content. Unlike other plays throughout the course of this year, this one will not be relegated to two weekends of performances before its retirement. Come mid-September, the show will be going on tour visiting elementary, middle and high schools across Eastern Oregon. However, it will only be performed on campus May 29, 30, 31, June 5, 6, 7, at 8 p.m., and June 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free for University of Oregon students ($14 general admission), but I would encourage you to show up right at 7 to optimize your chances of getting a seat.
Because of its eye-grabbing qualities and laughs, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is not something you want to miss.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/06/01/never-a-dull-moment-in-university-theatres-adaptation-of-alices-adventures-in-wonderland/
One on the picket line: Katie Jo LaRiviere, graduate student and mother of two
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8:04 pm.
Katie Jo LaRiviere arrived on campus on Dec. 2 in the midst of the morning fog. She entered her office ready to work on her final essays for her graduate classes, but today wasn’t her typical Tuesday afternoon. Rather than teaching courses and leading discussions, she put on her coat, tied a pink scarf around her neck and pulled a knit hat over her head, in a rush to join her colleagues in front of Friendly Hall.
LaRiviere is a PhD. student in the English department. She spends her weekdays teaching writing classes and helping students. As of Tuesday, when the GTFF began striking after several mediation sessions with the University of Oregon administration failed, she joined the GTFF picket line.
“I’d rather be teaching!” Says one side of the sign.
“I love my students. Fair contract now!” Reads the other.
The GTFF has minimized their demands by meeting a decision with administration regarding salary, but struggle to find middle ground regarding paid medical and parental leave.
In the administration’s most recent offer, they agreed to occur a $150,000 emergency fund that would be administered through the graduate school. In times of medical or parental emergency, GTFs would be able to request a $1,000 fund to cover medical costs, but administration refused to outline the fund in the GTFF contract.
LaRiviere has been an employee, student, teacher and recent mother of two, working without paid leave.
“My oldest daughter was born over Thanksgiving break. I had four days including the weekend to recover from childbirth, to figure out a feeding schedule, bonding, no sleep,” LaRiviere said. “Then I came back to school, wrote two 20 page seminar papers in a week, finished grading all of my students’ work, and finally considered Christmas break to be my maternity leave.”
LaRiviere went through a similar experience with the birth of her second daughter. The birth was days before the mandatory GTF training for 2013. LaRiviere only had days left with her newborn before returning to work, and had to hire a nanny to babysit. Her and her husband didn’t have any close family or friends near Eugene.
A year later, with a one year old and a four year old, the burden is hardly lessened. But, LaRiviere said, she never expected having a family while in graduate school to be easy.
“I know that’s a challenging thing and I’m not asking for the University to pay for my childcare,” she said. “I think it’s disingenuous to say that graduate students should never be able to have children while they’re in school, that just ignores that some people have personal values that uphold family and make family a priority, even while they’re working for an academic degree.”
LaRiviere also said that leaving her students for the picket line was not an easy thing to do.
“I want them to succeed. I want to grade their papers because I know them, I know they’re amazing people. I do care about them. And in the long run, it’s for them, even if right now it doesn’t feel like it’s productive to their education.”
For four hours in 30-degree weather, LaRiviere marched on campus with her fellow GTFs on the first day of the strike, and will continue to do so as long as it continues.
“Any time that I’m not using to write or do my student work, I’ll be on the picket line, because if I’m not allowed to teach under a fair contract then I have to let my voice be heard.”
T. Mills brings to WOW Hall a night of cool hip hop beats, chaos and (a little) debauchery
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 2:00 pm.
It was a general sense of T. Mill’s music, a genuine fondness for a couple of songs, and an easy 15 dollars that brought me to his local stop on his “All I Wanna Do” tour. At just 24, T. Mills has accumulated a fan base that you could call international, but if you haven’t heard of him, you’re still in the majority. It remains difficult to explain what drew me to the LA-based rapper’s performance. If it helps, I spent most of the evening trying to figure out how to react.
The first decision was, of course, what to wear on such an excursion. My friends and I decided on little black shirts and ripped denim shorts were the name of the game.
Arrival at WOW brought me to my next source of confusion. It’s difficult with many artists to determine exactly what their target demographic is; concerts are usually somewhat of a hint. The crowd at T. Mills, though, didn’t give me much of a clue. Attendees ranged from big stoner-guys to high-school-age girls displaying intricately pierced navels in barely there shirts. (I at least had the foresight to bring a coat — who says I don’t know how to have a good time?) There were even a couple of girls who were probably around 13 years old sporting Glo-stick jewelry who you could transplant to a Justin Bieber concert and they’d fit right in.
