Mount Hood

“Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” review

Written by:  Nicholas Sarysz

“Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey” is a film  that takes place in the magical world of the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends reside. However, unlike the classic children’s stories that we’re all familiar with, this movie takes a much darker and grittier turn — exploring themes of loss and violence.

Only a small percentage of reviews found the British independent slasher film produced by Rhs Frake-Waterfield to have any quality, and critical reception has been overwhelmingly negative. The movie has a pitiful approval rating of 5% based on 37 reviews, with an average rating of 2.3/10 on the aggregate review website Rotten Tomatoes.

Many shortcomings of the movie have been pointed out by critics, including a weak screenplay, subpar production qualities, lack of humor and an inability to connect with the fundamental source material. Several critics have commended the movie’s gore and intrinsic grotesqueness, yet, even these glowing assessments point out what they view as serious problems within the film.

Despite the negative reviews, the film’s producer revealed that a sequel is currently in development, as well as  two additional horror films, “Bambi: The Reckoning” and “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare” — based on the beloved children’s stories “Bambi, a Life in the Woods” and “Peter Pan.” Frake-Waterfield further revealed in Feb. 2023 that Jagged Edge Productions intends to include crossovers starring the various characters.

I personally love horror movies and had high hopes as I walked into the Independence Cinema to watch the film. While the plot annoyingly consisted of typical bad decision-making from the main characters, it was far better than any critic had described it. The concept of the film is not only easy to understand, but provides an alternative ending to the friendship beloved by many. Certainly, nothing good can come of Christopher Robin leaving his friends to fend for themselves, right?

8/10.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Howlin’ about Bagels

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Who doesn’t enjoy a good bagel? The staff at the Western Howl got together to create a curated list of their favorite recipes. Scan through the list below to find inspiration for one’s next bagel for any time of the day. 

Addie

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 everything bagel

3 tablespoons cream cheese

Toast the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted to one’s liking, spread cream cheese on both halves and enjoy.

Caitlin

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 asiago bagel

3 tablespoons cream cheese

Start by toasting the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted to one’s liking, spread cream cheese on each  side and enjoy.

Gretchen 

Start to finish: 7 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 jalapeno cheddar bagel

3 tablespoons cream cheese

1 egg

2 slices of bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and toast the bagel. While the bagel is toasting, fry an egg over medium heat. Spread cream cheese on both sides of the bagel. Add the fried egg and cooked bacon. 

Jude 

Start to finish: 12 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

½ plain bagel

2 slices bacon

1 egg

3 slices of brie cheese from a mini wheel

2 tablespoons raspberry jam

Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. While the bagel is toasting, cook one egg sunny side up with salt and pepper. After three minutes pop the yolk, place the brie over top then cover with a lid. By doing this the egg will be runny, but not overwhelmingly so, and the brie will be warm and creamy. Spread jam on the bagel then place the cooked bacon followed by  egg and cheese over top. 

Cami

Start to finish: 12 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 plain bagel

½ medium avocado

2 slices of bacon

1 pinch of arugula

2 slices of tomato

Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, then toast the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted, spread the avocado evenly over both halves of the bagel. Add the tomato slices, cooked bacon and arugula in between the bagel to create a sandwich. 

Mirella

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 asiago bagel

2 slices of swiss cheese

1 slice of bacon

1 egg

Sriracha

Fry the bacon over medium-low heat until crispy. In a separate skillet, fry an egg over medium heat. Toast the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted, spread a dollop of sriracha on the sliced halves of the asiago bagel. Combine the swiss cheese, egg and bacon with the asiago bagel for a perfect breakfast sandwich. 

Juls

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 asiago bagel

3 tablespoons whipped cream cheese

4 slices of salami

2 slices of turkey

½ an avocado, mashed

1 slice of an heirloom tomato 

Pinch of salt

Start by toasting the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted, spread cream cheese on one half of the bagel, spread mashed avocado on the other half. On top of the side with cream cheese, add salami, turkey and tomato. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the avocado and sandwich the bagel together.

Dakota

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 asiago cheese bagel

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

3 slices of turkey

5 sliced banana peppers

Start by toasting the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted, spread mayonnaise and mustard on both halves. Place the turkey then banana peppers in between the bagel, creating a sandwich. 

Mikayla

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: one serving

1 plain bagel

4 tablespoons marinara sauce (or pizza sauce of choice)

2 pinches of mozzarella cheese

Start by spreading the sauce over both halves of the bagel. Add cheese over top, then place in an air fryer at 350℉. Once the cheese is melted and the bagel is toasted, plate and add any additional toppings or seasonings one would on an ordinary pizza.

Nicholas 

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

1 Cinnamon raisin bagel

2 tablespoons nutella 

2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

4 tablespoons plain greek yogurt

Start by toasting the bagel. Once the bagel is toasted, put a thin layer of nutella on both halves. Top with chocolate chips and serve with yogurt for dipping.




Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Mealtime should be spent together

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Be it at a dining hall, or one’s own dining room, dinnertime routines vary drastically for everyone. While eating at a dining hall every evening is a unique situation, those that live with friends or family off campus are more likely to have a set routine, though that is not always the case. Those that do have family or friends that they live with should consider carving out time to eat with one another.

