Mount Hood

Make 2023 your Best Year Yet

Written by: Jude Bokovoy 

2023 may mean many different things to people. This could be your graduation year, the year one gets their first apartment, or any other milestone, however, it can also bring a lot of uncertainty. Start the new year on a high note with these helpful tips below. 

Clear one’s mindset — Whether it’s core values, passions or aspirations — focus on what is important. Three ways that can help one get into a clear headspace is through meditation, prayer or brainstorming.

Get organized — This can be a key component of staying on track and motivated to pursue each day with confidence. Having a planner can help one stay on top of tasks throughout the week while adding unexpected agendas. Getting into a routine is also a great way to get back into the swing of a busy schedule.

Make plans — Get out there. Keep up with relationships by setting aside time to do activities with the people that mean the most to you. This could be as simple as going to a Western home game or as adventurous as taking a trip.

Have the conversations one’s been putting off — At times it can be difficult to start a serious conversation, especially one that has been cast aside. It is important for oneself and the people involved to know what’s truly going on. Whether it is standing up for oneself, starting a relationship or asking for a raise. Who knows? The other person may just be thinking the same thing. 

Do everything wholeheartedly — Narrowing down one’s schedule to their passions and needs can allow the opportunity to put their all into tasks. Putting one’s full effort into their schoolwork, job or sport can help gain achievements, open doors and exude more passion. 

Experiment with classes — There are so many different courses provided by Western. Some intriguing courses may fall outside of one’s major or minor requirements. Fear not, Western’s team of advisors do an excellent job at moving courses around to fit one’s desired outcomes. So take those classes and learn about areas of interest. The knowledge can easily be beneficial later on in life, and you may find a new academic passion.

Get on top of one’s degree tracks — Because Western allows independence when it comes to planning out one’s schedule, it can be easy to fall behind. This is why it is important to make sure one is taking the correct amount of courses each term to graduate according to their plan. Take prerequisites for required courses, take courses that apply to one’s desired career and experimental interests, as well as leaving room for light terms for one’s busy seasons outside of school. 

Set goals — When setting goals, make sure that they can be achieved independently. People may often rely on other people to reach their goals unknowingly. To avoid doing this, one can alter their goals from “win our next game” to “shoot seven three-pointers,” or “make more friends” to “put oneself out there” and so on. No goal is too big or  too small, all that matters is that it pushes one and gives one something to look forward to. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Functionality of a Cat

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

While dogs may be man’s best friend, what if that man is an introvert? This is where the vainglorious cat comes into play. Many would associate a cat with the ideas of playing, cuddling, purring and cuteness. As a devoted cat owner myself, I can assure anyone that those ideas are mostly bulls–t.

For example, my 3-year-old orange tabby —Moe, whom I often refer to as Boba— could be described using far different attributes. While Moe is cute, his desire for play only comes at the most inconvenient times possible, while also including wanton destruction and incredible unpredictability. Similarly, his need for human contact is inversely proportional to the availability of any humans around him. He is also odd in the fact that his purrs usually come when he is visibly confused or distressed.

This begs the question, what is the functionality of having Moe as my beloved companion? Moe takes up a disproportionate amount of my monthly food budget, needs his litter box scooped every day and refuses to allow me to eat or sleep peacefully. To almost any sane person, he would be a detrimental existence. But f–k ’em if they can’t take a joke, because I would take a bullet for this cat.

Arguably, Moe will always have more negatives than the contrary, but he isn’t all bad news. For starters, he seems to have picked me over my significant other as his “person”. 

The perks for this include Moe following me into the bathroom, looking upon me begrudgingly as I clean up after him and stealing my food.

Another lovely aspect of the entity that is Moe is that he does an exceptional job informing me when there is any moving object outside of my apartment. Moe’s favorite way of communicating potential harm is by assaulting the living room windows.

In all seriousness, he is a good Boba. He has never eaten anything he shouldn’t have, with the notable exception of one chicken nugget. Moe also doesn’t require the constant babysitting that many animals are known for. In all reality, he just exists in the same space that I do, because I forced him to. He —like many cats— had no say in who his roommate is, or even what that “room” is. His life could be considered an existential bummer, yet it is up to me to make sure the most can be made of it. So this begs the question —what is the functionality of a cat owner?

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

While dogs may be man’s best friend, what if that man is an introvert? This is where the vainglorious cat comes into play. Many would associate a cat with the ideas of playing, cuddling, purring and cuteness. As a devoted cat owner myself, I can assure anyone that those ideas are mostly bulls–t.

For example, my 3-year-old orange tabby —Moe, whom I often refer to as Boba— could be described using far different attributes. While Moe is cute, his desire for play only comes at the most inconvenient times possible, while also including wanton destruction and incredible unpredictability. Similarly, his need for human contact is inversely proportional to the availability of any humans around him. He is also odd in the fact that his purrs usually come when he is visibly confused or distressed.

This begs the question, what is the functionality of having Moe as my beloved companion? Moe takes up a disproportionate amount of my monthly food budget, needs his litter box scooped every day and refuses to allow me to eat or sleep peacefully. To almost any sane person, he would be a detrimental existence. But f–k ’em if they can’t take a joke, because I would take a bullet for this cat.