Blackbear, a vibe-ish artist, also tatted, was the opening act. He staggered around the stage in a delightful affectation of drunkenness, thanking the crowd after every song and engaging us in enchanting banter about the weather. His music was more smooth and melodic than T. Mills; I was pretty fond it. I was mostly caught off guard by his teddy-bear lovability, though, which was even more of a stark contrast from the main act.
Things got more frenzied when T. Mills himself hit the stage. I wasn’t sure what to expect from actual hardcore fans (I don’t think my posse really counted), but I found out pretty quick: They know how to pull, shove and throw some elbows. The tallest member of the closest pack of stoner-guys whipped out a blunt five minutes in and managed to pass it to the rapper, who finished off the second song while toking on it. Needless to say, when Mills pulled people up on stage for the last song, that guy got to go. Also needless to say, he was offered more than one blunt from the crowd following that.
His performance was undeniably entertaining and he radiated player-boy confidence on the stage, but honestly, the crowd itself was distracting on more than one occasion. It’s hard to focus on the guy on stage, however tatted and attractive he is, when the girl next to you decides she suddenly HAS to get closer to the stage RIGHT NOW and the entire crowd shifts like some chaotic ocean to either oblige or deter her efforts. This was happening at a near-constant rate. At one point it culminated in a full-on girl-fight a foot away from the stage. T. Mills stopped the song and waited in mild annoyance as a slow security team attempted to wade through the mass of photo-taking teens to break up the brawl. As soon as peace was restored, he restarted the number and it was pretty much smooth sailing in the sea of people after that.
I’m not sure if it was the venue, the girl-fight, or the throng of people who flooded the stage for Mills’ last song like a Berlin squat, but the whole night left my head kind of reeling. If you’re looking to experience the brand of chaotic entertainment the “All I Wanna Do” tour can offer, T. Mills will be sticking around the Northwest for a couple more days: Portland tonight, Seattle on Feb. 27 and Vancouver, BC on Feb 28. It’s a pretty fair price for a night of what was actually really enjoyable music. If you move fast, you might not even have to fight for a ticket — though I can’t make any promises about the concert itself.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/02/26/t-mills-brings-to-wow-hall-a-night-of-cool-hip-hop-beats-chaos-and-a-little-debauchery/
Foods to get you in the mood this Valentine’s Day
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 9:30 pm.
Let’s be real: college kids can’t afford to be picky when it comes to food. We eat what we can make, pick up from a restaurant or, ideally, get for free. Valentine’s Day, however, is an occasion on which you’ll want to avoid spectacular culinary screw-ups at all costs. Mom isn’t around to cook this holiday meal, and nothing could be worse than seeing the light of passion in your beloved’s eyes falter as she takes her first bite of your pâté.
With food allergies, dietary restrictions and old-fashioned picky eaters, it’s virtually impossible for me to prescribe the perfect meal to set the mood. Luckily, though, there are a number of time-honored ingredients which are prized for their contributions to the pursuit of romance in cuisine. Even if you choose not to make use of them, you’ll have lots of fun information to entertain your dinner guest with, at least.
Aphrodisiacs are as varied as the couples that employ them. They work in an assortment of ways, some of them purely psychological. Chocolate is a great example, tracing its romantic roots back to Montezuma, who would binge on the stuff before hitting the sheets. As Delish.com reports, chocolate has no ingredient that directly relates to sexual performance; the main effect is an increase in serotonin, which basically just improves your mood (which is a great reason for us lonely hearts to also invest in it come tomorrow night). Caffeine contributes to the feel-good quality. It does nothing but wake you up, which can be easily confused with arousal, but hey, as long as it works, right?
When making dinner, consider incorporating a number of foods that have more definitive effects on the body. Olive oil is a good source of poly and monounsaturated fats, which support blood circulation and hormone production. Arugula, according to gourmetsleuth.com, has been considered an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. and “blocks environmental contaminates that can harm libido,” as reported by Reader’s Digest. The ever-evocative pomegranate also promotes blood flow. Incidentally, these three go nicely in a salad with some pecans.
What’s best for a main course is open for debate, but consider flavoring with chili peppers to fast-forward to a flush and a light sweat, as well as an increase in endorphins.
As far as things to sip on: red wine can’t really miss. For after dinner, chai features an enticing blend of spices that sets the mood beautifully … or, just keep the wine coming.
