thepacificsentinel-blog

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Twitch Stream: Video Playthroughs

By: Jeremy King

To the uninitiated, the idea of gamers watching other gamers playing video games might sound a bit abnormal. But unless you’ve been living under a rock without any steady access to Wi-Fi and have long since exhausted your data plan, you’ve almost certainly come across the phenomenon in some incarnation or another.

Perhaps you’ve heard of PewDiePie―currently occupying the top of the YouTube pecking order with a subscriber count that’s quickly closing in on 43,000,000. His channel primarily features “Let’s Play” video commentaries and playthroughs.

It stands to reason that if simply watching someone else play a game is capable of drawing so much attention, there has to be a fairly strong underlying pull not only to watch content of this nature, but to create it as well.

To better understand just how widespread the appeal of this relatively recent and unique form of commentary is, one need look no further than twitch.tv; a massive, global online network of live-stream gaming that generates some of the internet’s busiest traffic.

Twitch’s origins date back to 2005, shortly after founder Justin Kan sold his first software company, Kiko Software. Using the funds from the sale, Kan―along with Kiko’s other founding members―proceeded to create justin.tv, the precursor to what would eventually give rise to Twitch.

“Kan said they wanted to create a ‘Big Brother-style’ site that would stream their lives,” quotes James Cook in an article for Business Insider. “In effect, it pioneered the practice of ‘lifecasting,’ a practice of streaming your life around the clock that became popular as the price of webcams and broadband plummeted.”

For many streamers, this uniquely intimate experience of “sharing” their lives with viewers through common interests such as gaming became a dominant motivating factor for regularly scheduled broadcasts.

“...the big appeal for us was having a space where we could not only play games together, but share games with other people,” said Ashley (last name omitted at the request of interviewee), a Portland local who formed the PixelPeasants Twitch channel alongside long-time friend Daniel Hoffman. “We want the vibe of our stream to be like hanging out with a couple of friends in your basement, playing games together.”

And it’s precisely that sort of cozy, inviting atmosphere that seems to appeal to so many viewers, if the numbers are anything to go by.

Business Insider goes on to chart Twitch’s 2014 weekly video traffic, using data gathered at the beginning of April as a metric; according to the data, collected specifically to measure the traffic of live video streaming, Twitch occupied a massive 43.6 percent share of total online streaming traffic.

“Real-Time Entertainment (streaming video and audio) traffic now accounts for over 70 percent of North American downstream traffic in the peak evening hours on fixed access networks”, cites an entry posted to the Sandvine Internet Phenomena Blog on Dec. 7, 2015. “Five years ago it accounted for less than 35 percent.”

“Of particular interest to gamers, the report comments on the surge in game streaming service ‘Twitch,’ which hit 2 million concurrent viewers in late August due to two major online game tournaments,” writes Michael Poole in an article for Breitbart News Network. “‘Twitch’ hit its peak that day in the late morning and early afternoon, at which point it accounted for 4 percent of all Internet traffic in North America.”

With such widespread viewership, developers and publishers have embraced the publicity associated with both streaming and the popular “Let’s Play” formula. Take, for example, a recent promotional trailer for Ubisoft’s Far Cry Primal titled “YouTuber Reactions;” the ad, which featured gameplay footage interspersed with commentary and reactionary shots from a variety of YouTubers, has currently aired nationally 899 times.

The popularity of game streaming has also served to leverage the playing field somewhat in an industry known for its extravagant development costs.

“...we've heard about a lot more indie games in particular through streaming,” Ashley said. “...it's great free exposure for games too, especially if a big name streamer plays your game. That gets the word out to thousands of people.”

The format has afforded low-budget productions a degree of freedom in pursuing original ideas and concepts. Similarly, smaller independent studios may find the prospect of marketing their game much more feasible by developing titles considered “tailor-made” for streaming.

“I think twitch rewards developers who create quick, easy to understand action-packed games rather than slower, in-depth plot-driven games,” said Daniel Hoffman of PixelPeasants. “It’s also rewarded a genre of games that are purely about skill; it’s fun to watch people be good at stuff.”

But despite the massive commercial implications developers and publishers stand to make off the format―as well as the potential earnings for the streamers themselves―at its core, it retains much of the simplicity of Kan’s original vision of a shared life.

“There's always that fantasy of getting paid to do something you love,” Ashley said, “[But] I'd say the biggest motivation to keep a regular schedule is the viewers.”

“It's also dedicated time where we get to step away from the stresses of everyday life and just chat about games and spend time with each other. Daniel and I both have regular jobs and we don't currently make any money streaming, so it's a nice escape”

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Crime Alert

By Scarlet Disko

Auto glass residue / Wiki Commons

No one expects to walk out to their car and find it gone. People hear about break-ins and cars being stolen, however when it happens to one’s own car it can be hard to face. One may think a variety of things such as, “maybe I parked it somewhere else” or “maybe it was towed;” anything but the idea that it was stolen.

Motor vehicle theft and car prowl rates in the Portland metro area were at their highest in 1995. Despite the growth of Portland’s population from 582,130 in 2009 to 592,120 in 2013, these rates have decreased between 1995 and 2013 by 64.2 percent for motor vehicle theft and 37.9 percent for car prowl according to Portland State University’s crime data count by year. Motor vehicle theft has been steady for the past five years with an average of 57 motor vehicle theft incidents and 147.5 car prowls per 1,000 residents.

Motor vehicle theft happens when someone takes a motor vehicle—automobiles, trucks, vans, buses, snowmobiles, golf carts, ATVS, and motorcycles—from the owner without permission or intent of returning the property. 97,632 motor vehicle thefts were reported to the Portland Police Bureau between 1995 and 2013.

Car prowl happens when items—personal belongings or car parts and accessories—are illegally removed from a vehicle without the owner’s authorization. There were 203,471 car prowls reported to the Portland Police Bureau between 1995 and 2013.

