The Advocate, Issue 24 - April 19, 2019

Volume 53, Issue 24 APRIL 19, 2019 advocate-online.net

Opioid crisis solution PAGE 2

Give Earth some TLC PAGE 6

Dangers of idol worship PAGE 7

WEEDING THROUGH THE FACTS PAGE 4

Mace Archer heads back to the acting spotlight PAGE 5

FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY SCAN FOR PLAYLIST

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2016 FIRST PLACE

General excellence Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association

OPINION

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

THE REAL GATEWAY DRUGS

CHEERS TO CHOICES

Cassie Wilson the advocate

As I prepare to turn 21 in a few months, I also have to prepare a handful of quick reasons to explain why I don’t plan to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana.

I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain myself, yet we live in a time and place where it’s more normal to drink than to choose otherwise. I don’t think the same is true for smoking marijuana yet, but I don’t doubt that it’ll become way more common in my lifetime, especially with people my age and younger.

Every year growing up, my peers and I were given

presentations on why not to drink, do drugs, drive under the influence, or get in the car with someone else who has.

But as we near 21, it seems like we’re waiting to hit this milestone where we can do all the things we were told could harm us (aside from driving under the influence – and still do that, despite it being selfish and illegal).

I view turning 21 as being legally old enough to make the choice to drink and/or smoke. At the end of the day it is just a choice, but there’s this expectation built in around having your first ‘legal’ drink (because we know most people have their first drink before 21), like you’re officially being welcomed into the world of adulthood in a way that doesn’t happen when you turn 18.

The idea of drinking or doing drugs has never intrigued me and that hasn’t changed at all over time. I don’t care if other people partake in those activities responsibly, the same way

that no one should bother or pressure those who don’t.

Over the past several years I’ve observed the way that irresponsible drinking and drug use has affected people in my life, so choosing to never drink or do drugs means I will never get to a point where I could use them irresponsibly. I never want the option of having these substances become a bad coping mechanism when life gets hard.

When I have mentioned this to older people in my life they tell me it’s not that bad and that I won’t know until I try it – but if I’ve gone 21 years without it, then I don’t think I’m really missing out on much.

I don’t say all this to act like I’m better than anyone for not drinking or smoking, or to shame anyone who does.

Rather, I just hope to share a reminder that not everyone wants to drink or smoke, and that’s completely okay and normal.

Graphic by Eli Rankin / the Advocate

Omar Saradi the advocate

If there are two unspoken crises currently happening in America, it’s the opioid crisis and the incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders – the latter which plagues our prison and criminal justice system in an inhumane way. Yet the former is a universal problem that involves the pharmaceutical industry and modern medicine, and these two crises are connected through the ways of medicine and profit.

Marijuana is legal at a state level (in many states) but not at the federal level, and so that allows the pharmaceutical industry to treat opioids as the sole medical solution for many people’s problems.

Some of these issues can be things such as anxiety and insomnia, ranging to more general troubles like back pain or migraines – problems that are often diagnosed without much prescribed treatment than “take medication as needed.”

Now we are at a point

where years of this has led to drug abuse, increases in crime, and healthcare chaos, none of which have direct solutions at this moment.

But one of the two problems I named might just happen to be the solution to the other.

Federal legalization of marijuana could put a huge dent in the opioid crisis. I’m not saying that it would solve it completely, but the federal DEA and the medical community should re-examine the possible solutions and the whole “marijuana is a gateway drug” narrative.

The horror stories we hear from the opioid crisis lead me to believe that simple painkillers are the actual gateway drug.

OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine – the use of these cause the hugely damaging ripple effects of drugs today.

So, if the U.S. government relaxed the drug enforcement and gave researchers more ability to conduct tests with marijuana as a medicinal property, it could bring a solution to the opioid crisis and prevent future problems with marijuana, as well.

For now, people in many states have the ability to use CBD, which is a non-intoxicating property of cannabis, for antianxiety and stress relief use

– but it isn’t the extra relief needed to be an alternative to opiate painkillers. For states that have legalized cannabis more broadly, the marijuana industry is booming and bringing in all the benefits for use recreationally that other states don’t see .

But we’re forgetting what the original intent of state legalization of its use was: medicine.

