Mount Hood

Do something fun this leap year

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

This year is a leap year, which means there’s an extra day tacked onto the end of February, subsequently pushing forward the rest of the months to follow by a day. For those who don’t know, this happens every four years, and, if they didn’t exist, we would already be in the year 2021. Here are some ways to commemorate the extra day that we have this month.

Play leapfrog

Spend this year’s leap day playing leapfrog with a group of friends. It’s just the same as any other day, but why not play into the theme of ‘leaping?’

Celebrate a birthday

Have any friends that were born on a leap day? Celebrate their birthday with them, since it technically only happens every four years, making them only five years old. Go all out and invite a bunch of people, grab some food and get an activity set up such as a movie marathon or various board games.

Have a self-care day

The end of the term is nearing, which can mean that tests and classes become more stressful. Having an extra day could be beneficial for some much needed rest and relaxation. Take a bubble bath, hang out in pajamas all day, watch some favorite shows or partake in some hobbies. It’s important to give the mind a break and take a mental health day if it’s needed.

Sleep in

For anyone that feels like they’re behind on sleep, having an added day may be a blessing. This Feb. 29 is a Saturday, so it’s a great chance to sleep in and catch up on some much needed z’s that have been lost due to late night studying and early morning classes.

Enjoy the day

Take the day to relax and spend time with friends. Go out and enjoy the sunshine that’s been slowly creeping in by planning a picnic. Since this is Oregon, however, double check the weather the day before to ensure that unexpected rain doesn’t diminish plans the day of.

Memory box

Create a box that can only be opened on Feb. 29; fill it with pictures from the day or just overall favorite photos. Another addition can be a note to a future self or group of people, or some sort of memorabilia from a group gathering. Once the next leap year hits, then it can be opened again to see a progression of change from the last four years. 

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

Photo by Kyle Morden

Buying made morally easy

Sage Kiernan-Sherrow  | News Editor

Although thrift shopping is still the most sustainable and ethical way to shop, many people prefer shopping online or find the concept of purchasing previously-worn clothes dismal. However, researching brands and online clothing stores is time-consuming, sustainable clothing is often more expensive and, while many people care about supporting ethical and sustainable brands, they feel intimidated by the task of weeding through information. Fortunately, now they don’t have to. Here are some online clothing stores that are ethically and/or sustainably sourced. 

 

Everlane

A California-based company, Everlane conducts in-depth research on every factory they partner with and pride themselves on being “radically” transparent, according to their website. They are up-front about the cost it takes to manufacture each piece of clothing, and often share their production stories online. Everlane primarily makes minimalistic clothing and their basics all run for less than $50. 

 

Love Justly and thredUp

These two are coupled together because they represent similar concepts; Love Justly partners with already-confirmed ethical clothing brands to purchase their excess stock and sell it for less than the market price. They’re extremely budget-friendly, sell many styles of clothing and they offer free shipping on orders over $50. Similarly, thredUp ⏤  the “world’s largest online thrift store,” according to thegoodtrade.com ⏤ is committed to second-hand shopping, where clothes that are not accepted for resale are recycled or repurposed.

 

Alternative Apparel and Threads 4 Thought

Both Alternative Apparel and Threads 4 Thought represent similar minimalistic styles for competitive prices. Alternative Apparel uses organic and recycled cotton and hemp and is currently pledging to replace all virgin polyester in their clothing with 100% recycled polyester by 2021, according to their website. Threads 4 Thought utilizes sustainable material, promises ethical working conditions and gives part of their profits to the International Rescue Committee.

 

Dazey LA

By far the most expensive on the list, Dazey’s apparel runs between $50-100, but is chalk-full of colorful, unique and artsy statement pieces. They are committed to empowering women and print phrases on their clothing to promote conversations about women’s rights. They use organic materials, are committed to zero waste and some proceeds go to supporting female entrepreneurs.

 

The aforementioned brands are a good start for people looking to limit their ecological footprint and commit to ethical practices, but ethical shopping can be done anywhere ⏤ from local farmer’s markets, to thrift stores, to buying DIY. 

 

Contact the author howlnews@wou.edu

What to think about before adopting a pet

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Pets are great companions to have; they can give relief when someone’s day was stressful, or just provide company when someone is alone. While pets can be a wonderful addition to life, it’s important to remember that they need to be loved and cared for, just like any living thing.

If adopting a pet is crossing someone’s mind, it’s vital that they think about whether or not they can dedicate one-on-one time with their pet. It can get lonely if an animal is locked up inside a living space all day, and if someone’s schedule is very busy, they might not be able to give their pets the healthy amount of affection they need, not to mention the fact that they will need to remember to feed their pet routinely. 

It takes time for a pet to adjust to a new home and new owner, so pet owners need to be patient with adjusting to a new life. When an owner can’t dedicate time to making a pet feel comfortable and unafraid in an unfamiliar environment, the adjustment process can become difficult for both of them.

Pets also aren’t cheap; the owner will have to pay for food, accessories like a collar or leash, a bed and various other things. In addition, pets can come with vet bills, whether it’s for a regular checkup or for an instance where the animal gets sick. If someone’s finances aren’t the greatest, it would be good to assess whether or not a pet is affordable in general. 

These are all things to keep in mind, however they aren’t concrete — some pets are cheaper and easier to take care of, others adjust to a new life more quickly and can be alone for extended periods of time with ease. That being said, this doesn’t apply to every single pet, so it’s important to keep these factors prominent in one’s thoughts if this is the path they want to take.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Emily Hedges

Photo courtesy of Sage Kiernan-Sherrow

Tutoring made accessible for Western students

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Everyone has varying skill levels when it comes to different classes; some students are amazing at math but struggle with science, or soar when it comes to writing but maybe fall short with chemistry. Luckily for students here at Western, there are many options to choose from if someone is struggling with courses.