Arguably, Moe will always have more negatives than the contrary, but he isn’t all bad news. For starters, he seems to have picked me over my significant other as his “person”. 

The perks for this include Moe following me into the bathroom, looking upon me begrudgingly as I clean up after him and stealing my food.

Another lovely aspect of the entity that is Moe is that he does an exceptional job informing me when there is any moving object outside of my apartment. Moe’s favorite way of communicating potential harm is by assaulting the living room windows.

In all seriousness, he is a good Boba. He has never eaten anything he shouldn’t have, with the notable exception of one chicken nugget. Moe also doesn’t require the constant babysitting that many animals are known for. In all reality, he just exists in the same space that I do, because I forced him to. He —like many cats— had no say in who his roommate is, or even what that “room” is. His life could be considered an existential bummer, yet it is up to me to make sure the most can be made of it. So this begs the question —what is the functionality of a cat owner?

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu




Quick and Easy Recipes for Students on the Go

Written by:Jude Bokovoy

Chia pudding is a great breakfast or snack for anyone in a hurry. All one needs to do is make it the night before. When ready to eat, place some fruit on top and eat with a spoon for a quick pick-me-up. There are many health benefits packed into chia pudding. Omega 3’s, protein, fiber, iron, vitamin B, zinc and magnesium can be found in each of these recipes. 

Simple Base

Start to finish: 3 minute prep time

Yields: 1 serving

2 ⅔ tablespoons chia seeds

⅔ cup milk of choice

Honey or maple syrup as desired

Fruit of choice

Start one’s chia journey with a clean slate. First, pick out a dish. It is good to keep in mind this is what one will be eating out of, because who wants more dishes to clean? Mason jars, small glass cups or bowls are all great options. Add chia seeds, milk and sweetener to the dish. Stir until combined. Leave in the fridge overnight or for at least two hours. Top with fruit of choice. Raspberries, blueberries, chopped bananas or peach slices are all commonly used choices.

PB Chocolate Banana

Start to finish: 5 minute prep time

Yields: 1 serving

2 ⅔ tablespoons chia seeds

⅔ cup milk of choice

½ tablespoon cocoa powder

⅓ banana

1 tablespoon peanut butter or nut butter of choice

Looking for some additional protein to kick start the day? This style of chia pudding is guaranteed to keep one full. Combine chia seeds and milk in a dish. Mix in cocoa powder thoroughly, then place overnight in the fridge. When ready to serve, chop the banana into bite sized pieces and place on top of the pudding mixture. Drizzle nut butter over top. 

Raspberry Cinnamon Spice

Start to finish: 3 minute prep time

Yields: 1 serving



Clicking Cocktails

Written by:Jude Bokovoy

When entering the world of responsible drinking, the most enjoyable hiccup is figuring out what drink to order. There is a wide variety  of options for both liquor and mixers. Listed below are some dependable cocktail recipes that can be tailored to one’s preferences. 

Moscow mule — With a strong punch of ginger and lime, this bubbly drink will mask the taste of vodka, leaving the drinker refreshed. There are many spins on this classic with common flavor additions including pear, jalapeno or strawberry. 

Espresso martini — Calling all coffee lovers. An espresso martini is a great way to transition from morning to night. With the bold taste of espresso, cream and coffee liqueur— this martini’s beauty and taste will last.  

Daiquiri — This classic cocktail includes three simple ingredients: rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Popular varieties include adding strawberry or peach.

Cuba libre — Love cola? Cola, lime juice and rum complete this delicious spiked soda.

Mojito — This refreshing cocktail will bring one back to summertime. White rum, lime juice, simple syrup and mint muddled over ice make for an excellent treat. Try this drink the classic way or spice things up by adding fresh jalapenos. 

Tequila sunrise — This sweet, tropical drink consists of orange juice, grenadine syrup and of course— tequila. 

French 75 — Feeling fancy? Sip on champagne, gin, lime juice and simple syrup with an orange twist garnish. 

Highball — Keep it simple with whisky and ginger ale over ice.

Bloody Mary — Switch things up with a daring Bloody Mary. Consisting of tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, lemon juice and Tabasco, this drink packs a punch.

Sea breeze — This colorful drink contains vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juice over ice.

Mint Julep — This fresh cocktail is made with bourbon, simple syrup and mint leaves.

Mimosa — Brighten up the morning with a mimosa by simply combining champagne and orange juice.

Lemon drop — This well known cocktail consists of vodka, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup. To add a floral taste, swap out simple syrup with lavender syrup. 

Margarita — How could one forget about margaritas? Though there are many variations, the classic recipe calls for tequila blanco, lime juice, simple syrup and is typically served with a salted rim. Adding jalapeno also brings a delicious kick. 

Whatever one’s drink of choice may be, try branching out every once in a while. It’s always fun to experiment —and who knows? The next cocktail one tries could be their next go-to drink.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



Local Hiking: Get out in Nature

Written by: Dakota Gange 

When one hears the name “Amazon,” is the image conjured consistent with a website? If the answer is yes, it’s time to get out and spend some time with nature. 

