Mount Hood

See the new content arriving to Disney + February 2020

Sean Martinez  | Copy Editor

There is a wide selection of shows to watch on Disney+ for February. From Oscar-nominated films to original series, here’s everything coming to Disney+. 

 

Available Feb. 1: “Big Business,” “The Sandlot,” “Around the World in 80 Days,” Wicked Tuna: Season 1-2” 

Available Feb. 2: “Descendants 3” 

Available Feb. 5: “Toy Story 4” 

Available Feb. 7: “Pixar In Real Life: Toy Story: Traffic Cone Rescue,” “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made”

Available Feb. 9: “Old Dogs” 

Available Feb. 14: “My Dog, The Thief,” “Splash,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” 

Available Feb. 16: “Marvel’s Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United” 

Available Feb. 21: “Unlikely Animal Friends: Season 1-2,” “Marvel Rising: Operation Shuri,” “Marvel Rising: Playing with Fire”

Available Feb. 25: “Star Wars: Resistance: Season 2” 

Available Feb. 28: “I Captured The King Of The Leprechauns,” “Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars,” “Marvel’s Future Avengers: Season 1” 

 

Original Series (available weekly):

 

Starting Feb. 7: “Diary of a Future President,” Disney Family Sundays,” “Marvel’s Hero Project,” “One Day At Disney”

Starting Feb. 14: “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Season 2”

Starting Feb. 21: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Season 7”

Starting Feb. 28: “Shop Class”

 

Contact the author howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of movies.disney.com

Men’s Rugby lose match versus Oregon State University

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

This past Saturday, Feb. 1, the Men’s Rugby team held a friendly match against the Oregon State University Beavers — a team they beat during the 2019 season.

The first half, the Wolves were challenged, showing more exhaustion by every passing minute. With only 26 more seconds left, the Beavers persisted on, getting a few more points — Beaver forward juked out multiple Wolves and broke through to finish and score, making the score 21-10 at the start for the second half.

The Wolves showed great power and strength coming onto the field for the final half — dominating on the defensive end and stopping the Beavers attack. However, the Beavers were able to catch the Wolves off guard and score, and made the score 28-10.

As the game continued, more and more Wolves got injured and lost energy. Luckily, the Beavers showed great sportsmanship and sent one of their own to join the Wolves. 

Twenty minutes into the second half, the Wolves finally scored, bringing themselves within six points of the Beavers.

As the clock counted down, it was easy to tell who was going to win this match — the Beavers kept knocking at the Wolves’ door with no fight back from the Wolves.

Beavers were able to walk away with a 47-22 win, a 25-point difference.

The Wolves’ next home game is on Saturday, Feb. 8 versus Pacific University. Go out and support this club team.

 

Contact the author hgreene18@wou.edu

Photo Courtesy of Emily Prall

Futsal kicks off winter season

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Scoreboard for Futsal Open Sunday League.

 

Teams Wins Losses Total Standing Points
the Benders 1 3
Black Ninjas 1 3
Sumo 1 3
LFG 1 1 3
Straight Shooters 1 1 3
the Quickies 1 0
UTU Banghz 1 0
And the Funky Bunch 1 0

 

As of right now, the Benders, Black Ninjas and Sumo take the top three seeds with the highest points. The Benders lead with the most points scored, while the Black Ninjas lead with the least amount of points against. Who’s going to win overall?

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Super Bowl LIV makes for a memorable one

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Still a little hurt over the loss of my sweet cheeseheads, I sit down and cheer on the Chiefs. 

Grubbing on Mendi’s Pizza, on Sunday, Feb. 2, in front of a big screen, Super Bowl LIV (54) begins with a heartwarming entry — a young boy carrying a ball from his gridiron all the way to the Dolphins stadium in Miami to pass along the game ball to ref on the actual field. 

Super Bowl LIV marked the NFL’s 100th season, making for a lot of memorable commercials and breaking of the glass ceiling. 

Samantha Gordon, a 15-year-old stud football player, was featured in the 100-Year Game commercial, why you ask? Remember that little girl that was breaking headlines for playing, and beating every defender, in a youth football league? That’s her now, making a change for future generations. Gordon started an “all girls” football league that she hopes will be brought to the high school level — a dream more and more young girls have everyday.

This Super Bowl was also very special, it was the Chiefs second time winning a Super Bowl and their first appearance in 50 years. This game brought the best defense, the 49ers, versus the best offense, the Chiefs, a match made in heaven. That saying, “defense wins championships,” didn’t apply to this win, with Patrick Mahomes setting up teammates throughout the whole game — and becoming the youngest player in NFL history to win a “League MVP” and a Super Bowl Championship, at the age of 24. 

Coach Andy Reid had the most wins (222) by any head coach without a Super Bowl title, until this last Sunday where he ended his Super Bowl drought at the age of 61 — finally capturing that all elusive Lombardi trophy. And shoutout to Shakira and J-Lo for the awesome halftime show, representing the latina community and showcasing the moves and vocals they got.

As most of us may know, the Super Bowl has become one of the most celebrated days of the year, but what most of us may not realize is that sex trafficking is at it highest during this day, according to ESPN and NPR. Florida is ranked third nationally for sex trafficking which caused the Miami-Dade county to make precautions and help to prevent sex trafficking. “It’s a Penalty” is a global campaign using the power of sports to address the issues of human trafficking, where several NFL players have made campaign videos for. Though, during the game there was no recognition towards human sex trafficking, there are many movements and people put on the front lines to help combat this.