Recently there have been an increased amount of car theft incidents near and at PSU. Tanner Torres, a PSU student living less than a mile off campus at the top of SW Park Avenue, recently had his Toyota Tacoma stolen. When the truck was stolen, he was parked in the designated parking area of his zone B permit, up the hill of SW Clifton Street which is out of sight from Torres’ home. “There was shattered glass everywhere and some of my things thrown on the ground near where I had parked,” said Torres.

More details were revealed after speaking with Luke (who requested his last name be withheld), a neighbor who lives on SW 10th Avenue up the hill from Torres. Luke shared that he has lived in his house on SW 10th for 30 years and has never seen so much auto theft and break-ins in the area before. He claimed that there are about two car break-ins per week and three cars stolen per month in his neighborhood. Torres ran into Luke sweeping up the broken glass that was left from what Torres thought was his car. “This glass was from that car there,” said Luke as he pointed to the car that was parked next to where Torres’ car had been. “It had both front windows smashed in.” Torres assumed that whoever stole his truck may have broken into the car next to it first and then popped the lock of his vehicle and left the scene.

PSU initiated a crime alert for robbery and vehicle break-ins on Feb. 1, 2016. Since then, there have been at least 14 reports of vehicles being broken into and items stolen on the PSU campus.

Luke and Torres’ neighborhood has also been a dumping ground for stolen vehicles. Many car thieves will steal a vehicle then drop it off in an area that it is not permitted to be in such as a parking area that requires a permit or the side of a freeway. “When you see a car collecting ticket after ticket then it's probably a stolen vehicle,” shared Luke.

Here are some tips on not being a victim of car theft or car break-ins offered by the Campus Public Safety Office:

Always lock your car.

Check the interior of your car when you first get in to look for damage or stolen items.

If you observe suspicious people loitering in the PSU parking lots, alert Campus Public Safety (503-725-4404).

Do not leave items visible and remove all valuables from the car.

If you work late, ask a coworker to escort you to your car or call Campus Public Safety (503-725-4407).

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Spring Outdoors: Day Trips Throughout Oregon

By Robert Campbell

Spencer’s Butter Clearing / Miriam Perala

Kayak/Canoe:

Ross Island

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆

Rentals: This is a great trip for those who cannot carry kayaks long distances as Portland Kayak Company is located on Macadam and Vermont, with easy access to Willamette Park.

Transportation: For this loop you will launch and land at Willamette Park directly off of Macadam. This is a short bike or bus ride from PSU.

Route: This 4.3 mile route around Ross Island is a good way to introduce yourself or a friend to kayaking. Starting at Willamette Park, paddle across the river to the eastern side of the Island and then paddle north to the Ross Island Bridge. On the southern side of the Island during low tide it is shallow, so be careful not to  beech your boats on the rocks. At the top of the Island, turn around and paddle down the western side of the island back to Willamette Park. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Always wear a life jacket and follow the rules of the river.

Scappoose Bay

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Rentals: The best place for rentals is Scappoose Bay Paddling Center. You can launch and land right at their docks.

Transportation: Take I-405 North to US-30 West, from US-30 W turn right onto Bennett Rd, then left onto Old Portland Rd. Scappoose Bay Paddling Center will be on your right.

Route: This is a route where you need a map and a compass because of inlets and islands in the bay. This is more advanced than the Ross Island route because of the navigation skills needed, but is still a fairly easy route for beginning paddlers. You will travel out of the paddling center and cross to the east side of the bay. Travel about one mile north to the top of the bay, then cross the bay and turn south. Follow the shore south about a mile until you reach the Paddling Center.

North Santiam River

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Rentals: There are no rentals close to the drop off, so the best place to rent would be the Portland State Outdoor Center, or Portland Kayak Company. Inflatable Kayaks are more portable than hard shell kayaks, so if you do not have the ability to transport a hard shell kayak these are a great option.

Transportation: Take I-5 S towards Salem, then take exit 253 for OR-22 toward Detroit Lake/Bend. You will launch from Packsaddle Park and pickup at the main bridge in the Mill City.

Route: This river is only recommended for experienced paddlers .The drop off point is at Packsaddle Park and the take out is at Fishermen Bend Park. This area is a great place to learn how to whitewater kayak. This route is about six miles long, with the highest rapid being a class three, which is about four and a half miles down. The other rapid are no higher than class two. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, along with somebody who knows how to whitewater kayak. Always wear a helmet and a life jacket.

Hike:

Pittock Mansion

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆

Transportation: The starting and ending point will be Lower Macleay Park Trailhead. From PSU, take I-5 north to 405 north, exit from Highway 30 west towardsSt Helens. Take the first exit at Vaughn Street, then turn left at the first light onto NW 23rd ave. Then turn right onto Thurman Ave. Take a right onto NW 28th then left onto Upshur. Park about three blocks up wherever possible.

Route: Follow the Wildwood Trail up to Pittock Mansion, a two and a half mile hike with about 900 ft of elevation gain. You will then follow the same path back down to the trailhead. This tail boasts beautiful views of Mt. Hood and St. Helens along with blooming trilliums. The mansion itself has a lawn that is an ideal place to eat lunch or a snack and enjoy the view. This easy hike is a great way to get out for a couple hours and enjoy the beautiful views close to home.

Dog Mountain

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Transportation: Take I-84 and cross the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. Turn right onto highway 14, the trailhead is at milepost 53. Turn off into the large dirt parking lot. The Dog Mountain trail is the one on the right, but we will be starting on the Augspurger Trail to the left.

