Lewis & Clark College

The Pioneer Log: Lewis & Clark College’s Student-Run Newspaper

Volume 103, No. 4

Lewis & Clark College Student Newspaper

Pioneer Log Staff

2024-11-01

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Text; Newspaper

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Lewis & Clark College: Pioneer Log / Mossy Log

Vol. 103 No. 4 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024 www.piolog.com
Happy Halloweekend!
Don’t catch whooping cough as you
partake in this weekend’s festivities!OPINION
Professors should not fear AI
A solution to the use of generative AI
in higher education .
PAGE 4
FEATURES
The Simpsons in Portland
Discover how The Simpsons connects
Portland to its world with characters and
places rooted in local culture.
PAGE 6
ARTS
Halloween drag show slays
LC drag club Gagged drew an impressive
crowd to their Halloween show.
PAGE 8
SPORTS
Pursuing sports medicine
The athletic training room assists
students in pursuing a sports medicine
career path.
PAGE 11
By FIONA EILERS
ON OCT. 10, Students for Justice
in Palestine on Palatine Hill
(SJPPH) released a statement
claiming that at least $983,000 of Lewis
& Clark’s $327,838,737 endowment is
invested in Lockheed Martin, Northrop
Grumman and four commingled funds
associated with weapons manufacturing.
An interview with administrators has
confirmed that 0.3% of the endowment,
or approximately $983,000, was flagged
in an Aug. 31 screening for investments
in “Conventional Weapons.”
In an email statement, LC’s Director
of Public Relations Lois Leveen shared a
definition of what would result in a flag
in a Conventional Weapons screening.
“The ‘Conventional Weapons’
category of MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital
International) military weapons-related
screens includes companies involved in
the production of conventional weapons,
components for such products; or
involved indirectly through ownership
ties to companies involved in such
products, with an added threshold for
revenues >5%. This screen excludes
military uniforms and safety gear and
equipment, non-essential components of
weapons systems or platforms — items
that are commonly used in everyday
electronic and mechanical equipment
and vehicles — and support services
that are not combat or warfare oriented,
among others.”
The MSCI Conventional Weapons
screening includes any companies determined to be involved in the
production of conventional weapons
or weapons parts, as well as companies
indirectly involved through ownership
ties with other companies. This screen
flags companies that have more than
5% of their revenues from conventional
weapons or part s.
SJPPH is an anonymous, unofficial
student group whose primary mode
of communication has been through
Instagram. The endowment figures
originate from their meetings as part of
the Investment Discussions Group (IDG).
The IDG was set up by Lewis & Clark’s
administration as a part of the agreement
to end an encampment led by SJPHH
earlier this semester.
The Mo ssy Log contacted SJPPH
for comment. They provided a written
statement discussing the IDG meetings
and their efforts for disclosure and
divestment, and described their group
as a horizontal organization that
cannot be represented by one member
in an interview.
“SJPPH, along with other students
in the Investments Discussion Group,
have drafted 3 proposals to be presented
on Oct. 31 to 4 members of the Board of
Trustees. Two of these proposals center on
divestment, and one proposal centers on
disclosure,” the statement read .
The Mossy Log reached out to
clarify this figure and to discuss
LC’s endowment. An interview
with Chief Financial Officer Andrea
Dooley offered insight into the
the endowment, as well as some common misconceptions about how
it fun ctions.
“The idea that tuition dollars
are in the endowment is completely
untrue,” she said. “Every year, the
dollars that we collect from tuition
are spent in student services and
academics. They’re not invested in
the endowment.”
According to documents provided by
Dooley, around 85% of annual funding
for the College of Arts and Sciences
comes from tuition and room and
board. 8% comes from the endowment.
Dooley explained that donors, not
students, fund LC’s endowment.
“The endowment comes from donor
funds. The donor will give what we call
corpus, which is the amount of the gift.
That gift is meant to benefit the college
into perpetuity. The gift itself that they
give us isn’t spent. What’s spent is what
we can earn on that gift, and it’s spent
towards what the donor says it needs to
be earned towards,” Dooley sai d.
According to SJPPH and LC’s
official website, LC uses Cambridge
Associates, a private investment firm,
as its Chief Investment Officer. Rather
than investing in individual companies,
Cambridge places LC’s endowment in
the hands of investment managers who
are each running their own mutual and
commingle funds. These funds contain
investments in a portfolio of stocks,
bonds and other securities.
“We don’t pick companies, we don’t
buy or sell individual companies. And
a lot of these agreements have different contractual guidelines,” she said.
“We essentially sign a contract with
an investment manager for private
investment, hand over whatever our
investment amount is, and then we
aren’t able to pull that money back
until the fund ends.”
The partial disclosure of investment
in weapons manufacturers is the result
of a MSCI Business Involvement
Screening Research (BISR). MSCI, a
stock market research and analytics
company, creates the screens used by
Cambridge Associates. According to
their website, there are four kinds of
weapons screenings — Conventional
Weapons, Civilian Firearms,
Controversial Weapons and Nuclear
Weapons. SJPPH specifically requested
the results of BISR screenings for
Conventional Weapons and Civilian Firearms, and two others for Israel and
Human Rights.
While MSCI does not have a
specific Human Rights screen, the
Environmental Social and Governance
(ESG) Controversies and Global Norms
screen has been used as a proxy and is
colloquially referred to by SJPPH as a
Human Rights screen.
The results provided by
administrators align with figures
provided in an Oct. 26 SJPPH
Instagram post. The screen for Israel
flagged 0.71% of the endowment,
approximately $3.2 million. The screen
for Civilian Firearms came back as 0%
exposure. The Human Rights screen
flagged one specific company at a total
of 0.07%, or around $229,000.
“STUDENTS” continued on page 3.Endowment screen flags weapons investments
Analysis finds roughly $983,000 in Lockheed Martin, Norththrop Grumman, four other commingled funds
Ryan Jensen, Director of Dining
Services announces resignation
By ELLA R. DUNN
LEWIS & CLARK’S Director of
Dining Services of almost 7 years,
Ryan Jensen, recently finalized
his resignation from the college. He will
continue to work within Bon Appétit,
but will be relocating to George Fox
University. In his now former position
here, Jensen spent the majority of his day
engaging with the community.
“We talk about plans, issues and ideas,
and then I take that back to our team and
figure out how we can best implement
those,” said Jensen. “On a micro
level, I train and support the team to
successfully provide the myriad of food
service operations.”
This change is the effect of a recent
shift within Bon Appétit. George Fox
was left without a general manager, and
Jensen has decided to step up and use his
experience to assist.
“(Company movement) has created
an opportunity for all of us to look at
our careers and figure out what we
still haven’t done that we would like
to d o,” said Jensen. “There have been
some vacuums created. My work will be
relatively lateral, I will be at George Fox
in a similar capacity.”
Leaving the LC community he has
come to love is bittersweet for Jensen; he will miss the people he has come to know,
but is also looking forward to making the
most of his new opportunity.
“Lewis & Clark is an amazing
community, but after doing something
for as long as I have, it can be invigorating
to get into a new environment and work
on new projects,” said Jensen. “I like
and will miss the open thought and
communication that a community
that is so open to diversity and critical
thinking brings — I hope I have that at
my next location.”
His successor is Talish Barrow. Before
joining Bon Appétit’s staff, he worked
with Levy at the Moda Center, as well as
in a more traditional restaurant setting
working as an operations manager for
Chef’s Ta ble at popular restaurants such
as Lardo and Grassa.
“I have been at Moda Center for
about two years,” said Barrow. “They
were big operations, with events of up to
20,000 people all at once, so it’s a little
different but the scale of things is very
familiar. Before that, I spent my whole
career in restaurants.”
Barrow expressed his excitement in
learning more about collegiate dining
services, and already has ideas for changes
to make to LC’s dining hall experience.
“There are always going to be little
things that change, little evolutions. With any large food service operation,
a lot of it is going to be dependent on
the personnel,” said Barrow.
It is important to Barrow that we
engage with local farmers, both to support
our com munity and provide the highest
quality dining experience possible.
“One thing I am really excited
about is that it is baked into our
budget that we have to do a certain
amount of locally-sourced food,”
said Barrow. “I have worked with
dedicated farm-to-table restaurants
where we were going out to the
farms, meeting the people who made
the cheese, actually petting beautiful
highland cows. It’s something you don’t
really get an opportunity to do too much
when you’re in (a) huge stadium.”
As of Oct. 31, Jensen has concluded
his full-time schedule at LC, and
Barrow is officially the new Director
of Dining Services.
“For any of the wonderful students,
alums, staff and faculty that I’ve worked
with on and off for the past two decades,
it has been a treasure,” said Jensen.
“For anyone I didn’t get a chance to say
goodbye to, I am sorry. But I will still be
around and I will still be a resource, and
I will still come back and say hello to the
community that I feel is family after
this many years.”Student protestors display a sign calling for divestment and disclosure last semester.EMMA CLAIRE AMBROZIAK/THE MOSSY LOG
Anxiety rises on campus
with upcoming election
By EMMA CLAIRE
AMBROZIAK
WITH THE upcoming 2024 U.S.
presidential election on Nov. 5,
anxieties are rising. As a small ,
left-leaning liberal arts college in Portland,
Lewis & Clark cultivates a unique variety
of perspectives and responses with
regard to this year’s election — which are
highlighted by a series of interviews with
faculty and students.
Leilani Meshoulam Fabian ’27 shared
her experience of watching the U.S. election
unfold. Fabian, who is from Mexico City,
voted in her country’s elections this past
June. She spoke about the impact of the
U.S. presidential elections on the rest
of the world, the relief and regret of not
being able to vote in this election and her
concerns surrounding abortion access and
continued U.S. support for Israel.
This is Fabian’s first time experiencing a
U.S. presidential election unfold firsthand,
as a student whose residency, collegiate
education and future professional
opportunities will likely be impacted by the
outcome of the election.
“This is my first one. The 2020
one, I was in Mexico. It was very scary.
Everybody was very concerned about it,”
said Fabian. “Since we’re so connected to
the U.S., and everything that happens in
the U.S. affects us, we’re always like, ‘Okay, we need to be aware of what’s going on
there,’” Fabian said.
In response to a question about what
major concerns she has regarding the
upcoming election, Fabian identified
Project 2025, and subsequently abortion
access, as two pressing issues. She also
highlighted Vice President Kamala
Harris’ support of Israel and the current
administration’s lack of acknowledgment
of Palestinian victims as a major concern
of hers.
“We already know Trump has a lot
of views on Mexicans and immigrant
labor,” Fabian said. “Right now, what I’m
more concerned about, though, is Project
2025. I think Trump has been making a
lot of claims that he’s not supporting this,
but in reality, a lot of the policies that he
has passed before, or policies that he has
supported, support Project 2025.”
A major tenet of Project 2025 is
criminalizing and reducing access to
abortion, which Fabian put in dialogue
with Mexico’s recent advancements in
reproductive rights. Shortly after Roe v.
Wade was overturned in the U.S. on June
24, 2022, individual states began to enact
abortion bans to varying degrees.
“ELECTION” continued on page 3.
Read complete version of article
with full interviews at piolog.com
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
NEWS 2
Graffiti returns to campus,
takes pro-Palestine stanceEnrique Rivera speaks
on life, prison, libraries
By OLIVIA FENDRICH
ON THE MORNING of Tuesday,
Oct. 22, Lewis & Clark students
discovered graffiti on the
College of Arts and Sciences’ academic
campus. Several buildings were
vandalized with spray paint, including
the entrance to Miller facing the
Fields Center for the Visual Arts, the
first-floor entrance to the Aubrey R.
Watzek Library, the Fields Center, the
Dovecote and BoDine Hall.
Previous incidents have occurred
on and around Indigenous Peoples
Day, which is on Oct. 14, in 2021,
2022 and 2023. This year, the graffiti
appeared eight days after Indigenous
Peoples Day.
The messages this year were
exclusively focused on protesting the
Israeli military action in Gaza. This
is a contrast to last year’s messages,
which contained a mixture of political
commentary related to Indigenous
groups, denunciations of academia and
deprecation of Campus Safety.
Though some graffiti last year
referenced Palestine, the majority
of political messaging criticized the
school’s name and history, referring
to it as a “STUPID COLINIZER (sic)
SCHOOL.” This year, the graffiti did
not explicitly address Indigenous
Americans or LC’s name.
“FREE PALESTINE,” “FREE GAZA”
and “STOLEN LAND” were some of the
most prominent messages, featured
across multiple buildings.
Unlike after last year’s graffiti
incident, the administration has not
communicated directly with the student
body about the impacts of the vandalism
on campus.Director of Public Relations Lois
Leveen, speaking on behalf of the LC
administration, commented on this
year’s graffiti.
“The administration recognizes
that this vandalism is disruptive
and disturbs community members.
Sending out a campus-wide response
can seem like we are rewarding
whoever is acting out in this
malicious and hurtful way by making
them the center of attention,” Leveen
said in a statement to The Mossy
Log. “Instead, we are focusing time,
attention, and resources on more
productive and supportive efforts to
strengthen our community and fulfill
Lewis & Clark’s core mission, which
is educating the next generation of
leaders to address the challenges
facing our world today. One of those
challenges is the breakdown in civil
discourse and civic engagement,
which, unfortunately, includes this
act of vandalism.”
According to Leveen, the cost of the
physical cleanup was approximately
$6,000, but other indirect costs, such as
the additional administrative meetings
the vandalism warranted, are more
difficult to account for.
Several graffiti sentiments drew
attention to the ongoing inquiry
into the college’s investments in
companies associated with Israeli
military activity, including the recent
disclosure that at least $983,000 is
invested in arms manufacturers.
“$983,000,” read graffiti on the
Dovecote and the Albany Quadrangle.
Vice President for Student Life and
Dean of Students Evette Castillo Clark
said that the vandalism could undercut
the efforts by students to encourage the administration to divest LC’s
endowment from U.S. companies that
either have supplied Israel with military
aid or do business with or in Israel.
“I’m concerned and disappointed
that violations like this not only upset
and antagonize students, staff and
faculty, they also may undermine the
efforts of the students who are working
on bringing a proposal regarding
divestment to the Board of Trustees,”
Castillo Clark said.
Leveen noted that, strategically,
associations between the graffiti and the
efforts to divest are not favorable, even
given the fact that administration does
not know who did the graffiti.
“My understanding is, if you
are trying to persuade the Board of
Trustees or members of the Board of
Trustees to do something, vandalizing
the buildings is probably not going to
help make your case,” she said. “I’m
not assuming anything about who
vandalized the buildings, right? I don’t
know if they were people who were
Lewis and Clark students, faculty, staff,
or who just wandered onto campus.”
Dean of the College Bruce Suttmeier
said that the incident hindered the
community’s progress in discussing and
processing the ongoing conflict in the
Middle East.
“Faculty and staff have put in many
hours over many months to plan and
lead teach-ins and other events in
which members of the Lewis & Clark
community are engaging deeply and
thoughtfully around difficult history and
distressing current global events,” he
said. “Vandalizing buildings is more than
just destructive to physical buildings. It
feels destructive to what the rest of our
community is trying to do.”By KAI GODSEY
ON TUESDAY , Oct. 22, the annual
Johannah Sherrer Memorial
Lecture in Library Service
brought Enrique Rivera in to discuss
his life experiences and the important
role libraries can play in the lives of
adults in custody, or those who are
leaving custody and adjusting to a new
life. As a public safety coordinator for
Multnomah County, he has launched the
Multnomah County Justice Fellowship,
which seeks to provide voice and
representation to individuals who have
experience with incarceration.
