Mount Hood

Critical nationwide blood shortage manifests in PNW

Written by: Aubrey Laine Baker | Freelancer

According to the American Red Cross, a critical, nationwide blood shortage has the medical demands of hospitals quickly outpacing their supply of blood donations. Aside from a general decline in donors, the nation’s low blood supply is also in part due to the effects of Hurricane Idalia. The cancellation of more than 12 blood drives resulted in a loss of 30,000 blood donations.

Without a sufficient amount of blood donations, patients with cancer, trauma, sickle cell anemia, burns or chronic diseases may suffer from an increasing scarcity of life saving treatment options. Even organ transplant patients require blood from donors — resulting in a dearth of blood donations can also negatively affect the process and supplies of organ replacement procedures. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, but the deficit of platelet and type O blood donors is especially crucial to address. 

Beyond giving blood, there are also a multitude of volunteer opportunities to support the blood donation process and serve one’s community. 

Bloodworks Northwest, an independent, non-profit organization that provides blood supplies to 95% of hospitals in the Pacific Northwest, reports a blood shortage in the region that mirrors the deficit of the nation as a whole. Known previously as Puget Sound Blood Center, the organization has been a long standing, trusted cornerstone of healthcare in the region.

Information on their blood center locations, appointment scheduling and detailed blood donation FAQs can be accessed through the official website of Bloodworks Northwest. In an interview with KOIN Portland, Jacob Cole, the donor services supervisor of the organization, disclosed that a new blood center in Beaverton will have its grand opening on Nov. 17. 

To make an appointment for a donation through the American Red Cross, or for more information on blood, platelet or plasma donations and guidelines for donor requirements, visit the official website of the American Red Cross Blood Services. A blood donor app is also available to download and appointments can alternatively be made by calling the organization at 1-800-RED-CROSS. The American Red Cross provides assistance without discrimination to alleviate human suffering wholly through its network of volunteers, donors and partners.



Contact the author at albaker23@mail.wou.edu.

Online dating safety tips

Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

In today’s modern world, finding love is more than difficult as everyone can, in a millisecond, reject a profile they see while scrolling the many dating apps. By chance, scrolling through these apps, one might find someone who intrigues them. This person is perfect. They are funny and their values align with yours. The future looks bright! Now there reaches a point when a suitor is acquired and both participants feel things are going well enough to meet. When it comes to online dating, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind. 

Creating a profile — When creating a dating profile it is best to avoid using photos or videos of oneself in places that can be traced or reveal personal information.

Displaying interest — When it comes to displaying one’s interests and facts about oneself, keep it clear and subtle. Be clear about what one expects from the app; this helps others determine the difference between a real and fake account. 

Discretion — Be discreet: use only a first name or nickname on one’s profile, and refrain from displaying anything like a phone number or any other personal identification. 

Scams — Be aware of scammers. The internet can be a dangerous place and that includes dating apps. People might ask for money, personal favors or more personal information than what one should be willing to give. If this occurs, it’s best to unmatch and block the user. 

Getting to know someone — If one is matched with someone they like, talk to them as much as possible and get to know them as they will reciprocate interest. This also ensures the person one is speaking to is real and of course, is interested. 

Video chat — Video chat and talking over the phone is not only a great way to communicate with a suitor but also to feel safe. 

Meeting up — If one chooses to meet a person through a dating app, it’s best to meet in a public setting during the day where other people are around.

Have a means of escape — Driving oneself ensures a safe way out if things go awry.

Share, share, share — Share the name of the person as well as their profile and location one intends on meeting.

Now with all these tips in mind, online dating can be safe and secure as we watch out for our well-being and potentially find our person. Love can begin and the swiping is over. Just remember that dating in this modern world can be a fairytale.   

Contact author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu

Whole bean coffee makes you whole

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

Listen while you read: Tom’s Diner by AnnenMayKantereit, Giant Rooks

Go sit in a coffee shop. Any college student — or college newspaper reader — with a busy schedule would ask what the value is in going to a coffee shop and sitting down without doing something productive. However, the plague in our society is our incessant need to be on the go — accomplishing herculean feats in every nanosecond of the day. 

In reality, sometimes the more productive thing to do is to sit in silence. Our world is full of sensory information, such as smells, tastes and sights. The environment we place ourselves in dictates the contents of our informational input. 

An employee can’t truly experience an island resort if they are simply drinking a margarita at nine in the morning from the confines of their office cubicle. They have to feel the ocean air, hear the birds and THEN drink a margarita. We must find places where we can feel at peace in the bustle and action of our everyday lives. Ergo, the coffee shop.

What about cafes brings people so much joy? They were created for joy. Community, conversation, comfortability — cafes. Every local sit-in coffee shop has some sort of theme and most likely some sort of artwork lining the walls, plants in every corner as well as comfortable seating and lots of windows. They were designed for people to sit down and enjoy what suits their tastes. 

