holiday – The Western Howl

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

CREAMED CORN

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Yields: 1 quart dish or ~8 servings

⅓ cup butter

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup whole milk

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Dash white pepper

5 cups frozen corn thawed

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in flour until smooth. Slowly add cream, milk, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir for two minutes at a boil. Add corn.

Transfer to an ungreased 1-quart oven and broiler-safe dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Broil 5 inches from heat for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly. Optional: add cooked bacon on top. Cool and serve.

Recipe from Taste of Home

CRANBERRY CREAM CHEESE CRESCENT BITES

Start to finish: 45 minutes

Yields: 24 servings

4 oz cream cheese

3 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Dough Sheet or 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls

Heat oven to 375°F and line two cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cranberries and chives.

Unroll the dough on a surface and create 24 squares. The easiest method would be to unroll into a large rectangle and then cut with a knife 6 rows by 4 rows.

Place 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture into the center of each square and connect the four corners at the top, making room for the mixture to peek out in between. Pinch and twist to seal. Place on cookie sheets.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Recipe from Pillsbury

WARM BRIE AND PEAR TARTLETS

Start to finish: 30 minutes

Yields: 24 tartlets

24 mini phyllo (also called fillo) tart shells

1 ripe pear diced

¼ pound ripe Brie cheese cut into 24 small chunks

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 tablespoons honey or to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a pan with parchment paper.

Arrange tartlet shells onto a pan, placing a piece of Brie cheese into each shell. Sprinkle pear and a couple of thyme leaves into each shell, finishing off with a drizzle of honey.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tartlets are golden.

Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Coldplay’s “Everyday Life,” five years in

Written by: Kiera Roedel | Copy Editor

Content warning: this article contains references to police violence, war and suicide.

Nov. 22 was the fifth birthday of Coldplay’s 2019 album “Everyday Life.” The project sticks with Coldplay’s well-established pop-rock sound, but mixes in influences like classical, afrobeat and jazz, making it one of the band’s most experimental releases.

Lyrically, “Everyday Life” focuses on unity between people, regardless of ethnic or national barriers. This is perhaps best showcased by the fact that the only-ever live performance of the full tracklist was streamed globally from the Amman Citadel in Jordan, though Coldplay themselves are British.

The album’s 16 tracks, split into “sunrise” and “sunset” halves, have proved divisive among fans. Many proclaim certain songs as some of the band’s best ever, while dismissing others as pointless filler. So, five years on, how does “Everyday Life” stack up?

“Sunrise” — “Everyday Life’s” opener is a short instrumental track driven by calm, spare string music. It is compositionally simple and its lack of lyrics really count against it for me — not a favorite.

“Church” — Considered by many to be the true opening track, “Church” is one of the strongest on the album. Its almost four minutes are driven by a strong percussion line while lead singer Chris Martin weaves a love story that compares his significant other to a divine figure. Later in the song, Arabic vocals by guest Norah Shaqur bring the entire song together, and Martin’s sing-rapped couplet at the end over them is nothing short of incredible.

“Trouble in Town” — The first appearance of this album’s oft-discussed political themes. “Trouble in Town” condemns police violence with floaty yet strong piano-centric instrumentals and a profanity-laden recording depicting verbal abuse while a police officer detains a suspect. Not for everyone, but fantastic for those unfazed by its unique characteristics.

“BrokEn” — A divisive song due to its style — an almost a capella gospel track — and a strange choice to follow up “Trouble in Town.” Its strong religious themes and direct references to God would not be out of place if sung by a church choir. I find it catchy.

“Daddy” — This song hits some harder than others. It is sung from the perspective of a child with an absent father figure, wondering where he has been and whether he will ever return. It is slow and ethereal throughout, opening with heartbeat sound effects before a somber piano melody begins a few seconds in. The emotion in this one is bare and painful, definitely a highlight.

“WOTW / POTP” — The sound of this demo track is defined by an acoustic guitar, quiet singing and birds chirping in the background. To me, it has almost no staying power and may as well have not been included.

“Arabesque” — The title here references a style of visual art involving intricate repeating patterns covering large surfaces. Similarly “Arabesque,” one of the album’s singles, discusses unifying the people, proclaiming that we “share the same blood.” Its aggressive, percussive rhythm thumps along like a freight train, and the song is without a doubt in the top 3 best on the album.

“When I Need a Friend” — Another short, less-than-impressive track. Its slow, formless, layered vocals recall holiday carols, or more church-choir music, with a Spanish spoken-word segment inserted awkwardly at the end.

“Guns” — Aggressive and biting, “Guns” begins the “sunset” segment of the album and is perhaps the antithesis to the prior track. It is extremely political, referencing climate change, oppression of the working class, violent revolutions and the military-industrial complex. I love it for that.

“Orphans” — The other single from “Everyday Life,” “Orphans” was a breakout hit and a song that many have likely heard already. It tells the struggles of a girl and her father who become refugees during the oppressive Syrian Civil War. Thematically and musically a masterpiece, this might be the objective best on the record.

