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Find out different ways to view films with theaters closing

Never Retallack |  Entertainment Editor

As COVID-19 works its way across the world, everyday life has dramatically shifted — from school, to work, eating out and even cinema.

AMC and Regal theaters, as well as smaller locations such as Independence Cinema, have closed across the states to help in the prevention of spreading; many moviegoers were upset and concerned about movies that now have later release dates.

Luckily, many of the movies that were being aired at the theaters are now available online through sources like Apple Movies, Amazon and Disney+. The average price for renting a newly-released movie is $19.99, which is how much it would cost for two people to go to the theater.

Other films that were meant to release earlier are either being postponed or immediately put online. So far, films like “Mulan” and “Fast and Furious 9” have been postponed. 

Disney+ has put “Onward” and “Frozen 2” online much sooner than they had planned, so those who pay for the service can check out those films and plenty more.

Hulu has also upped their game by uploading dozens of films throughout the past couple weeks and plans to upload more. People can now view “Parasite” for a newer taste of cinema, but they have also released an array of classics. All three “Austin Powers” films are available, as well as the thriller “Misery” (1990) and “Bend it Like Beckham” (2003).

There has been speculation about how the film industry will survive through the pandemic. There are a few local theaters that remain open, but those are few and far between.

Work, school, music and now films will only be accessible via an at-home screen. This change makes the culture around such media a bit different. 

One of the best things about going to a movie theater is going with someone. While still respecting the stay-at-home order, there is an extension called Netflix Party where people can watch a film or show on Netflix “with” their friends. It will pause if someone in the party pauses, or if their internet is slow — that way both parties are synced up. The extension also provides a chat section so that people can talk in real-time about what they are watching.

While going to the theater isn’t in the cards, movies live on — online that is. Look up different films that will be released soon to see where they’ll end up on the web.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of movies.disney.com

A new way to view music during quarantine

Never Retallack |  Entertainment Editor

As the weather heats up and the sun starts shining, only serves as a painful reminder that people must remain in self-isolation. COVID-19 has swept the world and it has become a means of prevention and survival to stay indoors. 

Those who were looking forward to spring because of the many concerts that were planned may feel a bit let down. Luckily, dozens of artists have started live-streaming music and putting together videos to create an intimate viewing experience.

While people may be stuck inside, there is still plenty to listen to and watch if you have Wi-fi and a device to do so.

Rita Wilson, who in fact had COVID-19 and recovered, has now coined the phrase “quarantuning” for artists who are creating and supplying music at this time. Since her return to good health, Wilson has created a Spotify playlist with the help of her fans’ song suggestions for people to check out.

Lizzo has posted a beautiful 30-minute meditation video with her crystals and flute to accompany her.

Hayley Williams, the frontman for Paramore, has been releasing intimate videos from her living room — jamming with her guitar. She has also released a new video called “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris,” which uses old goofy footage of her and her friends.

Instagram Live has allowed artists like Chris Martin from Coldplay to croon a stripped down version of one of his songs; James Blake performed originals and covers for over an hour.

Elton John hosted a benefit concert with iHeartRadio on March 30, with artists including Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong and Dave Grohl all performing from their homes.

While these times are both alien and trying, there are still people out there trying to connect and give fans something to look forward to. Check out different artists to see what they’re offering on their social media.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Lizzo

Monmouth, Independence local businesses adapt to change

Caity Healy |  Managing Editor

“Stay home. Save lives.” Those were the words at the top of Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-12 that was declared on March 24. These words were directed at everyone, leaving no person immune. That included businesses. Only those that were essential could remain open, and all others had to either close, or figure out a way to stay open in some capacity while still following social distancing guidelines.

As necessary, businesses in Monmouth and Independence adapted to these changes; some found ways to continue their work, while others had to close, even permanently. Main Street Pub and Eatery closed their doors for good, though there is no confirmation as to whether or not that was due to or affected by Executive Order 20-12. Others closed their doors temporarily. Aesthetic Studio, Independence Hotel and Independence Gril were just a few in that list. Other businesses, though, had to get creative to stay open.

The Find in Monmouth has been posting what they have in stock on their Instagram. They create stories highlighting their options and allow the community to virtually shop that way. They are even going as far as to offer delivery of their items, as well as curb-side pickup.

Yeasty Beasty remains open, but they’ve tweaked the way they do their delivery. They are allowing orders to be dropped off on the front doorstep of homes, and then calling the customer to confirm that they have arrived. This assures that no person has to have direct contact with those that are delivering their food.

