Klipsun is a Chinuk Wawa word meaning sunset.
KLIPSUN magazine is an independent student publication at Western Washington University located in Bellingham, Washington. While Klipsun has existed in one form or another since 1920, it morphed into a magazine in the late 1960's. The oldest issue in this collection is from 1967. We are currently scanning issues from Western Libraries' Special Collections and will add them as completed.
The current version of Klipsun Magazine recently became a digital-first publication with new stories released each quarter. Each magazine focuses on features, multimedia, and issues affecting the Pacific Northwest.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2010, Volume 40, Issue 05 - Fall
Michael Homnick
The difference between inside and outside can be surprisingly small. Outside my window right now is dirt, wind and pouring rain. Meanwhile inside it is a cozy 65 degrees, and my computer, iPod and guitars are at no threat from the elements. This difference is due to less than two feet of wall and fiberglass.
In an unassuming shopping center in Edmonds, this same thickness of wall separates families enjoying pizza dinners and gym-goers from shelves lined with varieties of medical marijuana, its pungent smell shielded by a thick door.
Sometimes these barriers are made of other material. Plastic surgery allows people to bypass the wall of skin and change their appearance on the outside to what they feel on the inside. And in one Klipsun reporter's experience, this can prove to be life changing.
Often the simple barrier separating what s inside from out has the power to change the people who cross it. The patrons of the Bellingham Academy of Self Defense, for example, routinely leave behind their daily lives and step inside to study the ancient art of Karate, allowing them the focus to reflect on their lives outside.
This issue of Klipsun examines the many different meanings and interpretations of“inside/outside,” and keeping with the spirit of the theme, I hope you will enjoy reading what s inside these pages as much as we enjoyed making it.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2010, Volume 40, Issue 05 - Spring
Angelo Spagnolo
Abstract expressionist painter Hans Hoffman said “The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color.” Really, color is just varying wavelengths of light, reflected and absorbed by surfaces in our world. That's all. Why then, is it so hard to define color? Mystic, maybe; certainly mysterious. Color manifests itself in every aspect of our daily lives.
For some, color represents money; a flickering flash of gold hidden in a riverbed. For the great Pacific Northwest Orca whale, color is an evolutionary tool of stealth and survival.
Maybe you've never considered why certain foods are certain colors, and how those colors are important. Or maybe you see color as a more abstract essence, an emotion, like the redness of rage or hatred.
In today’s society, even with the election of our country’s first black president, discussions of color often focus on race and ethnicity. This issue explores the varying meanings of color, whether as lighthearted as a card game, or as heavy hitting as race. As you read this issue, I implore you to keep in mind that every American has a right to share their point of view and show their true colors, even if those colors represent ignorance and fear.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2010, Volume 40, Issue 04 - Spring
Allison Milton
You may not realize it, or acknowledge it in any way, but you're doing it right now. Your eyes are going from right to left as you read these words. Time is passing, the clock is ticking and somewhere in the world, someone is fighting for social justice and maybe even for his or her right to party.
Movement. It s not just a physical action. Of course, movement is incorporated into our workouts and daily routines. We move from one place to another. We move up in the professional world. And we even move our hips when Shakira tells us they don’t lie. But, movement is more than that, encompassing many aspects of our lives.
This issue of Klipsun takes a look at the various types of movement. You will see how movement can be a daily habit, or a life-altering circumstance. From something as simple as fidgeting to something as serious as migration after a natural disaster, each story examines movement in a different light.
In Handi-capable, the Seattle Slam quadriplegic rugby team found new ways of moving, and in Skim Success, Western students turned their love of skimboarding into an international business. Happy reading!
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Klipsun Magazine, 2010, Volume 40, Issue 02 - January
Jennifer Oato
I remember sitting in AP English Literature during my senior year of high school with six of my closest friends. We were discussing each of the seven deadly sins in regard to their reference in Dante’s Inferno. Being a typical high school filled with cliques and teenage angst, it did not take long before a nickname surfaced labeling my group of friends The Seven Deadly Sins. By the time I graduated, my friends and I were haunted by other nicknames such as The Heathers and Mean Girls.