We see now that culture and attitudes around marijuana are shifting toward acceptance, yet we’re all missing the gap between the culture and the legal semantics surrounding the use of weed. Drug incarceration, marijuana and the opioid crisis have a closer relationship than we might see at the surface level.

We haven’t been willing to prevent one of those from affecting the other. That’s why marijuana is only legal in some states, not all; the opioid crisis is effectively ignored; and our prison system is only getting bigger.

Our society has made much progress with the cultural shift regarding marijuana use. But there’s still more to go, and we can’t forget that the opioid crisis is a very real issue that extends far beyond just “drug culture” and marijuana – it’s life or death.

Advisers

Dan Ernst Howard Buck

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF MHCC Editor-in-Chief Megan Phelps Associate Editor/ Photo Editor Fletcher Wold Associate Editor/ News Editor Cassie Wilson Arts & Entertainment Editor Chloe Collins Sports Editor Position Open PA G E 2

Opinion Editor Position Open Graphic Design Editor Eli Rankin Graphic Design Team Angeles Ramirez Svetlana Meshcheryakova Photo Team Maysee Thao Zarah Escutia

Web Editors Positions Open

Staff Writers Benjamin Anctil Julia Empleo Sadie Klein Kurt Larson Kaleb Moring Jennifer Salazar Omar Saradi Positions Open

Ad Manager Darcy Hitchcock

Distribution Specialist Julia MacDonald

Video Team Andy Carothers Naethaniel Lile Copy Editors Hannah Meisenhelder Positions Open

Social Media Manager Position Open

@mhccadvocate

@theadvocateonline

@mhccadvocate Get Involved! Come visit us during our weekly meetings on Monday and Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in our office, room AC1369.

NEWS

APRIL 19, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

MEET THE CANDIDATES!

with Cassie Wilson

BEAVER CREEK CLEANUP

On Friday, April 19, there will be a Beaver Creek Cleanup in honor of Earth Day, on Monday. Volunteers can join members from Sandy River Watershed Council, the MHCC Fisheries Club, and City of Gresham officials at the Fisheries building at 10 a.m. and work until 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend; snacks and equipment will be provided.

SATURDAY MARKET

The Gresham Saturday Market is back! Come out and enjoy two musical acts while browsing local products from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Parking Lot W of the MHCC main campus.

VOTE FOR ASG PRESIDENT AND VICE

ASG ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT

On Thursday, April 25, ASG president and vice president winners for 2019-20 will be announced at noon in the Student Union.

PRESIDENT FOR NEXT YEAR! WATCH OUR VIDEO SCAN THE QR CODE OR

LUNCH WITH THE POLICE CHIEF

FIND US ON YOUTUBE

On Thursday, April 25, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Union, guests can have lunch with Gresham Police Chief Robin Sells and ask questions they may have.

AT MHCCADVOCATE

SOFTBALL

Saints softball will play against the Treasure Valley Chukars at 11 a.m. on Sunday, then take on the North Idaho Cardinals at 3 p.m. Students with ID get in free.

CONSERVATION FAIR

There will be a Conservation Awareness fair on Tuesday, April 23, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main mall (or the Student Union if weather is poor). This is a great opportunity to learn about recycling, repairing broken items, and reducing waste. There will be games and prizes.

GLOBAL BREAKFAST

The 5th Annual Global Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, April 24 in the Vista Dining Hall. Join students, staff, faculty, and community members from 9:30 to noon and enjoy delicious food and vibrant performances showcasing the diverse, global cultures of MHCC students and staff.

PEACE CONFERENCE

On Wednesday, April 24, the Peace and Justice from the Heart Conference will take place in the Student Union from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakout sessions include mindfulness and meditation, and nonviolent communication skills; before a panel discussion takes place.

ASG VOTING

Voting for the ASG president and vice president for the 2019-20 school year takes place Tuesday-Wednesday (April 23-24) in the Student Union during business hours, and online at mhcc.edu/asg/vote.aspx.

GET TO KNOW THE ADVOCATE

Cover by: Eli Rankin On the cover: An illustration of a giant avocado, relaxing while celebrating Earth Day and 420.

Writer

Contact us!