The ritual of having dinner together with family and friends has persisted for many years. With our hectic modern lifestyles, it can be easy to neglect this significant ritual, but there are a number of advantages to sharing a meal with friends or family for our mental, emotional and physical health.

A meal together with loved ones might be a chance for deep dialogue and greater communication. It provides a space for everyone to express their opinions and experiences, listen to one another and learn from one another while eating together. Over a meal, individuals can increase their understanding of one another and develop our bonds with each other, fostering a sense of connection and community that can have a positive impact long after the meal is finished.

Togetherness over dinner can also promote healthy eating practices. When we eat by ourselves, we could be more likely to select convenient food or eat without paying attention to the foods or portions we consume. In contrast, Yet,  eating with others can inspire and hold people accountable for their food choices. Sharing a meal with others can also motivate us to adopt mindful eating practices, such as slowing down and savoring each bite.

After a stressful day, sharing a meal with people can also help us relax and reduce stress. We can be more in the present and concentrate on appreciating the company of those around us when we take a break from devices and other distractions.




Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Western now has its own student-run Filipino American Club

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Western is home to over 70 clubs and organizations. One of the newest clubs on campus is the Filipino American Association at Western Oregon University. Established in Nov. 2022, FAAWOU is Western’s first and only student-run Filipino American organization.

The first meeting of the club was originally scheduled for Feb. 23. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the meeting was postponed to Feb. 28.

The agenda of the first meeting was to provide students the opportunity to meet the executive committee and learn more about the future and aspirations of the association. 

According to Presence, FAAWOU’s purpose is to encourage the learning of the customs and culture of the Philippines among Filipinos and advocates, as well as promote friendship and coalition amongst Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

Carl Joseph Garon, senior interdisciplinary studies major, is president of FAAWOU. When asked why the establishment of the club was important, Garon said, “I think we, Western, have a diverse community and we often don’t see that enough … Oregon (specifically), is not known to have a lot of Filipino Americans, and not a lot of the Filipino Americans get to see themselves out there, so having this association makes them feel like they’re welcome.”

FAAWOU provides Filipinos and Filipino Americans with a “shoulder to lean on.” The club’s contact information can be readily accessed via Presence or Instagram, which is a great service for students to utilize in the situation where they could use support.

According to Garon, FAAWOU’s “Konseho” — executive committee — largely consists of upperclassmen. The executive members are willing to help fellow Filipino Americans — who may not have the support to find nor access certain services at Western — by pointing them in the right direction. 

The biggest month for FAAWOU is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, to which they are currently in discussion with the Residential Housing Association regarding future events. 

FAAWOU has made it clear that everyone is welcome to join their meetings, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Junior criminal justice major and Vice President of FAAWOU, Marione Corpus said,

“It’s not limited to Filipino Americans, not limited to minority groups, not limited to anyone at all. I really want anyone who is interested in learning about our culture or heritage to join us.”

Garon added, “Filipinos are welcoming people. We’re known to welcome everyone. We’re known to, like, be able to make friendships with everyone. So anyone who’s wanting to join … they’re welcome to join our small little family here (at) Western.”

Because the association is still in its development stage, the organization’s recurring meeting dates and location are yet to be announced. However, according to Garon, Tuesdays operate as the agreed and available arrangement for committee members involved. 

For more information, and to stay updated on future developments regarding FAAWOU, follow their Instagram at @faa.wou or check out their organization on Presence.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Interamural Tournaments

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Interested in participating in competitive sports, but don’t want the commitment or stress of a school or club team? Campus Recreation is hosting several intramural tournaments for students 

and is hoping to drum up participation for their events in the spring. Associate Director of Campus Recreation, Andy Main, noted that they currently have had quite the turnout for winter term and hope to cater to just as many or even more students in the spring — as many as 40 students attend the nights for basketball, futsal, volleyball and table tennis, and the typical  turnout for the pickleball and badminton night can be upwards of 20 students. 

Although most intramural sports for winter term have already come to a close, here are a few that are still open and some different options to consider for the spring. 

Winter Term 2023

Drop-In IMs — Drop-in leagues are a good way to participate in sports commitment free. Sign up at imleagues.com

Basketball and Futsal — Wednesday from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Basketball in the Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center, Futsal in the Old PE Gym

Pickleball and Badminton — Tuesdays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center 

Volleyball and Table Tennis — Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center 

Spring Term 2023

Drop-In Volleyball, Futsal, Pickleball, Badminton, Table Tennis and Basketball — same times as winter term

Rec in the Grove  — lawn games will be held in the grove, time and date TBD

Futsal League — Old PE Gym, time and date TBD, keep updated by checking out the listing on imleague.com

Bowling Tournament — Starlite Lanes in Dallas, OR, time and date TBD, keep updated by checking out the listing on imleague.com

Volleyball League — Peter Courtney Health & Wellness Center, time and date TBD, keep updated by checking out the listing on imleague.com

Golf Tournament — Cross Creek Golf Course in Dallas, OR, time and date TBD, keep updated by checking out the listing on imleague.com

These activities are subject to change. Stay up to date by signing up for imleagues.com

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Content warning: contains spoilers and may offend Marvel fans

Morale was low for Marvel fans when “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” the third installment of the Ant-Man franchise, was released on Feb. 17. The plot line follows Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, as he tries to make up lost time with his now teenage daughter, while simultaneously getting the whole crew trapped in the Quantum Realm. 