The autumn air is refreshing, and here one can keep more than a six feet distance. 

On a forest trail, the sun kisses one’s skin and the raindrops pitter and patter across the face. The smell of effervescent flowers and notes of pine floats across the nose like the purest form of essential oils. Bird songs fill the sky, while  squirrels chase each other around a tree, bringing out the child in us all. 

During the sunny seasons,  bees and  butterflies float across a field of flowers — pollinating them to their desire. The colder and wetter seasons bring in bold colors of  water droplets among  clouds — perfect for  viewing  a sunrise or sunset from atop a hill or mountain. One might spot a newt scurrying in the mud or hear an owl hoot from a  tree top. 

Nature such as this may not reside in one’s backyard, but they  may exist in  local, easily-accessible hiking, biking and walking trails. 

Listed below are my most frequented and favorite go-to hiking spots in Corvallis —a mere 25-30 minutes away from Western’s campus —even when all I have is two hours to spare. 

The Lewisburg Saddle

Residing in Oregon State Universitys’ McDonald Dunn State Forest, this trail is a great option to get some space from other hikers. Its trails contain old and new growth, as well as some gorgeous Douglas firs. The trail is wide and easy to find; one can walk the full loop —which can take several hours— or make it a shorter hike by turning around. 

Upper Horse Trail and Ridge Trail; Lewisburg Saddle West

This trail is my absolute favorite, taking one through a fairy-like “Fern Gully” wonderland. Containing moss-covered growth, beautiful bent trees and branches creating a tunnel-like view— I often imagine this is where the fairies come out at night to play. 

Fitton Green

Craving a spectacular view of a sunset or sunrise? Well there’s no need to travel up to Mary’s Peak when we have this special place; its view of Corvallis is comparable to that of the large mountain. 

Bald Hill

A classic for the locals, Bald Hill is a crowd favorite, as it is so navigable with multiple trails to choose from. All trails lead from the bottom of the hill to the top, one way or another. One can summit this hill in an hour and the view is simply breathtaking. There are paved biking/walking trails that line the bottom, perfect for wheeled excursions. 

Chip Ross

This trail rests on the cusp of Corvallis’ Crescent Valley High school, off of Highland Drive. It’s a great place to view the city, with wide trails that take you on an up-and-down excursion and a few benches lining the top where you can sit and take in the view. There’s an old oak tree with a large red heart carved into it; one might find a couple sitting on the bench below. Hiking here is spacious and will get your heart pumping.

Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu




Oh Gnocchi You Don’t

Written by:Jude Bokovoy

Ever tried gnocchi? This comforting recipe will introduce one to a variety of flavors.

Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Yields: 2 servings

½ bag of gnocchi

¼ cup pesto of choice

½ cooked chicken breast

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons balsamic glaze

5 tablespoons parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons red chili flakes

Start by heating a large pan with olive oil. Once the pan is warm, add gnocchi. Cook until the bottom is golden and then flip to brown the top. This should take about ten minutes. Chop the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces then add to the pan. Stir in the pesto along with red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. Cook until fully warm, then plate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



Sip On This

Written by:Jude Bokovoy

Tired of the same cup of joe each morning? Let fellow Western students provide some inspiration. Read the responses to questions asked by the Howl below.

What is one’s go to coffee order? 

Macchiato: A classic macchiato is one part espresso and one part steamed milk. However, Starbucks creates its macchiatos just like an iced caramel latte, but layered. First, vanilla syrup is added to the bottom of the cup, followed by milk, ice, and espresso shots. Caramel is drizzled over the top of the entire drink, creating delicious, flavorful ribbons to be drunk from a sip lid. One student prefers to add vanilla bean powder to their Starbucks caramel macchiato. 

Latte: This drink is made with one to four shots of espresso and steamed or cold whole milk. One’s favorite alternative milk can be easily substituted. Students’ favorite flavor combinations include honey with cinnamon and hazelnut with coconut. Other alterations involve switching out espresso with different roasts, like highly-caffeinated white coffee, or replacing milk with half and half or even eggnog.

Chai latte: The name is easily deceptive. Believe it or not, there is no espresso included in this drink. Instead of espresso, this latte includes a chai tea base along with steamed or cold  milk, depending if one wants it hot or iced.

Dirty chai: To make a chai latte “dirty,” add a shot or two of espresso. 

Both the classic and dirty chai are very popular with students. One student turns their dirty chai into a breve by replacing the milk with half and half. Another adds white chocolate. 

Mocha: This drink is prepared just like a latte with the addition of a chocolate syrup or powder. To make a white mocha, swap out regular chocolate for white chocolate syrup or powder. Some students have their mochas with raspberry, peppermint or dark chocolate. 

Cold brew: The smoothest drink out there is a cold brew. Baristas will soak fresh espresso grounds with cold water and strain through a tea cloth and let it sit for 24 hours to gain potency. This drink is served plain over ice or with cream, as preferred by a student. 

White Russian: To transition from morning to night, one student of age likes to wind down with this adult beverage — made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream over ice in an old-fashioned glass.

