Mount Hood

Embroidery is one of life’s thimblest pleasures

Embroidery is the latest activity to try from home 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

Through the last year, people have had to get creative with their activities and pastimes. The world went through a collective bread baking phase and making the TikTok famous whipped Dalgona coffee, but there’s one activity that’s been overlooked. Embroidery has long been used throughout history to adorn and craft clothing items or to make elaborate art pieces. It continues to be a popular and eclectic activity, with a variety of ways to mix materials and try new designs. 

The starting materials don’t have to cost the artist a lot of money, and many smaller items can be found around the house or at an art store. It’s a hands on project that requires practice and patience, but it pays off to see the finished product. Here are some insider knowledge, tips and tricks that can make it easier to enjoy:

Starter supplies: 

  • Key items for any beginner embroiderer would be a wooden or plastic embroidery hoop or frame, a set of needles, thread of the artist’s choosing, fabric and sharp scissors. 
  • I find it useful to have a small pouch or container to keep supplies in, and it helps keep some of the smaller items organized.
  • Hoops, frames, fabrics and embroidery patterns can be found in thrift stores at low price points and often be bought in bulk. 

Optional supplies: 

    • There are specialty embroidery scissors that one can use, which tend to be smaller and sharper than traditional scissors — they are also often decorated or embossed. 
    • A thimble is small but mighty, and it can protect sensitive fingertips from the threading and sewing process. 
    • Using a very small amount of thread conditioner or beeswax can prevent tangling and knotting. If using a conditioner kit, lightly take the thread that is being used and run it along with the conditioning agent, while pressing against the thread with a finger. Then, pull the thread between two fingers to remove any static.

    Learn the stitches: 

    • Knowing the difference between a French Knot, a Running Stitch, Chain Stitch, Stem or Split Stitch, Long and Short Stitches, Woven Wheels and Lazy Daisy Loops will help narrow down which ones should be used for the desired effect.  
    • Take it slow at first; consider watching YouTube videos and practicing on cheaper fabric to get the hang of it. 
    • Watch out for pulling stitches too tight, which can distort the fabric and overall design. 
    • Overlapping stitches can provide a lush look for flowers or nature scenes.
    • Stitches that involve knots can be perfect for finer details or building texture.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Podcasts: true crime for killing time

    A collection of podcasts for true crime junkies

    Rylie Horrall | Managing Editor

    According to forbes.com, podcasts are beginning to become a mainstream form of entertainment. With the medium’s diverse options for listeners, it’s easy for anyone to find something they would enjoy. For those interested in true crime thrillers and mysteries of the like, check out these podcasts.

    • “Ear Hustle” ⏤  This podcast tells the daily realities of inmates in California’s San Quentin State Prison and their lives post-incarceration, and is the first to be created and produced in an actual prison. Told by current and former inmates themselves, the episodes feature difficult, humorous and honest stories for listeners on Stitcher, Spotify and RadioPublic. More information and episodes can be found on their website, earhustlesq.com.
    • “S-Town” ⏤  A branch from the creators of “This American Life” ⏤ a popular podcast series about life stories ⏤ host Brian Reed explores the story of John, a man from Alabama that hates his town and wants to dig up information about a wealthy family. Supposedly, the son of this family has gotten away with murder, and more mysteries and death are unearthed during this search for the truth. Listen to it now on Stitcher, RadioPublic and stownpodcast.org.
    • “True Crime All The Time” — An anthology of true crime stories by Wondery, “True Crime All The Time” focuses on lesser known cases, sparing no details. The hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson claim they “don’t take themselves too seriously, but take true crime very seriously,” providing relief amongst serious discussions. Those who like this podcast can also listen to Wondery’s various other true crime podcasts. Listen on Stitcher, Spotify and their website wondery.com.
    • “True Crime Garage” ⏤  A new case is covered every week on this podcast. Whether it’s local horror stories or headline news, cold or open cases, serial killers or unsolved mysteries, hosts Nic and the Captain provide ample entertainment for their listeners. All episodes ⏤ past and present ⏤ are available on Stitcher, Soundcloud and their website truecrimegarage.com.
    • “And That’s Why We Drink” ⏤  Hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz take their listeners on both paranormal and true crime journeys every Sunday. Covering terrifying cases of ghosts and killers, their motto is “The world’s a scary place. And that’s why we drink!” Episodes and more can be found on their website ⏤ andthatswhywedrink.com ⏤ Spotify, Stitcher and Apple Podcasts.
    • “Down the Hill” ⏤  Each episode uncovers more information about the murder of two girls, Abby and Libby, from Delphi, Indiana ⏤ a case that is still open today. A recording of the killer’s voice from a phone call still remains the biggest clue in this three-year-old mystery, and investigators have yet to apprehend the culprit. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and their website downthehillpodcast.com.
    • “Ear Hustle” ⏤  This podcast tells the daily realities of inmates in California’s San Quentin State Prison and their lives post-incarceration, and is the first to be created and produced in an actual prison. Told by current and former inmates themselves, the episodes feature difficult, humorous and honest stories for listeners on Stitcher, Spotify and RadioPublic. More information and episodes can be found on their website, earhustlesq.com.
    • “Mommy Doomsday” ⏤  A podcast from Dateline NBC, it focuses on the children of Lori Vallow from Rexburg, Idaho, who disappeared in September three years ago ⏤ a bizarre and haunting story of death, deception and Doomsday that’s available for listeners on Stitcher and Apple Podcasts.
    • “S-Town” ⏤  A branch from the creators of “This American Life” ⏤ a popular podcast series about life stories ⏤ host Brian Reed explores the story of John, a man from Alabama that hates his town and wants to dig up information about a wealthy family. Supposedly, the son of this family has gotten away with murder, and more mysteries and death are unearthed during this search for the truth. Listen to it now on Stitcher, RadioPublic and stownpodcast.org.
    • “Serial” ⏤  Made once again by the creators of “This American Life,” one story is uncovered over the course of a full season. Full of twists and turns amongst the plot and characters, even the narrators don’t know what happens at the end. Current and past episodes can be found on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and serialpodcast.org.
    • “True Crime All The Time” — An anthology of true crime stories by Wondery, “True Crime All The Time” focuses on lesser known cases, sparing no details. The hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson claim they “don’t take themselves too seriously, but take true crime very seriously,” providing relief amongst serious discussions. Those who like this podcast can also listen to Wondery’s various other true crime podcasts. Listen on Stitcher, Spotify and their website wondery.com.
    • “True Crime Garage” ⏤  A new case is covered every week on this podcast. Whether it’s local horror stories or headline news, cold or open cases, serial killers or unsolved mysteries, hosts Nic and the Captain provide ample entertainment for their listeners. All episodes ⏤ past and present ⏤ are available on Stitcher, Soundcloud and their website truecrimegarage.com.

    Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

    AppleTV+ presents Billie Eilish’s latest artistic creation

    Billie Eilish’s debut documentary is an instant hit with fans

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    It’s no doubt that Billie Eilish continues to dominate the music industry with her creative and haunting music, but this time she took a new approach in highlighting her journey to fame with her debut documentary, “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry.” Released in select theaters and on AppleTV+ as of Feb. 26, the two-and-a-half-hour-long documentary covers everything that fans could want to know about the latest year in Eilish’s life. 

    Director R.J. Cutler provides an exclusive look at key moments from the crafting of her latest album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” to her subsequent winning of the Big Four awards at the Grammys. 

    In the documentary’s trailer, which is available on YouTube, the audience can hear Eilish steadily saying, “I look into the crowd, and I see that every single person in there is going through something, and I have the same problems. I was like, ‘Why don’t I turn this into art, instead of just living with it?’”

    The film covers Eilish in a way the public hasn’t seen before, showcasing her personal relationships and creative process, along with the quick-paced world of the music industry and the pressure of staying authentic while in a position of superstardom. Viewers can gain a better understanding of her personal life, with the documentary containing vulnerable scenes and conversations with her family, and the toll that fame took on young Eilish’s mental and physical health. The film takes time to address her mental health struggles and battle with self-harm, and how she turns to her music and creative process to combat her depression and suicidal thoughts. 

    Diving further into her private life, Eilish speaks more on her relationship and breakup with rapper Brandon Adams, also known as 7:AMP, who is nicknamed “Q” through the film. There’s also plenty of footage from her concerts, tours and behind-the-scenes clips in her childhood bedroom turned music studio. At one point in the film, Eilish delves into her creative process with her brother Finneas O’Connell when forming the album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” 

    By the end of “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry,” fans can fully appreciate the way director Cutler showcases Eilish’s journey of being an authentic and grounded person, while also being one of the most talked about and heavily awarded music artists in the industry. 

    If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out to friends, family or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. 

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    27 animes to procrastinate with

    As midterms roll around, ignore responsibilities and immerse in fantasy

    Stephanie Moschella |‌ ‌Digital Media Manager

    In the midst of studying and being jam packed with homework, it’s nice to take a break, sit back and start a new show. Popular streaming services such as Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, Hulu and even Netflix have adapted themselves to be more diverse in genre. With the availability of all different genres, the anime industry has prospered rapidly internationally. 

    Originating as animated works from Japan, anime is a visual medium that garners a great deal of attention. Though originally voiced in Japanese, many of these shows have both subtitles in multiple different languages as well as English dubs, depending on the watcher’s preferences. 

    Being stuck at home in this pandemic leaves a lot of people craving something fresh in order to distract themselves from daily stresses. 

    In the list below, there are shows that have come out within the last two decades, a wide variety of classic and modern. No matter if the viewer enjoys old school or recent media, anime has historically never been bigger with the various affordable options. 

    In no particular order, have some fun watching or rewatching these anime shows to ignore the anxiety of the piling assignments and impending due dates. 