Hopes were not high among Marvel fans after recent disappointments from the past several Marvel installments — particularly “Eternals,” with a 6.3/10 from IMDb, and “Thor: Love and Thunder,” also with a 6.3/10 from IMDb. 

As fans are repeatedly disappointed by sequels, the question of whether or not sequels are really important to the storyline, or whether they are a cash grab for producers has been raised repeatedly by the public. In the past year and a half, with the exception of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” it feels like Marvel is producing movies and shows simply to keep the franchise going — like there is no heart behind the films anymore. 

Some loyal fans might chalk this up to the fizzling out of the original cast, but this really is not the case. Marvel has simply lost its spark and originality. Anyone can do superhero movies and fans are moving on — seeing Marvel as something that stayed in the past instead of evolving with the industry. 

And while I would like to say that “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” was another exception to this trend, I would be lying. 

Ant-Man was only enjoyable because of the nostalgia attached to the original movies. 

Marvel must stop relying on nostalgia, cute cliches and snippy humor in their movies. In order for Marvel to stay relevant, it must go back to its roots and pull some creative plot lines. 

Maybe sequels are not the way to go.

6.5/10

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

“Words from the Window Seat” review

Written by: Jude Bokovoy 

Whether it was a post from her blog, an Instagram post, TikTok, Youtube video or on an American Airlines flight, most people have come across Taylor Tippett. In case one doesn’t know, Tippett is in her mid to late 20’s, recently married, a bookworm, thrift store connoisseur and an outgoing flight attendant based out of Los Angeles, California. She is also one of the first successful influencers that has not let fame cross her mind. 

Tippett published her book, “Words from the Window Seat: The Everyday Magic of Kindness, Courage, and Being Your True Self,” on Oct. 12, 2021. 

She started the book by introducing her project; Tippett wanted to find a way to spread kindness to the next passengers joining the aircraft, her followers and to act as a reminder for herself. She wrote a simple note, reading “be kind to yourself,” and taped it up on a passenger window, snapped a picture and posted it. She went on to paste many notes with affirmations, reminders for self love and words to help during a hard time as well as things to reflect on. 

Tippett starts each chapter with a doodle of one of the notes that she has pasted on an airplane window. Each note segues into a story from her childhood, a problem that she’s learned from, her travels, her blogging/influencer journey and how Jesus has helped her along the way. A few notes included in her book are “remember your courage,” “grow BETTER because of hurt,” “you don’t have to be fully fixed to live fully free,” “you’re actually wonderful,”“always to love, not to understand,” “celebrate every victory, big or small” and “you didn’t WASTE your love, ever.” 

Taylor instructs her readers to take time to heal, find beauty in the ordinary and to spread love among one another and oneself just as Jesus did. 

As a reader, I found myself feeling refreshed, reflecting her words onto my life and shedding a few tears. Her book is full of beauty, heartbreak and wisdom without wasting a single page. I highly recommend purchasing this book to read or give to a friend. It goes for only $10.17 on Amazon. 

10/10

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

TikTok faces more privacy concern

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

TikTok is a wildly popular social media platform that has taken the world by storm, surpassing over one billion active users worldwide in 2021. The app allows users to create and share short, looping videos of themselves or their environments TikTok has a variety of filters, special effects and music tracks, making it easy for anyone to create content that is both entertaining and engaging. It has become a cultural phenomenon — especially among younger generations— and has been credited with launching viral trends, dance challenges and even chart-topping music hits.

Within the past couple of years, the app’s parent company, ByteDance, has been hit with a wave of criticism in regards to user privacy. Specifically, the app has been accused of collecting a wide range of personal information from its users, including their location, browsing history and even biometric data such as facial recognition. Critics have argued that ByteDance’s close ties to the Chinese Communist Party may also be an issue in regard to the safety of Americans.

Most recently, Texas universities have banned TikTok from their networks and restricted access to the social media app on their internet networks. Several state governors, including Greg Abbott, issued executive orders that served as the impetus for the recent wave of campus TikTok bans. The Texas bans were some of the biggest to gain national media attention, as more than half of the U.S. states had already banned the use of the app on government devices and networks, to some degree.

In Congress, there is a large push to ban the use of the app nationwide to some capacity, which could include banning it solely  from all government devices, to banning it outright for everyone within the nation’s borders. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, has stated that they have been reviewing the potential risks of data-sharing by TikTok since 2019. On the other hand, ByteDance has spent over five and a half million dollars on American lobbyists for the company in 2022 alone and is looking to do whatever it can to convince the United States government that it is not a security threat.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Melody Barrett’s senior art exhibit

Written by: Gretchen Sims

The latest addition to the senior art exhibits in the Werner University Center is blowing viewers away with its stunning colors and cohesive designs. Artist Melody Barrett is the mastermind behind these breathtaking works that currently grace the second floor of the WUC. 