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Mt. Hood Community College Room 1369 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham OR 97030

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Naethaniel Lile is a first-year broadcasting student with plans to become a sound engineer. He enjoys reporting for the Advocate and helping with video broadcasts, and is a radio personality on campus at KMHD2. He also works for Entercom Radio helping to set up audio feeds and promote artists. He’s back at MHCC after pursuing a career as an EMT, doing security work for artists like Joan Jett and Theory of a Deadman, serving on a tour boat along the Columbia/Snake rivers, working as a ramp agent for Alaska Airlines, and being a flight attendant for Intel Corp.

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OPINION EDITORIAL

S

ince 420 is tomorrow, so we’re gonna tell you a li’l bit about weeeeeed, my dudes.

It’s tradition for the Advocate to cover marijuana close to 420. We think the state is headed in the right direction as far as legalization goes, but still have concerns.

Oregon has made a few major strides in marijuana legislation. It was the first state to decriminalize personal possession in 1973. The state later legalized medical marijuana in 1998, and recreational use in 2015.

Although the state has moved ahead, the country as a whole has not.

Marijuana is still federally prohibited.

Although a majority of states (33) have now legalized marijuana for medical purposes, there is still a long road to federal legalization.

We at the Advocate are not saying we think it should be legalized immediately without concern for how it would affect consumers.

There’s a lot we still don’t know about this complex substance. However, fear of the unknown consequences shouldn’t hinder progress; rather,

A SOBER LOOK AT MARIJUANA: THING we as a nation should push for more scientific research.

As of now, 10 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana, and some other states have worked towards decriminalizing it.

BENEFITS With some effort, three medicines derived from marijuana have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Epidiolex is an oral solution that treats seizures associated with two rare, severe forms of epilepsy. The drug is made up of cannabidiol, or CBD. The two other drugs (dronabinol and nabilone) are synthetic cannabinoids, which are used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Dronabinol is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with AIDS; the drug also has a synthetic version of THC – the part of marijuana that gets a user high.

Because these medicines were only recently legalized, there are few extensive studies on their long-term effects, but their legal status means

that more studies should be coming soon.

Marijuana can also help those with anxiety, stress, or other symptoms such as chronic pain. It can be used as a form of enjoyment, too.

Recreationally, marijuana can be a substitute for cigarettes and alcohol.

Many people smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol socially, but with marijuana being legalized they have another option. And, since marijuana can be consumed in the form of food, people can avoid harming their lungs like they would by smoking cigarettes. The liver can be spared the impact of alcohol, by using edible marijuana instead. Marijuana can have an extremely low impact on the body when compared to other popular stimulants or depressants.

CONCERNS Many people are concerned by the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis. Oregon, as well as other legalized-weed states, has seen an increase in insurance claims for traffic collisions since recreational

“

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN CONSEQUENCES SHOULDN’T HINDER PROGRESS; RATHER, WE AS A NATION SHOULD PUSH FOR MORE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.”

sales were legalized, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

With cannabis being a complex substance to track in someone’s breath, it’s difficult to create technology to detect how much THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is present in someone’s system without blood or urine tests.

However, a few companies such as Hound Labs and Cannabix have been developing breathalyzer devices to detect this hard-to-pinpoint chemical compound.

Graphic by Svetlana Meshcheryakova / the Advocate

This would allow for more accurate testing on if someone was impaired from the use of marijuana when an incident occurs, because through traditional drug testing of blood or urine, cannabis is often still seen in drug panels even a month after someone smokes or ingests it.

A breathalyzer would also provide quicker results and likely be more accurate than a field sobriety test.

That said, there’s still not a

THEATRE DIRECTOR HITS THE STAGE

Archer returns to casting to better inform students in program Chloe Collins the advocate

When you work in the theatre business, a lot can change over the years. The performing arts are a competitive platform: That’s just show biz, as they say.

That evolution of theatre is the reason Mace Archer, MHCC artistic director and theatre instructor, decided to finally take a year off from teaching. Beginning in Fall Term 2019, he will take a sabbatical to focus on professional acting and directing – diving straight into competing himself for an acting role in a current play.

Traditionally, a sabbatical is a period of leave granted to a university or college instructor so that they may conduct research.

In Archer’s case, he believes it is important to reinforce the information he is teaching to PA G E 4

theatre students.

This will the first sabbatical at Mt. Hood for Archer, who until now has been on a decade-long hiatus from auditioning. Now he will be going through the process he teaches to his students, that of finding auditions and obtaining roles.

