Mount Hood

Review: “Bridgerton”

Released on Netflix, upper-class society in “Bridgerton” gets saucy 

Natalie Dean | Editor de entretenimiento

Netflix’s latest hit “Bridgerton” follows the peculiar family of the same name, showcasing the adventures of the eight siblings and their search for love and happiness. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, this romantic drama was released Dec. 25, 2020. Starring Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor as main leads Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton respectfully, the debut season ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 for good reason — imagine Gossip Girl meets Pride and Prejudice. 

Bridgerton showcases life in London’s high-society in a fictional post-racial Regency era. Audiences can find elaborate sets and costumes, quick-witted characters and steamy scenes which make it a quintessential romance drama. One of the biggest puzzles in this show is in discovering the identity of Lady Whistledown ⏤ the character narrated by Julie Andrews ⏤ who acts as the town’s anonymous author of a scandalous tabloid. 

Most of the themes present in the show were paired with fairly historic views of status and class, gender roles, marriage and love. There was plenty of humor throughout the show that kept the episodes well-paced, but there is a larger discussion to be had with certain themes that come up, and some parts where viewer discretion is advised. For example, episode six contains scenes of sexual assault and rape. 

With their high-class lifestyle comes murder and mystery ⏤ all displayed in elegant ballrooms, sprawling gardens and quaint drawing room parlors. Netflix goes one extra step by taking these details of elite life in London and pairs modern music made classical by the Vitamin String Quartet — like Billie Eilish’s “the bad guy,” Shawn Mendes’s “In My Blood” and Maroon 5’s “Girl Like You.” 

The storyline is developed enough to hold the audience’s attention while leaving wiggle room for a possible next season, and has enough gossip to keep the viewer intrigued. The big reveal of Lady Bridgerton could have been saved for future seasons, as it apparently was in the books, but it was worth it to know in the end. 

Revisión general: A strong 3.8/5 because of the wardrobe choices and the treats they eat look ridiculously good, but there’s always room for improvement.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu

Reseña: "Cultivar setas sin miedo"

Sea un fun-gi y busque setas de forma segura con esta guía de campo

Natalie Dean| Editor de entretenimiento

Los amantes de la naturaleza aprecian cualquier guía de campo orientada a la seguridad ⏤ sobre todo si es exhaustiva y ofrece imágenes a todo color. Esta lectura rápida de Alexander Schwab está repleta de información exhaustiva; "Mushrooming Without Fear: The Beginner's Guide to Collecting Safe and Delicious Mushrooms" incluye pasos detallados sobre la forma correcta de cazar estas joyas ocultas en la zona. 

A lo largo de las tres secciones principales, el lector puede explorar los componentes de una seta y cómo diferenciar sus anatomías, como las branquias, los tubos, las espinas y las crestas. Dado que existe tal variedad de especies y niveles de toxicidad, es importante seguir los pasos recomendados por Schwab para una identificación positiva. La guía se divide en secciones para los distintos tipos de hongos, que tiene una visión completa y hace mucho hincapié en su "método seguro", y consta de estas directrices:

  1. Al principio, deje la mayoría de las setas en paz.
  2. Evalúe atentamente qué marcas específicas están presentes y tenga en cuenta qué identificadores están ausentes.
  3. Siga las normas y realice el proceso de identificación paso a paso.

Este método de seguridad garantiza que el recolector evitará especies mortales o que puedan causar daños permanentes, como las que tienen branquias, que son muy venenosas y deben evitarse por completo. Más adelante en el libro, hay ocho reglas que también deben estudiarse antes de recolectar o consumir. 

Además de la abundante información sobre seguridad que contiene esta guía, los lectores también pueden consultar los doce tipos de setas y sus especies, como el boletus rey, los rebozuelos, los boletos comunes, la gallina de los bosques y los boletos de la bahía. Una parte especialmente útil de la lista de identificación positiva es una escala de colores en la parte superior de la página, que representa el color correcto que debe tener el sombrero cuando se recoge.

Otros detalles de las listas de comprobación incluyen el tamaño medio de toda la gorra, en qué época del año hacen su aparición, su ubicación y otros consejos. 

Con la lista de identificación disponible para cada tipo de seta, también hay muchos detalles sobre cómo manipularlas, almacenarlas, sazonarlas y cocinarlas. De todas las guías de campo que hay en el mercado, ésta es muy fácil de usar para principiantes, asequible y, sin duda, merece la pena llevarla consigo cuando se busca setas. 

Valoración 4/5 porque ahora gastaré todo mi dinero en guías de campo de setas. 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu

Pase algún tiempo con los vendedores y empresas locales

Farmer’s markets and Saturday markets to explore and enjoy this year

‌Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ | Editor de entretenimiento

As spring lurks around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming brisk and sunny days ahead, and one of the best ways to spend the day is with local farmer’s markets and Saturday markets. 

