Mount Hood

Turn up the volume on these albums in May

Upgrade your summer playlist with these artists 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Summer is all about taking a load off and relaxing with a playlist that sets the mood, which is why it’s so important to find the latest jams. New music is released constantly on multiple platforms, and it can be difficult to stay up to date with all of the latest up-and-coming artists. Ranging from old favorites like Aly & AJ, twenty one pilots and St. Vincent, there’s more than one artist to add to the summertime playlist. Between Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, music lovers everywhere can enjoy these albums released in May. 

May 6: 

  • “Convocations” — Sufjan Stevens 

May 7:

  • “Ashlyn” — Ashe
  • “a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun” — Aly & AJ
  • “Better Mistakes” — Bebe Rexha
  • “Blood Bunny” — Chloe Moriondo
  • “Here And Now” — Kenny Chesney
  • “Latest Record Project: Volume 1” — Van Morrison
  • “The Marfa Tapes” — Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall
  • “Tuck Me In EP” — boy pablo  
  • “Van Weezer” — Weezer

May 14: 

  • “Be Right Back” — Jorja Smith 
  • “Daddy’s Home” — St. Vincent 
  • “Delta Kream” — The Black Keys
  • “High Dive” — Shaed 
  • “The Off-Season” — J. Cole 
  • “parallel universe pt.1” — Alania Castillo
  • “Unbothered” — Lil Skies 
  • “Why No Why” — Mob Rich 

May 21:

  • “All I Know So Far: Setlist” — P!nk
  • “Amidst the Chaos: Live at the Hollywood Bowl” — Sara Bareilles
  • “Body Language” — Blake Shelton 
  • “Circle of Days” — Hippy Death Cult
  • “Harmony House” — Dayglow
  • “Long Lost” — Lord Huron  
  • “Nightmare on Elmfield Road” — CLOVES
  • “Scaled and Icy” — twenty one pilots  
  • “Sour” — Olivia Rodrigo 
  • “WINK” — CHAI 

May 28:

  • “Are You Kidding?” — Nicole Millar 
  • “Bloom EP” — Of Mice and Men 
  • “Cavalcade” — black midi
  • “Drinking With My Smoking Friends” — Allday
  • “Hi” — Texas 
  • “Reprise” — Moby 
  • “The Resurrection” — Bugzy Malone 
  • “The Voice of the Heroes” — Lil Baby and Lil Durk 
  • “You Hear Georgia” — Blackberry Smoke

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Add these popular e-books to your virtual librar

Find your next page-turner with one of these e-books

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a captivating book and flipping through the pages, but there’s more than one way to enjoy a solid read. E-books, or electronic books, offer a convenient and simple way to discover new authors and novels. Plus, they typically have a “read-aloud” feature, which lets folks enjoy their book whenever and however they want. Kindle has countless bestsellers, all which range in genres and price points. With countless options readily available, there’s bound to be something for every avid reader out there.

  • “After Alice Fell: A Novel” by Kim Taylor Blakemore 
  • “The Bad Seed” by Jory John
  • “Bridgerton: The Duke & I” by Julia Quinn
  • “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr.
  • “A Deadly Influence” by Mike Omer
  • “The Four Winds: A Novel” by Kristin Hannah
  • “Hadley and Grace: A Novel” by Suzanne Redfearn 
  • “If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood” by Gregg Olsen
  • “In an Instant” by Suzanne Redfearn 
  • “Infinite” by Brian Freeman
  • “The Last Sister (Columbia River Book 1)” by Kedra Elliot
  • “The Light Through the Leaves: A Novel” by Glendy Vanderah 
  • “The Midnight Library: A Novel” by Matt Haig
  • “The Moonlight Child” by Karen McQuestion 
  • “The Next Wife” by Kiara Rouda 
  • “Not One of Us” by Debbie Herbet
  • “The Other Emily” by Dean Koontz
  • “The Shadow Box” by Juanne Rice 
  • “Temptation (The Hunted Series Book 1)”  by Ivy Smoak 
  • “The Vanishing Half: A Novel” by Brit Bennett 
  • “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
  • “The Wedding Game” by Meghan Quinn
  • “West with Giraffes: A Novel” by Lynda Rutledge 
  • “When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel” by Barbara O’Neal
  • “Where the Lost Wander: A Novel” by Amy Harmon

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Waste the day away with these popular entertainment apps

Find out why people love these free apps

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Apps can make life so much easier, and they can also be a great way to waste time in between assignments or Zoom meetings. These latest apps can provide much needed entertainment any time of day, and most have received high ratings and reviews. From all the different app stores available, these are just a few of the hottest games and apps out right now.  