When discussing her series, titled “Finding my Artistic Voice,” Barrett addressed the following topics: 

Q: What does art mean to you?

A: This is a complicated question, and honestly I’ve been struggling to find an answer because art means many things to me. It’s the act of creating, and also the act of observing something others have created, or that mother nature has created. I can see the art of a tree or landscape as easily as that of a painting or sculpture or other medium. Art is something that touches my soul, makes me stop and pause and really look and feel. It’s one of the things I’ve loved about being here at WOU and working in the Galleries. I love seeing what other people create, what they are giving voice to and how they express themselves and the world around them.

Q: What first got you interested in art?

A: Two things really influenced me. The first of which was my mother. She sewed and crocheted and made a myriad of drawings and crafts throughout her life, yet never thought of herself as an artist. She looked at what she created as being ‘crafty’. It wasn’t until very late in her life that she painted just a few paintings and I was amazed at her talent. I think that is why I viewed my early artistic endeavors as ‘just playing’. I’ve always been creating something but thought ‘being an artist’ was something others did, not me. The second was when I was about 12 years old and my family went to Seattle. At the public market I bought two posters for 25.00 each which was an outrageous amount of my allowance to spend at the time. The first was a surreal image by Dominique Appia entitled Entre Les Trous De La Mémoire. In English Between the Holes in the Memory. It captured my attention and I felt it spoke directly to me. The second poster was a copy of an art exhibit poster, I can’t remember what city now, but it was a pink vase with pussywillow branches out of the top and the faint image of a bird in the center of the vase. Those were my first wall art type purchases, and they went with me everywhere for 20 years.

Q: What would you like others to take from your art?

A: I hope that everyone who sees my art can find something in some piece that they like, that touches them.   

Q: What inspires you?

A: Nearly everything! People, places, events, definitely other artists!

Q: What is your “why”? (what makes you the artist you are today)

A: So many things, but it might just boil down to curiosity and the desire to continually try new things. My art is an expression of thoughts, feelings, ideas I have kicking around inside me in an external form.

For the month of February, Western students and members of the community can come to see this display themselves. Be sure to check it out before it’s gone.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Scrumptious Student Suggestions

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Show some love to local businesses by grabbing a bite to eat this week. Switch things up and try another student’s order at any of these restaurants. 

To participate in the next student survey, follow the Western Howl on Instagram @thewesternhowl.

The Sippery 

Vanilla latte — espresso, milk and vanilla syrup.

Iced white mocha with oat milk — espresso, oat milk and white chocolate over ice.

Green Peter — matcha, milk and peach syrup.

Blended chai latte — chai tea base, milk, ice blended.

Dirty chai with white coffee — chai tea base, milk and white espresso. 

Pendleton — chai tea base, milk and espresso.

Pendleton with brown sugar and almond milk — listed above with the addition of brown sugar syrup and substituting regular dairy milk for almond milk. 

Pendleton with oat milk and toasted marshmallow — a Pendelton with oat milk and toasted marshmallow syrup.

Pink Lotus with strawberry and pomegranate — Pink Lotus, strawberry and pomegranate syrup over ice. 

Smoothie —  strawberry, peach, blueberry, marionberry or banana are offered, along with a variety of milks and juices. 

Scone — gluten and dairy-free baked goods are supplied by Crumble & Glaze.

Veggie bagel —  choice of bagel toasted with hummus, cucumber, roasted red bell peppers, pickled red onions, arugula and their house peppered honey.

Signature bagel —  choice of bagel toasted with cream cheese, avocado, tomato, bacon and everything bagel seasoning. 

BTA bagel sandwich, substitute pesto for mayo — choice of bagel, bacon, tomato, avocado, mayo and arugula. 

Ham, egg and cheese sandwich — choice of bagel with ham, egg and cheddar cheese.

Bugles

Monthly menu — each month the Bugles staff comes up with a special drink menu that will be served throughout the month.

Cheese bagels — cheddar cheese bagel toasted with cream cheese. 

Iced French Kiss — espresso, milk, French Vanilla and coconut syrup.

Apple crumble muffin — a big muffin filled with thinly sliced baked apple, crumble and drizzle over top. 

Grain Station

Cinnamon roll french toast — original french toast with cinnamon roll toppings.

Grilled Turkey and Bacon Sandwich — turkey, bacon, swiss cheese, tomato and mayonnaise with grilled sourdough bread. 

Patty melt — smashed patty, cheddar cheese, tomato and grilled onions between two slices of marble rye. 

Chicken fried steak with chorizo gravy — this student adds a side of bacon and makes it a breakfast sandwich.

Pulled pork fries — pulled pork, cheddar cheese, bacon and jalapenos over fries topped with apricot barbeque sauce.

Grilled chicken wrap with no bacon, add avocado — Grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and Sriracha ranch wrapped in a flour tortilla. 



Starduster Cafe

Country skillet — eggs, chicken fried steak, cheddar cheese topped with gravy.

Anything on the light eaters menu — their breakfast menu with smaller portions for a cheaper price.



