Mount Hood

How to learn a language without a class

Five tips to master a new language from home

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Learning a new language is a difficult yet exciting feat to take on. Though many college students take a class, it is possible to learn a language without paying for the credits. Follow these tips for learning a new language from the comfort of home.

Personally tailor the program: Since there is no specific curriculum to follow when learning from home, the journey can be taken in any way that works best for the learner. Are daily challenges motivating, or do long term goals personally work better? Is the language completely new, or does it just need brushed up on? Create a program with these goals in mind; choose a language learning app, workbook or online series and schedule time throughout the week as is seen fit.

Listen to how the language is really used: Listening to native speakers through YouTube videos, podcasts, movies and TV shows can all help by providing an example of how the language is actually spoken. Slow down the playback speed as necessary, and try reading only the foreign language’s subtitles. If someone asks a question in the video, pause it and come up with an answer as if practicing a conversation.

Read the language as it is really used: Reading the language in context, as opposed to out of a textbook, can help with understanding it better while also learning about the culture. Find news articles in the language, and use Google Translate as necessary. Graded readers are compiled short stories from the culture that generally have annotations for new learners. Language settings can also be changed on a website or phone.

Review, practice, repeat: There is a difference between simply memorizing something and actually learning it; reviewing material is a great way to cross the threshold. If using a language learning app — such as Babbel, Duolingo, Mondly or Memrise — go over previous lessons periodically, and say the words and phrases aloud as they appear. Also try combining previously learned words with new ones by writing them in a journal, or have a conversation with someone else.

Make learning fun: Repetitiveness and frustration can be discouraging when taking on the challenge of learning a new language, so stay motivated by making the experience fun. Listen to music in the language, and sing along to karaoke versions. Learn funny phrases, jokes or curse words alongside other material.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

No oven required: two microwavable desserts

Simple and sweet treats to make in the microwave

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Looking for a decadent dessert without the oven and the mess? Simply use a coffee mug and a microwave to serve up a delicious sweet treat. Try these chocolate cake and apple crisp microwave recipes for dessert for one in minutes.


MOLTEN CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

Start to finish: 6 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

¼ cup all purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons whole milk

1 small egg

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ounce chocolate of choice, lightly broken up

1 tablespoon water

In a two cup capacity mug, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add in melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla. Whisk well to combine. Place the chocolate pieces in the center of the mug, then drizzle water on top of the batter. 

Cook in the microwave on full power for one minute and 15 seconds to one minute and 30 seconds. The center of the cake will look wet and shiny while the edges will look set. The cake will fall after it comes out of the microwave.

Let cool for about five minutes, and top with whipped cream, berries or ice cream if desired.

Recipe from cleobuttera.com

APPLE CRISP IN A MUG

Start to finish: 8 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

APPLE FILLING

1 apple, peeled and sliced thin

½ tablespoon melted butter

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon flour

CRISP TOPPING

2 tablespoons softened butter

1 tablespoon flour

3 tablespoons old fashioned oats

1 tablespoon brown sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

In a small bowl, mix apple filling ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together crisp ingredients, working the softened butter in with a fork.

Layer half the apples in a microwave safe mug. Top with half the crisp mixture. Add another layer of apples then the remaining crisp mixture. Place in microwave and cook for three minutes.

Serve warm with optional whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.

Recipe from yellowblissroad.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Flapjacks food truck now open for breakfast

New Monmouth food truck serves up flippin’ good pancakes and more

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The Annex food truck lot is finally full, thanks to the brand new Flapjacks truck that opened on Feb. 15. Owner Karna Reynolds cooks up delicious and unique breakfast foods for the Monmouth community.

Originally from Medford, Reynolds moved to Monmouth for a change of scenery.

“I’ve had my food cart for 10 years,” Reynolds said. “Down there, I did tacos.” 

Reynolds said it was time for her to venture out. She flipped her menu upside down to serve up something special for her new community in Monmouth.

Flapjacks has something for everyone — from specialty pancakes, to hearty biscuits and gravy, to hot oatmeal, to fruity smoothies, every entree is made to order. Already, the biscuits and gravy and the birthday cake pancakes are their best sellers, Reynolds said. Her homemade biscuits are topped with gravy loaded with sausage, bacon and tons of flavor; it’s her personal recommendation.

Fresh and creative food is what Reynolds prides herself in. Her menu promises high quality ingredients and food “made with love,” and she enjoys experimenting with a variety of fruits, seasonings and other ingredients to give customers something one of a kind. 

“We like different as human beings,” Reynolds said. 

Reynolds will even throw something new together on a whim, meaning each day may offer a unique menu.

“Today I made a … cinnamon banana swirl pancake,” Reynolds said in regards to her menu that day. “The other day, I came up … (with) a walnut pear pancake.”