From handmade items, fresh produce, art and food ⏤ farmer’s markets have it all. With all the options available, it can be hard to keep track of exactly which ones to look forward to and when they open. Farmer’s markets and Saturday markets are quintessential staples of a weekend well-spent, and it can feel good to be surrounded by the local community and to support small and independent businesses. Here’s a list of markets that are either currently open or will be opening within the coming months:

  • Independence Farmers Market

(April – Nov.) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Umpqua Bank parking lot, 302 South Main St, Independence, OR

  • Independence Riverview Market 

(Mid-April – Oct.) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Riverview Park in Independence, OR

  • Hewitt’s Greenwood Gardens in Independence, OR

(Currently open 24/7; online shipping and delivery options only)

hewittsgreenwoodgardens.org

  • Salem Public Market 

(Currently open year-round) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

1240 Rural Ave SE, Salem, OR 

  • Salem Saturday Market

(April 3 – Oct. 30) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

865 Marion St NE, Salem, OR

  • Corvallis Indoor Winter Market 

(Currently open; Jan. 9 – April 10) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guerber Hall, 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis, OR

  • Lane County Farmers Market 

(Feb. – March) Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8th and Oak in Eugene, OR

  • Eugene Growers Market

(Currently open year-round) 

Tuesday 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday 12 to 7 p.m.

454 Willamette St, Eugene, OR

  • Portland Farmers Market at PSU

(Currently open; Nov. – March) Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(April – Oct.) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR


Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu

‌Five impactful TEDTalk videos on YouTube

Explore vulnerability, personal power and strength in these TEDTalks

Natalie Dean | Editor de entretenimiento

As the new year begins, lists of resolutions and affirmations are being crafted, big changes are being made and we all continue to adjust to our new normal. With content being created and released left and right across platforms, it can be hard to sort through all the options available. TEDTalks are well-known ⏤ having been hosted all across the world ⏤ with speakers who describe compelling and moving stories of their experiences. Here are some videos that may help provide some perspective on topics like vulnerability, gaining confidence and releasing fear while bravely moving forward. 

 1. “How not to take things personally?” by Fredrick Imbo. TEDxTalks. (March 4, 2020)

Looking to help grow people’s communication skills and support them in their experiences, Fredrick Imbo has embarked on his own journey of learning to not take things personally, after struggling with it in different situations both personally and professionally. In order to confront the ways in which he wanted to grow, he took a job as a referee and kept making meaningful changes along the way. 

2. “To overcome your challenges, stop comparing yourself to others” by Dean Furness. TED. (June 8, 2020) 

After Dean Furness lost the use of his legs in an accident, he had to adopt a new mindset that freed him from the restraints of comparison, which helped him get better day by day. Exploring new definitions of his “personal average” helped him reach his best when all judgment and comparison were released unconditionally.

3. “How to become your best when life gives you the worst” by Peter Sage. TEDxTalks. (July 15, 2019)

Peter Sage spent six months in one of the United Kingdom’s toughest and most violent jails as the only civil prisoner there. Through his experiences, he gained friends, countless stories and a national award for his work that improved the lives of prisoners. With his unique knack for storytelling, he guides people on how to get through some of the hardest times in life while staying authentic. 

4. “Finding Home Through Poetry” by Najwa Zebian. TEDxTalks. (Nov. 29, 2016) 

World traveler and poet Najwa Zebian uses her vivid language and spoken word poetry to describe her experience of growing up in many different countries, and how she often struggled to find a place where she felt fully at home. Through her captivating words and experiences, she redefines what a home is, and how to find belonging in the ways that matter most. 

5. “The power of vulnerability” by Brene Brown. TED-Ed. (July 10, 2013)

In Brene Brown’s study of human connection, she goes one step further and explores how empathy, love and genuine connection shape our experiences as people. While on a journey that explored people’s humanity and inner workings, she also had to be vulnerable with herself in order to go further. 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu

‌10 scrapbooking tips and tricks to try out

A well-loved pastime is making a comeback in 2021 

Natalie Dean | Editor de entretenimiento

Scrapbooking has been cherished by many types of people, and one of the beauties of the craft is that it’s open for anyone to enjoy. It can be used to remember the passing years and fun times and can be incorporated into cards, letters, journals and photo albums alike. The art form has been used for centuries to capture important moments and faces filled with smiles. In past times, some people would compile scrapbooks throughout the years for their children ⏤ occasionally gifting them on their wedding day or important birthdays. It can also be used as a thoughtful way to commemorate a loved one who has passed away. 