The Super Bowl, one day a year that symbolizes our country — and although this is a great day for a lot of people, there are those less fortunate who have to deal with the negative effects of what the sport brings to our country. 

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

A look at Western’s women’s athletics through the ages

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

If one were to look at Western’s varsity athletics in 2020, they’d see six sports offered specifically for women. What might not be so easily seen is the history that went into getting to this point. 

While it’s commonplace to now look at schools and see an equal offering of varsity-level athletics for men and women — largely due to Title IX — it wasn’t always this way. While Western Oregon University was going through its many name changes between the 1920s to the 1970s, it was also going through a large change in the way women were provided access to athletics on campus — through the rise and fall of the Women’s Athletic Association.

The first mention of the WAA at Oregon State Normal School came in 1928 through the yearbook, then titled “The Norm.” By this point, some sports existed for women on campus already. In fact, the women’s basketball team dates back to the beginning of the century. But, it was one of the only sports provided on a varsity-level for women. Therefore the WAA was established to, “promote further interest in athletics for women and good sportsmanship.”

With the WAA came more options for women. The athletic offerings varied over the years, but throughout its time on campus, some sports to choose from included baseball, hiking, basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, folk dancing, archery, horseshoes, tumbling, volleyball and more. 

When it first began, any female student was able to participate. But, by 1930, the WAA made some changes to the rules governing the organization: students had to earn 50 points to remain eligible as a member of this association. 

The point system, as explained in the 1930 “The Norm,” rewarded points to women based on which sport they chose to participate in, and based on how frequently they participated. For instance, if one made “class team” for basketball, they’d earn 100 points. If they were “second class” in basketball, they earned 75 points. If one made varsity in tennis, they’d earn 500 points. If they hiked 100 miles on the hiking team, they’d earn 100 points. To remain eligible as a member, women had to earn 50 points; to become eligible for the Women’s Order of the “O” — which was a way to recognize outstanding athletes — they had to earn 250. And finally, if they were to earn 500 points, they would get a sweater.

Mentionings of the WAA changed abruptly in the 1950s, as it turned from Women’s Athletics Association to Women’s Recreation Association. At this point, it seemed they were no longer considered to be school teams, but rather, intramural teams. There also was no longer a point system; according to the 1950 yearbook “The Grove,” “No exceptional skill or talent is required for these activities and all girls are encouraged to participate.” 

From that point on, the mentions of WRA were lessened by the year. While still a part of campus, it moved from being included with athletics to being grouped with clubs and organizations. Through the 1950s and 1960s, women’s varsity athletic teams did exist on campus — the focus, however, tended to lie on men’s athletics.

The last time WRA is explicitly mentioned in the archives is in the year 1970. After that, it became “Women’s Athletics,” and was considered to be on the same level as men’s sports. This, perhaps, coincides with the passing of Title IX in 1972.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance,” states Title IX under the U.S. Department of Education. 

While there’s no factual proof that Title IX resulted in the death of WRA, there is certainly a reason to speculate. WAA/WRA existed because women wanted to play sports, but they weren’t given the means to play at the level that their male counterparts were. Through Title IX, there was no need for this organization anymore. Women athletics were legally mandated to be offered at the same level as men’s. 

Though the Women’s Athletic/Recreation Association no longer exists at Western, its legacy lives on through the team sports that the organization once spearheaded on this campus.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of WOU wolves

Coffee Talks connects students to local businesses, helps develop career-readiness skills and opens pathways to success

Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor 

Coffee Talks are an ongoing program hosted by the Service Learning and Career Development Center located in the Werner University Center. They are small, comfortable events that connect students with local businesses in the hopes that students will be able to gain more information about a potential career path. Brooke Kline, a Peer Career Advisor under SLCD, said they were created, “with the idea in mind that we wanted students to have a more casual meeting with potential employers,” as opposed to formal recruitment events such as career fairs. 

According to Kline, for students with a genuine interest in the organizations, it’s best to go in with some questions prepared — such as if they are looking to employ people with specific majors — but anyone is welcome and the recruiters are always very passionate talking about what they do.

“We get feedback from quite a few employers saying ‘I’ve met with a lot of great students today who were very interested in our program’ and later on we hear that they actually have a job there,” Kline said of the program’s success rate.

Typically, Coffee Talks occur approximately eight times per term, always falling on Tuesdays between 2-4 p.m. in the WUC near the Wolf Grill and they invite a wide range of organizations to participate. Last Tuesday, Jan. 28, Mustardseed Preschool was invited and the next upcoming organization is the Chintimini Wildlife Center, which will be engaging with students next Tuesday, Feb. 11. If an organization is hiring, their job postings will appear on Handshake, and Coffee Talks sometimes offer resume or application-building workshops as well. Students interested in finding future Coffee Talks can find the full schedule on Handshake, located in the Portal, or refer to Western’s event calendar. 

 

Contact the author howlnews@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

While cases of the Coronavirus dot the map, Oregon is not yet affected and does not anticipate it crossing the borders.

Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor

Coronavirus is a multi-strand respiratory illness that, while newer, has been well-documented. A new strand, 2019-nCoV, caused an outbreak in Wuhan, China and has spread across borders, with 11 confirmed cases appearing in the U.S. — the case closest to Western being in Everett, Washington. An article published by The New York Times on Feb. 3 states that the current amount of deaths from the virus within China equate to 361, exceeding that of the SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003. 

Jennifer King, the Medical Services Director and a Family Practitioner at Western, shared that the virus is highly contagious and spreads through close contact, but also said “the risk is very low for Oregon. We don’t have any cases or contacts from Wuhan, so it’s a very low risk for the university.”