    “Black Clover” (2017) (Crunchyroll)

    “Blue Exorcist” (2011) (Crunchyroll)

    “Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Death Note” (2006) (Crunchyroll)

    “Death Parade” (2015) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (2019) (Netflix) 

    “Durarara!!” (2016) (Netflix) 

    “Erased” (2016) (Netflix) 

    “Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma” (2015) (Crunchyroll)

    “Fruits Basket” (2019) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Great Pretender” (2020) (Netflix) 

    “Haikyuu!!” (2014) (Crunchyroll)

    “Horimiya” (2021) (Hulu)

    “Hunter x Hunter” (2013) (Netflix)

    “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012) (Netflix) 

    “Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Little Witch Academia” (2017) (Netflix) 

    “Mob Psycho 100” (2016) (Crunchyroll) 

    “My Hero Academia” (2016) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Psycho Pass” (2012) (Hulu) 

    “Seven Deadly Sins” (2014) (Netflix) 

    “SK8 the Infinity” (2021) (Funimation) 

    “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” (2018) (Netflix) 

    “The Promised Neverland” (2019) (Netflix) 

    “Tokyo Ghoul” (2014) (Crunchyroll) 

    “Your Name” (2016) (Amazon Prime) 

    Contact the author at howldigitalmediamanager@mail.wou.edu

    How to write a winning story

    Five tips to help aspiring authors refine their writing

    Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

    Writing is a learned and actively practiced skill, just like playing an instrument or sport. For writers who have dreams of being published in the future, completing a working manuscript is the imperative first step. Here are some tips for aspiring writers to kick their stories up a notch. 

    • Find an original voice. Gathering inspiration from other authors and stories is great; they are professionals, so there is much to be gained from reading lots of material. But in the end, nobody else can write the exact story that is in one’s own mind. Tell a brand new story in a unique way, and let the passion and enthusiasm shine through in every page. 
    • Put aside anything distracting when sitting down to write. Do a favor for the story: give it full attention until it reaches an ending. If writing a novel, try to finish a full chapter or scene all at once. Conversely, try timed writing: write anything that comes to mind without stopping for, say, twenty minutes. It will be much less intimidating to continue working on it in the future if the pages aren’t blank.
    • Learn the rules, but don’t follow the rules. What this means is that the rules of writing can’t be broken, twisted or meddled with if the rules aren’t known to begin with. Take the time to master formatting, grammar and a standard plot structure, then play around with them to make the story unique. 
    • The best advice I ever received was from my high school English teacher: “Kill your darlings.” It is all too easy to get attached to one’s own characters, scenes, settings or piece as a whole — I know from experience. However, readers and editors will have a different perspective than the author. Keep this in mind when editors suggest revisions: they are trying to help the story come across better to the audience, which sometimes means changing or completely deleting the author’s favorite parts. 
    • Keep writing and don’t give up hope. Building and completing a manuscript is just the first step to getting work published, and it can be a very difficult process trying to get a story accepted at a publishing house. Let passion and commitment to the story drive the journey, and always keep working to present the best possible piece. 

    Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

    ‌Bringing back the classics, one game at a time

    Be on the lookout for these retro and affordable gaming systems

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

    Gaming systems have come a long way from their original clunky shapes, and have increasingly become more advanced in their programming and sophisticated designs. New games and systems are constantly being released, but the prices aren’t always the most accessible. To still have fun gaming the rainy days away, folks can look to some of the more affordable options. Older models, like the Game Boy and Nintendo DS, can usually be found at a cheaper price at electronic stores or online sellers. Not only that, revisiting these old school systems can provide a distinctly nostalgic feeling of easier days. 

    • Nintendo Game Boy 

    The model I have is from 1989, and using this one comes with pros and cons. One con is that it requires four AA batteries, and the games that fit inside have to be specific to this model to work properly. Thankfully, batteries aren’t super expensive, and the system itself isn’t in high demand anymore, so the device and its games can be found fairly easily. One pro tip for finding these older models is to ask around to friends or family, as sometimes items like these end up forgotten about in the attic or donation pile. 

    • Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP

    This is personally my favorite system, just because the satisfying startup noise and colorful screen bring me right back to my childhood. Not only that, but the games and accessories for these can be commonly found in thrift stores or for cheap at electronic stores. This makes it easy to build a large collection of games with a smaller budget, but it also means it’s easier to splurge.

    • Nintendo DS Lite

    Finally, the DS brings in the best of both worlds with the ability to take both Game Boy games and smaller, updated DS games with clearer graphics. Don’t forget about the chat option, which is way more entertaining than Zoom meetings. One con for this is the stylus; it can be easy to lose through the years, but they’re cheap and easy to hunt down at a store. It’s convenient to have a device that has two slots for different games, but some DS games can be upward of $15 or so at certain stores. 

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    The latest talked-about documentary on Hulu

    Hulu’s hottest documentary: “Framing Britney Spears” available now

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Released on Feb 5., “Framing Britney Spears” is a highly anticipated documentary episode of “The New York Times Presents.” The hour and 14 minute long documentary begins with the story of Britney Spears before her stardom — her life in Kentwood, Louisiana. Through compelling narratives laid out in interviews, the audience can gain an understanding of her humble beginnings, and how she went from performing in small town malls to gaining instant stardom. 

    The documentary shows behind the scenes clips of Spears performing for music videos and in interviews and commercials, but also touches on topics like the struggles in her family. Not only does it showcase unseen details from Spears’ life, but the documentary also highlights how scrutinized she was from early in her career. 

