Mount Hood

Bouquets and flowers with meaning for your loved ones

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Flowers are a common way to convey love or appreciation on Valentine’s Day, whether it’s for a significant other, a friend or guardian. The most common flowers to use are roses, however, there are other flower options out there for those that want to do something different from the classic route. Peonies, chrysanthemums, lilies, alstroemeria and tulips — just to name a few — can signify love, and can be arranged together into a bouquet to make a loved one feel special.

Roses are known to symbolize love and romance, and are a cliché that’s used in many different fictional and real life scenarios. When they’re paired with gerbera daisies and alstroemeria — which can signify beauty and devotion, according to womansday.com — they can create a beautiful arrangement filled with red and white, or other preferred colors. Gerbera daisies are a flower with a large head, and can brighten the bouquet up with vibrancy and cheerfulness, while alstroemeria brings it all together with symbolism of loyalty and bright blooms.

A bouquet of red tulips is a simple yet pretty arrangement that means “perfect or everlasting love,” according to FTD Flowers (ftd.com). They come in a variety of colors; pink generally means happiness or confidence, and yellow focuses on cheerful thoughts. A combination of colors can illustrate just how important someone is and make them feel special. Orchids are a more exotic option to convey elegance, admiration and even friendship. They’ve been known to have many meanings — for example, during the Victorian age, a rare orchid was symbolic of how deep someone’s love was when it was given as a gift.

According to FTD Flowers, carnations are most associated with motherly love, and have many other meanings based on the hue of the petals. Luck and gratitude were indicated by white and pink, respectively, while various shades of red meant admiration and love. Pairing with red roses and white alstroemeria brings a bouquet of adoration and devotion fully to life. 

Lilies are another flower related to devotion, but also have a variety of interpretations based on the type chosen. Calla lilies, for instance, are connected to beauty based on the meaning of the word ‘calla,’ which is defined as beautiful according to FTD Flowers. Calla lilies are commonly used to symbolize someone’s faithfulness or appreciation for another person. Another type of lily is a stargazer, which goes in hand with abundance and prosperity. A bundle of many lilies shows just how much someone cares for another, or can be used to amplify the feelings of another bouquet of mixed flowers.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photos courtesy of Amber Horrall

This week in completely made up horoscopes

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aries 3/21-4/19″] The stars have a message for Leo : you’re not my dad. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Taurus 4/20-5/20″] Oh, you know, just checking if gravity still works… [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Gemini 5/21-6/20″] Did you see that fight last week? Put 20 bucks on Pisces winning this week if you feel like making bank Gemini. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Cancer 6/21-7/22″] “Does anyone have any orange slices?” [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Leo 7/23-8/22″] Capricorns like to think they’re spicy, but their words hold no weight. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Virgo 8/23-9/22″] Sometimes your S/O has to stop drunk you from jumping out of the car to pet deer and you know what? I love that for you. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Libra 9/23-10/22″] Spell “attic” lmaoooooo

Kyle stfu don’t judge me

Can we leave this

Of course [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Scorpio 10/23-11/21″] Did you hear what Taurus said about you? [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Sagittarius 11/22-12/21″] Pisces: ¿It’s my birthday?

Leo: I’m your dad.

The Northwest Passage Editor-in-Chief: hi

The REAL Northwest Passage Editor-in-Chief: Why [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Capricorn 12/22-1/19″] Watch out for Pisces and Leo, now they’re on the chopping block this week [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aquarius 1/20-2/18″] Aquarius, today is a good day to bet on a fight Double down, all in, push it to the max! [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Pisces 2/19-3/20″] THat’s one a sPICy a meatball [/fruitful_tab]

[/fruitful_tabs]

Opinion: Why abortions should only be left to the pregnant person

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Content Warning: This certain opinion piece covers the topics of terminating pregnancies and rape, as well as views that may be against religious parties or the ideology of our national government.

 

Why is it that the topic of pregnant people and their rights are always front and center in governmental policy or “rule-making?” History shows this has been a long battle with consistent changes, changes only benefiting the medical professionals, i.e. doctors, or government — never the pregnant person.

The criminalization of abortion has never actually put a hault to abortions, but actually made it more difficult for pregnant people to be able to have safe access to this human right. Before 1973, women — of privileged higher classes were able to get safe abortions from private medical professionals. This still did not put an end to back alley abortions — an abortion perfomed by a non-medical professional — or the mortality rate of pregant people. 