Although not as many people are utilizing scrapbooking nowadays, the craft can be explored individually but can be enjoyed with company such as groups, retreats or classes. The world of scrapbooking can be intimidating; there is no one “right” way to scrapbook, and the most important part is to have fun with it and to see where it goes. That being said, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the activity easier to explore:

  1. If a traditional scrapbook isn’t available, any drawing booklet, old journal or photo album will work just fine. 
  2. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Most materials used can be found around the house or bought at thrift stores and yard sales.
  3. Pick a color scheme and a theme. If using photos, the rest of the page layout can be inspired by colors or details in the pictures. 
  4. If using older photos with limited or no copies, it can be best to leave them as is or to cut them in traditional shapes like squares or ovals. If they are more recent photos, consider developing extra pictures.
  5. Thicker cardstock paper works best for backgrounds since it withstands materials like thick markers, lots of tape and paint. Pictures from magazines, newspaper clippings and drawings all work too. Put unused scraps in a resealable plastic bag to avoid a mess.
  6. Journaling highlights and details from the event, memory or photo can be a good jumping-off point for a page, which could include the location, date, weather, favorite parts and the people involved. 
  7. If the page layout doesn’t include journaling and isn’t quite centered around one theme, quotes from books, movies, tv shows or lyrics can be used to balance the design. 
  8. For an added design element, include dried or pressed flowers or leaves, or embellish with bits of fabric, ribbon, stickers, paint and different writing techniques.
  9. Using textured paper adds a little pop to the page, and envelopes can double as pockets for photos or journaling snippets. Two-page layouts add extra space.
  10. Don’t glue or tape things right away; lay it all out and experiment with the design. Double-sided tape works best when layering, and glue sticks work better with paper.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu

Artist Spotlight with musician Neal Cranston

A Western student and musician with many talents 

Natalie Dean | Editor de entretenimiento

While majoring in history and minoring in geography at Western, senior Neal Cranston has still been able to build himself a strong audience for his music over the years. Cranston taught himself how to play the guitar, harmonica and has continuously developed 14 years of experience with the piano. He regularly explores different areas of music, but the piano is his favorite instrument to play. Cranston said he learned to “train the ear to play what you hear;” he admits it’s not the most traditional route to go when mastering instruments, but it’s kept his passion for music alive because of its organic roots.

He first found his passion for music in the third grade, where he began teaching himself to play piano by ear. He was first drawn to music on his own and spent time at home in Canby, OR ⏤ where he trained his ear to pick out melodies and practiced his piano skills. After he started honing his talents in different music genres and gaining more experience, a family friend encouraged him to take lessons and explore the scales on the piano. 

The years of his hard work have paid off, with his talents booking him in-person gigs at restaurants, weddings and wineries. Cranston described one of his favorite experiences which occurred last December. He was playing Christmas music on a beautiful grand piano at a winery and saw CJ McCollum from the Portland Trailblazers in the audience. 

When he isn’t playing for venues or famous basketball players, Cranston works on his own music, and even released his first single, “Make it Without You,” this September on all streaming platforms.

With help from some friends, he was able to record and produce this single that incorporates old school rock with a modern vibe. He wrote the lyrics in a few days and crafted the rest of the song for a few months before releasing it, taking time to make sure the song stayed true to his rock roots and live band feel, while also taking influence from modern music.

Along with developing more albums and EPs, Cranston is also curating music that highlights his strengths in piano and other instruments. He hopes to release more music that incorporates raw human feelings and experiences, as he believes that “there’s a lot of power inside the human aspects of music.”

These days, Cranston can be found performing socially distanced shows at certain local restaurants and venues, like Wayward Sandwiches in Canby, OR. If he’s not performing in person, he’s probably developing his website, or posting more music on his YouTube page, Neal Cranston. Make sure to keep up with new songs, shows and interactive posts on his Instagram @neal_cranston_music.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu 

15 films to close off the year

Scope out some of the newest December films

Natalie Dean | Editor de entretenimiento 

There’s no shortage of memorable movies that have been released this year, and new flicks are still being produced through December for anyone to enjoy during the holidays. Ranging from action movies, thoughtful tales and lighthearted family films, all these films can help make a cold night feel more comfortable. Plus, staying at home, kicking back with some cocoa and throwing something on the big screen sounds like a pretty solid way to close off the year. 

Here are 15 movies that are sure to keep everyone occupied during winter break and help beat any boredom. Most of these films are or will be available on video streaming services, and some can be found in select theaters after their release date. 

 

  1. “The Sound of Metal” (Dec. 4) (Amazon Prime Video)
  2. “Let Them All Talk” (Dec. 10) (HBO Max)
  3. “Songbird” (Dec. 10) (Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes and Youtube )
  4. “The Prom” (Dec. 11) (Netflix)
  5. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (Dec. 18) (Netflix) 
  6. “Greenland” (Dec. 18) (Amazon Prime Video)
  7. “Coming 2 America” (Dec. 18 — postponed) (Amazon Prime Video)
  8. “Breach” (Dec. 18) (Amazon Prime and in theaters)
  9. “The Father” (Dec. 18 — postponed) (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and Netflix)
  10. “Soul” (Dec. 25) (Disney+)
  11. “Promising Young Woman” (Dec. 25) (In theaters)
  12. “Wonder Woman 1984” (Dec. 25) (HBO Max and in theaters)
  13. “News of the World” (Dec. 25) (In theaters)
  14. “We Can Be Heroes” (Dec. 25) (Netflix)
  15. “One Night In Miami” (Dec. 25) (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and Netflix)

Póngase en contacto con el autor en ndean17@wou.edu