The Western Howl – Page 21 – The Western Howl

Written by: Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor

This year, the Super Bowl featured a repeated matchup from 2020: the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. When these two teams last met in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs walked away with the championship — which was repeated this year.

When fans were placing their predictions and bets, the majority of the odds were in favor of the Chiefs. The defending champions had stats and matchup history to support them. For the last 30 years, teams wearing their white jerseys have won the Superbowl, even when the odds were not in their favor. The only exception to this was the Chiefs in the 2020 Super Bowl, where they wore their red home jerseys and won — the color matchup, like everything else, was repeated this year: the Chiefs in red and the 49ers in white.

The opening ceremony included performances of “America the Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner,” by Post Malone and Reba McEntire respectively, which were ASL interpreted by Anjel Piñero and Daniel Durant. The colors were presented and accompanied by members of the United States Navy.

The game itself started off with the Chiefs deferring the coin toss to the 49ers, setting the Chiefs to receive in the second half. Kickoff went off without a hitch, but on the 49ers’ drive, they fumbled, and the Chiefs recovered for their first possession barely three minutes into the game.

The first quarter was a series of possession changes and flags; the 49ers with two for a false start and holding call, and the Chiefs with an offsides call. For the 49ers, defensive lineman, Chase Young, and linebacker, Randy Gregory, both had sacks in the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the first score of the game: a 49ers 55-yard field goal put the score at three and zero. During the Chief’s first possession of the second quarter, they fumbled and the 49ers recovered. Almost immediately after, the Chiefs received a personal foul call against them for a horse collar tackle.

The first injury of the game happened to San Francisco linebacker, Dre Greenlaw, who wasn’t even on the field at the time. He was on the sidelines celebrating and slipped and fell, injuring his Achilles tendon.

The Chiefs received an intentional grounding penalty, which caused a loss of the down. This resulted in a punt to the 49ers and another personal foul on the Chiefs. At this point in the game, the Chiefs were getting aggressive: with two personal fouls and Travis Kelce yelling at Kansas City head coach, Andy Reid. Two more penalties were called, one on the 49ers and the other on the Chiefs.

A trick play by the Niners led to the first touchdown of the game, which was shortly followed with a field goal by the Chiefs. At the end of the half, the 49ers led 10-3.

The Apple Music half time show boasted Usher, who had not initially announced who would be performing with him. Throughout the performance, he brought Alicia Keys, Will.i.am, H.E.R., Lil John and Ludacris onto the stage. Each artist had their moment in the spotlight, as well as several performers who appeared in shows in the Vegas casinos.

The third quarter was a run of turnovers, low scores and more injuries for the 49ers, leading to the expectation that the game would be slow play for its final quarter. When the Chiefs blocked an extra point, the game picked up speed, and both teams scored two more field goals, resulting in a tie game and an overtime period.

In postseason overtime, teams have fifteen minutes and a possession to score — three additional timeouts are also given to each of the teams. The 49ers had possession first and managed to score a field goal, with half of the overtime quarter still left. Most of the Chiefs’ drive was spent regaining yardage from losing yards in plays.

And, in the most jaw-dropping, insanely stupid play with six seconds left on the clock, the Chiefs scored to win 25-22.

Viewers in Western’s Arbor Park’s Sequoia Commons at the Super Bowl watch party had mixed reactions to the final play of the game. Supporters of the 49ers ended the game with yells of anger or even falling to the floor in the fetal position, while Chiefs fans celebrated with one another.

During post-game interviews, no player said they would be going to Disney World, as is tradition, but the team will still parade through the Magic Kingdom in the near future.

Another long-standing tradition in the NFL is for the winning team to dump Gatorade on their head coach and for fans to bet on what color the Gatorade will be each year. For the second year in a row the Chiefs opted for purple colored Gatorade.

And for those fans who say Taylor Swift ruined football? The pop star was shown thirteen times throughout the entire four hour broadcast. Once during the opening ceremony and twelve times during the game itself. These thirteen times she was shown were when either Kelce or Patrick Mahomes did well in a play, as she was sitting with Mahomes’ wife, Brittany.

NFL play resumes for the 2024-2025 season on Sept. 6.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Valentine’s day is for your friends

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

You’re in elementary school again — nearing the final stretch of winter — it’s cold and gray outside, typical of February weather. Inside the school, however, it’s warm and cozy, with heart streamers dangling from the walls and artwork on the whiteboards. The students’ cubbies are packed with cardstock and goodie bags, a reflection of the Valentine’s Day cheer.

The holiday isn’t as easily understood by children, who have no experience with romance and its faults. They have yet to learn the cost of an expensive dinner or the difficulties of planning a perfect excursion — they haven’t had to worry about finding that flawless gift for your soulmate or even how to find a soulmate in the first place. To the children, the holiday is about candy, the color pink and friendship.

For these kids, Valentine’s Day will likely flip, the way it has for many adults, and turn into a pro-corporation, anti-single-person, couple-schmoozing money pit. Couples are expected to blow hundreds on extravagant presents, maybe even some diamond rings, and spending Valentine’s Day alone usually culminates in classic movie reruns and ice cream on the couch — Titanic, anyone?