Now, it may be in the innate marketing nature of these cafes that they would want to be the ideal environment to inhabit, but many times it’s much more than that — the people create the culture. So, when stressed, overwhelmed, angry or sad, finding the ideal sensory environment is important. 

And now onto more deep rooted issues than the design nuances of a cafe — the sense of I-need-to-do-ism. I’m sure 99% of readers are already infected by this plague. I would not say I am the role model in creating mindful moments or relaxing since I’ve stayed up until three in the morning studying for midterms, but I do know how to have an insanely productive non-productive cafe experience. 

Here’s what needs to be done: wear comfortable clothing, bring a real book i.e. paper, and set the phone to do-not-disturb for at least 1-3 hours.  Find the nearest cafe that fits the description above, and find a spot in the corner to sit down. For those 1-3 hours, look. See. Perceive. Watch the cars pass the window facing the street. Watch the barista pour espresso and cream into the brown mug. Watch the elderly couple try their scones and the little kid who was given the big responsibility of ordering his own hot chocolate. 

Next is to taste. Taste the sweetness in the mocha, or the savory cream cheese and bagel combo. At this point, become rooted in the present, and the due dates and worries about bills to pay will all start to fall away. 

But, if not quite convinced, try to feel. Feel the warmth emanating from the mocha, the comfortable chair being occupied and the sandy texture of book pages being flipped. 

The last step is simply to be. This is a place and time designated for one to be still and exist without external forces to dissuade. It’s all a part of the grand scheme of simply existing— observing the socio-environmental web that transcribes everyday life into a symphony. If the cup is empty, one must learn to fill it up again. The coffee cup, more specifically.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

This week in completely made up horoscopes

Aries: buying half price candy and advil at the drugstore

Taurus: saw the opportunity to run away last night and hasn’t been seen since

Gemini: already making a Pinterest board for next year’s fit

Cancer: still sleeping on the lawn after trying to connect with their inner moon child 

Leo: putting up Christmas decorations

Virgo: to-do list was finished like three hours ago, superiority complex fulfilled

Libra: cleaning up after everyone else

Scorpio: Mariah Carey currently on defrost

Sagittarius: Clearance shopping Halloween decor

Capricorn: getting ready for their birthdays

Aquarius: sleeping until December

Pisces: hungover covered in candy wrappers. 

Upcoming headliners

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

November 2023 is projected to be a busy month for media releases. Some great hits have already come out, including lots of anticipated movies like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and novels such as the new Percy Jackson book, a Hunger Games addition and many celebrity memoirs topping the charts. The excitement is expected to last through the end of the year with new content lined up for avid readers and movie-enjoyers.
Author Rebecca Yarros came in hot in April 2023 with “Fourth Wing” — the first book in her series titled The Empyrean. “Fourth Wing” is projected on Goodreads with a 4.6 rating out of 5, prompting the release of her highly anticipated sequel, “Iron Flame,” which is expected to be released Nov. 7.     

With themes of fantasy and romance, protagonist Violet Sorrengail is thrown headfirst into a grueling test of wits and will in her second year at Basgiath War College — all while being pushed to betray her one true love. After “Iron Flame,” Yarros is expected to release three more books. “Iron Flame” is a must-read after “Fourth Wing’s” success.

Suzanne Collins’ newest novel, “Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” may have been released by now, but the movie directed by Francis Lawrence premieres Nov. 17. The movie is eyeing a $50 million box opening and may be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Taking place long before Katniss Everdeen’s iconic overture of the Hunger Games, the plot focuses on insidious president Coriolanus Snow, pre-presidency, and delves into the philosophical themes around control and chaos.

Christopher Paolini began his writing career with his publication of “Eragon” when he was 19, going on to resolve the Eragon series in 2011 — until now, with the expected release of his follow-up novel “Murtagh,” the name of a beloved character from the original tetralogy. 

While the plot itself is largely unknown, it has been said that “Murtagh” takes place a year after the last novel, “Inheritance,” left off and that the Dragon Rider has been exiled to unknown territory. Dragons appear to be a major hit with new novels this November.

The animated movie “Wish” premieres Nov. 22 in theaters — produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. With a 200 million dollar budget, “Wish” is expected to stun crowds with its worldbuilding and animation. 

After the protagonist Asha makes a wish on a star, she is forced into exile while trying to save the future of her beloved kingdom. Chances are, “Wish” will be a hit for kids, families and adults alike — utilizing that Disney charm to win over audiences. Secondly, it hosts the same teams that worked on “Frozen” and “Moana,” a sign of success for the film. “Wish” will be commemorating Disney’s 100th year of production as an animation studio, so expect a stellar show.