On top of getting creative with staying open, some are getting creative with ways to give back. For instance, Tucky’s began a lunch program for students who no longer had access to lunch from their schools. Titled “Little Bird Baskets,” they are giving away a free lunch of popcorn chicken and potato wedges to children in the community. Another business wanting to give back is Dutch Bros, who pledged to donate 100% of their April profits to medical first responders.

While these changes to our daily lives aren’t easy for anyone, it’s managing to prove the resilience of Monmouth and Independence business owners, and the overwhelming sense of community that is still felt in these quiet neighboring towns, who are remaining supportive of small businesses, even under a stay-at-home order.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy

Advertising to stay relevant during stay-at-home order

Cora McClain |  Editor-In-Chief

Only a few days after the stay-at-home order, a flux of hermiting-themed advertisements popped up all around. From mobile games saying to “stay home and play” to Forever21’s “work (out) from home” activewear, businesses are rapidly adapting to changes in consumer life. 

While most business ads tend not to touch on hard news, COVID-19 and the self-isolation trends have made it so that businesses must respond. According to digital media blog, TheMatch2One, 61% of marketers have made changes to their short-term media strategies in the wake of the pandemic. The restaurant industry has been at the forefront of changing their business operation and advertising.

Restrictions on large gatherings of people have left restaurant tables empty, but many stay open and allow for takeout or delivery options. A video advertisement entitled “Open for Delivery,” highlights this exact situation, ensuring consumers that DoorDash will be there to make sure they get their gourmet takeout meals. Another advertisement boasts options for zero-contact deliveries. Advertisements such as these illustrate how businesses are changing to stay relevant to consumers. The question is, will this spike in self-isolation driven advertisements stay for long? 

Simply put, just as Executive Order 20-12 is meant to be a temporary situation, so is this trend in advertising. TheMatch20ne’s research also showed that even though 61% of marketers were making short-term alterations, only 9% were adjusting their long-term strategies. Currently, businesses are occupying a space of limbo, biding their time before the stay-at-home order comes to an end and business-as-usual resumes. 

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Read an interview to learn how the choir department has adapted

Never Retallack |  Entertainment Editor

During this time where students’ daily lives are being greatly affected, read this interview with Tonya Bradley —  a junior at Western majoring in Education — to find out how her experience with choir in the music department has changed.

 

Can you explain how the choir groups, Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, that you are affiliated with have changed?

We are meeting online in small groups this term through Zoom. We are focusing on tuning our musical ear and doing an online concert this term.

 

What are some of the hardest parts when it comes to adjusting to the quarantine with choir for you?

We are meeting through Zoom and only with our voice section which is hard. We are super close as an ensemble, so it’s really tough. More than a few tears have been shed.

 

I remember there were travel plans for the choir in the Summer, has there been an update on if those are still happening?

Yes! The World Choir Games have been moved to July 2021. As of this time we are still going to Amsterdam and Belgium.

 

I understand you are taking music classes through the school, what are those like?

The only music class I am taking is choir, but most classes are occurring over Zoom from what I have been told.

 

How do you believe social distancing will affect the program throughout this term?

Most concerts are being recorded and put online. We aren’t able to have normal practices or access practice rooms or the Midilab. It’s going to be a very hard term because we have nowhere to practice or pianos to use.

 

Do you have any general thoughts or feelings on the subject that you’d like to share?

If you have friends who are in any of the arts departments, reach out! A lot of people have it especially hard, and they will appreciate your thoughts.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Western Oregon Choral Music Department

Hearing from the community: Jubilee

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

Jubilee, Independence, OR

 

What was your reaction when the stay-at-home order was announced?

My reaction was disbelief, as I am such a new business in Independence, and it just got harder. So, needless to say, I’m feeling a little defeated. Closing a restaurant was not what I anticipated. It’s very hard for a small business to begin with, but a restaurant in a small town is even harder.

 

How did your business react and adapt to the situation?

We did a lot of take out service to start with, but closing to not get exposed to the virus was pretty drastic. But, we have been taking special orders and delivering. We also sell wine/champagne and we are now able to deliver with a new special license.

 

How has this affected your business overall?

It’s affected our business greatly, but to be honest, the outreach and support of the community has been amazing! We are definitely not taking in as much revenue, but we are doing the best we can and hope for the best when we reopen!

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’d like to just say thank you to all of the people who love and support us! We will survive and thrive! I mean, who doesn’t need a dessert and champagne bar in their own little town?