Nobody can really be blamed for sighing at the sight of dozens of flower vendors standing on street corners during February, trying to finesse desperate men into overpriced bouquets. More than half of American adults think that Valentine’s Day isn’t a “real special occasion” and it ranks low — if not lowest — on the list of top ten favorite holidays nationwide.

Truly, how many people outright say that Valentine’s Day is their favorite holiday?

I do. Valentine’s Day, for as long as I can remember, began years ago as an event built off of love, kindness and acceptance. I was excited to appreciate my friends and classmates — and it only grew with me. I love gathering my friends and baking with them or for them, offering little gifts to showcase my respect for them. If they’re single, I make a note to do it in a more significant fashion. I try to tip waiters who work on Valentine’s Day more; I try to say “I love you” to people who don’t hear it as often as they should.

We’ve long since lost sight of what we practiced in elementary school, blinded by money and out-doing other couples. At its core, Valentine’s Day should just be about love and peace — not competition.

Reminder: men like flowers too — they’re just waiting to be asked.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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Tiktoks don’t belong in film

Written by: Lili Minato | Freelancer

Content warning: this article contains spoilers

The original song “Sexy” starts to play as Karen Shetty — played by Avantika — appears on the screen to record a TikTok about Halloween. As she ends her video, multiple other tiktokers appear on screen singing the same song. A collage of vertical videos fills the large movie theater screen, complete with off-brand heart, share and comment emoticons inspired by the social media app.

The film’s desired effect of relatability does not occur as the audience is vocally taken aback. The implementation of social media apps in films created by an older generation for a younger audience often does not have the desired effect on audiences.

This trend has been prominently used in coming-of-age Netflix movies for an indulgent audience, with the hopes that it will convince children and teens alike to relate to their poorly written main characters. Now, this idea has infected the big screen.

Ironically, the recent “Mean Girls” musical — which has been even more popularized through TikTok — has tried and failed to cater to the youth of today. While having a good chance of being a decent film, the consistent usage of social media caused the downfall of the musical.

Hailee Carmody — a sophomore at Western — shares her opinion on the matter, “I think it (TikToks) takes you out of the movie quite a bit, especially when the phone frames the scene,” Carmody said.

Later in the film, TikToks are used once again to show the spread of Regina George’s downfall. In the clips of students sharing their grievances against George, tiktokers and celebrities — like Megan Thee Stallion — appear on screen as well.

This causes shock within the audience — whether it be negative or positive. Carmody related to the former option, “Including tiktokers is more promotion (for the film) and I think they added nothing to the story, they were just a face,” stated Carmody.

The TikTokers that were included are popular on TikTok but outside of social media, they don’t have much of an impact on viewers. It’s simply another half-hearted attempt to relate to the target audience of teenagers.

Social media and film are the oil and vinegar of media, they never mix well. The off-brand icons and the internet slang age movies and take audiences out of the watching experience.

Instead of its intended use of relatability, TikTok turns good films into tacky, laughable cash grabs with little substance.

Contact the author at lminato22@mail.wou.edu

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Love me, love me not

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Regardless if one has been with their significant other for six months or six years — or even if you have a little crush on someone — you can test your compatibility with some simple questions. Believe it’s meant to be? Test it:

Q1: What is your significant other’s spirit animal?

Q2: If it was possible to see any artist for free, who would they see?

Q3: Chocolate or vanilla?

Q4: What snack would they sneak into the movie theaters?

Q5: What is the best memory between you two?

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Stop pit bull hate and discrimination

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Dogs have been man’s best friend for hundreds of years, but when it comes to pit bulls and bullies, they’ve come to accumulate some of the worst reputations among all dog breeds.

Pit bulls and bull-mixed breeds make up over 50% of the canines in pounds. The misunderstood breed is most often overlooked and left sitting in the cages watching their fellow dogs get chosen over them repeatedly. Out of the 1.2 million dogs that are euthanized every year, 40% of them are pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

Pit bulls are continuously discriminated against, not just in the United States, but all across the world. The United Kingdom enacted the “Dangerous Dog Act” that bans the breeding, selling or giving away of medium to extra large size dog breeds, including the pit bull and bully. Owners had until Feb. 1, 2023 to register them or be charged with a criminal offense. These dogs are also not allowed in public without a muzzle and lead. Many in the U.S. fear the government will also follow suit and ban these breeds as well.

The dangerous dog ban garnered an outcry from dog and pit bull lovers all across the world — many citing the defense of animal rights and owner responsibility.

Pit bulls have been trained to be fighting dogs — emphasis on trained, not born to be. Pit bulls are low maintenance, easy to train, loyal, have large personalities and are known as “nanny dogs” as they have strong instincts to comfort and protect their loved ones.

84% of these breeds that were reported in dog attacks were also reported being neglected or abused. The behavior of an animal is always a reflection of the owner.