Coronavirus’ symptoms are identical to the flu when they first begin — high fever, cough, difficulty breathing — which become more severe later on. In that regard, the Student Health and Counseling Center wants students to come in or call their health provider if any flu-like symptoms occur. 

“A lot of it is preventable,” said King, who suggested washing hands, covering coughs, staying hydrated, managing stress and not travelling to China currently as basic prevention techniques. 

At the SHCC, Western’s medical professionals will treat flu-like symptoms as they usually would, with the caveat that if they did suspect someone of having the Coronavirus, they would use standard personal protection equipment before contacting the Polk County Health Department.

“We would take direction from them as far as testing goes because we don’t have the test. We would pretty much hand that over immediately to public health and follow CDC recommendations,” said King.

On Coronavirus, King said, “every single day it’s changing as we learn more about it,” but advises against any fear on campus. King said that such an occurrence is extremely unlikely and reminded everyone that comparative to the Coronavirus, 8,000 deaths occured in the U.S last year from the basic flu alone. 

 

Contact the author howlnews@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

Despite Oregon’s increasing high school graduation rate, Western’s enrollment is down 5%, leading to discussion about how Western will attempt to expand enrollment in the future.

Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor

According to The Statesman Journal, over 78% of Oregon high school students graduated within four years between 2017-18 — still the second lowest state in terms of graduation, behind the District of Columbia. At Western, enrollment was down 5% at the beginning of the 2019 school year. But what do these two factors mean regarding Western’s future success? I sat down with Director of Admissions, Rob Findtner, to find out: 

 

Q: With the news that Oregon’s high school graduation rate is much higher this year, do we expect that’s going to affect enrollment next year?

 

A: Well, I think signs right now are pointing in a positive direction for new students. Freshman applications were a little up over 4% compared to last year and then our freshman admits are up 12%, but also our non-resident, out-of-state numbers look positive. However, for the former, they might not yeild as high because they tend to stay closer to home, for family reasons, cost of attendence, etc. But for Fall 2020, things look positive for our freshmen numbers, and for Oregon residents we know that’s a significant part of our population and historically, that’s where we have had success and that’s part of our mission — serving the state of Oregon. Taking care of our Oregon students is crucial to our success and future success. As we think about our outreach as an admissions office, we’re very sensitive to that fact and we make sure to spend time in the state of Oregon, whether that’s Salem-Keizer or Central Oregon, crucial areas for Western. We have students that represent just about every county. Our first priority is the state of Oregon, but we’re also making sure that we’re presenting options for students from Washington and California, including financial incentives like the WUE program. We are trying to cast a wider net for students from Texas, offering a tuition-rate mimicking the WUE program, which has been somewhat of an experiment for us. It’s a little too early to tell, but we are seeing applications from there. What I think is equally important is looking at student demographics. We’re seeing an increase in students who identify as Hispanic or Latinx. President Fuller has been very public about Western aspiring to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution so we have to think about our outreach efforts to make sure we are serving all students and their families and think about our programs and content, whether that’s tour opportunities available in Spanish, etc. So, things look positive for 2020 but we realize that’s also a very competitive environment. There’s many institutions in jeopardy of closing because of low-enrollment and articles detailing what they plan to respond to those challenges, and I think that’s what we face as well. Many institutions are including added incentives into the enrollment process because admissions has become so competitive. And I think for seniors trying to make a decision for what’s best for them and trying to cut through all of that noise, it can be really difficult. 

 

Q: Western has obviously made many new improvements in terms of campus expansion and renovations. What do you think are the biggest reasons for students who’ve decided to come to Western?

 

A: I think one of the biggest pieces is our faculty and their focus being educators and teachers where the students are put first. Western has always been about its students and I give a lot of credit to Dr. Fuller for being the driving force in reinstating what we’re here for in the first place. I think another aspect are the opportunities outside of the classroom that a university of our size can provide, whether that’s being included in Student Media, or to be a student ambassador, or an RA, the size of campus is really conducive to student involvement. Another strength that I hear from students is the diversity of our campus. Sometimes there are some preconceived notions about Western, and then students come to visit and realize it’s more diverse than they thought. The WUE tuition rate is also a draw, but we have some competitive scholarship opportunities for Oregon-residents as well as students outside the state of Oregon. We now have a $1,000 campus visit award so high school seniors or transfer students, if they visit by Feb. 1, qualify for that one-time award as a part of their aid package if they are admitted. It’s helping with our visitation numbers as well, because students who are on the fence about visitation now have a financial incentive. 

 

Q: Do you have any insight into why the enrollment dipped down 5% last year and why it is projected to increase this upcoming year? 

 

A: I think nationally, what we’re seeing is that any time the economy is thriving there is a potential for a negative impact in terms of higher education where someone who is graduating high school might think ‘you know what? A college education is waiting for me’ whereas they might have an employment opportunity already lined up. I think that’s a challenge. And as I mentioned, it’s been competitive as far as the recruitment process goes. Certain states have been offering incentives to stay, and in Oregon we have the Oregon Promise, which gives students the opportunity to go to a community college before transfering. It’s a great program in terms of access to higher education but can pose a challenge in terms of enrollment for first-time freshmen. There are so many factors that can impact a student’s path. We know that what we see the trend to be is that there will be a period of growth in high school graduation rates, but within ten years there could be a decline. It could be a positive in the West currently, but then there will be a dip elsewhere. The general perception is that public universities could be in a good place, but there are concerns about private universities. The East coast is bracing for challenges in terms of graduation rates and might be looking at how they need to survive and looking to the West for that information. What you’re seeing is that certain individuals are hiring regional recruiters to draw students in and minimize enrollment decline, and for many they’re placing recruiters on the West Coast. 