Rivera spoke to an audience of library
professionals, students, professors and
other interested members of the public.
This year marks a departure from the
event’s previous focus on professional
audiences in an attempt to bring the
campus community together on an
interesting subject.
“We wanted to pivot this year in
the planning of the event, and, instead
of thinking of it as a professional
event for the greater community of
librarians and library workers, to have
it as something that could help bring
the campus community together,”
Associate Director of Watzek Library
Elaine Hirsch said. “With the interest
on campus in social justice, in what we
knew of (Associate Professor of History)
Reiko Hillyer’s work with the Inside Out
program, we thought that this could be a
combination that would be intriguing to
the community.”
The first half of Rivera’s lecture
told the story of his tumultuous
upbringing moving around — and
briefly outside of — the country,
leading into his adolescence, which
was punctuated by incarceration,
violence and persecution. He described
his inspiration for this lecture as
coming from his time on a panel at the
American Library Association in 2022.
Rivera’s father was an Indigenous
Mexican American and his mother was
a white Portlander. After his parents
split, he faced severe physical abuse
at the hands of his stepfather until
both his stepfather and mother were
eventually caught kidnapping him and
his siblings and moving them across
the country.
He described his experience growing
up Chicano in Salem and how faculty at
Waldo Middle School profiled his friend
group, leading to his first encounters
with law enforcement.
“Me and my friends, we were all
Mexican American, English dominant.
While the other group, they were kids of
immigrants and immigrants themselves.
And so they mainly communicate in
Spanish. But the teachers at the time
thought that we were actually two
different gangs, so they started creating
policies like, you can’t walk in groups of
four or you’ll be suspended. Our clothing
was labeled gang-related,” Rivera said.
“In my community at the time, there
was actually legitimate concerns. There
was gang activity, and it was starting to
become very violent.”
Rivera told the story of his
adolescent life as it eventually became
tangled in these violent conflicts. One
violent confrontation landed him in
Marion County Jail.
“So, I did eventually take a plea
bargain just to plead guilty. It would run
my sentences concurrently. And I did five
years and ten months at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility,” Rivera said.
“That’s basically where I fell in love with
reading. I read all of the J.D. Salinger
books. I read all of the S.E. Hinton books.
You know, we didn’t have a really good
selection, but that’s what you get.”
Rivera finished high school and
continued his education while incarcerated
through a distance education program
with Chemeketa Community College.
Distance education programs deliver
educational instruction to students who
may not be able to be physically present
in the classroom. It is particularly useful
for students experiencing incarceration,
students working full-time and students
living in remote areas. Thanks to his
uncle’s advice, one of the first resources he
sought after his release from incarceration
was the Belmont branch of the Multnomah
County Library.
“They helped me sign up for classes
at PCC (Portland Community College).
They helped me print out these resumes.
They helped me write it up too, because
I only had this one copy with a bunch of
typos. They helped me get set up. And
then I walked up and down Hawthorne
and turned in my resume, because you
could still do that in 2004,” Rivera said.
His original aspiration was to
become a teacher, but the Portland
Public Schools rejected him due to his
criminal record. Instead of teaching,
Rivera found a job at the Multnomah
County Library. There, he began to
notice gaps in the library services,
like the lack of a program for Native
American library users.
“I noticed that, you know, they
weren’t being served, at least, in any
official capacity at Multnomah County.
And this is the ninth largest urban
Native population in the country, so
I started advocating for that,” Rivera
said. “It resulted in Multnomah County
hiring an entire team to serve the
Indigenous population.”
When Rivera learned the county also
had outreach programs for incarcerated
individuals, he became involved with
this work as well. He worked to help
adults in custody procure library cards
and write the library to have specific
books sent into prisons.
“We received like a hundred letters
a month by the time I left,” Rivera said.
His current work with the
Multnomah County Justice Fellowship
draws from his decade of service work
and his own experience of incarceration
to bring underrepresented voices into
county decision making.
Andres Mendoza, one of the audience
members, who is an author and a
student at Portland State University,
found Rivera’s story encouraging.
“I had a similar experience as Enrique.
I spent six years in the system” Mendoza
said. “It was really inspiring to know that
there is light at the end of that.”
In an interview following the lecture,
Rivera described how students can
support these efforts.
“You don’t have to … have lived
through this kind of journey or anything
like that to be interested in this kind of
work. I think what it really takes is just
some empathy, right? Being empathetic
to the fact that these things are happening
in our society, and being conscious
of it. Then, seek out opportunities,”
said Rivera. “Something actionable,
something that you can do. It might be a
little thing, but it doesn’t have to abolish
the whole system at once. We can chip
away at things.”Messages were spray painted on multiple buildings around the school, including Watzek Library, Miller Hall and the Dovecote.PAIGE A. ANDERSON/THE MOSSY LOG
The vandalism demanded the college’s divestment from companies relating to the current war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.PAIGE A. ANDERSON/THE MOSSY LOG
The talk covered topics ranging from discrimination to the juvenile justice system.KAI GODSEY/THE MOSSY LOG
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
NEWS 3
Administrators explain financial holdings in contentious companies, clarify outsourced asset managementStudents seek disclosure, divestment of funds
Continued from page 1.
MSCI BISR screens are only used
for collecting information. Endowment
management screens, which restrict where
the endowment is invested, are operated
by LC. The SJPPH document states
that the only endowment management
screen that LC currently uses is a fossil
fuel screen. This screen was confirmed in
an interview with the administration. In
February of 2018, the Board of Trustees
agreed to divest from fossil fuel holdings.
This policy has since been updated to
a net-zero emissions policy. According
to Dooley, Cambridge Associates is
contractually required to make sure that
the investments they bring comply with
LC’s investment policy. SJPPH elaborated
on their goals in seeking these screenings.
“SJPPH, along with other students
in the investments discussion group,
have drafted 3 proposals to be presented
on Oct. 31 to 4 members of the Board of
Trustees. Two of these proposals center
on divestment, and one proposal centers
on disclosure,” the statement read. “Both
divestment proposals advocate for the
amendment of the Lewis & Clark College
Endowment Investments Policy such
that the college divests from companies
listed under the MSCI BISR screens titled
Conventional Weapons, ESG Controversies
& Global Norms, and Israel.”
The SJPPH statement elaborated
on the definitions of the Israel and ESG
Controversies & Global Norms screens.
“The ESG Controversies & Global
Norms screen scans for investments in
companies flagged for involvement in
human rights abuses,” the statement
read. “Companies are scored on a scale
of 0-9 and we ask for divestment from
companies scored from 1-3, flagged red,
orange (or) yellow for human rights
violations controversy. The Israel screen
scans for investments in companies organized or incorporated in the State
of Israel. The difference between the two
divestment proposals is that one pertains
to the College’s direct investments and
one pertains to the College’s indirect
investments (investments tied up in
commingled funds.)”
Notably, a SJPPH post from Oct. 26
claims that the Human Rights screening
confirmed that LC is invested in one
company that is in association with human
rights abuses. Dooley disagrees with this
characterization, noting that the screen
covers allegations that go against global
norms rather than solely confirmed cases
of human rights abuses.
“Cambridge reached out to the
investment manager who manages that
investment, and asked for additional
information about the due diligence they
had done, why they felt like this was an
appropriate investment and (we) were
satisfied with the answers that were
shared about what the situation had
been, as far as the allegations, how it had
been resolved, and why they didn’t think
that the company itself was at fault,
which is why the investment was made,”
said Dooley.
Dooley shared that LC is unable to
disclose the specific company due to a
confidentiality agreement with Cambridge
Associates. However, when running the
Conventional Weapons screen, specific
company names were given to IDG
members. Dooley clarified that this was a
special case.
“I felt like, in that context, using
Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman
as an example of something that was a
direct investment was reasonable. It’s
not necessarily something that we could
replicate on a larger scale. We start to
feel like we’re pushing up against those
confidentiality agreements.”
Dooley then provided more
information on the qualifications that flag companies under the Israel
screening. Rather than identifying all
companies affiliated with the state of
Israel or the Israeli government, the
screen looks at where a company is
incorporated. She clarified that the
college is not invested directly in the
government of Israel, as alleged in the
Oct. 26 SJPPH post, before providing
more information on the investments
flagged under the Israel screen.
“When I read something that says
we’re invested in the State of Israel, I
feel like that is implying that the college
is somehow invested in the government
of Israel,” said Dooley. “Really what the
college has investments in are a very small
exposure, 0.71%, to various companies
that are in healthcare and information
technology market sectors that happen to
be organized in Israel.”
Dooley acknowledged that students
might still take issue with investments in
companies located in Israel, whether or
not they are directly funding the Israeli
government.
“I think there could be a grand debate.
I’m sure there are many different feelings
about whether or not an individual … who
runs a company that’s based in Israel has
anything to do with anything. But that’s
what our investment is in. It’s not in
the State of Israel, which I think implies
something different,” Dooley said.
In a statement to The Mossy Log,
SJPPH summarized their proposal to the
Board of Trustees.
“The disclosure proposal advocates
for the creation of a form on the Board
of Trustees’ page on the Lewis & Clark
website, which would allow students and
L&C community members to request the
names of companies in which the College
holds investments, and the extent of
financial exposure associated with each
holding. Answers would be made available
on the investments page on the school website, and updated annually,” read the
statement. “This proposal also advocates
for a town hall every semester, in which
students and community members would
have the opportunity to meet with the
President, Board Chair, and the chairs
of each committee to discuss general
issues on campus and concerns regarding
College investments.”
LC has yet to release a public
statement concerning the recent
disclosure proceedings.
Dooley spoke on the complicating
factors in communicating the results of the
screenings to students, faculty and alumni.
“It’s something that is really
challenging to convey in an institutional
email or a web page,” Dooley said. “It’s
certainly a challenge to figure out what
would be valuable to share, what isn’t
going to cause more confusion.”
Liason for the Board of Trustees David
Reese stated that any students who are
seeking more information or who wish to
communicate their concerns are welcome
to contact LC’s administration.
“We are happy to talk with students
who have questions or concerns about
any aspect of how the college is run.
This particular group of students has
particular questions and concerns, and
we’ve agreed to talk with them about
them, as we would with any group of
students,” Reese said.
SJPPH also hopes to keep an open
line of communication with the campus
community and LC.
“We want to set up an ongoing
communication structure so that the
campus community — current and
future — can continue to obtain disclosure
and accountability, and also invest in
spaces that benefit the global community
and marginalized voices. We believe in
financial transparency, and that there
should not be barriers to information
regarding our institutional finances and individual tuition/cost of attendance,” the
statement read.
SJPPH hopes to gauge popular support
for their proposals among the wider
LC community through a schoolwide
referendum.
“SJPPH wants to know the opinion
of the student body on our proposals,
but there seems to be difficulty getting
a referendum passed through ASB. The
referendum we hope to see would use
the exact language of the proposals being
presented on Oct. 31, so that the Board of
Trustees would be able to gauge support,
and so that students could have the chance
to vo te on the same topics that the board
will. We hope to see such a proposal
circulating soon,” the statement read.
Their statement ended with an
appeal to administration, citing LC’s past
divestment from South African apartheid
in 1987.
“SJPPH appeals to Lewis & Clark
College to divest from Israel in support
of the July 19, 2024 advisory opinion of
the International C ourt of Justice, which
found the State of Israel responsible for
segregation and apartheid. L&C divested
from South African Apartheid in October
1987, and we now call on the Board of
Trustees to uphold the legacy of the College
by divesting from apartheid and illegal
occupation,” the statement read. “Further,
SJPPH appeals to Lewis and Clark College
to divest from conventional weapons
and companies flagged for human rights
violations, to align with our newly approved
mission statement which affirms ‘the power
of higher education as both an individual
benefit and a public good.’ As such, we
believe that higher education and our
liberal arts program aimed at practicing and
teaching decolonization, are not compliant
with profiting off armed warfare.”
The Mossy Log will continue to provide
coverage of the ongoing disclosure efforts
of SJPPH and the IDG.
Community members reflect on presidential candidates
Continued from page 1.
Fabian recalled that the regression of
abortion rights on a state level in the U.S
coincided with the decriminalization of
abortion rights in Mexico.
“Now, a lot of people from the U.S. go
into Mexico, if they’re by the border, to
have abortions, because it’s legal and it’s
cheaper and it’s easier, you’re not going to
be prosecuted,” said Fabian.
She then pivoted to discuss her
concerns about Harris as a candidate.
“The other thing I’m concerned
about is Palestine,” she said. “I don’t like
Trump, but I think Kamala Harris is also
really bad.”
She pointed specifically to the Biden
administration’s support of Israel.
“The support this current
administration has given to Israel and
the lack of acknowledgment towards
the genocide and Palestine victims is so
messed up,” said Fabian. “It’s a modern
genocide that we’re seeing, that we’re
experiencing ri ght now, and the fact that a
lot of people aren’t more concerned about
that, and how current policies and current
actors are affecting it, it’s so messed up.”
In response to a question about
whether or not she felt more optimistic
about the election after Biden dropped
out, Fabian expressed a preference for
Harris over Biden despite Harris’ relative
indifference towards Palestinian victims.
“I was so happy Kamala Harris
stepped up. I think it’s a really good
representation for BIPOC people, for
women, I think that’s great. I still think
she’s a horrible monster, but I do think
it’s a good step to wards representation.
It’s a weird dichotomy.”
She noted that in Mexico’s most
recent presidential election, there were
two female candidates, unlike the U.S.
presidential election, where Harris is only
the second woman to run for president as
a major party nominee in the history of
the country.
Fabian then shared her perspective
on the value of voting, as someone
who cannot vote in this election, but
sympathizes with the moral conflict many
Gen Z voters are experiencing this year.“People should vote,” she said. “I
think it’s really important. I know it’s
horrible, the options that you guys have
right now. It’s really bad, but you still
need to be heard.”
She emphasized the privilege of being
able to vote in a country like the U.S.,
whose e lections hold weight in other
parts of the world.
“You can’t just give away that right and
that opportunity,” said Fabian. “There’s
people in this world that don’t get the
opportunity to vote.”
She also described the potential impacts
of the outcome of this election in her life.
“There’s already a very xenophobic
rhetoric going on by Trump,” she said. “How
is that gonna affect how I’m perceived in the
country? How is that gonna affect the kind
of financial aid that I’m getting, or how’s
that gonna affect the possibility of getting
employed after college?”
An interview with Associate Professor
of Political Science Ben Gaskins shed
light upon generational differences in
voting patterns surrounding major issues
according to recent election polls.
Gaskins identified a communal sense of
anxiety regarding the election at LC.
“Anxiety is through the roof,” he
said. “This is the third election where
Donald Trump has been the Republican
nominee, and almost every student and
every faculty thinks that he is uniquely
unfit to be president.”
He suggested that younger generations
experience more disillusionment when it
comes to voting, after having seen Trump
as a presidential candidate for the past
three election cycles.