Route: This hike begins and ends at the Dog Mountain Trailhead with 7.4 miles and 2800 feet of elevation gain in-between. Follow the Augspurger trail until you come to the junction with the Dog Mountain trail. Turn right onto the Dog Mountain Trail and continue until you hit the Summit Loop Trail and turn left. Once you reach the summit return the same way you came. This hike is wonderful form wildflowers during the spring and has even better views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge.

Trillium Lake

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Transportation: A Sno-Park permit is required for this hike; these can be picked up at REI. The trailhead for this hike is directly off US Hwy 26, and is labeled: “Trillium Lake Sno-Park.”

Route: This is a 4.4 mile loop from Trillium Sno-Park. Go past the Gate and down the hill, then at the end of the hill stay  left. There is a lunch area about 1.5 miles in with picnic tables and a beautiful view of Mt. Hood over the lake on a clear day. There is a meadow and a pioneer cemetery near the end of the loop that has some cool pioneer history and another view of Mt. Hood. This is a great hike if you are looking for views of Mt. Hood and a fun day out.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Kitty Season!

By Benjamin Ramey

Every year when the earth’s axial tilt shifts to its furthest most point toward the sun, we in the northern hemisphere enter the summer solstice. The days have begun to grow longer and warmer and unspayed cats in our community feel the heat as well - traditionally during the months of May, June, and July. This period is known as Kitten Season.

The inevitable challenges that arise from a citywide cat population increase fall on The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) and the Multnomah County Animal Services department (MCAS) two separate entities that corroborate through the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP). Portland has a firm grasp on its stray cat population since both organizations have been ultimately successful in offering spay and neuter services to the community. Considering that an estimated 70 million stray cats live in the United States and the average cat produces a litter 1-2 times a year, this is no small feat.

It is the rural counties all across America that are struggling to keep their pet populations under control. This is easily seen in rural midsize towns, like my hometown of Tulare, California, which reports a 41 percent animal save rate compared to a 98 percent save rate reported by the OHS. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 41 percent of cats entering shelters are euthanized. To find out exactly why Portland shelters have been successful amidst national struggle I spoke with David Lytle, Public Affairs Manager for the OHS, unless noted otherwise all information was taken from this conversation.

The MCAS is funded by Multnomah County, but the OHS is privately supported. In 2014, 21 percent of the OHS budget came from behavior classes, adoption fees, and other services. The rest was received through private donations, much of the work performed by our local area shelters is only made possible because of Portlanders.

To combat cat overpopulation the OHS launched the “Spay & Save” campaign in 2010. In the greater Portland metro area residents are eligible to receive low cost cat spay and neuter services through the OHS. Since then over 62,000 cats were brought into an OHS shelter be fixed, leading to a 42 percent reduction in pet intake by the end of 2015. “[The effort]...has made a huge difference”, Lytle said, “The largest shelters got together and said we need to do something to make a difference. We now spay and neuter 10,000 cats a year.”

Because of this mass sterilization, OHS shelters have recently begun to pick up animals from other shelters in Oregon, California, Utah, and Washington. They are now partnered with 84 shelters and have accepted 6,383 pets, 39 percent of which were cats. Due to high public support, local shelters can be very successful in securing adoptions, with many kittens only having to spend one day on the adoption floor after medical processing.

Public support has made these numbers possible, and there is always something members of our community can do to help shelters in Portland continue to meet their goals. Over 2,000 volunteers currently work with the humane society to care for and secure adoptions for homeless pets. Some work as foster parents giving care to newborn kittens until they’re old enough to be adopted. Others work in shelters teaching pet behavior classes, maintaining buildings and grounds, and caring for animals in shelters. Due to training requirements, individuals must be able to commit to at least 12 hours a month to be accepted as a volunteer, and short term options are not available.

Lytle let me know that there are plenty of ways to volunteer and not all require a time or monetary commitment. Anyone can help pets find caring homes by using social media to help generate interest in specific animals. Simply browse through pictures under the ‘Adopt’ tab at oregonhumane.com and post pictures of animals you want others to see. The links provided contain information on the animal and show how to set up an appointment with an Adoption Counselor to finalize the process.

The Multnomah County Animal Services department couldn’t be reached for comment, but their page on kitty season is a great resource for this topic. They mention, “If you see young kittens without their mother, it is likely she will return. It is always better for young kittens to remain with their mother.” A mother cat won’t leave for more than a few hours and it is always best that young kittens under 4 weeks old stay with mommy.

As Lytle advised, if you suspect the mother is not present you can place newspaper in the area to track movement. If after careful study you are certain a mother is not present, one of our great local shelters can help you safely remove the kittens and get them aid.

While our local humane societies are robust and active many others do not share in their success, national statistics show that the amount of cats adopted yearly (1.3 million) is about equal to the amount that are euthanized (1.4 million) and there is no federal agency responsible for national pet statistics  Lacking community support many shelters have problems raising money and housing stray animals. Portland has demonstrated that it takes a dedicated community to solve the challenges our city faces and that programs designed to involve the community have a greater chance of fulfilling local needs.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Behind the Man’s Mask

A Film Review

“The Mask You Live In” trailer still, 2015 / Jennifer Siebel Newsom

By J.R. Weston

I received the opportunity to view a screening of The Mask You Live In at PSU’s 5th Avenue Cinema. The Mask You Live In is a documentary film that focuses on masculinity, specifically what society teaches boys and young men about what it means to be a man. The Jennifer Siebel Newson-directed film takes a strong look at what schools, media, coaches, and fathers teach boys about masculinity and manhood.  

I personally took interest in viewing this documentary, not just because I am a man, but for my own personal struggles with manhood and masculinity. Between the ages of seventeen and nineteen, the two most important men in my life (my father and my grandfather) passed away due to cancer. For several years after these tragic events, I questioned who was going to teach me how to become a man and who was going to help guide me in becoming a productive, healthy, intelligent man in society. I was lost and did not know where to turn. I felt ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help.