 

Q: Following up on that, we’ve created a few programs here at Western to assist students in transferring with their associates or re-entering higher education at a later time in their life, correct?

 

A: Yes. Whether it’s the advising path or the jump-start aid opportunities or Oregon Promise, we have many incentives for students to choose Western. 

 

Q: For the students who are coming directly from high school and entering the workforce, would you, for one, rather they go into higher education and, two, why?

 

A: It does become very personal. Students can graduate and enter a trade where they can become successful, and maybe that was the right choice for them. For some people, higher education isn’t a good match. But I think that students should think about their career because ultimately, higher education might have a role in that. Say you might have two individuals on a career path and one holds a bachelor’s while the other does not meet the equivalent, and there becomes a point in which there is time to advance. The individual holding the bachelor’s degree has that opportunity. 

 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Tips for those who want to get a new piercing

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Getting a new piercing can be a fun, spontaneous activity when wanting to try something new. I was someone who got their ears pierced when I was very young, but as I got older, I wanted to get more — specifically in my ears. One thing I didn’t realize was just how much work went into taking care of different types of piercings, so I thought I’d jot down a few tips for anyone who is pondering the idea of getting one.

  • Always remember to clean it when necessary. Piercings can get infected very easily if careless, so it’s important to clean the spot every day for at least the first few months — unless instructed otherwise. Many businesses that offer piercings often will include a piercing care kit post-piercing, but for those that don’t have an after-care kit, use a saline solution to keep it from getting infected.
  • Do not take the piercing out until enough time has passed, ensuring that it won’t close. Sometimes the piercing will get infected despite one’s best efforts — and the pain can potentially drive people nuts. Some might think the ideal thing to do is to take the jewelry out, but depending on how much time has passed since it was pierced, it could close very quickly. Others may just be sick of the stud, hoop or bar that is currently being used, however the same problem will happen; it’s important to wait until the hold is healed for a long enough period that it won’t close.
  • Use hypoallergenic jewelry during the healing stage. For example, once it’s okay to switch out earrings, make sure the studs or hoops are safe to put into a new piercing. If the metal on the earring isn’t hypoallergenic, it can irritate the piercing and make it become sore or infected, potentially both. 
  • Don’t let jewelry snag on anything — clothing, hair, bags, etc. — because it will definitely hurt. Become more mindful of the piercing to avoid hurting yourself; having unneeded soreness is a pain and can be easily avoided. Make sure hair isn’t looped around an earring when putting up hair, or wear clothing without mesh or lace so it doesn’t get caught.
  • Finally, try not to touch the piercing too much after it’s first done. Hands can carry a lot of germs, and a newly sensitive area will sap them up easily. It’s cool to see that there’s something new on the face, ear or body, however, for the sake of the piercing, just don’t touch it.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

This week in completely made up horoscopes

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aries 3/21-4/19″] Round 1: FIGHT [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Taurus 4/20-5/20″] You may think that was a good idea, but be honest with yourself… it most surely was not. Have fun fixing it. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Gemini 5/21-6/20″] You want some advice? [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Cancer 6/21-7/22″] An apple a day keeps the doctor away; an apple aimed at his head keeps him away for life. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Leo 7/23-8/22″] Don’t let yourself get overshadowed by the DiCaprios and DiVincis of the world… can’t all be special. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Virgo 8/23-9/22″] 🙁 Virgo, you’re the snack that DOESN’T smile back, and that’s ok 🙂 [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Libra 9/23-10/22″] Take some time to relax Libra. Maybe grab some popcorn, place some bets, and watch the Sagittarii v Capricorns fight it out. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Scorpio 10/23-11/21″] It’s okay, Spring Break is only 54 days away. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Sagittarius 11/22-12/21″] Attack any capricorn you see today 🙂 [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Capricorn 12/22-1/19″] Be safe, you’ll probably get attacked by a sagittarius today. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aquarius 1/20-2/18″] Inserting yourself into the Sag v Cap situation will definitely make it better 🙂 [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Pisces 2/19-3/20″] Steer clear of both Sagittariuses and Capricorns this week. Both are crazy tbh. [/fruitful_tab]

[/fruitful_tabs]

Opinion: Representation in media matters

Caity Healy  | Managing Editor

The other week, I was binge-watching the second season of Netflix’s “You.” Part way into the season, they introduced a d/Deaf/Hard-of-hearing character — it’s not obvious how he identifies, which is why I use both forms of the letter “D” as well as “hard-of-hearing” — as the late husband of a main character. 

I could write a whole other piece about the way that the other characters addressed the d/Deaf character, but that’s not the point I’m making today; rather, I want to focus on how viewers addressed this character, and characters alike.

When I sat down to watch the episode, I had a friend with me. Afterwards, they said something along the lines of, “the problem with having so many d/Deaf characters is that it just isn’t realistic. It throws off the balance.” My reaction? That’s absolutely ridiculous.

To be clear, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard someone say something along these lines. I’ve heard it regarding disabled folks in TV/film, LGBTQ+ in TV/film and I’ve heard it about other minority or other-identifying groups. I’ve heard people say that it bothers them how unrealistic the “overrepresentation” is, and it leaves me with a few questions: is it really overrepresentation or throwing off the balance? Also, in most cases, does it really matter how “realistic” a film or TV show is? Finally, is it really the “accuracy” of the representation that bothers you, or is it internalized bias?