“The Biden administration, which
Kamala Harris is obviously a part of,
is so deeply, profoundly emotionally
and morally repugnant to so many
students,” he said. “I think that they don’t
necessarily see Trump as uniquely awful,
and are so deeply disgusted with the
Biden administration that they feel very
conflicted and perhaps less motivated
to really get out and support them, even
though Trump could be worse.”
Gaskins acknowledged that in
elections past, there has historically been
less turnout with younger voters.“Turnout is always and has always
been lower for young voters compared to
middle age and especially older voters,”
he said. “The question is, will we see a
drop off in youth vote now compared to
four years ago?”
He explained why he thinks the
conflict in the Middle East is not a
determining factor in most U.S. citizens’
votes this election.
“It’s interesting, the way it can really
dominate the conversation in one area, but
gets much less attention in part because
most Americans don’t really know or care
about foreign policy,” he said. “Kamala
Harris is not pro-Palestine, or Donald
Trump is pro-Israel, where there is a very
clear distinction. Both are pro-Israel, with
slightly different support for Palestinian
sovereignty and independence and how to
end of the conflict. You’re just not seeing
it be this, really top-of-the-mind issue for
the vast majority of voters, the way that
it is for, I think, people of this collegiate
generation.”
He tied the presidential election back
to the LC community and speculated
that there could be less incentive to vote
among students at LC because of the
lower stakes in the state of Oregon for
Democratic voters.
“We are very progressive as a school,
and the student body is, by and large,
in states where their vote is not going to
count. If you’re from California, Oregon or
Washington, you can sit out and that’s not
going to affect the outcome,” said Gaskins.
“That’s in many ways a privileged position
to be in that a lot of Americans aren’t.”
Like Fabian, Laika Moran ’27 also
expressed dissatisfaction with Harris.
“I get the sense that a lot of people in
our generation are not super excited about
this election” they said. “The Democratic
candidate is not really aligning with a lot of
people’s interests.”
Nonetheless, Moran recalled a renewed
sense of optimism when Biden dropped out
of the race.
“Biden dropping out of the race did
bring a new life to the campaign,” Moran
said. “I think if the Democrats had decided
to run Joe Biden this November, I think
we would have seen a pretty decisive loss.”
Moran identified Palestinian liberation, trans rights and the housing
market as increasingly relevant issues for
young voters.
“Trans rights is a big one,” they said.
“I think that’s a big argument I’ve seen in
favor of voting Democrat this year.”
Moran shared that the moral conflict
they are experiencing as a voter in this
presidential election has much to do with
the Democratic Party’s lack of outspoken
support for Palestinian liberation.
“In the last couple months, the
Democratic Party has moved from
expressing ambivalence to token support
to occasionally outspoken support for
Israel’s actions, and I think that is really
putting a lot of young people off, myself
included,” said Moran.
Moran shared that they know several
voters who, in light of dissatisfaction with
the Democratic Party, will be voting for
third-party candidates instead of either of
the major-party candidates.
“Obviously it’s your right not to
vote,” said Moran. “And I think that’s an
important right that we have.”
John Mbanda ’25, is from Rwanda.
As a dual citizen of Rwanda and the U.S.,
he will have voted twice this year after
this week — once in Rwanda’s General
Elections this past July and once in the
U.S. election this November. He shared
his perspective on this year’s presidential
election as an international affairs scholar
and as a dual citizen.
“In the grand scheme of things, I
think a lot of people have looked at the
U.S. election as the most important
one,” he said. “But the truth is, this year
has been coined the year of elections by
international observers, because some 3.5
billion people around the globe are either
heading to the polls or have already.”
Mbanda identified student debt relief
as an important issue to him as a voter in
this election.
“As a student who’s graduating soon,
I care a lot about student debt relief,” said
Mbanda. “I want a government that cares
about its young population.”
Mbanda called attention to the left-
leaning political culture at LC.
“This is a very, very liberal bubble here
at Lewis & Clark, which I’m not always
fond of,” he said. “I wish there was a wider array of ideas on campus. I wish people
were allowed to express their ideas, even if
they don’t fit in with the conventional way
of thinking here at Lewis & Clark”
He elaborated on the political climate
for students who do not fit into the liberal
stereotypes at LC.
“I know people, who … have pretty
conservative views about things,” he
said. “I definitely know people who come
from the East Coast or the South, they’re
just not as comfortable expressing their
views compared to those who come from
California and the West Coast.”
He discussed the impact of the
upcoming election on future global
educational opportunities.
“From a Rwandan perspective,
which I can speak more confidently, I
think that a lot of people in my country
are hoping for a Harris election,” he
said. “With globalization, lots of people
from Sub-Saharan Africa are looking for
opportunities to come and learn from the
U.S., in hopes of implementing what they
learn here in their countries.”
Mbanda elaborated that he doubted
a Trump presidency would be conducive
to welcoming international students into
the U.S.
“I don’t think that Trump will,
for example, expand the number of
international students who can study
here, but I have a feeling that Harris will
increase the number,” said Mbanda.
In his final thoughts, Mbanda
expressed hope for less political
polarization in future elections and urged
voters to participate in this year’s election.
“This election, if it taught us one thing,
is that there’s a high polarization that
is happening within this country,” said
Mbanda. “But I have hope still, and I really,
really, really hope that going forward,
we’re able to talk to each other more
— conservatives, liberals, Black, white,
immigrants, Natives, all of that. I think that
this country is m ade better by celebrating
diversity. There’s a real chance that there
could be a disruption to what this country
has been building since 1776 and there’s
potential to go backwards. That should
raise eyebrows and should raise alarms to
anybody who’s able to vote, and hopefully
give you reason to go out and vote.”Political science professor, international students, local Oregonian discuss moral conflicts, ethics of voting FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
OPINION 4
By EMMA FORD
GENERATIVE AI. Are you scared
yet? At our fine institution,
there has been no shortage
of hand-wringing over the idea that
students who have priorities elsewhere
in their academic careers will utilize
such tools to avoid doing their work.
In my capacity as a tutor at the Writing
Center and the Chair of the Honor
Board, I have been privy to a fair few of
these conversations, and the question is
always the same — how do we combat
the seemingly inevitable onslaught of
AI-generated work?
These conversations have several
throughlines, most notably the idea
that as generative AI has become more
difficult to spot, it has become a greater
threat to academic quality and integrity.
Most professors’ concerns are centered
on how we might prevent the use of such
technology and are predicated on the
premise that it is impossible to distinguish
it from students’ original work.
I take great issue with this assertion.
I can only speak from an anecdotal
perspective, but in my experience,
generative AI is unsubtle and especially
easy to spot when it is used in creative
contexts. AI art is a great example — its
specific hallmarks include an inability
to render hands and oddly placed
objects in space.
In writing, sometimes suspicion
of AI use starts as a gut feeling, but it
is relatively easy to prove. Repetitive
sentence structure and style, with similar
lengths of sentences and inaccurate
information are all telltale signs of AI
usage. It is also worth noting that any
work done by AI will differ greatly from
work produced by a student in a situation
where they could not have used AI, such
as an in-class assignment or exam.
It can be much harder to suss
out AI in the context of non-creative work, or work that relies more on fact
regurgitation than creative thinking,
we can call it “rote work,” in contrast to
“creative work,” or work that requires
original thought and effort. For instance,
it may be more difficult to pick out when
AI has solved a set of math problems or
summarized an article.
However, I argue that if professors
want work from their students and
not a computer, they should not be
assigning tasks that a computer is
capable of doing. If professors want
to teach students how to do rote
work, that is their prerogative, but it
is useless to spend time complaining
that modern academics will employ
modern methods.
If it is possible to complete an
assignment convincingly by using AI,
it cannot come as a shock to professors
when students do just that. The issue
with academia and AI is not that there
is work a computer can complete, it is
that this rote work is frequently assigned
to students in ways that equate it to the
same level of academic importance as
creative work. No one gets mad when a
calculator solves a math problem that a
student could have done by hand, so we
should find it within ourselves to accept
AI doing the same thing. We may ask a
computer to compute FOR us, but we are
here to think for ourselves.
Professors who care about creative
work have a responsibility to actually
demand it of their students. If AI can
summarize the bare bones of an article,
why are you asking an undergrad to do it
for you instead? It is a vestigial skill — not
harmful, but not necessary. If a student
values that skill, they should pursue it,
but students are far from uniform in what
they hope to get out of their educations.
I would argue a far more universal
priority should be finding the work
computers cannot do for us and
developing those skills. Creative thinking, communication skills and
unique perspectives set each of us
further apart than any expertise in
organizing a spreadsheet ever could.
If our academic community is so
concerned about originality, we have
the power to self-select the skills we
want to emphasize and do away with
universally-resented rote work while we
are at it.
But what of students who would
look at creative work and seek a way
to not complete it anyway? Since we
have established that generative AI is
an incredibly poor and easy-to-spot
substitute for actual creativity, I argue
that LC need not waste time worrying
about whether or not we will spot it — I
truly believe we will.
In such cases, generative AI is no
different from other run-of-the-mill
cheating like having a phone out during
a test or buying an essay, and should be
treated as such. If generative AI is used
for creative work, that is plagiarism and
should be treated as such. Credit for an
assignment or even a class should not
be granted in the face of evidence that
AI has been used.
It is the responsibility of professors,
as well as institutions on campus such
as the Honor Board, to enforce real
consequences for academic dishonesty.
We are all adults at this school, even if
some of us are early on in that particular
journey, and adults are empowered to
cheat. It is a waste of resources to try to
further prevent such an easily addressed
issue if the action is effectively
discouraged with creative, complex,
thought-provoking assignments, which
we should be getting in the first place.
College education is a privilege,
something that is easy to forget in
a culture that heavily incentivizes
a college degree. To forget that,
and waste the time of everyone else
involved in reading, grading or in any way thinking about a plagiarized
assignment is unconscionable.
Beyond that, plagiarism is a waste
of time for the student themselves
and a dilution of the spirit of their
participation in higher education. If
a student chooses to be academically
dishonest, they need to be prepared
to suffer real consequences.
Nobody said undergraduate studies
were easy, and everyone deserves as
much of a helping hand as they can
get. However, using generative AI to circumvent a process that is meant to be
a learning opportunity is a waste in the
purest sense. It is incumbent upon our
institution to set a standard of behavior
for us to strive toward, and anything
less than a good-faith effort devalues
the education we are so privileged to
receive. Should we forget that, it is
not on our institution to save us from
ourselves. Rather, it should hold us and
our work to a higher standard, mete out
consequences as needed and treat us as
the adults and academics we are.Rote work is not conducive to learning, professors ought to assign creative work, evoke intellectual curiosityConcerns about generative AI are misplaced
Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed in the Opinion section are NOT those of The Mossy Log and are held by the authors.ROSE BIALK/THE MOSSY LOG
Harris makes last-ditch effort to sway undecided voters
Vice president’s appearance in Pennsylvania attempts to secure swing state, embodies quality leadership
By MEGAN ZIEGELE
AS THE 2024 United States
presidential election reaches
its final days, Vice President
Kamala Harris has set her sights on the
battleground state of Pennsylvania.
The state’s 19 electoral votes are likely
to be her key to the White House, as
no Democrat has won the presidency
without securing Pennsylvania since
Harry S. Truman’s win in 1948. It is
generally believed that if Harris is able
to win Pennsylvania and continues
her trending leads in both Michigan
and Wisconsin, she is bound to
become the first female president of
the United States.
On Oct. 17, Harris sat down with Fox
News anchor Bret Baier in Washington
Crossing, Pennsylvania for a tense,
thirty-minute interview in which
Baier interrupted Harris thirty-eight
times. The combative tone was quickly
established, with Baier grilling Harris
on her border policies for nearly half of
their time — which many voters identify
as a weak topic for Harris. Throughout
the interview, Baier played multiple
out-of-context, misleading soundbytes
from previous comments Harris and
Trump had made, attempting to cast
Harris in an unsavory light.
Harris’ Fox News appearance
was largely motivated by her need
to appeal to Republican voters who
are unsatisfied with former President
Donald Trump’s current platform.
Baier’s journalistic style was attack-
based, his conduct criticized even by
his Fox peers in a post interview panel.
Baier’s interview rapidly became an
interrogation, prompting Harris to
raise her voice, which further hurt her
appeal to undecided Republicans. In
a political climate that bases female
politicians’ worth on likeability and
palatable rhetoric, Harris was put in
a lose-lose situation from the second she sat down with Baier. The Fox News
interview was easily one of Harris’
worst performances and likely did little
to sway undecided voters.
That being said, Harris had the
opportunity to redeem herself a week
later, in what I would consider a much
more successful interview for the
democratic campaign.
One week later, on Oct. 23, Harris
attended a town hall meeting — also in
Pennsylvania — moderated by CNN’s
Anderson Cooper. Trump was invited to
join but declined. The meeting differed
drastically from her previous Fox
appearance; her performance was much
stronger when given the opportunity
to respond to questions without
interruption, allowing her to establish
how her beliefs and policies will impact
everyday Americans.
Harris faced questions from a panel
of undecided voters on a range of issues
including the economy, abortion rights
and U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
She repeatedly expressed her desire
for bipartisan cooperation, stressing
that lasting solutions on issues such as
border security require support across
both sides of the aisle.
When asked what she would do to
ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians,
Harris shifted, giving a non-answer in
which she emphasized the importance
of Israel’s right to defend itself. When
pressed by Cooper about what she would
say to voters unwilling to vote for her due
to her support of Israel, Harris pivoted,
telling Cooper that many who see U.S.
involvement in the Israel-Hamas war
are not always single-issue voters; they
also care about domestic issues such as
lowering the cost of living and preventing
an unstable Trump from taking the White
House for a second term.
While many tuning into the town
hall interview may have agreed with
Harris’ answer, I found her redirection
unsatisfactory and dismissive toward young voters unwilling to cast a vote for
another politician who has remained
complicit in genocide overseas. However,
I did appreciate her reminder that we as
voters are presented with two drastically
different candidates, and I would
urge my peers to consider the ways
in which a Trump presidency would
be catastrophically harmful for the
marginalized, both home and abroad.
Harris also took the opportunity
to draw a clear distinction between
herself and her opponent, parroting
remarks from Trump’s former Chief of Staff John Kelly who said his
former employer meets the definition
of a fascist. In contrast, Harris
emphasized her role in protecting
American democracy, a tenet that has
become increasingly jeopardized by
the alt-right, as evidenced by the Jan.
6th insurrection.
In her closing town hall remarks,
Harris portrayed herself as a leader
focused on serving the people, in
contrast to Trump, who she suggested
is consumed with settling personal
scores. She pledged that if elected, her focus would be on making progress for
everyday Americans, not on exacting
political revenge.
Harris’ performance at the CNN
town hall was drastically better
than her Fox News appearance.
Although her two media stops likely
did little to sway undecided voters in
her direction, she effectively made
her platform known. While Harris
promises policies that can potentially
lead America in a progressive
direction, Harris’ best quality is
simple, she is not Donald Trump.
KAI GODSEY /THE MOSSY LOG
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
OPINION 5
Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed in the Opinion section are NOT those of The Mossy Log and are held by the authors.By PAIGE A. ANDERSON
AS A SENIOR living on campus
with a seemingly endless
amount of flex points, I
find myself visiting our on-campus
cafes multiple times a week to treat
myself to an iced vanilla latte, hot
chocolate or cinnamon croissant.
