Mount Hood

Disney as adults

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Everyone has a different level of appreciation for Disneyland. Some couldn’t care less about it, others are full blown “Disney adults.” This article is for those who like the idea of Disneyland and are curious about what there is to do after the childhood glamor wears off. 

One’s company — Who one decides to go with can affect what one ends up doing throughout their time at Disneyland. For instance, if one is with family, one should do things that appeal to a variety of ages and interests. The size of one’s party comes into play when getting into rides with limited seating.  Recently, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Disneyland with the entire WOU cheerleading team. We were able to split off into groups and mine had eight people. This way we were able to take up entire roller coaster carriages and carts for bigger rides. This also allowed us to break into smaller groups if our interests differed at certain parts of the day. 

Rides — The only “kiddie” ride I recommend going on is “Mad Tea Party” — commonly known as the “Tea Cups.” The ride is completely outdoors, follows the theme of “Alice in Wonderland” and is the perfect place to take pictures. Other than that, the fast rides are the way to go. We started out our journey with Space Mountain, the infamous roller coaster in the dark. Another ride one cannot miss is Matterhorn Bobsleds. An angry yeti follows as one’s bobsled weaves in and out of the mountain, ready to give a jump scare. The bumpy ride filled with waterfalls, sharp turns and loud noises will give participants a smile and whiplash. Lastly, my favorite ride —that we were able to go on twice— was “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.” The realistic characters, enthusiastic employees and interactiveness left me, as a non Star Wars fan, in awe. This ride will keep one guessing as they go from location to location. I do want to keep this one a secret for those who haven’t had the chance to attend. Just know that the bigger the party the better because taking up a cart with one’s friends is much more fun than sitting with strangers on this thrilling ride. 

Food — When spending the day walking around, standing in lines and having a fluctuating heart rate from thrilling rides, it’s good to be honest with one’s group when one is hungry. Chances are  there’s more than one person who needs a meal. Disney is known for their unique snacks and desserts which are great to eat, just don’t forget to have a full meal. Being hungry and not getting a balanced meal can affect one’s mood in “the happiest place on earth.” I do have to say, my favorite food item was actually during our second day in Downtown Disney. A little stand called Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs sells a creative spin on the classic. Another cheerleader and I got pickle corn dogs. It was a hotdog inside of a pickle, battered, dusted with panko, fried and served with creamy peanut butter. It sounds crazy, trust me it was, but it was actually pretty good. All the other cheerleaders that thought we were weird for getting them turned out to like them as well. They were huge, if one ends up getting one, keep in mind that it could feed up to three people as a snack. 

Overall Disneyland is a great place to go on rides, eat interesting food and take in the scenery. No matter one’s age, there will always be something to do — just try to have it thought out before entering the park. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Be uncomfortable; chase ones dreams

Written by: Dakota Gange

“Happiness can’t be bought.” The saying echoes and bounces off the walls of life, circling social media and often received in the form of advice from friends and family. The sentiment is supposed to be common knowledge, but why do so many of us stay in situations where we are unsatisfied?

For me, it was prioritizing financial security that kept me from striving to achieve my dreams. Financial stability was such a strong force that gave me comfortability and peace of mind. Knowing I could eat and pay the bills helped me sleep better at night. Being a restaurant manager is a stimulating career. It’s meticulous but has enough leniency for one to have a blast, all the while constantly being around others. It just wasn’t what I wanted to do in the long-term.

It can be a tangled and confusing mess to be stuck between stability and dreams. For those out there caught in the middle, perhaps it will bring some comfort knowing that I traded my comfortable decade-long, salaried career to chase my dreams through education without a stable paycheck.

Now I am reaching the summit of the mountain. I’m only 29, but these past few years have been filled with a chest full of treasured lessons.

For ten years now, I’ve been building my skills and career in the customer service industry — quickly leading to a comfortable fiscal situation. I wasn’t unhappy per se, I had a great time, but it just wasn’t that exact puzzle piece I was looking for. I always knew it wasn’t, but I still went to work every day and caught myself thinking, “Am I really going to do this for the rest of my life? I can’t do this for 80 percent of my life.” 