At the time I felt that my mom and sister couldn't understand what it was like to lose two men who were my main male role models and I started shutting people out of my life who were trying to help. I began drinking and smoking marijuana regularly and fell into a heavy depression to cover up my deep sorrow and loneliness. One day I realized that my father and grandfather would not want me living my life this way and death happens to everyone. Death is a very difficult lesson to learn at nineteen, or any age, but the truth is that everyone will experience it and life does go on. Soon after this realization I began to open up more about my feelings, talking more about my struggles with my family and friends. I have since built a support group that has been there for me when I need them and has helped me climb out of depression and into a more healthy and focused life.

The Mask You Live In speaks directly to men like me who have been affected by tragic events and complicated home lives. One of the first things the film points out is how our culture shapes men and how gender is a social construct, rather than something we are born as. Sports, money, and women are the three areas of conquest that our culture tells us shapes a man. As men, if we fail to achieve success in any of these areas then we have failed, or let down, other men in our society. The film also looks into the struggles that men face with opening up or showing feelings and emotions. Generally men in American society do not speak about their feelings or emotions. From my personal experience this has only been a generalization and not a reality. Men do open up and share emotions and feelings with one another, and men understand where there are safe places to do so.

The Mask You Live In asks the question “As a society, how are we failing our boys?” The film helps answer this question by highlighting what men look up to most in their fathers, coaches, and the media. It shows that these influences in a man's life can elevate or destroy the development of young men. These influences can build up and help guide young men to success later in life or force them to shut down, leaving them with a lack of self-worth and acceptance in the world.

Overall, this documentary spoke to me and reminded me that I am not the only one: I am not the only one to lose their male role models early in life, and I am not the only one who struggles every day with how society wants me to act as a man. I have learned that if you need help, ask for it and speak out on your thoughts and feelings. It is healthy and natural to reach out for help.

The Mask You Live In is an important and worthwhile look into what our culture and society teaches us from boyhood what it takes to be a man. This is a film that should be seen by anyone of any gender who is interested in learning a deeper understanding about the mask men wear.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Ray’s Ragtime and the Loss of Individuality

By Scarlet Disko

Ray’s Ragtime interior / Tanner Torres

Located on the corner of SW 10th Avenue and Morrison Street, Ray’s Ragtime has offered a vintage store to get lost in for both Portland locals and tourists since 1986. Whether searching for the perfect 1940s styled sports jacket to compliment your new pants, or simply looking to fill the time of a boring, rainy day, Ray’s Ragtime has always been there to entertain and welcome.

Unfortunately, as all good things come to an end, Ray’s Ragtime is facing its last days of being in the center of downtown Portland.

Born in Corvallis, Ray Tillotson, the “Ray” in Ray’s Ragtime, opened the vintage store with a background in theater and costume jewelry collecting. Tillotson’s collection of antiques is constantly growing as he’s always searching for new items. Walking into Ray’s Ragtime is a step back in time as you are instantly hit by a display of unique, vintage clothing.

Dresses worn by Dorothy Lamour and Ginger Rogers, both famous actresses from the 1940s as well as vintage Chanel clothing have been up for sale in Ray’s Ragtime.

“I am constantly learning new things about history in clothing,” shared Ray’s Ragtime employee Lisa Beyer. Beyer, who has worked for Tillotson for three and a half years, also noted how she enjoys interacting with customers and being able to help them find exactly what they are looking for.

Ray’s Ragtime boasts a diverse and interesting scope of customers as well as fun backstories to items in the shop. While many locals visit Ray’s Ragtime regularly, there have also been drop-ins from famous actors and musicians. Some of the customers that Tillotson has met include George Clooney, Faye Dunaway, Sean Lennon, Adele, Florence Welch of Florence & the Machine, and Taylor Hawkins (the former drummer for the Foo Fighters), who gave Tillotson six complimentary tickets to the show the night he dropped by. Either from word of mouth or because of the location, many individuals have walked into the store and were astonished by the wonders inside.

“Regular people such as locals and tourists have been just as fun to talk to as the celebrities,” said Tillotson. One of his favorite things about running the store was having the ability to talk to famous people like they were anyone else.

Tillotson has done his best to maintain a casual atmosphere over the years as he did not want to appear as a pretentious vintage store owner. He never turned people away and was always up for the challenge of finding the exact piece needed to complete a specific outfit. His motto from growing up in the country is that, “if you are nice then it doesn’t matter what you do.”

The devastating reality facing many Portland businesses such as Ray’s Ragtime is the cost of rent. Businesses that have been open for decades could be forced to either relocate or shut down as rents skyrocket.

Ray’s Ragtime is not the first victim of rising business rent in Portland. Magpie’s, a vintage store located on SW 9th Avenue, recently received a no-cause eviction in order to build a hotel. For Ray’s Ragtime the rent has increased by over 3,000 dollars in the last three years alone.

When Tillotson first opened Ray’s Ragtime he had the option to open in the Pearl District, where three storefronts sold for less than one million dollars. Today, those same storefronts cost about three milion dollars each. “There are no more cheap studios. The city has forgotten about people who don’t make more than a hundred-grand a year,” said Tillotson. “Portland is losing its individuality, it is becoming like all other cities in the U.S.” He went on to share that he stopped sending people to NW 23rd Avenue five years ago due to the rising corporate power and popularity of the once-hidden secret near downtown Portland.

Over the years, many faithful Ray’s Ragtime customers have stopped making the trek to downtown because of parking citations that can be up to 60 dollars or more.  “Customers I used to see once a month, I now see once a year because they don’t want to get another parking ticket,” said Tillotson.

Even if loyal customers have not been shopping at Ray’s Ragtime as much as they used to, they are still sad to see it go. The store is full of memories; Tillotson has had many shoppers purchase their prom dress from him and are now taking their own children to purchase a school dance dress there. Other customers have dropped in to find a unique gift for a relative or to find something to add to their own personal collection of antiques.