While decorating my apartment,
I was overjoyed at the prospect of
making my coffee each morning
in my cute, reusable glass tumblers
with a matching straw, aesthetically
enabling my growing caffeine addiction.
For strange reasons that are entirely
within my control, making my own
breakfast and coffee is difficult when I
wake up precisely 17 minutes before I
need to be seated in class. This leaves
me with the glowing opportunity to,
yet again, visit the Troom on my walk
to Bio or the Dovecote as I journey
to my thesis class and partake in
my favorite caffeinated beverages.
One negative result of these trips
makes me rightfully guilty in my
consistent patronage of these lovely
spaces: the knowledge that I use multiple
single-use plastic cups during my week. As
an environmentally-conscious member
of Gen Z, this is deeply embarrassing.
Many places around Portland
and in my home state of California
not only encourage buyers to bring a
reusable cup for their daily beverage,
but will often offer small discounts
for those who do. Unfortunately, as
I have recently found out, this is not
the case for our campus. As far as I can
tell, the only option we have to use our
reusable cups is for the coffee carafes,
where professors and students alike
enjoy their boring, no-syrup black coffee
(no shade, I wish I could be so strong). The reasoning, I was told, by a
Troom worker (in a conversation
which happened separately from
Mossy Log associated business) was
that it was the issue of germs and
contamination — they cannot receive
potentially unclean dishes into their
workspaces. While I respect the idea
that cleanliness is of the utmost
importance in a space that provides
food to hundreds of people within
our community, the waste that it
produces does not have to be so vast.
When customers bring their own
drink container, baristas can prepare
everything for said beverage in one
of their reusable, stainless steel
vessels and simply pour the contents
into the container, with no contact
necessary. My other suggestion is that
there could be reusable containers
available to those dining within the
Trail Room or Dovecote with a bin
to wash dirtied mugs along with the
Bon’s dishes at the end of the day.
While this would require more
work for those involved with both
cafes, as well as trust that people will
be careful and respectful of the school’s
property, on-campus jobs are incredibly
difficult to come by for those with
work-study scholarships. Increasing
the amount of available positions
could be hugely beneficial to students
who desire to work on campus.
There is something deeply satisfying
about bringing a reusable vessel for
your daily coffee that is lost in the
redundant discarding of a plastic cup.
On a campus where we pride ourselves
on being environmentally conscious
and care about small-scale impacts,
this is one step toward a community
that eliminates the unnecessary
consumption of single-use plastics. Modern texts cannot replace classic theory
By KAI MERMIS-CAVA
CLASSICS SHOULD absolutely be
taught. Alongside these classics,
modern theorists should be
taught as well. The old theories of
rhetoric inform new theories of
rhetoric, but they do not always apply to
the modern world.
Old novels and literature are
fascinating and provide important context
for understanding genres and English
literature as a whole, but it is worthwhile
to read literature that also addresses the
modern world. Shakespeare’s plays are
beautifully written, but they center on a
world that has long passed.
Many other classics address
important themes and life lessons.
Whether you like or dislike Shakespeare,
his works answer difficult questions,
such as the way one should live their
life, and inform the readers of lessons
they should learn. Macbeth warns
readers of how easily human nature
can fall prey to greed and the desire for
power. Hamlet warns of the dangers of
indecision, and how one must commit
to their values and choices if they are to
achieve anything.
Classics should continue to be
taught in schools, especially in colleges. The benefits they provide outweigh
the arguments against them. The
information taught in these classic
classes help students when they take
more current classes, as modern theory
is informed by classic theory. However,
for those who have no interest in the
classics, at Lewis & Clark College,
it is possible to take four years of
classes without reading many classics.
Especially if one is not taking English
as a major or a minor. Some people
benefit from reading the classics, myself
included. For others, they are not an
ideal method of learning.
Classic theories of rhetoric are
informed by the theories penned by
Gorgias, Plato and Cicero, alongside
all of the other ancient philosophers.
Studying the Lais of Marie de France
provides insight into modern folklore,
and what modern interpretations of
folklore might have drawn on.
Admittedly, there is merit to the
argument that classics should no
longer be taught in modern courses.
The authors of the majority of classic
literature are not the most diverse
group of people. Typically, the old
philosophers, writers and musicians
are white men. Occasionally, there is
a woman, and it is rare to see a person of color featured in the curriculum of
typical English courses, especially in
the 100 levels. While there are courses
dedicated to African American literature
and departments dedicated to studying
specific regional and ethnic cultures, this
diversity is rarely addressed in traditional
English courses. The lens through which
classics are often addressed and taught is
very eurocentric and deserves critique.
Alongside the lack of diversity, many
argue that there is no purpose in teaching
the classics, as they are not practical in
modern culture. There is rarely a time
that a job interview will ask you about
the rhetoric of Aristotle, or the speeches
given in Beowulf. Modern theorists and
work are often seen as more important
and apply more to the modern world
than the classical work that came before.
“Children of Blood and Bone” by
Tomi Adeyemi is a more appealing
modern book than the classic novel
“Heart of Darkness and Other Tales” by
Joseph Conrad. Adeyemi’s book takes
inspiration from Yoruba culture and West
African mythology and follows characters
of color. Conrad’s classic novel, on the
other hand, is quite racist. Adeyemi’s
book is, of course, more appealing to a
modern generation. That does not mean
that classics are no longer relevant today. Despite the disgusting content of some
classics, many provide valuable context
that can help ground people in the times
they were written. The novels of Charles
Dickens help portray the
economic inequality in
19th-century England.
“The Catcher In the
Rye” by J.D. Salinger
centers around the
struggle of the
teenage experience
without glorifying
it, as much of modern
literature does. A
lot of this literature
was not problematic
in the time it was written and
published, and only retrospectively, has
been seen to have issues. These stories
still have a lot to offer us.
Classics should be taught by an
instructor who is able to address the lack
of diversity of these media, regardless of
the field in which they are being taught.
Musical theory, rhetoric, literature and
every other field that teaches classics,
should continue to teach them. Modern
theorists should be taught alongside
these classics, and teachers should
ensure that students understand the
importance of their perspectives. Our approach to teaching the
classics should not be an all-or-nothing
mentality. Classic theorists and their
works should be taught, alongside
a variety of modern theorists.
You cannot possibly hope to
give a student a well-rounded
education by only teaching the
classics, or by only teaching
modern works.
Modern theorists are
often informed by the works
that came before them, but
they tackle their theories
with a wider viewpoint. New
theories are being written by a
larger population, making sense
of a new, more interconnected
worldview. The classics are still
important, and the information can be
useful to inform modern theories. They
are outdated, but it does not mean they
are fully wrong. Understanding classic
theories, regardless of the field, will help
one when it comes to understanding
modern theories. In my rhetorical
theory class, I would not understand the
theories of Perelman, Olbrechts-Tyteca
and Burke, without studying the theories
of Aristotle and Plato. And, for some
students, it will help them when they
become modern theorists themselves.Foundational literature must still be taught alongside more appealing, contemporary, counterparts
Campus cafes need
reusable cup optionsDeceptively small crossword packs
punch, challenges music knowledge
By OLIVIA LARIOS
Across
2. MF, rapper with songs “Rapp Snitch
Knishes” and “All Caps”
4. “_ _, not again!”
5. How your metrosexual friend might
respond to “Girl, are you more into
boobs or ass?”
6. Feeling you might feel while watching
the boat scene from Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory
7. “All these bitches my __ and I ain’t
talking ’bout Phoenix,” genius lyrics by
Nicki Minaj Down
1. Abruptly ended all communication
with a person without any apparent
warning or explanation, colloquially
2. Team of Mookie Betts, Freddie
Freeman and Clayton Kershaw
3. R&B singer with hit song “Post to
Be” ft. Jhene Aiko and Chris brown </3
Find solutions on piolog.com
The Trail Room uses disposable paper dishes and prohibits personal containers.OLIVIA FENDRICH/THE MOSSY LOG
KAI GODSEY/THE MOSSY LOG
HALCYON ORVENDALFRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
FEATURES 6
By ELLA R. DUNN
I HOPE EVERYBODY enjoyed the
spooky season! Despite it now
being November, I know I am not
the only one wishing October could
have lasted longer. If you wish to
stay in the Halloween mood, here is
a list of movies and shows that will
keep your skin crawling well into
Thanksgiving territory.
Over The Garden Wall
If you grew up watching Cartoon
Network, you probably caught this
show as it aired. I was not allowed to
watch many shows as a kid — that is a
can of worms for my therapist to open
— so I only recently discovered this
wonderful series. With each episode
only being about 15-20 minutes long,
the story follows two brothers on their
journey through The Unknown, a dark
forest full of interesting creatures and
characters. Animated with an autumnal
color palette, this is the perfect show
to watch, even into November, for
a nostalgic, slightly cozy and yet
unsettling vibe. Despite its lasting
popularity, this show has been known
to disappear from streaming sites
from time to time, so it may be worth
securing a copy to store offline, if you
catch my drift.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
This classic claymation film by
Tim Burton is great for a creepy and
yet family-friendly option. It can be
classified, at least in my opinion, as both
a Halloween and a Christmas movie. So,
if you missed your chance to watch it in
October, put it on your watchlist for the
upcoming months to put you in a creepy
yuletide mood.
Hocus Pocus
I have been focused on animated
films so far, but “Hocus Pocus” is an
option for a fantastical live-action
film. The story follows two children
and the three witches who are after
them, hoping to steal their souls and
ultimately become immortal. It sounds
insane, I know, but it definitely freaked
me out as a kid! Now, I find it silly and
fun to watch. It has become the perfect
family Halloween movie, and I certainly
would not say it is too late to watch this
classic hit witch-chase.Autumnal Options
If you are over Halloween by now,
but still trying to lean into the cozy
autumnal feeling, look no further than
a Wes Anderson film. Wonderfully
bizarre and beautifully colored, all of
his films are perfect for cuddling up
inside on a rainy day. For this time of
the year, I recommend “Fantastic Mr.
Fox,” one of his stop-motion films,
which features a beautiful color palette
of yellows and oranges. I also love
“Rushmore,” one of his earlier movies,
which explores deep relationships
between people, as well as growing
up. It takes place in the fall, making
it perfect to watch on rainy days. If
you are not the Andersonian type, I
also recommend “The Craft,” a classic
witchy movie that fits perfectly with
spookier Halloween films. “Practical
Magic,” which I have not watched but
have heard great things about, is a
cozier witchy choice about two sisters
who resurrect one’s dead boyfriend.
Horror Hotlist
If you are anything like me, watching
horror movies is a year-round activity.
You do not have to wait for next
Halloween to enjoy something terrifying!
Some personal favorites of mine include
the “Saw” franchise, though beware of
body horror in these (which is, like, the
whole point). “Scream” and “Nightmare
on Elm Street” are two of my favorite
classics. For more modern choices, I
would suggest “Fear Street,” a trilogy
(with queer main characters!) set in the
modern day. The second movie is set in
the 1970s with the classic summer camp
slasher trope. While these would not
rank the highest on my favorites list,
they were still enjoyable. Anything by
Ari Aster or Jordan Peele is going to be
a great option as well. In addition, I have
heard good things about some of the
more recent horror movies, including
“The Substance”, which is still playing in
theaters; “I Saw The TV Glow,” a horror/
drama, came out this year as well, and
had great feedback from the horror-
loving public.
Whether you are in a slump with
October having come to a close, or
you just enjoy the year-round creepy
crawlies, do not hesitate to refer to
this list when choosing your next
autumn watch!FABIOLA RIO/THE MOSSY LOG
“The Simpsons” creator references Portland
Fall films to entertain
during the cold weatherBy BRADY VINLOVE
ADAPTING TO life in a new
city is not an easy task, as
many first-year Lewis & Clark
students have quickly discovered.
Surprisingly, watching a few episodes
of the classic American TV show “The
Simpsons” can make this transition
a little bit easier and more familiar.
From Portland-inspired characters
to a satirical reflection of social and
political conditions, the show brings
unique insight to life near on and far
beyond campus.
While the exact location of “The
Simpsons” fictional town of Springfield
is ambiguous, it certainly has ties to
Portland. The show’s creator, Matt
Groening, grew up here and drew
inspiration from the city for many
elements of the show, which can still
be spotted throughout the fictional
world and Portland. For instance,
Groening attended Lincoln High
School downtown, which inspired
Springfield Elementary School which
Bart and Lisa attend. His legacy is even
memorialized with his signature and
doodle of Bart Simpson in the concrete
in front of Lincoln High. Further
north, another tribute can be found
on a bridge across Interstate 405,
named Ned Flanders Crossing after the
friendly, church-loving neighbor of the
Simpson family. The bridge connects
NW Flanders Street, the namesake of
the character.Other names that reference locations
across Portland include Montgomery
Burns, the richest man in Springfield
who is named after Burnside Street and
Montgomery Park, a historic building in
Northwest Portland. The cruel school
bully, Kearny, is named after NW
Kearney Street, Reverend Lovejoy’s
name can be found at NW Lovejoy Street,
and the corrupt Mayor Joe Quimby
gets his name from Northwest Quimby
Street. Closer to LC, the notoriously
dangerous Terwilliger Curves inspired
the name for “Sideshow” Bob Terwilliger
who frequently tries to murder Bart.
The names are not the only connection
to our city, though, as noted by Associate
Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies
Bryan Sebok. While he focuses more
on film, Sebok’s personal and academic
experience with “The Simpsons” reveals
its startling connections to everyday life.
As one of the longest-running shows
in American television history, many
generations have connected with “The
Simpsons” and it remains relevant
today. Sebok believes this relatability is
due to the detailed insight into American
suburban life and the examination of
broad cultural issues. He discussed how
the show comments on current social
issues in a unique way.
“This show has been very
coherently critical of power in terms
of the billionaire class, with Charles
Montgomery (Burns). It’s been very
critical of policing competency and
abuses of power,” Sebok said.The show has adapted over time to
reflect shifts in culture, aligning with
the changes viewers have experienced,
perhaps part of the reason it remains
relevant. This continued relevance
and familiar story create a place of
connection for the audience too.
“‘The Simpsons’ built this experience
amongst its characters where it wasn’t
just this family in isolation. It was about
the neighborhood, all of the friends and
all the other characters in the Simpson’s
universe. And that felt like a community
that we were all sort of a part of too,”
Sebok said.
As many fans online have noted,
the show seems almost prophetic,
predicting such events as Donald
Trump’s presidential win and the
COVID-19 pandemic. Sebok, too, has
noticed this phenomenon and has an
idea for why it occurs.
“They have a weird ability to project
out into what the future of American
life is like. Maybe that’s because they’re
satirizing the present in a way that
projects into the future,” Sebok said.
Whatever the reason for its great
success and accurate divinations, “The
Simpsons” is a way to understand the
world around us in a humorous context.
Its critique of national events is a means
to think more deeply about our society
and the unique characters and story
bring connection to the world around
us. Even if you do not watch the show,
Portland is full of references that make
it a great connection to life here.
