Lifestyle – The Western Howl

A photo of the window in the cabin with a traditional Sri Lanka Buddha outside. | Photo by Hannah Field

Nov 5. 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Names have been changed in this story to protect the privacy of those involved.

Wellness tourism: one of the most profitable self-care industries out there, relying on people who travel to experience varied retreats, getaways and programs to better their physical, mental or spiritual health. Most spiritual retreats indulge in various religious practices, meditation, yoga or other exercises, often claiming to build one’s spiritual toolkit — whatever that really means. Forbes estimates an industry worth of $1.2 trillion by 2028.

Be it a healthy dose of ayahuasca, glamping or straight-up mushrooms in the woods, people are obviously investing a lot of money into this practice and doing so with glee. Certainly, some demographics are targeted more than others — advertising meditation retreats and psychic channeling training tends to not appeal to the young and elderly, skipping a lot of the chronically online and offline crowds. The perfect victim of wellness tourism? Well, it’s what one would expect: white, millennial American women with money.

Whether they’re seeking out a spiritual grounding, trying to get away from the hustle of life, shape their mental fortitudes or merely attending a group retreat due to an obligation from work or friends, white women are generally at the forefront of these “spiritual retreats” advertised online. It seems that there’s this urge for women, usually moms, to seek out an outside source of healing and power, making a grounding getaway the only apparent option to establish an independent identity, separate from kids, husbands and work, and build a spiritual, psychic, intuitive skillset.

Up until now, I’ve avoided even glancing in the direction of spiritual retreats, but last fall I was invited to attend an all-women’s one-day workshop with an interesting tagline that left me zero information: “You Know What To Do.” In tiny letters beneath it, “Reclaiming Your Inner Authority.” And I, fully thinking that spiritual retreats were a complete and utter scam, could not bring myself to decline. Spoiler alert: I still think they’re a scam. I do think, however, there’s a lot more to them than I previously expected.

The first thing that stuck out to me was how little I could find out about this particular event. The first email I got simply welcomed me and stated more information was coming soon; the second told me to dress comfortably, bring water and where to show up; the third email was about the founder, Australian woman Marli-Rae Bennett, stressing over her son’s incoming driving test. At this point, I realized I had a long road of newsletters ahead of me.

The morning of was cold and foggy. I was earlier than the rest to the cabin, placed on the mountainside overlooking Glenwood Springs, CO, amidst over 100 acres of untouched land. I learned very quickly that I was a peculiar addition to the group, the only one under 35. There were about ten of us in total, seven of which were customers. The majority of us were from other states, with one woman from Alaska, and worked varied careers, a sex therapist included.

Bennett banged a gong to begin the ceremony, which was when I knew I hadn’t prepared myself adequately for what was to come. Bennett and her accomplice burned some white sage, rang multiple brass instruments over us, including a golden chalice, calling it “energetic preparation.”

We were instructed to feel and honor our bodies, straightening our spines and feeling our breath, holding our prayer beads that come from India. Bennett started a mantra in another language, which everyone seemed to know except me and which climbed in volume until everyone was cheering and whooping, until it fell short to a whisper at the end. I found it confusing and uncomfortable, and in practice felt like the middle point between a small-town youth group session and an improv class.

Following that, we “sweat our prayers,” where we held out our hands for 11 minutes and focused on our breathing. Bennett would interject occasionally with a powerful tone, saying various phrases such as “You are never alone”; “Every woman is not here by accident”; “Feel the divine feminine” and so forth. It felt a little closer to a Pilates class I took once than a spiritual retreat, considering I had no clue who we were praying to specifically, but lots of words slipped past me, such as “the Mother,” to give me some clue.

We were told to journal our intentions in one word and then share them, of which I said “to learn,” because that was the truth, and I was going to try my best to indulge. I wrote later, “We honor the body and our ‘divinity.’ We honor the ancestors. … The space is ‘sacred.’”

We felt our chakras, felt our hearts and dabbed tea tree oil behind our ears while we listened to the drums. Bennett told us to “walk in the authority of Mother Earth,” which was a nice notion, but throughout the whole session, I was never sure what any of it actually meant for me moving forward.

After our snack break — which I did not participate in nor enjoy, because it was all nut salads and beets, which I really should have anticipated — we, to my dismay, were leaving the cabin.

Turns out, half a mile away was a medicine wheel, which was described to me as an energy portal that operates somewhat like a Ouija board, and must be opened and closed, as well as respected. Upon further research, the medicine wheel is a sacred indigenous symbol representative of all knowledge, and one of the women was a stewardess and trained in the practices. I should mention the presence of a Native American woman well-involved in the culture as well.

I will admit, at the time, I was bewildered. It was raining and cold outside, and more than half of the women decided to march with their shoes off in order to be grounded better. I had never heard of an energy portal, especially considering it just looked to me like a bunch of rocks on the ground that I had to march toward in my foul mood, wet and everything. Since then, I’ve looked into the practice, at least enough to understand how it functions for the communities that rely on it. To summarize, we silently and I drearily trekked to the medicine wheel, entered it and walked clockwise, picked a direction and listened and felt through the ground. We prayed, which, might I clarify, is not a problem in any way other than I’m not culturally involved with indigenous people, nor am I spiritual in much of a way that would cause this to entice me, so it felt almost worse participating at all than just sitting out. I’m not sure how the other women felt about it, but they seemed to enjoy the practice, discussing later what directions called to them and how nice it felt to be out in nature.

