Mount Hood

Introspective planning for V-day

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

I’ve always questioned the validity and purpose of Valentine’s Day. Why does it matter so much to dedicate one day to a loved one? A devoted partner should be doing that every day. I attribute the existence of Valentine’s Day to consumerist culture and societal pressure to not be single. 

So, I started thinking about what else I could do on Valentine’s Day to make it special, but not like how society has designed it. The stereotypical Valentine’s Day event consists of buying flowers or chocolate and planning a date or elaborate escapade with a partner. My version of Valentine’s Day shifts the focus from partners and romantic interests back to oneself. 

Instead of buying roses, find a local flower shop and buy a bouquet. Give the bouquet to a family member or friend, or simply keep it in a noticeable place for the next week to brighten the day. Buying locally is a great way to give back to the community and keep some good feelings for oneself. This goes for any product, but with the overstated emphasis on roses at this time of the year, giving more love and attention to some lesser-loved flowers will be a nice change of pace. 

Instead of falling into the consumerist scheme of buying ten different heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, make some baked goods at home. The calming ritualistic nature of taking the time to bake will add fulfillment and purpose to the day. Giving baked goods to someone is also a great way to show that time was put into that person’s gift. Now that the roses and chocolates are taken care of, it’s time to think about how to plan an event for the day — or even if planning one is worth it.

For the majority of introverted individuals, Valentine’s Day is a hellscape of acquaintances asking about one’s plans, couples posting a slew of confessions and photo collages, red or pink signs advertising the latest overpriced product and the dreaded phone call from parents trying to glean every ounce of romantic information out of their beloved relative. It’s easy to get caught up in all of these things, but hard to take a moment, breathe and ask oneself what matters on Feb. 14. Is Valentine’s Day the one day the boss lets everyone go home early, or has it simply been a long and hard week? What matters the most isn’t what is expected of someone on Valentine’s day, but the best way one can spend their day to fill up their fulfillment cup and spend time with their most important people, whether it be partner, friend or family.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Dating in a small town

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

Finding romantic places to take one’s sweetheart in a small town is a difficult task. This Valentine’s Day, refer to this list for date ideas close to Western.

Monmouth

The Sippery — This independent coffee shop is a favorite hang out and study spot for Western students, and it can make for a cute date as well. Curl up in a soft chair or on a couch, and grab a tasty drink.

The Red Poppy Studio — The Red Poppy Studio offers craft classes at a low price for those who are artistically inclined, or for those who are just starting out. Otherwise, come shop for beautiful art pieces created by local artists to hang up at home.

Momijis — On the corner of Monmouth Avenue and Main, a quaint sushi restaurant sits waiting for couples to dine in. Or, if eating a relaxing dinner at home is preferable, their delicious sushi is available for take-out as well.

Sundew Tattoo — Go get matching tattoos with one’s beau or bae at this local Monmouth tattoo parlor. Phoebe, the owner, creates magic on the skin with designs including flowers, animals and bugs for all skin colors.

Main Street Ice Cream Parlor — Want a sweet treat? Look no further than this local ice cream parlor, within walking distance of Western. They provide many delicious flavors of ice cream and milkshakes with dozens of toppings to choose from.



Independence

Witches’ Vine — For those who are in touch with their spiritual side, this plant and crystal store provides all kinds of witchy needs. Don’t walk, run to Witches’ Vine to pick out zodiac crystals, jewelry and cute plants with loved ones.

The Independence Hotel — Take a seat on the roof of this water-front hotel and enjoy a high-quality meal with a sweetheart. The Willamette River provides a stunning, romantic view at any time of the day.

Mangiare Italian Restaurant — If a well-traveled pair are looking for a little slice of Italy, Mangiare will provide that cozy, authentic ambiance. Warm up with the best local pasta and fresh bread.

Independence Cinema — Holding hands in a dark theater is a classic movie date trope. So, come on down to the Independence cinema for a fun film night. Western students can take advantage of the theater’s five-dollar Super Tuesdays.

Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar — Jubilee offers a wide range of sweet treats and bubbly drinks — for those 21 and older. A range of desserts will satisfy one’s sweet tooth in a bright, pastel cafe. 