For dessert, I recommend something that’s visually appealing and not terribly filling. I’ve already sang the praises of chocolate, but alternatives include figs (suggestive imagery, yes, but they’re tasty too), cherries (chock-full of helpful vitamins and nutrients) and if you can work in whipped cream, you’ll pretty much be golden.
Obviously, what makes a Valentine’s meal special is who it’s shared with, but preparing a seductive spread truly can’t be undervalued. Food is an art, and the 14th is a perfect night to create what may be your first masterpiece. Keep in mind the words of Julia Child: “There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/02/13/foods-to-get-you-in-the-mood-this-valentines-day/
The ASUO Senate may have a hard time shutting down blogs accused of bullying
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Monday, Nov. 3 at 8:25 am.
During the Oct. 22 ASUO Senate meeting, VP Miles Sisk issued a warning to the operators of the blogs that he accused of cyberbullying members of the senate: To shut them down in the next 48 hours or he would hand over the IP addresses to administration.
Now that almost two weeks have passed, it would seem that following through on this threat has proved more difficult than anyone on the senate originally planned. The exact blogs in question have not been revealed, but repeat offenders ASUO Conservative Problems and ASUO Progressive Problems – which created controversy in the ASUO last year – are suspects.
Sisk says that he was still working on obtaining the IP addresses with the help of a friend. In addition, it’s possible that the university could liaise with Google to get ahold of Google Plus accounts to identify the authors of the blogs, according to Sisk.
However, even in the event that the IP addresses are secured and the situation is brought to the attention of the Office of the Dean of Students, it may not be so easy to take the blog down. First Amendment rights give these people the freedom to post whatever opinions they hold, whether positive or negative. Chicora Martin, Assistant Dean of Students, offered some insight into what kinds of harassing behaviors would engender action on the part of the university.
“We don’t have a specific code by which we deal with cyberbullying, and online or not, we go by the same criteria. If the content is perceived as threatening either physically or emotionally, there could be formal conduct charges brought,” Martin said. She recommended a reviewal of the student code of conduct for anyone seeking clarification regarding unacceptable behavior and the potential sanctions.
Essentially, if the Senate can provide definitive corroboration that any member is being caused or threatened with physical or psychological harm, it has a case against the still-unidentified culprits. Otherwise, it seems unlikely that tracing the negative feedback to its origins will produce much progress. Presently, evidence for this kind of harassment has yet to surface.
This is not to trivialize the matter by any means. Anonymous criticism and debasement of members of ASUO does next to nothing to help the organization improve itself in any way.
Senator Andrew Lubash was among the staff that witnessed the spread of bullying comments last school year. “They contribute to a negative atmosphere and really polarize the body, not to mention the personal impact on the person that they’re talking to,” he said.
Since the allegations were first brought to light, there have been concerns expressed that the problem may, in fact, be internal; or in other words, coming from members or former members of the senate. If this is the case, Senate President Rebecca Rhodes wants to make it clear that she will not tolerate anything less than inclusiveness within the organization.
“That is not the ASUO that I’m trying to make and that’s not the Senate I want to be a part of,” Rhodes said.
For now, those responsible for the blogs continue to remain anonymous. Even if identities are revealed, it may be a far more arduous and prolonged movement to see any penalties implemented.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/11/03/the-asuo-may-have-a-hard-time-shutting-down-blogs/
University Theatre’s ‘Landscape of the Body’ mixes American disillusionment, humor and 1970s porn
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Monday, Jan. 27 at 4:00 pm.
You may think there’s no chance you could ever identify with a porn star from Maine who gets killed in a bike accident. But a jaunt to see the University Theatre’s production of “Landscape of the Body” might change your mind. Filled with illicit sexual encounters, the least cheesy musical numbers you could hope for and enough death to keep a sadist happy, “Landscape of the Body” will make you laugh nervously one moment, ponder the nature of existence the next and cause you bewilderment more than once.
The narrator is Rosalie, a New York City travel agent living the good life: snorting coke in her apartment, sleeping with her boss and making porno’s in her spare time. She’s killed in an accident, however, shortly after her sister Betty shows up to try to bring her back to their Maine hometown. Rosalie, played by UO student Anne Lupi, accompanies us as we witness Betty taking over the various city-girl roles of her late sister’s life, eventually winding up accused of her own son’s murder.
“Landscape of the Body” is categorized as a “play with music,” which basically means Rosalie enters sporadically and performs a brief song related to what’s happening in the play. Although this may sound suspiciously like a musical to theatre-rookies, director Jean Sidden pointed out the difference.