Students also submitted votes on their alternative milk of choice, as well as their temperature preference. 

Which alternative milk is the best?

Oat: 69%

Almond: 15%

Cashew: 7%

Hot or iced?

Hot: 16%

Iced: 83%

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



Wonderful Western

Written by:Jude Bokovoy

There are many things for Western students to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season. To practice gratitude, reflect on what there is to be thankful for here at Western. 

Education — Many people don’t have the opportunity to get a higher education. Being a student at a university is such a blessing, let alone a college as great as Western. There are a variety of majors and minors to choose from and there are always opportunities to experiment with extracurriculars. What makes Western unique when it comes to higher education, is their outstanding Teaching and American Sign Language programs. The teaching program ranks fourth in the nation, with American Sign Language following closely behind as seventh.

Resources — There are so many resources available to Western students. Whether it’s counseling, advising, healthcare or housing, Western has one covered. There are also amazing non-academic resources such as Western’s Food Pantry and the Stitch Closet.

Campus — Western’s campus is filled with activities to keep students engaged. There are a wide number of clubs and organizations, coed sports, fitness classes, games and campus activities year round. 

Experience fall — Western provides a unique experience in autumn. Students get to watch the leaves change colors, feel the weather cool and see sunsets much earlier in the day. 

Welcoming town — The beautiful town of Monmouth gives students the feeling of home with its plethora of family owned businesses. Many restaurants are within walking distance of the campus, giving students the opportunity to try something new while supporting the community. 

Location — Monmouth is the perfect place for students who like to travel — being that it is only an hour away from Portland, 45 minutes away from multiple beaches, 30 minutes away from Corvallis, 20 minutes away from Salem and only 15 minutes away from Dallas. Each of these places are different from each other and are full of restaurants, businesses, activities and beautiful sceneries. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



Not Just Your Mothers Tears

Written by:Nicholas Sarysz

Imagine sitting around a table with one’s extended relatives, who are all giving their very bad opinions on what one should do with one’s life. While it may sound like some form of torture, it is actually what many consider “celebrating” Thanksgiving.

However, the holiday is not about being forced to spend time with one’s extended family. Instead, Thanksgiving is about coming together to celebrate the blessings we all experience. After all, if one is going to be forced to sit next to their politically-opinionated uncle, they might as well at least get a feast and a long weekend out of the ordeal.

Families will most commonly cook turkey for the holiday, sided by various dishes that may include mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and more. Of course, many accompany the day with different activities, such as watching football, sharing what they are most grateful for or even preparing for a Black Friday extravaganza. 

Many others, who are unable to spend time with family during the holiday, celebrate “Friendsgiving.” When it boils down to it, Thanksgiving is all about tradition and being surrounded by the people you love.

The tradition dates back to November 1621, when the first American colonists shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans after their harvest. While this appeared to be the groundwork for a great relationship and a glorious holiday for everyone, it only worked out that way for one of the parties.

Fast forward to 2022 and those that most closely resemble the colonists that arrived from Plymouth run prosperously throughout the country, while the Indigenous people are shoved into forlorn land that the government labeled as a reservation. Today, many people view these reservations as a novelty, where they are able to gamble at casinos and purchase illegal fireworks to set off in their suburban neighborhoods. 

The trajectory taken to get to this point is even worse, as the history between the two sides is nothing more than a long and bloody conflict that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.

The American Government acts as if none of this conflict ever existed and continues to marinate its national holidays in deceptive ways. 

Yet, it is unlikely that any of this will change. Many teachers will continue to white-wash the country’s dirty past by depicting a great relationship between the two sides, all while the students ignorantly craft hand turkeys out of construction paper and finger paint.

So the next time one is  listening to their Uncle Jim rant about this President or that Ballot Initiative, think about the pain and suffering that has gone into the making of the meal that is going cold in front of them— and not just one’s mother’s blood, sweat and tears.

By no means is spending time with one’s family an inherently evil act and neither is forming traditions with those you love. What may be, however, is continuing to pretend that nothing is wrong with the origins of Thanksgiving.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@mail.wou.edu



Add Some Flair to One’s Winter Schedule by Using Some of these Course Options

Written by:Jude Bokovoy 

Need ideas for classes to register for this upcoming term? Have too many extracurriculars to fill more than interests? Take a look at these wonderful opportunities to help branch out for winter term.

Anthropology 216 – Cultural Anthropology: Focuses include learned beliefs, behaviors and symbols utilized in cultures and societies around the world.

Anthropology 332 – Forensic Anthropology: This course is taught from a forensic anthropologist’s point of view analyzing the history of the discipline. Students will learn about goals, techniques and simpler uses of forensic anthropology. 

Art 120 – Beginning Digital Art & Design: Looking into the impacts of visual design, students will create art and designs using software. 

Art 250 – Introduction to Ceramics: Dive into the world of ceramics by creating pieces using handwork and wheel-throwing techniques.

Biology 134 – Introductory Human Anatomy and Physiology: This inquiry-based student centered course walks through basic chemistry, cells, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems of the human body. 