Let’s start with the question of whether it is or is not realistic. According to cdc.gov, 61 million adults in the U.S. have a disability — roughly 1 in 4. So, in order for media to be “accurate,” 1 in 4 characters would need to have a disability. Of course, not all disability is visible. But that’s what’s important — representing folks who identify with all different kinds of disabilities. 

Now let’s answer question two: if realism is really important or not. Unless you’re watching a documentary, or watching a historically-based program, I would argue that it doesn’t matter. We can’t pick and choose when realism is important or not. If it doesn’t bother you that an impossible plot is occurring, it shouldn’t bother you that there is a larger number of minority characters, which brings me to my final point.

Self-reflection is an important practice. If you are bothered by something like this, you might want to ask yourself why. If you can’t whole-heartedly say that it is due to the fact that you find it unrealistic, then it probably has something to do with your internalized bias against folks who identify in ways that you might not. We all have our biases, and if you aren’t reflecting on them, you’ll only perpetuate them.

A change in perspective could do viewers a lot of good if they find themselves upset by this representation in media. The only way to normalize representing the underrepresented, is to simply give them screen time — played by actors who actually identify with their character’s identities. It’s time to become comfortable with the fact that these folks deserve the roles they’re earning. It’s time to realize that these characters are here to stay, and they’re just going to keep coming.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Opinion: Is Western really going to become Hispanic-serving?

Mia Sierra  | Guest Writer

As a Hispanic student, more specifically a Mexican student, one way I like to be involved on campus is by attending M.E.C.H.A. meetings. M.E.C.H.A. — which stands for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán — is a club that seeks to promote Chicano unity and empowerment at Western. In one meeting, the topic of Western becoming a Hispanic Serving Institute came up. This means that 25% or more of students attending Western identify as Hispanic, which will lead to the university getting more money. 

I was surprised when I heard that Western was planning to become Hispanic-serving. First, because I didn’t even think that there were any Hispanic Serving Institutes in the United States, and second, because seemingly no one has talked about it. 

I checked Western’s student racial demographics online. It shows that 60% are white, while Hispanic/Latino students make up about 15%. For a school to be eligible to become a Hispanic Serving Institute, the college or university must have 25% or more Hispanic students enrolled, said Gina Ann Garcia in her book  “Becoming Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Opportunities for Colleges and Universities.”

For Western to become Hispanic-serving, administration must find a way to increase Hispanic enrollment from 15% to 25%. In a speech I found online from Sep. 17, 2018 titled “President’s State of the University Address Rice Auditorium,” President Rex Fuller addresses Western’s goal to become a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

“As one of our objectives in this plan, WOU should embrace the goal of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution. Once achieved, WOU would be the only four-year institution in Oregon with such a designation. To achieve this, we need to see Hispanic enrollment grow from 16% to 25% of total enrollment. Or, we need to grow from just under 800 to 1,200 Hispanic students,” Fuller said.

With the need of increasing Hispanic enrollment, I don’t think that Western will be able to achieve a 25% Hispanic student population. The reason I believe this is because during M.E.C.H.A. meetings, many of the students expressed how they don’t feel represented here at Western. They feel that Western lacks the resources for representation and aid for Hispanic/Latino students. This may cause Hispanic students to transfer to a different university and deter future students from attending Western.   

Although Fuller talks about the goal for Western to become a Hispanic Serving Institute, I noticed that he doesn’t talk about how Western plans to increase Hispanic enrollment, he just talks about what needs to happen. With no plan of action, is Western Oregon University really going to be a Hispanic Serving Institute?

 

Contact the author at mcelest01@gmail.com

Try these date ideas for quickly approaching Valentine’s Day

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day is a time where many people decide to go out on dates — whether it’s a first date with a stranger, or an outing with a long-term partner. In a small community like the Monmouth-Independence area, it can be difficult to find a place to go to. Here are a few suggestions for those thinking of going out on Valentine’s Day.

A simple date can involve going to the movies, and the Independence Cinema isn’t far for those looking to watch one on Valentine’s Day. Located at 450 S. 2nd Street in Independence, it can provide the perfect low-key and relaxing date for a couple of lovebirds. Currently, there are options for those wanting to see a drama, horror or animated film, but the showings for Valentine’s Day are not confirmed. Potentially, couples can choose to watch the upcoming horror “Fantasy Island,” the fun fantasy “Sonic the Hedgehog” or the romantic drama “The Photograph.” For those that want to inquire at showtimes, they can go to the website independencecinema8.com, or call (503) 606-3000. Closed-captioning devices are available at the front desk at each showing.

Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar is nearby for those wanting to eat something sweet with their sweetheart. In addition to desserts and champagne, the establishment also has various things to choose from for a lunch date. Jubilee Champagne and Dessert is located at 296 S Main St. in Independence, and is open Tues.–Fri. 3–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. If a more sophisticated and romantic dinner is the goal, try Roberts Crossing in Salem, which has an extensive dinner and drink menu. Roberts Crossing is in Salem at 3635 River Road South and is open Tue.–Thu. 4–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 4–9:30 p.m. and Sunday 4–8:30 p.m. More information can be found on Jubilee’s Instagram (@jubilee.champagne.dessert) and Facebook, and Roberts Crossing’s website robertscrossing.com.

