The Western Howl – Page 59 – The Western Howl

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

Most people will never be able to fully understand the scope of what artificial intelligence does because we don’t have attention spans that last any longer than a low-effort TikTok.

Years ago, the idea of robots doing work for humans felt like a far-out euphoric concept. Today, most of us are scared of it. The concept of Artificial Intelligence, commonly referred to as AI, and how far it has come within the past couple of years has been discussed endlessly, but that is because it is still in its beginning stages.

The diminishment of jobs, uncertainty and the often overplayed “robot takeover” are all reasons for concern, but the fact of the matter is, we aren’t doing anything of great value anyway.

Just look at this country, we fight over “job” creation that has people pumping gas or working in coal mines, pick our leaders from two separate sides of the same rotten tree that we call politics and point fingers at each other while the economy continues to plummet. These are just a few issues within our own borders because issues outside of that aren’t even civil enough to poke fun at.

Put simply, Artificial Intelligence is scary to us because other humans have access to it. So much of the public finds themselves worked up about how we can stop AI from helping students plagiarize homework, how to watermark AI deep fakes or art pieces or how we can limit access to AI overall. Public conversations surrounding the topic have begun to focus on how we can dumb down the software to limit our own shortcomings, rather than improve it to make headway on serious issues that AI assistance can be beneficial to.

Almost every single one of these issues is not truly a matter of Artificial Intelligence, they are people issues. Artificial Intelligence is a tool, and just like every tool, it has multiple uses, many of which can be negative. Take motorized saws for example, we would not be as far along as a civilization if it was not for them and their evolution from simple blades to rotary tools. If we tried to keep saws as simple as we could for human safety, present-day commercial construction would be merely impossible.

For now, there is little reason to do anything more than be cautious and enjoy the funny videos of politicians playing Minecraft. As we navigate the future of Artificial Intelligence, let’s not forget that we hold the power to shape its impact on society.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

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John Wick movies ranked

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Content warning: contains spoilers for “John Wick: Chapter 4”

The “John Wick” movie universe returned on March 24 with the release of the fourth installment, “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which left audiences reeling with unexpected shock. Here are all four movies in the franchise — ranked from worst to best, by the News Editor — as audiences question whether or not to mourn the beloved protagonist.

4 — “John Wick: Chapter 2” (2017)

Ranking on Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

The second installment of the franchise continues right after the violent events of the previous movie, which arrive to haunt John Wick and permanently kick him out of retirement. As far as sequels go, I thought the movie was good. There were significantly fewer action sequences than in the first installment, which was disappointing. Frankly, the middle of the movie left me on the brink of snoring. However, I have to give them credit for the fight sequence in the mirror cabinet, as well as the shocking and bleak ending that plagued me for weeks.

3 — “John Wick” (2014)

Ranking on Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

The inaugural movie which introduces the audience to the character of John Wick received mixed critic reviews. This was the film that established John Wick as the bada–, titular character known as “Baba Yaga,” successfully managing to instill fear amongst audiences and the assassin underworld. Even though it was the lowest-rated movie in the franchise, the movie was heavily packed with both action and emotion, which I believe makes it a strong contender for the position as one of the top three movies in the series.

2 — “John Wick: Parabellum” (2019)

Ranking on Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

This movie cements the legacy of the John Wick universe as possibly the best action or neo-noir film series. In my opinion, the most daring and unrestrained movie in the series — “John Wick: Parabellum” goes heavy with gore and violence, which functions well in adding to the thrilling intensity of the stakes at play. This was the film that truly left me terrified for John Wick’s survival.

1 — “John Wick: Chapter 4” (2023)

Ranking on Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

In the alleged “final” installment of the franchise, “John Wick: Chapter 4” follows John Wick on the run from the villainous “Powers That Be” — the High Table. The movie put to rest a long-standing debate regarding the shocking betrayal by the character of Winston Scott, the manager of The Continental Hotel, in the third film. This was the perfect movie to wrap up the beloved franchise, as well as the story of the weary and heartbroken but formidable assassin — even if, at times, I felt the long runtime to be excessive. Moreover, the fight scenes and long-range shots were excellent, appearing straight out of a video game.