Since many theatre companies are already casting for shows in 2020, Archer has already begun the process and auditioned for seven shows so far. For a recent audition, he flew to Memphis for a national casting call. The competition included 90 different theatre companies, representing roughly 900 actors. Each actor was given 90 seconds a piece to impress producers with their chosen monologue-and-song combination.

So far, Archer has received two callbacks in the Portland area, and another two for productions of

“Mamma Mia!” he said.

A lot of people think of acting and immediately associate the term with Los Angeles. However, since he is a live theatre actor, Archer predicts that if he does have to travel for a role he will likely end up in Chicago or New York. Ideally, he would like to stick closer to home.

During his sabbatical, Archer’s Mt. Hood classes will be taught by substitute teachers and professional guest artists. The productions that will be presented by the college’s theatre students next year have already been selected. Directing a musical or play can be challenging, and having a specific direction in mind can be helpful. That’s why Archer would prefer to land more roles in PDX, so he can be on campus at times to help those people filling in.

Meantime, the pay in professional theatre has changed;

Photo by Fletcher Wold / the Advocate

Theatre Director Mace Archer will be gone on sabbatical 2019-20 to keep the Mt. Hood theatre program fresh.

the most popular shows have changed; and gender-bending casting is back with zeal. But Archer has noticed during his recent auditions that although theatre is constantly evolving, the audition process is “remarkably the same” as

it had been for him over a decade ago. During the next academic year, Archer will find all those updates and consistencies in the industry to help strengthen MHCC’s already robust theatre department.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

GS TO KEEP IN MIND AS USE EXPANDS

consensus on how much THC can be detected in one’s system to qualify them as “impaired” or not, because the scientific research behind it is so new.

As of now, it’s common in Oregon and elsewhere, for trained law officers to conduct a, W12step drug recognition process that includes some physiological tests, as well as some other steps, such as having people try to cross their eyes,

which is typically difficult when high. Another test is having someone stand with their feet together, arms at their sides, then close their eyes and estimate when 30 seconds has passed. Usually if someone is under the influence, they wait for much longer than 30 seconds.

In the end, these tests are fairly subjective, and while there is some science and research behind each part of the process, having something equivalent to the breathalyzers used for alcohol would provide more concrete evidence.

The conclusion we can all reach is that no one should be driving, working, or caring for others while they know that they’re under the influence and impaired from the use of marijuana or any other substance.

LOCAL IMPACTS According to the Oregon Secretary of State audit report for January 2019, “As of November 2018, retail (marijuana) sales had generated $207 million in tax revenue.” The marijuana tax revenue in Oregon is designated for specific areas, such as K-12 education funding (40 percent);

mental health, alcoholism and drug services (20 percent); cities and counties (20 percent); state police (15 percent); and the Oregon Health Authority (5 percent).

The state could be making an even larger profit from excess product (there’s an estimated 1 millionpound oversupply now) if marijuana growers were allowed to sell their products outside of Oregon.

However, since marijuana is federally illegal, it is classified as a controlled substance. This means transporting over state lines remains as a federal crime. Meantime, the Oregon Legislature is working toward passing bills that would allow Oregon to get in the market early, if it does become legal to sell across state lines.

For example, Senate Bill 582 would allow the Oregon governor to create an agreement with neighboring states where marijuana is legal and begin to create more cohesive regulation of licensed marijuana businesses. If, say, a business was licensed, an Oregon grower could sell product in California, (as long

as transportation methods used are those which are regulated only by the federal government, which does not recognize legalization of marijuana).

With so much product sitting around, outpacing the demand instate, there is concern that Oregon farms will turn to, or are turning to, the black market for higher profit margins. There are also small producers/growers that have not been reporting how much cannabis they have on hand; only 15 percent of them are in compliance with the state.

The state is currently understaffed to check all growing sites, so it is turning to administering fines, of at least $200. Growers should expect to receive warning letters in the mail this month, with fines to be implemented in May. WORKPLACE CONCERNS There are several other legislative bills that have been brought to the House or Senate floor. One, House Bill 2655, is sponsored by Rep. Chris Gorsek (D-49), an MHCC criminal justice instructor. This bill would prohibit employers for

using a positive drug test for a legal substance as the sole grounds for hiring or firing someone.