2024 pop culture inspires unique,
creative costumes this HalloweenLocal influences, including Lincoln High School, Terwilliger road, shape character names, episode plotlines
By MEGAN ZIEGELE
THIS YEAR’S Halloween costumes
promise a blend of creativity
and individuality, drawing
inspiration from a variety of sources.
From the music world and viral internet
trends to even the political sphere, this
season’s costumes are shaping up to be
unique and memorable. Halloweekend
Part 2 still has yet to unfold, and these
are the major apparel themes we expect
to dominate this weekend’s festivities.
The music industry has always been a
major influence on Halloween costumes,
and this year is no exception. Artists like
Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and
Charli XCX are bound to be popular
choices. These modern pop stars are known not only for their music but also
for their distinct aesthetics, providing
fans with plenty of costume inspiration.
Chappell Roan’s style, with its
colorful maximalist flair, is expected to
stand out as a top pick for those looking
to go big or go home this season.
With elaborate white foundation and
blue eyeshadow, sequined outfits and
striking accessories, Roan’s vibrant
aesthetic will surely catch eyes at any
event. Whether you are attending a
party or dancing at a silent disco, a
Chappell Roan-inspired look will make
a bold statement.
If you tend to be a last-minute
costume planner, Lewis & Clark alum
The Dare offers a simpler option that
still exudes personality. His laid-back look of a classic suit and tie paired with
black sunglasses is an easy yet stylish
costume idea — perfect for anyone
looking for something quick and trendy.
Beyond the world of music, the
film industry has long given endless
inspiration for Halloween costumes.
A24, the indie film company known for
its offbeat and often unsettling movies,
continues to fuel costume creativity.
Hits like “Midsommar,” “Lady Bird”
and “MaXXXine” are expected to
inspire many costumes this year.
“Midsommar” fans will likely
recreate the iconic flower crown and
white dress worn by leading lady Dani,
a look both recognizable and haunting.
“Lady Bird” provides a more understated
costume option. With a grungy school
uniform and signature bubblegum pink
arm cast, dressing as Lady Bird herself
is a comfortable, nostalgic option.
Slasher enthusiasts may opt to take
costume inspiration from Mia Goth’s
“MaXXXine,” emulating her dramatic
eye makeup and blingy outfits.
Of course, no Halloween season is
free of pun costumes. These clever and
humorous outfits are a staple for those
who enjoy putting a playful spin on their
outfit. Puns are fun, easy to create and
(might) elicit a good laugh. Whether you
go as a widely recognized pun – such as
wearing a slip dress with Sigmund Freud
plastered on the fabric, a true Freudian
slip – or something niche among your
friend group, these costumes allow for
personality and humor.
Lastly, Halloween would not be
complete without political references,
especially during an election year. As the
political climate heats up, expect to see
a variety of timely and funny takes on
current events. For example, you might
spot duos dressing up as Vice President
Kamala Harris and a coconut tree, Mike
Pence and his fly (though that was so
last election season), or other current
political references reimagined with a
playful twist.
Overall, this year’s Halloween
costume trends offer something for
everyone, whether you are inspired by
music, memes, movies or even political
happenings. There is no shortage of
creative possibilities, from bold looks
to spooky vintage vibes. No matter who
or what you dress as, Halloween 2024
is all about showcasing your style and
having fun with it! WINSLOW MORGAN/THE MOSSY LOG
FRIDAY , NOVEMBER 1, 2024
FEATURES 7
By BRADY VINLOVE
DOES THE thought of spiders
crawling all over you evoke
a chilling feeling of fear? Or
perhaps it is the idea of unhappy
spirits, back from the dead, haunting
you forever that brings true terror?
It is possible that the image of an
evil, masked killer chasing you with
a chainsaw is most horrifying to you.
Or maybe, none of these things elicit
true fear within you. Instead, perhaps,
your biggest fear is about death or the
potential of tragedy in life. This is the case
for many members of the Lewis & Clark
community who offered insight into
their biggest fears during this year’s
spooky season.
While there are a variety of fears
across the campus community, they can
be broken down into general categories.
Unsurprisingly, one common fear is death,
though this means something different
for each person. On an existential level,
Melanie Worthington ’25 shared a fear
of dying and not knowing what comes
afterward. She explained that since she
was a child, she has felt dread towards
the idea that one day, she will die.
“It’s really hard for me to accept that
there is going to be a day where I just
don’t exist,” Worthington said.
In a more physical sense, Associate
Professor of Rhetoric and Media
Studies Bryan Sebok fears the gradual
process of death.
“I’m probably more afraid of dying as
a process than dying as a destination,”
Sebok said. “The idea of being infirmed,
disabled, being incapable of getting
better, in need of constant care,”
Sebok said.
For Talie Bocci, a weekend
circulation coordinator at Watzek
Library, her fears about dying surround
her loved ones. She established her
biggest fear to be losing one of her
children. She believes this fear comes
from the strong sense of responsibility
she feels for her kids.
“I think once I found out I was
pregnant, I realized that the world
didn’t revolve around me anymore, and
suddenly my responsibilities were to
somebody else,” Bocci said.
Connecting to Bocci’s fear of losing a
child, another common theme was loss.
For Sophie Relman ’25, the thought of
no longer having her loved ones in her
life brings terror, regardless of how she
were to lose them.
“I’m not sure if I mean death or just
not having them anymore — probably
both,” Relman said.
For Relman, the fear of losing loved
ones is connected to the emotional pain
that would come with being alone. “I rely on other people a lot for
security, like how humans do in
general. If I didn’t have anyone to
count on then that would really suck,”
Relman said.
The fear of losing something extends
to ideas and being, as understood by
Lily Campbell ’27. Her biggest fear is
becoming extremely successful in the
public spotlight, and then failing, with
various admirers to bear witness to her
defeat. While connected to a general
fear of failure, she clarifies that it is
deeper than that.
“If you fail and no one was around
to see it, that can be a personal loss,
which is scary, (but) I feel like if
people see you, it follows you around,”
Campbell said.
For Alula Hirst ’25, choosing just
one biggest fear was not possible,
though one horror she shared was
the idea of a lack of free will in life.
She explained that having agency to
change her life is important to staying
motivated — and that without this idea
of agency, the world seems pointless.
“I think I just need to have free
will and feel like I have agency in my
life to be able to handle everything,”
Hirst said.
The last hot topic when it comes
to LC’s fears is pain. This relates
to Hirst’s other fear: being overly
aware of issues around her. She feels
emotionally overwhelmed and scared
by the variety of personal and global
problems, and described this as a fear
of over-awareness.
“Having too much awareness, being
too aware of what’s going on with
myself, too aware of what’s going on in
the world, because current events make
me sad,” Hirst said.
Physical pain is a cause for fear too,
as Grace MacDonald ’28 shared. Her
biggest fear is needles, specifically in a
medical context when large needles are
needed to draw blood.
“I think it just really scares me the
idea of a needle taking or putting stuff
into me, it freaks me out. And then
also, I just don’t want to get hurt,”
MacDonald said.
The fears of the LC community
show that horror movies and
Halloween decorations may not
always accurately depict our biggest
fears. While monsters, killers and
weapons, as well as death-related
imagery (skulls, coffins and ghosts)
are common around Halloween, they
do not always dig deep into our minds.
So, next time you watch a scary movie,
go to a haunted house or see someone
dressed in a frightening costume,
remind yourself that there are much
bigger things to fear. Halloween brings
deep fears to light
ROSE BIALK/THE MOSSY LOG
Palatine Support Network holds
annual baby goat-petting event
By ELLA R. DUNN
ON OCT. 23, four baby goats paid
a visit to our very own Glade,
offering burnt-out students
the opportunity to pet and hold these
furry friends. People gathered around,
desperate to get a mere glimpse of their
fluffy faces. This event was hosted by
the Palatine Support Network (PSN).
The goats, supplied by Portland Goat
Parties, were there in hopes to alleviate
midterm anxieties. The goat-petting
event has become an annual activity,
enjoyed by members of the group as well
as interested passersby.
“Lewis & Clark people love goats. We
are a very nature-friendly, nature-interested
campus. It helps people boost their
serotonin, makes their day for some,” said
PSN Executive Director Ela Gore ’25. “It’s
a good way to hug something cuddly and
soft when you’re having a hard day or
trying to finish an assignment.”Previously called The Pio Support
Network, The Palatine Support
Network is an on-campus support
club available to all Lewis & Clark
students. Gore coordinates events
and meetings for the group. She also
communicates with The Support
Network, an external organization
that helps form support group clubs
on college campuses. PSN hosts
community-building events as well as
meetings in their office, located in the
Fowler Student Center.
“We have weekly meetings with
groups of four to six people,” Gore said.
“It’s to bring people together to create a
community and talk about mental health
and college life. To have that feeling of
support for whatever they’re seeking
support for.”
PSN’s main goal is to provide
emotional support for students. They
do not describe their events as group
therapy, but they follow a similar model. Students can discuss anything
in the safety of the meetings, from
academic stressors to mental health
challenges to roommate qualms. The
groups are managed and led by trained
peer facilitators.
“Our peer support groups are very
welcome to anyone and everyone,
especially freshmen and sophomores
who may be finding college a little
more new and may be wanting to look
for more community, be supported
and express themselves,” said Gore.
“We have tea, snacks and art supplies
in our office.”
Petting the goats was easily the
highlight of my anxiety-ridden midterm
week. Be sure to keep an eye out for
upcoming events led by The Palatine
Support Network, such as the potential
clothing swaps they have in the works
as well as their weekly meetings, and
be sure to catch next year’s Goats on
The Glade!
College Outdoors hosts fall hiking
excursion to Lava Butte, Crater Lake
By JESSIE SHAW
DURING FALL break, I had the
incredible opportunity to go on
a College Outdoors (CO) trip
to Crater Lake. It was my second time
going on a Fall Break trip to Crater
Lake with CO, and it was my favorite so
far. Here is a run-down of how it went
that will hopefully convince you to try
out a trip of your own!
Day 1: On The Road
After my last class ended, I headed
back to my on-campus apartment to
grab my supplies for the trip, then
made my way to Sequoia Hall on the
graduate school campus. Once I had
a quick Bon dinner and checked in, it
was time to head out. The drive lasted
a little over four hours, including a few
stops for gas and bathroom breaks.
We arrived at the LaPine State Park
campsite at about 11 p.m., exhausted,
so we went into our cabins, unpacked
and went to bed.
Day 2: Views of Lava
On the first full day, we separated
into two groups for trips to the Lava
Butte, an isolated hill and cinder cone,
in the Newberry National Volcanic
Monument and Tumalo Falls. My
group’s first stop was Lava Butte,
where we took a brief hike to admire
the vast lava field created when the
butte erupted thousands of years ago.
The lava field, located on the west
side of the butte, was mostly void of vegetation — a stark contrast to the
eastern side being filled with trees. In
case you are wondering, a lava field
is a large and vast area of lava flows
that harden over time into a barren
landscape.
Afterward, we headed to Tumalo
Falls, hiking five miles along the
trail and admiring the mossy trees,
the grand waterfalls and the tranquil
river. This was an area I had not seen
on my last trip here, and it was nice to
see something new.
Day 3: By The Lake
This was the day I had been waiting
for — seeing Crater Lake again! We
spent the day hiking down to the
lakeshore through the Cleetwood
Cove Trail. Once my group reached
the rocky shores, we found a spot
along the lake to eat our lunches and
admire the scenery. It was a beautiful
day: the sun was out and reflected in
the crystal clear water. After lunch, we
hung around the lake for a few hours,
dunking our heads into the water and
taking photos of the scenery. We left
the lakeshore on the same trail, and
braved a steep hike up to the parking
lot. We drove to the visitor center to
buy some snacks and souvenirs before
heading back to our cabins.
Day 4: Scaling Obsidian Rock
On our last full day, we explored
Paulina Lake and Obsidian Rock,
which I had seen last year during
the Ring of Fire solar eclipse. Even without the eclipse, I consider Paulina
Lake to be a hidden gem: the scenery
is beautiful, the water is as blue as
an Alpine lake and there is abundant
obsidian along the trail. My group and
I spent roughly two hours at the lake,
relaxing by the warm springs and
admiring the obsidian fragments.
When we finished our lunches, we
hiked to the top of Obsidian Rock,
a giant mound of the stone, where
we were able to see beautiful views
of nearby lakes and the Cascades in
the distance. That day, we did not
spend as much time hiking, as we
had to check the gear we borrowed to
prepare for the drive back to campus
the next morning. For the final night,
we ate delicious gyros cooked by one
of the cabin groups and made s’mores
by the campfire.
Day 5: Home Again
We left the campground in the
morning and arrived back on campus
in the afternoon. I was sad that the
trip was over as I had so much fun on
it! The trip was emotionally healing as
the two weeks prior were a stressful
time for me, but I felt restored after
immersing myself in nature and
making new friends during Fall Break.
Overall, I would rate my
experience five out of five stars.
If you do not have any plans for
the weekends this semester or the
Spring Break next semester, I highly
recommend that you consider any CO
trip offered.CO trips allows students to visit scenic locations, camp in the backcountry and hike through beautiful PNW wilderness.COURTESY OF COLLEGE OUTDOORS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
ARTS 8
Mossy
Music
to soothe
your Scorpio soul
"Pastel Blues”
By Nina Simone
This album is ambitious, intimate and
reimagines African American musical
traditions with Simone’s entrancing
voice and piano-playing color blues
standards, accompanied by the typical
60’s jazz band, the exception of a
harmonica featured in several of the
tracks. The finale, “Sinnerman,” is a 10
minute, unprecedented masterpiece
that immerses the listener into a
percussive world of call and response,
clapping hands, drumset, guitar, piano,
and voices all taking turn to beat the
heart – an intoxicating inertia.
“Frank”
By Amy Winehouse
Many fans of Winehouse are familiar
with Back to Black, (a stellar album),
however, her debut album has many
hidden gems like “You sent me flying/
cherry,” or “What it is” that highlight
Winehouse’s songwriting prowess,
and gut-wrenching vocals. The album
pays homage to jazz powerhouses
Winehouse was influenced by such as
Sarah Vaughn, with “October Song” a
play on “lullaby of birdland” melody, or
her cover of “Someone to Watch Over
Me.”
“I Never Loved A Man The Way
That I Love You”
By Aretha Franklin
When I hear the piano intro to “I
Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love
You)” I cannot help but feel a little
better, knowing that each line carries a
satisfying, powerful delivery.
“Baduizm”
By Erykah Badu
Catchy, hypnotic beats and basslines
lay a foreground to Badu’s distinct
vocal phrasing. When the world is too
much, I listen to this. “Rimshot,” “On
and On,” and “Certainly” are some of
my favorites, but I never skip any song
on this album.
By BRADY VINLOVE
ON SATURDAY, OCT. 26,
enthusiastic and costumed
community members crowded
into the Agnes Flanagan Chapel to
watch students perform spooky drag
acts. The event was hosted by Gagged,
the campus drag club, which puts on
four shows each school year entirely
produced and performed by students.
The excellent audience turnout
and excitement at the performance
demonstrated the Halloween event’s
overwhelming success and the love of
queer art that Gagged has helped foster
on campus.