For now, Reynolds hopes to grow her business at The Annex. Several years from now, Reynolds has dreams of opening a sister location in Independence — providing the community with the breakfast food truck they want, but small and local enough that she can still run her business independently.

Flapjacks is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the food truck at The Annex, 191 Monmouth Ave. N, and stay up to date with Flapjacks on their Facebook page, @Flapjacks.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

College students: let’s talk about burnout

What to do when overwhelmed by school stress

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The late nights, assignment overload and financial strain of college can feel normalized, but chronic stress and anxiety can cause students to break down and get severely burnt out. According to the World Health Organization, burnout results from unmanaged long term stress that leads to such negative outcomes as constant exhaustion, social detachment and suffering grades or work performance. Towards the end of a term when stress runs higher than usual, it is especially important to know how to recognize and address burnout.

Burnout can appear in a number of ways ⏤ ranging from a lack of motivation to unending fatigue to severe frustration. In conjunction, when grades start slipping no matter how hard one works and motivation to start or finish responsibilities falls away, it is time to take steps to recover from burnout. 

First, step back and look at the entire situation. Think of every obligation, including ones outside of school, like family and extracurriculars, then order the items based on importance. Getting a degree has been instilled in us as absolutely necessary to a successful career, but taking on more than what is manageable all at once does more harm than good. If college is lower on the priority list, consider taking fewer classes or withdrawing for some time. There is no shame in taking longer than originally planned to finish a degree, especially when mental and physical well-being are at stake. 

Even if college is one of the only obligations on one’s plate, it is important to have an outlet. Clubs or online groups provide socialization with like minded people, and exercising can curb stress and frustration. Creative interests and media like books and TV shows support inspiration and relaxation. It is important to give ample time to these stress relievers; try allotting one day per week to doing nothing but enjoyable pastimes, or fit one hour of relaxation into every day. 

Take breaks from school responsibilities as often as necessary. Go for a walk in the middle of studying, or take a mental health day. Only check and answer emails once or twice a day, and turn off notifications during the night so that sleep is prioritized. Nap to catch up on sleep and power through the rest of the day. 

Making school more enjoyable can also help with burnout so that it feels less straining. Choose a field of study and classes that are most interesting, even if this means changing a major. Forming good relationships with classmates and professors can make the days less monotonous.

Asking for help may be challenging, but if burnout has taken over one’s day-to-day life, it may be necessary. Confide in someone trusted and ask them for support in whatever way is needed. If feeling depressed, talk to a professional, such as a counselor at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Zoomed out from Zoom lectures

Tips for staying awake during online classes

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

After a full year of classes through Zoom, a lucky few have mastered schooling from home. For the rest of us, the simple task of staying awake for the entire lecture is still daunting. Try these tips for staying awake during online classes.

Start off the day as if classes were in person; get dressed, sit down for a cup of coffee and perform the usual morning routine. Getting up a bit early to do some light exercise can also jumpstart the mind and body so that by class time, they will be ready and alert. 

Though taking class in a cozy bed sounds tempting, it can make one drowsy in a hurry. Instead, work at a designated space, such as a desk or dining table. If still nodding off in this workspace, try standing up for parts of or all of class. 

Active participation contributes to learning and also keeps one alert. Take thorough notes and write down questions to ask when the opportunity arises. Alternatively, contribute to the discussion by answering questions and presenting personal thoughts on the subject. This will keep the brain working and fight off fatigue. 

My personal favorite tip is to eat food or drink something during class. When starting to doze off, give the body something to do by reaching for a snack or drink. Eventually the body will get a boost of energy as well, especially from foods like oatmeal, nuts and fruits. 

If these quick tips aren’t doing the trick, it may be time to re-examine one’s daily routine. Combat drowsiness at the source by getting more and better sleep at night — check out our tips for better sleep article on our website, wou.edu/westernhowl. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Taste test these five kombuchas

Try out these flavors and brands of kombucha

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Kombucha is a fermented and lightly effervescent drink, made out of either black tea or green tea, and is usually consumed to improve gut health due to certain probiotics and antioxidants they contain. It also provides benefits from the tea that is included, and some kombuchas are crafted to have higher caffeine content as well. In order to sift through all the brands and types, here’s a list that is ranked from the most approachable types of kombucha to the stronger and more intense flavors. 

  1. Brand and flavor: Health-ade Kombucha, Bubbly Rose

Review: True to the name, this drink is very bubbly and has just a hint of rose in it. For kombucha newbies, I would recommend this drink to start off with, because of the delicate floral taste created from the hawthorn berries, mangosteen and rose petals. 