We at the Advocate believe employees should not be punished for substances they use outside of work on their own time – assuming they show up for duty sober, and not impaired. Considering that most tests detect marijuana long after the psychoactive effects have worn off, assessing someone’s ability to work because of a trace amount of a substance should not be grounds to decide to hire or fire an individual.

OUR CONCLUSION To roll this all together (or to be blunt): Since the legalization of marijuana in Oregon, we are seeing more advances and efforts in research, legislation, decriminalization, taxes, and medicines. There’s still much more research to be done on how long-term use of cannabis affects people now that it’s legal, but for now we encourage anyone who does use it to do so responsibly and safely.

LOCAL VENDORS BACK FOR MARKET ON CAMPUS Sadie Klein

the advocate Gresham Saturday Market, hosted in MHCC’s parking lot, is finally open for the season.

The first Saturday market of the year was held last week, on April 13. The weekly market is held on Mt. Hood’s main campus

in Gresham, in Parking Lot W nearest the corner of Northeast Kane/257th Drive and Southeast Stark Street.

There were a variety of stands, selling very distinctive items, on the opening day.

The majority of what was being sold was handmade, which gives the market its unique features. The market is also dog friendly and last Saturday, attendees enjoyed a live musical performance from Greg Parker.

Lamon Bee Acres was one of the stands that stood out the most. This is a threegeneration family business, currently lead

by Vicky Morrison. She describes it as a fulltime job, working 12-16 hour days.

Her business has been coming to the Gresham Saturday Market since it opened

three years ago. However, it has been participating in Saturday markets for a total of 37 years, she said.

Lamon Bee Acres also organizes a book exchange for children to “keep them reading over the summer,” as described by Morrison.

It sells a variety of honey products. She explained that the farm’s flavored honey was based on the various type of plants the bees pollinate.

The Saturday Market is a great way to show support for your local community.

This weekend’s live performances include Dawna Stafford, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and Ron Ruedi and the Hurricanes, from noon to 3 p.m.

If you’re interested in checking out the

Gresham market, it will be open every Saturday, through Sept. 28. To find out more about vendors and live acts, see: greshamsaturdaymarket.com.

Graphics by Svetlana Meshcheryakova / the Advocate

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NEWS

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

LEARN HOW TO BE AN ALLY TO THE PLANET Jennifer Salazar the advocate

MHCC’s own sustainability expert, and Fardwosa Duale, campus safety and sustainability representative for Mt. Hood’s Associated Student Government, are gearing up for a Conservation Awareness event on campus next week.

The exhibit will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, on the Main Mall.

The event comes a day after Earth Day, and can be a great way to celebrate Earth by learning how to better care for it. Students will learn what is recyclable and nonrecyclable, as well as how to fix broken items instead of throwing them away.

A followup event in June will also be something everyone can learn from.

The Community Conservation and Repair Fair will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, in the Yoshida Event Center.

Exhibitors from across the area, such as the City of Gresham and

Agilyx Corp., will teach guests how they can save money while making a better impact on the planet. Tips on using less water and energy and growing your own foods will be presented, plus many others.

“

the June 8 fair. They will help set up chairs, help to direct vendors and exhibitors, and check people in and out. There is a lot of help needed and anyone interested can visit mhcc.edu/conservationfair or

OUR OCEANS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF THE PLANET. IF WE KEEP GOING DOWN THIS ROAD, WE MIGHT NOT HAVE AN OCEAN IN THE NEXT 50-100 YEARS.” -TROY BUILTA

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST

The main goal is to share ways of saving money and resources.

Guests may bring their own broken household items and get them fixed by volunteers. There will be free workshops, with advice on living more sustainably, while saving money. The first 200 people to arrive at the event will receive a free water conservation kit.

Volunteers are needed for

contact Troy Builta at troy.builta@ mhcc.edu.

The staff adviser for Mt. Hood’s conservation club and chair for the campus sustainability committee, Builta, says MHCC has a lot of room for improvement on sustainability.

There have been a lot of behindthe-scenes changes made to save energy that students may not know about. In 2014, Mt. Hood started

saving by teaming up with the Energy Trust of Oregon. There are new fan rooms using less energy to push heated/cooled air through ventilation systems, solar panels have been installed on some roofs, and there are new boilers that heat water only when needed.