Through support from a GoFundMe fundraiser, the store was able to get out of its emergency situation that was going to give them about 4 days to move out. The GoFundMe donations afforded Tillotson about another month to move out and find a new location. Now the employees of Ray’s Ragtime are raising money to open a new location at 4059 NE Sandy, across from the Hollywood Theater. Beyer will be the new owner of the store and a retirement plan is being set up for Tillotson as he works on a book about his experiences owning the store. On March 27 Ray’s Ragtime had one last hurrah by holding a closing celebration with live music from the Dandy Warhols and other local artists.

The location change of this vintage jungle poses the question, is the downtown area of Portland seeing the last of locally-run businesses? The experience of collecting antiques will change as locals and tourists must search outside Portland’s city center to find hidden gems.

Ray Tillotson, Owner / Tanner Torres

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Computer Science For All

By Jeremy King

On Jan. 30, 2016, President Obama announced his “Computer Science for All” initiative; a program intended to help reshape the foundation of K-12 education by better equipping students with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive in a job market now oversaturated with unfulfilled tech positions.

“Last year, there were more than 600,000 high-paying tech jobs across the United States that were unfilled”, writes U.S Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith in a White House blog entry detailing the initiative. “...by 2018, 51 percent of all [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math] jobs are projected to be in computer science-related fields.”

The initiative sets out to accomplish this lofty undertaking by providing $4 billion in state funding and $100 million in direct budgetary funding for school districts, drawing from a pool of existing investors such as the National Science Foundation, and reaching out across the nation for additional support in raising both funds and awareness.

“Computer Science for All is the President’s bold new initiative to empower all American students from kindergarten through high school to learn computer science and be equipped with the computational thinking skills they need to be creators in the digital economy,” Smith writes.

“Our economy is rapidly shifting, and both educators and business leaders are increasingly recognizing that computer science is a “new basic” skill necessary for economic opportunity and social mobility.”

Less than a month later, Chicago’s school board voted on Feb. 24, 2016 to make computer science a mandatory credit for graduation within all public high schools starting with the freshman class of 2017.

Chicago has been considered to be at the forefront of computer science education “...since Mayor Rahm Emanuel launched the Computer Science for All initiative for grades K-12 in 2013,” writes Jack Germain in an article for Tech News World.

Emanuel’s 2013 initiative―not to be confused with the national initiative of the same name―is a “five-year plan to make CS a core subject taught in schools partnered with [non-profit organization] Code.org around providing the curriculum and preparing teachers to make that possible,”  writes Megan Rose Dickey of TechCrunch.

“Currently, computer science is only offered in 25 percent  of schools across the nation. In Chicago, 107 schools have implemented CS curriculum,” Dickey said.

Another factor is that computer science classes have almost universally been considered ‘elective’ credits in the sense that, until recently, they counted towards other ‘core’ fundamental classes within established curriculum―never as a requisite unto themselves.

“Seattle-based nonprofit Code.org, which supported the Los Angeles and Chicago initiatives, says 28 states, including Illinois, and Washington D.C. allow computer science courses to count toward math or science graduation requirements,” reports Elahi Amina for the Chicago Tribune. “[Chicago Public Schools] said it is the first district to make computer science a requirement on its own.”

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Sunday Funnies

From Portland State University’s Comics Club

Religious Warfare / Steven Christian

Affirmation / Robert Hulshof-Schmidt

Bad Luck, Chuck / Charles Howitt

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Bundy Faithful: Protest in Downtown Portland

By Mike Bivins

A shrine to Robert LaVoy Finicum outside Portland City Hall/Roosevelt Sowka

Over 100 people gathered March 5, 2016 in downtown Portland’s Chapman Square to show their support for Ammon Bundy—the jailed leader of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge takeover in eastern Oregon currently being held across the street from Chapman Square at the Multnomah County Detention Center. The Bundy supporters also payed homage to the deceased Robert “LaVoy “Finicum. Finicum was killed by a barrage of FBI and Oregon State Trooper gunfire after the convoy he, Bundy, and other supporters were traveling in was ambushed after leaving the refuge to gather support in John Day.

Authorities say Finicum—after attempting to flee the ambush—was reaching for a gun when he was shot dead. Supporters—such as controversial internet personality and refuge occupation livestreamer Gavin Seim—characterize the killing as extrajudicial murder. Others say say they have seen people killed by police for much less. Footage of the killing has been released by the FBI to the public.

About two dozen counter-protesters gathered across the street from Chapman Square where they jeered the Bundyites. At one point, two individuals dressed in black left the counter-protest to confront the Bundyites in Chapman Square. Portland Police Bureau Commander Sara Westbrook then threatened to have the individuals arrested due to their disrupting the Bundy faithful’s event. No arrests were made as the individuals decided their anti-government stance was aligned with the Bundyites position regarding government. One of the masked individuals, who identified himself only as Jeff, spoke with The Pacific Sentinel about the encounter after removing his mask.

“I have more sympathy with [the Bundy supporters] because they are looking for autonomy,” Jeff,  a self described anarchist, said, referencing the Bundy supporters. “I have yet to meet any raging nationalists or fascists or racists. [The counter-protesters] are over there saying [the Bundy supporters] are all white supremacists and that’s exactly the opposite of the feelings I’m getting from these people. I only see hostility coming from the other side of the street.”

Noise and Color PDX contributing reporter Crystal Contreras says she was harassed at the event. “I was questioned, followed, photographed, and filmed the entire time. I had multiple men approach asking where I was from and what I was doing there. It's not like they're going to tell me 'I'm following you because of your race', but I've been profiled before and I didn't see anyone else being followed and questioned in the same way.”

