Mount Hood

“Schitt’s Creek” Finale

A dysfunctional household learns the value of family over the course of six seasons

Brianna Lelieur | Entertainment Editor

“Schitt’s Creek” is a recently concluded show that has been around for six seasons. The series starts with an incredibly dysfunctional family that is filthy rich, and becomes flat broke in a matter of minutes. They are then dropped in a random, middle-of-nowhere town that the main character, Johnny Rose, had bought for his son, David, as a joke. From there, viewers see their journey and evolution into figuring out how the real world works, and how to become productive members of society. 

Now coming full circle, the show has finally reached its end. The show closed on a happy note, with the finale focusing on a message that the characters were glad they lost their money in the beginning, because it allowed them to become better, happier people. 

The show’s last season’s best feature was well executed character development. They ensured that the characters still retained a lot of key aspects of their former lives, and didn’t completely make them something they were not. 

An example of this was with Alexis Rose; she started out super rich, always sassy and in a hurry, looking for the next place to go and see. However, we see her develop into a woman who learns  to appreciate taking a break once in a while, and learning that there is a lot more to life than always being on the go. 

By the finale, she knows that sometimes it is better to have great company — whether it’s with family, a partner or friends — than doing what is “cool” at the time. However, despite the fact they calmed her down a bit, the itch of belonging in a big city always lingered in her. They didn’t write that off, and she didn’t transition into a completely different character. 

“Schitt’s Creek” is a basic Family Dysfunction TV show — it makes the viewer feel like a part of the fame point can relate to them.

Overall review: It’s a decent show, and while I don’t think I’ll be rewatching it, I would definitely recommend it. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Video Game Releases for 2020

A timeline of a few video games coming out in October and November 2020

Brianna Lelieur | Entertainment Editor

Through the rest of 2020, we are going to be seeing a huge release of new video games — both new and continued installations — to keep us entertained during homebound times. Here’s a list of five games coming out soon to be on the watch for. Happy playing.

  • Amnesia: Rebirth (Oct. 20) – Kickstart the spooky Halloween season with a first-person horror based game. If this game is anything like the previous installments, we can almost guarantee a more intense horror factor that will keep players on the edge of their seats and make them question the things around them.

  • Watchdogs: Legion (Oct. 29) – Set in London, everything within the watchdog’s realm is being monitored by an omniscient surveillance state; the military has its stronghold on the city and crime is at an all time high. The player is introduced to a variety of characters, where they then have to recruit people to join a resistance group to overthrow the system. 
      • The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope (Oct. 30) – The second installment of the Dark Pictures Anthology, “Little Hope,” is a choice-based horror game. The story follows five characters trapped in a ghost town as the player(s) traverse through multiple timelines to unfold the mystery. Like it’s predecessor, “Man of Medan,” the game has two multiplayer features, in which different players take control of certain characters either cooperatively online, or in person.
      • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Nov. 10) – The storyline based game takes on nordic themes and culture, and gives the player a chance to play as Eivor, a viking raider. There are various storylines and side missions with the key theme of building a viking army to fight and destroy the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms. 

      • Cyberpunk 2077 (Nov. 19) – With the initial release date being delayed twice, Cyberpunk is finally being released in November of 2020. It’s a game with vibrant color and details, resembling the same world of “Blade Runner 2049”. A futuristic game based in Night City, California, players get access to an almost unlimited free world, playing as a mercenary named V who is chasing after a cybernetic implant that holds the key to immortality. Everything about the character can be customized, and the world can be thoroughly explored.

        Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

         

        Happy harvest: a guide to fall crops

        October brings a variety of fresh, in-season produce

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        Summer may seem to offer the most variety of produce, but fall has quite the selection too. Some fruits and vegetables are nearing the end of their seasons while others are just getting ripe. Here is some of October’s seasonal produce to add to the shopping list.

        Grapes of all colors are still being harvested. Stock up and make some jam if canning supplies are available, or grab some to snack on. Meanwhile, kiwi arrives at its peak in the fall in California. Get creative with kiwi by using it as a tart topping or in a salsa.