Keanu Reeves is a fantastic actor, and a perfect casting for a character in a franchise that grew with time in size, scope and success. I am content with the ending of the series. However, if Keanu Reeves decides to return with the mantle, I will happily line up to watch him in theaters once again.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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Instrumental beats

Written by: Gretchen Sims

“Satellites” — Cavement

“Out For a Walk” — Same as Different

“Sidewalking” — Jazzdroid

“humify” — hope mona

“When You’re Gone” — Piano Guys

“Purple love” — Discant Of Venus

“Titanium – David Guetta” — Eklipse

“Happy Ending” — rjoseph

“A Thousand Miles” — Josh Vietti

“Travel by Night” — Itsuju

“Time After Time” — Celestial Aeon Project

“All of Me” — The Piano Guys

“For the Love of a Princess” — 2CELLOS

“Soul Dreaming” — Zmeyev, flowless

“Afterglow” — AWL

“Close To You” — Tang Jia

“Curious” — Lushi

“The Martian Nextdoor” — Keyser

“10,000 Hours (Instrumental Version)” — Laura Sullivan

“Pirates of the Caribbean” — 2CELLOS

“Angel of Music” — Laclede Quartet

“All I Ask of You” — Laclede Quartet

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

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Ghibli in theater

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Anime fans across campus listen up. It is everyone’s dream to go back in time and be able to watch their favorite anime for the first time all over again. What if one is now able to achieve the next best thing?

Studio Ghibli movies are often a staple, almost a gateway drug, for most anime fans — usually the first film an experienced viewer will recommend to an anime viewer. These heartwarming films may even be a core memory in many childhoods. What if the fantasy of traveling back in time to watch one’s favorite Studio Ghibli film for the first time is practically achievable?

Fathom Events, a leader in the entertainment industry and a top distributor of content to movie theaters, hosts an annual Studio Ghibli Fest to showcase all the groundbreaking films by Hayao Miyazaki. This Fest is meant to celebrate the ongoing impact that Studio Ghibli continues to have on the animation industry. These unique and beautiful animes are beloved by fans across the world.

This year, Studio Ghibli Fest 2023 is showing at local cinemas. Here is a list of one’s favorite Studio Ghibli films that one can attend as well as their showing times.

“SPIRITED AWAY: Live on Stage” — April 23 and 27

“Ponyo 15th Anniversary” — May 7, 8 and 10

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” — June 11, 12 and 14

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” — July 9 and 11

“Castle in the Sky” — July 10 and 12

“Princess Mononoke” — Aug. 5, 7, 8 and 9

“Porco Rosso” — Aug. 20 and 22

“The Wind Rises 10th Anniversary” — Aug. 21 and 23

“Howl’s Moving Castle” — Sept. 23, 24, 25 and 27

“Spirited Away” — Oct. 28, 29, 30, 31 and Nov. 1

Showings may either be in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed. Depending on one’s preference, be sure to check out these showings in a theater near you or visit Fathom Event’s Studio Ghibli Fest homepage at fathomevents.com/series/studio-ghibli-fest.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

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Welcome home, neighbor

Written by:Mikayla Coleman

Content warning: this article contains themes pertaining to psychological horror

Nostalgia — derived from the Greek words “notos,” meaning return, and “algos” meaning pain — has been a hot commodity in the contemporary art, horror and gaming scenes. Modern games such as “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “Undertale” have enthralled audiences with the feeling of longing for the past and simultaneously terror-filled experiences. A new alternate reality game has hit the scene with a wonderful harmony between the horrific and the familiar — “Welcome Home.”

“Welcome Home” is an interactive horror alternative reality game, or ARG, where users explore a website by clicking, highlighting and isolating images to unravel the mystery surrounding a beloved and forgotten 1970s children’s television show.

“You are to accompany a colorful cavalcade of puppets as their beloved neighborhood begins to skew and distort into a nightmarish memory that they can barely recall. Through illustrated books, recordings and an array of old merchandise, you will find what dwells within this colorful home,” says the project’s creator, Clown.

Despite its bright and friendly appearance, through exploring, audiences will become attuned to the dark underbelly of the world of the neighborhood.

The game’s cast consists of several muppet-inspired characters with their own unique quirks, including Eddie Dear, Howdy Pillar, Barnaby B. Beagle, Frank Frankly, Julie Joyful, Sally Starlet, Poppy Partridge and the series’ beloved main character, Wally Darling. A thorough description of each character, detailing their individual attributes, interests and relationships, is listed on the project’s website, which can be accessed at www.clownillustration.com/welcomehomeyou.

Clown, the artist behind ClownIllustrations, is a Northern Californian artist specializing in illustration and character design. Clown is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio arts. Their artistic interests are vast, including sewing, building puppets and creating stories and art that blur the line between macabre and delightful topics.

“Welcome Home is a way to explore what I can do as an artist and try out new things, especially with limited materials” says Clown.