 

The Find, Monmouth, OR

 

What was your reaction when the stay-at-home order was announced?

My first reaction was concerned, and worried how long the order would last for the community and the impact was going to be on so many families everywhere.

 

How did your business react and adapt to the situation?

We had amazing support from people in the community that stepped up and helped us try to reinvent ourselves so we could continue to serve our customers and community for their needs during this time, while taking all safety precautions.

 

How has this affected your business overall?

It’s devastated our business and we have no way of knowing the long term impact at this point, but we have continued to support many of the small businesses in our community, as well as received wonderful support and love from the amazing people in this community.

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

We just want to thank the community and all the people who have supported us, as well as the other businesses in our town that make our community so special. We are in this together and can’t wait to see all their sweet faces again.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Q&A: How COVID-19 impacted athletics

Caity Healy |  Managing Editor

 

Christina Carney, Women’s Rugby

Senior, Early Childhood Studies

 

When and how did you find out your season was coming to an abrupt end?

I kind of figured our season was coming to an end once the governor announced that no more than 250 people can gather together, and it just started going down from there. I am also friends with one of the OSU rugby girls, and she informed me that the rest of their season was cancelled, so I kenw Western would be soon. Then, my coach officially confirmed that championships was cancelled, and that’s when I told myself, “Wow! My college rugby career is over.” I had hoped that championships would at least happen because my team and I were preparing for it and excited for this last game with the seniors.

 

What was your reaction? How did your team react?

My first reaction was that I was shocked. I could not believe that my last college rugby game would be taken from me. For my team, I could tell that they were sad, as well. On championship day, a teammate even said, “today would have been a lot better if we were playing rugby,” and it made me tear. But, as captain, I reminded them that we had an awesome season and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my senior year playing rugby with any other team.

 

How do you think this will impact your team for next year?

I think my team will be impacted in the sense that they need to play every game like it’s their last. No one expected this abrupt end, so I believe they will want to play every game to their fullest with no regrets in the coming years.

 

How do you feel about your season overall?

Overall, this season was awesome. I had the best teammates, the best positivity, the best bonds and lots of champions. Everyone did so amazing and stepped up during practices and games. There was so much support and I am so proud of all of us.

 

Anything you’d like to add?

If my teammates are reading, and other athletes, I would like them to know that they should play every game like it’s their last, because you never know if that is your last game. Also, for people wanting to join a sport, rugby is the sport. I promise, you will never be on a team so welcoming. So many students had joined rugby and just absolutely loved it. Loved the community, the welcome, the team, and ends up falling in love with rugby. Go Wolves!

 

Kennedy Coy, Softball

Senior, Community Health Major 

 

When and how did you find out your season was coming to an abrupt end?

We found out on March 12. We had a home game schedule that day against MSUB. We had won our first game, and we were feeling really good for the second. During our break in between games is when our coach told us. Sarge said that this next game was gong to be our last one for a while.

 

What was your reaction? How did your team react?

I was in shock at first. It took me a few minutes to process what was happening. When I realized that the next game was very well going to b e my last, there was a lot of tears. I hugged my teammates and as a whole we took some time to gather our thoughts. We tried to keep the mentality of, “Hey, we have one more game. We aren’t done, so let’s finish strong.” It was a really emotional game, but we played well and ended up winning. During the second game, someone thought to go get flowers for us seniors, and at the end, we had a short, make-shift senior night. It was a really hard day because none of us knew what was going to happen.

 

How do you think this will impact your team for next year?

I think that the next year is going to be something really special. Not just for our program, but for teams across the country. We all had something that we love, something that we worked really hard for, ripped away from us without warning. I think that next year, no one will take a single day for granted. We are going to have to work hard, but I know that people will be happy they get the chance to!

 

How do you feel about your season overall?

It’s hard to judge our season overall because we had so little of it. In our preseason, we learned a lot and we were headed in the right direction! We had to overcome a lot of injuries and other obstacles in the preseason, but as a group we were just getting started. I’m really proud of this team, we had to work with smaller numbers this year, but people were stepping up to fill spots and get the job done! Even though our  season was short, we have a lot to be proud of.

 

Anything you’d like to add?

If I were to add anything, it would be a huge thank you to our coaches, trainers, and the rest of the athletic department. WOU athletes are blessed with an incredible support system. This is scary right now, but I can’t wait to see what’s in store for WOU.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu 

Photo courtesy of Christina Carney 

Photo courtesy of Brian Kortz 

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