According to The Southern Poverty Law Center the refuge occupation attracted racists and right-wing extremists.

Bundy supporters eventually shifted the protest to the nearby Portland City Hall, where a shrine to Finicum was erected. The shrine was surrounded by yellow caution floor-signs due to the presence of water.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Berry Boycott:

Washington Farmworkers Union Puts Pressure on Driscoll’s and Sakuma Brothers

By Mike Bivins

Portland berry buyers are now on notice thanks to a March 3, 2016 picket outside the Whole Foods at 2825 E. Burnside Street. Around forty protesters gathered on the sidewalk around Whole Foods that Saturday to call for consumers and berry sellers to boycott Driscoll’s berries as well as Burlington, Washington’s Sakuma Brothers Farms. Sakuma Brothers berries are sold at stores such as Whole Foods under the Driscoll’s label.

Familias Unidas por la Justicia (FUJ)—a self-described independent union who started the Sakuma Brothers boycott in 2013—says it represents the Sakuma Brothers employees that work the fields, and that the boycott will not be lifted until Sakuma Brothers signs a contract with FUJ and recognizes it as a legitimate union.

Farmworkers are excluded from federal labor protections enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)—chief amongst them the right to unionize. FUJ is, however, recognized by the Washington Labor Council as a union. It also has 500 members, says FUJ president Ramón Torres.

According to FUJ’s website, boycottsakumaberries.com, Sakuma Brothers has a wage scale that is designed to “exploit farmworkers.” The website also lists Häagen-Dazs ice cream as an item to boycott due to its use of Sakuma Brothers berries.

Torres, who is 31-years-old and has 12 years of experience working in the fields, was on hand for the picket that is part of a 28-day tour of Oregon and California intended to update local labor leaders on—as well as increase support and awareness for—the boycott. Torres says that in June there will be a total berry boycott. “We are asking all the consumers to support the farmworkers and don’t eat berries. If you want to eat berries, grow your own.” Based on negotiations with different growers, Torres, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, says that FUJ will let consumers know which berries—if any—they should purchase.

Sakuma Brothers public relations employee Roger Van Oosten says that the company will not negotiate with FUJ because it is not a union. Van Oosten also says that the Washington Labor Council’s recognizance of FUJ as a union “doesn’t carry any weight.”

George Taylor, 67, attended the picket to support the workers for whom he says his band plays music for every year. Taylor also notes that he is a veteran of the protests held in 1969.

In 2014 Sakuma Brothers settled with around 1,200 past and present workers for $850,000 to settle a labor dispute which included, among other things, accusations of underpayment as well as not providing employees with breaks, according to The Seattle Times.

FUJ’s boycott is running concurrently and in solidarity with thousands of striking Driscoll’s berry pickers in Baja Mexico’s San Quintin Valley, according to FUJ’s website.

Driscoll’s tweeted at The Pacific Sentinel regarding the Whole Foods picket saying that it has “no role in union negotiations.”

A Whole Foods representative could not be reached for comment.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear Runways

By Juliana Tattoli

The designers of New York’s Fall 2016 RTW (Ready-To-Wear) collections brought a diverse mixture of unique art to the runways. A plethora of designers brought us monochromatic looks. Avant-garde was construed into ready-to-wear. A variation of styles were incorporated into the collections as a whole;  feathers, lace, crinoline, graphics, fur, and all that jazz included.

The consensus among the runway viewers: Kanye West broke fashion week. West certainly did break barriers and front trends – as only he does best – at his Yeezy Season Three premiere-turned-new-album-listening-party this season. Following West’s new album The Life of Pablo’s opening track Ultra Light Beams, a parachute was raised from the stage to reveal around 1,200 extras dressed in Yeezy Season One, Two, and Three. Yeezy Season Three continues to upgrade West’s success in the fashion industry. The ‘models’ were staggered on a platform that represented a refugee camp in the center of Madison Square Garden. Yeezy Season Three transmits its archetypal ode to streetwear and athleisure: sporty catsuits, distressed knits, oversizing, undersizing, high-waists and crop tops dominating the line. There’s a large variety of hue throughout the collection; inspired from the retro and the modern, which keep West’s designs simple yet effortlessly cool. Many of the looks are monochromatic; some contrast colors; and a few display creative color blocking. West’s lines have elevated streetwear like never before from strictly-street to chic-and-streamlined high fashion.  

Contributing to the Fall 2016 RTW runways, Marc Jacobs sent his whimsical and gothic-glam designs down the white-painted wooden floorboards of a large, bright stark white box set. Every model donned striking black eye makeup and foot-high platform boots. Jacobs’ 65 designs incorporated leather, lace, baroque, feathers, polka-dots, fur, florals, oversized bow-tie scarves, oversized coats, and more. The collection has an overall ambiance of Black Swan meets 90’s grunge meets Alice in Wonderland; creating a subdued yet outrageous avant-garde. Jacobs covered big pullovers with doily collars, layered furs in different colors over slinky dresses, and paired huge mannish jackets with girly gowns. Most of the looks are on the cool-color spectrum, but unexpected pops of bright color snuck their way into the line. Lady Gaga made a cameo in the show as well, her look being a perfect match for the glamourous-meets-creepy vibe that lingers within the collection.

If you haven’t heard of Jeremy Scott yet, perhaps you’ve heard of Moschino, the iconic Italian house that Scott is the creative director of. Scott brings some of the most playful, imaginative designs to life; evident when dressing quirky stars like Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, on his own runways, and of course throughout Moschino’s brand. Scott sent satirical garbs down his Fall 16 RTW runway, looking like a channel of the 60’s American dream through the materialization of 90’s-Barbie-style looks. Denim a lá denim, rainboots over fishnets, cartoonish graphics, and a slew of sequins give Scott’s idiosyncratic collection a fun and playful vibe. All the female models were dressed in rain or cowgirl boots, and all the men in sneakers. Before his show, Scott mentioned that his inspiration was a “Dalí on molly” vibe, yet there’s obvious nods to the American Dream and growing consumerism through his use of product iconography and vintage pieces such as graphic t-shirts and shift dresses. Slinky, streamlined silhouettes balance out the outrageous colors and designs on the clothing. Scott’s consistent rule-breaking creativity and awareness of social issues give his designs so much more meaning than just something to cover up with.