Now, this is not a story I am particularly proud of. In fact, it is rather embarrassing in retrospect. But when a student suggested the theme of ‘vices and virtues’ for this issue of Klipsun, my high school reputation was the first thing that came to mind. We can be quick to judge others for their vices, but whether we like to admit it or not, we all do things we are not proud of. It is difficult to admit your own vices, but I think sometimes it is even harder to recognize others for their virtues.
The cardinal vices, also known as the seven deadly sins, are identified as lust, pride, greed, envy, sloth, gluttony and wrath. Respectively, the seven heavenly virtues that oppose these sins are chastity, humility, charity, kindness, diligence, temperance and patience.
This issue of Klipsun features amazing stories that personify a selection of vices and virtues. I would like to thank my hardworking staff of editors and writers, as well as those who were willing to share their stories.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2010, Volume 41, Issue 01 - Winter
Allison Milton
After my high school graduation and just before I ventured north on the Interstate-5 corridor to Western, I was given a how-to book from a friend of mine. It was a how-to survive college handbook, conveniently titled “Your Guide to College Survival.”
The tips on how to prevent a hangover, how to slyly prank noisy neighbors and how to turn old milk crates into comfortable living room furniture mesmerized me.
It was one day when I was following the book’s advice by turning old CDs into decorative wall art, when I realized how much I would be lost without those instructions. Would I have made it through college as gracefully without this handbook? And that’s when it hit me: Life would be so much easier if it came with a set of how-to’s
That’s where this issue of Klipsun comes in. Whether you’ve always had an itch to try brewing your own beer, or you’ve always wanted to learn how to solve that Rubik’s cube you’ve had since you were little, you’ll find the answers here. It’s time to take the cube off that dusty shelf and try your hand at it.
In this issue, you’ll read about how to tell if someone is lying, how to stick it to the man, how to win a championship and much more. And who knows, maybe you’ll even learn something.
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Klipsun Magazine 2009, Volume 40, Issue 01 - Fall
Jennifer Oato
When I was a kid, I always wished I was older. My friends and I would play games pretending we were ‘grown-ups.’ I was sure I would be an actress, living in a mansion in Malibu, with a wonderful husband—all because the game ‘M.A.S.H’ told me so. My mother used to say, “Trust me, Jen. When you’re older, you’ll wish you were young again.”
The games I played as a child were full of imagination and innocence. There were no dating games or addictions to games, and playing ‘make-believe’ did not automatically stereotype you as a nerd. It seems to me as we grow up, the games get a lot more complicated. In a way, life becomes a game.
This issue of Klipsun takes a look at all meanings of the word ‘games.’ From a new type of treasure hunting to the depths of Bond Hall on a Saturday night, this issue covers the variety of games played today. Klipsun features a spin on an old American classic. Bingo, and the underlying games that exist in the online dating world. The Locker Room reveals the spirit of sports in every aspect as it has been passed down through the generations of the Locker family. And, as you probably expected, we couldn’t resist the temptation of highlighting the most popular drinking games played in college in Competitive Consumption.
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Klipsun Magazine 2009, Volume 39, Issue 05 - June
Katie Dreke
I hate to bring up the economy (after all, it’s all we ever hear about anymore), but even during these hard financial times, a fresh start is possible. !at’s what this issue of Klipsun is all about: “New Beginnings”— the challenges we face in our lives and how we start anew.
“New Beginnings” covers a wide range of stories, from life after injury and prison, to the struggles of being a transsexual or living as a refugee in an unfamiliar country. Starting anew can also create opportunities to grow and learn as individuals and as a community, including finding new ways to explore cultures or to research life-threatening diseases.
This issue also marks a new beginning for Klipsun. We are only publishing one issue this quarter—a bigger issue with more stories for you to enjoy. In addition, we are increasing Klipsun’s online content by creating multimedia components that explore several fascinating stories. Take a look online at klipsun.wwu.edu to view these new installments.
I hope these stories and online clips provide you with inspiration during these difficult times. I hope you, too, can find a fresh start—a new beginning.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2009, Volume 39, Issue 04 - April
Jaimie Fife
They say beauty is more than skin deep, but that does not mean we should discount skin altogether. Skin plays an integral role in shaping personality and character since the way people choose to clothe, decorate or care for their skin can tell a story about who they are.