Builta has long noticed a significant problem with waste and recycling on campus, however. A lot of students don’t know how to recycle, and sometimes mistake their waste for recyclables, and vice versa. In 2016, a MHCC waste audit showed recycling levels of 30%.

“I think we can bring that up to at least 50%,” said Builta.

He recommends that students make sure to check which items can be recycled. They can ask a sustainability specialist or department, or do some research.

One way to persuade students to make changes can be to show them the harm plastic is doing to the planet, to animals, and what it can do to humans. Builta mentioned the heartbreaking images showing the damage plastic is doing to animals: turtles with straws stuck in their

nose, birds not able to fly because of the plastic wedged between their feathers, and sea animals wrapped in plastic.

If students understand that mistreatment, they might think twice before tossing their garbage in the streets, in rivers, and maybe start to reuse and recycle, Builta said.

“Our oceans are the heartbeat of the planet. If we keep going down this road, we might not have an ocean in the next 50-100 years,” he said.

Students can easily find many websites with information on sustainability. They may contact Gresham’s Sustainability Department or contact Troy for questions, and look either for him or Bobbie Hill, president of Mt. Hood’s conservation club, to join the club.

The club meets at 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Contact Builta for directions on where to meet.

EARTH DAY: ORIGIN STORY Kaleb Moring

MUST KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 21+ ONLY. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE

PA G E 6

the advocate

Have you ever wondered how Earth Day came to be? Through many past events, the world has pushed strongly for a better planet. After each effort we’ve been through, we continue to aim for a better future.

In the early 1960s, during the Vietnam War and anti-war protests, masses of Americans also began to recognize the effects of pollution on the environment.

In 1969, a major oil tanker accident near Santa Barbara led to a turning point for environmental action. Being the largest oil spill to affect California waters, it significantly impacted the local environment, killing local marine life and sea birds. This devastating event inspired a strong reaction.

The person who would found Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, realized that if he could convince the antiwar movements, the media, and the public’s mindset about the dangers of air and water pollution,

this would push environmental protection into the political agenda.

A few months after, a fire on downtown Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River showed Americans the dire consequence of chemical waste disposal in water bodies. The river

Web Graphic

had an oil slick layer across the water, with decades of similar waste having been dumped into the river.

Since 1868 the river experienced 13 separate fires, prior to yet another.

This new incident was the only recorded fire to cause $100,000 in damage to two railroads, however.

This event further influenced Americans to protect the planet’s natural resources and later led to the passage of the federal Clean Water Act in 1972. There may have been movements pushing for positive actions for the Earth and recycling at the time, but not much activism based on air and water pollution.

On April 22, 1970 nearly 20 million Americans took part in a newly designated day of recognition, called Earth Day, with demonstrations and other action taken to support a healthy, sustainable environment. By 1990, a group of environmental leaders asked Denis Hayes, who had helped to launch the initial event, to organize another big campaign.

This time, Earth Day went global: About 200 million people, from more than 140 countries, lifted environmental issues onto a world stage.

So, just a reminder to everyone out there: Earth rocks!

Watch out for events on or around April 22, and do something for the planet.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 19, 2019

FAME, FORTUNE, AND MANIPULATION 4 out of 5 stars

Kurt Larson the advocate

Fame, in and of itself, is neither a good or bad thing, but those who possess the unique power that fame wields too often find themselves consumed by it, using their skills of social manipulation to inflict suffering on the undeserving.

Unfortunately for Hollywood and the rest of the entertainment industry, the worst of these manipulators seem to appear among their ranks and are all too often given only a slap on the wrist for their crimes, or even no punishment at all.

Such is the case with Michael Jackson, the late world famous musician and megacelebrity.

With the spread of the #MeToo movement, an air of safety and comfort has been afforded to those who have suffered at the hands of the rich and famous.

In light of this new social climate, and with the death of the pop star now nearly a decade in the past, two men – once considered Jackson’s protégés – have decided to set the record straight and reveal their stories of abuse at his hands.

Directed by Dan Reed, “Leaving Neverland” is a two-part documentary TV series released on HBO, following choreographer Wade Robson and TV celebrity James Safechuck as they discuss their childhood relationship with an adult Jackson and the repeated molestation they experienced while under his care.