Second Chance Books — Find a date within this eclectic used bookstore and pick out unique finds for each other. Watch one’s noggin, the store says — there’s a whole lot to explore.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

This week in entirely made up horoscopes

The signs go on a date…

Aries: silently takes notes to debrief with the besties later

Taurus: kum n go 

Gemini: immediately exposes all of their red flags

Cancer: Falls in love after being shown the absolute bare minimum

Leo: has a mental breakdown and goes home.

Virgo: Canceled last minute, berates themselves for making plans on a sacred friday evening

Libra: goes way over the top and overwhelms their date

Scorpio: Oh the date went well? Time to rent the U-Haul

Sagittarius: Date so crazy our first stop was couple’s counseling

Capricorn: *stuffs breadsticks into pockets*

Aquarius: doesn’t make it through the door

Pisces: I’m way overdressed for hotdogs in the park

Spicy book recs for the single and the curious couples

Written by: Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor, Salyna Woods | Freelancer

This selection of romance and smut books was created for those who may be lonely or for couples looking for new things to try in the bedroom.

Fluff — plot oriented, light spice

“Ice Breaker,” “Maple Hills Series” Book One by Hannah Grace — When the hockey and figure skating teams at Maple Hills University are forced to share the same rink — and Anastasia Allen’s skating partner gets hurt in the aftermath — hockey player Nathan Hills finds himself trading his stick for tights.

“The Deal,” “Off-Campus Series” Book One by Elle Kennedy — Hannah Wells would do anything to get her crush’s attention — even tutor the cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. All Garret Graham wants to do is play professional hockey, but his dropping GPA is threatening everything. If fake dating a girl to help make some guy jealous will help him secure a position on the team, so be it. 

Spicy — less plot oriented, medium spice

“Twisted Love,” “Twisted Series” Book One by Anna Huang — Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and a cursed past; Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can’t remember. Their love is one that was never supposed to happen, but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both and everything they love.

“Things I Wanted to Say But Never Did,” “The Lancaster Prep Series” Book One by Monica Murphy — Whit Lancaster is a menace on campus, but his primary target is Summer Savage. When she finds him one night, broken and bloody, she sneaks him to her room and cleans him up, then falls for his lies. When he leaves, he takes her journal and promises to let her secrets out. Summer strikes a deal with the Devil — and lets him ruin her behind closed doors.

Spicier — hardly any plot, heavy spice, mature audiences only

“Priest,” “Priest Series” Book One by Sierra Simone — There are many rules a priest can’t break: he cannot marry, abandon his flock or forsake his God. Father Tyler Bell has always been good at following the rules set for him, but six months ago he broke his vow of celibacy on the altar of his own church. And God help him, he’d do it again.

“Neon Gods,” “Dark Olympus Series’” Book One by Katee Robert — Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the glittering socialite life in the City of Olympus, but when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, she is forced to flee to the undercity. There, she makes a devil’s bargain with a man she had originally thought was a myth. Hades never intended to step into the spotlight, but he finds that Persephone can offer the revenge he’s been craving. Every night they spend together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he’ll go to war to keep her close to him.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Upcoming Frankenstein films

Written by: Lili Minato | Freelancer

Content warning: this article contains mentions of suicide

The iconic story of “Frankenstein” has been retold upwards of 114 times through the artistic media of film, the first recorded example being a movie by the same name made in 1910. Now, there are two new “Frankenstein” adaptations coming to the big screen in the upcoming year and a “Frankenstein”-inspired film that is up for an Academy Award. 

These three movies all follow the general themes and plot of “Frankenstein,” while also bringing their own original ideas to the table. From original stories to stylistic elements and cinematography, the classic story continues to spark new life in these adaptations. 

“Poor Things” is an artistic blockbuster that premiered in December of 2023. The story, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, follows a suicidal pregnant woman — played by Emma Stone — who is resurrected with her brain switched with the underdeveloped brain of her unborn child. She then goes on to explore the world through those new set of eyes. 