By the time 1973, Roe vs. Wade, rolled around, pregnant people were able to seek out legal abortions. Unfortunately, this caused an uproar amongst people who thought they should have a say in the private lives of pregnant people and their bodies, bringing the issue to federal and state levels to take away funding towards abortions.

In 1976, the Hyde Amendment was passed, which allowed states to deny funding to low-income people who wanted an abortion — which was then revised to allow funding in cases of rape, incest or damage to the pregnant person’s health.

Fast forward to the year 2020, and we are still fighting for this right. The separation of church and state most definitely does not exist when it comes to the rights of women and those who are pregnant. Politicians with religious agendas continue to make decisions and pass laws on the basis of their beliefs and not the basis of humanity. They choose to take away this “god-given right” and on top of that, take away access to birth control… what the hell are we supposed to do? 

We have a constitutional right to abortion, no matter the case — it is our fundamental right to health and being able to control when or if we want a child or not. 

For too long now, our world has put the health of the fetus before the health of the pregnant person. In 38 states — including Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, Texas and Utah — pregnant people have been charged with manslaughter due to giving birth to a stillborn or by losing the child due to an accident. It’s time to let the person who is pregnant decide. 

Women need access to birth control, pregnant people need access to safe and legal abortions and the energy going towards ending these fundamental, human rights needs to stop.

Let’s all start minding our own business and accept the decisions made by other people, especially decisions that have no impact or effect in our own lives.

 

Planned Parenthood is a safe place for those seeking to terminate a pregnancy or confide in a medical professional, on your terms and without parental consent. There are currently 11 Planned Parenthoods in the state of Oregon, for more information follow the link: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/or

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Sweet heart cookies to try baking this Valentine’s day

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so why not take the opportunity to try out some fun Valentine’s desserts? An easy one to try is cookies — dive into this recipe to make something sweet for that special someone in mind.

 

LINZER COOKIES

Start to finish: ~1 hour and 40 minutes

Serving size: 40 cookies

1 ½ cups butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon kosher salt

3 ½ cups all purpose flour

¾ cup raspberry or strawberry preserves

½ cup powdered sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter and sugar together on medium speed for two minutes. Add in the vanilla and salt and mix until combined.

Turn mixer to low and add in the flour, mixing until combined.

Remove the dough, flatten it into a disk and wrap in cling wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Dust a clean counter with flour and using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thick.

Cut out the dough using a round two-inch biscuit cutter or cookie cutter. In half of the rounds, cut out a circle (or shape) in the centers. You can use a small cookie cutter, or even the back of a piping tip.

Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and place the baking sheet in the freezer.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. When the oven is preheated, remove the baking sheet from the freezer and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, spread about one teaspoon of preserves on the bottoms of the solid cookies. Gently press the cut out cookies on top of the preserves.

Dust all the cookies with powdered sugar.

Recipe from cookiesandcups.com

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Amber Horrall

Committees that Western students can be involved in

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Getting involved on campus can mean a multitude of things — going to various sports games, participating in events, joining a club or a combination of all of them. Another way students can be involved is through committees. Western has a variety of committees that students can be a part of to make a difference on campus; here’s a few of them that students can partake in.

The Incidental Fee Committee, or IFC, deals with allocating funds to different areas on campus and deciding how much students pay for fees with their tuition. Students that are involved on this board vote to see where such funding goes, and are the only ones who vote — unless there is a tie. Students are picked via the Associated Students of Western Oregon University elections, the Student Body President and Western’s president. However, students can also give feedback during open hearings after preliminary decisions, so they can be included and make a difference without being on the committee itself. An open hearing will take place on Feb. 17 in the Werner University Center.

The Honors Committee is restricted to those in Western’s Honors Program, and is an opportunity for students within the program to become more involved with it. Only one student from each class can serve on the board; they assist with thesis proposals, course selections and overall each student serves as a representative for their grade level. For those that are interested, they advocate to their peers and a voting process takes place. The student can then give their thoughts and opinions on the Honors Program itself along with courses.

The General Education Committee reviews the general education program; students can assist the faculty on the board with ensuring that the curriculum is accessible and up-to-date for Western’s students. In addition to managing information and handling course details, the students in the committee coordinate functions with other committees as well.