Games:

  • “Tetris” ⏤ The world’s famous block puzzle game, now with daily challenges and group matches. 
  • “The Sims Mobile” ⏤  Create a unique online world with customizable characters, homes, friendships and lifestyles. 
  • “8 Ball Pool” ⏤  With one vs. one matches or eight player tournaments, any fans of pool can enjoy playing this game. 
  • “UNO!” ⏤  The popular card game has gone virtual, now with leaderboards and real time matches.
  • “Two Dots” ⏤  A puzzle game that propels two dots through an artistic world.
  • “Super Mario Run” ⏤  Control Mario’s running by tilting the phone, and help him navigate all the different worlds in the game. 
  • “SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off” ⏤  Put those cooking skills to the test in this fast-paced cooking game.
  • “Tangle Master 3D” ⏤  Try to detangle the ropes by trying out all the possibilities.
  • “BitLife”⏤  In this creative life simulator, people can pick and choose exactly how their life goes, and see how everything pans out.
  • “Hello Neighbor” ⏤  A combination of a puzzle, adventure and horror game, players’ stealth and skills will be put to the test.

Outdoor:

  • “Footpath Route Planner” ⏤  Track a long walk or short run with this app and its customizable navigation.
  • “AllTrails: Hike, Bike, & Run” ⏤ Discover all the hiking, biking and running trails in any area.
  • “Topo Maps+” ⏤ This app provides a reliable and portable map for any destination.
  • “Wavve Boating- Easy Marine GPS” ⏤  Stay safe in the water with this navigation app, or mark a few favorite boating spots. 
  • “harbor: home safety made easy” ⏤ Emergency preparation and SOS responses.

Creativity: 

  • “Auxy – Music & Beat Maker” ⏤  A music maker with beats, loops, sounds and effects. 
  • “Sway: Magic Dance” ⏤  Motion effects and AI filters.
  • “Smule Social Karaoke Singing” ⏤  A karaoke app available with over ten million songs.

Media: 

  • “Libby, by OverDrive”⏤  Library e-books and audiobooks.  
  • “Tubi” ⏤  Stream movies, TV shows and other content. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Lookout for these fun activities on campus

Check out these outdoor and online events at Western

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Now that the days are longer and the sunshine is here to stay, it’s time to look out for the latest events happening at Western. Whether it is from home, in person or over Zoom, there are quite a few clubs and organizations that are hosting engaging events for everyone to explore. Ranging from free art kits and activities, to a movie night and outdoor games, here are a few activities to kick off May: 

  • String Art Kit ⏤ Presented by Student Engagement, pick up a kit in the Werner University Center or have it shipped. The kits include wood, a hammer, nails and string. There are five available designs, which include a sun, star, flower, pineapple or a tree. RSVP on Engage to pick it up between May 3 at 9 a.m. and May 7 at 5 p.m. 
  • “Star Wars” Movie Night ⏤ Presented by the Student Activities Board, RSVP on Engage to catch this showing of “Star Wars” on May 4 at 9 p.m. at McArthur Stadium.
  • Summer Activities Week ⏤ Presented by the Heritage Programming and Activities Committee, they will be hosting a Tie-Dye Shirt activity between 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 5 outside of Heritage Hall. There will also be a movie night of “The Goonies” at 8:30 p.m. on May 7 at the Grove and over Zoom. Additional details can be found on Instagram @hpac.wou.
  • The Oregon Students of Color Conference ⏤  Presented by the Oregon Students of Color Coalition and the Oregon Student Association, this year’s theme is “Holding Hands, Holding Space.” A free conference with limited slots, register here for May 7 through 9.  
  • Ceram-IT ⏤  Presented by the Residence Hall Association, get creative by painting ceramic objects ⏤ such as teeny dinosaurs, a pineapple or an elephant piggy bank ⏤ or get involved with socially distanced outdoor games supplied by Landerman’s Activity Committee on May 12 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Grove. 
  • #Adulting: Relationships! ⏤  Presented by Student Success & Advising, join this weekly Zoom meeting to explore a workshop-style series on “adulting” skills and tips that anyone can learn from. For spring term, it will run from weeks two through nine on Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. The Zoom link Meeting ID is 825 3799 5799.
  • The Northwest Passage ⏤  Submit art or written work to The Northwest Passage, Western’s own literary and fine-arts magazine. The deadline for the spring 2021 issue is May 14. Email submissions to northwestpassage@wou.edu. 
  • Submit art to be displayed on campus ⏤ Presented by the Student Enrichment Program, they are creating a window installation for student artwork ⏤ which will be showcased outside of Campbell Hall ⏤ and have prepared illustration boards for people to use. Visit SEP’s weekly newsletter to sign up, the artwork will be due on or before May 31.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

View the Spring Dance Concert online

Get ready for the latest dance performance from Western

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There’s no better way to mark the beginning of spring than with quality entertainment that gets those creative vibes flowing. One of the best ways to get into the lively springtime season is through the performing arts. Western’s very own dance program is here to provide some of their latest captivating projects, and they have made it even easier to enjoy it from home. 