  1. Brand and flavor: Kevita, Lavender Melon

Review: It has a very light flavor, and the tang from the kombucha isn’t overwhelming because of the lavender and melon. Personally, I could take a stronger lavender flavor but the scent is really there, and the melon still has a crisp and refreshing taste. 

  1. Brand and flavor: Brew Dr. Kombucha, Pineapple Guava

Review: This one has a fun design and a very fruity flavor profile, which makes it easy to sip on and enjoy. The pineapple flavor comes in strong right off the bat, and the guava helps cut down on the slight acidity from the pineapple, which creates a nice balance between the flavors. 

  1. Brand and flavor: humm, Pomegranate Lemonade

Review: Humm is another safe choice as it is pretty popular and can be found a bit more regularly in convenience stores than some of the other brands out there. The pomegranate and lemonade make it a smooth and citrusy drink, but come together for a surprisingly good flavor combination. 

  1. Brand and flavor: Synergy, Trilogy

Review: This is my personal favorite brand, mostly because of the strong and tart kombucha flavor. Trilogy is a combination of kiwi, raspberry and lemon juice with both green and black tea — which all pack quite the punch when fermented together.  

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

How to hack your makeup routine

Hacks and tips to make applying makeup easier

Rylie Horrall | Managing Editor

Makeup can be a fun and creative way for a person to express themself, however some may find it difficult to do — I personally still struggle to make my winged eyeliner even on each side, and I’ve been practicing for months. For anyone that has grappled with their own makeup skills or wants to shorten their daily routine, try out some of these tips.

Love the winged eyeliner but can’t seem to make it work? One option is to take a bobby pin, and draw on one end with a liquid eyeliner pen. Line up the end of the bobby pin with the curve of the eyelid and gently press to transfer the line onto the eyelid. Take the eyeliner pen and trace over the line to darken, then drag down across the eyelid to complete the wing.

An alternative and potentially easier option for winged eyeliner is to first take some tape — I recommend body tape for easier removal — and place it on the side of the eye, where the bottom of the wing would be. Line the eye with the pen as normal. For the wing, swipe down at an angle towards the lid ⏤ drawing on the tape if necessary ⏤ to fill the entire wing, then remove the tape.

For quick and easy contouring around the face, first apply foundation as usual. Take a contour stick and draw a “3” from the top of the forehead down to the jaw. The middle section of the shape should fall on one’s cheekbone. Blend away the harsh lines with a makeup brush or beauty blender.

To make one’s lashes look longer without feeling as if there’s a ton of mascara coating, try taking the mascara wand and gently dabbing at it with a tissue before use. This can remove any excess that may cause clumping when applying. Alternatively, scrape the wand against the lip of the container, if worried about wasting the mascara. Apply as usual; the lashes will still have the elongated look mascara gives, but with a lighter amount covering the lashes.

Want bold and colorful eyeshadow? To make the pigment really pop, first apply white eyeshadow or other light color to the entire lid before applying desired color. Apply and blend eyeshadow as normal, and the color should stand out more.

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Brilliant nearby Black-owned businesses to support

Shop local at these five Black establishments

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

As the COVID-19 pandemic carries on, supporting small and local businesses continues to be more important than ever. In the spirit of supporting local shops and in recognition of Black History Month, here are a variety of local Black-owned businesses near Western.

Creative Credit & Auto Sales: 4045 State St., Salem. Tyrone Jones started Creative Credit & Auto Sales car dealership to help customers buy and lease cars even without great credit. Check out their selection online at creativecreditautosales.com, or visit them on site where they also have a mechanic shop.

Flourish Spices and African Food: 1555 Hawthorne St. NE, Salem. Olajumoke Elkanah opened this African whole foods store and restaurant after noticing a need in Salem for food from her heritage. Flourish offers shipping of their African food products through their website, flourishafricanmart.com; check out their catering and cooking class services as well.

Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ: 4106 State St., Salem. This food truck from owner Ricky “Jojo” Tufuku brings the taste of traditional southern foods to Oregon. Find their mouth watering menu on their Facebook page, @Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ.

Pets Unleashed: 488 E Ellendale Ave. Suite 2, Dallas. This pet supply and grooming store is Dallas’s first, opened by Jayden Jones. They offer professional and self service grooming, and they are fully stocked with toys, food, accessories and even small animals. Find them on Facebook @Pets Unleashed.

Q’s Corner Barbershop: 651 High St. NE, Salem. Two businesses live at Quandary Robinson’s Salem shop: Robinson’s barber shop for children and adults alike, and Earl “Drako” Drake’s soul radio station, KSOS. Follow their Facebook page @Q’s Corner Barber Shop.

Dirty Radish: Willamette Valley. Chevonne Ball offers exclusive wine tours, tastings and seminars throughout the Willamette Valley with her travel company, Dirty Radish. The company plans to take clients on trips to France as well beginning in the spring of 2022. Check out their website dirtyradish.com for more information.