        Apples and pears are two more fruits that taste best in October; use these in a cobbler, crisp or pie. Also try mixing these in-season fruits with some year-round produce — like bananas and cranberries — to create a fruit salad or delicious smoothie.

        It is well known that pumpkin is in season come autumn, but other squashes, such as butternut and spaghetti squash, are available too. Each is great to include in soup recipes. Bell peppers are harvested in the fall as well; utilize their versatility to top pasta dishes, mix in stir fry or make stuffed peppers.

        Brussels sprouts and beets are two more vegetables that peak in October. Though each may get their own bad rap, they can be enjoyable when prepared in a new way. Brussels sprouts can be sauteed, beets are great on salads and both taste good when roasted.

        All this produce and much more are available at grocery stores, but these in-season fruits and vegetables are fresh at farmers markets as well. Check online to see if and when local farmers markets are open, and be sure to follow COVID-19 regulations by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        Where to get body mods for college bods

        Local tattoo and piercing shops for your next piece

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        I know I’m not alone in itching for a new tattoo. With body modifications, including tattoos and piercings, it’s difficult to stop at just one. Here are some tattoo and piercing shops to check out within driving distance from Western.

        Independence has two tattoo studios. Main Street Tattoo is owned by artist Kevin Hamlin who primarily does traditional-style tattoos. Check out his work and contact Kevin at his Instagram @outinthestyx. 

        Turquoise Studio features two artists, Kylee Halama and Hanna Martin. Their shop, according to their Facebook page, has been working to maintain privacy for clients by only allowing one artist and one customer in the studio at a time, so be sure to schedule an appointment via their individual Facebook pages, “Tattoos by Kylee” and “Hanna’s Tattoos.”

        Salem boasts numerous piercing and tattoo shops, and Addictions Body Piercing and Tattoo is one that provides both body modifications. Featuring a total of four piercers and four tattoo artists, there is someone to cater to the desires of any client. Their website, www.addictionsinc.com, has much more information, including booking appointments. Immortal Ink is another shop in the heart of Salem with three different artists. Find each artist’s portfolio and contact information at the studio’s website: immortalinksalem.com.

        High Priestess is a tattoo and piercing shop with locations in both Salem and Corvallis, as well as other cities in Oregon. As of Oct. 16, the Salem and Corvallis shops are only offering piercings for the time being. There are two piercers at each location, and appointments are being scheduled on each campus’ website: beststudioever.com/high-priestess.

        Corvallis also offers several other studios, including Sacred Art Tattoo. This shop has three artists, and their individual work can be viewed on their website, sacredartcorvallis.com. Their site also offers multiple ways of contacting them, so pick the one that works best.

        One final studio about 30 minutes from Western is DieHard Piercing and Tattoo in Albany. The shop’s owner, Jeremy “DieHard” McLain, does piercings, and three tattoo artists work at the location. Find them at diehardlife.com, check out their work, and email them to book an appointment.

        Be sure to comply with the artist’s or piercer’s safety requirements related to COVID-19. Most studios are not accepting cash and do not allow guests to accompany clients.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        This week in completely made up horoscopes

        The Western Howl Staff

        Theme: Horoscopes from The Fly 

         

        Aries 3/21-4/19  

        What if I just took a s—t right now.

         

        Taurus 4/20-5/20

        This is a nice spot for a nap.

         

        Gemini 5/21-6/20 

        Bruh why’d he stay so long, get out of there before his hair gel kills you!

         

        Cancer 6/21-7/22

        Don’t listen to that guy. He’s trying to lead you down the path of wickedness. I’m gonna lead you down the path that rocks!

         

        Leo 7/23-8/22

        He’s not real he’s definitely like a lizard or something

         

        Virgo 8/23-9/22

        You know what they say flies are attracted to.

         

        Libra 9/23-10/22

        Thought I was landing on a snack, turned out it was a snake.

         

        Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

        Listen to “Fly on the Wall” by Miley Cyrus.

         

        Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

        You better vote.

         

        Capricorn 12/22-1/19

        At least I made him look even more like an idiot

         

        Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

        Oop, time for my 15 minutes of fame (⌐▨_▨)

         

        Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

        I can see why the audience is empty.