During the 2020-21 season, the Department of Theatre and Dance will be showcasing their latest event ⏤ the highly anticipated Spring Dance Concert on May 7. Audience members can tune in at 6 p.m. to see the works of artistic director and dance program professor, Darryl Thomas.

Along with Thomas’s creative vision coming to life on the stage and screen, the program will feature choreography from Western alumni and guest artist Kailee McMcMurran, as well as the dance program professors Corrie Cowart, Cynthia Garner, Amy McDonnell and Les Watanabe. 

Join with the Zoom meeting ID: 858 1571 4238 and the passcode: “WOUDance,” or find the performance on WOUTV for an additional streaming option. Either way, make sure to grab the popcorn, goodies and dance the night away. 

The Department of Theatre and Dance will have all of their performances presented virtually because of COVID-19 restriction guidelines, and anyone can keep up with upcoming events at wou.edu/dance. Additional details can be found on their Instagram page @woutheatredepartment.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Try out these Cinco de Mayo celebrations

Explore these ways to celebrate this longstanding holiday

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

April is almost over, which means Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and will be here before we know it. For many, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Latinx culture and heritage, and is also commonly known as Battle of Puebla Day. May 5 commemorates the single battle known as the Battle of Puebla, which was won by the Mexican army in 1862. Due to common misconception, it is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is separate from Mexico’s Independence Day, which took place on Sept. 16, 1810.

Nowadays, the holiday provides an opportunity to recognize one’s heritage, celebrate culture and spend time with loved ones. For many, the day is spent in leisure and enjoying delicious food with family and friends. Although there may not be a ton of large events to attend, there are plenty of activities to do at home or around town for this year’s Cinco de Mayo. 

  • Since large gatherings and social events are limited, reach out to family and friends with a quick phone call or text.
  • Support Latinx-owned businesses, online shops and other local organizations.
  • Consider sharing local Latinx resources for folks in the community.
  • Order in from local Mexican restaurants to support small businesses.
  • Try new recipes by making festive drinks, traditional meals and sweet treats.
  • Decorate with the colors of the Mexican flag ⏤ green, white and red.
  • Listen to Mariachi music and find new artists to enjoy year-round.
  • Decorate the house with streamers, balloons, flowers or play music.
  • Experiment with themed crafts and decorations.
  • If needing some creative inspiration for art projects, look for Latinx artists on YouTube.
  • Poke around online and find other Latinx creators to support.
  • Practice and expand one’s Spanish-speaking abilities with apps like Duolingo, or by watching movies and shows in Spanish.
  • Take it easy and spend the day getting some good old rest and recovery at home.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Show Mother Earth some love on April 22

Simple ways to enjoy Earth Day this year

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

With Earth Day steadily approaching, it’s time to start making plans for April 22. If it’s staying at home or going out, there is more than one way to advocate for environmental concerns and to celebrate Earth Day. According to earthday.org, “(Earth Day) is marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes.” To celebrate, consider these ways to enjoy Earth Day either solo or socially distancing: 

  • Donate unwanted clothes or items around the house to declutter, and to support local charities, organizations and people in need. 
  • Return cans and bottles to declutter, recycle and get a little extra cash. 
  • Get outdoors with gardening projects ⏤ which can attract native pollinators, support local ecosystems and provide fresh produce.
  • Walking, hiking and biking are rewarding activities that get the body moving while being in the great outdoors. 

  • Join a group or go solo to pick up litter at parks, beaches, dams, hiking trails or around the neighborhood.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle materials around the house with art projects, such as some of the ones below. 
  • Create a bird feeder by taking a pinecone and covering it with peanut butter, and then sprinkling birdseed on the peanut butter. Once evenly coated, tie the pinecone up with string in a secure location. 
  • Try painting and decorating rocks, which can add flair to any yard or garden. Designs can be as simple as a sun or a ladybug, or they can be used as identifying markers for different plants.
  • Make a fairy garden out of everyday items found outside, like sticks, bark, stones, moss and flowers. 
  • Learn about other ways to be environmentally conscious, such as trying to go plastic-free, reducing waste and being energy efficient.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Get your green thumb ready for Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day with these events across Oregon

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Strap on some shoes, grab some water and spend time outside this Earth Day, on April 22. While it’s always a good idea to reduce, reuse and recycle year-round, Earth Day aims to bring awareness to environmental concerns worldwide. The day can be celebrated with environmental activism, like picking up litter or cleaning up parks, dams and beaches. If plans are still up in the air, consider checking out these local Earth Day themed events happening across Oregon:

  • “Earth Day Succulent”: hosted by Student Engagement. April 22, 12 to 2 p.m. Located at The Grove on the Western’s campus, Monmouth, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Block Release & Oregon Truffle Party”: hosted by Coeur de Terre Winery. April 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Located at the Coeur De Terre Winery, 21000 SW Eagle Point Rd., McMinnville, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Volunteer Crew”: hosted by the Hoyt Arboretum. April 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located at the Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Event”: hosted by Washington Square. April 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at 9585 SW Washington Square Rd., Portland, OR. 
  • “Kindness Farm Earth Day Celebration”: hosted by Kindness Farms. April 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 7101 SE 127th Ave., Portland, OR. 
  • “Earth Day Spring Planting with SOLVE & Hillsboro Downtown Partnership”: April 22, 12 to 4 p.m. Located at 409 E. Main St., Hillsboro, OR. 
  • “MHCC Beaver Creek Earth Day Cleanup”: hosted by Mt. Hood Community College. April 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR. 
  • “Earth Day of Service”: hosted by the University of Oregon. April 24, 1 to 4 p.m. Located at 1585 E. 13th Ave., Eugene, OR. In-person and virtual options. 
  • “Earth Day Virtual Guided Hike”: hosted by the City of Keizer. April 22 through 30, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Located at the Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Rd. N., Keizer, OR. In-person, virtually guided. 
  • “Culture Club at Hilyard Community Center”: hosted by the Hilyard Community Center. April 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Located at 25080 Hilyard St., Eugene, OR. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌A springtime playlist with tons of genres

These thirty songs are rising in the music charts

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The sun is setting later, the days are getting warmer and spring is officially in the air. There’s nothing better than throwing on some music while relaxing outside or listening to new tunes while multitasking. Music streaming platforms ⏤ like Spotify or Apple Music ⏤ make it easy to find new artists and songs that are perfect for studying or lounging around. Whatever the case may be, it’s better to have a solid playlist ready to help pass the time, and this one is jam packed with thirty songs to look into. Follow the Howl on Spotify at @thewesternhowl to find this and other playlists. 

  1. “Good Days” by SZA
  2. “Peaches” by Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar
  3. “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
  4. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby 
  5. “Telepatía” by Kali Uchis 
  6. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals 
  7. “For The Night” by PopSmoke, LilBaby, DaBaby
  8. “Dancing with the Devil” by Demi Lavato 
  9. “COUNT ON ME” by BROCKHAMPTON
  10. “So I Lie” by Miguel
  11. “Astronaut In The Ocean” by Masked Wolf
  12. “Zuccenberg” by Tommy Cash, $uicideboy$, Diplo
  13. “LazyBaby” by Dove Cameron
  14. “Violent” by carolesdaughter
  15. “Positions” by Ariana Grande
  16. “Link” by Tierra Whack 
  17. “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd
  18. “Show U Off” by Brent Faiyez
  19. “Thrilla” by Wesley Joseph 
  20. “Tick Tock” by Joji
  21. “Whipski” by $NOT ft. Lil Skies and Internet Money
  22. “Calling My Phone” by Lil Tjay, 6LACK
  23. “Shut Up My Mom’s Calling” by Hotel Ugly
  24. “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat ft. SZA
  25. “Blueberry Faygo” by Lil Mosey
  26. “Goosebumps (Remix)” by Travis Scott, HVME
  27. “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
  28. “YKWIM?” by Yot Club
  29. “Track Star” by Mooski
  30. “Beautiful Mistakes” by Maroon 5 ft. Megan Thee Stallion

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Listen to these podcasts for a good laugh

Check out these comedy and slice-of-life podcasts

Rylie Horrall | Managing Editor

While many people find enjoyment in the uncertainty and suspense of a true crime podcast, I particularly enjoy listening to comedic or slice-of-life genres. They can provide a relaxing aura after a stressful day, or even a lighthearted ambiance for studying and working on assignments for classes. For those interested in expanding their list of chill and funny podcasts, try listening to the ones below:

  • “The Big Ones” (Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Earios) ⏤ Playing off of the title, this podcast answers morally challenging questions, spanning from relationship dilemmas to decisions made throughout history and more. Earios founders Maria Blasucci and Amanda Lund discuss their own answers to complicated ethical questions, and allow the listeners to do their own thinking on the topics.
  • “Can I Pet Your Dog?” (Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) ⏤ As the title suggests, these weekly episodes cover dog-related topics that hosts Renee Colvert and Alexis Preston want the viewers to know. From discussions about their own dogs to dogs they saw on the street that week, this podcast provides some fun and lighthearted content for dog lovers.
  • “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness” (Stitcher, Spotify, Earwolf, Apple Podcasts) ⏤ Jonathan Van Ness is known from his TV shows “Queer Eye” and “Gay of Thrones,” but he takes on a different form of entertainment with this podcast. Episodes explore whatever he’s curious about that week, and includes various guest speakers relevant to the topics discussed.
  • “How Did This Get Made?” (Stitcher, Spotify, Earwolf) ⏤ This podcast centers around terrible movies that have been made; the hosts watch the movie submitted by listeners and then discuss the results with their “funniest friends.”
  • “Is We Dumb?” (Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) ⏤ A recent addition to the comedy section of the world of podcasts, Dan Cummins and Joe Paisley explore the internet weekly for the dumbest and funniest content it has to offer. In their own words, it’s a chance to “laugh at the possible collapse of society.”
  • “Jenna & Julien Podcast” (Stitcher, Spotify, YouTube, iTunes) ⏤ Created by YouTubers JennaMarbles and julien solomita in 2014, this podcast centers around random conversations the two feel like having for their episodes. Listeners can hear about their everyday mishaps, drunk discussions, fun games to play and more. 
  • “The Slice of Life” (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox) ⏤ This podcast is all about, as the title suggests, life in general with conversations about geek life, entertainment and fun stories. Episodes are hosted weekly by Minnesotans Michael and Isaac to provide some relief from daily life occurrences.
  • “Sorry We’re Stoned with Tish and Brandi Cyrus” (Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) ⏤ Hosted by mother-daughter duo Tish and Brandi Cyrus, this slice-of-life podcast covers candid conversations between the two. From advice to current events to insight into their personal lives, episodes provide an unfiltered look at their busy lives.
  • “SuperMegaCast” (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Podbay) ⏤ Another YouTube-based podcast, listeners can hear about random encounters and events from the day-to-day lives of YouTubers Matt Watson and Ryan Magee. Episodes are released weekly and range in topics from what’s in the news to antics and interviews with their friends.


Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Catch these flicks coming out in April

Watch from home or hit the theaters for these new movies

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There are always new movies hitting streaming services, and with select movie theaters opening back up, there are even more films to enjoy in April, while social distancing. Some films are re-releases of old school favorites, like Sky High, or popular series like Shadow and Bone. Whether people are going out or staying in, here are over twenty of the latest titles to hit the silver screen ⏤ and laptop screen ⏤ this month:

April 2

  • “Every Breath You Take” (AppleTV, Vudu, Amazon Prime)
  • “Roe v. Wade” (YouTube, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Apple TV)
  • “Assault on VA-33” (YouTube, Vudu, Amazon Prime)
  • “The Girl Who Believes in Miracles” (Select theaters)
  • “Sky High” (2005) (Disney+)
  • “The Unholy” (Select theaters)
  • “Just Say Yes” (Netflix)
  • “Madame Claude” (Netflix)
  • “Godzilla vs. Kong” (Select theaters) 

April 6

  • “Dawn of the Beast” (Amazon Prime)
  • “The Enormity of Life” (AppleTV, GooglePlay, Vimeo, FandangoNOW)

April 7

  • “Dolly Parton: A Musicians Tribute” (Netflix)

April 8

  • “The Power” (YouTube, GooglePlay, AppleTV)

April 9 

  • “Voyagers” (Select theaters)
  • “Thunder Force” (Netflix)
  • “Held” (Theaters)
  • “Naked Singularity” (Select theaters)

April 10 

  • “The Nameless Days” (Select theaters)

April 16 

  • “Vanquish” (Select theaters)
  • “In the Earth” (Netflix, Disney+)
  • “Killer Among Us” (Select theaters)
  • “Monday” (Amazon Prime)

April 20

  • “Night of Sicario” (FandangoNOW)

April 22

  • “Stowaway” (Netflix)

April 23

  • “Shadow and Bone” (Netflix series) 
  • “Together Together” (Select theaters)
  • “Mortal Kombat” (HBO Max)
  • “Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train” (Select theaters) 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Review: “Birds of the Northwest”

Discover the joys of birdwatching with “Birds of the Northwest” 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Birdwatchers throughout the Pacific Northwest can rejoice: the visual identification guide “Birds of the Northwest” just made birdwatching so much easier. Award-winning photographer ⏤ and author of over 175 field guides and other literature ⏤ Stan Tekiela shows just how easy it can be to learn about native birds. Based on his best-selling bird field guides, this condensed copy manages to cover 130 species of birds found in Oregon, northern California, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 

Readers can find key details about the birds and their behavior, such as which ones will eat from backyard feeders, how to tell the variation in a male and female bird and how to tell the difference between their counterparts. There is also an additional section on feeding birds, which are broken up into categories ⏤ Bluebirds, Chickadees & Nuthatches, Doves, Finches, Hummingbirds and Woodpeckers.