Reinventing what the 90’s named heroin chic through creating a collection that “deliberately opposes standard definitions of beauty and taste” is Alexander Wang. The heroin chic movement was recognized in the mid-90’s, characterized by a ‘sickly’ appearance, androgyny, emaciation, and nihilism. The movement followed the epidemic of heroin addiction, bringing attention to addiction awareness, while also glamorizing and/or being cynical of drug use. Marled pastel sweatshirts showcase silhouettes of pole dancers, tweed mixes with metal-inset leather, and coats of all types line with fur. Weed leaf emblems are scattered in various pieces throughout the collection - a collection following the recent legalization and de-stigmatizing of marijuana use. The marijuana marks decorated everything from mohair miniskirts to mini bucket bags to oversized coats, glamorizing the drug innuendo. Several pieces (including the thighs of girls’ tights) were decorated with words: “girls”, “strict”, “tender”, “violation”, or “faded”. Critics at Vogue thought that Wang relied too heavily on his use of words to “trend up” the designs, but there is cohesiveness and balance of word vs. wordless looks on the runway. Neutrals, pastels, the artistic variety of patterns and silhouettes, and usage of ‘trendy’ accessories kept the collection fresh. During the finale, Wang strolled down the runway to pay his respects to the audience smiling like the happiest man alive.

Lastly but never least: Chanel. As Chanel’s head designer and creative director, Karl Lagerfeld has kept the spirit of brand alive after all these years. Lagerfeld never forgets to keep it classy and fabulous, the famous two things a girl should always be, according to Coco herself. A variety of texture, silhouette, hue, hair, and makeup paraded the runway, and Lagerfeld meticulously didn’t forget Chanel’s staples: hats, gloves, and pearls. Of course there were also a few modern updates of the legendary tweed skirt suit. One of the most elegant looks consisted of gold sequined pockets and short-sleeves on a camel-tinted tweed zip-up blazer with a matching midi skirt, also donning gold sequined pockets. The line prominently screamed French couture – which is old news, but will always ring true for Chanel. The house’s artistic and innovative plays with layering, texture, silhouette and color inspire and spark interest throughout a diverse range of audiences.

Designer collections bring artistic and aesthetic inspiration to society constantly. Clothing is the ice cream on top of what makes humans so unique and creative; it is a visual manifestation of how we want to express ourselves. Fashion is a subjective, cultural, and powerful art form. Fashion can express ideas about politics, emotion, race, culture, power status, and personality. The world of fashion is infinitely evolving and innovating. As Heidi Klum famously recites on every episode of Project Runway: “One day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.”

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

May the Vote Be with You

By Scarlet Disko

If young adults continue to sit and watch the election from a distance there is a possibility of Donald Trump becoming the Republican candidate for the 2016 elections, and becoming the next president of the United States later on. Trump will “make America great again,” as promised in his campaign. If elected, Trump would repeal Obama’s gun laws and allow “law-abiding” citizens to carry assault rifles and concealed handguns to kill the “bad guys.” He would break away from U.S. allies and “bomb the hell” out of our country’s enemies. To cap off the changes he would make, Trump would ban all Muslims from entering the US, build a wall on the Mexican border, and deport as many illegal immigrants as he could find.

As of March 27, Trump is in the Republican lead with 739 delegates.

There are passionate rants and opinions on why Trump should not be elected president posted all over social media. But, how many of those people have actually registered to vote and are actively participating in the 2016 elections is the real question.

The majority of the U.S. voting population is 45 years and older based on information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 12,000 young people turn 18 every day as stated on the “Rock the Vote” organization website. “Rock the Vote” is the largest nonpartisan and nonprofit organization in the U.S. that has been registering millions of new voters since 1960. In the 2012 presidential elections 218,959,000 U.S. citizens were eligible to vote and about 57 percent of them casted a ballot. Of the 57 percent who voted, only 38 percent were in the young adult age group of 18-24 years old, a percentage that has been decreasing by 50 percent since 1964.

Figure 1. Voting percentages over time for the voting-age population between 1964 and 2012. Reprinted from United States Census Bureau, by T. File, Retrieved March 25, 2016, from https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/p20-573.pdf. Copyright 2014

The Oregon Student Association (OSA) has been registering students to vote for 40 years. OSA is completely student run and lead. The organization emphasizes on uniting the vote and getting underrepresented groups more involved in voting. Currently, the record amount of students registered to vote by OSA was 55,000 for the 2012 elections. This year, they set a goal for registering 57,000 students in time for the 2016 elections.

All public universities in Oregon are connected to OSA; however Portland State University has the largest nonpartisan drive in the state. “Voter apathy or lack of interest has been the cause for such low turnout among students resulting in them being left behind. We want to make sure students have their voices heard,” explained Liela Forbes the Legislative Affairs director for Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU). “This is our way of pushing back against the traditional power structure of the U.S.”

Students are one of the most mobile populations in the U.S. When young adults move, either for education or work, they become unregistered which is one of the main reasons for a low voter turnout among youth. Many individuals think they are still registered when they move or forget to re-register. If unsure whether to register in your home state or the state you go to school in, Forbes advised that students register to vote in the state they will be in for the election.