Business 315 – Financial Management: This course goes over budgeting, profit planning, capital management, financial forecasting and much more information that could be helpful for any student. 

Chemistry 420 – Forensic Laboratory Techniques and Documentation: By analyzing physical evidence, one will learn about DNA, explosive residues, papers and inks, arson debris, gunshot residues and serology by using various techniques. 

Communication Studies 236 – Contemporary Issues in Media: Become aware of how media impacts individuals, organizations and the government. This class specifically focuses on the impact of reality T.V. 

Communication Studies 360 – Sport Communication: This course looks into individualized areas of interest including player-coach communication, media spectacles, controversies, journalism and many other sport related issues. 

Computer Science 361 – Algorithms: Learn about how algorithms are designed and implemented.

Criminal Justice 320 – Operations Administration in Homeland Security: Gain skills on how to collaborate with a community to take action concerning homeland security.

Criminal Justice 328 – Forensic Osteology: Through hands-on learning, one will get to identify human and skeletal remains while learning about a variety of related topics.

Dance 171 – World Dance: Hula: Explore the Polynesian dance, hula, through movement while learning its cultural meaning and values.

Dance 255 – Introduction to Dance: Get a feel of a variety of dance styles including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, musical theater and more.

Dance 340 – Conditioning for Dancers: Create a perfect, individualized conditioning routine catered to one’s dancing preferences. 

Earth Science 106 – Exploring the Oceans and Atmosphere: Learn about the Earth’s systems through chemistry, geology and physics. 

Earth Science 320 – Basic Meteorology: Study meteorological phenomena including topics such as the atmosphere, air pressure, heat transfer, precipitation and much more.

Entrepreneurship 384 – Going Into Business In Oregon: This course introduces students to the inner workings of starting a business in the state of Oregon. 

Exercise Science 455 – Physical Activity & Aging: Learn about the long term effects of individual and public healthcare that can motivate one to change lifestyles.

Gerontology 200 – The Aging Self: Your Pathway Through Adulthood: Students will learn about how their personal decisions will affect their life trajectories through discussion and self reflection.

History 489 – Environmental History: Watch the world transform through the history of agriculture, scientific inquiry, urban growth and more.

Literature 386 – Form and Meaning in Film: Observe film as an artform through the lens of a filmmaker. 

Philosophy 103 – Introduction to Logic: Students will analyze the techniques used to make decisions, problem solve and make judgments.

Political Science 203 – International Relations: Learn about the relations between international organizations and nations, as well as global problems and potential resolutions. 

Psychology 449 – Psychology of Creativity: Topics cover social and cultural contexts of creativity, individuality and collaboration in the creative process.  

Sociology 315 – Social Stratification and Inequality: Examine the concept of social classes, distribution of resources, causes and consequences of poverty, stratification and inequality.

Sustainability 201 – Nature and Society: Examine how society has affected nature through research and lab exercises. 

Theater Arts 328 – Stage Combat Studio: Learn how stage combat is executed first-hand by using Society of American Fight Directors’ recognised weapon styles. 

Writing 361 – Poetry Workshop: Become a poet through use of proper technique and appreciation of the artform. 

For more information check out the schedule planner accessible on the Western Oregon University Portal 2.0.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu








Rating the Best of Celebrity Halloween Customer

Written by:Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

This Halloween season, many celebrities did not wait until Oct. 31 to don their costumes. This year, social media saw some of the craziest costumes worn by celebrities. Whether it’s because they are hilarious or just outright different, here are some of the best celebrity Halloween costumes of 2022, rated. Every celebrity costume can be found on their respective Instagram accounts.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum took the creepy — and hilariously funny — route this Halloween, dressing up as a pink, hyper realistic worm. The model’s costume turned many heads this Halloween, leaving them asking “What in the world?” To match Klum, her husband, Tom Kaulitz, dressed up as a fisherman. What else would one expect from the Queen of Halloween? 10/10.

Couple Frankie Jonas and Anna Olson

The youngest and forgotten brother of the Jonas Brothers poked fun at his sibling, Joe Jonas, and ex-girlfriend, Taylor Swift, with the recreation of one of their more iconic stage moments. Anna Olson embodied Taylor Swift in a tight, silver dress while Frankie Jonas dressed as the spitting image of his older brother in a fitted black shirt. It is unknown whether or not Taylor Swift approved of the couple’s costumes. 7.5/10.

Joe Jonas

Joe Jonas may not have sported the iconic Taylor Swift red lipstick, but he did sport the red lips of the iconic figure, Flo from Progressive Insurance. He completed the look with all-white attire and a blue headband to accentuate those brown locks, topped off, of course, with a pin reading, “I love insurance.” 8/10.

Kim Kardashian

This Halloween, the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star donned the character, Mystique, from the X-men superhero universe. Funnily enough, and in a twisting turn of events, Kim accidentally wore the costume to a friend’s birthday party, in a small misunderstanding that the party was a Halloween costume party. For that, it receives a rating of 8.5/10.



Space Up this Year Friendgiving Spread with this Captivating Dessert

Written by:Jude Bokovoy 

Don’t let the name drive one away — this olive oil cake recipe has subtle notes of lemon that will satisfy any craving. This cake is perfect for a Friendsgiving with countless presentation options, simple ingredients and perfect for a light dessert.