The guide is a very condensed pocket sized format, yet manages to go fairly in depth on the variation of identification marks for a bounty of birds. It has useful sections based on the main color of the feathers, going from mostly red, to yellow, green-blue, black and white, gray and fully black birds. Along the bottom of each page shows the average height of the birds in question and their silhouettes for quick comparison, and Tekiela gives brief descriptions of important characteristics for proper identification. 

He uses to-the-point phrases, like for the Pacific Stellar’s Jay, which is described as having blue streaks on its black head and a large crest. Normally, it’s around 11 inches tall and will eat from bird feeders. Learning to name and place birds is a timeless skill, and makes going outside that much more immersive. It takes patience and a handy guide, but in time, anyone can practice their birdwatching skills.  

Review: I would have to give this a 4.5/5 because the book is so handy and detailed, which makes it essential for beginner birdwatchers. Before buying this book, it was difficult to correctly identify each bird I saw since there were so many. After getting the guide, it’s become increasingly easier to find the right fowl. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Give a big green thumbs up for gardening

These five YouTube channels make gardening easy-peasy 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The saying that “April showers bring May flowers” is especially true in Oregon, with the sunny spring weather being pretty touch and go. In between the rainy days, gardening at home can be an explorative and rewarding hobby; anyone can cultivate their own garden, even if they have no green thumb or outdoor space. There are YouTube channels dedicated to all things indoor horticulture, and ones that teach the very basics of planting, harvesting and tending to a garden. Poking around on YouTube can help anyone feel prepared for the upcoming planting season, and these channels are some great go-to’s: 

  • AnOregonCottage

Brian and Jami share their experience running a country cottage in Oregon, with their videos focusing on enjoying a homemade life. They started the channel over ten years ago, and their videos include recipes, garden tours, plant maintenance and the transformation of their 100-year-old farmhouse. 

  • EpicGardening

Kevin Espiritu has a goal of teaching over 10 million people how to grow their green thumb and reconnect with nature, no matter where they live. He has specific plant guides for urban and organic gardening, tips for prepping plants, DIY projects on a budget and countless other tutorials on his channel. 

  • GardenAnswer

Laura has everything that an urban gardener could need, with her videos covering proper care for succulents, which fertilizer to use for specific plants, lighting options and how to get the most out of one’s garden. Along with tutorials, she shows the process of growing from seed, and how she made a fairy house out of homegrown materials. 

  • LearnToGrow

Misilla demonstrates the perfect tricks for indoor and outdoor gardening, sowing seeds, propagating and pruning ⏤ all while being beginner friendly. Many folks can gain inspiration from her outdoor space and setup, and since she’s located in the Pacific Northwest, her videos are great for learning about which plants work best for the area. 

  • TheRustedGarden

Gary Pilarchik provides an in-depth look at all the nuanced parts of growing a garden, such as which bugs can harm the plants, planning an outdoor space, preventing damage, repurposing supplies and advice for saving money on supplies.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Honoring the experiences of BIPOC students across Oregon universities

This Instagram page holds Oregon universities accountable, one post at a time

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The college experience can be an exciting time for many students, and it can also be inherently stressful — the days are full of cramming study sessions, keeping up with assignments and too many late nights. Unfortunately, there are larger issues that have been running rampant across many universities in Oregon, ones that heavily impact Black, Indigenous and People of Color students and their ability to feel safe on campuses. 

One student at Western Oregon University saw the need for a space where BIPOC students can voice their experiences with racism and harassment, so they created the Instagram account @bipocatoregonuniversities. They post experiences that are submitted anonymously through Google Forms, it allows for students from Western Oregon University, University of Oregon and Oregon State University to submit their stories anonymously. 

The creator of this page first saw a need for a safe space over the summer of 2020. They felt compelled to make the account after being profiled for a second time during Winter term of 2021, when trying to buy food at the Valsetz Dining Hall. They recounted this experience, “To people it may not be a huge deal, but for me when the simplest task of getting food is met with bias and assumptions based upon how I look, it can be difficult to feel welcome in a place you pay thousands of dollars a term to attend.” 

After experiencing this racial discrimination on Western’s campus, they followed their gut instinct and created the page to share stories from other students of color, and the page has been active since March 1, 2021.

“The purpose of this page is to make sure that universities do not have any room to think they can silence students of color’s voices by creating policies and forms that statistically deter students rather than helping them get the help and resources they need.”

Since the page started, students across universities have reached out to safely share their experiences, with the creator of the account saying, “So far this experience has been nothing short of phenomenally amazing. I have received overwhelming support from students around the state, as well as faculty, department heads, staff, and employees. I have encountered a particular post that was extremely ignorant and simply uneducated. I made sure to make an example out of what this page was not created to publicize. This page is for students of color, this is a time for particularly white students, staff, and faculty to acknowledge and truly listen to what students on this campus have endured.”