The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees sends out emails frequently about meetings and such that students can attend to give their opinion. Recent meetings have been in regards to the Finance and Administration Committee, Academic & Student Affairs Committee (ASAC) — which involves reviewing and recommending actions that affect curriculum, enrollments and admission — and the Executive, Governance, & Trusteeship Committee (EGTC). The meetings themselves are public and those who are interested can feel free to contact the WOU Board of Trustees with questions.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Community events happening in Monmouth and Independence

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

  • Mon., Feb. 10 — Central Lions Club Meeting, a service club, meets at the Independence Elks Lodge from 12–1 p.m. 
  • Thurs., Feb. 13 — Mystery Book Club Meeting at the Independence Public Library from 6–7 p.m. A discussion group for book lovers, it meets the second Thursday of each month. Those who are interested can check the library’s website to see the title of the month.
  • Sat., Feb. 15 — “The General” silent film viewing at the Polk County Museum in the Polk County Fairgrounds. Showing takes place from 1:30–3 p.m. and costs $5. There are snacks available to purchase and viewers can have fun watching a ‘20s classic.
  • Fri., Feb. 28 — Deluxe Brewing Tap Takeover from 6–8 p.m. Hosted by Rookies Sports Tap, patrons have a chance to try free samples from the brewery.
  • Sun., Mar. 1 — Polk Flea Market at the Polk County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m–3 p.m. Admission is $1 and customers have a chance to shop for collectibles, antiques, furniture, jewelry and more. Event is recurring for the first Sunday of every month.
  • Sat., Mar. 14 — 2020 Rickreall Spring Gun Show at the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center from 9 a.m–3 p.m. A buy, sell, trade event for those in the community.
  • Sat., Mar. 14 — Seamus Egan Project at Rice Auditorium at Western. From 7:30–9:30 p.m, those interested can see Irish musician Seamus Egan perform.
  • Sat., Mar. 28 — 38th Annual Spring Doll Show & Sale held at the Polk County Fairgrounds & Event Center. Admission is $5 and occurs from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Contact the author rhorrall17@wou.edu

Artist Spotlight on Abi Lowther, aspiring tattoo artist

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Abi Lowther’s love for art was ignited as a first-year in high school when she took an introduction to drawing class and realized that she had a natural talent. From there, she started to pursue art more seriously; as a sophomore at Western, she is currently majoring in Art and Design.

The main mediums she uses are drawing and painting, and recently she has started practicing stick and poke tattoos. Her art style is not too focused on one aspect; Lowther says that she gets a lot of her inspiration from the music that she listens to, elaborating that, “In my head when I’m listening I can imagine something more organic, a lot of my bigger paintings will have trees and mushrooms and have a lot of color and be kind of funky.”

Lowther is mainly self-taught; she describes the art degree as, “…mainly a way for me to find my style and shape it while learning things.” But she says she hasn’t gotten there yet, so most of the time she spends working on art is in her free time.

Depending on what piece she is working on, a small drawing might take around a day, while a painting on a larger canvas usually takes up to a month. Lowther is also an avid doodler, and even uses it to aid her learning; in Art History she will sketch out whatever painting they’re looking at in the margins.

While painting and drawing are forms that Lowther loves to practice, her dream for a future career is actually in tattooing. She purchased a stick and poke kit and practiced on herself; her first piece she initially thought was a mess, but now when she looks at it she loves it. Lowther, currently more confident in her stick and poking skills, often gives her friends free tattoos, grateful for a willing canvas.

Her future plans entail moving to Portland — because of the large tattooing scene — hopefully obtaining an apprenticeship under a wise tattoo artist and also entering tattooing school. 

For Lowther, there is no other field she could be in; being creative through art is what makes her thrive and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

Lowther said that art is a process, and for those who are interested they must, “learn to like (their) mistakes … and practice, practice helps a lot.”

For those who want to check out Lowther’s art, she has an instagram page called, @killbillvoltree, where she posts some of her pieces. Lowther also does commission work. People can directly message her via Instagram if interested in learning more.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo by Ashlynn Norton

King Princess performs in Portland and summons the rock gods.

Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor

Already on the radar in the LGBTQ+ community, King Princess is an up-and-comer in pop music — and she summons the rock gods. At her Portland show, located in the Roseland theater, King Princess proved two things: one, that she eats CDs for breakfast, as her live vocals were indistinguishable from her recordings and, two, that she’s a rockstar. A versatile (cheap) queen known for her sultry vocals, King Princess pranced around the stage like she owned it — which, she did — all while playing guitar and piano intermittently and breaking the venue’s no-smoking policy. 

During her two-hour performance, she played the majority of her album, “Cheap Queen,” pausing in between to provide witty, playfully teasing commentary about her music and her fanbase. At one point, she discussed her attempts to remain authentic to her craft and resisting control from others, while before playing her hit song “1950,” she half-jokingly begged the audience to help get her another hit because she was “tired” of the former. 

Her genuineness of character combined with her roguish, bordering on sexual-deviant, attitude captivated her audience during the entire show, even after they had already been dancing to both her opener’s performances — an exciting drag showcase from Bujee Cherry and what can only be called an EDM experience from spunky Kilo Kish (due to the unfortunate case that the audio cancelled out her voice). And, although there were a few mishaps (with one fan claiming to need medical attention just to get King Princess to notice her), King Princess delivered a flawless show. 

True to her brand until the very end, King Princess wouldn’t come on stage until she had the audience screaming and only came back on stage for her final act when she had the audience begging for more. Sporting a jockstrap with the word “KING” embellished on it, she literally stood before her subjects and performed until people’s throats were hoarse and their ears were numb.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Photos by Sortia Sherrow

See the new content arriving to Disney + February 2020

Sean Martinez  | Copy Editor

There is a wide selection of shows to watch on Disney+ for February. From Oscar-nominated films to original series, here’s everything coming to Disney+. 

 

Available Feb. 1: “Big Business,” “The Sandlot,” “Around the World in 80 Days,” Wicked Tuna: Season 1-2” 

Available Feb. 2: “Descendants 3” 

Available Feb. 5: “Toy Story 4” 

Available Feb. 7: “Pixar In Real Life: Toy Story: Traffic Cone Rescue,” “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made”

Available Feb. 9: “Old Dogs” 

Available Feb. 14: “My Dog, The Thief,” “Splash,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” 

Available Feb. 16: “Marvel’s Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United” 

Available Feb. 21: “Unlikely Animal Friends: Season 1-2,” “Marvel Rising: Operation Shuri,” “Marvel Rising: Playing with Fire”

Available Feb. 25: “Star Wars: Resistance: Season 2” 

Available Feb. 28: “I Captured The King Of The Leprechauns,” “Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars,” “Marvel’s Future Avengers: Season 1” 

 

Original Series (available weekly):

 

Starting Feb. 7: “Diary of a Future President,” Disney Family Sundays,” “Marvel’s Hero Project,” “One Day At Disney”

Starting Feb. 14: “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Season 2”

Starting Feb. 21: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Season 7”

Starting Feb. 28: “Shop Class”

 

Contact the author howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of movies.disney.com

Men’s Rugby lose match versus Oregon State University

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

This past Saturday, Feb. 1, the Men’s Rugby team held a friendly match against the Oregon State University Beavers — a team they beat during the 2019 season.

The first half, the Wolves were challenged, showing more exhaustion by every passing minute. With only 26 more seconds left, the Beavers persisted on, getting a few more points — Beaver forward juked out multiple Wolves and broke through to finish and score, making the score 21-10 at the start for the second half.

The Wolves showed great power and strength coming onto the field for the final half — dominating on the defensive end and stopping the Beavers attack. However, the Beavers were able to catch the Wolves off guard and score, and made the score 28-10.

As the game continued, more and more Wolves got injured and lost energy. Luckily, the Beavers showed great sportsmanship and sent one of their own to join the Wolves. 

Twenty minutes into the second half, the Wolves finally scored, bringing themselves within six points of the Beavers.

As the clock counted down, it was easy to tell who was going to win this match — the Beavers kept knocking at the Wolves’ door with no fight back from the Wolves.

Beavers were able to walk away with a 47-22 win, a 25-point difference.

The Wolves’ next home game is on Saturday, Feb. 8 versus Pacific University. Go out and support this club team.

 

Contact the author hgreene18@wou.edu

Photo Courtesy of Emily Prall

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