While not a movie nor a book, the drama series “All The Light We Cannot See,” arrives Nov. 2.  Modeled after the novel of the same name by author Anthony Doerr, the story revolves around a blind girl during Nazi reign who meets a young German soldier and tells a tale of resistance, hope and survival. The series has some big names, like Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie, and stars breakout actress Aria Mia Loberti. The show will have four episodes and is to be streamed on Netflix.

Calling all horror fans: “Thanksgiving” releases Nov. 17, starring big names like Patrick Dempsey and Addison Rae. Plymouth, Massachusetts, is plagued by an axe-wielding serial killer in this upcoming thriller directed by Eli Roth.

Carol Danvers returns to theaters Nov. 10 in “The Marvels,” where she and two others join forces under the alias — you guessed it — The Marvels. With entangled powers and a breaking universe’s fate on their backs, the three have to unite to achieve their goal. The action movie has a gross budget of $274.9 million and includes another performance from Brie Larson. 

Audience reviews have a mixed expectation for the movie: while it is far too early for a rotten tomatoes rating as the movie isn’t even out yet, “The Marvels” has the shortest runtime of any Marvel movie to date and Brie Larson has faced plenty of critique online for supposedly being “disillusioned” in her role as Captain Marvel. Disney+ may receive the film early in 2024, but that is only a projected guess; in the meantime, it can be found in theaters near you very soon. 



Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Bite of ’89

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

Two well-loved fan bases are celebrating simultaneous, monumental releases on Oct. 27. Both horror video game and pop music fans are being brought together by this fateful fall Friday. The ultimate question is which one will one be indulging in: the release of the live-action “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” or both?

Taylor Swift, currently one of the most well-known artists in pop music, announced she was going to re-record her first six albums in November of 2020. Swift’s old label sold her music to her manager, Scooter Braun, meaning she no longer owns the rights to any of her music. It’s no wonder that fans of the singer/songwriter are excited about the re-recording of the albums.

Fans of Swift — Swifties — everywhere are proud of this empowering transformation of their favorite artist.

“It’s one of her most iconic albums. This is the year she really embraced pop… I’m just really excited to be back in that era again,” said Kayla Smith, a sophomore at Western.

Though Swifties are ecstatic, some still look down on Taylor Swift and her music. “Even if you’re not a Swiftie… be supportive. You don’t have to listen to it if you don’t want to, but try not to be mean to Swifties out there who are really excited,” said Smith.

On the same day, fans of “Five Nights at Freddy’s” will be in theaters for the release of the movie adaptation of the horror game. The video game was first popularized in 2014 by gaming Youtubers who streamed videos of themselves playing “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Was that the bite of ’87? Players have to survive five nights alone as a security guard at a pizzeria — avoiding animatronics in the dark and learning the many years of intricate game lore.

The ultimate lesson to take away from this encroaching date is to be supportive of each other. Whether it’s pop star Taylor Swift, or horror game turned movie “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” both have made large advances in the last few years. Though both are very different, there is much to celebrate this fateful October weekend.

Contact the author at howlenterrtainment@wou.edu

Best in the pacific northwest

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

Here’s what all three of our Twilight enthusiast readers have been waiting for — a playlist catered to the rainy weather of the pacific northwest. Picture walking to class on a cloudy day, just for a sliver of sun to hit the vitamin-D deficient skin of a student by Todd Hall. They light up like a disco ball and run away at the speed of light. Tune in to this spotify playlist and that just might happen. Key word: might – but it’s still worth a shot. 

“Full Moon” — The Black Ghosts 

“From Now On” — The Features

“Neighbors (Soundtrack Version)” — Theophilus London 

“Friends” — Band of Skulls 

“Cover Your Tracks” — A Boy and His Kite

“Monsters” — Hurricane Bells 

“Slow Life” — Grizzly Bear, Victoria Legrand 

“What Part of Forever” — Ceelo Green 

“Hearing Damage” — Thom Yorke 

“Atlas (Soundtrack Version)” — Fanfarlo 

“How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep” — Bombay Bicycle Club

“Jonathan Low” — Vampire Weekend 

“Roslyn” — Bon Iver, St. Vincent 

“Requiem On Water” — Imperial Mammoth 

“Turning Page” — Sleeping At Last 

“The Violet Hour” — Sea Wolf 

“Speak Up” — POP ETC 

“The Antidote” — St. Vincent 

“Endtapes (Soundtrack Version)” — The Joy Formidable

Plus a few extras that fit the same vibe!

“Open Season” — High Highs 

“Kenny” — Still Woozy

“Dawn Chorus” — Thom Yorke 

“Daylight” — David Kushner

“Evergreen” — Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners 

“Fade Into You” — Mazzy Star 

“Two Weeks” — Grizzly Bear

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.