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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

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