Mount Hood

Student Print Exhibit

Written by: Gretchen Sims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Love Local

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

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

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

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

Participating businesses are listed below. 

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Valentine’s activities on campus

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Puss and Boots: in it’s last life?

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Content warning: this article contains spoilers 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8.5/10

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Valentine’s day Playlist to capture your sweetheart’s heart, or your own

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The season of love is rapidly approaching. This year, we’re acknowledging that not everyone has found their happily-ever-after. This music playlist compiles three categories into one: the single, the lovers and the angst lovers. For those who have a lover to share it with, enjoy date night by letting the music do the talking through these 20 feel-good love songs. 

Starting with a classic, here are 48 love songs to play for one’s sweetheart; cry it out while eating ice cream, or escape Valentine’s Day hysteria. Find the official playlist ready for streaming on Spotify by scanning the QR code.

Feel-Good Love Songs

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” — Elvis Presley

“Love Story” — Taylor Swift

“Late Night Talking” — Harry Styles

“Dandelions” — Ruth B.

“You Are The Reason” — Calum Scott

“Enchanted” — Taylor Swift

“Rewrite The Stars” — James Arthur, Anne-Marie

“10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay ft. Justin Bieber

“Look After You” — Aron Wright

“Yellow” — Coldplay

“Power” — Isak Danielson

“Start a Riot” — BANNERS

“Wicked Game” — Chris Isaak

“Fire on Fire” — Sam Smith

“All Of Me” — John Legend

“Distance” — Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz

“Can’t Take My Eyes off You” — Frankie Valli

“Everywhere” — Fleetwood Mac

“Biggest Part of Me” — Ambrosia

“Lovefool – Radio Edit” — The Cardigans

Angsty Love Songs

“War of Hearts” — Ruelle

“Where Did Our Love Go?” — Soft Cell 

“Basic Instinct” — The Acid

“Another Love” — Tom Odell

“Love in the Dark” — Adele

“Atlantis” — Seafret

“The Last Time” — Taylor Swift ft. Gary Lightbody

“Apocalypse” — Cigarettes After Sex

“Someone You Loved” — Lewis Capaldi

“a soulmate who wasn’t meant to be” — Jess Benko

“In Your Veins” — Andrew Belle

“The One That Got Away” — Brielle Von Hugel

“Only Love Can Hurt Like This” — Paloma Faith

“Cars’s Outside” — James Arthur

“Visions of Gideon” — Sufjan Stevens

“Can’t Pretend” — Tom Odell

“What A Time” — Julia Michaels ft. Niall Horan

“Heartbreak Hotel” — Elvis Presley

“Stay” — Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

“Tainted Love” — Soft Cell

“Mr. Brightside” — The Killers




Anti-Love Songs

“How To Be A Heartbreaker” — Marina and The Diamonds

“I Knew You Were Trouble” — Taylor Swift

“Without Me” — Halsey

“Save Your Tears” — The Weeknd

“good 4 u” — Olivia Rodrigo

“I Don’t Love You” — My Chemical Romance

“thank u, next” — Ariana Grande

“Trust Nobody” — Selena Gomez

“Dancing On My Own” — Robyn

“Good As Hell” — Lizzo

“I Forgot That You Existed” — Taylor Swift

“No Scrubs” — TLC

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” — Beyonce

“Goodbye Baby” — The Walters

“break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” — Ariana Grande

“Truth Hurts” — Lizzo

“Night Shift” — Lucy Dacus 




Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Don’t go baking my heart

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Valentine’s Day — a time for gatherings with friends or with one’s partner — is just around the corner. Either way, the heartfelt holiday calls for a delicious dessert that requires minimal ingredients, skill and time.

ABSTRACT HEART COOKIE SANDWICHES

Start to finish: 35 minutes

Yields: 12 servings

1 roll premade refrigerated sugar cookie dough

6 drops red food coloring

¼ cup all purpose flour

½ cup strawberry buttercream

Rolling pin

Parchment paper

Heart-shaped cookie cutters

Baking tray

Start by preheating the oven to 350℉. Unwrap the sugar cookie dough from the packaging onto a clean surface and knead in the flour. Cut the dough in half, then cut one of the halves into two quarter-sized pieces. Put the bigger portion off to the side and keep smaller pieces separate. Add two drops of red food coloring to one of the quarter-sized pieces to make it light pink, then set aside. Take the other smaller piece and add four drops of red food coloring to make a bright red. Roll out the light pink and red dough separately and cut out with heart-shaped cookie cutters. Then roll out the uncolored bigger portion of the cookie dough from earlier. Slice roll into desired cookie size, then layer all of the colored hearts on top of the uncolored dough. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top and softly roll out the dough to press the hearts down till the dough is ¼ inch thick. Take off the parchment paper and cut out hearts in a random pattern to create abstract colored hearts inside. Bake for 8-11 minutes. Let cool, then add a thin layer of strawberry buttercream to the backside of half of the cookies, then place an unfrosted cookie atop creating a sandwich. To watch a video tutorial, visit @thesqueakymixer on TikTok. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Authentic Mexican-Style Horchata

Written by:  Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Horchata is a popular Latin American drink consisting of milk, water, cinnamon and white rice. Sweet — but not too sweet — creamy and flavorful, horchata is the perfect partner to go along with traditional cultural cuisine. It is important to note that the ingredients of horchata vary by region. This recipe is inspired by Mexican-style horchata, which is traditionally served in the United States. 

HOMEMADE MEXICAN HORCHATA

Start to finish: 4 to 8 hours

Yields: 5-6 servings

1 cup of uncooked, long grain white rice

4 cups of water

¾ can of 12 fl. ounce evaporated milk

¾ can of 14 ounce condensed, sweetened milk

Sugar (optional for sweetness) 

1-2 cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Ground cinnamon

Wash the rice. Combine the soaked white rice, 4 cups of cold water and cinnamon sticks in a bowl. Leave the white rice mixture to soak for a minimum of four hours to a maximum of eight hours; it may be best to leave it overnight. Refrigerate, then remove most of the cinnamon sticks. In a blender, blend the mixture until it forms a thin paste. Strain the mixture into a pitcher — ideally, using a cheesecloth or a very fine mesh sieve — to separate and remove the solid chunks of rice that may remain. In the pitcher, stir in the evaporated milk and condensed milk, vanilla extract, if used, and sugar, if used. Balance out the preferred level of sweetness by adding more water, vanilla or sugar. Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick, or ground cinnamon. Serve with ice and enjoy.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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