The theme of this issue is “Skin Deep” because the stories explore attitudes toward skin that create various life circumstances. For example, one article discusses burlesque dancers who participate in the revealing art form because they say it makes them feel less self- conscious and more comfortable in their own skin. In another, more intense story, readers learn what life is like for people who view their skin as a coping device, so they participate in self-injury.
Because the appearance and health of skin undoubtedly play a major role in everyone’s lives, the way some people choose to treat their skin can seem either fascinating or shocking, depending on how unusual the circumstances are. If you really want to read an outrageous account— try checking out the article about body suspension, which requires participants to “hang out,” or dangle above ground from hooks pierced through their skin.
As you are about to find out, there are tons of ways to think about skin, and the wide range of stories in this “Skin Deep” issue are a testament to that fact.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2009, Volume 39, Issue 03 - March
Jaimie Fife
“Subculture” is a complex concept that is difficult to define without first looking at the meaning of “culture.” Culture refers to people who are bound by a number of shared traits, such as values, goals, practices and attitudes. Subcultures consist of individuals who not only belong to a larger culture, but share attributes distinguishing them from their overall community.
As you may have guessed, Bellingham has its own culture and Bellinghamsters share common features that make up the skeleton of the ‘Ham’s distinct scene. Just to name a few well-known traits: people living in Bellingham are open-minded, prepared for the rain and likely to respond if a stranger says “hey” on the street.
This issue’s theme, “Slice of the ‘Ham,” looks at the smaller scenes or subcultures existing within the Bellingham culture. Some of the subcultures discussed include people united by common practices, such as the nudist and Dumpster diving subcultures. Others, such as the Lummi Nation and queer subcultures, include individuals bound by shared values and attitudes.
No matter what common ground they stand on, this issue is all about the subcultures, or “slices,” of the ‘Ham.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 39, Issue 02 - Fall
Megan Claflin
As we ring in the New Year resolutions are on everyone’s mind. We set goals to strive for greatness and to improve our relationships, but with all of our attention focused elsewhere we can often forget to reserve a little time and energy for ourselves.
This issue of Klipsun is all about your mind, body and spirit and improving connections between the three. With a healthy mind we are happier, with a healthy body we are stronger and with a healthy spirit we can abolish any obstacles in our path.
So embrace this New Year and follow your bliss.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 39, Issue 01 - Fall
Megan Claflin
On Nov. 4, as the Klipsun staff worked diligently to publish this issue, our attentions were diverted. We witnessed history unfold as Americans voted in their first African-American president.
Despite our personal opinions or the boxes we marked on our ballots, the Klipsun newsroom watched as many parts of the country were seized by an uprising of emotion, passion and action. More than ever before, young Americans, our generation, made their voices heard. We rocked the vote!
For America, I believe this election was like coming up for fresh air.
During the past eight years our patriotism has been tested. Many of us gave up. Convinced that one man, one woman, one voice could not make a difference. Apathy consumed us. But the American spirit is not easily defeated. In this issue, we see local people who have shrugged-off despair and have dedicated their time to activist efforts, educating the public and encouraging community service.
Along the bottom of these pages you will see a list of some Western groups and clubs. These students are united by the causes that inspire them to action. We encourage you, our readers, to find your true passion and take a stand for whatever you may believe in.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 38, Issue 07 - October
Ciara O'Rourke
We’ll be the first to admit our cover’s a little sensational. It might even smell desperate. But when we said we were planning a historical issue, we received what you might call scorn. The nerve.
Fortunately, murder, prostitution and war aren’t just heavy-handed buzzwords we chose so you would pick up the magazine (although that’s true, too)—they fit the bill.
Thirty years ago this January, the notorious Hillside Strangler killed two Western students in a series of murders tracing back to California. Circa the early 1900s, sweet Fairhaven boasted the best brothels in town (the Horseshoe did, too, but we all saw that coming). And if that’s sounding a tad seedy, flip to page 18—did you know Fairhaven has the largest antiquarian bookshop in the PNW?