OLIVE OIL CAKE

Start to finish: 1 hour 10 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

⅔ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup greek yogurt

2 large eggs

⅔ cup high quality olive oil

Juice of half a lemon

Zest of a whole lemon

Garnish

⅛ cup powdered sugar

20 raspberries

Preheat the oven to 350℉. Add dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined. Create a well in the middle of the bowl and set aside. Combine wet ingredients in the order listed above, leaving out lemon juice and zest. Pour wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and slowly whisk the corners of the dry ingredients in. Once fully combined, add lemon juice and zest. Oil a nine inch circular pan, then pour batter evenly into the pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. While the cake is cooling, use parchment paper to create a stencil to make a design in powdered sugar. Once the cake is cool, apply the stencil and tap on the powdered sugar using a small strainer or spoon. Set raspberries beside the cake for guests to apply to their slice. For more details check out the full recipe at feelgoodfoodie.net.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



A Beginner’s Guide to Exercise

Written by: Gretchen Sims

Ever wondered how to maximize a workout? How to do the most in what little time a college student has? Is the thought of branching out from the cardio machines nerve wracking? 

Going to the gym can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. This is one way of organizing a full week of working out to make things seem more manageable. Keep in mind that this is just one way of splitting a workout — many people do different workout splits and that is perfectly okay. Do whatever works best. 

For an everyday workout, a warm up and cool down is extremely important. Typically, ten minutes of each is recommended. Dynamic, or movement-based, stretching is a great warm up. Static stretching, based upon the amount of time a stretch is held, is a good cool down.

After weight training, one should do around ten to twenty minutes of cardio depending on one’s goals. When working out with the goal of losing weight, try to focus on cardio. When working out with the goal to build more muscle, do less cardio. 

Monday: Shoulders, biceps and triceps.

Tuesday: Chest, back and forearms (optional). 

Wednesday: Rest.

Thursday: Legs.

Friday: Shoulders, biceps and triceps.

Saturday: Chest, back and forearms (optional). 

Sunday: Rest.

When starting the cycle, begin with where one left off in the pattern. This will make it so that the workout cycle is repeated every two weeks. Switching things up can keep things more interesting and less mundane. 

For each muscle group one is focusing on, a good way to organize exercises is to aim between 8 and 12 reps for 3 to 5 sets. Knowing where to begin can be difficult. One way to start is to work each day’s muscle groups on the cable pulls, then on the machines and ending in the free weight section.

In the case of a Monday split for example, one would use the cable pulls for shoulders, biceps and triceps; then move on to machines where, in the same order, one would pick machines that hit these same muscle groups. Finally, one would cycle through these muscle groups one final time on the free weight mats. 

Now, it is important to note the importance of rest days. Remember to rest in order to allow the muscles — which one essentially tears up when working out — time to rebuild themselves. Powering through the gym every day might seem appealing, but this will not yield one’s intended results.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@mail.wou.edu



Winter Cheer Tryouts are Rapidly Approaching

Written by  Jude Bokovoy

Winter cheerleading tryouts are on Nov. 14 — who’s ready? Interested in a place to work on cheer skills, bond with likeminded people and perform in front of a crowd each week? The WOU Cheerleading Team may be just what one is looking for. Follow the guide below to get a sneak peek of what to expect and how to stand out.

Tryout preparation—- First, follow @woucheerleading on Instagram to get information and register by Nov. 12. Then create a dance routine and Western-related cheer to perform for the individual tryout. Make sure to take care of oneself to ensure one’s best performance — whether it’s going to the gym consistently, practicing jumps, getting back into tumbling or anything else.

What to expect at tryouts —-  Arrive a few minutes early to the upper level of the New P.E. building to introduce oneself to the coaches, team members and the people one will be trying out with. Once everyone has warmed up and stretched, the individual tryouts begin. One by one each person trying out will be called back into the gym to perform their own original dance to their song of choice. After this, they will demonstrate their two best jumps, perform their custom cheer and answer a few questions from the judging panel. Tumbling is encouraged, but optional. 

Once everyone has completed their individual tryout, cuts will be made. 

Next, those who are called back will stunt with returning team members. This is one’s time to shine. Open mindedness is a quality that the WOU Cheer Team greatly values. After everyone has been able to perform to their greatest abilities a halftime-style dance routine and cheer will be taught. 

Everyone will be split up into small groups to perform the dance and cheer for the final portion of tryouts.

To stick out among the group, volunteer to call the cheer, be loud and rally one’s heart out after both the cheer and dance. 

What is it like to be a WOU Cheerleader? —- Being on the team is a great experience that will push limits and create lasting friendships. The team is curated based on skill and personality to ensure the safety and enjoyment of each member. For the winter team, practices are held twice a week. There are zero to four Basketball games each week, and with the likey addition of competing in Anaheim California, a WOU cheerleader’s schedule is quite full. 