The first of the two-part series serves almost as a puff piece for Jackson. It explores the initial good interactions Robson and Safechuck experienced with him, and the

surreal nature of his ever-growing presence in their family life.

Just as Jackson expertly groomed his young admirers, he also won the affection of their parents, asserting himself as an almost benevolent figure in their eyes, and eventually tearing these boy’s families apart at the seams to get what he desired.

This half of the series does an incredible job explaining how Jackson charmed his way into these children’s lives and how he managed to convince their parents to leave their sons with him for weeks on end at his sprawling Neverland Ranch without allowing them any proper contact. Lingering on the buildup of his relationship with these boys really helps explain the insanity of their situation with the most famous man in the world.

By far, the biggest hurdle for this documentary has been to convince Jackson’s hard-core supporters of his crimes, and splitting this four-hour movie into two segments allows for a more-complete examination of their stories.

The first half explores the interactions of the parents with Michael, and personal stories of the oddities they witnessed as he inserted himself into their lives. The second focuses more heavily on the molestation he inflicted on Robson and Safechuck, continuing for years.

From beginning to end, the pair’s stories are filled with horrifying revelations and fascinating insights into the last true titan of the music industry.

As far as criticism, it’s hard to give. Leaving Neverland plays more like an extended journalistic piece, rather than a traditional documentary.

However, some critiques are quite obvious, such as its length. While the runtime provides much-needed time for the true scope of these two men’s stories to be told, it does feel as if about 30 minutes could’ve been cut, and nothing would have been lost.

Graphic by Angeles Ramirez / the Advocate

Overall, though, the cinematography and the production quality behind this documentary are fantastic.

In the end, the value of this two-part series lies with the telling of Robson and Safechuck’s stories and the awareness it brings to similar ongoing abuse in the entertainment industry.

Whether or not you initially believe Jackson is guilty of the crimes of which he is accused, after seeing the evidence presented here, it is incredibly hard to deny his guilt.

Robson and Safechuck’s stories are not unique, unfortunately, and Jackson is neither

the first nor the last celebrity who will be accused of such horrible crimes.

Despite decades of experience with the modern notions of what true stardom means and what it can do to people, it seems society is still desperately struggling with this issue, especially in the YouTube age.

Modern media has not only made it possible for the average person to achieve instant celebrity, it has allowed for the flowering of predatory attention seekers all too eager to take advantage of the social leeway that fame gives them.

There’s potential for the type of the abuse within the entertainment industry to spread at a greater rate than ever before, thanks to a generation of tech-ignorant, inattentive parents. YouTube and the internet as a whole has been both a wonderfully transformative, creative tool, as well as an amazing platform for upcoming creators. But with millions of hours of content being uploaded every day, and no good way to seriously review/censor that content, there’s not enough security provided to the platforms’ youngest viewers.

Even after multiple channels centered around child performers and personalities have been shut down by YouTube, following the arrest of their owners on various child abuse and molestation charges, it seems this trend will only continue.

Fame is a dangerous gift. It comes with many perks, but in a society that is so selfobsessed and fixated on an unrealistic, abstracted version of what it means to be successful, it has turned into a slow-acting poison.

With any luck, Leaving Neverland will serve as a cautionary tale as to what happens when a society deifies the individual.

JORDAN PEELE GIVES “US” A TRUE MYSTERY 3.5 out of 5 stars

Naethaniel Lile the advocate

Accompanied by her husband, son and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic

experience from the past, she grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen – the main thrust of “Us,” the horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele.

Adelaide’s worst fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival. When the masks come off, the family is horrified to learn that each attacker takes the appearance

of one of them.

You may know Peele as the funny man on his show, “Key & Peele,” that he co-wrote with his friend, Keegan-Micheal Key. That show is a skit-based comedy shot in the perspective of a real movie, as the viewer jumps right into the main plot lines.

This new movie starts with the main character as a child, and shows the viewer the traumatic event that determines the movie’s

plot. The two-hour film builds, to a point where I’m thinking that it’s gonna rock – then quickly topples, like a messy game of Jenga. It hits a “PLOT-hole, doing 80 in a 20,” figuratively.

The viewer hits a wall and suddenly out of nowhere holes began to form and the film’s twist (as good as the twist is) makes sense no longer, due to questions that will lead them to tilt their head and go, “Uhhhhhh.”