While not technically a publicized reproduction of the original story, it takes many elements from the stereotypical depictions of “Frankenstein” — a mad scientist and the resurrection of a new organic creature as well as the exploration and the understanding of society by said creature. The connections to the original Mary Shelley novel are abundant. 

The upcoming film, “Lisa Frankenstein,” takes a different approach to the generic recurring plot points of past “Frankenstein” adaptations. Described as a “coming of rage love story” by IMDb, the plot consists of a teenager in the 80s bringing a corpse — who happens to be her crush — back from the dead. They go on a joint mission to find missing body parts which results in murder, love and possibly happiness.

Even though this isn’t a completely original retelling of the novel, the film seems to be taking on something new with a campy and gothic style that will be loved by younger and older audiences alike. 

Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” is a remake of the 1931 classic by the same name. From what the public knows, this film doesn’t seem to stray as far from the original story compared to the other two films mentioned. 

However, audiences shouldn’t expect another repetitive “Frankenstein” movie — del Toro’s past films should inspire viewers to still expect an elevated level of beautiful, stylistic work. Combined with the acting skills of Oscar Issac, Mia Goth and Jacob Elordi, fans of del Toro and “Frankenstein” should anticipate creativity and beauty from this upcoming film.

Contact the author at lminato22@mail.wou.edu

Prime’s newest project: Hazbin Hotel

Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor

Content warning: this article contains spoilers, mentions of sexual assault, abuse, drug and alcohol use and violence 

Amazon Prime is no stranger to streaming shows based around angels, demons and the redemption of sordid characters. When Neil Gaiman’s “Good Omens” premiered on the company’s streaming service, Prime Video, it quickly gained notoriety among subscribers. Prime’s newest show, “Hazbin Hotel,” has been met with similar excitement since its release.

In its early days, “Hazbin Hotel” was first posted on a YouTube channel run by the show’s creator, Vivienne Medrano, who went by the handle @vivziepop. Since its initial release on Oct. 28, 2019, the pilot has garnered over 97.1 million views. In 2020, film studio A24 earned the rights to fund and produce the series, but it did not find a home company until Prime Video picked it up for partnership. 

“Hazbin Hotel” follows Charlie Morningstar — played by Elsie Lovelock — as she attempts to rehabilitate sinners in her hotel. Working at the hotel with her is the enigmatic Radio Demon, Alastor, bubbly one-eyed Nifty and alcoholic Husk, who act as the hotel’s business partner, housekeeper and bartender respectively. 

Together, they work to better the souls of p**n star and addict, Angel Dust, and the loveable loser, Sir Pentious. While attempting this, the hotel residents must prepare to face the coming exorcism, led by none other than the first man himself, Adam, or “the original d**k” as he calls himself. 

The show’s first season runs eight episodes, with a runtime of 25 minutes and two songs per episode. It also boasts a well-known cast of Broadway stars, including Alex Brightman, who performed in “Beetlejuice: The Musical,” Stephanie Beatriz, known for Disney’s “Encanto” and “Centaur World” and Keith David, who stars in Disney’s “Princess and the Frog” and “Coraline.”

On the surface, “Hazbin Hotel” may seem like a raunchy, adult comedy with flashy animation and rock-style musical numbers; however, it goes much deeper than what meets the eye. 

A primary example lies beneath the surface of character, Angel Dust, played by Blake Roman. At face value, he is flirtatious, constantly intoxicated and hides his insecurities under aloofness, but, in his song “Poison,” the audience is given a glimpse into Angel Dust’s inner monologue, as well as his abusive and controlling relationship with demon overlord, Valentino. In episode five, “Masquerade,” viewers see Angel — in flashbacks — assaulted and beaten by Valentino, as well as being forced to star in adult videos, usually with violent premises.

“It’s not an act! It’s who I need to be! And this, this is my escape. Where I can forget about it all and how much I hate everything. A place where I can get high and not have to think about how much it hurts. And maybe if I can ruin myself enough in the process, if I end up broken, I won’t be his favorite toy anymore, and maybe he’ll let me go,” Angel says. 