Casa Burrito

Carne asada street tacos — carne asada on two corn tortillas with build-your-own toppings, including cabbage, lime, cilantro and a variety of homemade salsas. 

Taco Tuesday — each Tuesday four kinds of street tacos are $1.50 each.

Chicken quesadilla — a blend of cheese and chicken between two grilled tortillas. 

Al pastor tacos –- Al pastor on two corn tortillas with build-your-own toppings, including cabbage, lime, cilantro and a variety of homemade salsas. 



Koyotes Tacos

Carne asada fries — carne asada, beans, sour cream and a blend of cheeses over crispy fries.

Carne asada tacos with rice and beans — carne asada street tacos with a side of rice and beans.

3 mini chorizo tacos with a horchata — two mini corn tortillas filled with chorizo, white onions and cilantro, with a horchata, a drink made from rice, milk, water, sugar and cinnamon.

Momiji Sushi 

California roll — cucumber, crab salad and avocado.

Edamame — steamed soybeans, topped with salt served in the pod.

Bento 3 — Chicken katsu, six piece Salem roll, tempura shrimp, house salad and white rice. 

Salem roll — avocado, cream cheese, surimi, deep fried and topped with spicy mayo eel sauce.

Blackened ahi tuna roll –- seared tuna, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, sesame seeds, black pepper and ponzu sauce.

Vegas roll — smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, spicy sauce, eel sauce and sesame seeds. 

Gyoza — Japanese dumplings filled with vegetables and chicken with gyoza sauce on the side. 

Sesame balls — Japanese pastry filled with red bean sauce covered with white sesame seeds.

Gilgamesh Brewing: The River

Pepperoni and pineapple pizza — pizza topped with pepperoni and pineapple. 

Gilga-Burger — cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced dill pickles, and IPA aioli on a brioche bun. Served with fries.

Caesar salad with grilled salmon — chopped romaine lettuce, shredded parmesan cheese, house croutons, Caesar dressing and salmon. 

Metolius pizza — tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella cheese, topped with garlic-infused olive oil.

Yeasty Beasty

Drunken Goat — house pesto, mozzarella cheese blend, artichokes, wine-marinated mushrooms, fresh basil and goat cheese.

Pepperoni and pineapple pizza — pizza topped with pepperoni and pineapple.

Baked potato pizza — garlic olive oil base, mozzarella cheese blend, bacon, red onions, green onions and mashed potatoes.

Margarita pizza — tomato sauce, dollops of mozzarella cheese, grape tomatoes and fresh basil, topped with a balsamic reduction.

Build-your-own: this student orders their pizza with pesto, chicken, mushrooms, spinach and balsamic glaze.

Build-your-own: this student orders their pizza with pesto, sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, chicken and mozzarella cheese.

Habebah

Chicken plate — grilled chicken, garlic sauce and seasoned basmati rice, along with two sides.

Gyro plate — marinated lamb and beef drizzled with house Tzatziki sauce over seasoned basmati rice, along with two sides.

Student’s favorite sides — house hummus, house baba ganoush, pita bread and fries.

Baklava — phyllo pastry filled with crushed pistachios and honey.



Greece Lightning

Gyro — beef and lamb with tomatoes, red onion and Tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread.

Greek fries — fries topped with feta cheese, beef and lamb, greek seasoning and squeezed lemon juice.



Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Bird flu outbreak enters its second year

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

It has been a year since the outbreak of the avian influenza, which rocked egg inventories and raised wholesale egg prices. In January 2023, Oregonians saw the prices of eggs spike higher in percentage than any other food item, such as chicken or turkey.

The avian flu, also known as the bird flu, had a devastating effect on flocks of hens across the country, forcing farms to kill more than 43 million hens by the end of December 2022 to limit the spread of the disease and costing the government roughly $660 million. The outbreak hit in two separate waves, from February to June and from September to December.

The avian flu is a highly contagious virus, spread easily through wild bird droppings and nasal discharges, making it incredibly difficult for farmers to contain the spread of the disease. 

Though this specific virus does not significantly pose a threat to human health, as a reminder, poultry should be cooked to 165℉ to ensure any present viruses are eliminated.

The outbreak, combined with soaring inflation, fuel and labor costs are grounds for havoc from consumers. Amid a national supply shortage, grocery stores in and around Oregon are continuing to face struggles with meeting the market demand for eggs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Investigation, the consumer price of eggs rose 8.5% to an average price of $4.82 per dozen this past January.

The limited supply of eggs is prevalent for many individuals, including college students. 

At Western, Valsetz Dining Hall — students’ main source for easy, on-campus dining — had to resort to charging diners for the difference in supply and demand. At their registers, a sign has been put on display informing diners of the raised prices for meals containing eggs.

Currently, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately for consumers, there is no guarantee that egg prices will go back to being one of the cheaper, more nutritious food options.

However, new flocks of hens have begun repopulating farms, which may indicate a significant advancement toward replenishing the United State’s egg supply.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

New buisness opens on Monmouth Ave. in Monmouth

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Last October, a new business opened in Monmouth’s downtown area. La Uvita Feliz, a Mexican restaurant also dishing out classic American cuisine, is now serving the Monmouth community.