Completion of the workout circuits assigned by the athletic trainers will be required twice a week as well. Practices require physical and mental preparation to try a new stunt is always a necessity. Cheerleaders are expected to learn halftime routines within two practices to perform later in the week, so focus is a required quality. Although cheerleading is a big time commitment, the majority of the team is able to maintain being full time students, employees, and cheerleaders harmoniously. 

Being a WOU Cheerleader is an experience unlike any other. Experienced cheerleaders are preferred, but those with no experience are welcome to try out. 

If one has any questions or needs any assistance related to tryouts or WOU Cheer, Coach Caitlin Masterson is happy to assist. To do so, reach out to her via Instagram @woucheerleading.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Passion for the Passage

Written by Jude Bokovoy

Wanting a place to display one’s creations? Whether one’s interests lie in writing, art or photography, The Northwest Passage has a place for it all. The Northwest Passage is accepting submissions until Nov. 4 for their fall 2022 issue. 

What is The Northwest Passage? Each term, students from Western get the opportunity to submit all of their artistic creations for the chance to be featured in the latest issue. During the weeks leading up to and following the deadline, the Editor-in-Chief will create a shared Google drive containing all submissions, which are voted on anonymously by the publication’s editorial board. Once voting is complete, the Editor-in-Chief will format the booklet — including all of the chosen pieces. After designing, editing, and reviewing, the issue will be ready to print. The finalized copies will be distributed at campus locations, as well as some businesses in downtown Monmouth. 

Contributing to The Northwest Passage is a great way to get one’s name and work out into the world  while building one’s resume. Having published works of any kind looks great on applications. One of the best things about The Northwest Passage is that one can submit classwork to be featured. Submitting classwork requires little to no extra work on the part of the author or artist that is submitting. 

To submit one’s most treasured pieces for a chance to be featured in this term’s edition of The Northwest Passage, email submissions to northwestpassage@wou.edu. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

It’s Ok to Buy That One Dress From SHEIN

Written by Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The allure of clothing brands like H&M, Shein and Forever 21 can be tempting to many consumers. With their cheap prices, trendy clothing and wide display of styles, fast fashion clothing brands have become increasingly popular amongst social media influencers or so-called “trendsetters.”

It is a generally undisputed fact that fast fashion is bad for the planet and ethically immoral — but what some need to acknowledge is that, for many people, it can be their only option. 

Many environmentalists opposing fast fashion argue that it is worth it to spend the couple more dollars needed to buy something that will last. But when it comes down to using that last paycheck to buy an expensive pair of jeans or save it for healthier grocery options, most would choose the latter. High end and sustainable clothing is sometimes just not an option, especially for college students, who are often living paycheck to paycheck.

Perhaps it’s time to stop dumping all the blame on those who shop fast fashion, and instead look at the systems businesses employ that encourage this behavior from their consumers. Today, an individual cannot scroll through Instagram without seeing a Shein ad urging them to buy that baby blue mini dress — regardless of the fact that it’s fall and they would probably freeze to death trying to wear it.

While there have been various attempts to boycott fast fashion companies, the reality is that it would take an enormous portion of consumers to make enough of an impact for prominent companies to even consider changing their ways. 

Cutting out fast fashion from an individual’s lifestyle choices can be difficult for many; however, it is possible to be an ethically responsible and conscious consumer. 

Shopping fast fashion does not necessarily have to result in the disposal of such large amounts of clothing after a short period of time. Fast fashion is often not the stereotypical “wear once and throw away” notion that many people seem to believe. 

If shopping fast fashion is an individual’s only option, being a more sustainable consumer can simply mean: “buy what you need and wear what you buy.” If properly maintained, a clothing item from Shein could last up to four years. 

Furthermore, depending on the condition, used clothing can be consigned, lent to others, or donated to second-hand shops. In recent years, shopping at thrift stores has become more normalized. Some popular Oregon second-hand stores include Salvation Army, St.Vincent de Paul and Goodwill.

The verdict is this: above all, one should be conscious of their shopping habits. In the end, giving in to buying that Shein dress from an Instagram ad every once in a while is not going to make much of a difference in the vast, unethical world of fast fashion. What will truly make a difference is what one decides to do with that piece of clothing down the road. Will one throw it away after a single use? Or will they consciously maintain it so they can wear it proudly for the next four years?

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

New Food Truck Opens in Mounmouth’s The Annex

Written by Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

The Monmouth community recently welcomed a new locally owned food truck — Aaron and Jack’s Snack Shack, an “out of the box” diner-style eatery with a dash of cultural delectables. The Snack Shack is now serving customers at The Annex, located near The Donut Bar.

On Oct. 10, owners Aaron and Jack held a soft opening with a starter menu,  including burgers and philly sandwiches. An official grand opening was held on Oct. 13. As they have become more established, Aaron and Jack have broadened their menu options to include ramen, loaded fries and mac and cheese.

Aaron and Jack both have 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, with Jack as a former employee at Jack’s Pub, and Aaron a former employee at Dry Town. According to Jack, the pair have not had the best experiences with past employers, which catalyzed their eventual opening of their own business. 

“We just wanted to bust out, do our own thing, and serve the community good quality food that you can’t get anywhere else,” Aaron said.