Dusty history-book stigma, be gone!
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 39, Issue 06 - June, Uniquely Bellingham
Ciara O'Rourke
So you think you’re pretty cool. We agree.
In fact, the whole city is packed with people like you: unique, creative, and sort of weird. We’re all quirky, but together, we’re brilliant, damn it. Sure it sounds vain. But we’ve got the chops to prove it.
Like an Arlington couple capitalizing on their homemade Australian outback. Or city churches funding a coffeehouse that trades treats for chores. The town is simply littered with unsung success, from local designers creating sustainable fashions, to border buffs confiscating marijuana from rotund bears. And with five fellow Bellinghams on the map, we’ve got some stiff competition (see page 27).
Just kidding—we’re the best. Check out the following pages to see why.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 38, Issue 05 - April, Bellingham Lifestyles
Nicole Lanphear
Yes, this issue is a little different. A little backwards, a little weird at first. When we looked at the stories we selected for this issue, we thought, “Hey, we almost have a whole food issue!” And the idea surfaced to do half of the magazine as the “Food Issue” and the other half as “Bellingham Lifestyles” issue.
We hope you enjoy the variety and breadth of stories in this April issue. From the profile of a semi-pro basketball player to the look at how a record label came to existence in Bellingham, the “Lifestyles” side has something to entertain and inspire. Turn and flip for a glance at the part in life everyone should enjoy: food. We are not just looking at restaurants; we will show you how to eat properly to impress your parents, your date or your future boss. Or look at this interesting beverage made from a bacteria culture called Kombucha. Hungry, yet?
I would like to personally thank all the reporters and editors who worked on these last two issues of Klipsun. I am continually impressed with their dedication and hard work. Also a big thanks to our adviser, Steve Howie, who has stuck through it all. Thank you as well, to the readers who serve as our true inspiration and purpose.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 38, Issue 05 - April, The Food Issue
Nicole Lanphear
Yes, this issue is a little different. A little backwards, a little weird at first. When we looked at the stories we selected for this issue, we thought, “Hey, we almost have a whole food issue!” And the idea surfaced to do half of the magazine as the “Food Issue” and the other half as “Bellingham Lifestyles” issue.
We hope you enjoy the variety and breadth of stories in this April issue. From the profile of a semi-pro basketball player to the look at how a record label came to existence in Bellingham, the “Lifestyles” side has something to entertain and inspire. Turn and flip for a glance at the part in life everyone should enjoy: food. We are not just looking at restaurants; we will show you how to eat properly to impress your parents, your date or your future boss. Or look at this interesting beverage made from a bacteria culture called Kombucha. Hungry, yet?
I would like to personally thank all the reporters and editors who worked on these last two issues of Klipsun. I am continually impressed with their dedication and hard work. Also a big thanks to our adviser, Steve Howie, who has stuck through it all. Thank you as well, to the readers who serve as our true inspiration and purpose.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 38, Issue 04 - March
Nicole Lanphear
In the span of Klipsun’s existence, it has served as campus yearbook and magazine, spurred controversy over racy illustrations and won numerous awards for excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Washington Press Association and others. Klispun has worn many covers over the years, but continues to this day to serve as a face of Bellingham lifestyles.
This issue goes to the heart of Bellingham: whether it is overcoming a life- shattering drug addiction, where Whatcom County drug cases surpass the average rate of Washington state, or following a group of leather-clad bikers riding their hogs in support of children with cancer, there is a little glimpse of everything. Take, for example, a group of bicyclists who meet every Wednesday to ride their bikes – rain, sleet or snow. Or a coffee shop that serves as the town hot spot for chess matches, where every person from any walk of life, is welcome. And where else do you find a group of people jumping over tables, buildings and trees for fun?
In the production of this issue, our staff strove to make changes in content, design and photography to become a more readable, more enjoyable magazine. Klipsun has evolved over the years and will continue to change and morph as we strive to serve you, our readers. We welcome and appreciate your feedback. Happy reading.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2008, Volume 38, Issue 03 - January
Brittney Leirdahl
Perseverance.