“Èkó” — Calm and relaxed, the quaint and hopeful “Èkó” shares the name of a town in southwest Nigeria. Honestly, it serves pretty well as a comfort song, but nothing special.

“Cry Cry Cry” — Angel Moon, Coldplay’s alien vocalist who is really just a digital effect, sings along with Chris Martin throughout this deceptively optimistic song. It might have been good if its themes were better developed and it had more than a verse and a half of actual lyrics.

“Old Friends” — Another slow, calm song with simple lyrics. It describes a childhood friend of Martin’s who saved him from being hit by a car when they were riding bikes as kids. While the theme is heartfelt, the song isn’t very engaging.

“بنی آدم” — The Arabic title of this song is taken from a Persian poem, pronounced “Bani Adam.” The majority of its lyrics are a verse from the poem, spoken softly in Arabic. A great idea, but it has almost two minutes of piano solo and was likely better suited to being a 90-second interlude rather than the over-3-minute full feature that “بنی آدم” purports to be.

“Champion of the World” — To be blunt, this is far and away my favorite song on the album. Its lyrics begin with short anecdotes of the failures of the lead singer, going so far as to specifically reference suicide and gravestones. As the music slowly builds, the lyrics pull away from the depression, asserting that whatever happens, we are still here, and that is a success in itself. The song climaxes when Martin and drummer Will Champion sing in duet that “giving up won’t work / Now I’m riding on my rocket ship / And I’m champion of the world.” “Champion of the World” has the overwhelmingly positive theme and grandiose musical style that are hallmarks of recent Coldplay, and to me, it’s probably their single greatest song in the past decade at least.

“Everyday Life” — The final song, bringing back earlier themes of the album like the similarities between and power vested within the people of the world. Musically spare but proud, it uses the same chord progression as the earlier “Church,” which helps tie the album together. While a little unimpressive in the shadow of the previous song, “Everyday Life” is still an excellent closing track.

Overall, “Everyday Life’s” occasional extremely strong tracks have their impact lessened somewhat by slow and underdeveloped songs that hold almost no significance to the overall styling of the record. Still, those strong tracks stand as some of the best in the history of Coldplay, and are each excellent on their own. Plus, “Everyday Life’s” aesthetic is confident, with unique lyrical themes and experimental music styles strongly contributing to the album’s identity. Lyrically and musically, Everyday Life shows what Coldplay can be when at its best, even if it is interspersed with a few less-than-amazing songs.

8/10.

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Winter resources

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

It has been reported that about 10 million American adults suffer from seasonal affective disorder — SAD — from mid to late fall through the spring season. Oregon, especially, is cold and wet during the cold season, with the sun setting early and the temperature staying chilly throughout the day, even at the peak of the sun.

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression occurring during the colder months, the timing being the only difference between SAD and typical depression. It often returns annually for those who experience SAD. Explanations for why someone might experience SAD are still relatively unknown. The trigger, however, is a lack of light. The effects can be debilitating for some, and merely exhausting or tiring for others, meaning it varies from person to person.

Doctors make multiple recommendations for those who struggle with SAD. Studies state that proper sleep will elevate energy levels. If sleeping is a problem, doctors also recommend avoiding screens or other blue light before bed and creating a nighttime routine, something that promotes mindfulness and relaxation, ideally for a few hours leading up to sleep.

On the topic of mindfulness, many may benefit from meditation, yoga, pilates or other exercise or mindfulness practices to stabilize the mind and body. The easiest way to do this is to think of the moment — what is being done and how does it feel? Consider it “grounding.”

It is recommended to find everyday movement. To be clear, this does not necessarily mean exercise as in going to the gym or pushing yourself too hard, but finding time every day to walk, jog, step or play. Finding winter activities can assist, such as snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, sledding or even indoor activities, such as baking, cooking, reading, writing, crocheting and more. Creating things is good for the brain and brings feelings of pride and accomplishment.

And, although difficult, it is recommended to leave the house in one way or another, even when it’s freezing outside. Fresh air is good for the body and brain and leaving the house can stimulate, leading to better mental health.

Surrounding yourself with friends and family is a proven way to ward off the negative feelings accompanied by winter and is highly recommended. Being intentional with plans and self-care can help propel oneself into better health. Examples of self-care include forms of mindfulness as mentioned, cleaning, eating more healthily, exploring faith, self-reflection, practicing gratitude and more.

Artificial light is an alternative as well. Individuals may use sun lamps to replicate the light of the sun and using such light first thing in the morning has been proven to have positive effects. Studies also recommend taking media breaks, such as distancing from apps and social media. News, especially, can negatively affect mental health and during such critical months, access should be limited.

Having a clean, clutter-free environment may elevate moods, although the process is technically a chore. Doing the laundry, dishes and vacuuming can create comfort and remove at least a few tasks off the stressful weekly list.

Other resources, such as therapy, are recommended and can be easy to locate. Psychologytoday.com offers therapists from the area, virtually and in-person, and can point interested folks toward the right information to get set up. It often displays insurance information and sign-up material needed.