OSA has collaborated with other organizations like the Bus Project to increase voter registration on college campuses. Working as a team the many bipartisan voting organizations in Oregon were able to get Civic Engagement Bill SB1586 passed this year. The bill was made to increase voter turnout on college campuses; all public and community Oregon colleges are now required to have ballot drop boxes on campus.

One of the greatest accomplishments Forbes has seen in the work she has done with OSA is engaging more student leaders on campus. Many people get involved with the program after registering to vote through OSA. The work is volunteer based, looks great on a resume, and most importantly it's fun and engaging.

Many elections are won by voter apathy. For the first time ever the Millennials (people born between 1982 and 2000) are the largest generation, and equal in voting power to the Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964). However, data shows that 18- to 24-year-olds continue to vote at lower rates than other age groups, and have been since the 1960s. It is time for young voters to start participating more in the elections as they are the future of the country.

As Millennials reach adulthood, it is important that presidential candidates pay attention to what they want or why they lean towards certain candidates. College tuition and debt are some of the top concerns of young voters presented by Zak Malamed, the founder and executive director of Student Voice which is a program that helps young people to speak up for things they are passionate for. Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz have received massive support from young voters while Trump is popular with all age groups registered as Republican except 17- to 29-year olds according to an article in Mother Jones about how Millennial voters could impact the election.

The intensity of the 2016 election has been playing a big role in an increased voter turnout among young adults. “People were lined up at my office after the results of Super Tuesday,” shared Forbes. After the results of Trump winning the majority of Super Tuesday on March 1, students were eager to know how they could get involved in getting people to register and vote.

The 2016 presidential primaries and election are an urgent matter. As the youth of our country, it is important that we speak up and demand the things we want by casting our votes. Oregon has closed primaries which mean individuals must be registered as a Democrat or Republican if they want to help elect the candidate for a particular party. The Oregon primary is Tuesday, May 17, and individuals must be registered for their party by Tuesday, April 26.

Stop thinking that your vote does not matter in the grand scheme of things. Every vote counts. Voting is your right as a citizen to participate in society and contribute your voice to our future.  

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

ASPSU Elections

The polls have opened and a number of positions are being elected including student body president, vice president, student fee committee member, and senator. Make sure to be aware of the different candidates and vote!

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Record Store Day

Who is attending Record Store Day this Saturday? Not sure where to go? Check out the official Record Store Day website to find a store near you that's celebrating http://www.recordstoreday.com/

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

PSU Trump Rally Shutdown

Photos from Thursday's PSU Trump rally shutdown by protesters. Editors Kasey Colton and Mike Bivins were there to witness the rally.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

Sneak Peak of what’s in the April issue: an article about on of Portland’s vintage stores, Ray’s Ragtime.

Picture by Tanner Torres

Ray Tillotson on the left and Social Media editor, Scarlet Disko on the right.

[thepacificsentinel-blog]

iCracked

By Juliana Tattoli

Have you ever broken your phone and gone resourceless for a day because you couldn’t make it to the store to fix it? Feel like waiting in long lines at the Apple store is a drag? California Polytechnic State University student AJ Forsthye created a service specifically addressing these issues in 2010, and is now making millions of dollars in revenue from it.

“I was a clumsy college kid who broke his phone regularly and after quite a few mishaps, it was too expensive to keep going to Apple to fix the phone. I wanted to try my hand at doing it myself, so I bought parts from Alibaba and quickly realized I could fix iPhones better and faster [than Apple stores could],” Forsthye said to Mashable.

At CPSU, Forsthye began to repair his peers’ devices, originally charging $75 per phone fix. It became so popular that Forsthye brought in help from his friend Anthony Martin, who was so supportive of Forsthye’s promising proposal that he sold his peer-to-peer textbook rental business in order to help fund and create iCracked.

From its humble beginnings in 2010, iCracked has grown into an innovative and successful business. According to Mashable, during 2014 alone, iCracked brought in $25.2 million in revenue. iCracked employs technicians nicknamed ‘iTechs’ who can be called anytime a customer needs a device repair. iCracked has become known by the public as the “Uber for fixing devices” because the technician travels to you at a place and time of your choosing, and you can even watch as they complete the repair on site.

iCracked’s amenities are offered in cities around America and Europe and include repairs for cracked screens, water damage, and battery replacement, as well as dysfunctional audio, battery, microphone, camera, charging port, buttons, and mute switch issues on all iPhone models from the iPhone 4 to the 6S, iPads, iPods, and Samsung devices.

iTechs charge a fixed rate of $25 after completing any kind of repair your device is in need of. Each time you get a repair, you receive a free month’s trial of what iCracked calls their “Advantage Plan”. The Advantage Plan is $7 per month, offering lifetime warranty on all damages and malfunctions, the ability to insure as many devices as you desire, and assurance that if a device can’t be fixed, it will be replaced.

Tanner Torres is a technician working in and around Portland with iCracked – who was excited to find a job allowing him to work independently in the field he plans to grow a business in.

“My favorite part about working for a startup like iCracked is that we all look after each other,” Torres explained to The Pacific Sentinel. “If I need replacement parts within a day or so I can easily call one of my local iTechs and they will gladly help me out.”

Torres mentioned that most of what he does within iCracked consists of iPhone screen replacements, noting that it usually takes only 30 minutes to an hour to have the phone in complete working condition again.

As with any on-call service, some interestingly timed or located requests will be made. An iCracked employee named Taha Jami commented to Mashable that he’s “even fixed smartphones in bars at 10pm after someone has drunkenly dropped a device on the floor”.     

When Torres was asked where the most random place he’s ever been called to fix a device at, he said that it was actually his last call – where “a family had me come over to their apartment, sit on their couch and do the repair while they all watched in anticipation.”

There are two iCracked stores in the Portland area, one in Clackamas and one in Wilsonville. Portland iTechnicians can be reached at 503-444-8487 and more information can be found on https://www.icracked.com.