As comfortable as I was, the job was not without its share of unfulfillment. I had always wanted to go back to school, but it always turned into, “Okay, next fall.”  

Then the pandemic hit in March 2020, and my life was forcefully shaken up. I was laid off from my salaried position, which was exactly the push I needed. 

So I signed up for classes and immediately fell into a position of writing. Swiftly, I began taking journalism classes and writing for the school newspaper at Linn Benton, which quickly turned into a year of being the student voice editor, followed by a year of being the editor in chief. 

Here I led my Linn Benton team to place fifth in best general selection in the Associated Collegiate Press 2022 Nationals, judged by 2020 Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Green, followed by 21 first, second and third place Oregon National Press Association awards in best photos, best news and feature writing, best graphics, best review and more. 

Journalism and education led me to achieve things I never thought of. 

After being laid off for several months, I returned to work part-time. Between being editor in chief and managing The Old Spaghetti Factory part-time, it was enough to maintain financial stability.

However, when I got a call from my boss, asking me to return full-time, it was tempting to go back to that livable $60,000 salary and vacation pay. I was faced with the choice of my career or my education. I had 48 hours to decide, but I knew in a flutter of a heartbeat that I was never going back to solely managing restaurants.  

We are meant to do so much more than just pay the bills. All too often do I hear stories of unhappiness, oftentimes due to working jobs we don’t love. 

Here I am, a student, first-time mother of a toddler, extremely, fiscally uncomfortable and I couldn’t be more content. 

My happiness is found in chasing my dreams through education and what comes with that is all worth it. 

Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

Celebrating women through novel and film

Written by:Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

March is Women’s History Month — a time dedicated to the celebration of the contributions, triumphs and progress of women throughout history. To celebrate, here is a list of recommendations for movies and novels featuring many of the beloved and strong female characters of generations.

Films

“Hidden Figures” (2016) — The story of the three genius African-American mathematicians who turned the tides of the space race. The movie was inspired by the New York Times bestseller novel of the same title.

“Lady Bird” (2017) — “Lady Bird” follows the life of a spontaneous high school senior, as she navigates a tremulous relationship with her equally ardent and strong willed mother. 

“Wonder Woman” (2017) — A remarkable movie detailing the consequences and loss faced by war, through the eyes of the Amazonian warrior, Wonder Woman.

“The Woman King” (2022) — Based on a true story, “The Woman King” tells the story of the tribe of female warriors, Agojie.

“Frida” (2002) — “Frida” details the real story of iconic and surrealist Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo.

“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) — Based on the worldwide bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, the movie centers around Rachel Ru — a native New Yorker — as she navigates the relationship between her and her long-time boyfriend’s East Asian family.

“Jackie” (2016) — A movie that tells the tragic story of the United States’ First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, after the death of her husband.

“Legally Blond” (2001) — Based on the novel of the same name by Amanda Brown, this film journeys through Elle Woods’ life, the sorority girl and aspiring lawyer at Harvard Law School.

Books

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott — A coming-of-age story following the lives of four sisters, Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg as they learn about love, strength and womanhood.

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas — A young woman grapples with identity, racism and discrimination after witnessing the fatal shooting of a childhood friend at the hands of police.

“The Radium Girls” by Kate Moore — A novel detailing the incredible yet tragic true story of the “Radium Girls,” the female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning as a result of corporate greed.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood — “The Handmaid’s Tale” details the story of a woman forced to live as a concubine in a futuristic world struggling with a fertility crisis.

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by Victoria E. Schwab — This fiction novel details the story of a young woman who makes a deal with the “devil,” which begins her endless journey through time.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy — The debut memoir by Jennete McCurdy, as she details her struggles as a former child actress, demonstrating resilience and strength through mentality.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Kyra Marcotte shows how art gives a second chance

Written by: Gretchen Sims

The featured senior artist for the month of March is Kyra Marcotte. “Revive,” the exhibit in the Werner University Center, is the result of a renewal of passion in Marcotte, as an aspiring teacher turned artist explores their turmoil and joy in a post-pandemic world. 