Additionally, “There are always ways for universities to grow and provide support for BIPOC students, such as hiring students of color for student work and leadership positions, a well-funded diversity center and additional supervisors, advisors and counselors of color.

There are many ways white students and staff can uplift BIPOC students, by “understand(ing) why our country, and why our world is the way it is. If you see something that is wrong, don’t just stand there and let it happen. Speak up, and just do the right thing. It’s okay to make good trouble.”

Students deserve to feel safe and represented on their campuses, and Instagram pages such as @bipocatoregonuniversities provide a space for students to be heard until the colleges decide to take further measures to address racism at their own schools.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Hop to it, Easter is just a few days away

Plan something fun for Easter with these suggestions 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Easter get-togethers and egg hunts across the community will look a little different this year, but there is still an abundance of things to do come Easter Sunday. The day can be as simple as enjoying one’s own company ⏤ full of rest, relaxing and eating huge chocolate bunnies. Whatever people may have planned, here are a few things anyone can try to stay entertained:

 

  • For many people, dyeing Easter eggs is a must, although it can get messy. There are online tutorials that explain tips for beginners and ones that show elaborate designs. 
  • Easter egg hunts are a staple activity for people of many ages, and can also be a good way to keep kids engaged for a while. Try it with pets by putting treats in the eggs and hiding them in a place they frequent. 
  • The egg toss is perfect because all ages can participate in the competition. This is another messy game but it allows people to enjoy time outdoors and to practice their hand-eye coordination. 
  • It would be a shame to forget about the egg walk — which requires the player to hold a spoon in their mouth, while an egg balances in the spoon. Then, they walk a certain distance without dropping the egg in order to win. 
  • “Pin the tail on the rabbit” is an easy, interactive game to help entertain the youngsters. This will require a blindfold, a piece of paper, a pen to draw the bunny, some tape and a white cotton ball for the tail. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Enjoy the sunshine with these spring events

From whale watching to a gem faire, these local events have it all 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There are many springtime events happening through the Oregon area that can help with looming boredom. Ranging from Eugene to Dallas, some of these events are in person, while others can be attended virtually. If people are still looking for something to do for Spring Break while safely social distancing, it can be useful to know the latest happenings around town. 

 

Eugene

  • Gem Faire. March 26 through 28, 12 p.m to 5 p.m. $7 admission fee. Located at the Lane County Events Center. Additional details can be found at gemfaire.com. 
  • Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. March 19 through May 2. Monday through Friday: 9 a.m to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunrise Entry: 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Additional details can be found at woodenshoe.com. 

Portland

  • March Medicinal Marketplace and Plant Sale. March 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at the Medicine Garden. Additional details can be found at stayhappening.com. 
  • Monthly Plant Walk: Early Bloomers. Event by The Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies. March 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Class location TBA within the Portland Metro area, limited class size, must register by March 22. Additional details can be found at arctosschool.org. 
  • National Crafting Month with The Craft Factory. March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently offering curbside pickup or free delivery of supplies. Additional details can be found at craftfactorypdx.com. 

Salem 

  • 22nd Annual Clay Ball: Through the Looking Glass. March 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Virtual streaming event. Additional details can be found at salemart.org.

Oregon Coast 

  • Oregon Spring Whale Watching Week. March 20 through 28. Additional details can be found at gowherewhen.com. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Springtime tunes to look out for

Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak form a new band

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There’s no shortage of new music and artists, and it can be a process to sort through the latest songs out there. One of the latest bands to emerge comes from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, who have come together with a unique collaboration ⏤ with a band called Silk Sonic. 

They released their first single on March 5, “Leave The Door 1,” which comes in at just over four minutes long and can be found on multiple streaming platforms. They also dropped an official music video on YouTube, which has already raked in over 40 million views since its release. The video showcases the band in a studio room; with .Paak on the drums and Mars on the piano, the two croon lyrics in a confident tone under spinning lights. 

In the first verse, .Paak sings, “I’m sippin’ wine (Sip, sip) in a robe (Drip, drip) / I look too good (Look too good) / To be alone (Woo, woo) / My house clean (House clean), my pool warm (Pool warm) / Just shaved, smooth like a newborn / We should be dancin’, romancin’.”