For computer science majors, the CS division offers tutoring in the Old Education building for most of the term. Starting week two and going until week 10, those enrolled in a CS course — or for specific Information Systems courses — can go to room 203 to receive help with assignments. Tutoring is open from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday for CS classes; IS class assistance is available on Tuesday from 2–4 p.m. and Friday 1–4 p.m.

The Writing Center is available for students who need help with writing, whether it’s for a project or an essay for any subject course. Anyone who needs help with an outline, spotting errors in papers or receiving help with instructions can set up an appointment through their website (wou.edu/writingctr), or walk-in to see if someone is available to help. During the day, tutors are located in room 301 in the Academic Programs and Support Center (APSC) — Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. — and in room 116 in the Hamersly Library at night from 7–10 p.m. Sun.–Thurs. If scheduling an in-person appointment proves to be difficult, the Writing Center provides a one-hour online tutoring option to help with content-related issues someone is facing in their assignment.

The Science Center has varying hours and subjects, such as biology, chemistry, physics and earth science; tutoring began Jan. 13 and will continue to be available until March 15. It is located in the Hamersly Library in room 124, and those interested can go to their website wou.edu/sciencecenter to see an extensive list of available hours for the remainder of Winter Term.

There is also a substantial amount of tutors available for the Math Center throughout the week from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Located in room 228 of the Hamersly Library, students struggling with math can easily walk in and receive help. The Math Center caters to many different courses, ranging from levels 100 to 400 with a few 600 level classes as well. If someone doesn’t have the time to walk in, there are a variety of handouts and videos on their website of helpful tips and formulas, such as an algebra basics video and a trig identities formula page.

For any international students or those that are learning English as a second language, the English Tutoring Center is a viable option for anyone that needs help. Making an appointment at the center is preferred, as walk-ins can only happen if a tutor doesn’t have a meeting during that time. It’s open until finals week Mon.–Thurs. from 12–5 p.m. in the APSC room 501, and 7–10 p.m. in the Hamersly Library, room 228.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Valentines day, single, ways to spend Valentine’s day when you’re single

Svetlana Goloviznina  | Freelancer

It doesn’t matter whether someone is single or is on the asexual or aromantic spectrum and is tired of the Valentine’s Day shenanigans — there is always a way to make a day like Valentine’s Day better.

 

  1. Go see a movie

While it can be intimate to go out with a lover and watch a romantic comedy, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with people sitting down and being fully immersed in a movie they’ve been pumped to see. And besides, that allows people to have all the expensive popcorn and drinks to themselves. 

  1. Have a spa day

This is something that can even be done at home. Kick back to some favorite tunes, light up the candles and bring out the bath bombs because this time is self-love time. Doesn’t matter if you’re a full grown man, everyone deserves to smell nice and feel nice.

  1. Treat yourself

In truth, having a day for oneself can be difficult. People can take the time to honor themselves this Valentine’s Day; it’s something they’ve earned for caring for themselves all this time. Self-care is the best thing one can do for themselves. Buy something sweet, enjoy a hike, try out a hobby because nobody’s around to stop you but you.

And if treating yourself doesn’t work for you then…

  1. Treat your family

While these days are often planned for lovers, there will always be family and close friends who have your back, so treat them to something nice. It can be as simple as a card, flower or a balloon. Small acts of kindness go a long way.

 

Contact Svetlana at sgoloviznina19@wou.edu

Homemade chocolates to make for that special someone

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Candy and sweets are found in abundance in stores during the week of Valentine’s Day. As an alternative to buying something sweet, try making something homemade for someone significant, a meaningful group of people or yourself.

 

HOMEMADE VALENTINE’S CHOCOLATES

Start to finish: 1 hour 10 minutes

½ pound high-quality dark chocolate, chopped

⅛ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

1 pinch salt

½ cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, or as needed

Place chocolate into a bowl; add chipotle pepper and salt.

Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil. Pour cream over chocolate and let stand for three minutes.

Stir gently until chocolate mixture is completely smooth. Pour chocolate mixture out onto a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface. Pick up one edge of the plastic and roll the chocolate into a rough log shape. Continue to roll, wrapping chocolate in the plastic. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, 30 minutes to one hour.

Place cocoa into a small bowl. Unwrap chocolate and cut in half crosswise; cut each half into halves lengthwise. Roughly cut candy into ½-inch square ‘stones.’ Place the chocolate pieces into the cocoa and toss gently to coat.

Recipe from allrecipes.com.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

Simple DIY valentines that anyone can make

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Making a valentine is a cute, old school way of symbolizing appreciation, admiration and adoration for another person — not to mention, it’s easy and cheap to do. For anyone looking to do something simple for Valentine’s Day, try making this DIY Valentine for that special someone. Happy crafting.

Firstly, grab some paper; colorful construction paper is easiest, however painting a piece of paper or using white paper works just as well. Trace a heart lightly on the paper using a pencil as a guide for cutting it out later. If desired, trace another smaller heart on a different colored piece of paper and cut it out. Glue it to the center of the large heart to give a cute outline and more dimension.

Take a black sharpie — or one that is colored, if preferred — and write the person’s name on the back of the heart. Flip the heart over to the other side with the smaller heart, and write a message to the person. It can be something classic like ‘Be Mine’ or something cheesy with a pun like ‘I love you a latte.’ Next, add a cute illustration, which is perfect for those who go with a pun, or add a little message expressing appreciation and love for the person.

To add something extra, there are many different things someone could do. Try cutting out little hearts and gluing them all over, or drawing along the outline to bring more attention to what’s written on the front. Another option is to put clear glue along the edge of the heart and sprinkle glitter on top of it to make it glimmer.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Rylie Horrall

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