Q: What does art mean to you?

A: “To me, art is self-expression, in a way that you don’t have to conform to society’s rules and expectations. Even though you can go to school and study the principles of design and composition (which are still very important), you can break free from them and explore infinite ideas and realities. And to me that is really beautiful, especially in a world that has so much pressure and expectations thrown on you from an early age.”

Q: What first got you interested in art?

A: “I never thought I wanted to be an art major or do anything in art. But my love for art was actually first sparked in middle school, when I met my best friend Precious. They always carried a sketchbook with them everywhere and they inspired me to do that as well. I didn’t realize until college that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but they were the one to spark that passion in me.”

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

A: “The main takeaway I want people to get from my art is the healing and therapeutic power of art. During the pandemic, creating these pieces helped keep me sane, and helped me process what was going on around me. I went from feeling lost and hopeless to seeing a bright future ahead of me. I used art to create a new life for myself.”

Q: What inspires you?

A: “I take a lot of inspiration from existing media around me. I love finding found images/videos and creating something new. Two of the videos in my show were made using found footage, that I edited together to create a new meaning. Same with the magazine collages. I love how taking multiple images/videos from different sources and putting them together can create something more interesting with more depth, but yet is also slightly jarring. I hope when people see these collages I created, they question what the deeper meaning is created by putting them together.” 

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

A: “Self expression is extremely important to me. And my artwork is my favorite way to express who I am as a person and communicate that to the people around me. Through art, I can communicate myself through bright colors and interesting textures, and that brings me joy that is hard to match.”

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Best of the 80’s

Written by:  Gretchen Sims

“Papa Don’t Preach” — Madonna 

“Jessie’s Girl” — Rick Springfield

“Summer of ‘69” — Bryan Adams

“Love is a Battlefield” — Pat Benatar

“Tell It to My Heart” — Taylor Dayne

“9 to 5” — Dolly Parton

“Shadows Of The Night” — Pat Benatar

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” — Cyndi Lauper

“Material Girl” — Madonna

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” — Whitney Houston

“I’m Still Standing” — Elton John

“Like a Prayer” — Madonna

“The Look” — Roxette

“Heaven Is A Place On Earth” — Belinda Carlisle

“La Isla Bonita” — Madonna

“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” — Pat Benatar

“They Don’t Care About Us” — Michael Jackson

“Don’t Stop Believin’” — Journey

“Danger Zone” — Kenny Loggins

“Jolene” — Dolly Parton

“Livin’ On a Prayer” — Bon Jovi

“Thriller” — Michael Jackson

“You Give Love A Bad Name” — Bon Jovi

“I Think We’re Alone Now” — Tiffany

“Any Way You Want It” — Journey

“I Love Rock ‘N Roll” — Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

“Ramble On” — Led Zeppelin

“Boys of Summer” — Don Henley

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Beating the “0” dds

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

To WOU cheerleading’s knowledge, we have never competed at a competition, let alone on a national level. As someone who did competitive cheerleading throughout high school, I was content with the fact that my entire cheer career at Western would be supporting other teams in their sports. I never believed WOU cheerleading would have the chance to compete.

As a second-year cheer captain and senior, I am proud to tell the story of the WOU cheerleading team competing for the very first time from my perspective.

Although competing at nationals was announced at football season tryouts in May 2022, the team didn’t have the official word from our coaches until December, less than two months before the competition. It was frustrating to know that the teams we would be competing against would be practicing their routines throughout the summer, while being told that there was a 65% chance we would go. Then, out of the blue, Emilie Sass, a WOU cheerleading alumni from the season prior, completely took over all of the necessary planning to go to nationals as a managing coach. 