Some of the dishes at La Uvita Feliz are heavily influenced by the style of Michoacán cuisine — the birthplace of its owner, Dulce Galvan. Galvan has 20 years of experience working in the food industry. 

According to Galvan, the name “La Uvita Feliz” was taken as inspiration from the restaurant chain in Apatzingán, Michoacán called “La Uvita.” 

“I consider myself a good cook, and from there, the idea of the restaurant arose,” said Galvan.

At La Uvita Feliz, there is something for everyone. Aside from the Mexican dishes, which range from pozole to quesabirria tacos, the menu offers American fare such as burgers and hot dogs, and beverages such as milkshakes and fresh fruit juices. Additionally, to cater to a broader audience, La Uvita Feliz offers both authentic handmade flour and corn tortillas.

For first time customers, Galvan highly recommends the Michoacán dish, chavindecas — a type of quesadilla consisting of two tortillas over cheese and meat. In Michoacán, chavindecas are incredibly popular, with the most popular choice of meat being roast beef.

“If you like handmade tortillas, I always recommend chavindecas (if) it’s your first time,” said Galvan. “Green enchiladas are sold a lot, as well as the enchiladas made out of mole (and) the Michaucán enchiladas, (which is) another dish typical of (Michuacán).” 

La Uvita Feliz prides itself on offering the best of homemade ingredients and service. They are willing to take orders for dishes not currently offered on the menu, such as red enchiladas — made with red chillies rather than green chillies and jalapeños — and more traditional American soups. Additionally, Galvan will happily cater to vegetarian diets by substituting or removing certain ingredients from a dish, if requested.

For students, La Uvita Feliz offers a 10% discount off any item on WOU Wednesdays. However, Galvan is happy to provide students with a discount any time, provided they can show their student ID.

For the time being, Galvan is focusing on garnering a loyal group of clientele and cementing her business in the Monmouth community. She hopes she can amass enough to where she can remodel the restaurant to exhibit more traditional Mexican design elements.

La Uvita Feliz is currently open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m, and is located at 145 Monmouth Avenue. Find their menu and stay updated on Instagram at @lauvi.tafeliz or Facebook at @La Uvita Feliz.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Sampling or Stealing?

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

Rapper Matthew Raymond Hauri, infamously known by fans as Yung Gravy, has been releasing music since 2016. Hauri began releasing music for fun on SoundCloud while attending college. Since then, Yung Gravy has become a memorable name around college campuses, encapsulating a carefree, laidback attitude often paired with college life and encouraging its audience to not take life too seriously. 

With popular songs such as “Mr.Clean,” “Gravy Train” and “C’est la Vie,” Yung Gravy’s music combines modern trap music with callbacks to older, well-known soul songs, creating a  unique and fun sound that captivates young audiences today. These borrowed, older songs, while being a pillar of what makes Yung Gravy’s music charming and recognizable, have landed Yung Gravy into some treacherous waters, namely, being sued by “Never Gonna Give You Up” singer, Rick Astley. 

The song in question is Yung Gravy’s newest single, “Betty (Get Money),” released in June 2022. Included within the song is a brief hook including a vocal replication that sounds similar to the voice of Rick Astley, as well as an instrumental recreation of Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” 

Astley alleges that Yung Gravy and the studio engineers involved in the song’s creation impersonated Astley’s voice and falsely stated Astley’s approval of the project.

To avoid having to jump through the hoops of getting the song licensed for sampling within “Betty (Get Money),” Yung Gravy and studio engineers involved in the song’s creation attempted to recreate the instrumental. 

Yung Gravy explained this thought process in an interview with Billboard in August 2022, “My boy Nick, who does a lot of sample replays and recreating original samples, we basically remade the whole song. Had a different singer and instruments, but it was all really close because it makes it easier legally.” 

Unfortunately, Yung Gravy’s understanding of this system may have been mistaken. Astley is seeking an unspecified amount of money for damages, including all gains and profits of their violation and attorney’s fees. It is expected that the lawsuit will amount to millions. 

The ruling of this case will set the precedent for artists that use sampled music or recreations within their work, a fairly common practice, especially in less popular music circles. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

The Inspiration Behind Blink-182’s reunion

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

When it comes to the pop-punk genre, few artists have had a more recent significant impact than Machine Gun Kelly. The American rapper and singer songwriter has been instrumental in the recent resurgence of the genre, and his influence is felt in the music of countless up-and-coming bands. Perhaps the most notable example of this is his role in reuniting the legendary punk rock trio Blink-182, who recently announced their first tour in four years.

Machine Gun Kelly, known by fans as MGK, is a Cleveland-born rapper and singer songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry since the release of his debut album, “Lace Up” in 2012. His music, which blends elements of hip-hop and punk rock, has been praised by critics and fans alike. MGK has been an outspoken advocate of the pop-punk genre and has become both an icon and a villain for the new generation of punk rockers.

In recent years, MGK has become increasingly popular with mainstream audiences and has achieved considerable commercial success. His latest albums, “Tickets to My Downfall” and “Mainstream Sellout” peaked at number one on the Billboard 200. These albums are credited with igniting the pop-punk revival and have helped to bring the genre to a broader, younger audience.