The production of “Welcome Home” has been in progress since 2018, and with good reason. Clown’s immense attention to detail is what gives Welcome Home an immense amount of utterly-70s charm and believability.

Recently, “Welcome Home” has gone viral on a multitude of social media platforms, particularly Tiktok and Youtube, where fans of the game have shared their theories and findings while poking around on the project website. The project is still in-progress, but has a massive audience waiting for the continuation of the friendly and freaky friends that make up “Welcome Home.”

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

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Snowshoeing in the spring

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Is there a snow covered mountain one has been wanting to explore? Wait no longer, snowshoeing is much more accessible than it seems. All of one’s beloved trails can be experienced with a whole new snowy landscape that completely changes its typical look. Sound intriguing? Below is a guide of how to prepare and what to watch out for when snowshoeing.

What should one wear? — Layers, layers and more layers. On the drive up to a trail, one can wear some kind of leggings or loose pants, long sleeves and a hoodie. Upon arrival, put on a pair of snow pants, a thick jacket and gloves.

What should one bring? — A backpack comes in handy to put one’s gloves or even the jacket into, or tied onto, due to getting hot from exercising. Ski or trekking poles come in handy when snowshoeing up or down hill as well. It is also good to pack some hardy snacks or a lunch. Lots of calories are burned while snowshoeing, making it critical that one listens to their body, giving themselves the proper nourishment and staying hydrated. Depending on how long one takes sitting in the snow to eat their food, one’s hands can get pretty cold, making it unenjoyable to pick up small food items. Examples of lightweight food options include peanut butter roll ups, protein bars or fruit leathers.

How does one know they are still on the right trail? — When one’s surroundings are covered in multiple feet of snow, it can be easy to get confused about where one is going. Depending on how popular the trail is and the time of day, there should be a human made trail from snowshoers earlier in that day. Many trails have light blue diamond signs posted on trees for guidance. Traditionally, these are marked for cross country skiers, but they help snowshoers just the same. They are posted high up to prevent them from getting covered in snow. Something to be aware of is that some trees with diamonds could have fallen or burned down from forest fires. This means that the trail may not be perfectly pinned out. If one finds themselves in this situation, keep in mind where a current diamond is and walk for a few minutes in one direction to spot the next diamond.

Something to think about — Before starting the adventure, check the weather forecast. Snowstorms are nothing to joke about. If one is in the clear, it’s still good to keep in mind what one would do in case of an emergency. If caught in a storm, one way to keep safe is by digging out a snow cave next to a tree. Leaving out poles in an “x” can help helicopters spot the enclosure if it gets that extreme.

Typical things that could be seen — Snowshoeing in Oregon is more common than one may think. Expect to see some groups and a few dogs along one’s journey. Encountering a communal cabin for people to stay for the night to ski or snowboard down the trail the next morning is also a possibility.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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Sunshine sugar cookie

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Need an innovative spring dessert to brighten one’s day? These sunshine sugar cookies are great to bring to a dinner party or to snack on throughout the week. With just a few steps, low cost ingredients and a bit of effort, one will be tasting citrusy sunshine in no time.

SUNSHINE SUGAR COOKIES

Start to finish: 35 minutes

Yields: 14 cookies

Homemade or packaged sugar cookie dough

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ lemon

1 key lime

½ blood orange

½ orange

1 cup powdered sugar

Start by preheating the oven to 350℉. On a cutting board, sprinkle the majority of the flour. With the rest of the flour, dust a rolling pin. Roll out the cookie dough until it is a fourth of an inch thick. Using drinking glasses as a cookie cutter, create 14-16 round cookies. If one has flower or sunshine shaped cookie cutters, this is a great time to put them to use. Place shaped cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet, then put into the oven. Cook as instructed on packaging. Once the cookies are done, let them cool. While the cookies are cooling, divide the powdered sugar into four small bowls. With a small grater, grate a teaspoon of zest from each fruit, set aside separately. In each bowl squeeze the desired amount of juice from each fruit to the assigned bowl. Keep in mind that the more juice is in the sugar, the more runny the icing will be. When the icings are to one’s liking, drizzle or smear icing on each cookie. Sprinkle the zest on top of the cookies assigned to each fruit.

If one is in a time crunch, purchase cooked sugar cookies. One can also choose to go with one citrus fruit for the icing and garnish instead of four.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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AI may not be as scary as it seems

John Wick movies ranked

Instrumental beats

Ghibli in theater

Welcome home, neighbor

Snowshoeing in the spring

Sunshine sugar cookie

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