Mount Hood

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

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