MGK’s rise to mainstream success has been met with a certain degree of criticism from fans of the genre. Some have argued that his increasing popularity has led to the genre becoming too commercialized and diluted. This has left some fans feeling alienated by the genre and has caused tension between fans of the genre and those who are more open to its mainstream appeal.

While there is certainly an element of truth to these criticisms, it is important to remember that MGK is still very much true to his roots. He has always been passionate about the genre and has collaborated with a number of punk bands including Fall Out Boy, Sleeping with Sirens, The All-American Rejects and Blink-182.

Travis Barker, Blink-182’s drummer, co-produced both of MGK’s latest albums and has stated on numerous occasions that MGK has sparked a new excitement for music and touring. In addition to the album production, the pair have also performed live together, including the last few dates of the Mainstream Sellout Tour, and at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, where they played a medley of songs from the album. MGK’s revival of the pop-punk genre made it the perfect time for Blink-182 to capitalize on the “wave” and announce a revival tour.

Blink-182 has always been known for its catchy pop-punk sound, humorous lyrics and energetic live performances. Many of the band’s fans have followed their journey since the band’s creation in Poway, California in 1992. These “day one” fans, combined with the newest audience of pop-punk fans, led to their “2023 World Tour” selling out within the first five minutes of tickets going on sale.

The closest show for Western students to attend is in Seattle, Washington, on Sunday, June 25, for a minimum resale price of $148 before fees.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

For the Love of Entertainment

Written by: Gretchen Sims

The Western Howl wants help catering content to students. After this edition, the Entertainment Editor will be taking submissions via email to be considered for inclusion in the Entertainment section. Anything from an article suggestion to a freelanced piece is very appreciated.

Freelanced pieces should be between 350 and 400 words. The author does not have to adhere to AP style editing — editing will be provided by Howl staff to make sure it fits into our house style, with the permission of the author. 

Entertainment articles typically cover music, art, social media, new movie releases and performances both on and off campus. Articles and idea submissions can be sent to gsims20@mail.wou.edu and made out to Gretchen Sims. 

Submit to see one’s favorite topics in the Howl today!

Jammin’ at the Gym

Written by: Gretchen Sims

“No Excuses” — NF

“So What” — P!nk

“Me Enamoré” — Shakira

“La La La” — Shakira

“Any Way You Want It” — Journey 

“Separate Ways” — Journey

“Fine By Me” — Andy Grammer

“Alone” — Nico Collins

“Cheap Thrills (feat. Sean Paul)” — Sia, Sean Paul

“Centuries” — Fall Out Boy

“Call Me Tonight” — Ava Max

“Epiphany” — Dvicio, Nil Moliner

“Bones” — Imagine Dragons

“Locked out of Heaven” — Bruno Mars

“I Ain’t Worried” — OneRepublic

“Gospel (with Eminem)” — Dr. Dre, Eminem

“Remember the Name (feat. Styles Of Beyond)” — Fort Minor, Styles Of Beyond

“One More Night” — Maroon 5

Student Print Exhibit

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Western Galleries continue to feature student artists by displaying class projects in the Instructional Technology Center. This month’s exhibit followed the Cannon Art Gallery’s lead and showed off the student printmaking class. 

The show titled “Creativity in Copper” shows off Western students’ exemplary artistic ability.

The prints are created by first etching an image on a slab of copper — if the pieces are in color, they may require multiple layers. 

Many students’ works are currently on display in the ITC building. Artists and their perspective prints included:

“Pond Side” by Violet Babbitt, “Ball Python” by Leo Bazemore, “Eye of the Storm” by Annabelle Bullock, “The Forest Savior” by Ashlee Ellis, “Aphrodite” by Domminik Griffith, “Cove Sun Reflection” by Jake Hampson, “ Lotus Flower” by Xiaomi He, “Dinner and a Show” by Abi Lowther, “Raindrops” by Becca McCannell, “Held” by Ressi Miller-McKinney, “Untitled” by Lucas Montpart, “El Bosque del Conejo” by Maria Ortega Osorno, “Allure” by Annabella Ramey, “Untitled” by Jackie Ramos Garibay, “Gentle Assassin” by Carrie Visuaño, “Lovely View” by Yuxin Xiao and “Cat and Flowers” by Qiao Zhang.

Similar to the previous watercolor exhibit, the works displayed in the exhibit are the result of an entire term of hard work. Though the prints began as a class assignment, each piece grew to be extremely individualistic and beautiful.

The students perfectly exhibited how one assignment can be interpreted in so many different ways — each perfectly resembling their maker. 

There was an artist reception on Saturday Feb. 11 where artists shared about the class and chatted with attendees regarding the pieces that they made. Although this show has wrapped, be sure to check out pictures from it on Instagram @wougalleries and support fellow student artists. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Love Local

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

To support small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Monmouth is renewing the Love Local Utility Credit Program this year. For the entire month of February, residential utility customers in Monmouth can receive credit towards their electricity bill for shopping and dining at eligible local small businesses. Participation is free and no additional sign-up is needed to get the credit. 