While Gagged shows usually
take place in Evans Auditorium, the
Halloween show was instead held in the
chapel. This gave performers a unique
and grand space, which they certainly
took advantage of through audience
interaction and movement. The lighting
was exceptional too — often lights were
completely darkened, flashed or colored
to add to the creepy atmosphere. The
performances showcased the creativity of students with many different
styles of drag and interpretations of
music and pop culture, including a
“Twilight”-themed act and “Monster
High” group performance. Many
performers prepared multiple acts,
with some presenting their debut
in drag performance. Throughout,
the audience was enthusiastic and
supportive of the unique, artistic and
energetic student performers.
The organizers and performers were
also happy with how the show turned
out. Summer Camper ’26, perhaps
better known by his stage name,
Milquetoast, is one of the organizers of
Gagged and shared his excitement for
the large audience at the show.
“That’s one of the things that we
can’t control, how many people come
to the show. So, it’s lovely to hear
people, just hearing all the cheers and
applause and supportive energy in
there is always amazing,” Camper said.
He was also happy to have a Gagged
alum host the show. Anya Upson ’23,
known onstage as Anyanka, was also
happy with the audience turnout, especially on the weekend before
Halloween. As host, they introduced
the performers, generated excitement
in the audience and even performed.
“I’ve done this number before, so I
chose something that I’ve done before.
Last weekend, I was in four shows, so
I did not have a lot of time to do a new
number,” Upson said.
One new performer was Benji
Evered ’28, known as Ben Sinful or
Dr. Worm onstage. He explained
that he had some difficulty in
creating choreography and finding
a costume as he did not have much
time to prepare for the show. He also
described challenges with finding a
piece that was enjoyable for him to
perform, but eventually was able to
decide on something that spoke to his
idea of drag.
“I got to a point where I was like
‘you know what? Drag is supposed to
be fun, and I’m not having fun, so I’m
just gonna do something wildly silly,’”
Evered said.
He also felt general performance
nerves and described being a bit
intimidated to perform in front of an
audience. However, he acknowledged
that this sentiment was shared by other
new performers, bringing camaraderie
and shared experiences to the situation.
Camper also shared insight into
how he prepared. In order to have
enough material for the show, he
prepared two performances, focusing
on the Halloween theme in his songs
and outfits. Due to his busy schedule,
much of Camper’s work is improvised,
informed by his dance and theater
experience. However, he mentioned
the importance of knowing the songs
and performance space, especially as
it was different from past shows.
“For the past couple days, I’ve been
just listening to the song over and over,
making sure I know the lyrics, the timing.
And then we also have a dress rehearsal
the day before and that is a chance for us
to get to know the stage,” Camper said.Camper also had to focus on
organizing the show, a process that
started in early September. After the New
Student Orientation show, Gagged tried
to spur student interest in performing
in the Halloween show. The organizers
always hope to garner enough interest
in performing and backstage staffing all
while making shows fit into students’
busy schedules. As a leader, Camper acts
as a mentor to those new to drag.
“I also just kind of offer myself up
as a support resource. So if any of the
performers were like, ‘I have no idea how
to do my makeup’ or ‘Could you help me
with choreography?’ I’d be open to doing
that,” Camper said.
The priority of support for
blossoming drag artists is integral to
Gagged. Upson explained that they see
the club as important to queer artists
and they want it to be a space of uplift
and discovery.
“I think it’s an incredibly important
space for people to try drag for the first
time because if you are not in school, it’s
really hard,” Upson said.
As a new performer, Evered believes
that Gagged was a great place to start,
because of the support and connection
within the school. He even explained
how Gagged inspired an interest in him
to try drag after he saw the NSO show.
“Seeing the show, seeing all of these
dedicated, excited people do that, I was
like ‘I have to be doing this. This is so
much fun.’ Drag is just fun. Gagged is
fun,” said Evered.
There is still a chance to experience
the excitement of Gagged this school year.
They plan on hosting a Valentine’s Day
show and end-of-the-year show, with
some performers teasing duets. Upson
encourages the LC community to explore
the Portland drag scene, urging them to
see drag as an art and as a form of queer
connection that is always available to
students. The open, supportive nature of
Gagged and the fun shows they put on
are a great way to express oneself and
connect with the community.
By LEILA DIAZ
AT THE TIME of writing,
UK-based indie-pop band
Heavenly will have completed
their first West Coast tour in 29 years.
The band consists of members
Amelia Fletcher, Rob Pursey, Peter
Momtchiloff and Cathy Rogers.
They originally formed in Oxford,
England, and became prominent
members of the twee-pop scene.
Like any chronically online adult, I
find all my new music through TikTok
(Dear Readers, I find this somewhat
embarrassing to admit). In this case,
I found Heavenly when their 1993
single “P.U.N.K. Girl” went viral last
year, and I have been a fan ever since.
The West Coast tour lineup included
stops in Seattle, Olympia, Portland, San
Francisco and Los Angeles. My partner and
I were lucky enough to snag tickets back in
July before the Portland show sold out.
The Portland show took place on
Oct. 16, at Mississippi Studios — making
this my second concert that took place
in a former church. For those who
are not over 21, Mississippi Studios
is a former Baptist church turned
concert venue and bar. It is musician-
owned and located smack dab in the
middle of north Portland’s Mississippi
St. in the Boise neighborhood.
I went into the concert expecting
to see folks my own age, with a couple
of diehard fans from the ’90s; this,
however, was not the case. My partner
and I were amongst the youngest, if
not the actual youngest, people in the
crowd. We decided to sit in the balcony
seats for the best people-watching.
After an hour of people-watching, a
burger combo, a basket of onion rings and
a cider, the opening bands came on stage:
Swansea Sound followed by Portland’s
very own All Girl Summer Fun Band. Swansea Sound consisted of
members of Heavenly, The Pooh Sticks
and Death in Vegas. The band formed as
a lockdown project back in 2020. They
self-describe as a “corporate indie band”
but I would call them anything but that.
Swansea Sound opened up the
set with their 2021 single “Rock N
Roll Void” which details lead singer
Hue Williams’s memories of seeing
his favorite bands live, and how
it later inspired him to create his
own band. The song was upbeat,
punchy and very easy to dance to.
After the song ended, Williams
looked over to an imaginary clock
and sighed, lamenting that he had
to keep the crowd entertained for
40 more minutes. It was a hilarious
bit that he kept up for the duration
of the set, which earned a chuckle
from the audience each time.
Towards the end of their set,
Swansea brought on another Portland
group, The Crystal Furs, to accompany
them on their song “I’m Ok When You’re
Around.” Williams told the crowd
that this was their first time playing
together, as the song had been recorded
by sending clips back and forth to
one another during the pandemic.
Swansea Sound finished their set
by playing their song “TWENTIETH
CENTURY” off their debut album of
the same name. It featured Fletcher on
the tambourine, which was very tiny,
causing Williams to make a quip about
what Brexit has done to tambourines.
The next opener, All Girl Summer
Fun Band, which as the title suggests,
is an all-girl band that formed in
the summer of 1998. According to
their website, the original plan was
to just be a band for that summer,
but they decided it was too much
fun to stop, and promised to keep
playing so long as it was fun.Their music is reminiscent of the
riot grrrl movement, but there is a
fun warmness that invokes ’60s surf
rock. I had a great time listening to
them, even though it was unfortunately
quite hard to hear the lead singer.
At 9 p.m., Heavenly finally made
their appearance on stage. They opened
up their set with the song “Sperm Meets
Egg, So What?” off their 1994 album
“The Decline and Fall of Heavenly.” The
song opens up with Fletcher and Rogers
singing acapella before the guitars burst
in, speeding up the song. It was a fantastic
opener and got the whole crowd dancing.
They played some of their old hits
such as “Hearts + Crosses,” “Trophy
Girlfriend” and “Atta Girl.” When
“P.U.N.K Girl” began, the crowd went
wild. Everyone was singing along and
dancing, and even those of us up on
the balcony were moving and grooving.
Fletcher explained that she did not
find out the song went viral until her daughter showed her. She told the crowd
that she is not very savvy with TikTok,
but if you search for the song online,
you can find a video of her dancing with
wooden spoons. They also debuted a
new song called “Portland Town” which
caused the crowd to absolutely lose it.
Overall, my partner and I left the
concert in high spirits, (especially
because I managed to snag the setlist)
and we danced all the way back to
the car. Despite this being the second
stop on the band’s West Coast tour,
Heavenly proved that even after nearly
three decades, they have still got it.
You can find and support All Girl
Summer Fun Band on Bandcamp,
and Swansea Sound, The Crystal
Furs and Heavenly anywhere music
is available. Though Swansea’s music
can be found on any streaming service,
the musicians prefer their fans to use
Bandcamp rather than mainstream
avenues to better support the artists. Gagged presents annual Halloween
show, invites emerging performers
Twee-punk band Heavenly visits Portland
after 29 years, brings energy, humor to crowd
Performers pose together in Agnes Flanagan Chapel, fabulously dressed in drag.COURTESY OF @GAGGED_PDX ON INSTAGRAM
COURTESY OF @HEAVENLYINDIE ON INSTAGRAM
By EMMA CLAIRE AMBROZIAK
PORTLAND CENTER Stage’s autumn
production of “Sweeney Todd: The
Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
was made memorable by its dynamic
set, spirited choreography and casual
derangement. Portland is, in and of
itself, a theatrical, flamboyant, artistic
city — all qualities that align with the
industry and production of theater.
Regardless, the musical had a distinctly
Portland feel to it.
Perhaps it was the blend of 19th
century costumery with the modern
day, alternative, gothic fashion, leather
corsets, bodices and skirts adorned
with punk-rock-esque silver chains,
that we see so often in the streets of
Rose City. Perhaps it was the gender
nonconformity, the cross-dressing in
the great majority of scenes and the
drag-like performance of Delphon
“DJ” Curtis Jr. as Mrs. Lovett that
was reminiscent of Portland’s lively
LGBTQIA+ scene. Or perhaps it was the
original oddity of the plot and subject
matter written by Hugh Wheeler and
Stephen Sondheim back in 1979 that
aligned well with Stumptown’s motto
which is: Keep Portland Weird.
The lighting was well-planned and
played a large role in creating the spooky
atmosphere that a play like “Sweeney Todd” necessitates. The first act began
with a slowly flickering street lamp that
set the mood for Fleet Street — spooky,
suspenseful and ominous. The use of
strobe lights during climactic moments,
and the selection of Halloween-like
color schemes (purples, greens, oranges
and reds) throughout different scenes
highlighted the seasonality of this
production. It was the perfect way to
kick start Halloweekend.
The lighting also accented each
section of the elaborate, rotating, multi
level wooden set in the center of the
stage — helping the audience to easily
distinguish between different scenes
and locations: Mrs. Lovett’s meat
pie shop, the haunted flat upstairs,
the foyer and the bakehouse below.
Peripheral set structures making up the
buildings of Fleet Street also rotated on
and offstage during scene transitions,
completely transforming the audience’s
view in only a few seconds. The set was
impressively constructed and ensured
a series of smooth, visually appealing
scene transitions.
The choreography contributed
significantly to the overall spooky
mood of the musical. In the opening
scene, the titular Sweeney Todd is
introduced. The choreography for
the group on stage, and particularly
for him, was very zombie-esque, with staggering steps, abrupt movements
and suspenseful delivery. This zombie
like choreography highlighted a few
other scenes throughout the musical,
and served as a fun little reminder that
Halloween is right around the corner.
Curtis’ choreography as Mrs. Lovett and
Leah Yorkston’s choreography as the
Beggar Woman were both consistently
entertaining — both displayed impeccable
comedic timing, dramatic flairs and
raunchy moments that were always
meet with a laughing audience.
Some of the most entertaining and
ridiculous parts of the show were the
sudden, forceful bursts of ostentatious
organ music during scene transitions
and dramatic and suspenseful moments.
The organ music came out of nowhere,
startled the audience, dramatized the
scene and then promptly disappeared.
Organist Mak Kastelic was instrumental
in creating the creepy, frightfully
fantastic Halloween-themed mood.
Overall, Portland Center Stage’s
production of “Sweeney Todd” was
awesome. As it progressed, it became
increasingly, casually and sophisticatedly
demented — in the best way possible.
It was delightfully disturbing, well
executed (pun intended) and ripe with
fantastic comedic delivery, spirited
flamboyancy, spontaneous derangement
and tremendous panache.FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
ARTS 9
By PAIGE A. ANDERSON
CHICAGO NATIVE musician Jared
Hochberg proudly describes his
band, Robot Heart Throb, as a
genre-fluid blend of folk, emo, punk
and jazz. The band’s influences range
from the iconic forefathers of jazz like
John Coltrane, to melancholic Phoebe
Bridgers, to the turn-of-the-century rock
band Dashboard Confessional.
Their music defies comfortable
genre characterization but does not lack
complexity or flair. Hochberg touts his
band’s talents by saying that the usual
group includes drums, keyboard, bass,
a backup singer and Hochberg as the
lead singer and often guitarist, flutist,
saxophonist and occasional clarinetist.
The multifaceted reality of being an adult
musician means that the band members
are also professionals in other careers,
including a nurse and investment banker.
Over the past year, the band has
played 42 live shows, accumulated
30,000 streams on their new album, gone
viral on Instagram with over 3 million
views and appeared on 15 podcasts and
YouTube channels including MusicOn3
and DZ records, according to an email
from Hochberg.
Given that the band has no singular
target audience they aim to attract,
Hochberg speaks to the importance of
relating to music and how communities
form based on shared experience.
“I’m right now just kind of discovering
who naturally likes the music, which is
really interesting,” Hochberg said. “It’s a
lot of former band kids or former theater
kids, or people who experience similar
things to what I’ve experienced. So like, a
lot of my music deals with healing from
abuse and things like that. So people
have similar experiences; they often
resonate with that.”
There are many recurring themes that
present themselves within Hochberg’s
solo music and Robot Heart Throb
in general. The creativity within the
band’s music is a way to process the
tribulations of life.
“Because there’s no specific genre,
it’s helpful to categorize it by the big
things I think about all the time, and
show up in my music a lot: C-PTSD,
social media addiction, abusive parents,
being a feminist man/healing from
toxic masculinity, recovering from the
way certain adults treated you growing
up,” Hochberg said.
Before eventually attending Oberlin
Conservatory, Hochbergs’ journey as a musician began in his childhood.
He spoke to the idea that, though the
adoration of the art form runs strong
through many musicians, creating a
cohesive environment where everyone
works together smoothly is easier said
than done.
“I love playing in bands and I love the
dynamic. It is also really hard as a DIY
musician because (of) money. You can’t
really incentivize people with money
when you’re a DIY artist because money
is so random, so people just have to be in
it for their spirit. And it’s as hard to find
a band mate as it is to find a true love,”
Hochberg said.
In addition to finding the right
match, the logistical struggles of
working with other adults who work
9-5 jobs, organizing practices and
handling different temperaments can
be complicated.
“People have commitments they can’t
get out of, but then also just (clashing)
personalities because it’s kind of a tall
order,” Hochberg explained. “You’re
looking for somebody who loves the
music you love, who’s at the similar skill
level to you, which is already really hard,
and then finding who you get along with
well enough to spend 20 hours a week
with, right?”
On Oct. 24, Robot Heart Throb
performed in Portland for a second time
at Fixin’ To on NE Lombard street. After
their first tour stop in Portland in 2019,
Hochberg greatly enjoyed the unique and
artistic nature of the city.