Peele is an amazing comedian/ writer, but it seems he has some considerable work to do to succeed as a producer. He excels in beginnings, and middles, but his last two films have showed that his endings fall short.

The verdict: The first half of the movie is great! But the ending gives this film 3½ Stars. This should be a great rental on Redbox, but I wouldn’t spend the money to see it in theaters again.

PA G E 7

SPORTS

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

BASEBALL UPDATE

BLAZERS TAKE SURPRISING 2-0 LEAD AGAINST THUNDER Benjamin Anctil the advocate

Our Portland Trail Blazers have had a stretch of outstanding athleticism and overall basketball success as they lead their first-round NBA playoff series 2-0 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, heading into Game 3 in Oklahoma tonight.

The Blazers went into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference after defeating the Sacramento Kings on April 10. This win was their last of the regular season and left them with a record of 53-29. The Blazers seem to make the playoffs every year, leaving an unsurprised crowd, but this year things feel just a bit different for some reason. There’s more hope, even against the odds.

If you’re a Blazer fan, what you’re probably still thinking about is the serious injury of starting center Jusuf Nurkic. In late March, Nurkic suffered an incredibly painful looking left leg injury (breaking both his tibia and fibia bones), landing awkwardly after what looked to be a normal rebound attempt.

As “Nurk” was rolled out on a stretcher in front of the Portland crowd, it was a devastating blow to the team, as he anchored the team in the middle. It was clear to all that his absence would greatly diminish the Blazers’ performance in the playoffs.

However, we’re waiting still to see if this is true, as we watch the Blazers just... Keep. On. Winning.

Enes Kanter was an obviously beneficial addition to the team in February, but after his trade from the New York Knicks he has filled in superbly for Nurkic in the starting position. He made what some called “many Nurk-like moves” and played an aggressive game against the Thunder’s center, Steven Adams, during Game 1 on Sunday.

Though Kanter has been deemed by critics as not being a great defensive player, his offensive PA G E 8

play is quite good. Kanter put 20 points on the board, and recorded 18 rebounds, while Damian Lillard was the lead scorer of this game, with 30, as the Blazers finished off a 104-99 victory.

On Tuesday night, the two teams were in Portland again for Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.

The Blazers lost the first quarter, 3126, but won every subsequent quarter. This game was truly special, and everyone on the Blazer roster got a piece of the action.

To end the second quarter, Damian Lillard drove into the paint aggressively for what looked to be a last-second layup but instead kicked the ball out between two defenders’ hands. CJ McCollum caught his pass and drained a three-pointer as the clock expired. The crowd was fully energized as the Blazers ended the half all tied up at 54-54.

During the third quarter, various bench players added to the mix, such as Seth Curry, who shot 3-for4 from 3-point territory. He made his first two in a row, his second coming off a fast break, after he set his feet and launched it. The television cameras turned toward the stands to show his parents, standing in Blazer gear and cheering (mind you these are the same parents of Steph Curry, his older brother).

To end the third quarter, Damian Lillard had another step-back three that splashed after the horn sounded. And finally, big man Meyers Leonard stepped in to play an incredible 14 minutes, with 5 points and 4 rebounds. The game ended as a 114-94 Portland win.

If fans think this year is just like the rest of the six consecutive playoff appearances for the Blazers, I would challenge you to think otherwise. The guys are playing with passion, skill, and determination, even more so since Nurk has been out.

We’ll wait for how Game 3 in Oklahoma City turns out, but I’m confident the Blazers can win the series in four.

On Wednesday, April 18, The Saints swept Southwestern Oregon, 9-2 and 15-5. Pitcher Trace Hokkanen, (pictured left) won the first game, giving up 2 runs and 2 hits over 7 innings.

MHCC is currently second in the South Region, trailing only Linn-Benton. The two teams battled twice on Thursday (after press deadline) and will play two more games Saturday in Albany.

Photos by Fletcher Wold / the Advocate

SOFTBALL UPDATE On Wednesday, April 18, Mt. Hood’s softball team continued its hot streak by sweeping the Centralia Trailblazers, 6-5 and 14-13. In the first contest, infielder Kennedy Jantzi (pictured left) hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the 7th inning to win it for the Saints. The Saints are currently first in the South Region at 16-0, are 21-4 overall for the year, and have won 17 straight games.