Epilogue Kitchen: 130 High St. SE, Salem. Open Friday through Sunday, Epilogue Kitchen offers an array of comfort food as well as cocktails to go. Epilogue Kitchen also provides numerous resources for anti-racism actions, including offering book rentals. Check out their website epilogue-kitchen.square.site to order.

Sanders Styles: 2195 Hyacinth St. SE #194, Salem. Christiane Sanders does more than style hair at her salon; Sanders Styles sells beauty products on site and offers classes for both adults and children. Their website sandersstyles.weebly.com shares their services and pricings.

So Cheesy: 865 Marion St. NE, Salem Saturday Market. Owner Gary Cooper takes customers back to childhood with his food truck’s decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. Find their full menu on their website socheesy.guru, and follow their Facebook page @So Cheesy for hours and location updates.

Uncle Troy’s BBQ: 440 State St., Salem. Located in the Fork Forty Food Hall, Troy Campbell’s shop offers classic barbecue taste. Visit their website uncletroysbbq.com for their full menu and online ordering option.

Know anymore local Black-owned businesses? Comment them below and help us highlight them.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Six stay-at-home Valentine’s dates

Unique date ideas for this quarantined Valentine’s Day 

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

For those who usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant date night, this year might feel disappointing. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean date nights can’t still be exciting. Hunker down with a significant other and have some fun with these date ideas. 

  • Try cooking each other’s favorite meal, or tackle a new dish with one another. Make a challenge out of it by creating a dinner or dessert with only ingredients currently in the pantry. 
  • Still have the travel bug? A number of museums, aquariums and other popular destinations are offering virtual tours and livestreams. Get immersed in places like the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Smithsonian, Disney World’s Main Street, the Eiffel Tower, nearby aquariums and more all from the comfort of home. 
  • Partners can get cozy with an at-home camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard, or build a blanket fort in the bedroom or living room. Enjoy some s’mores — which can be cooked over a gas stove burner or in the microwave — and hot dogs. After cooking up some goodies, put aside the electronics and enjoy each other’s company under the stars or by candlelight. 
  • Get fancy and host a black tie evening for two at home. Dress up and break out the champagne or bubbly apple cider for a fancy dinner or movie night. 
  • Game nights are a classic, and each new round is unique. Sit down to play a favorite board or card game, or learn a new card game like Egyptian Ratscrew, GOPS or Briscola. Video games are also a fun option — hold a one-on-one match in “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Party,” play co-op in “Minecraft,” “Animal Crossing” and “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” or host a Jackbox matchup. 
  • Psychologist Arthur Aron presented 36 questions that are proven to generate closeness in partners. Sit down with a partner, friend or even stranger and increase intimacy by discussing these 36 questions as outlined by University of California Berkeley. 

Looking for more ideas? Brainstorm a list of each person’s favorite activities and decide how to spend Valentine’s Day together. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Growing a garden can be a rewarding hobby, though winter makes it all but impossible to grow greens outdoors. Luckily, many herbs and small vegetables can be grown indoors, a win-win for those without outdoor spaces and those looking for year-round fresh goods. Here are some steps to starting a personal indoor garden.

Firstly, map out the perfect spot in the house. Most plants will grow best in a south facing window with full sunlight. If no such window is available, investing in incandescent, fluorescent or full spectrum LED lights is also an option. 

Pick out which greens are going to be planted. The possibilities are endless ⏤ from scallions to basil to oregano to microgreens. According to gardentherapy.ca, the easiest herbs to grow indoors include chives, mint, parsley and Vietnamese coriander. Seedlings tend to be less fickle than seeds — a good option especially for novice gardeners. Buy seeds and seedlings from the gardening center at a grocery outlet or home improvement store.

Next, acquire other necessary supplies; use pots, containers or window boxes at least four inches deep, and make sure they have drainage holes with a drip tray underneath. Get organic potting soil and some type of watering can or mister, and buy fertilizer if desired.

Pat down about two inches of soil into a pot, then scatter many seeds over the soil. Top with a thin layer of soil, then water and add optional fertilizer. If repotting seedlings, make sure the roots get fully covered with dirt. Place the pots in adequate light; if using artificial light, set it on a timer for about 16 hours per day.

Each plant is unique, so follow growing instructions provided on the seed packet or online. Most plants will need to be watered every couple of days. Many greens will pop up in about one week, and some may be ready to harvest in as little as three weeks; cuttings can be taken starting when the plant reaches at least four inches tall.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors to cut lower outer leaves and stems. Harvest often, but cut less than one third of the plant at a time to encourage growth. Enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables in meals, soups and salads all year-round.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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