If it’s any indication of how I felt about it, I wrote: “They want me to journal. I’ve been here four hours, got soaked, ate none of the healthy snacks, and I want desperately to take a nap.”

Back inside, we had a really awkward closed-eyes dancing session, with Bennett declaring that my hips were “holding energy.” We had to shake profusely as if our arms were pool noodles to loosen supposed tension.

At one point, a woman participating asked me if I had ever experienced this before, and when I said no, she said I was very lucky and that if she could go back and start these retreats earlier, she would. According to her, she had once seen a group of women in nature while hiking, singing and barefoot, and had ever since wanted to be a part of whatever she had seen, leading her here.

Our last practice was an honest and vulnerable one where each woman was instructed to share their personal messages from their heart. Internal feelings of shame, guilt and insecurity rose to the surface as each individual dished their deepest thoughts about themselves. “I feel like we need a big group hug,” said one woman at the end, which, whenever someone says that, I’m pretty sure it’s law that one has to happen, and thus concluded my seven-hour wellness retreat and cultural hodgepodge.

Marli-Rae Bennett was immediately painted to me as a pioneer of a spiritualification culture of sorts, which, no, that’s not a real word, but I used it anyway. She leads spiritual retreats for women all across the world, claiming she can help them unlock their deeper purpose, identifying the “holy feminine” and “holy masculine.” To quote one newsletter I saw, “Evolve your personal relationship with the language of cosmos … enhance every aspect of your life, and contribute to the greater collective good” — which I think sums up the whole selling point.

I think there’s a lot of incredibly valid criticism to this kind of pushy sales tactics; Bennett uses vague buzz words without clarity to pull in vulnerable consumers. Like, of course, we want to “lead, create and serve from the harmonised centre of unity consciousness.” But what does that really mean? Oh, yeah, it means dropping nearly $4,000, finding somewhere to stay in an expensive tourist town and spending all day, or sometimes multiple days, learning from Bennett, who personally told me she graduated with a degree in creative writing. On her website, she claims to have completed a doctorate in magical realism at the University of Melbourne, which is incredibly misleading because that degree itself is not a thing. What most likely happened is that Bennett has an arts or humanities PhD, with the doctorate itself specializing in the application of magical realism in theatre considering her background. I consider that to be a phony play to win the game of credentials against women who feel lost and crave stability and community, goading them into purchasing her services due to her education. Having said that, a PhD is a PhD, and I can respect the grind.

OK, maybe I’m being too harsh here, because I actually did like Bennett as a person. She had an infectious personality, a bubbly laugh and stood for a lot of things I do too, such as loud women, rejecting obedience, pursuing true passions and self-reflection. It just has to be said that I ponder the morality of the business model, which I only feel stronger about after the fact — simultaneously, however, I feel a little torn on the customer base.

Thinking about it beforehand, I had fallen headfirst into the “oh, those millennial white women again” trope I see everywhere now. If they have the money for a spiritual retreat to try to solve their problems, why not attend therapy instead? Why spend their time piggybacking off of indigenous practices, pretending they know anything about the different communities they’re hijacking spirituality from? And, don’t get me wrong, that’s a whole separate problem of privilege and cultural appropriation, one that I am much less qualified to speak on.

Yet, when I was actually present with those women, watching them cry and listen to them yell and bond, I couldn’t help but empathize. They spent their own money and took the time to fly to Colorado for this event because it was what they not only wanted to do, but felt like they needed to do. There’s some release in this for them, some pressure building of societal expectations and home lives and stressors I do not have myself, that is let go when they’re around like-minded women.

Some of these women were truly struggling. They felt lonely, unheard, unloved; multiple of them claimed they felt they weren’t beautiful or worthy of love during vulnerable moments where we were made to share some of our deeper thoughts. One shared very personal anecdotes of her mother’s abuse; another sobbed when discussing how her family’s dynamics changed drastically toward her after her brother was put in prison.

It begs the larger question, not of “Should these women be spending their money on this?” but rather, “What is so wrong with our society that women feel that this is the only way to heal?”

On the other end, some of these women were there out of pure enjoyment, indulging in the drums and singing along, barefoot in nature. There are a lot of worse things we could be paying for, like fast food or Botox or something.

In a way, I think Marli-Rae Bennett herself is reliving pain through these retreats. I saw her shed tears like the rest, and it should speak at least a little bit to her character. I find it hard to believe her intentions are malicious. I just wonder if this is something that actually works for people or not, if women feel better in the long run, but I did see a match strike in a circle of women who just needed someone to listen and understand.

Ultimately, would I ever tell anybody what to do with their time and money? Absolutely not. This was simply not my cup of tea. If a woman is craving a spiritual getaway with other women who believe in the same universal magic, then I think this is a wonderful opportunity for them to connect and grow. But any spiritual workshops with such a hefty entry fee call me to question the integrity of the intuitive leader, who wrote after our session in a letter, “I trust the Mother Goddess. This seemingly subtle shift has moved me from doubt and worry to a deep and abiding sense of ease, soul nourishment and safety in my being, and trust in the Divine,” which transitioned into, “If you want to make this subconscious shift for yourself … scroll down for more insight into creating the sacrament of marriage within your own being.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

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The Mandela effect

Nov 5 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Coined by Fiona Broome, the Mandela effect is a phenomenon that many people experience, whether they realize it or not, in which they have faulty memories of a certain person, character, event or anything similar. Each faulty detail is often experienced by a multitude of people, making the effect seem that much more mysterious and odd. Broome created the term “Mandela effect” when she discovered that she, along with many others, believed that Nelson Mandela died in the 1980s when he in fact died in 2013. She was shocked that so many people remembered a key historic event falsely and thus put a name to the phenomenon.

A common occurrence of the Mandela effect that many encounter is centered around Disney’s well-known character Tinker Bell. Many people, including myself, remember in the old Disney movie era how Tinker Bell would come out at the beginning of VCR movies when they show the Disney castle logo and would circle around the castle and tap the top of the “I.” Supposedly, this never actually happened and, instead, there was only a white half circle that went around the castle, with Tinker Bell never actually showing up. However, many Disney fans speculated about this and tried to dig up old Disney VCRs and DVDs, with some allegedly proving that Tinker Bell did, in fact, appear. Whether she actually appeared or not is still up for debate.

Those who are familiar with “Star Wars” often recall what is argued to be the most famous line in the franchise: “Luke, I am your father.” What if I said that this was never actually Darth Vader’s famous line? In “The Empire Strikes Back,” the line that Darth Vader actually says to Luke is “No, I am your father.” Many fans distinctly remember the use of Luke’s name in this line as Vader is talking to Luke, and the line is quoted this way by fans and non-fans alike. In the same vein, many Disney fans remember the famous line from the Evil Queen in “Snow White” being “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” The correct line spoken in the original “Snow White” is in fact “Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” Many people recall the use of “mirror, mirror” even though the Evil Queen never said this.

Another common Disney Mandela effect happens when recalling the original Mickey Mouse. When thinking about the clothes that he wears, many remember his shorts with buttons having suspenders. If fans go back and look, though, they’ll find that Mickey Mouse does not actually have suspenders, he only wears the shorts with buttons.

Those who read or watched it as a kid may recall the popular children’s show about Mama and Papa Bear as they raise their two bear cubs in Bear Country. But what comes to mind when prompted to spell out the name of this show? The correct spelling is “The Berenstain Bears,” even though many recall it being spelled as “Berenstein.”

Video game fans aren’t immune to the Mandela effect either. Those who spent their childhood playing “Pokémon” games or collecting Pokémon cards commonly argue about the appearance of the famous Pokémon Pikachu. Some fans recall his unique zig-zag tail having a black tip at the top, while some recall the black section of his tail being at the bottom. Fans who recall the black section being at the tip of his tail have fallen victim to the Mandela effect, because Pikachu does not have any black at the end of his tail.

When thinking about the show “Scooby-Doo,” people also often remember the character Shaggy as having a distinct Adam’s apple in his appearance. This characteristic often stands out to fans too because Shaggy is seen eating food a lot, making his Adam’s apple very clear. Shaggy also gulped a lot in the show out of fear, something that is believed to also feature his Adam’s apple. Yet, if we go back to view Scooby Doo, Shaggy doesn’t actually have an Adam’s apple at all. He does have the bulge when he swallows or gulps, so it is theorized that fans are just remembering this.

The Mandela effect is known as a phenomenon for a reason, but there are a few differing theories for why it occurs. One explanation is false memories. When we recall something that happened a while ago — more so the further back we go — our brains can set off neurons that are connected to other memories and details, potentially causing us to remember something incorrectly. Similarly, confabulation may happen, meaning that our brain subconsciously fills in gaps for things we don’t quite remember. Human brains try to make sense of this lapse of knowledge by filling in a reasonable explanation, even if we don’t realize it’s false. Our brains can also subconsciously change a past memory based on what we encounter after it. For example, perhaps the reason many people remember Tinker Bell at the beginning of Disney movies is because something similar occurred at a later date with something that was related. The fact that our brains do this also contributes to the fact that eyewitness testimonies are not always reliable.

A more unusual theory that some have surrounding the Mandela effect is alternate realities. In this theory, the individuals who make up the group believing that each instance of the Mandela effect happened are all from an alternate reality in which that version of the event is actually true. So, in the Tinker Bell Mandela effect, everyone who remembers Tinker Bell in the Disney intro somehow entered a different timeline in which Tinkerbell actually did appear.

No matter if someone has experienced the Mandela effect for themself, it can be interesting to think about why this phenomenon occurs in the first place. It can be easy to write it off as a coincidence if a couple of people experience each event, but large groups of people all report remembering the same false events. As humans, we naturally try to find reasonable explanations, but perhaps some things just can’t be explained.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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Gaming on the mind

A photo of a gaming setup with the game “Stardew Valley” on the screen. | Photo from @mysleepylifestyle on Instagram

Nov 5. 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Video games have experienced a tremendous amount of growth throughout the years. During the coronavirus pandemic, many used video games as a way to connect with others for relaxation and social interaction. Not only did the games provide temporary escape from world issues at the time, but they also helped connect people to their friends and family in a way that was safe. Now that the world is somewhat back to normal in the sense that we can be around each other more, the gaming industry still continues to grow and develop. In 2021, the World Health Organization initiated discussions on how gaming can affect mental health. For years, most have believed that video games were detrimental to one’s psyche. While they can be like any form of addiction, some studies have found some positives to gaming.
According to an article written in 2014, published by Radboud University, certain cognitive skills can be developed by playing games that involve fast reflexes and aim. They include accurate attention allocation, high spatial resolution, better visual processing and enhanced mental rotation abilities. They also found that gamers have a significant increase in spatial skills in particular, which have been linked to higher achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. It is important to note, however, that most of those developments were seen from first-person shooters, which are one of the most popular types of games in the modern day.
Games can also influence problem-solving skills, which can apply to almost every genre of video games. Most games require the player to get from point A to point B, which is where the gameplay comes from. It could vary from shooting enemies to get the door to unlock, solving a puzzle or even just exploring the area to find out where to trigger a cutscene. An action as simple as that can develop someone’s ability to navigate situations better.
Yet, like all things in life, having too much of something can be bad for one’s health. Because video games can be so engaging and feel as if whatever’s happening on the screen is happening to the person in real life, the issues felt in the game can feel a little too real. This isn’t always a bad thing, especially when the game can make someone feel immense joy. However, when experiencing too much of a life-threatening situation, it can add stress to a person’s mind and change the way they think.
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, excessive gaming has also been linked to health struggles like obesity, insomnia, eye strain, anxiety, depression and difficulties with other commitments like school or work. Hyperarousal can also occur with too much concentration on the screen. Hyperarousal can appear differently in different types of people, but usually involves struggles with the mind’s ability to process information. Paying attention can be difficult, and impulses may be harder to control, following directions is more challenging and some can have decreased interest in other activities.
It is notable, though, that having fun has tremendous effects on the brain. According to the National Institute for Play, playing a game, whether it be on the field or on the screen, can help adults deal with stress and can promote the release of endorphins in the brain, which brings down stress-inducing cortisol levels. It can soothe the mind’s both wonderful and frustrating ability to think too much. With the stress of adult life, including problems like bills, jobs and school, we as young adults need to plan when we are allowed to take a leisurely break from it all, and gaming is a great way to do it.
Some enjoy gaming to have a sense of control over a difficult time in their lives. Many gamers describe an experience that happens when completely immersed in a game, simultaneously providing a high sense of control and a loss of self-consciousness. Anyone who has ever played a game to completion will often have a look of pride on their face. The satisfaction one can get from completing a really hard level or winning a difficult boss fight will always be fulfilling.
The Entertainment Software Association created a survey known as Power of Play, which came out earlier this year. 24,000 people aged 16 or above all answered questions to study the perspective of video games globally, spanning 6 continents. The findings in the survey showed not only that there is a nearly even gender split in the players, 48% women and 51% men, it also reported that 66% of gamers do it for fun, while the rest do it for stress-relieving purposes or to keep their mind sharp and give their brain a workout.
It is important to keep in mind that gaming can become an addiction. The reason why it occurs is similar to other various addictions like alcohol or tobacco. The reward part of the brain releases dopamine in response to an action that triggers it. If a person does the action enough times, whether it be picking up a bottle or a controller, the brain begins to associate the activity with the release of dopamine. Then, the person with the problem gains a strong craving to find that pleasure over and over again.
If there is certainty in anything, it is that the gaming industry is continuing to grow. According to the International Trade Administration, the gaming industry made nearly $66 billion in 2023. Over 190 million Americans play video games, with 78% of households having at least one gaming device. It can be a struggle to find a balance between having a healthy hobby or a potentially damaging problem. Some potential ideas to keep in mind when gaming would be to consider playing the same way that most sports rules operate. Be respectful, be kind, be involved and be reasonable, both with the time spent on the activity and the way someone goes about having fun.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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Living life invisibly

The logo for The Ehlers-Danlos Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with EDS. | Photo from @ehlers.danlos on Instagram

Nov. 5 2025 | Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

In the United States, one in four adults lives with a disability that affects aspects of their daily lives. That’s 61 million adults. This statistic includes both visible and non-apparent disabilities — which have also been known as “invisible” or “hidden” disabilities — but both forms can have overlapping effects.

I am somebody who has a non-apparent disability. I prefer to use the term “invisible” because most people wouldn’t be able to look at me and tell, as is the case with most people who have a non-apparent disability. After all, I play rugby, I’m on my feet all day for teaching and, unless I’m complaining about how I’m feeling, nobody knows about my chronic pain.

I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or hEDS. My body doesn’t make enough collagen to support my connective tissues. As a result, my joints constantly ache, are weaker and can hyperextend past what most people would consider typical. I sometimes call my hypermobility my “party trick.” It gives it a more positive spin on things.

Globally, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is rare — only 1 in 5,000 adults have it — and is a genetic disability that’s passed through generations. There are at least 20 gene variants in total that cause Ehlers-Danlos.

I don’t use mobility aids, though others who have hEDS can use canes, walkers or wheelchairs to remove strain from their joints. I do, however, rely on braces and supportive tape wraps. For rugby, I wear a compression sleeve and ankle brace. I tape my fingers and wrists when they jam, something which is unfortunately common.

People with unapparent disabilities often face problems socially because they “don’t look disabled.” I can’t even begin to count how many times I have heard that. Because we don’t look like what people have in their heads for members of the disabled community, we are less likely to be believed. When we advocate for ourselves, we are more likely to be dismissed because our pains and struggles are not outwardly visible.

For Western students, Disability Access Services is available as a resource. The department provides students with accommodations for whatever they need — whether it’s for academics, interpreting services or advocacy — and tailors it to an individual’s needs. For every activity on campus that a club, organization or department hosts, DAS will provide accommodations for students.

Anyone, whether or not they are a part of DAS, can advocate for people with disabilities — both visible and unapparent. This allyship is important because it helps create a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

By challenging barriers, amplifying disabled voices and promoting accessibility, allies play a key role in ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. True inclusion requires collective effort and advocacy from all of us helps move our communities toward understanding, respect and lasting change.

And please, when someone says something about what they need from others to avoid discomfort or injury, listen to them. Listening to disabled people about what they know they need is the most important thing.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

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‘Is that your phone?’ The ‘dumbphone’ trend, explained

Graphic of flip phone | Graphic made by Addison Watts

Nov 5 2025 | Kiera Roedel | Copy Editor

Stop me if this sounds familiar: it’s late at night and there are assignments that need to get done, but it’s impossible to put down the smartphone. This type of situation is all too common for college students, prompting questions about social media addiction and the need to do a “digital detox.” While some people simply set screen-time limits on their phones and stay mindful of the time they spend scrolling, a growing number — including myself — have taken the next step: going back to a time before smartphones.

The “dumbphone” trend has been gaining prevalence online over the past couple of years, mostly due to its nostalgic or aesthetic value. But dumbphones, defined as cell phones without easy access to an app store or modern web-based apps, have legitimate utility as a means to get off social media and spend more time living in the real world.

I’ve spent over a year using a flip phone as my main device. It has access to the following functions: calling, texting, a two-megapixel — yes, two — camera, an MP3 player and some basic utilities like a calculator and calendar. It also has a simple web browser that’s too slow and outdated to even load the front page of Reddit. And that’s literally it. No Instagram, no TikTok, no DoorDash, no Google Maps, no Spotify and no way to download or access any of those services. The vast reduction in available apps and connectivity is definitely an adjustment.

Regardless, there are some notable advantages to using a dumbphone. For one, it’s apparent immediately upon switching just how much time people spend on their phones. In the time between classes, in the library, at meals — it feels like nobody even bothers to look up. Recapturing those lost minutes declutters my brain and is very refreshing.

Second is the nostalgic or aesthetic value that I mentioned. I won’t lie — I didn’t initially switch to a flip phone because I felt the need to digitally detox. It was because I felt nostalgia for the time when “cell phone” meant a weird plastic trinket that people could fiddle with in bizarre ways to expose extra screens and keyboards. Using a flip phone nowadays allows me to recapture a little bit of that feeling.

A third benefit is the cost. In a time when a new iPhone or top-of-the-line Samsung can easily run over $800, being able to pick up a flip phone from a department store for under $50 is a breath of fresh air. Mine cost $19.99 from Tracfone, and I’m still using it a year and a half later. That’s just an objectively good deal.

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows in the dumbphone world. For one thing, missing out on things that people have come to consider basic utilities, like Google Maps, really stings. It can be seen as another part of the package — learning to navigate alone or by paper map is, in a sense, just another part of the digital detox. And some app-based services have alternatives, like the fact that anyone can call a phone number to get an Uber, no app required.

I haven’t totally gotten rid of my smartphone. I still use it for things like my D&D character sheet and for when I need to take a picture that isn’t insufferably — yet aesthetically — grainy. But the opportunity to leave that toxic glass brick in a drawer where it belongs the majority of the time is a truly eye-opening experience.

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

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Spooky treats

A photo of Burgerville’s Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. | Photo by Belen Ponce Leal

Oct 29 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

It’s always interesting to see what kind of menus companies can come up with for a spooky season. Whether it be dyed foods designed to look like pumpkins, sweet ice cream treats with candy bits in them or some locally sourced ingredients used creatively, there is no end to the trend. I thought it would be interesting to discover what kind of spooky-themed foods to try out before the end of the month.

Burger King is well known for their advertising of their special limited-time menus. Right now, they have what they call the “monster menu.” The main staple of the menu is the Jack-O’-Lantern Whopper. It is a version of their famous Whopper burger with a “naturally colored orange bun” with black sesame seeds. While it does have a festive appearance, it has been described by many as tasting basically the same as a regular Whopper burger. Some other items they are selling are Vampire Nuggets, Mummy Mozzarella Fries, the Franken-Candy Sundae and, at certain locations, a trick-or-treat basket.

At the moment, McDonald’s might not have much of a Halloween menu as they are currently focused on their Monopoly-themed one, but the Boo Buckets have returned once again. During October, McDonald’s will give out Happy Meals in what is called a Boo Bucket. They are plastic containers that can double as trick-or-treat buckets. The classic designs have returned, which are the ghost, pumpkin and goblin. However, there are two new additions to the roster this year, which are a black cat and a zombie bucket.

IHOP has come out with some delicious pancake flavors for the season. Obviously, the pumpkin spice pancakes have returned, with the option to make them a short or full stack. They have been described as tasting very good, soft and buttery. The item that I find the most interesting and most delicious is the coffee cake pancakes. Made with cinnamon streusel, cinnamon spread layering and cream cheese icing, these coffee cake pancakes have a delicious crumbly texture.

Burgerville is known throughout Monmouth for being a great place to eat, as it prides itself on locally sourcing its ingredients. All their food is fresh and delicious throughout the year.

Their seasonal menu is composed of their pumpkin shake, apple crumble sundae, harvest cider iced tea, sweet potato fries and, their star of the menu, the Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger. This burger, along with all of their others, has a pasture-raised natural beef patty. The cheese on the burger is called Face Rock Vampire Slayer Cheddar, which is cheddar with a strong dose of garlic in it. That, combined with arugula, which is a leafy green vegetable with a sort of peppery, nutty flavor, makes the burger a fantastic mix of various flavors.

Every restaurant has a different strength, whether it be in design or flavor. I love how every year Burger King can come up with a menu that looks amazing, and even though it doesn’t taste very different, it is at least aesthetically pleasing. I also enjoy how Burgerville can come up with some amazing combinations of flavors in their burger while still being naturally sourced. While not all seasonal food is created equal, it is always endearing to see what companies can come up with to create delicious and good-looking cuisine.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

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Halloween events

A photo of the entrance to Salem’s Grand Theatre | Photo from @salemhistoricgrandtheatre on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

No matter one’s preferences between cozy, community-centered Halloween events or scary, chilling adventures, there is sure to be a local Halloween event happening that is going to scratch that itch. While there is much more to explore in the area, I’ve compiled a list of note-worthy Halloween events that I encourage both autumn lovers and spooky enthusiasts alike to give a try.

Halloween Spooktacular — A big local event happening in Monmouth that many locals enjoy is the Halloween Spooktacular. This fun experience takes place Oct. 31 and begins at 4 p.m. at Main Street Park. Businesses around downtown Monmouth will be open for trick-or-treaters, and the park will have various goodies and activities set up. Businesses will also have pop-up booths along Main Street Park where they will be handing out various treats. There will also be a photo booth; residents are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and take some fun pictures. Students at Western can also find a photo booth with Wolfie to take pictures with him in their costumes. This event is completely free and open to the public.

Dia De Los Muertos — During the Halloween Spooktacular event, residents can also stop by Monmouth Senior Center for Dia De Los Muertos, including various multicultural festivities. This event will have Halloween snacks, candy, arts and crafts and Mexican hot chocolate. They will also have a community ofrenda — a memorial table — set up. Anyone from the community is welcome to contribute to the table by placing special items to remember and pay homage to deceased loved ones.

Ghost of the Grand — Those seeking more of a haunted feel to their Halloween celebration may love the Ghost of the Grand tour. This event takes place at the Grand Theatre in Salem and consists of a tour through the theatre’s main stage, the initiation room and the basement. This isn’t just a normal ghost tour though; they combine theatre and ghostly haunting to create an interactive experience that allows participants to go in search of G.H.O.S.T. — a mysterious and dangerous cult that was driven underground after last year’s tours. Audience members will actively make choices that seal their fate in this event. Happening through Nov. 1, general admission for this event costs $24.95. The Grand Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Salem. Participants often report sensing a ghostly presence, whether it be a gentle breeze or a shadow lurking out of sight, so consumers of the paranormal will love visiting this theatre.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Powered by Questo, those who seek a fun, interactive event for a large group will love this Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Salem. Starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 2, participants who sign up will access the scavenger hunt through the Questo app and travel around Salem exploring haunted areas, tracking ghosts and solving puzzles. Great for those who love a challenge, participants will compete to find clues and finish first, and can even win fun prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so make sure to wear fun costumes. Questo promises that frightening dialogue, bone-chilling intrigue and petrifying twists are in store for those who sign up.

Just a short trip away, these are some of the intriguing and fun Halloween events to look forward to at the end of October. I believe there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy this time of year, even if none of these events sound that interesting. I encourage all to go out and try something new, because, chances are, there’s a lot of fun in doing so.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Lifestyle

The haunting history

A photo of Halloween yard decorations. | Photo from @halloweenperfection on Instagram

Oct 29, 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween is known throughout the United States as the spookiest time of the year; the time when children go door-to-door wearing costumes that range from cute to scary, candy is given out and scares are plotted throughout the night. Despite its popularity, many don’t know the origins of this holiday that has developed and changed throughout the centuries.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which is still celebrated today by Pagans. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts and the druids celebrated the new year Nov. 1. Samhain, which translates to “summer’s end” in Gaelic, marked the end of the harvest, meaning winter was about to begin. Winter was seen as a time of death, where the veil between the living and the dead thins to allow supernatural forces to wander the earth. The people would gather to burn crops and offer animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. Additionally, those who were thinking of their lost loved ones would use candles and bonfires to guide them to the afterlife.

Others would wear costumes to scare the bad spirits and demons away. However, some believed that doing this would allow them to be able to tell each other’s future. The Celtic priests believed that due to the presence of otherworldly beings on the earth, their predictions would hold more weight. After the festival was over, they would take flames from the bonfires and light their own hearths with them. It was believed that the fire would protect them from the incoming winter.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III proclaimed Nov. 1 “All Saints’ Day,” which honors not only the saints, but also the martyrs. Then, in the year 1000, the church made Nov. 2 “All Souls’ Day,” a day that honors the dead. It is believed that the church did this to replace the Celtic festival with a Christian-sanctioned holiday.

It incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain, like big bonfires, celebrations and dressing up in costumes as beings like devils, saints and angels. The night before, which was originally Samhain, began to be called “All-Hallows Eve.”

When people began immigrating to the US, which at the time was the 13 colonies, All-Hallows Eve began to change. As the customs of European ethnic groups and Native Americans clashed, “Halloween” began to emerge.

The first celebrations of the tradition were known as “play parties,” which were events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors shared stories of the dead and would try to tell each other’s fortunes.

Trick-or-treating is based on European traditions where Americans began dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to ask for food or money, which eventually became the trick-or-treating recognized today.

Jack-o’-lanterns come from a tradition in Ireland that came over with Irish immigrants. It is said that there was a man known as “Stingy Jack,” who would trap the devil multiple times throughout his life, keeping him captive until he promised Jack he wouldn’t go to hell. However, when the time came for Jack’s death, he found out that he wasn’t allowed to go to heaven either, so he was doomed to wander the earth forever. The devil supposedly gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a hollowed-out turnip to be his makeshift lantern.