While these places can be great for going out, a nice night in at home can be a perfect alternative for those that would rather stay in or save money. A romantic night at home can involve cooking a meal together, snuggling up under a blanket to watch a movie, baking something sweet, painting together or anything else that comes to mind.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Planning the perfect Super Bowl party

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Snacks: For most parties, snacks are some of the most important must-haves. People will graze on chips while watching TV, or start a conversation over the appetizers. An easy set up is an assortment of chips in large bowls sporadically placed around, or, if chips aren’t preferred, use pretzels and popcorn, or a combination of all of these to provide variety. Other finger foods that can be prepared with minimal effort are mozzarella cheese sticks, mini corn dogs or hot dogs, pizza rolls or various fruit and vegetable platters. Alternatively, simply ordering a pizza is a quick way to provide food for a larger group of people. 

For those that decide on chips, try making one of these dips to pair with it.

ONION DIP

Start to finish: ~1 hour

1 packet of onion dip seasoning

16 ounces of sour cream

Add sour cream to a bowl with the onion dip seasoning. Mix together thoroughly and let it sit for at least an hour before serving. Alternatively, seasoning can be poured straight into the sour cream container.

BACON CHEESEBURGER DIP

Start to finish: 40 minutes

½ pound ground beef

6 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 small onion, diced

1 clove garlic, chopped

4 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup mozzarella, shredded

¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once finished, drain the grease from the pan and set it aside. Cook the bacon in the same pan until crispy for about 6–10 minutes. Set aside and save a tablespoon of the grease.

Add onion to the pan with the bacon grease and saute until tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Mix the ground beef, bacon, onions and garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, ½ of the cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and ketchup together in a large bowl. Pour into a baking dish.

Bake in a preheated oven (350 °F) until the top starts to turn a light golden brown and bubbling, taking about 20–25 minutes. A few minutes before it is done, add ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and a ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese to the top and stick it back in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with warm tortilla chips.

Recipe from wishesndishes.com

 

Decorations: No party is complete without decorations, but they don’t have to be extravagant. Red, white and yellow or gold — depending on the preference of team — can serve as the palette for decorations. Something simple like streamers can liven up a room in no time. They can be hung up where the wall meets the ceiling or arranged in the doorway in an alternating pattern. Draping all three colors on a bare wall will make for a fun, themed photo opportunity to prove just how lively the day was. 

Another decoration choice is a banner; many stores offer blank ones that can be customized specifically, or a cheaper route is to buy one and write on it. Pennant banners can come in a variety of colors to match the theme of the party, and can be relatively low cost. Take a black, gold or silver sharpie and go crazy with writing witty slogans.

Finally, either buying or making football shaped wall adornments can bring it all together. Some stores that have decorations for sale will likely have something like this, or drawing a football on printer or construction paper and cutting them out will also work just fine. Creating the decoration could also be a fun activity for those that are setting up the party.

 

Dressing up: Repping one of the teams is a must for those attending or hosting a Super Bowl party. The easy way to do this is by wearing a jersey of the preferred team, but, for those that don’t own a Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers jersey, opt to wear a shirt with the team logo or that matches the respective team’s colors. For die-hard fans of either team, try decking out fully in the team’s colors — match pants with a top to create an all red outfit, or try pairing fun socks or a beanie with the rest of the ensemble.

For those who want to take their team spirit to the next step, try using face paint. It’ll stand out in photos and can be an entertaining activity for anyone that attends. Get prepped beforehand, or plan something for the guests to do before the game begins. Set up a painting station with face paint and brushes — or markers that are safe to use on the face — and have the guests line up and start. If everyone has the same thing drawn on their faces, take a group selfie to show off some team spirit.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy (jersey)

Photos by Rylie Horrall (decorations and chips)

Monday meditation methods to ease the soul

Sean Martinez  | Copy Editor

With midterms looming on the horizon, getting into a relaxed state of mind can be challenging for students. One of the more helpful ways of achieving that is through meditation. There are many different practices, ranging from sitting in one place to simply walking around the block. 

Dr. Lars Söderlund, the Chair of the English Department, leads a Meditation Club in the hopes of providing students with an outlet to reduce stress. 

For the past five years, Söderlund has utilized all kinds of meditations. The first method Söderlund explained was ‘concentration meditation.’ It’s one of the most commonly practiced meditations, which involves sitting in a comfortable place, with eyes closed and directing one’s attention to a single thing at a time. This can be breathing, posture, physical pain, anything. The aim is to be aware of the things the mind is focusing on. If the mind starts to sway off topic, try to shift the focus back to the initial focus.

“You can be more or less specific, you just want to make sure that you’re acknowledging what’s happening and moving back to the breath,” Söderlund said. 

Another form of meditation that Söderlund recommended is ‘loving-kindness.’ The ‘loving-kindness’ meditation, or Maitrī, is a Buddhist meditation method that wishes goodwill to oneself and others. Phrases can begin with ‘May I be happy’ or ‘May I be healthy and safe,’ but the phrases can be whatever is desired. These phrases can also be wished upon other people — loved ones, acquaintances, disagreeable people or even the whole world.

“And when I do that everyday I feel like a million bucks,” Söderlund added. 

Söderlund’s overall favorite meditation is called “do nothing.” The instructions are straight-forward — sit in one place and allow the mind to go wherever it wants to go. This strategy in particular can be helpful to students as it’s normal to have random, recurring thoughts happen in the middle of class. Dedicating some time to let these thoughts loose can be a huge relief. 

“I’ve had the greatest revelations while doing it,” Söderlund said. “You realize your brain kinda runs on autopilot.” 

These are just a few of several meditation methods. Söderlund also says that meditations can be done with apps — there are several — or they can be self-guided. Meditation Club takes place in Bellamy Hall room 122 every Monday from 5-6 p.m. 