We had a lot of catching up to do. Firstly, we lost seven extremely valuable members of the team due to the “Will they or won’t they?” of the competition and unknown time commitment. 

The next obstacle was winter break. All of our first-years and other team members living in the dorms didn’t have the time or resources to stay over the break to practice. This led to us reassembling the team on Jan. 9, with only fourteen practices before nationals with doubleheader basketball games to cheer at nearly each week, some twice a week. Because of this, we had a lot of last minute practices and learned our second routine in only three weeks. 

On the week of nationals, one of our cheerleaders got concussed. Thus, we ended up completely reworking our band chant routine, changing the pyramid entirely, adding in an alternate and putting people in stunts that weren’t included prior. We ran through the new version of the routine with stunts three times before warm ups at nationals. 

Nationals was a blur. I woke up to a phone call from my mom saying that she surprised me by coming down to watch us perform. Getting down to the lobby, it all set in that this was the very last day that I was going to be a cheerleader, and my mom was able to experience it with me. I cried, in full make up and uniform. The team then endured walking 20 minutes in the pouring rain to the Anaheim convention center. A few teammates and I decided to spend a few dollars on Ubers. I can confidently say that I do not regret that decision. 

Anxiety was high when getting ready for warm ups. Since this was Western’s first time investing in our team to compete, the pressure to do well was daunting. Coach Sass gave us all an amazing pep talk, but we needed a bit more. I got out of my comfort zone and asked if it was okay if I prayed for the team. As we were seated in a circle, we held hands and I prayed. It was very moving and such a special moment. The prayer brought peace and watery eyes to the teammates that needed it most. 

Alas, the peptalk and prayer were not enough. Warm ups did not go well. Our pyramid was shaky, someone got hurt, formations were off and we were stressed. 

The good vibes were palpable while running onto the mat, complete with lights shining and a crowd ready to yell. Adrenaline completely took over my body and, as soon as I knew it, we were running off the mats to watch how we did on a television backstage. We were astonished. Not only was this our first time seeing our altered routine, but we didn’t have any mistakes. We hit “zero;” no deductions whatsoever. An hour later, we were up to perform our fight song routine. Now that we felt confident, we practiced once and hit the mat. Right after finishing our routine I rallied with a few kicks and then it was over. I felt emotional running off the mats and pulled myself together to watch our performance to see we hit zero once again. 

After our routines, we got our score sheets back to see that we scored in the 80’s for both of our routines. Scoring is similar to letter grades in school. It was hard to tell if a B was good or if   everyone who placed got an A or A+. 

Coming into nationals hoping not to come in dead last, placing was the last thing on our minds, but now it seemed tangible. When the time came, each college in our categories sat in clumps all over the mats. First to be announced was the fight song; the announcer read that there was a tie for fifth place, we held our breath wishing and praying to hear our name. Alas, Western Oregon wasn’t announced, though we clapped for the teams who received their trophies. On the other hand, Washington State cheer was sitting right next to us. When they received second place they frowned. Throughout the rest of the ceremony, their lack of sportsmanship really showed. This filled me with appreciation to be on a team that is grateful to be there and exemplifies good sportsmanship. 

That was it. My cheerleading career was over. I felt so much gratitude to be able to be a part of history, but it felt a little incomplete. 

When we received the rankings, we found out that we placed 7th for band chant and that we beat Portland State University by placing 8th in fight song. That felt good. PSU has such an amazing cheerleading program which led them to win band chant this year and place three times last year. Losing to them at an away football game that we cheered at, made placing over this division one school surreal. 

The team has much to be proud of. We hit zero. We did the best we could with the routines we were given. We placed top ten in both categories competing alongside huge division one schools full of male athletes who spent their whole season preparing for this moment. 

This trip was only possible with support from the Western community. Things can only get better for the WOU cheer team from here. 

To register for tryouts, follow @woucheerleading to find the link and more information.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



Western’s accounting major pairs well with UO program

Written by: Dakota Gange

New to the liberal arts university is Western’s business and economics accounting major. 