Their collaboration comes as a pleasant surprise for fans of Mars and .Paak, whose combined musical forces create an upbeat, lively track that’s just in time for the upcoming spring days. Only time will tell where the popular artists go with Silk Sonic, and fans of both artists can keep tabs on their social media platforms to stay updated. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

St. Patrick’s Day folklore to explore

Try these traditions and check out some St. Paddy’s Day folklore 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will look a little different this year without large gatherings and events, but there’s still fun to be had in the various traditions and folklore that revolve around the holiday. Traditionally, the day honors the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Over time, people continued to recognize Irish culture ⏤ often involving elaborate get-togethers with food, dancing, music and wearing green clothing. Consider looking at these traditions and tidbits of folklore to get into the festive spirit come Wednesday, March 17.

  • Legends believe that the shamrock became a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, partly because they also believe that St. Patrick used the three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity in his teachings.
  • St. Patrick used to be associated with the color blue, but green fell into favor and has been associated with the holiday ever since.
  • It has also become custom for people to pinch each other for not wearing green, as it is seen as bad luck.
  • In ancient Ireland, shamrocks are considered to be sacred and symbolize the rebirth of spring. 
  • The odds of finding a four leaf clover on the first try is one in ten thousand, which makes it extremely lucky to find one. 
  • Leprechauns date back to Celtic mythology and are believed to be fairy-like creatures in Irish folklore, which connected them to St. Paddy’s Day. It is said that they are dressed in green, are mischievous and live in remote areas, where they make little shoes and protect their gold. 
  • Corned beef and cabbage have been a staple dish for this gathering for years, but corned beef really came into popularity for Irish-American families who used it as a substitute for traditional Irish bacon.
  • In 1962, Chicago dyed a portion of the Chicago River green to celebrate the holiday, which has since become a long-standing tradition for the area. Although there were no gatherings for the event this year, the city still dyed the river green to show their spirit.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Grab some popcorn and catch these latest local plays

Western presents “Little Prisons: A Series of Short Plays by Portland Playwrights”

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts from home, and local theater events are still happening throughout the year to provide some much needed entertainment. Beginning Mar. 6 Western’s theater students will be live streaming their upcoming event, “Little Prisons: A Series of Short Plays by Portland Playwrights,” which is directed by Jessica Wallenfels. This performance highlights four plays written by local playwrights, all of which will be free to watch. There will also be various streaming methods to accommodate different schedules — some will be pre-recorded, while others will be streamed live. 

The plays featured will have a wide range of topics and themes, the titles being: “The Third Prisoner” by EM Lewis, “A Wing and a Prayer” by Josie Seid, “Three Love Songs” by Anya Pearson and “Joy Fricken Hates her Stupid Dumb Room” by Sara Jean Accuardi. 

These local art performances can be found on WOUTV and will be available to stream at 7 p.m. on Mar. 6, and will be available on demand until Mar. 8 at midnight. To learn more about the event and to support the local arts, check out the theater department’s Instagram, @woutheatredepartment, or their Facebook page, @WOU Theatre Department.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Daft Punk’s era has come to an end

Exploring Daft Punk’s unique goodbye YouTube video

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The world of music received some surprising news at the end of February: legendary French duo Daft Punk has announced the band’s break up. After performing together for 28 years, Daft Punk released a nearly eight minute long YouTube video titled “Epilogue,” which shows an interesting farewell between the two artists. As of the video’s release on Feb. 22, it has racked up over 23 million views, and the message portrayed through the footage is that of an authentic, creative and explosive goodbye. 

Thomas Bangalter and Guillaume Emmanuel “Guy-Manuel” de Homem-Christo are seen in their iconic, shiny robot helmets and are shown walking forward, surrounded by a deserted landscape. The two walk at different paces, with Bangalter stopping and watching Homem-Christo walk off into the distance. 

The two share a short stare, and Homem-Christo returns to Bangalter to stand face-to-face — in this case, it’s chrome helmet to helmet. The rest of the video continues with Homem-Christo setting off a timer on Bangalter’s back, only for Bangalter to walk onward and then explode. The ending of the video shows each of their hands coming together to form a brightly glowing triangle, with the years “1993–2021” below it. For the final few minutes, the viewer is left with the final image of a figure ⏤ presumably Homem-Christo ⏤ walking toward the sunset.

Their cryptic goodbye video is exactly what should be expected from Daft Punk after all these years, as they gave their audience one final show and ended with their own flair. While the video doesn’t offer a reason as to why the band is splitting up, it does provide a final farewell and nod to their musical legacy since their debut album, “Homework,” released in 1997. 

Since the near three decades of performing and music making, Daft Punk leaves fans around the world with their beloved electro hits and singles, “Around the World,” “Da Funk,” “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” “One More Time” and “Get Lucky.” Thankfully, their existing music can still be streamed, but many were shocked and saddened to hear that they’re done collaborating for now. Daft Punk’s publicist has confirmed the group’s retirement, but did not elaborate on if they are pursuing new projects under different names. 

Contact the author at ndean17@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.