Mount Hood

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

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

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

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

Feel-Good Love Songs

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

“Love Story” — Taylor Swift

“Late Night Talking” — Harry Styles

“Dandelions” — Ruth B.

“You Are The Reason” — Calum Scott

“Enchanted” — Taylor Swift

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

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

“Look After You” — Aron Wright

“Yellow” — Coldplay

“Power” — Isak Danielson

“Start a Riot” — BANNERS

“Wicked Game” — Chris Isaak

“Fire on Fire” — Sam Smith

“All Of Me” — John Legend

“Distance” — Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz

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

“Everywhere” — Fleetwood Mac

“Biggest Part of Me” — Ambrosia

“Lovefool – Radio Edit” — The Cardigans

Angsty Love Songs

“War of Hearts” — Ruelle

“Where Did Our Love Go?” — Soft Cell 

“Basic Instinct” — The Acid

“Another Love” — Tom Odell

“Love in the Dark” — Adele

“Atlantis” — Seafret

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

“Apocalypse” — Cigarettes After Sex

“Someone You Loved” — Lewis Capaldi

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

“In Your Veins” — Andrew Belle

“The One That Got Away” — Brielle Von Hugel

“Only Love Can Hurt Like This” — Paloma Faith

“Cars’s Outside” — James Arthur

“Visions of Gideon” — Sufjan Stevens

“Can’t Pretend” — Tom Odell

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

“Heartbreak Hotel” — Elvis Presley

“Stay” — Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

“Tainted Love” — Soft Cell

“Mr. Brightside” — The Killers




Anti-Love Songs

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

“I Knew You Were Trouble” — Taylor Swift

“Without Me” — Halsey

“Save Your Tears” — The Weeknd

“good 4 u” — Olivia Rodrigo

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

“thank u, next” — Ariana Grande

“Trust Nobody” — Selena Gomez

“Dancing On My Own” — Robyn

“Good As Hell” — Lizzo

“I Forgot That You Existed” — Taylor Swift

“No Scrubs” — TLC

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

“Goodbye Baby” — The Walters

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

“Truth Hurts” — Lizzo

“Night Shift” — Lucy Dacus 




Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Get your Study On

Written by:Mikayla Coleman

Two Fish and an Elephant” — Khruangbin

“Shades of Man” — Khruangbin 

“Apollo’s Mood” — The Olympians 

“When We Meet” — Cuco 

“Clair de Lune” — Lofi Fruits Music, Chill Fruits Music

“Wohltemperiertes Klavier (lofi Bach)” — Crazy Monkey

“Stale Cupcakes (From “Animal Crossing”)” — Moisés Nieto

“coffee shop jam” — leon chang

“Pokémon center” — Tee Lopes, GameChops 

“It’s Showtime!” — LewisPlaysGuitar

“Fallen Down” — Toby Fox

“It’s Raining Somewhere Else” — Toby Fox 

“In the summertime” — Lofi Fruits Music, Fets, Avocuddle 

“Steven Universe” — Lofi Fruits Music, Chill Fruits Music

“Stars Wars: Cantina Band” — Lofi Fruits Music, Chill Fruits Music 

“Hideout” — Tesk 

“Sorry, I Like You” — Burbank

“Game over!” — Harris Cole

“Redbone” — DontCry

“Office Pothos Lament” — Louie Zong

“Plantasia” — Mort Garson 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Big INK presents:What a Relief?

Written by: Gretchen Sims 

The most recent exhibit to grace the Cannon Art Gallery is a collaborative project showcasing artists who attended the Whiteaker Printmakers’ BIG INK workshop in Eugene, Oregon. This show will run from Jan. 11 through Feb. 10, 2023. 

BIG INK, founded by Lyell Castonguay and Carand Burnet, began as a small organization teaching the art of printmaking. However, as demand grew, BIG INK was able to fund a transportable press — a feat once deemed impossible and impractical — and now travels across the country creating an outlet for creativity. 

The artists who collabed with BIG INK for the Cannon Art showcase include Eric Fry, Bets Cole, Keith Van Norman, Richard Harrington, Priscilla Montoya, Stephanie Juanillo, Jenna Phillpot, Robert Sumner, Sandi Bonn, Gale Everett, Cory Olsen, Jessica Billey, Erik Sandgren, Tedd Anderson, Joy Kloman and Beth Howe.

There are so many pieces for the show that they are split between the second floor of the Hamersly Library and the Cannon Art Gallery. The pieces in the Cannon Art Gallery can only be viewed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., but the pieces in the Hamersly Library can be viewed during regular operating hours. 

The prints in the Cannon Art Gallery are the main event. Pieces by Keith Van Norman and Jessica Billey lie against the right wall of the gallery. The prints “What’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing” and “The Tree” are a true inspiration to the viewer.

Directly across from the main entrance, pieces by Erik Sandgren perfectly sweep the viewers’ eyes around the room with their intricate yet freeform designs. 

Finally, on the wall directly to the viewers’ lefts, are prints titled “Zona Rossa,” “Zebra with Oxpeckers (Maasai Mara, Kenya),” “Where the Crawdads Sing,” “A Fish Out of Water,” “Loon,” “The Bicycle” and “Solidarity.” 

Some of the prints are available for purchase, so if interested, be sure to check them out. Supporting local artists is more important now than ever. 

Of course one does not have to be interested in purchasing the art pieces in order to view them, so be sure to pay a visit and check out these talented artists before they are gone.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

New Releases While we were Away

Written by:Gretchen Sims

It feels like so much time has passed since the traumatizing end of finals week. Since The Howl has yet to have a release since school was in session, there is much that has been missed. Here are just a few media releases that have been rocking viewers since early December.

Albums and Singles — During the month of December alone, several albums have blown up, taking America by storm. 

  • SZA had the biggest success in December with the “SOS” album released on Dec 9. Paramore released “The News” as a precursor for their album that is set to release in January. 
  • Lana Del Rey also released a song, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd,” teasing her 9th studio album set to release in March. 
  • Weezer released “Winter,” the 4th and final EP in their SZNZ series. 
  • A$AP Rocky released “Sh—n’ Me” as part of the official soundtrack for the racing video game, “Need For Speed Unbound.” 
  • Ava Max continues to tease her upcoming album “Diamonds and Dancefloors,” which is set to release in late January, by dropping “Dancing’s Done.”

Movies — This past month has had many notable movie releases. However, here are a few that broke the box office. 

  • “Babylon,” starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Jean Smart, follows several key figures of early Hollywood through their rise and fall.
  • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” documents the heartbreaking yet joyous story of Whitney Houston — arguably the most influential female vocalist of all time.
  • “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the second movie in the critically acclaimed Avatar series, follows Jake Sully’s new family and their struggle to protect their home. 
  • “Violent Knight” redefines Christmas movies with a bloody spinoff of “Home Alone.” 
  • “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is a long-awaited sequel to the Puss in Boots franchise in which Puss must go on an adventure of a lifetime to preserve his own. 
  • “M3GAN” addresses the fears of AI going rogue while preying on an audience’s fear of dolls. 

TV Series — Because they deserve a category of their own, here are the TV series released in December 2022.

  • Season three of “Emily in Paris” was released on Netflix on Dec 21.
  • “1923,” the second Yellowstone prequel, debuted on Paramount Dec 18. 
  • The rebut of “Gossip Girl” was released on HBO Max on Dec 1. 
  • “The Witcher: Blood Origins,” a prequel to “The Witcher” series on Netflix, could be streamed as of Dec 25. 

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

 

End if the Term Concert

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Despite the term coming to an end and finals rapidly approaching, students involved in various forms of music are preparing for more than dreary tests and extensive essays. Every term, Western’s many music ensembles put on performances and, regardless of the extra stress of finals, pour their hearts out in an accumulative display of hard work, skill and talent. Checkout these upcoming concerts.   

Jazz Ensembles Concert

Where: Rice Auditorium 

When: Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by: Adam Harris

Wind Ensemble Concert

Where: Rice Auditorium

When: Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by: Dr. Kevin Walczyk

Western Oregon Voices Concert

Where: Smith Music Hall

When: Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by: Dr. Claire Hudkins

To reserve or purchase tickets for any or all of these performances, visit wou.edu/tickets. Western students may attend for free with their student ID. General admission is $10, seniors and veterans are $5 and non-Western students are only charged $1. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu



Review: “Disenchanted”

Written by:  Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Content warning: this article contains spoilers

“Disenchanted” was released on Disney Plus Friday, Nov. 18, fifteen years after the release of the first film that took the world by storm.

In this sequel to the original film, “Enchanted,” Amy Adams returns as Giselle, the princess from a magical land turned regular New York City resident, as she and her growing family begin anew in the suburban town of Monroeville. 

Frustrated that her happily ever after has proven to be more difficult to find than she expected, Giselle turns to the magic of her home, Andalasia, accidentally throwing the real world and Andalasia off balance.

Having grown up with the first “Enchanted” film, I had high expectations for the sequel. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was ten years old, begging my mother to buy the “Enchanted” DVD so that I could rewatch it as many times as I pleased.

Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed. 

While Amy Adams is as talented and enchanting as ever — in fact, at times, the sole element keeping the film afloat —“Disenchanted” severely lacks the magic that made the first film so timeless and remarkable. It seemed the writers of the sequel attempted to cater too much to the younger generation, rather than the generation, who are now adults, that had fallen in love with the classic film 15 years ago.

Although this movie is a shadow of the first film, there were one or two particularly memorable moments — beginning with the songs. 

It was delightfully surprising to hear Idina Menzel’s singing voice again in, what became my favorite track of the film, “Love Power.”

While the cast is noticeably much older, it is certainly not the element that takes away from the magic of the film, but rather makes the film feel more realistic through demonstrating just how much time has passed since the release of the first film.

Though, I have to give credit where credit is due. The film emphasized the relationship of family over romance, presenting a beautiful message that individuals of any age could take with them: be grateful for what you have.

Overall, both films were great as their own separate entities, just not together.

7.5/10.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu



Holiday Happenings

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – try a few of these activities to create some cheer. Whether one is religious, nonreligious, a homebody or adventurous, there is always a way to celebrate the holidays.

Ice skating — Very similar to roller skating, ice skating can be a great way to spend time with family, friends or even a date. Portland’s Lloyd Center is a great skate spot. Best of all, they have a beautiful gigantic Christmas tree right in the middle of the rink. For events, hours and pricing visit their website at lloydice.com. 

Decorate a gingerbread house — What better way to spend an evening with loved ones than by creating an intricate treat to display? There are many different themes, structures and candy selections that can be used to customize one’s house. 

Secret Santa — This is a great activity and reason for new and old friends to get together. Secret Santa’s are easy to arrange if one sets a budget, sends out the results via the app Santa’s Secret Keeper and has everyone name some gift ideas they would enjoy. Turn it into a longer celebration by having a meal together and watching a festive movie.

Christmas lights in Keizer — Each year the Keizer Police Department hosts a food drive in an extremely lit up neighborhood. Nearly every house in each cul-de-sac is decorated with lights, inflatable decorations, music, nativity scenes and so much more. This neighborhood is marked with a street sign that reads “Holiday Lights” and is guided by lit up police snowmen signs.

Shop for decorations — It is very easy to get overwhelmed with all the decorations and stores to choose from when looking to make one’s home jolly. Hobby Lobby in Salem and Albany is full of amazing decorations, trees, pillows and much more for 20-60% off. But once the Thanksgiving feast is devoured, so are their shelves.

Holiday movies — One of the easiest ways to unwind and get into the holiday spirit is by watching a nostalgic holiday movie. Some festive options include “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “A Christmas Story.”

Find a Christmas tree — Whether it’s in the forest, at a tree farm or in a store, the perfect Christmas tree is waiting to be picked. To ensure the best outcome, measure the height and width of the place a tree will be placed in one’s home before buying.

Make snowflakes — Paper snowflakes are just the thing to spruce up any environment. Since they’re easy to create, require minimal supplies and look like real snowflakes, this craft is truly one of a kind. 

Deck the halls — The time has finally come to completely remodel one’s home into a winter wonderland. Some key elements to keep in mind are planning a consistent color scheme so decorations don’t clash, making sure everyone in the household likes the decor and most importantly, having fun while decorating. 

Christmas Eve service —- For some, Jesus is the reason for the season. A good way to celebrate and feel more connected to a church community is by attending a Christmas Eve service.

Make a winter dessert — Sweet treats fill one’s home with great smells, allow one to share with others and create something to look forward to until they’re all eaten up. Follow this recipe for Winter Forest Cupcakes — they won’t disappoint. 

WINTER FOREST CUPCAKES

Start to finish:

Yields: 24 cupcakes

1 package chocolate cake mix

3 eggs

1 ¼ cups water

½ cup vegetable oil

30 mini waffle cone ends (amount may vary depending on decorative preference. These can be found at Trader Joes or Grocery Outlet)

1 cup white frosting

1 cup powdered sugar

10 drops green food coloring

Start by preheating the oven to 325℉. Combine cupcake mix, eggs and oil in a large bowl. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, then fill with mixture till ⅔ full. Bake for 15–20 minutes, then leave out to cool. Using a piping bag and a round tip, create a swirl with white frosting leaving an empty border. Place the desired amount of cone ends with the point facing up. Divide the remaining white frosting into as many different bowls as one would like shades of green. Add drops of green and blue food coloring to each bowl until desired shades are acquired. Frost each cone using a small star tip tool, creating spikes that represent a douglas fur tree. If only using one piping bag for each shade of green, start by completing the trees in the lightest shade then transition to the darkest. To finish, dust each cupcake with powdered sugar to create a tasty, snowy scene. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu





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