Customers’ favorite menu item from the Snack Shack as of late is the philly cheesesteak — a mouthwatering combination of thinly sliced steak, homemade cheese sauce, onions, mushrooms and peppers. Another bestseller is the beef ramen and birria tacos, a delicious Mexican dish. Outdoor seating is provided for customers wishing to dine-in.

The Snack Shack is included as one of the 31 restaurants participating in WOU Wednesday. Students who visit on Wednesday will receive 10% off of their meal when they show their Western ID or show up in their favorite Western gear. Students also receive $1 off when they order a wolf juice, a flavor-infused energy drink. 

The food truck also offers customers the chance to order a new secret menu item on Fridays. To obtain the password for the secret menu item, customers must monitor The Shack’s social media the day of from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Currently, the Snack Shack is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

“Most (businesses) are closed around town (on Monday), so we’re open on Monday,” Jack said. “If you got the late night munchies at 10:30 (p.m.), come by and get some food.”

To check out the menu for Aaron and Jack’s Snack Shack and remain updated on future deals and specials, follow them on Instagram at @aaron_and_jacks. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

You are Much More Than Your GPA

Written by Jude Bokovoy

Welcome to midterm season. For some students, this season is just as stressful as a typical week, but for many it can be one of the most stressful parts of the term. It can be easy to allow grades to have a chokehold on one’s life or identity, whether it’s from massive amounts of homework or one’s ideal final grade for a course. Let these affirmations ease one’s outlook on the college grading system.

One’s not alone. It is incredibly easy to fall into putting one’s self worth into their grades. In the college setting, most people want to get “good” grades, usually an A or a B depending on the person. But in reality, a “good” grade should only measure whether one is truly learning. Enjoying oneself should be a part of the learning experience. When getting an eight out of ten, people naturally gravitate to the incorrect answers instead of acknowledging the ones they got correct. 

It’s good to be challenged. There may be some terms where one doesn’t get on the Dean’s list and that is okay. It can be hard to remember that college is not supposed to be easy. College is the ideal time to challenge oneself by taking hard courses, and that could mean that one will barely pass. This is okay. Some of the most enjoyable courses can end with the worst grades. Don’t be petrified by a hypothetical bad grade. Take the daunting course. 

Grades do not measure how much one understands the material. Most times, professors are unable to memorize each of their students’ preferred learning styles. Sometimes one will get a bad grade on an assignment in their favorite class. This does not mean that they don’t understand the material, it just means that the assignment wasn’t formatted in a way that matches their understanding. 

Students are often their own worst critics. The only person that is affected by one’s grades is oneself. No one asks about grades in the workplace, not even one’s accumulated GPA. It is one’s personal responsibility to set their own goals — whether it is barely sliding by, driven by the saying “D’s get degrees,” or shooting for presidential honors. College is already hard, try not to make it any more difficult by oneself to unachievable standards.

Get some distractions. Encouraging words may not be enough to get one’s mind off of their current assignment scores. Getting occupied with one’s passions is the perfect way to decompress. Distractions could be anything from joining a club to doing something spontaneous. Whatever it is, it is much better than wasting time worrying about one’s grades.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Pondering a Podcast?

Western’s guide to creating a podcast through Student Media

Written by Lifestyle Editor Jude Bokovoy

One of Western’s hidden treasures is that Student Media has a fully functioning  podcast studio that is open to all students. If one  has the desire to host a show, there’s nothing in their way. Any topic, duration or guests are welcome. The podcast studio is completely independent and student-run, which can provide a huge creative advantage. Simply sign up for a time slot to use the studio, then jump in to record after a quick technology tutorial by Sean Sullivan, the KWOU station Manager. 

Last spring term I hosted my own podcast for credit as a communications internship. Working with Student Media is a great opportunity to get credit for a degree. I came into the studio with absolutely no experience. After a brief tour and some equipment training, the rest was up to me; writing the script, recording, editing, topics and bringing on guests. It took quite a while to get the hang of recording and editing. It would typically take around seven hours to complete a 15 minute episode from start to finish. 

Now, having a season under my belt, I have plenty of advice. First, give oneself time when scheduling  recording and editing time slots. This step is important because emotions show through the recording. Meaning, that if one is feeling rushed, stressed, tired, or in a bad mood that day, it will be obvious. If one  finds themselves in a mood before going into the studio, they might as well reschedule or spend that time editing a different episode. 

Next, YouTube is a good tool. There are countless tutorials on YouTube that can help with editing. 

When finding a topic for a new episode, write out bullet points of what should be focused on  before recording. 

Lastly, line up as many guests as possible or even get a co-host. By bringing someone in there is another person to talk to, bounce ideas off of, and help lengthen the episode immensely. 

Once one has completed a season that follows Western’s guidelines (which aren’t strict), they will be able to find their  show on Spotify. All one has to do is submit all  episodes to Sullivan and  create a cover photo/graphic along with descriptions for each episode. After that it will be posted to the KWOU Spotify account along with other students’ shows to listen to. 

If interested, contact Sean Sullivan his email kwou@mail.wou.edu.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



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.

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