As of 2023, students can now obtain their Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting. Students completing this degree track take a plethora of business, marketing, management, financial, accounting and taxation classes. 

However, in order to even sit for the Certified Public Accountant – CPA – exam, an exam one must pass in order to be a licensed accountant, one must have more credits than what is required for a Bachelor’s in Accounting. 

Representing the University of Oregon, Jessie Johnnes was tabling in the Werner University Center, talking to interested students about their Lundquist College of Business degrees. Those with their Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting can continue on to get their Master of Science in Accounting or Finance, all while satisfying the credit and knowledge requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam, through UO’s programs.  

Western does not offer any master’s degrees in accounting or finance, only a baccalaureate degree. Students who seek to further their education and get a masters in accounting or finance, can find a great program through UO.  

“Graduates from these programs (at University of Oregon) have a high first try pass rate of the CPA exam,” said Johnnes. 

UO’s Master of Accounting — MAcc — program placed in the top 10% worldwide in accounting research, according to Brigham Young University rankings in 2021. 

The master’s accounting program at UO allows one to accelerate their professional development through curriculum and culture, supporting a holistic understanding of accounting and business. 

Candidates can expect to gain skills in financial accounting and auditing, managerial accounting, tax planning and business analytics. 

MAcc candidate Meredith Thomas told UO’s Lundquist College of Business, “I chose the MAcc because it was the next best step to help me achieve my goal of passing the CPA exam as quickly as I can. Hearing that graduates from this program have a higher first try pass rate and classes directly tailored to the CPA exam materials made the decision easy. Working with a small cohort of students builds community and creates friendships that will last throughout my professional career.” 

97% of graduates of the MAcc secured a career within six months of graduation. The accelerated program takes 12 months to complete, or 45 credit hours.   

The Master of Science in Finance program — MSF— focuses on valuation and asset management, ideal for those who wish to have a coveted career as a financial analyst. 

The MSF program curriculum is CFA Institute-recognized, preparing students for the Chartered Financial Analyst exam. It is one of fewer than 150 participating universities worldwide and is designed to only take 12 months to complete, or 45 credit hours.  

85% of MSF graduates secured a career related position within six months of graduation.

MSF candidate Alejandro Hernandez Bustamante said, “I chose the MSF program at the University of Oregon, not only because of the university’s worldwide recognition, but also because it allows me to choose the courses I need to take my desired career path. Oregon is a powerhouse when it comes to innovation, resources for students are nearly endless, and support is always available. Class sizes are small and that allows for more personalized attention and learning. I like how accelerated and effective the learning process has been and all the networking opportunities that I’ve had.” 

Even at this top-tier university, the class sizes within the MAcc and MSF programs are small, allowing for more personalized and tailored learning. 

If either of the programs spark interest, more information can be found at business.uoregon.edu.

Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

Judy Shepard speaks to Western on Mathew Shepard

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Nearing the 25th anniversary of the murder of Matthew Shepard, Western is honoring Shepard’s memory with the “Legacy of Matthew Shepard Project.” This project was brought to Western and sponsored by the Oregon Cultural Trust.

On Oct. 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21 year old, gay college student, was deceptively lured from a bar in Laramie, Wyoming by two men, who subsequently robbed and brutally beat Shepard. Shepard would die five days later at the hospital as a result of his injuries.

Shepard’s unjust murder drew national attention to the prevalence of anti-gay hate crimes, eventually leading to the passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009 and the establishment of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

The “Legacy of Matthew Shepard Project” is a collaborative, campus-wide effort with Western’s Creative Arts — Western Oregon University’s Music, Theatre, Dance and Visual Arts  Departments. 

The project transpires over two consecutive weeks, beginning Feb. 27 with the opening of “Catalyst: An Exhibit Honoring the Legacy of Matthew Shepard” — an exhibition featuring visual artwork centered around LGBTQ+ themes. The exhibit consists of a diverse selection of art forms from artists Pablo Cazares, Chelsea Couch and Andrew Campbell, including artwork from “The t4t Art Collective,” a collective by trans artists from Portland, Oregon. Located in the Cannon Gallery of Art, the exhibit will remain open to the public through March 24.