“It was bizarre how everywhere I went,
there was artistic stuff. There’s even, like,
art in the parking lot. The trash can was
like a monster. Yeah, I’m like, what! The
city is crazy. I love it,” Hochberg said.
Robot Heart Throb can be found on
Instagram at @robotheartthrob and on
Spotify under the same name. This Victorian play is the raunchy, chilling tale of a murderous barber who chops up his clients to be sold as meat pies by his landlady.COURTESY OF PORTLAND CENTER STAGE
“Sweeney Todd” cult-classic
musical haunts Center StageGenre-non conforming
band tours in Portland
By OLIVIA FENDRICH
I LOVE HORROR movies. Even as
early as sixth grade, I would stay up
late into the night pirating “Children
of the Corn” or “Rosemary’s Baby” on
my Acer Chromebook because I was so
drawn to the genre. I made for a very
maladjusted eleven-year-old, but those
films taught me the beauty of bloodshed
or some fake-deep shit like that.
In honor of Halloween, here are three
horror films that have come out this year
and my thoughts on them.
“MaXXXine”
The final installment in director Ti
West’s “X” trilogy, “MaXXXine” follows
a 1980s adult film star as she forays into
the LA movie scene, all while a killer
hunts the starlets of Hollywood.
Whether or not this film counts
as a horror movie is up for debate.
The involved narrative and lack of
supernatural elements were much more
akin to a thriller. However, the suspense
was effective, and the movie commented
on the horror of Hollywood and
moral panic. Mia Goth’s performance
was unsurprisingly fantastic, but the
writing and direction of the film were
commendable as well. West evoked a
seedy LA mood, just as glamorous as
it is dangerous. Though the film was
stylistically different from its tripartite
predecessors, I thought other elements that were not as rich in the previous
films were able to shine through, like the
soundtrack and aesthetic.
I liked the complimentary mix of
gore, thrill and stakes in this movie.
Even if you have not seen the earlier
films in the trilogy, you will be rooting for
Maxine by the end. There is something
immeasurably human about the hunger
for recognition and being given what one
is due — I love that Maxine is a character
who knows what she wants and fights
tooth and nail to get it. For fans of the
series and newbies alike, “MaXXXine” is
a satisfying conclusion that lives up to its
unapologetically dynamic lead.
“Longlegs”
I would argue that “Longlegs” was one
of the more hyped horror movies of this
year. I was excited when I watched the
previews, but in the theater, I found the
film itself to be severely underdeveloped.
The beginning used mystery to build
suspense, which is a common horror
movie technique because it works.
However, for the execution of a film
to succeed, the mystery needs to be
carefully expanded on. That was not the
case for this movie.
The film’s plot was predictable, the
writing was subpar and it tried too hard
to be artsy. The final product was overly
convoluted and did not even scare me. I
thought the ending was a bit of a deus ex
machina that felt lazy. Overall, I do not recommend this film, even for those with
reasonably low standards. Looking up
a TikTok clip of Nicholas Cage’s scenes,
will be a far better viewing experience
than sitting through the entire film.
“Late Night with the Devil”
I watched this movie on Hulu after
a bad week to try to get in the mood for
Halloween. I had not heard anything
about it online, but I saw that it got good
reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, and like
the sheep that I am, I pressed play with
high hopes.
The film was entertaining, with
versatile freak David Dastmalchian and
young talent Ingrid Torelli’s performances
being the highlight. The style was fun and
engaging, with most of the film occurring
on-air during a fictional talk show. The
scariest part was the last 15 minutes,
which, without spoiling anything, was
a well-executed sequence of chaotic,
nightmarish madness.
Did this film attempt to redefine
the horror genre? Absolutely not. But
it served as an enjoyable escape into
a retro world of demons, paranormal
skepticism and the complicated ethics
of television. If you are looking for a
cinematic masterpiece, this film does not
hit the mark. But if you want a creepy
vibe with some ’70s camp to boot, “Late
Night with the Devil” delivers. Just do
not expect it to haunt you long after the
credits roll. Mia Goth as Maxine stares down the length of her gun in the final movie of the trilogy. COURTESY OF IMDB
Horror fanatic editor shares opinions on newly released films
From gore to suspense to the supernatural, Halloween thriller movies offer variety of viewing experiencesHochberg played woodwinds at Fixin’ To.ISAAC BABUS/ THE MOSSY LOG
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
SPORTS 10
By SAINAA UPPAL
OF THE 2120 degree-seeking
undergraduate students at
Lewis & Clark this fall, 414
of them are student-athletes. Of
these student-athletes, approximately
20 are either citizens of countries
other than the U.S. or have spent
a significant portion of their lives
in countries outside the U.S.
International athletes who choose
to play their sport in the U.S. bring
with them a unique perspective that
can alert us and other athletes to the
cultural differences and similarities
between their home countries and
the U.S.
Interviews with student-athletes
from India and Iceland showcased
their experiences navigating sports
here at LC.
This year, the men’s tennis
team welcomed Arnav Bishnoi ’28
from Chandigarh, India. He began
playing tennis in Chandigarh when
he was nine years old. It was not
feasible for Bishnoi to attend school
and rigorously practice tennis in
his country, and as a result of his
demanding training schedule, he
had poor attendance. His school
was able to work flexibly with and
accommodate his unique schedule as
a student-athlete, with the stipulation
that he took his exams, so he was
able to continue playing competitive
tennis throughout high school.
“My school was very lenient, and after
ninth grade, I was basically homeschooled
and took online tuitions. I only had to go
and give exams,” Bishnoi said.
As a result, the number of hours
that he trained for tennis in a day
rose drastically. “Before high school, I played only
two to three hours a day, but after I
had physical fitness in the morning,
game practice in the afternoon,
and technical corrections in the
evening,” Bishnoi said.
Bishnoi expressed that he felt
there was more of an organized
schedule in the U.S., and that
balancing classes with athletics has
not been as much of a challenge.
An added bonus at LC are the
indoor tennis courts, unlike in India,
where Bishnoi would practice out in
the sun for multiple hours at a time.
“At least I don’t get tanned while
playing here,” he said.
Anna Ingadottir ’26, a goalkeeper
for the women’s soccer team, is from
Gardabaer, Iceland, and has been on
the team since her freshman year.
She shared that soccer is only a club
sport in Iceland and is not integrated
into collegiate athletics.
Ingadottir also mentioned that
the focal points of training vary
significantly between the two
different countries.
“Training is more focused on
fitness and physical strength here,
but in Iceland, we work more on
technique,” Ingadottir said.
Teams in Iceland are separated
by skill level, so a wide range of ages
play together on the same team.
“Since Iceland is a small country,
the government subsidizes the
program, and people of all age
groups can join,” Ingadottir said.
Ingadottir said that playing
soccer makes her happy, and so far,
she enjoys playing the sport at LC.
“I told myself I would stop playing
the day it wasn’t fun anymore, and
I’m still here,” Ingadottir said. Ahika Jani ’28 is a member of
the women’s golf team. She is from
Mumbai, India where golf is primarily
a male-dominated sport.
“Very few women are expected to
play and be good, so when they are,
the validation is very high,” Jani said.
In India, golf is an individual
sport where each person competes
for themself. At LC, you play golf as a
team. Additionally, the coach actively
facilitates team bonding activities,
while simultaneously handling the
logistical aspects of the game.
“My coach here really cares, which
adds pressure, and makes you want
to do well for your coach,” Jani said.
Despite golf being an individual
sport in India, playing at a club
creates a sense of belonging where
everyone is willing to enjoy the
sport in each other’s company. Jani
experiences a similar feeling while
playing golf in the U.S.
“It’s surprising how similar it is; the
community feeling of golf stays the
same despite where you go in the
world. Everyone is willing to take you
in,” Jani said.
Many international student-athletes
experience a shift in their athletic
routine as they transition to playing
their sport in the U.S. and to managing
their undergraduate academic
workload. With an enhanced focus on
team activities to build bonds between
players, international students are
able to find community at LC, while
bringing a unique perspective to
the tennis court, soccer field or golf
course. Through a variety of sports
teams, LC Athletics is able to create an
inclusive environment where cultural
differences are bridged by shared
activities and shared sports.
Berg, #97, was invited to try out for the American National Ultimate Frisbee team. COURTESY OF @LCPIOSCREW ON INSTAGRAMIcelandic, Indian students
share athletic experiencesArtemis player to try
out for national team
News Editors
Fiona Eilers
Will Trunzo
Sport Editors
Siena Flock
Brady Vinlove
Web Manager
Claire BakkeOpinion Editors
Kai Godsey
Tanvi Shukla
Backdoor Editor
Emma Ford
Business Manager
Lauren EvansFeatures Editors
Zoe Dixon
Ella R. Dunn
Visuals Editor
Fabiola Rio
Social Media Manager
Leila DiazArts Editors
Paige A. Anderson
Lillian Small
Faculty Advisor
Molly RobinsonEditor-in-Chief
Emma Claire AmbroziakManaging Editor
Olivia FendrichCopy Chief
Maya Mazor-Hoofien
Staff Writers
Isaac Babus
Grace Bischoff
Kai Mermis-Cava
Olivia Miller
Jessie ShawStaff Illustrators
Rose Bialk
Alex Nash
Halcyon Orvendal
Puzzlemaker
Olivia LariosInterested in contributing to
The Mossy Log?
Come to our pitch meetings!
Mondays at 5 p.m.
J.R. Howard 135By SCARLETT ROBINSON
ARTEMIS, Lewis & Clark’s
women’s ultimate frisbee team,
has had a national star rise from
its midst. Presten Berg ’26 has been
invited to try out for the American
National Ultimate Frisbee team on
Nov. 9-10 in Tucson, Arizona. Team
USA narrowed down a pool of 600
players to 212 athletes that will try out
in hopes of representing the United
States. If admitted to the national team,
Berg would be one of 72 total players
across three teams of 24. She would
have the opportunity to represent LC
against international teams playing in
Logrono, Spain next summer against
other students from all over the world.
Berg has played ultimate frisbee for
nearly seven years, starting in eighth
grade. Fellow Artemis member Nahlah
Mkaouri ’26 has been friends with Berg
since the two were in second grade, and
it was Mkaouri who introduced her to the
sport. Berg continued to play throughout
high school in the spring season while
participating in soccer in the fall.
Berg has been competing for Artemis
for two years, playing a full season and
joining the team at nationals last year.
“I definitely like it, and I think it has
been a pretty supportive environment,”
Berg said.
Previously, Berg went to school
at Montana State University before
transferring to LC in her second year.
She enjoys the Artemis team and
its environment compared to her
experience in Montana.
“When I went to Montana, there
was not as good of a structure and the
coaches weren’t very involved. As far
as practice attendance went, people
weren’t on it. I think that the level of
play on Artemis has definitely increased
and stepped up,” said Berg. To be scouted for the national
team, Berg completed an application
that included 50 questions such as
“What do you think your offensive and
defensive strengths are?” and “What
are your weaknesses?” Berg also
submitted film of her frisbee skills on
the field. Berg was later selected out
of the hundreds of applicants to try
out for the West Coast division of the
Under 24 (U24) division.
With the opportunity to try out for
the National Team, Berg has the chance
to join top players — not just in the
nation, but in the world. According to
the USA Ultimate website, U24 teams
are part of “ultimate’s most prominent
international tournament for college-
age athletes” and the American
teams have claimed the majority of
medals in years they have competed
internationally — including in last
year’s tournament.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity
to be able to play with people who
are very advanced at the sport and
see what that level of frisbee can look
like,” said Berg. Even though Artemis
is really good, it’s still very centered
on a collegiate level. So we are playing
certain teams that might not have the
same strength as people who are on the
National level.”
If selected, Berg would represent
LC and the United States in World U24
World Championships, defending Team
USA’s Ultimate Frisbee gold medal from
last year. In previous tournaments, like
at the World Ultimate Championships,
there have been sold-out crowds of over
1,500 seats. This particular tournament
will be televised across the nation.
Presten Berg is currently training
with the Artemis team here at LC as
she prepares for tryouts this November.
Later this month, USA Ultimate coaches
will select a final roster of 72 players.
Rowing, swimming off
to excellent season start Bishnoi is a first-year economics major.COURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
Ingadottir is a goalie for the soccer team.COURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
This is Jani’s first year playing golf at LC.COURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
Both the men’s and women’s rowing team did well at their first regatta of the season.COURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
Men’s swimming broke records and won nine events in an impressive season opener.COURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
SPORTS 11
By ELLA DUNN
STUDENTS INTERESTED in the
health side of athletics are lucky
to have a fully-staffed training
room right here on campus. If hired,
they can spend their days working
with student-athletes and professional
trainers, attending practices and
tending to injuries. This position is
open to students, whether they are
involved in athletics or not.
Tatiana Rebanal ’26 has been
playing basketball her whole life,
continuing her athletic career here
as a point guard for Lewis & Clark’s
women’s basketball team. When she
is not practicing or at games, she
works in the training room, helping other athletes with injuries, as well as
performing upkeep tasks.
“A big benefit of working with athletic
trainers is having a better understanding
of my own injuries, how best to help myself
with a current injury and to prevent future
injuries,” Rebanal said over email.
Student workers can be tasked with
anything from filling water jugs for
practices to taping wrists and ankles.
They assist with athletes’ rehabilitation
and recovery before, during, or after
practice. Rebanal works two two-hour
shifts per week, on average.
“(The training room) provides a
larger sense of community among the
athletes on campus,” Rebanal said.
“Being in and around different sports’
athletes creates stronger relationships and better rapport with those you may
not have otherwise had.”
Rebanal has had a great experience
learning from our four professional
full-time trainers and describes the
feeling in the training room positively.
“The work environment in the
training room is easy-going but also a
safe space to learn and make mistakes.
Athletic trainers are happy to teach any
task (taping, assisting with evaluations,
etc.) and coach and guide student
athletic trainers with each process.”
Jack Venegas ’26 had family
connections with Jeremy Loew, LC’s
head trainer, which is how he got
involved in the work. He is in his third
year of working in the training room.
Currently, he works an average of 13
hours per week due to the rigorous fall
football schedule.
“I work a lot of the football shifts — a
lot of that is getting there about an hour
before they practice and filling two ten-
gallons of water,” said Venegas. “Then,
the players will come in and get taped or
do their treatments. It’s kind of a rush
of all of them at once. That’s a lot of
what (we do) during the fall.”
Working as a student trainer has
helped Venegas find his passion — he
feels athletic training is in his future.
“I’m enjoying (my psychology
major), even though I want to do
athletic training as a career,” said
Venegas. “Psychology courses don’t
quite line up with the requirements
you would need for athletic training
school, but I can see the carry-over
in how much you’re interacting with
people who are experiencing a wide
range of emotions and feelings.”Despite not playing a sport here
at LC, Venegas has played sports
throughout his life, including baseball
in high school. He feels that student
training, along with his work as the
baseball team’s student manager,
has allowed him to stay close to what
he loves, as well as build valuable
relationships with other students.
“You get to know (student athletes)
a lot better and become friends with
them,” said Venegeas. “It has definitely created a positive community, it’s
people you can talk to — if you’re in
a class together, it’s helpful to know
somebody. You can also learn things
from each other.”