 

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

Get to know local college band Laundry in this Q&A

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Read on to learn more about the local college band, Laundry, in this Q&A style interview.

 

Can you tell me a bit about how this band got started?

We met in the UO dorms as freshman and all started going to house shows together. We started playing in the basement of our building near the laundry rooms — hence the name. 

 

Who is all in the band? What role does each musician play?

Cal plays bass and sings. Riley plays guitar and sings. Kiki plays guitar and sings. Nik plays drums. 

 

How would you describe your style of music?

We usually say we play dream rock, but we have a hard time answering that question — we have a lot of different influences. Please let us know if you have any idea what genre we are. 

 

What would be the perfect album for your band and what does that mean?

A perfect album has to be creative and consistent, while still being accessible enough to connect with listeners. There can’t be any filler tracks!

 

What is the process for producing music?

All four of us are songwriters, so Laundry songs wind up reflecting a ton of different influences. We take our songs to the band and all try to capture the original intent of the piece the best we can. Most of our songs wind up being played live for months before they make it into an album — we’re always trying out new material so we never get bored. 

 

What is the best part about playing your music live?

We’re just extremely grateful to have an audience who is familiar with our music and is willing to trek out to shows every weekend. The Eugene arts scene is crazy active and we probably wouldn’t be a band if it weren’t for all the local support. 

 

What is your goal when it comes to producing music?

We really love playing shows and making albums that people listen to. Our goal is to sustain that cycle as long as we can! 

 

Who are your role models or inspirations for creating music?

We have extremely diverse music preferences among our members — our songwriting heroes include Big Thief, Billy Joel, King Giz and everything in between. 

 

If your music was a color, what color would it be?

The Color Blue (Affirmation, 2019). 

 

Where can your music be found?

You can find our music on Spotify, Apple Music and all the major streaming services. We also have CDs and tapes available at our shows or via Instagram direct message @laundrytheband.   

   

Are you working on any projects currently?

We are in the late production stages of a new album that we all are crazy excited about. It’ll be out on Apr. 25!

 

Where will you be performing next?

We’re playing at Interzone in Corvallis on Feb. 8, WOW Hall in Eugene on Feb. 27, Cruz Room in Portland on March 31, and house parties in Eugene almost every weekend. 

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Roensch

Not quite an album, but enough to excite fans: Kaleo releases new songs

Emily Hedges  | Freelancer

Kaleo, an Icelandic band, released two new songs on Jan. 15, which shocked many fans considering the last album they released was in 2016. While fans may not have had new music for four years, Kaleo has still been performing around the world. The two songs “Break My Baby” and “I Want More” fit perfectly with their 2016 album “A/B.” A blues-rock feel with hints of folk/singer-songwriter, fans have been more than pleased with the new songs and hope for more soon.

The first song “I Want More” is filled with acoustic guitar and a soft melody of poetic lines. This song has a light-hearted feeling of wanting more in a relationship. Lead singer and guitarist JJ Julius Son, leads us through a relationship when the past was better and how he wants that back again; how he is willing to follow her wherever she goes. I would compare this song to “Automobile” which is on “A/B”; “Automobile” is a song about someone wanting to get away and go wherever the car takes them. Both of these songs bring a light-hearted and optimistic feel of wanting to get away or be with someone you love deeply.  

“Break My Baby” has a contrasting sound to “I Want More” with heavy drums and an electric guitar. JJ Julius Son’s voice, now deeper and soulful, sings about distrust and lies. This brings similarities to their song “Broken Bones” which talks about selling your soul to the devil to live a better life. 

Overall review: While after four years of no new music fans were a little disappointed that it wasn’t a new album, these songs still bring the same feel of the beloved “A/B,” leaving fans and new listeners two very different songs to listen to and enjoy. I would highly recommend these songs along with their 2016 album. 

 

Contact the author at ehedges15@mail.wou.edu

Album review of Halsey’s self-exploration album “Manic”

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Halsey released her third studio album on Jan. 17 by the name, “Manic” which featured her 2018 Billboard Hot 100 number one hit “Without Me.”

This album was a heavy-hitter; it covered mental health, emotionally abusive relationships and struggles with self-love; she didn’t hold anything back.

The first track titled “Ashley” is a real start to a new Halsey era, exposing her true identity “Ashley Nicolette Frangipane” and what she has gone through in her career. In the Spotify storyline feature, Halsey said, “This is an introduction but it’s also a cautious goodbye,” reflecting on how her audience would be affected should she ever “disappear.” This was a pretty dark song, but an essential way to start her album.

Halsey described her second song “clementine” via Spotify storyline feature as, “… a pinnacle moment for ‘Manic.’ It’s when I really saw my inner self and inner child come through in sound as well as the lyrics. You can hear two voices.” She refers to the calm and collected Halsey singing while Ashley yells impulsively in the background — a culmination of who she is and how she longs to be in the world.

The third song, “Graveyard” is one of my favorites. The catchy beat is inviting, and the meaning is deep. Halsey croons about loving someone who is in a bad place and without realizing, following them too far — far enough that it is detrimental to one’s own health.

“You should be sad” has an almost country twang to the guitar and vocals as Halsey sings about how happy she is to not have gone further in a relationship with someone who she describes as a terrible person. This is believed to be about her ex G-Eazy who was addicted to drugs and cheated on Halsey several times throughout their relationship.

While a lot of Halsey’s album focuses on the faults of her exes  that did more harm than good, she also acknowledges her own faults and battles, such as in her song “Forever… (is a long time)” which discusses how her paranoia and anxiety that can harm a relationship.