        Western modifies traditional spirit week events

        Western organizations prepare for socially distanced spirit week

        Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

        During non-pandemic years, there is usually a spirit week in October that is dedicated to Western’s homecoming football game. Throughout the week, students could participate in various activities such as the carnival, Paint the Town Red, the powerpuff game, a bonfire and Paint The Wolf. Due to COVID-19, some of these in-person events have been cut this year to ensure student safety.

        Adapting to the current situation, Student Engagement and the Student Activities Board have planned various online programs and a few in-person activities that abide by social distancing guidelines in an effort to keep the tradition of spirit week.

        Paint the Wolf: For this outdoor activity, students will participate in repainting the weathered WOU logo located on Church street. 

        Pop Culture Trivia Night: During this online event, students will be quizzed on various pop culture topics present in our society. The winner will receive free spirit gear.

        Wolf Royalty Voting: Homecoming Court and Wolf Royalty are traditions at Western. Each year, two first-years, sophomores, juniors and six graduating seniors are nominated to Homecoming Court. Two of the graduating seniors are then nominated to Wolf Royalty.

        Movie Night: If this outdoor activity is approved, SAB plans on announcing Western Royalty as well as putting on a movie for students.

        WOU School Spirit Compilation: This activity is done over the week; students upload photos or videos to Instagram, tagging @student_engage to show ‘what Western means to them’. The winner receives free Western merchandise.

        Downtown Scavenger Hunt: For this in-person event, students will be given a list and asked to find all the items in downtown Monmouth; the winners get free Western swag.

        For in person events, SAB and Student Engagement are not requiring students to sign up. When people arrive at the events, they will be asked to sign their name at a table for contact tracing purposes if an outbreak occurs at Western. Additionally, senior biology major and SAB director Kayley Arpaia confirmed that there will never be more than 100 students at the in-person events, but students are still required to stay six feet apart and wear masks. 

        Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

        All departments on campus experience employment reductions

        Reductions to student and faculty employment have occurred all over campus

        Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

        Last April, Oregon’s unemployment numbers skyrocketed from 4% to 14.7% and has since settled to 7.9% as of September, according to deptofnumbers.com

        Western has also experienced a spike in unemployment; all departments at Western have had jobs permanently removed, and each funded area has been temporarily limited to the amount of students they are able to hire.

        In January 2020, Western’s Board of Trustees discussed potentially removing faculty jobs from campus due to steady decline in revenue.

        “It was exacerbated by COVID-19,” said Public Service Librarian Janeanne Rockwell-Kincanon.

        Many departments on campus — such as Student Recreation, the Child Development Center and the Hamersly Library — have all experienced employment reductions, totaling approximately 68 unfilled positions with a majority coming from Campus Recreation.

        “It’s nowhere near where we would like it to be,” said Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Andy Main, “but one thing I think is important that we’re proud of is that just about every single employee that we were hoping to bring back for this fall we’ve gotten them their hours back or are trying get them back.”

        Additionally, due to budget cuts and limited employment for social distancing purposes, the Hamersly Library and Student Recreation have cut their operating hours by more than 66%, while the Child Development Center has reduced the amount of child intake by 50%.

         

        “Because we are operating under an emergency child care license, it requires us to have small stable groups,” said director Tammy Gardner. “We are doing three groups of 10 students. Each group has an assigned teacher and the groups are not allowed to cross paths.”

        Currently, the Child Development Center is also receiving partial funding from an Oregon grant called Preschool Promise, Gardner explained. Under the Preschool Promise, it fully pays for 18 students to attend. Qualifying students have to be under 200% of the Federal poverty level and the families who submitted applications were selected by a third party source called the Parenting Hub of Polk and Marion County.

        All departments on campus are hopeful that the coming year will provide better funding and increase employment opportunities. The story will be updated as more information is provided. 

        Correction: In the story above, it was implied that reduced student hires was the cause of limited hours of operation at Hamersly Library. However, this is not the case; student hire reduction was not the cause of limited hours, but the safety of staff and faculty due to social distancing guidelines.

        Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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