Mount Hood

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

How to write a winning story

Five tips to help aspiring authors refine their writing

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Writing is a learned and actively practiced skill, just like playing an instrument or sport. For writers who have dreams of being published in the future, completing a working manuscript is the imperative first step. Here are some tips for aspiring writers to kick their stories up a notch. 

  • Find an original voice. Gathering inspiration from other authors and stories is great; they are professionals, so there is much to be gained from reading lots of material. But in the end, nobody else can write the exact story that is in one’s own mind. Tell a brand new story in a unique way, and let the passion and enthusiasm shine through in every page. 
  • Put aside anything distracting when sitting down to write. Do a favor for the story: give it full attention until it reaches an ending. If writing a novel, try to finish a full chapter or scene all at once. Conversely, try timed writing: write anything that comes to mind without stopping for, say, twenty minutes. It will be much less intimidating to continue working on it in the future if the pages aren’t blank.
  • Learn the rules, but don’t follow the rules. What this means is that the rules of writing can’t be broken, twisted or meddled with if the rules aren’t known to begin with. Take the time to master formatting, grammar and a standard plot structure, then play around with them to make the story unique. 
  • The best advice I ever received was from my high school English teacher: “Kill your darlings.” It is all too easy to get attached to one’s own characters, scenes, settings or piece as a whole — I know from experience. However, readers and editors will have a different perspective than the author. Keep this in mind when editors suggest revisions: they are trying to help the story come across better to the audience, which sometimes means changing or completely deleting the author’s favorite parts. 
  • Keep writing and don’t give up hope. Building and completing a manuscript is just the first step to getting work published, and it can be a very difficult process trying to get a story accepted at a publishing house. Let passion and commitment to the story drive the journey, and always keep working to present the best possible piece. 

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.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

Booze & reviews: “Valentine’s Day”

A comedic romance in the perspective of three drunken reviewers

Kyle Morden | Head Designer

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

“Valentine’s Day” may not have scored high on Rotten Tomatoes, but it sure makes for a great drunk movie night. Read our full reviews in our online issue, which may contain spoilers. Please drink responsibly.

Kyle Morden | Head Designer

This needs to be put out there. If Allie doesn’t say this, SHE IS PISSING WHILE WRITING THIS> 

Love, cheating, thriller, jason, harry styles, queen beyonce, and valentines day — a day full of lonely a– b—–s who somehow get a love interest by the end of the day?? EVEN THIS LITTLE A– 7 YEAR OLD GETS HIS ONWN MOTHER BACK?? “Lmao im 7 and love sick” B—H WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWSEFERSFDRSGFDRGFGFRGdfgfsjhfvsgfsjhghkjfbvdjkbfhjsdbhjvhbfhbhjvbjnkvbjnkfnk?????????fjkhsgjcgkhhbjkhjkgfbgjfhgfxhjgyibfhhsdjkbzakuhks. Btw. military families amitire? Love em. Thank god that military mom came back for her son. Btw tbh i only remember the actors name (bradley cooper hit me up)

Valentines day is a day where a lot of people get f—-d (up to your interpretation uwu)

Ok ok so “valentine’s day” a movie full of twist and turns and sharkboy and lavagirl — without the lava girl and shark. How the f–k do you get two taylors into one movie??? LET ALONE HAVE THEM DATE EACH OTHER??????????????????????

ANNIE HATHAWAT IS OKAY WITH PEOPLE WITH FETISHES, BUT BACK OFF. SHES MINE. SO IS BRADLEY COOPER — HE LOVES ME. B—H

I accidentally deleted my last paragraph, so go watch this movie yourself.

GAY COUPLES ARE THE ONLY COUPLES. ALSO DONT F—–G GROUP ALLIE WITH ME. SHES CRAZy. She said shes rolling, but idk if she means the drug or literally rolling on the floor? Dont do drugs, drink responsibly

How much do i need to type? I dont remember a word count. I KNOW HOW TO FINISH THIS.

Overall review: Let’s get naked~ uwu

Slide into my dms @_kylemorden on instagram 😉

Or contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Okay first of all i was NOT too into this movie i was just having fun. MY ROOMMATE was into it tho

I would like to preface my review with the fact that i know none of the characters names, only taylor and taylor. I am inept when it comes to celebrities

Rotten tomatoes is WRONG, I had an AMAZING time watching this movie even though I was really confused. Who’s at the airport??? Whos barely legal in high school??? I could not tell you I could not

But listen. Really. It’s a fun movie to watch drunk. Tbh itd probably be Bad if I was not intoxicated. But it was cute! It was nice! There was representation! Gay men and single mums! We support them all!!! GAY BRADLEY COOPER!!!!!!!

Even through the confusion i was extremely satisfied w/ the ending. Through the MULTIPLE PG-13 sex scenes, there was still a sweet undertone where everyone got a happy ending uwu Not that I shouvlde expected ANY less from a 2010 rom com. Google “romcom drinking games” and watch this movie, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu or don;t

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Okay so this what I got from this, please note this is my first time being drunk in my life. There were a lot of straight people but at some point we were gay and it was beautiful. I’m convinced all of these people were stunt doubles cause there absolutely no way all these famous people got together. The stunt doubles failed to give me wolf man and sharkboy there was sex scenes sometimes which was fine but i wasn’t really paying attention because I was busy eating my chili fries there was a little boy with a lot of angst for no reason over a cougar woman In conclustion roses are expensive af, and this mans was throwing them in the lake to feed ducks and thats acceptable.  THE MILITARY MOM CAME BACK AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Im going to bed 

Dont email me, i wont’ reply email thank you

Mix up some cocktails with Cupid

Four mixed drinks to whip up for Valentine’s Day

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mixed drink. Celebrate with a significant other or a group of friends, or test bartending skills individually with these four Valentine’s inspired cocktails.

KENTUCKY KISS

Start to finish: 3 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 strawberries, sliced

½ ounce lemon juice

½ ounce maple syrup

2 ounces bourbon whiskey

Splash club soda

In an old-fashioned glass, add the strawberries, lemon juice and maple syrup. Muddle well until the strawberries are mashed. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with ice. Stir well.

Add a splash of club soda and, if desired, garnish with a strawberry for serving.

Recipe from thespruceeats.com

RED WINE MILKSHAKES

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 3 servings

One 1.5-quart container vanilla ice cream

1 cup red wine

4 ounces vodka

Whipped cream, for serving

Maraschino cherries, for serving

In a blender, blend ice cream, red wine and vodka until smooth. Divide between glasses and garnish with whipped cream and cherries.

Recipe from delish.com

SEX ON THE BEACH

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 ounces orange juice

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 ounce peach schnapps

1 ounce vodka

½ ounce chambord or grenadine (optional)

Orange slice, for serving

Maraschino cherries, for serving

In a shaker add orange juice, peach schnapps and many ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and fill the glass with ice to the top, and add vodka on top of the ice.

If using chambord or grenadine, in a separate glass, gently mix chambord or grenadine with cranberry juice. Slowly pour this red mixture on top of ice cubes to create an ombre effect. Garnish and serve.

Recipe from flawlessfood.co.uk

VALENTINE’S DAY MIMOSA

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

1 bottle pink champagne, chilled

1 cup pomegranate juice

In each champagne flute, add ¼ cup pomegranate juice. Fill the rest of the way with pink champagne.

Recipe from everydaymadefresh.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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