The three interludes in “Manic” cover three types of love, featuring three different artists. The first one, “Dominic’s Interlude” features Dominic Fike and is about brotherly love. The second “Alanis’ Interlude” with Alanis Morissette is about loving women and sexual and professional empowerment. And the third “SUGA’s Interlude” is where SUGA of BTS touches on self-love.

“I HATE EVERYBODY” is an important song for Halsey regarding her self-image. Her self-worth can often be equated by what other celebrities think is valuable, so she gets with them to earn that same respect that people have for such a star, and she is sick of it.

Halsey’s song “3am” is reminiscent to the style of the early 2000s with the heavy guitar and belting vocals, and touches further on her need for acceptance and love, and the fear of being alone and undervalued. 

One of Halsey’s most intimate and vulnerable songs on the album has to be “More” which ties in her longing for love — while not necessarily romantic — and to someone who does not exist. Halsey has opened up about having endometriosis and having several miscarriages, and has recently discovered she can have children; at the end of “More,” a sonogram can be heard beeping as the song fades out.

Overall Review: Halsey’s album “Manic” is a manifesto pushing past the heartache and pain she experienced in relationships to who she is as a person and how she has developed throughout the years. I resonated with what Western Howl staff member Ashlynn Norton said when she expressed that, “Halsey’s new album is the poetic self-help book for turning away love and people.” Every song on the album hits heavy while still being something to dance to or cry to; an all around great exploration of Ashley.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of http://www.manicthealbum.com/

Podcasts, convenient and endlessly entertaining:

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Podcasts are a form of fictional or nonfictional storytelling online, which have been around since at least 2004, but it wasn’t until 2017 that they started rising in popularity. The sheer amount of podcasts available can be daunting when approaching. So, I have compiled a list of what I believe are some of the best podcasts in 2020.

  1. “And That’s Why We Drink”: This, in my opinion, has the perfect blend of genres to listen to. This podcast features two friends, Christine and Emily, who drink wine and milkshakes while discussing true crime stories and ghost stories, all while having playful banter and providing lots of comedic relief. A good laugh, while intertwined with dark and interesting history.
  2. “Spooked”: Hosted by Glynn Washington, this podcast immerses the listener with tales of the supernatural, while incorporating scary sound effects to create an absolutely chilling tale of horror. These are also based on nonfictional experiences, and the reactions of those dealing with ghosts is interesting to hear.
  3. “Sooo Many White Guys”: Contrary to the title of this podcast, it features those who are not white guys, allowing artists who are women and people of color on the show to discuss difficult subject matter, like obstacles which heterosexual white men can avoid. The host, comedian Phoebe Robinson, jokes casually with her guests, and makes listeners feel like they are sitting right there.
  4. “Gay Future”: This fictional podcast covers a hilarious dystopian society in 2062 where everyone is gay, except for Mikey Pence who must save the world from the authoritarian gay agenda. It flips homophobia upside down but isn’t hurtful or snarky. It is an interesting listen and incredibly fast-paced.
  5. “Blackout”: This is a post-apocalyptic thriller with Rami Malek as the host, intertwining authentic audio that instills fear into the listeners. This fictional tale set in New Hampshire after a nationwide power outage; is a truly unsettling podcast that is interesting every step of the way.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of https://www.andthatswhywedrink.com/

Wolves have first meet at the University of Portland

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

This last weekend, Jan. 25 and 26, the Western Track and Field team stuck closer to home, competing at the University of Portland. This was the first time any of the Wolves had ever competed here and what a surprise it was.

Entering into the facility, everything sparkled and seemed new and exciting until one saw the track. The track was not banked, having a slight tilt, and there were only three lanes, making each heat very small or too crowded. Spectators had a difficult time viewing the competitions due to the basketball stands being built on the outside of the lanes, causing blocked views all the way around. There were small gaps where viewers could see runners, and after a few seconds they were out of view. This track measured out to be 240 meters, comparative to University of Washington’s 307 meters and Washington State University’s which is 200 meters, making it difficult for runners to keep track of where they actually were in their race. Though the track was different the Wolves proved to overcome and make it the top results.

In the Men’s 800 Hunter Hutton, sophomore, placed second with a time of 1:56.4, followed by Emmett Klus, first year, and Trey Reed, junior, taking sixth and seventh. 

Hunter Mosman, a junior, placed seventh overall in the Men’s 3000 with a time of 8:41.83 — Mosman’s first time running the 3K since high school. The Wolves’ 4×400 meter relay men’s team took first with a time of 3:24.75, starting with Deshaun Stevens, a first year, to Reed, to Klus and finishing with Max Carmona, sophomore. The Wolves also had men that finished with top marks in the high jump, long jump and weighted throw.

In the Women’s 60 meter dash, Maya Hopwood, first-year, took first with a time of 7.62 and first in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.10. Following those, Ana Popchock, a junior, and Bethanie Altamirano, sophomore, took ninth and tenth in the 400 meter dash. 

In the mile event, Jillian Greene, first-year, placed second with a time of 5:10.79. The 60 meter hurdles called for two Wolves placing, both Popchock and Jenelle Hurley, first-year. Kalulusno Ngaida, sophomore, took first again in the high jump followed by Hurley and Darian Wilson, a junior, in the long jump. Ending the women’s events was Moana Gianotti, junior, who threw 15.06 meters in the weighted throw, placing first overall.

Next week the Wolves head back up to Washington to compete in the University of Washington Invitational on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Photo by Hannah Greene

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