To participate, customers must make a purchase of $20 or more at a participating business. For each $20 spent at a local business a $10 credit will be granted to use toward one’s electricity bill. One is able to email their receipt with their utility account information, business name and date of purchase to lovelocal@ci.monmouth.or.us by March 3, 2022 to receive the credits. The receipts can also be dropped off physically in a sealed envelope at the drop box or front desk of the Monmouth Power and Light Building, located at 780 Ecols St. Customers can earn up to three credits, or $30, when they make purchases during the month of February. 

Businesses not eligible for credit include big box stores, convenience stores, franchise businesses, grocery stores, supermarkets, drug stores or fueling and gas stations. 

Participating businesses are listed below. 

Health and fitness — Curves, Firehouse Fitness, Monmouth Fitness Club and The Dance & Fitness Studio.

Barbers and beauty salons — The Guys Barber Co., University Barber Shop, Aesthetic Studio, Beauty Lounge, Glam Salon 130, His and Hers Salon, Salon Republic and MANA Salon. 

Services — Fee Mail Depot, Haughen’s Galleri Portrait Studio, New Leaf Tattoo, Doggy Dreams and Tan Republic.

Retail — Petals & Vines, Monmouth Hardware, Prisms Gallery and The Find. 

Restaurants, coffee and bars — Aaron & Jack’s Snack Shack, Bugles Espresso, Casa Burrito, Crush Wine Bar, Dry Town Tap Station, Grain Station Brew Works, Greece Lightning, Habebah Mediterranean Cuisine, Jack’s Pub & Grub, Koyote’s Mexican Food, Maui Melts, Papa Milson’s Soul Shack, Main Street Ice Cream, Mink’s Pad Thai, Muchas, Papa Milson’s Soul Shack, Rick’s Place Coffee House, Rookies Pub, Sing Fay Chinese Cuisines, Sushi Roll’n, The Donut Bar, The Sippery, Yang’s Teriyaki Plus and Yeasty Beasty. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Valentine’s activities on campus

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

In honor of Valentine’s Day, several Western clubs and organizations are hosting events for the student community.

Non-Traditional Student Services are celebrating by arranging some Valentine’s Day themed activities, such as craft making and cookie decorating. Cookie decorating will be taking place on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Werner University Center Summit Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, other organizations took advantage of Valentine’s Day by spreading an important message. 

As Western’s official Center for Equity and Gender Justice, Abby’s House used Valentine’s Day to inform and remind individuals of the concept of consent. 

From Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, students could visit Abby’s House at a tabling area, featuring a photo booth. Students could receive a safety accessory — a scrunchie that doubles as an anti-spiking drink cover — by following Abby’s House on Instagram. The tabling area also provided hand-held signs illustrating expressions related to consent, such as “Cat against catcalls” and “Limits, respect them.”

Additionally, as a way to spread kindness and ensure no individual is left out, the Student Activities Board were providing Valentine’s cards and goodies to students in the WUC on Valentine’s Day. 

Many campus organizations will continue hosting Valentine’s Day themed events leading up to and after Valentine’s Day. Some of the larger organizations, such as the Residence Hall Association, are responsible for a wider multitude of on-campus events. 

Similar to last year, all residence halls participated in the distribution of Valegrams. Students could sign up to have Valegrams delivered — either for themselves, friends or partners — for no charge. Additionally, on Friday, Feb. 17, RHA — alongside the Arbor and Landers Hall Committee — will also be hosting a Valentine’s Day dance in the Pacific Room from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no fee to attend the dance; however, RSVP is encouraged.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Puss and Boots: in it’s last life?

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Content warning: this article contains spoilers 

When “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” came to theaters on Dec. 21, 2022, most people glanced over it — not expecting much from a children’s movie. It has been eleven years since the first spinoff of the Shrek franchise was released, but once the Netflix adaptation became popular, DreamWorks went for that cash cow. 

Starring Antonio Banderas as the voice of Puss in Boots, Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws and Harvey Guillén as Perrito, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” became a smash hit not only for its nostalgia, but also for its revolutionary animation. 

Because of a perceived cash grab, expectations were low for the film, but as soon as audiences were met with the opening scene — a blossoming flower — eyes and ears perked up. The animation style of “The Last Wish” is uncharacteristic of anything we have seen from the Shrek franchise, or even DreamWorks itself, thus far. 

Reminiscent of an Americanized adaptation of the Japanese animation style, the film was filled with action-packed scenes and bright colors that wowed the spectators. 

As is characteristic of a DreamWorks film, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” had the audience roaring in laughter at its witty humor and bawling their eyes out at its touching, heartfelt moments. 

However, art and nostalgia aside, there was one aspect of this film that made it stand out above all others — it’s “better than life” villain. While the main villain of the show, Big Jack Horner, is terrifying in his own right, the secondary villain, Death, is enough to send chills down the spine of a hardened horror veteran — his eerie whistle piercing through the theater like a winter’s wind. 

This movie had the perfect balance between nostalgia, humor, beauty and horror. People of all ages, not just children, should add “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” to their movie watch list. 

8.5/10

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu