Mount Hood

Local options for getting comfortable with outdoor biking

This Independence restaurant experience is worth the price

 

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Mountain biking is one of many outdoor activities that Oregon has to offer. Searching for new trails helps people look forward to being outdoors and gets them excited about participating in a good workout. For some, mountain biking can seem intimidating, but this article provides three trails near Western’s campus to ease one into the sport.

Dallas Creek Trail is surrounded by a river, trees, wildlife and is also paved. These inclusions  give an easy going feeling of mountain biking without obstacles such as roots, rocks and hills. Since the trail can be accessed through a safe neighborhood, it can be used while the sun sets. 

The McDonald-Dunn Forest in Corvallis offers a variety of open trails that are perfect for beginners. The smooth trails allow people to adjust to the feeling of biking on dirt for the first time. This also allows beginners to work on switching gears on their bikes as they go up hills. While riding on these beautiful trails, people can take pit stops or even turn around when needed because of the wide paths. 

Last is the Calloway Trail in the McDonald Research Forest Oak Creek Access, which is for bikers that are ready to take on a more challenging trail. The narrow path is enclosed by greenery, has sharp turns, roots, and hills, which makes for a whole lot of fun. Bikers can speed though the trail while going across bridges and avoiding obstacles. There are many other trails located in the same area when one feels ready to level up. After a ride, stop across the street at Cookie Binge for a post-ride sweet treat. They offer a variety of cookies, milkshakes, ice cream and more–perfect to fuel up a hungry biker.

Creating the perfect picnic

Creating the perfect picnic

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Now that the sun is shining over Oregon once again, it is the perfect time to go on a picnic. Picnics allow one to breathe in fresh air, get creative with meals and share the view with friends. 

Whether picnicking alone or with company, Riverview Park in Independence is the perfect picnic place. They provide many places to sit such as amphitheater seating, grass lawn and benches overlooking the Willamette River. The Riverview Park provides public wifi, allowing students to be able to work on homework while enjoying the outdoors.

When packing a picnic, the options are endless. Perhaps the best part about picnicking is how the food can be specifically catered for personal preferences. Nothing is off limits. Fruit, sandwiches, drinks and snacks are all great choices. Below are two recipes that keep well for any picnic.

 

PESTO TURKEY AVOCADO SANDWICH

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 slices of nuts and seeds bread

1 leaf of romaine lettuce

3 slices of oven roasted turkey

1 slice of sharp cheddar cheese

½ an avocado, mashed

½ teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of pepper

1 ½ tablespoons of pesto

½ tablespoon of mayonnaise, optional

On one slice spread mashed avocado, season with salt and pepper. On the other slice of bread spread pesto and mayonnaise. Add smoked turkey, cheese and romaine lettuce. Place the first slice of bread on top. Slice in half and package appropriately.

 

BANANA SUSHI

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 2 servings

1 banana, sliced

3 tablespoons of extra crunchy peanut butter

1 tablespoon honey, optional

Place banana slices in a sealable container. Add a scoop of peanut butter to each slice. Drizzle with honey. Serve with chopsticks.

Territory Restaurant review

This Independence restaurant experience is worth the price

 

Mollie Herron | News Editor

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Territory Restaurant is located on the first floor of the Independence Hotel in Independence, Oregon. From the restaurant there is a clear view of the Willamette River with a walking path frequented by local dog walkers. The atrium seating offered allows for patrons to enjoy the outdoors without experiencing the cold weather that so often dampens outdoor dining in Oregon. Be wary of sitting directly in the sun because the atrium has a greenhouse effect which can make it challenging to eat warmer meals.

The signature cocktail selection offered with the normal lunch and dinner menu, while only containing six drinks, provided great variety. The Smoked Mezcal Paloma, Diablitos Margarita and Sadie’s Serrano Lemondrop provide a spicy hit for those looking for more of a punch from their drinks. The Bees Knees is a refreshing lavender lemonade drink that reminds one of summer, despite the wind chill many would experience when they venture outside. The Elderflower Old Fashioned was a nice, subtle twist on a clear classic. The slight fruity and floral taste of the elderflower makes this cocktail more of an outdoor sipping drink as opposed to the sitting-in-a-dinghy-bar type of drink.

The lunch and dinner menu provides many options for vegetarian patrons and the opportunity to add meat to dishes not already containing it. One of the vegetarian options I ordered was the Cauliflower and Serrano Sandwich. The ratio of cauliflower and peppers to bread was perfect, but was somewhat lacking when it came to flavor. I felt as though I couldn’t quite taste the complete flavor profile as it wasn’t strong enough to fully come through.

The sandwiches are all served on thick slices of bread that is toasted to perfection, preventing them from getting soggy. Most are served with a side of fries that were crispy on the outside, making it almost impossible to stop eating them.

One of the cheapest meals on the menu, the grilled cheese and tomato soup, was priced at $10 but provided all the quality of a pricey meal despite its simplicity. The grilled cheese had a nice crisp surface so as to not overwhelm the eater with the gooey melted cheese center. They have recently added a corn and potato chowder to the menu which, while delicious and perfectly portioned, left me feeling way too full at the end of my meal when served with a sandwich. It could also be my fault for trying to finish all of my food.

On the higher end of the price scale is the Northern Salmon served on a bed of lentils with bacon and shimeji mushrooms. The variety of texture creates a wonderful eating experience. The salmon is cooked perfectly flakey and the lentils provide more substance to make it filling. A sweet and nutty flavor is added by the applewood bacon and mushrooms, bringing variety to a usually plain meal.

The wait staff is what really made the experience worth it. They were friendly and cracked jokes, though not too many to annoy you. I dined in on two occasions; one being a party of eight and the other a party of three. While not planning to split the check, our lovely waitress split it eight ways without us asking, which was a pleasant and greatly appreciated surprise.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a nice meal with friends and family, or just to grab a drink, Territory is the perfect place. Overall, quality exceeds the expectations set by prices.

9/10

Turning around teriyaki

How to make the most of Yang’s Teriyaki leftovers

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at  howllifestyle@wou.edu

Yang’s Teriyaki is one of the most beloved restaurants to communities near Western’s campus. Yang’s Teriyaki is known for their filling cuisine, great prices and friendly staff. Typically any large combination meal can be used to create three full portions depending on the person. Once the leftovers hit the three day mark, one may want to revamp their leftovers. Below is a recipe to boost leftover Yang’s Teriyaki chicken and rice.

 

LEFTOVER YANG’S TERIYAKI CHICKEN AND RICE

Start to finish: 7 minutes

Yields: One serving

Portion of Yang’s Teriyaki chicken

Portion of Yang’s Teriyaki sushi rice

2 eggs

½ Tablespoon of chili oil

Furikake, optional

Sriracha or Yang’s Teriyaki hot sauce, optional

Kimchi, optional

Cook eggs sunny side up in a small frying pan. Once halfway cooked, top with chili oil and place a lid over the top. Heat remaining Yang’s Teriyaki rice and chicken in the microwave for one minute and thirty seconds. Then add hot sauce and furikake. Once eggs have a thin white layer over the yolks place on top of the rice and chicken. Place kimchi off to the side. Feel free to add or take away anything if desired.

 

San Diego’s Little Italy is worthy of a visit

Notes from foodie adventures in Little Italy, San Diego, California

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

 

One of the most well-known tourist attractions in San Diego, California is Little Italy. This strip of business captures the style, cuisine and ambience of Italy. Little Italy has much to offer for all ages and interests. There are a multitude of restaurants to choose from with a range of different price points. 

For those looking for a quick meal on the cheaper side, Mr. Moto Pizza is a great place to stop by. They provide plenty of options when it comes to sauces, meats and vegetables to choose from along with a friendly staff that will reheat slices in their pizza oven. Looking for a refreshment? Get free sparkling water from their soft drink machine.

Searching for a fancy Italian happy hour? Allegro Restaurant will go past one’s expectations. They make simple dishes, such as grilled artichoke, an elaborate experience by having their waiters pour a white wine sauce onto each individual patron’s plate. Both toast options they offer are out of this world. Their five dollar Classic Buratta does just the trick containing savory flavors and plated with a dramatic drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and flower petals. The Fig and Prosciutto Crostini will remain on one’s mind for the rest of time. The balance of sweet fig jam, creamy fresh mozzarella and salty prosciutto is a happy hour masterpiece. 

Sorrento’s is the place to go for a nice dinner. All of the waiters adhere to Italian-American culture by bringing around a pan full of parmesan cheese to add to everyone’s plates. Their menu contains great appetizer portions with lots of vegetables and good quality olive oil. Each of their pastas are worthy of a chef’s kiss.

Day or night, Little Italy is a great place to take a stroll. One is surrounded by Italian flags, the smell of baked bread filling the air while music plays from every direction.

Little Italy is the perfect addition to a trip to San Diego.

How to expand one’s TikTok profile

Advice about growing one’s TikTok account from a paid content creator

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

The TikTok app is known as one of the most addicting social media platforms. TikTok is a platform where people can post short clips of them doing anything and everything. Their algorithm is mostly unknown, so this article will provide a few tips to enhance any page.

Take each clip or video on one’s camera roll. This prevents time from being wasted opening the app, as well as accidental deletion of previous clips. This way, one can quickly pull out their phone, take a second or two to record, then continue on with their day. 

Be as specific as possible. Participating in trends can be fun, but videos are more likely to go viral if they have brought something new to the table. Examples of this can include participating in an event, demonstrating specific skills, traveling to different destinations and much more. 

No need for crazy editing. Effects or filters are not necessary. Simply adding music to a video does the trick. To enhance a video, sync a fun sound to clips and add some colorful text.

Keep in mind that everything stays on the internet forever. No one has control over what goes viral or what people will see. It is important before posting to re-evaluate. 

Ask oneself:

  • Would I be okay with a parent or boss seeing this? 
  • Would each viewer understand references included in the video? 
  • Could anyone be negatively affected by posting this video? 
  • Does this create a positive persona for myself?

These questions also apply to what hashtags one decides to include in the captions of their videos. Adding the most popular hashtags can be such a mindless addition to any TikTok, but do creators know what these hashtags are supporting, or what they truly mean? To avoid potential hashtag havoc, keep it simple. Use hashtags that are related to the video. This way it will reach those who relate and enjoy the activities that are promoted in the TikTok.

Unlocking the creator fund. Doing this is not something that is out of reach, but it can be out of one’s control. To access the personal requirements to join the creator fund, go into “Creator Tools” on the TikTok app. After that, click the light gray creator fund icon. There, one will see a list of tasks that need to be completed within 30 days. A task could be as simple as posting three videos, or as out of one’s hands as gaining 100,000 views on their page. After completion of the personal tasks, one will have to complete paperwork. This includes sending in a driver’s license as age verification and filling out tax information. Once everything is approved, one will be paid for the views up to three days prior, as well as future content. From then on, funds can be checked on a daily basis to see how much has been earned. 

At the end of the day, TikTok is a creative platform for everyone to express their passions, memories and talents. Have fun and be safe.

 

To see an account that uses this format check out @judy.the.foody on TikTok.

How to improve your resume

Tips to improve your resume for career applications

Mollie Herron | News Editor

resume

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

The 2021–22 school year is coming to an end, which means that for many students the next step is applying for “real jobs.” As students start applying for more prestigious jobs, their resumes need to reflect their new education experiences. Here are some tips to improve a resume to impress future employers.

The most important role of a resume is to showcase the most relevant information and skills of an applicant. Many people graduating from college have experience in a wide variety of jobs including retail, customer service, fast food and coaching. If someone has worked in all of these different positions but is applying for something specifically food-related, it might not be as important to include the retail or coaching experience. The fast food and customer service experience would be a great description to include in the past employment section due to the requirements.

While it may feel strange to omit a school from a resume, high school education does not need to be listed. Unless having a diploma from a specific high school increases the chances of getting the job, there is no need to include it in the education section. This would be most helpful in positions like coaching or teaching, where a connection to the community is valued in employees.

At the beginning of every resume there should be a brief summary or profile of the applicant that provides a brief introduction as well as the relevant qualifications that fit the job they are applying for. Later in the resume, the specifics of the qualifications can be listed in the form of bullet points so that more information can be included.

A resume is all about the applicant, so it may be tempting to use the word “I” when describing oneself. The bullet points make it easy to avoid using “I” and to explain all requirements of past jobs.

Western offers many resources to help students looking to prepare for future applications. Visit the Service Learning & Career Development Center for help with all career advising needs. Career counseling, resume critiques, workshops and more are offered in person and even more are offered online. Drop in the Werner University Center room 119 or visit wou.edu/slcd for more information.