“I think of Rosalie like a Greek chorus, commenting on the action of the play,” Sidden said. If that doesn’t clear things up, just take my word for it: it’s not a musical.
The characters, despite inclinations toward various disturbing elements (if you’re uncomfortable with talk about golden showers, plug your ears for most of the second scene), have a relatable charm to them. When we’re introduced to Betty, played by UO student Rebecca Lee, she’s under police investigation. She’s harsh and angry about her son’s death and — honestly — less than likable. However, through flashback, we develop an affinity with her as we witness her descent from folksy single mother frustrated with her monotonous life to hardened city woman living an often-idealized life that leaves her just as dissatisfied.
Rosalie is enchanting with a saucy, Mae West-y persona that commands attention. Lupi describes her as “a big person, essentially.” Being dead is the best thing ever, she says. Yet, as we listen to her recounting events in the living world, there are clear indications of a longing for life. Running themes include feelings of belonging nowhere and disillusionment with the intangible American Dream. In the words of Sidden, “the All-American, clean-cut, Currier-and-Ives atmosphere [is] just shattered in Landscape.”
All in all, the play strikes a satisfying balance between bizarre (when Rosalie recounts a sex scene she filmed with a man in a gorilla suit), humorous (the sleazy boss who wears a gold-lamé evening gown because he thinks that’s what successful Americans do) and downright gut-wrenching (watching the relationship between Betty and her son disintegrate the longer they stay in the city). Far from a pro-America production, Landscape of the Body will definitely cause you to rethink the much-lauded national idea of aspiration—or at least, make you want to investigate 1970s porn.
“Landscape of the Body” will be showing in the Hope Theatre this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., along with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. The show is free for UO students.
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/01/27/university-theatres-landscape-of-the-body-mixes-american-disillusionment-humor-and-1970s-porn/
UO Swing Nights put the swing back in Eugene
Posted by Kaylee Tornay on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 pm.
Surely I’m not the only one who feels disillusioned with the forms of dance that have come to represent our generation. Now I’m not going to lie and say I haven’t busted out a (flawlessly executed, of course) Cat Daddy on the dance floor when I’ve been feeling it, but I can’t really say I’ve felt any creative satisfaction from doing so. I won’t even address twerking.
There is a group on campus, however, that celebrates dance as it used to be: big band music, two people dancing with — rather than on — each other, and etiquette about asking for a dance.
Every Monday, UO Swing Nights happen in Lawrence 166. Started this year by sophomores Mateo Palfreman and Nika Jin, the events are composed of an hour-long lesson at 7:30 p.m., and a social dance from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The dances draw about 20 people, all of whom look like they’re having a hell of a good time. Even if you’ve never danced swing and “Suit and Tie” is the closest you come to listening to jazz, if you’re interested, you’re welcome.
The living testaments to the speed with which one can pick up the art form are the club founders themselves. Though today they swing around the Lawrence floor effortlessly, both students started dancing only this past year.
“I started dancing because last year they had free swing lessons in the Buzz and one night I was walking by and saw it and I thought ‘That looks cool’ and I didn’t have anything to do on a Wednesday night!” Nika Jin said in a phone interview. “They don’t have that anymore and Mateo and I missed it so we started the club this year … It was really surprising because I never thought I’d be a swing dancer.”
Even as a seasoned dancer, Jin sympathizes with the trepidation people feel about approaching the dance floor. “I know exactly what people feel about asking someone to dance. The biggest thing is to just have fun … With swing dance, it’s pretty much half about the dancing, half about the social experience. We want to make sure people are having a good time being there as well as dancing.”
Both Palfreman and Jin are clearly passionate about swing, as evidenced when they explained to me why their club is valuable to the UO campus. “It’s basically my favorite thing to do,” Palfreman said. Jin’s excitement was obvious as she communicates her vision: “I have an image of … this speakeasy, Charleston era image in my mind. In Corvallis they have dancing every week and it’s tied to the university … and I would like for Eugene to start looking like that. In a general sense I would love for swing dancing to blossom in Eugene.”
As far as tangible ambitions go, UO Swing Nights hopes to achieve club status with ASUO funding in future years, no easy task to be sure. Palfreman also told me of the goal to get a live band for Monday nights. “Live music and this dance go hand in hand. It’s how it’s meant to be.”
http://dailyemerald.com/2014/02/11/uo-swing-nights-put-the-swing-back-in-eugene/