The training room is a valuable
resource to any student-athlete here at
LC, offering minor injury rehabilitation
and treatment. For students interested in
athletics and looking to gain experience
in the health field, be sure to keep an eye
out for student trainer openings.HALCYON ORVENDAL/THE MOSSY LOG
Susanna Anand wins four singles matches in tournamentStudents work hands on in training room, at practices, games, athletic events with professional trainers
By OLIVIA MILLER
AT THE 2024 Northwest
Intercollegiate Tennis
Association Regional
Tournament, Susanna Anand ’26 won
four singles matches, making her the
first Pioneer to reach the finals in a
regional tennis tournament since 2016.
A long, deep-rooted history with the
sport of tennis preceded Anand’s journey
to the regional tournament’s finals.
“I’ve been playing since I was
three,” Anand said.
Her early beginnings in tennis can
be traced back to her family’s strong
interest in the sport.
“My dad has been coaching me ever
since I was little. We’re a big tennis
family,” Anand said.
As Anand has grown up and
remained continuously involved in
tennis, she knew going into college she
wanted to continue that streak.
“I’ve been playing so long. It’s just
one of those things that you’ve been
doing for so long and so you take
that next step of going to college and
playing a college sport,” she said.
Anand, a current junior, has
fostered an encouraging and tight-
knit network within her three years of
playing tennis at the collegiate level.
“I love being in a supportive
community and making close
friendships,” she said.
She has also had to contend with
the issue of balancing her time well,
something she has encountered
constantly while being a collegiate
athlete, as well as a computer science
and mathematics major.
“I guess challenges would be just
the aspect of getting work and sports
done. It’s always challenging,” she
said.
Anand has to attend tennis
practices every weekday, which follow
a structured routine designed in order
to best prepare players for upcoming
competitions and events.
“First, we warm up. After we warm
up, we typically do a lot of drilling
and point play, and we also try to do
a lot of match play and practice to get
ready for the upcoming season. That’s
usually how it goes,” Anand said. In the lead up to the regional
tournament, Anand was also
dedicating several additional hours
towards tennis outside of team
practices by continuing to practice on
weekends and committing to a regular
gym schedule.
“I was going to the gym a lot, every
day. Physically, just practicing every
day and playing matches almost every
day,” she said.
All of this additional practice was in
preparation for Anand to have the best
chance at meeting her goal going into
the tournament. “My goal was to win the tournament,
and I came as close as I could. So I
think having a higher goal than what
I guess the expectation should be, can
help get me as close as I can to that,”
Anand said.
Though she did not secure the
top spot in the tournament, Anand’s
rigorous commitment to the sport
took her far, allowed her to persevere
through tough moments in the
competition and ultimately led to her
winning four singles matches.
“The tournament was very long. I
had some very long matches. I guess my best match was probably in the
semi-finals. I was down 5-2 and ended
up winning that set. And I was down 5-3
and ended up winning that set also. So I
guess, just coming back from such a big
deficit was a highlight,” Anand said.
Those two matches exemplify a
lesson Anand has learned throughout
her time as a tennis player that helps
her both on and off the court.
“One of the things in tennis is that
it’s important to be patient, and you
have to be tough mentally. And that
really helps with other stuff off the court,
just having to deal with frustration and anger and various types of people. So
that definitely helps,” Anand said.
Following her four victories at the
regional tournament, Anand has mixed
feelings going forward.
“I mean, I’m sad it’s over. I wish I
could keep going. Fall season is really
short, but I’m looking forward to spring,
for sure,” she said.
Though the fall season for LC’s
women’s tennis team has ended, Anand
remains eager to build on her progress
in the upcoming spring season, which
will begin the first week of February
2025.Athletes learn sports medicine firsthand at LC
Women’s tennis player becomes the first pioneer since 2016 to make the ITA Northwest Regional Finals
ALEX NASH/THE MOSSY LOGCOURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
Susanna Anand begins her junior year competing on LC’s Women’s Tennis team.
Opportunities to work with athletic trainers create community and teach relevant skills.COURTESY OF LC ATHLETICS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
12She whoop on this pertussy ‘till
I cough
One costume, three takes, endless
possibilities for spooky, scary fun
Sexy Nurse
• You are using Halloween as an
excuse to get hit on — good for you
• You have forgotten that October
is cold generally, but you are
committed to the bit now
• You finally have a plan for how you
are going to steal your boyfriend’s
jacket for goodScary Nurse
• You are very proud of your “obscure”
taste in horror games
• You are convinced you would either
be the last one standing or the
murderer. We see you
• You figured this would be a good way
to camouflage wine stains (hint: it
will not work)Suspiciously Realistic Nurse
• Your mom is a nurse and a sexy nurse
costume makes you think about her
(how very Freudian)
• You wish LC offered a pre-med major,
and are living vicariously this weekend
instead of doing O-Chem homework
• You think tonight is the perfect night to
sneak into a hospital (good luck, dude)
By HALCYON ORVENDALA drunkard’s speech,
a Halloween battle cry
By FABIOLA RIO
Black Licorice
Sorry to the Dutch, but if you like
black licorice, we instantly know you are
a certified freak. People who get off saying
they like this black plastic bullshit are
definitely lying to feel quirky or are into
BDSM and probably have absurd safe
words like “Dippin’ Dots” or “Kermit the
Frog” and a collection of edible ropes.
Dots
Ah, Dots. For people who enjoy
chewing rubber. You end up fingering
your mouth longer than a solo DJ session,
except minus the climax.
Necco Wafers
If you have ever wondered what it is
like to eat communion wafers outside
of church, Necco has got you covered.
It is exactly like consuming the body of
Christ, I suppose, but with zero spiritual
redemption or nutritional value. Actually,
I am not sure if these are even candies or
just crushed-up Tums that found Jesus on
their way to CVS. Either way, I feel like I
should confess something after.
Candy Corn
These shit-ass nuggets of candle wax
can absolutely fuck off. If I am desperate,
I will still eat it ... like an ex. It is a hate-eat.
Is it good? No. Will I deepthroat it
anyway? Absolutely. I am nothing if not a
predictable mess with no self-control.
Tootsie Roll
Every year I am tricked into thinking
Tootsie Rolls will taste like chocolate,
and every year I am reminded that life is
full of disappointment and is not a box
of chocolates. Rather, these deceptive
wannabe Milky Ways are fully the
embodiment of lowered, rather than
great, expectations. (Yes, that is a Charles
Dickens joke. Those who know, know.
I am doing my thesis on Dickens. I will advertise that I read all of Bleak House
anywhere I can because she is thick). But
of course I will still eat them, because
sometimes Hard Times are the only thing
you can count on.
Laugh at my English major puns. I
demand it.
Edibles
You know those Facebook posts about
finding drugs in your child’s Halloween
candy? Yeah, bullshit. No one is wasting
good edibles on your trick-or-treating,
smell-my-feeting ass. But as an adult,
let me tell you: visit a dispensary, and
suddenly all of this candy will improve
dramatically (sorry to anyone under 21.
Maybe just stick to scouring your candy for
razor blades like the good ol‘ days.)
Healthy shit
I am not even going to pretend I would
be mad if someone gave me raisins while
adult trick-or-treating. Like, yes, Cathy,
give me all the organic, non-GMO snacks
you got in that beige monstrosity you call a
home. Groceries are expensive, and I have
not seen a vegetable in days. Raisins might
be the closest thing I get to a balanced
diet since midterms. Honestly, throw in a
protein bar, and I might propose.
Candy Buttons
Kids who like these are definitely into
psychedelics now. If you eat these, I hope
your journey has been good, man.
Wax Lips
The straight male foreplay of candy.
By that I mean completely useless but fun
because they look cute, even though you
know there is no real satisfaction coming.
Think of it as the equivalent of hooking
up with the friend you have weird sexual
tension with. It looks good for about five
seconds but leaves you with nothing but
regret and a weird taste in your mouth.
But like, we all need attention sometimes,
so do what you need to do, girl! Nik-L-Nips
Seeded higher purely based on the
name. To consume it, just squeeze the
juice out like the sad, dehydrated adult you
are, and sure, chew on the wax — just do
not swallow *wink wink*
Jawbreakers
I will absolutely bring up Freud and
judge you for having a dick sucking
problem. Unresolved oral fixation, called
out. You can pretend it is about the
challenge, but we both know you are just
working out some deep-seated issues, one
hard candy at a time. Just do not use too
much teeth.
Almond Joy
Almond Joy is for people who secretly
enjoy being pissed off. The coconut
shavings taste like that Bath & Body Works
spray you used to drown yourself in after
middle school gym class, back when you
thought spraying it “down there” meant
you were ready for sex. And do not even
get me started on that puny, smug almond
just sitting there like it has done something
special. Infuriating. It has the literal
passive-aggressive energy of someone who
has been in therapy for years but still needs
constant validation (love you, Mom).
Whoppers
Eating this candy feels like biting into
styrofoam, which makes sense for those
who like it since you probably ate glue as
a child. I respect the grind, but keep that
energy away from me.
Mike and Ike
Mike and Dyke? They are the original
fruits, and do not let anyone tell you
otherwise. Better than Dots, solely for the
built-in an opportunity to queerify them.
They are here, they are fruity and they are
surprisingly hard to chew. I really cannot
hate that much, because that sounds like
most of the Lewis & Clark population.
Again, love ya.
Serial killer on campus,
students in grave perilBy WILL TRUNZO
SStrap your nuts on, chucklefucks!
This shit is about to get realer
than those itchy balls you lot
have been ignoring since that boy’s
trip to Reno. Tonight, we stand before
God, country and, if need be, the
Portland Police Bureau. We do so
without reservation, without fear, with
beers in our hands and valor in our
hearts, so you worthless, mutineering,
shames-upon-your-family louts had
better listen up!
We have one hell of a night ahead of
us. Tonight, gentlemen, is that holiday we
hold so dearly in our hearts — Halloween.
Tonight, we drink, smoke, fight, gamble
and fuck our way through every bar, club
and party our feet can carry us to.
This day, to quote a great man, is a day
that will live in infamy. Songs will be sung
of our deeds and legends will be born!
The mere fact that some may call these
legends “criminal records” of “public
intoxication” is irrelevant. We have been
adequately-endowed by our creators
with certain inalienable rights,
however much some “bartender”
might say that we have been “cut off”
or that we are “too drunk.” Nonsense!
It is Halloweekend. At no point do you
stop drinking.
I look at you all around me and I see
the faces of those who have what it takes
to be victorious, to be unwavering in
our pursuit of that which we hold dear,
to stand firm in the face of the entire
supply of fishnets in this goddamn city
and to remain steadfast in pursuit of
our destiny!
But one may ask, by what yardstick
shall we measure ourselves? By what standard shall our glory be judged? The
muses shall someday sing of the victories
we achieve, such as getting hammered,
winning a bar fight or successfully
running from overly-testosteroned
bouncers. However, such a list does
not capture the breadth of success we
seek. Gentlemen, our glories will not be
hampered by such constraints, though if
constrained we must be, let it be by rope
or belt, as handcuff keys are too easily
lost. No, our night will stand alone as a
shining beacon, a clarion call to all those
who seek to have a good fucking time.
There are, however, challenges
to be met. Contingencies that must
be prepared! Should one of us be so
unlucky as to fall into the hands of those
who wish to oppress us and kill our
buzz, known to some as the “police,” the
situation may turn dire.
Thankfully, there are those among
us who, with a single trip to Spirit
Halloween, have solved this issue.
These “police” have let slip their guard,
and mistakenly allowed their uniforms
to fall into our hands! Should any of
us end up taken by them, it shall be
the others’ duties to embark upon a
perilous journey of deception, walking
into the lion’s den to ensure that no
man is left behind.
Men, we find ourselves here tonight,
at this pregame, with our lives in front
of us. We stand at a crossroads, and
it falls to us to carve our own path. A
path of Jagerbombs, of weed, of a good
drunk cig and of the bartender actually
flirting back. A path devoid of Uber
cleaning fees and getting cockblocked
when your roommates come home. A
path of success and of the creation of
legends. For glory and honor!Backdoor Bracket: Which
sweet treat slaps hardest?
By KAI MERMIS-CAVA
ON THE EVE of Oct 31, a body
was discovered outside the
Platt-Howard dormitory. The
unidentified victim was rushed to the
hospital, where they are currently in
stable condition. However, the scene,
which was quickly secured by Campus
Safety, suggested this attack was
possibly premeditated.
The Mossy Log denies all claims
that a journalist was able to get onto the
scene before Campus Safety was able to
arrive. We have done nothing of the sort,
and we have checked to ensure that all
information present in the article
has been revealed by Campus
Safety. We do not know more
than they do.
Sydney Scream ’27, a self-
proclaimed final girl,
agreed to an interview
with our journalists
(Editorial Board
note: we tried
ignoring her
emails. She
showed up
to our meeting
and demanded to be
interviewed. We gave up.
Please forgive us). The
details of this interview are
not fit to print, and witnesses
who said they overheard her
screaming that “she knew we
were to blame, all to have more
interesting stories to write about”
are liars.
Campus Safety appears to have
ignored Scream and her claims, and
instead, quickly investigated the actual
friends of the victim. All members of the
victim’s friend group was a part of were
contacted for questioning. We have been
unable to reach them for an interview,
and we do not know how Campus Safety
was able to locate them before we were
— a true failure of student journalism or
possibly a side effect of midterms week,
whatever gets you to not question us.
During their investigation, Campus
Safety discovered a Ghostface mask in the
possession of each student suspect. All
masks were hidden in a variety of places
in the students’ dorm rooms, including
under the mattress, in the closet and one
particularly determined student who had managed to shove the mask into the void
between the bed and the wall, otherwise
known as the void that consumes all. It is
unknown how Campus Safety managed to
retrieved it.
Witnesses reported that Editor-in-
Chief Gemma Ambrosia ’25 was seen
near multiple students’ dorms with
masks in hand. The Mossy Log was able
to independently verify this is a vicious
lie. To repeat, all Mossy Log editors
have been deemed not guilty, and any
evidence that may suggest otherwise is
inadmissible in court.
Later, Scream was found stabbed
to death in Olin, but that is probably
unrelated to her talking to us at the paper.
We had nothing but nice things to say
about her!
One source allegedly reported a
Mossy Log journalist to Campus
Safety. The journalist had
been accused of walking
through the Rose Garden
with a Spirit Halloween
bag, with what looked
like Ghostface masks.
No more information
is available at
this time.
A few days
after the discovery
of the murder, an
anonymous student
reported a suspicious
figure lurking outside of
Holmes. They described
the figure as dressed in a
black trench coat, holding a
very conspicuous camera and
asking passerby for their class
year before muttering, “No, we
already have too many sophomores for
the article!” and scurrying off. Following
up on this tip, a Campus Safety patrol
circling the back of Holmes thought they
saw that very figure in black, but the
figure quickly ducked into the building
upon seeing the car. Officers pursued
them on foot and thought they cornered
the suspect in the laundry room, but
upon opening the door they saw only
News editor Leona Eyelers ’26. Eyelers
was not brought in for questioning.
The Mossy Log will remain on the
case, praying, of course, that there are no
more attacks. But if there are, be sure to
pick up our paper, and keep an eye out for
our book, coming May 2025! ALEX NASH/THE MOSSY LOG