    The audience can see the ways in which the paparazzi’s involvement ended up fueling the drama surrounding her decisions, relationships and her parenting. Not only that, it goes into detail about the conservatorship her father has held for the last 12 years — which includes control over her person (for medications, medical records, etc.), finances and for her estate. The battle of her conservatorship has reignited people’s concern for Spears, and the show explores the #FreeBritney movement. Viewers can gain a better understanding of the pressure Spears faces from being under the spotlight, and how all of these issues have taken a toll on her mental health, also leading to why she should be freed from her current conservatorship. Find the full documentary on Hulu to learn more about Britney Spears’ conservatorship and details on the #FreeBritney movement. 

    Overall review: 9/10 because I’m a Britney stan, but also because they went very in-depth and provided useful information toward her situation.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Trip out over Brent Faiyaz’s latest single, “Gravity”

    Trippy visuals and bass guitars come together 

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Music artist Brent Faiyaz has gained traction for his talents and recognition in the music industry following the huge response from his album, “F–k the World,” which was released in February 2020. Fans have been long anticipating another album or single, and when the time finally came, Faiyaz didn’t disappoint. Released on Jan. 27, Faiyaz’s latest hit, “Gravity,” comes stacked with vocals and lines from DJ Dali and Tyler, the Creator, and has Steve Lacey on the guitar and bass. 

    Through the song, both Faiyaz and Tyler describe their lifestyle on the road and the way it impacted their relationships. Both artists experience a type of “gravity” from their partners, who try to pull them back home from the rush of a luxe lifestyle, and the amount of energy it takes to maintain that balance. 

    Faiyaz boasts a bit about his fame in the chorus with, “I’m on (Don’t act like I’m average)/ But you want me home (Home)/ I’d get you what you want (Superstar status)/ But you want me alone (I’m gone, baby, I’m active).” And Tyler, the Creator echos the message of finding a balance between here and there in the third verse, “Now when I’m gone, and I roam ’round the globe for three months/ That’s too long without somethin’ that’s sweet/ So I phone, little treats, that’s a snack, not a feast/ They don’t mean much to me/ ‘Cause I know that I have a bakery back at home.” 

    There are effortless transitions between verses paired with strong vocals and unique melodies, which all together form a trippy auditory time-warping experience. Following this theme, the album cover includes fluorescent colors that look like a psychedelic oil spill, resulting in a warbling and eye-catching artwork. 

    The melodies, layers of instruments and laid back vocals create a pop song that will hit the top of the music charts and stay there. As of right now, fans wait to hear if an official music video will be released within the coming months. While they wait,  a video of the audio alongside engaging visuals is currently on YouTube. 

    Find Brent Faiyaz’s ⏤ and other accompanying artists’ ⏤ latest music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Look into these four poets this month

    Find a real page-turner with this poetry recommendation 

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

    Poetry is often enjoyed because of its versatility ⏤ especially since there are so many different poets and genres to explore. To help narrow down the search, here’s a list of four poets and their works to help get the ball rolling:

    • “Among the Dog Eaters” by Adrian C. Louis.

    Louis covers material centered on being Native American in the 20th century and recounts his experiences in a vivid, vulnerable way. From the foreword written by Jimmy Santiago Baca, “[Louis] deals with margin life, the blood and betrayals, the bleak joys and raging ecstasies of our lonely, primal dance as humans living in a world insanely intoxicated on cheap thrills.” Broken into five parts ⏤ all jam packed with poems ⏤ the titles alone are enough to make a reader intrigued. Some of my personal favorites are “Sometimes a Warrior Comes Tired” and “In the Ghetto on the Prairie there is Unrequited Love.”

    • “at the helm of twilight” by Anita Endrezze.

    With a tough love, no-nonsense attitude, Endrezze uses lyrical poetry to wrap the reader into the natural rhythm that is created, and her sharp imagery keeps the pages turning. She takes closely familiar, universal experiences, examines them and then uses original approaches to poetry, such as the ways it can be read and enjoyed by many audiences. The poem, “Sunflower Woman,” is a poem that can be read in vertical or horizontal columns, and another poem, “In the Horizontal Sky,” consists of twelve short sections.

    • “The Captain’s Verses” by Pablo Neruda.

    Neruda is a staple among many people’s poetry collections and is well known for his artistic use of language that pulls at the readers’ heartstrings. He addresses the visceral feelings of new love and ecstasy, relationships with one another and the deep connections people share through their lives. In his poem, “Not Only the Fire,” he describes, “Ah my life/ it is not only the fire that burns between us/ but all of life,/ the simple story,/ the simple love/ of a woman and a man/ like everyone.”

    • “War of the Foxes” by Richard Siken.

    Siken takes a compelling and haunting approach to his poetry, touching on issues around morality, personhood and the ways people find meaning and purpose in art. He uses raw language that can also be found in his poems from earlier published collections, such as “Crush.” This collection holds stories of birds, war and tales about the moon.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Celebrate the season of love with these activities

    Ways to spend time this Valentine’s Day if alone or single

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but not everyone has plans this year, or a significant other to spend it with. However, the holiday doesn’t have to be full of sadness or longing for a partner; instead, it can be an opportunity to make the most out of singledom and celebrate love in other ways. Here are some of the best ways to spend time alone when single or without plans:

    • Write letters to family or friends: If spending this holiday solo, love letters or letters of gratitude for friends and family can go a long way. This past year has been hard on everyone, and a small moment of appreciation can mean more to someone than initially thought. It doesn’t have to be pages long, but can highlight favorite memories, inside jokes or a cute message. Go the extra mile and mail them out if needed. 
    • Pampering: There are a ton of takeout and delivery services available to enjoy a nice meal, beverage or sweet treat from home. Or the day can be spent cooking favorite meals or treats at home, with a movie or music. Take a nap, get out of the house, enjoy time in nature ⏤ do whatever brings the most relaxation through the day.
    • Spend time with pets: Valentine’s Day can be spent with pets, either out on a walk, playing, lounging around or by giving them treat after treat. Have a fun photoshoot with pets to commemorate the day together, give them a little Valentine’s with a toy or treat in it and bestow some extra attention (flowers are optional, chocolate not recommended).
    • Random act of kindness: There are plenty of people in our community that need a helping hand, from folks facing homelessness to families in our own neighborhoods. Donating time and resources can make a big difference to those who may be struggling, even if it’s something small. Spread the love by going through old clothes, dishes, home items or unwanted food products and donating them to food pantries and homeless shelters. 
    • Valentine’s Day cards: If there are any kiddos or youngsters in the family, they may really appreciate some chocolates, a toy or Valentine’s Day cards — since they aren’t in classrooms and can’t quite celebrate in the traditional way. It can be an exciting time for children to soak in the holiday, so try out a themed activity with them. Have them make their own cards to give to family members or friends, decorate the house, bake goodies or have a spa day. 

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            Find classic hits in this Valentine’s Day playlist

            Add these classic love songs and heartbreaker anthems to a Valentine’s Playlist

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

            Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and this season of love can best be enjoyed ⏤ or not ⏤ with music. Jam out with these 40 songs, half being love songs and the other half being heartbreak anthems. These songs can create an upbeat tone during date night or enjoy quality alone time if flying solo this year. Or, hit shuffle, grab some ice cream and see how the night goes. 

            The playlist has artists from Etta James, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, and all the way to Soulja Boy and The Pussycat Dolls. This lively playlist can add some excitement to this year’s Valentine’s Day, no matter someone’s relationship status. Find the official playlist ready to stream on Spotify @thewesternhowl:

            Love songs:

            1. “A Sunday Kind Of Love” — Etta James 
            2. “If I Ain’t Got You” — Alicia Keys 
            3. “Every Breath You Take”— The Police
            4. “Wonderwall” — Oasis
            5. “Cupid’s Chokehold / Breakfast In America” —  Gym Class Heroes
            6. “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” —  Soulja Boy, Sammie
            7. “Tainted Love” —  Soft Cell
            8. “She Will Be Loved” —  Maroon 5
            9. “Hopelessly Devoted To You” — Olivia John-Newton
            10. “Can’t Take My Eyes off Of You” —  Frankie Valli
            11. “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe” —  Barry White
            12. “Let’s Get It On” —  Marvin Gaye
            13. “My Girl” —  The Temptations
            14. “Love Her Madly” — The Doors
            15. “Kiss” —  Prince
            16. “More Than A Woman” —  Bee Gees
            17. “Lucky” —  Jason Mraz, Colbie Callait
            18. “Better Together” — Jack Johnson
            19. “My Stove’s on Fire” —  Robert Lester Folson
            20. “Baby, I’m Yours” —  Barbara Lewis

            Heartbreak songs:

            1. “One Is The Loneliest Number” —  Harry Nilsson
            2. “I Hate This Part” —  The Pussycat Dolls
            3. “Everybody Hurts” —  R.E.M.
            4. “Jar Of Hearts” —  Christina Perri
            5. “I’m Not In Love” —  10cc
            6. “What a Fool Believes” —  The Doobie Brothers
            7. “Time After Time” —  Cyndi Lauper
            8. “Heartbreak Hotel” —  Elvis Presley
            9. “I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE” —  Tyler, The Creator
            10. “F*** Being Friends” —  Jessie Reyez
            11. “Bad Religion” —  Frank Ocean
            12. “Sign Of The Times” — Harry Styles
            13. “when the party’s over” —  Billie Eilish
            14. “Someone Like You” —  Adele
            15. “Fix You” —  Coldplay 
            16. “Baby Come Back” —  Player
            17. “Gonna Hurry (As Slow As I Can)” —  Dolly Parton
            18. “I Have Nothing” —  Whitney Huston 
            19. “My Heart Will Go On” —  Céline Dion
            20. “We’ll Meet Again” —  Vera Lynn, Sailors, Soldiers, & Airmen of Mer Majesty’s Forces

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            ‌A list of 15 TikTokers to definitely check out

            Here are some TikTokers you may not already know

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

            One of the beauties of modern technology is how easy it can be to discover new content, music, videos, DIY’s, recipes and various creators and communities. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start with some of these apps. Jump into TikTok by checking out these 15 TikTokers who have a variety of engaging stories, inspiring personal anecdotes, creative characters and useful information:

            1. blakesdailybread makes videos as a serious, and slightly creepy character, who jumps on new trends. 
            2. calebwfrancis has plenty of off the cuff jokes, situations and characters, and also shows clips from his Twitch streams. 
            3. candlereviews highlights satisfying melting and pouring videos of antique, detailed candles and reviews them.
            4. chantyb97 does videos with her bird, Hamlet, who likes to sing in the shower about bacon pancakes and always asks his owner, Bridget, “What doing?!”
            5. chaserutherford has immaculate music taste and dance moves, all while doing perfectly timed facial expressions that are perfectly timed. He also makes me want to buy a fisheye lens. 
            6. caseykfrey makes content that seems so effortlessly funny ⏤ and is definitely his own authentic sense of humor ⏤ through the use of POV’s, characters and dancing to trendy audios. 
            7. christiaan.long uses his energetic presence to talk about current happenings in his life, his mental health and interesting experiences he’s had. 
            8. davidyrodriguez creates characters and situations that are relatable but wild, plus his reactions and comedic timing are great.
            9. fascinatedbyfungi shows up-close clips of fungi and other aspects of nature in order to educate viewers. He also identifies the species of mushrooms and their qualities.
            10. flambothedog is a very smart pup who can speak about toys, walking, his owners and sister Espeon by using buttons on the ground ⏤ after being trained and learning how to do so.
            11. oldtimehawkey helps people with his calming nature vibes, grounding conversations and walks with his dog.
            12. shanewhalley is on a weight loss journey that has inspired many people; he gets vulnerable with his audience and is determined to keep working hard toward his goals. 
            13. truecrimecam has videos on true crime events and describes them with haunting detail.
            14. telehuefood takes food for thought to a whole new level with her cooking videos and stories. 
            15. what_about_bunny is another chatty dog, who also learned how to use buttons to communicate with her owners. 

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            ‌Meet new people at WOU by joining a club

            Look into these clubs and organizations at Western

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

            These clubs and organizations at Western can help winter term pass by with the help of new friends, building fond memories and getting involved in campus life. There are a ton of selections out there that have taken safety precautions and are holding virtual meetings over Zoom. Even if meetings aren’t in person, there’s still the chance to meet new people with similar interests. Get involved with a handful of these clubs: 

            • Abby’s House: Their hours have been recently updated as of Jan. 6; advocates can be reached by email, and staff and hours of operation can be found at their website, wou.edu/abbyshouse. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook, “Abby’s House at WOU.”
            • American Sign Language: Winter term club meetings will be held twice a month. As announced on their Facebook and Instagram, there will be a study event on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. Look out for their newsletter ⏤ which has the Zoom link ⏤ their Instagram @wouasl or their Facebook, “WOU ASL Club.”
            • Black Student Union: For this term, meetings are held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays over Zoom. The link can be found in their Instagram bio, @woubsu.
            • Cru: They have club meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Praise Assembly in Monmouth, and have Bible study at 7:45 p.m. at Munson House on Wednesdays. 
            • Mecha: They’re having bi-weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.; updates, information and the Zoom link are all on their Instagram, @mechadewou.
            • Triangle Alliance: With weekly meetings on Mondays at 6 p.m., folks can find Zoom links and current information on their Instagram @wou_ta or join their group on Facebook at “WOU Triangle Alliance.”
            • Unidos: They’re holding bi-weekly meetings, and have a newsletter that is regularly released. Meetings are held on Mondays at 5 p.m. over Zoom, and the link can be found on their Instagram page @unidoswou. Their Facebook page also has more information and can be searched under “Unidos Club At WOU.” 

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            Artist Spotlight: WOU student and poet fuels the art scene

            Sam Marshall, a poet, rock climber and The Northwest Passage editor-in-chief

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

            Sam Marshall first started writing poetry at 14; originally drawing inspiration from poets like Edgar Allen Poe, they moved on to experimenting with darker elements and themes in their own writing. The writing process isn’t always an easy one ⏤ and Marshall is no stranger to writer’s block ⏤ but after spending years of writing, revising and keeping old poems to reflect on, they were able to begin building a strong skill set. 

            As a young poet from Sherwood, OR, they learned to identify and try out different poetic devices in their works, such as stanza breaks, rhyme and meter. Now, as a senior at Western, they have taken their skills and enthusiasm for the writing process one step further. 

            Marshall is an English major with a concentration in literature and a writing minor, and they have utilized the writing skills they developed to good use. This determination earned them the position as editor-in-chief at The Northwest Passage, which is Western’s literary and fine arts magazine compiled of students’ work. 

            The latest issue of The Northwest Passage was released fall term, and Marshall gained a lot of valuable experience working with other students while curating it, saying, “I have to thank everyone who submitted their work to the magazine. There was a wide range of submissions, and I tried my best to highlight each individual work while creating a cohesive product that students can enjoy.”

            Although most of their writing is private for now, they look forward to the possibility of publishing works one day. They recently wrote a poem called “Can’t Stargaze Under a Cloudy Sky,” which was inspired by their experiences while stargazing at the Big Dipper and finding comfort in the vast night sky. Given time, they learned what worked for their writer’s block and what didn’t, and found that the right words will come to the writer when they want to.

            Marshall elaborates on their work when they were younger, stating, “[Edgar Allen] Poe is still one of my favorites … there’s substance in pain and melancholy, and I found it easier to write with those kinds of themes. I still write in that same vein of melancholy. I find it difficult to write anything happier than bittersweet.” 

            When they aren’t writing, Marshall can be found reading, rock climbing, finishing up online classes, listening to music and working on The Northwest Passage.

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu 

            Petals & Vines is the grow-to place for plants

            Local florist Petals & Vines is blooming with beauty 

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

            Family owned and operated florist shop Petals & Vines has been established in Monmouth since April 2007 ⏤ run by the charming and welcoming mother and daughter duo, Maggie Triplet and Martha Zuck. When it comes to the variety of plants and items available, they have all the bells and whistles for any customer, occasion or budget. Martha describes their inventory as having everything from buying flowers by the stem, “big and bougie” trumpet-style flowers, or “low and lush” arrangements with styles in between that can have glass vases. 

            Zuck stated, “I’ve lived and breathed flowers since 1995, it’s second nature to me … I love working with my mom, being involved in the small-town community, and watching customers’ kids grow up through the years,” which is her favorite part about working with her mom.

            With Valentine’s Day coming up and spring fast approaching, anyone can roam around in the nearly twenty different types of plants in their shop and soak in the greenery. Daily fresh-cut flowers, blooming bouquets, tropical plants, ferns, air and household plants are just a few choices.

            “As Valentine’s Day comes up, wedding and proposal season usually comes right after,” Zuck pointed out.

            No matter what the event or season, there are plenty of quality arrangements, plants and gifts like decor, cards, candies and stuffed animals. Dedicated to working with customers and their budgets, Petals & Vines has “$10 Tuesdays” where there are various plants and items available for $10. There are other deals that happen throughout the year, and they also do pickup and delivery services. If there’s ever a plant they don’t have in-store, they’re happy to order it. 

            Located at 410 Main St W East in Monmouth, patrons should also keep an eye out for JJ, their friendly orange cat that patrols the neighborhood. Additional details can be found on their Facebook at “Petals & Vines Flowers and Gifts,” and Instagram @petalsandvines. For any other questions or concerns, check out their website, petalsandvinesflorist.com or give them a call at 503-838-1773.

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            A preseason event and CDL season postponement

            Next month will start the second season of CDL

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

            It was recently announced that the second season of Call of Duty League will start off with an opening event, taking place Feb. 11 through 14. CDL took a similar route as other competitive game leagues, and switched to an online format due to COVID-19. The regular season has been announced ⏤ although fans will have to wait for the schedule and matchups, as they have yet to be finalized. On Jan. 23 and 24, the preseason Kickoff Classic took place, where six preseason matches were voted on by fans. At this Kickoff Classic, they discussed the upcoming season and the Stage One Group Selection Show. 

            There are other new changes to the season that will come next year, such as the switch to PC and their 4 vs. 4 gameplay mode. Among the 12 CDL teams, the Los Angeles Thieves will be taking the place of Optic Gaming Los Angeles. All of the teams qualify for each major tournament, and it should be noted that the prizing system for 2021 was slightly adjusted.

            There’s an impressive $500,000 thousand at stake for each Major and a staggering $2.5 million for the playoffs, with a prize pool of $5 million. The Kickoff Classic, the regular season and the playoff games will be broadcasted live and on-demand at the Call of Duty League YouTube channel. 

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            Dungeon Delving for Dummies: “Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything”

            “‌Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything” is Wizards of the Coast’s best source book 

            Stephanie Moschella |‌ ‌Digital Media Manager

            Out of all the sourcebooks that Wizards of the Coast has written, “Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything” is the best. This book is the newest in a series of Dungeons and Dragons sourcebooks that contain narrated passages from memorable characters in D&D lore. It first began with “Volo’s Guide to Monsters,” creating a reading atmosphere that made these characters more accessible and even playable. However, Tasha not only brings a female perspective into a male-dominated world, but also a charming personality that makes the reader feel like they’re scrolling through Tasha’s secret art Tumblr. 

            There are a bunch of new subclasses, making this book a secondary guide for dungeon masters and players alike. Alongside the “Player’s Handbook 5th Edition,” it bumps the character creation to a new level, and helps DM’s stuff a lot more tricks up their sleeve. Even though some information has been reprinted into this book, it doesn’t cause too much of a problem. Considering the limited respect towards homebrew material and the lack of acceptance of Unearthed Arcana, making anything canon with a big official D&D stamp is a step towards unlimited options. 

            With group patrons and the plethora of new spells, this book feels and reads like an actual guide, accompanying players through tons of optional class features. For someone that has been playing for years, it’s refreshing to create a ranger that doesn’t need to be a beast master (even though I still won’t ever play one).

            For DM’s like myself, this sourcebook is a must-buy. It literally gives readers freebies with tons of puzzle options and magic items including magical tattoos. There is even an expanded set of rules for sidekicks that’ll provide entertaining twists at the table. The book also has official safeguards for DM’s regarding boundaries. From Tasha herself, “establish boundaries. And if anyone crosses them, speak up. If they don’t listen, there’s always cloudkill…” 

            Overall Review: This article reads like an advertisement for this book, and honestly, I would do it for Wizards of the Coast for free. 10/10 would recommend to players and DM’s alike!

            Contact the author at howldigitalmediamanger@mail.wou.edu

            ‌Five online game sites to get lost in

            Five websites with online games to help with boredom 

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

            Online games have long been a staple of the internet ⏤ with dress-up and makeover flash games, car racing, cooking competitions and many that come from shows like “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Spongebob” and “Tom and Jerry.” Online games such as these can be a good way to burn some time alone; or, if the kids are bored at home and need something new to do, let them explore early internet games. 

            There used to be many other options for playing these types of games, but because of security threats in the Flash Player, Adobe heavily suggests that it be uninstalled. As of Jan.12, Adobe blocked Flash content from running the Flash Player, since the program is at the end of its life. It’s always smart to play it safe and be cautious of clicking weird ads, links or installing unknown things onto the computer. All things considered, here are some sites that will let anyone play some fun games:

            1. Right off the bat, igrezadecu.com has ones like “Zack and Cody Pizza Party Pickup Game,” “Tom and Jerry Cheese Swipe,” “Spongebob Mini Golf” and “Spongebob Rock Collector.” 
            2. httml5games.com has “Smarty Bubbles,” “Badland,” “8 Ball Billiards Classic,” “Crazy Caves,” “Jungle Run,” “Archery World Tour,” “Solitaire Klondike,” “Diamond Rush” and pages worth of other choices. 
            3. Over at funnygames.org, there’s “Fireboy and Watergirl 5,” “Tiles,” “Phase 10,” “Gold Strike” and “Master Chess.” Check this site out for other games too under categories such as adventure and platform, action and fighting, brain and cards, skills and multiplayer and cards. 
            4. gameforge.com holds browser and free games, plus plenty of MMORPG’s (massively multiplayer online role-playing games). There are many alternative categories such as bowling, scary, strategy and memory games.
            5. Finally, gamesheep.com is home to “Garden Bloom,” “My Little City,” “Mad Racer,” “Yeti Sensation” and my personal favorite, “Super Onion Boy.” 

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            Grammy Awards rescheduled until March

            The Grammy Awards has been delayed to March 

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

            Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the 2021 Grammy Awards has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 14. Thankfully, there will still be ways to tune into the 63rd Grammy Awards. The Premiere Ceremony will be streamed live on Grammy.com; tune in to watch the majority of the various categories of awards be handed out, and some live performances too. 

            The 63rd annual award ceremony can be watched on CBS and CBS All Access; it will be interesting to see who comes out on top out of their 83 categories in the completed nominee list. Some categories include Pop, General Field, Rock, Alternative and a list chock-full of talented artists. Some nominees under the General Field for Record Of The Year include: “Black Parade” by Beyoncé, “everything i wanted” by Billie Eilish, “Rockstar” by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa and “Circles” by Post Malone. This Grammy is a cross-genre award given to the song’s recording artist, the producers, recording engineers and mixers as well as the mastering engineers.

            Explaining in-depth about the postponement on their official website, a joint statement was released from Harvey Mason Jr., Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy; Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music, Live Events and Alternative Programming, CBS; and Ben Winston, Grammy Awards Executive Producer, Fulwell 73 Productions:

            “The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of those in our music community and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on producing the show.”

            Although fans have to wait a bit for the highly anticipated event to take place, people can spend time exploring the ranging categories and nominated artists. When the ceremony rolls around, there will be plenty of safe ways to enjoy it with friends and family ⏤ such as a virtual viewing party, share prediction lists on who will win or make a playlist featuring nominated artists.

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

            Review: “Bridgerton”

            Released on Netflix, upper-class society in “Bridgerton” gets saucy 

            Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

            Netflix’s latest hit “Bridgerton” follows the peculiar family of the same name, showcasing the adventures of the eight siblings and their search for love and happiness. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, this romantic drama was released Dec. 25, 2020. Starring Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor as main leads Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton respectfully, the debut season ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 for good reason — imagine Gossip Girl meets Pride and Prejudice. 

            Bridgerton showcases life in London’s high-society in a fictional post-racial Regency era. Audiences can find elaborate sets and costumes, quick-witted characters and steamy scenes which make it a quintessential romance drama. One of the biggest puzzles in this show is in discovering the identity of Lady Whistledown ⏤ the character narrated by Julie Andrews ⏤ who acts as the town’s anonymous author of a scandalous tabloid. 

            Most of the themes present in the show were paired with fairly historic views of status and class, gender roles, marriage and love. There was plenty of humor throughout the show that kept the episodes well-paced, but there is a larger discussion to be had with certain themes that come up, and some parts where viewer discretion is advised. For example, episode six contains scenes of sexual assault and rape. 

            With their high-class lifestyle comes murder and mystery ⏤ all displayed in elegant ballrooms, sprawling gardens and quaint drawing room parlors. Netflix goes one extra step by taking these details of elite life in London and pairs modern music made classical by the Vitamin String Quartet — like Billie Eilish’s “the bad guy,” Shawn Mendes’s “In My Blood” and Maroon 5’s “Girl Like You.” 

            The storyline is developed enough to hold the audience’s attention while leaving wiggle room for a possible next season, and has enough gossip to keep the viewer intrigued. The big reveal of Lady Bridgerton could have been saved for future seasons, as it apparently was in the books, but it was worth it to know in the end. 

            Overall Review: A strong 3.8/5 because of the wardrobe choices and the treats they eat look ridiculously good, but there’s always room for improvement.

            Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

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            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.

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