Common Law rules make owners liable for their animals when they neglect them or know their dog is dangerous but have not attempted to change their behavior. This has not yet encouraged many dog owners to properly train their dogs and 4.5 million people in the U.S. are attacked by dogs every year. Many of these owners face little to no punishment and are often cited with a ticket to pay. In order to really encourage change, there needs to be more severe punishments for neglectful owners where they should face jail time or not be allowed to own any animals again.

Pit bulls are extremely loyal and intelligent dogs, so consistent, gentle training will ensure a non-aggressive best friend. It’s also essential to get them interacting with animals and humans alike as soon as possible; dogs have a great sense of fear so if one is afraid of allowing them around others, then they will be afraid just the same. Most importantly, before adopting a dog, think about if one has the time and patience to take care of said dog. If one can’t raise a young child, then raising a dog should be out of the question..

Pit bulls are living, breathing, loving creatures that deserve a happy and healthy life just like the rest of us. Their loyalty to the human race despite the decades of mistreatment shows these dogs are truly angels.

Let’s put an end to pit bull discrimination and bring an era of fighting for the rights of our most loyal best friends.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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Valentine’s Day origin

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Content warning: this article contains mentions of blood, animal sacrifices and violence

Valentine’s Day was originally a pagan holiday celebrating fertility — taking place from Feb. 13–15, going back as far as the sixth century B.C. Since then, Valentine’s Day has taken a turn toward romantic celebrations and acts of kindness, when originally, in Rome, men were stripped, blood was shed and animals were sacrificed, all in hopes of warding off evil curses and keeping the Roman fertility god, Lupercus, happy.

Lupercus, as well as the she-wolf Lupa — who, according to legend, protected and raised the eventual founders of Rome — inspired the title Lupercalia: the holiday now known as Valentine’s Day. The day revolved around a feast that involved animal sacrifices and streaking men. Those same men would whip women with strips of the sacrificed goats’ hides which was believed to cause ripe fertility.

The Luperci, a group of Roman priests, would perform the goat and dog sacrifices and follow it up with touching a bloody knife on two Luperci’s foreheads, which was then wiped off with wool dipped in milk. Part of the sacrificial rituals involved the Luperci laughing — a requirement to please Lupercus.

Saint Valentine holds more mystique around the founding of the holiday. The most common theory is that Saint Valentine was executed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for secretly marrying Christian couples, during the third century A.D., a time when Christians were being persecuted.

Another legend proposes that Valentine was in love with his jailer’s daughter while imprisoned — writing her a love letter and signing it, “From your Valentine.”

Valentine was declared a Saint by the Catholic Church well after his death when he was martyred on Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day. This later became celebrated closer to the late fifth century A.D., when Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalius with a day in honor of the Saint’s martyrdom. This first example of Valentine’s Day, although similar in title, did not become the modern day celebration of love that people now know it as.

Some characteristics remain the same between modern Valentine’s Day and Lupercalia. The white color we know today to be part of Valentine’s Day relates to the milk-dipped wool from the Luperci sacrifices; red and pink correspond with the theme of blood, despite the fact that neither are current aspects of Valentine’s Day.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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Starbucks saving face

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

On Oct. 13, Starbucks sued Workers United — the union that organizes Starbucks employees — when the union used a logo similar to Starbucks’ to make a pro-Palestine post amidst the Israel-Hamas war.

The union counter-sued for the ability to continue operating with the same Starbucks-esque logo, also claiming defamation from Starbucks for implying the union supports terrorism and violence.

The original post was uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, on Oct. 9; it was deleted within an hour of posting. About a week later, a new statement was released from the Starbucks Workers United President, Lynne Fox. The letter to Starbucks stated, “Starbucks is seeking to exploit the ongoing tragedy in the Middle East to bolster the company’s anti-union campaign.”

Since then, Starbucks has lost more than $12 billion according to the New York Post.

The company has made multiple moves to recover not only lost money, but also their reputation. In a public statement, they expressed sympathy for both Gaza and Israel and condemned all acts of hate — yet Starbucks hasn’t expressed support for their union and hasn’t met a labor agreement with any of their unionized stores despite multiple strikes and 38 issued records of unfair labor practices — a stark contrast from the sentiments published by Starbucks’ team.

Despite the money losses, Starbucks continued to advertise “Red Cup Day” and joined forces with Stanley to release a well sought-after limited edition tumbler — which caused a massive frenzy in Targets across the country and roped in millions of dollars. Stanley, the brand behind the ultra-famous cups, reported a nearly $700 million profit jump from 2019 to 2023, partially thanks to the Starbucks-Stanley co-created cup.

Starbucks described the public response as “enthusiastic” and stated they will not be restocking — earning resellers hundreds, with secondhand pink Quenchers listed as up to $200.

Beyond that, Starbucks has unveiled new winter menu drinks, likely more ploys to keep the customers coming back — which may work if they reveal more tactics such as the Stanley cup collaboration and make the most out of their public representatives.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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Superbowl LVIII

Valentine’s day is for your friends

Tiktoks don’t belong in film

Love me, love me not

Stop pit bull hate and discrimination

Valentine’s Day origin

Starbucks saving face

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