“Hazbin Hotel” also explores strained father-daughter relationships, with Charlie and her father, Lucifer — played by Jeremy Jordan, who is known for “Newsies” and “Tangled the Series.” In episode five, “Dad Beat Dad,” Lucifer comes to the hotel to help Charlie in her enterprise, and ultimately repairs his relationship with Charlie in a song titled “More Than Everything.”

The hashtag “hazbinhotel” has garnered over 1.1 million posts on TikTok and 767 thousand on Instagram — skyrocketing the show into popularity in the wake of the finale. Edits and clips of the show have taken over the for you pages of many TikTok users, as well as some users on the platform, gaining overnight fame due to their cosplays of characters and usage of dialogue or songs from the show. 

“It definitely deserves the hype it’s getting,” said sophomore, Faith Woolsey. “The plot is amazing and the animation is so good.”

However, there has been some bible-thumping, Ned Flanders types who have taken to TikTok to claim that the show makes Satan the hero and God the enemy. 

One such video was posted on Jan. 28, by TikTok user @kmarie_g, and captioned “are they getting bolder with satanic worship or are we waking up more? Either way, it’s here and it’s in the wide open. Amazon’s new cartoon series about Satan being the good guy should be a wake up call to all Christians that now more than ever we need to stand up and guide people to Jesus because this world is doing everything they can to pull them the other way.” In the comments, it was a similar story: other users supported her “message” and were asking God and Jesus to bring the end times. None of the users had watched “Hazbin Hotel.”

This is evident because these claims could not be further from the truth. For one, Lucifer and Satan are two different people in the Hebrew Bible; while Satan is known for trying to tempt Jesus, Lucifer is known for serving him. Lucifer led Jesus to the cross and was cast from Heaven for rebelling against God, while Satan rebels against God and wishes for humanity to serve under him. The title of “Devil” is interchangeable for both Lucifer and Satan. Additionally, it is Adam and his exorcists who are portrayed as evil in “Hazbin Hotel,” not God — who is not even seen and hardly mentioned in the show’s first season.

“Hazbin Hotel” has been greenlit for a second season by Prime Video, with the show’s creator stating a one and a half to two year period before the release of season two. For now, fans can enjoy the show’s sister series — Helluva Boss — on YouTube.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Sustainable masterpieces

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

In Campbell Hall’s Cannon Gallery, several artists came together to share their mixed media artworks. The art pieces portrayed different stories of their creators and displayed a wide range of styles. Cannon Gallery currently houses collages, vibrant paintings and elaborate 3-D art.

Put together by Linn-Benton Community College faculty, Western’s campus gallery had something new and exciting with every turn. From sexuality and religious imagery to defunding the police, each artist had a unique message to share.

Daniel Lopez, an art teacher at Linn-Benton shared his methods of creating minimalistic yet deeply meaningful pieces. “I didn’t buy any of the materials… it’s just recycling… that’s definitely a big philosophy with me, is to keep things as sustainable as possible,” Lopez said. All his acrylics were gifted to him, and he recycled canvases students had left behind.

Lopez then shared his advice for anyone who wants to pursue the world of art — “As long as you care about art, you’ll feel the need to do it. The best thing to do as an artist is to live outside of the art. The more interesting of an artist you are, the more interesting your art will be.”

Jill R. Baker followed another sustainable route by reusing chicken wire and fabric cording for her multi-colored 3-D pieces. The mixed-media materials made for an eye-catching display.

Baker utilized the accessibility of the Oregon rain for her sunshine pieces by allowing the water to make an organic design with the watercolor pencils she used. In the Pacific Northwest, sometimes vitamin D is hard to come by.

“Last spring, I decided I was going to make my own sunshine… in the late winter, the sun is so important,” Baker said. The golden works of art were nothing short of big, beautiful, artificial stars. In the rainiest and cloudiest of times, art serves as the greatest outlet.

Many aspiring artists may be overwhelmed by the multitude of possibilities and may be unsure of where to begin. “Just start making art and see where you go,” Baker said. There is a lot of truth behind her statement — take art one day at a time. Cannon Gallery will demonstrate that every artist is unique in their own way, all one needs to do is take that first step towards creation.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

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