Therefore, the locals began carving spooky faces into their own vegetables to frighten away the spirits from their homes. When immigrants moved to the U.S., the Irish brought the tradition with them. Since pumpkins are native to North America, they decided to switch from turnips to pumpkins; thus, the Jack-o’-laturns that are known today were born.

While Halloween isn’t the same as Samhain in the traditional sense, the holiday still carries that same spirit expressed by the druids and the Celts. It celebrates the time in the year where the leaves change color, the harvest comes in for the final time and everyone does their best to deal with mischievous spirits, whether it be a ghost, a demon or a roommate who wants to scare someone into a heart attack.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Lifestyle

A fall bucket list

Photo of Yesteryear Farms’ pumpkin patch located in Wilsonville, Oregon. | Photo from @yesteryearfarmswilsonville on Instagram

Oct 22 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Fall is a special season for some. It’s the season of change, the time when the leaves on the trees change colors and those hoodies that have been in the closet all summer can finally come out. Wardrobes aren’t the only thing different, though — there are tons of activities and treats to be enjoyed during the month of October. Whether it be going to a local pumpkin patch with friends or sipping on that pumpkin spice latte, there are certain things done in the autumn season that simply feel right. To ensure that everyone here at Western is getting the full seasonal experience, I’ve created a fall bucket list that anyone is welcome to try during this season of change.

Seasonal treats and drinks — Obviously, the most popular in-season flavor is pumpkin spice. One of the most popular items sold during the season of autumn is the pumpkin spice latte. However, the flavor is not limited to the drink. There are pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin pie flavored French toast, pumpkin s’mores cookies, pumpkin oat bars, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, pumpkin bread and much more. Growing up, my favorite thing to eat was pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream.

However, there is so much more to enjoy besides the typical pumpkin spice. Spice in general is heavily used during the season, so spice or cinnamon-flavored treats are a must-try. There’s also nutmeg, ginger, maple or snickerdoodle flavored desserts that anyone can try. Examples could include cinnamon rolls, nutmeg-coated French toast, maple almond cranberry granola, spice cake, snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon cookies, cinnamon hot chocolate and nutmeg milk, among others.

Fall also brings out a lot of nutty flavors, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds. Some fall favorite treats of these could be apple pecan bread, pecan pie, apple walnut upside down cake, rustic nut bars and any of the previously mentioned treats from pumpkin spice or cinnamon can include nuts in them. I personally enjoy the Starbucks pecan crunch oatmilk latte as it has a very nutty, sweet flavor with cold foam on top.

Apples are also a great option for fall flavor, as they are in season and come in so many varieties. Oftentimes, pumpkin patches have apple trees around, so getting a pumpkin would be a great opportunity to pick up some freshly grown apples for desserts. There’s apple pie, apple cinnamon muffins, apple strudel, apple cider french toast, applesauce and many other treat variations. My favorite memory growing up was the time in kindergarten when we got to make applesauce, and to this day, it was still the best I’ve ever had.

Pumpkin picking, carving and painting — A tradition originating from Irish myth, turnips with demonic faces were placed outside of homes to ward off evil spirits. When the Irish immigrated to the United States, they began using pumpkins, as they were native to the region. There is no greater joy for a person who loves the season of fall than the feeling of picking up a pumpkin that will either be carved or painted into a beautiful or haunting design. One great place to get a pumpkin would be Autumn Harvest Pumpkins in Woodburn, Oregon.

While most jack-o-lanterns are carved with scary faces, we’ve moved past simply trying to scare the demons away. Now, we seek to stun them with amazing pumpkin art. Whether it be a replica of a famous painting or an actor’s face with stunning detail, some have moved beyond the simple triangle eyes and straight mouth of a pumpkin’s face.

Some don’t even carve at all. Pumpkin painting has become a much more popular method of decorating pumpkins, as they don’t require as much knife-wielding and they can still be just as beautiful as carved pumpkins. Abstract art, in particular, is really popular with pumpkin painting, with parts like the eyes sketched big and attention-grabbing.

Haunted Houses — It wouldn’t be a spooky season without the spooky part. Having been around for over a century at this point, haunted houses are designed to scare those who dare traverse them. Whether it be the eerie feeling of going through a house that just doesn’t feel right or the tension of going through in anticipation of something or someone jumping out of a corner, those who love the thrill of adrenaline will love going through these. Fun fact: the first documented haunted house was created by Orton & Spooner, a company from the 1890s that specialized in fairgrounds equipment.

I’m not the type of person who enjoys getting scared, so I don’t have the most experience in haunted houses or events. Yet, even I can tell there’s a sense of fear that a person gets when putting themselves in a situation that could be thrilling. There are things at stake as well as the potential of something jumping out at any moment, making us react to threats. For some, that can be fun. Local haunted attractions to check out include the Ghosts of the Grand in Salem, Oregon, or, if commuting is an option, there is the Abandoned Haunted Maze in Florence, Oregon.

Corn mazes — A fun thing to try during the fall, corn mazes are exactly what they sound like: corn fields that have been cut down and shaped into a maze. A person walks through them, attempting to find the way out. Some can be quite difficult, and the dread of finding a dead end will always be disappointing. Yet, the excitement of finding the way out makes it all worth it. They are best done with a group of people, as sometimes it can be quite scary to be stuck in a maze alone without anyone else.