For a number of days, Western’s theatre department will present the performance of “The Laramie Project,” originally written by Moisés Kaufman in 2000. “The Laramie Project” is based on the true story of Matthew Shepard, detailing the aftermath of his murder in the town of Laramie.

Western’s theatre department offers seven performances of “The Laramie Project” for public viewing. The next performances take place on March 8, 9, 10 and 11. 

Additionally, the series includes the Oregon premiere of Grammy-nominated Fusion oratorio, “Considering Matthew Shepard,” featuring the combined voices of Western and Chemeketa Community College choirs. The oratorio was originally composed by Craig Hella Johnson — American choral conductor and composer, and Grammy award winner for Best Choral performance. Western’s choral director and chair of the music department, Dr. James Reddan, will be conducting the next concert on March 11, which is presented by the Smith Fine Arts Series.

On the special night of Monday, March 6, Judy Shepard — the mother of Matthew Shepard — spoke to the community about the death of her son and the prevalence of hate crimes, including the tear jerking recitation of the victim impact statement she gave in a trial hearing nearly twenty-five years ago in 1999.

Judy Shepard is the author of the best-selling book, “The Meaning of Matthew,” and played a critical role in the founding of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, alongside her husband, in 1998. Today, Shepard continues to advocate for basic rights for the LGBTQ+ community. 

“We’ve become a sickness; society — sick, silent, indifferent and complacent,” Shepard said, in a portion of her victim impact statement. “… my answer is this: educate, educate, educate. Bring understanding where you see hate and ignorance. Bring light when you see darkness, (and) bring freedom when there’s fear and begin to heal.”

Furthermore, during her original speech, Shepard encouraged the audience to rally for change.

She states, “We have to start being louder. We need to be the loudest. We need to vote. We need to run for office. We need to support people running for office. We need to partake in the system. Yes, it takes time. But it’s the only way things change. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Additional performances took place on Tuesday, March 7 as part of the “Legacy of Matthew Shepard Project.” Western’s dance department premiered two original dance pieces, choreographed by Samuel Hobbs and Keith Johnson.

As a reminder for future events, Western students receive free admission to all Rice Auditorium performances provided they show their student ID. However, students will still need to purchase tickets to reserve seating. For more information on the “Legacy of Matthew Shepard Project” and/or to purchase tickets, visit the Creative Art’s official page at http://wou.edu/creativearts/.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Western’s track teams take home double win

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Western’s Women’s track team closed out the 2022 spring track season with a conference championship in outdoor track. However, the team has  never won an indoor conference meet in the program’s history.

This changed when both the men’s and women’s track teams took home the trophy at the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference Championship meet on Feb. 21. It was also the men’s first meet victory since 2012.

The women beat the second place Western Washington University Vikings by a narrow margin of just five points. They were led by numerous strong first place performances coming from Jenelle Hurley, who scored a Western school record of 3,585 in the pentathlon, Ujunwa Nwokoma, who jumped a Western  school record 19-0 in the Long Jump and Ana Popchock, who won the triple jump with a distance of 38-2 3/4.

The men also narrowly beat Western Washington University for the top spot, winning by six points. They were led by Dominique Loggins, who took first with a time of 6.87 seconds in the 60m dash, Justin Conklin, who took first with a time of 0:8.33 in the 60m hurdles and Dayne Gordien who took first in the shot-put with a throw of 53-2 3/4.

“GNAC Indoor was a moment where we were all truly a team and not just competing in individual events,” stated Wyatt Smith, a sophomore who competed in the men’s second place Distance Medley Relay team. “There was not one WOU event where we were silent, and that electric energy carried into our performances. Everyone stepped up when they needed to and it all paid off with two team titles. Spokane is a great place to spend time in and it’s great that we will get to have our indoor champs there (in the newly constructed Spokane Podium) for the foreseeable future.”

Despite their historical efforts, competition in the GNAC this year was far weaker than many other NCAA Division II conferences and only Hunter Hutton was able to secure a bid to the NCAA national meet. Hutton currently ranks 13th in D-II in the mile with a time of 4:03.6 and will be competing for the top spot in Virginia Beach, Virginia on March 10.

Contact the author at howlsaffwriter@wou.edu

Alternative worship

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Any time is a great time to listen to christian music — once a week during church does not have to be the only time. There is a whole world full of different styles and artists waiting to be heard. Below is a list of christian artists paired with possible activities to complete while listening to them. A few included artists have featured popular musicians that don’t typically produce christian music, so if one enjoys the featured artist, one may also enjoy the christian artist.

On a morning drive

  • Antonie Bradford, featuring indie soul singer-songwriter Shua on “Seasons Change (Feat. Shua).”
  • Gatton
  • Nick Smith
  • Isla Vista Worship
  • Jonathan Ogden 
  • Sarah Juers

While painting

  • Darla Baltazar
  • Issac Wheadon
  • Sean C. Johnson

While cleaning or studying

  • Khamir Music
  • Hillsong Instrumentals

To sing one’s heart out 

  • Elevation Worship, their latest album was released in both English and Spanish.

  • Jesus Culture
  • New Life Worship



When getting ready on gameday

  • Lecrae, featuring artists such as John Legend, Ty Dolla $ign, Tori Kelly, YK Osiris, Marc E. Bassy, Jozzy, DaniLeigh, BJ The Chicago Kid, Gwen Bunn, Nija, Verse Simmonds, Jawan Harris, Jon Keith, Jordan L’Oreal and PJ Morton. 
  • Hulvey, features artists Forrest Frank, Torey D’Shaun and SVRCINA.
  • KB, featuring Latin multi-genre artist Tommy Royale on “Libre (feat. Tommy Royale).”

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

“Cocaine Bear” review

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

Content warning: this article contains spoilers and mentions of drugs

Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the comedy horror movie “Cocaine Bear” has taken theater-goers by storm. The narcotics-filled thriller, which was released Feb. 23, 2023, tells the story of those who encountered a black bear residing in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest who had consumed millions of dollars of cocaine. 

The film included a large cast including some familiar faces. Margo Martindale dazzled as Ranger Liz, taking a literal claw to the a–. Jesse Tyler Ferguson played Peter, a wildlife activist inspecting the conditions of the forest, who suffered one of the many brutal death scenes. O’Shea Jackson Jr. was Daveed, a fixer who when searching for the lost cocaine came face to face with the cocaine bear. “Cocaine Bear” was the last movie of Ray Liotta, who died on May 26, 2022, shortly after filming wrapped. 

The true events that inspired “Cocaine Bear” are much less thrilling than that of the movie. On Sept. 11, 1985, drug smuggler Andrew C. Thorton II, after dumping packages of cocaine for a drug ring via plane, realized he was being followed by authorities in the air. Thorton and a partner abandoned the plane by jumping out of it and Thorton became caught in his parachute, causing him to freefall and die within minutes of meeting the ground. 

On Dec. 23, 1985, local authorities discovered a dead black bear who had consumed a large amount of the lost cocaine. That is where the story ends. 

“Cocaine Bear” was a humorous and horrific depiction of what might have happened if the real cocaine bear — dubbed by fans and historians as Pablo Eskobear — had not immediately died from overdosing. There were a lot of plot lines to follow, which made things a little overwhelming, but it certainly kept things interesting enough to keep my attention.

There was a lot of gore — some might even say too much. A lot of it was warranted, considering the massive bear was under the influence of very strong drugs, but there were moments that felt unnecessary. Viewers should be cautious if they have a weak stomach.

Overall, I very much enjoyed the exploration of the bizarre and tangible concept. It was very humorous, but also very disgusting. Proceed with caution. 

7/10.

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

“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

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