This word means something different to everyone. For me it means dedication. For others it means determination. But no matter what the meaning of this word is for you it still has the same context: as long as you have perseverance you will continue on in any course of action despite obstacles.
This “course of action” we all achieve is made up of our goals. Everyone has a goal. Some set goals that can be easily achieved. Others set goals that go above and beyond their capabilities. But most set goals somewhere in between the two extremes to help push themselves.
Whether you achieve the goals you set for yourself or not, as long as you have determination and dedication you will persevere and achieve what is right for you.
Perseverance is a theme that runs throughout this issue. So, sit down with Greg and take a look at the dedication graffiti artists have in trying to make graffiti a legitimate art form. Read how much determination it takes to start a business from scratch with Jeff. And finally, read about how perseverance will take you above and beyond the goals you set for yourself with Nicole.
All these stories plus more give the word perseverance its true meaning: Goals can and will be achieved as long as you have determination and dedication.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007, Volume 38, Issue 02 - November
Brittney Leirdahl
Past. Present. Future.
This phrase has a different meaning to everyone. My history dates back 22 years. Klipsun is more than 50 years old. And a few stories in this magazine are about artifacts dating back hundreds of years.
No matter what this phrase means to you, we all have history. Some of us want to never look back and just continue forward to see what our future entails. I personally am terrified of my future and seem to rely heavily on my past. An unfamiliar future scares me, while a past of familiarity comforts me.
For many, reading historical documents is fascinating. Reading about the present is calming. And reading about the future is exciting. So, sit down with David and explore Aladdin’s Lamp Antique Mall, sifting through old records and treasure that you may never have thought you would come across. Get the buzz on Hooligans with Shannon, who writes about a one-stop shop where you can get a haircut, tattoo or piercing all in one trip. And finally, taste the future with Sara at Nimbus, where chefs use chemistry to satisfy your tastes.
Cherish your past. Delve in the present. And look forward to your future.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007, Volume 38, Issue 01 - October
Erin Dewey
For many, arriving in Whatcom County is just one step along the path way to a higher education. Fall brings fresh faces to Western to become part of the ever-growing student body, but even those who aren't new may still find some things to learn.
This issue of Klipsun Magazine tackles life in Whatcom County from coffee to surviving college, local heroes to area attractions. There is even a photo challenge to test your knowledge of the surrounding community. We sought to provide a glimpse into our corner of Washington, teaching amateurs some tips while providing new insights to those who are a bit more established.
Life is about overcoming obstacles, learning lessons, trying new things, exploring the world around you and having fun. In these pages, I hope we have shown even a glimmer of that.
In the five years I have been at Western, I have found the best education exists not necessarily in textbooks or even physics class, but in the decisions we make and their outcomes. We live in a beautiful place, so explore it. In the words of the great Ferris Bueller,"Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007, Volume 37, Issue 07 - August
Kim Oakley
Summertime is a favorite season for so many, but with college over, it takes on an entirely different meaning to me and many others in my same position. Now it means 18 years of education is over. Hot days are spent trapped inside a cubicle glued to a computer screen instead of basking in the sun. Long summer nights are no longer an option now that I am up at 6, and moving back to Bellingham in September is not on my calendar anymore.
Nothing will ever compare to these past four years. My only regret is that I never really enjoyed Bellingham and all it has to offer until my last year. My hope is that these stories will inspire you to enjoy Bellingham and your time here a little more than I did.
This issue will challenge you to look at Bellingham in a different way. Explore the Puget Sound alongside Tanya, go kite flying with Megan in the park, hop aboard Mora with Isaac and laugh as Bradley shares a few of the lessons professors can never teach.
Take your copy and drive along State Street, turn right at Boulevard Park, lie out on the grass and read the stories. I read so many stories over the quarter at that park and I hope you enjoy it as well.
After reading, my challenge to you is this: go try something new. Remember, college doesn’t last forever, summers will soon just be a memory and your time in Bellingham is not long. Enjoy the stories and enjoy the rest of summer!
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007 - June
Kim Oakley
I started thinking about this note the minute I became Editor-in-Chief, but here I am, minutes before deadline not knowing what to write. An elite group of people has come before me and they all seemed to have something profound to say. So, I went where I always go when I need inspiration — my friends. The most eloquent person I know, had this quote from the movie “Serendipity” on his Facebook profile: “The Greeks didn’t write obituaries. They only ask one question after a man died: ‘Did he have passion?’”
This sparked my interest. In the beginning, it didn’t seem we had a common thread to the stories in this issue, but looking at them now, passion runs through these tales of extraor- dinary people and amazing adventures. It doesn’t matter where your passion lies; it just matters if you have it or not. Whether your passion lies in sports, entertaining, academics or people it doesn’t matter. All that’s important is finding something you love that you can do with the people who mean the most in your life.
With the end of my college experience looming, I can’t figure out where the time has gone. I have spent four years with some incredible people by my side. My passions have grown from what they were when I was a bright-eyed freshman. They now lie in my friends, family and my experiences. These passions will follow me wherever life takes me next.
Enjoy these stories of other people’s passions and then go out and discover your own.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007, Volume 37, Issue 05 - April
Kira Freed
Signs of spring blossom everywhere. Bellingham is a gorgeous city to be in during the warmer months. Let us help you get outside and enjoy the beauty that Bellingham has to offer.
Take a walk around town and discover all of the locations local artist Ben Mann has touched with his brush; use the list on page 11 as your guide. As long as you’re outdoors, try one of the picnics writer Marinda Peugh describes. You’ll be sure to enjoy both the surroundings and cuisine she suggests.
With spring comes romance, and this issue of Klipsun even has that. Check out “No-Fi Soulmates” for a love story about a couple rockin’ the Bellingham music scene. So go outside, enjoy the sun, throw a disc and relish in Bellingham’s beauty. Happy Spring!
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007, Volume 37, Issue 04 - March
Kira Freed
I’ll be honest. The first quarter I wrote for a publication, I was intimidated by the editors. They seemed so much older, wiser and more experienced than me. It took me a while to have confidence in myself and my abilities, but now here I am an editor.
Many of the people in this issue also have found their confidence, and they are accomplishing amazing things. Unintentionally, this issue features many women and coincides with Women’s History Month. The women at Femeninete are producing heartfelt, poignant pieces about what it means to be a woman. Kelly Hill is living with AIDS and has found a rewarding job helping other women live with the disease as well. The Bellingham Roller Betties celebrate strength and self-expression by strapping on their roller skates.
I hope you find a story in this issue that not only interests you, but inspires you to have confidence in yourself and do what makes you happy.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2007, Volume 37, Issue 03 - January
Taune Sweet
Every day, life presents us with obstacles. Big or small, we must confront these head-on in order to continue on.
Three stories in this issue of Klipsun exemplify the necessity of carrying on in the face of overwhelming obstacles.'Tutting the Pieces Back Together" by writer Emily Krahn tells of a local woman's turn to art for healing in the midst of loss.
In "Back to Basics," Shawn Query explores the day-to-day challenges Whatcom County residents face as they strive to overcome functional illiteracy.
Writer Ciara O'Rourke's story "Missing in Laos" tells of the actions family and friends are taking to bring a Western alumnus home.
I highly encourage you to read these and other stories featured in this issue.
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Klipsun Magazine, 2006, Volume 37, Issue 02 - November
Taune Sweet
In the face of opposition, it is often hard for a person to stay true to his or herself. We've all faced personal challenges that make us question who we are or what we're doing. For me, that challenge was believing in myself. When I first started taking journalism courses Spring quarter 2005, I wasn't sure if I was cut out for the major - the workload seemed too much. But I stayed with it, knowing that writing is one of my greatest skills and passions. Now, only a quarter away from graduation. I'm seeing more and more each day how being honest with myself and with who I am has paid off.
In this issue of Klipsun, you'll meet others who have been just as honest with themselves and their values. In his interview with Justin Morrow, journalist and author Mark Fainaru-Wada exemplifies this value, despite potential criminal convictions. Local entertainer Betty Desire also shares her own story of staying true with writer Lauren Allain.
I hope these stories help you understand your own motivtions, as well as those of others.