They should especially be done with other people when they are haunted. Yes, haunted corn mazes are a thing. Decorations in them are much more ominous, whether it be some statues that look a bit too real or bloodstains depicting handprints or footprints to make the hair on the back of someone’s neck prick up in terror. Scare actors can be traversing them, waiting to give someone the biggest jumpscare possible.

While I haven’t had the pleasure of trying a haunted corn maze, I have traversed through one in Yakima, Washington when visiting my sister. It was a lot of fun doing a maze in person instead of on a piece of paper. It’s kind of like an escape room, but simpler. The only puzzle to solve is finding the end of the road.

Overall, fall can be one of the best seasons for some. Whether it’s those pumpkin spice cheesecake cookies, the thrill of a haunted house or the joy of walking through a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one, spooky season is a joy to behold. I strongly encourage anyone to get the full fall experience and perhaps find other things to do. If nothing else, jumping into a pile of leaves can be fun and even a little bit nostalgic for some.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Lifestyle

Settling in at Western

A photo of Western’s mascot, Wolfie, posing in a dorm room. | Photo from @westernoregonuniversity on Instagram

Oct 8 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Moving to a new town or city can be pretty intimidating for anyone. Whether a person enjoys traveling or perhaps is a happy homebody, moving from a house or apartment to a dorm room can be really intimidating. It’s a big change for anyone, especially someone who might not be from the area, to learn to call this place home for the time being. It can also be really difficult to decide what to do with this little space someone is given and expected to call home for at least a year.

I remember the stress of preparing to move across the state to be able to attend Western. I read dozens of online threads from former students giving advice to new ones about what to bring or what to invest in for comfort. Packing was a nightmare, trying to figure out what could stay at home and what should come to the dorms.

After some research and a bit of my own first-hand experience, I have provided a couple of tips for those on campus who are struggling with the “move-in blues.” These range from how to live in the dorm and also get into how to get out of one.

Unpack — If there is any kind of advice that all students of all types will agree on, it would probably be to not procrastinate. As good as it feels to just lie down and doom scroll for hours on end, it can end up causing problems because of how time-consuming it is. Therefore, make sure that all belongings are organized in a way that feels comfortable. Personally, I found that having the freedom to organize in a way that I preferred was a great experience. It was a comfort to know nothing was going to be moved and placed somewhere else. Be sure to clarify with a roommate that what’s on one side of the room should not be touched, unless given permission to do so. That also leads to the next tip:

Roommate Communication — While I missed out on having a roommate during my time in Landers Hall, I did have to interact with others often while living in a shared bathroom and kitchen area. My biggest advice would be to be open and understanding. Explain each other’s preferences, limits and comfort levels. Let each other know what is okay to do and what isn’t. It can be awkward at times, but as long as there is mutual respect between everyone, getting along with each other shouldn’t be too difficult. If there is ever a big conflict that can’t be fixed with words, though, contact a resident assistant for further advice and instruction. Their phone numbers should always be visible somewhere in the building on a poster of sorts.

Bring things from home — Whether it’s simple items like blankets or bedsheets, or more unique personal effects, having things that have some kind of sentimental meaning or are just really comfortable can bring a sense of familiarity to an area that may lack it. Personally, I brought a lot of plushies into my dorm room when moving to Western. They are perfect to cling to during the stressful times of finals week. I also brought my own personal pillow. Not only did it save me the trouble of having to buy a new one, but it is a very comfortable item. I’m the type of person who doesn’t fall asleep easily in new areas, yet the pillow allowed for a night of easy rest. If someone isn’t as big of a plushie enthusiast as I am, other items to consider would be a favorite mug, a scrunchie, sweaters or some fuzzy socks.

Decorating — Decor is a very important part of any home, whether it be a house, apartment or a dorm room. Unless someone is a very committed minimalist, most people enjoy personalizing their space. It allows for creative freedom and can often be one of the first times in life that someone can decorate their room the way they want to. Items for desks could be a small stack of books, figurines, plushies, framed photos or a desk organizer. For walls, it can be a bit trickier, as it’s important to not damage the walls. Command strips are a common resource in dorm rooms, as they do not create holes in the walls, but keep in mind their various weight limits — they can send wall decor crashing to the floor if not careful. With that in mind, someone could hang some lights in the corners of the room, put up photos, posters or flags. It all depends on preference and whatever helps the room fit one’s tastes the most.

Snacks — Something I’ve learned in my time as a student is that stress eating is a real thing. While I don’t recommend overeating as a way to cope with stress, it still isn’t a bad idea to stock up on some snacks to munch on throughout the term. Some of my personal favorites that are sweet are peanut M&M’s, Snickers, Muddy Buddies and Hershey’s chocolate. As far as savory goes, I love lemon-lime hot Cheetos, Lay’s lime chips and Chex Mix.

Don’t stay in the dorm — I made that mistake last year. Staying in the dorm after being done with class, while relaxing, was also incredibly lonely. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering just staying in the dorm in their downtime to find events on campus to attend. Not only is it pretty exciting to see what is going on around Western, it’s a good way to meet new people and form relationships. Most of the time, there are a lot of signs or posters hanging around campus with information about an event. However, there is always the option to go to the website for the university and look at the WOU Calendar. Events of all sorts are visible on that page. There are also many clubs at Western that would love to have new members. For me personally, I found that most of the friends I made here at Western have been from classes. Speak to peers and connect with them, especially if they are in the same major.

No one should have to go through university alone. Make connections with those around and find a place here at Western.
Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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The Mandela effect

Living life invisibly

Spooky treats

Halloween events

The haunting history

A fall bucket list

Settling in at Western

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