Antidepressants can also be helpful for those who suffer majorly from SAD. Meeting with your doctor can get this process started.

There are vitamins that individuals can take to promote health and well-being, such as vitamin D supplements — easy to buy from most local stores.

Most of all, individuals should learn what they need to be healthy and prioritize their health. Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center offers resources, professionals to speak to and other help at https://wou.edu/health/. “Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential. We view well-being as a multidimensional and holistic process. The seven wellness realms we focus on, include: social, emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, environmental and mental,” says the center.

The website also provides graphics with more advice for handling poor mental health and finding a work-life balance. It recommends volunteering, maintaining relationships and adopting daily rituals. Figuring out what stress responses there are can be incredibly helpful as well, as each method can be remedied in a different way. Those who isolate may benefit from energizing activities, while those who grow angry or emotional may need to find a quiet, relaxing activity to recover instead.

Starting small with stress can make an impact, eventually snowballing into better coping mechanisms and skills. One conversation at a time opens the door for help.

The weather will, eventually, warm; the sun will return. Nobody should suffer alone. Merely having conversations about mental health can help destigmatize the concept of “winter blues” so that others can receive help as well, and feel less isolated in the process.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Valentine’s Day origin

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Content warning: this article contains mentions of blood, animal sacrifices and violence

Valentine’s Day was originally a pagan holiday celebrating fertility — taking place from Feb. 13–15, going back as far as the sixth century B.C. Since then, Valentine’s Day has taken a turn toward romantic celebrations and acts of kindness, when originally, in Rome, men were stripped, blood was shed and animals were sacrificed, all in hopes of warding off evil curses and keeping the Roman fertility god, Lupercus, happy.

Lupercus, as well as the she-wolf Lupa — who, according to legend, protected and raised the eventual founders of Rome — inspired the title Lupercalia: the holiday now known as Valentine’s Day. The day revolved around a feast that involved animal sacrifices and streaking men. Those same men would whip women with strips of the sacrificed goats’ hides which was believed to cause ripe fertility.

The Luperci, a group of Roman priests, would perform the goat and dog sacrifices and follow it up with touching a bloody knife on two Luperci’s foreheads, which was then wiped off with wool dipped in milk. Part of the sacrificial rituals involved the Luperci laughing — a requirement to please Lupercus.

Saint Valentine holds more mystique around the founding of the holiday. The most common theory is that Saint Valentine was executed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for secretly marrying Christian couples, during the third century A.D., a time when Christians were being persecuted.

Another legend proposes that Valentine was in love with his jailer’s daughter while imprisoned — writing her a love letter and signing it, “From your Valentine.”

Valentine was declared a Saint by the Catholic Church well after his death when he was martyred on Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day. This later became celebrated closer to the late fifth century A.D., when Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalius with a day in honor of the Saint’s martyrdom. This first example of Valentine’s Day, although similar in title, did not become the modern day celebration of love that people now know it as.

Some characteristics remain the same between modern Valentine’s Day and Lupercalia. The white color we know today to be part of Valentine’s Day relates to the milk-dipped wool from the Luperci sacrifices; red and pink correspond with the theme of blood, despite the fact that neither are current aspects of Valentine’s Day.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Tree lighting ceremony

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s campus will be kicking off December with the 56th annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. outside of the historical Campbell Hall. In preparation for the occasion, the tree has been fitted with its giant decorations which will be lit at the event around 6:45 p.m..

“Our sequoia tree outside of Campbell Hall is rumored to be the second largest sequoia (in Oregon),” said Katelin Granger, the coordinator of student activities & inclusion. It was planted in 1887 by former students of Western and is the object of celebration for the Holiday Tree Lighting.

The annual event is expected to bring together the Monmouth-Independence community, alumni, students, staff and faculty at large, as it has in previous years. It begins with a few keynote speakers sharing some words for the public. Some speakers include the President Peters, parade narrators and student voices that Granger established for the sake of inputting student representation in the event.

In the past, the parade has featured around thirty floats and traverses through Monmouth. “We have the annual parade that goes from the Monmouth (Public) library to the middle of campus,” said Granger. “We see people line up down Main Street and Monmouth avenue to watch all the parade floats. It’s just a really fun time.”

After the parade, the Dean of Students, Malissa Larson, will say a few words which will be followed by speeches by the mayors of Independence and Monmouth. Local elementary schools have engaged in an essay-writing contest, where the winner will be announced on the night of the event and assist in lighting the tree alongside President Peters. Prior to the lighting, the winner of the essay contest gets to read their essay aloud to the public attending the ceremony.

The Werner University Center will host indoor activities like cookie frosting and a Santa Claus for photo opportunities and more fun.

“This year, Abby’s House is doing their silent auction and that is going to be open during the after-portion, in the Columbia room,” added Granger.

Tradition will continue on the first Friday of December as the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony commences on campus. Granger encourages students to attend the event and join in on the holiday spirit that the festive night will entail.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Meaningful mementos for Mom this Mother’s Day

Inexpensive gift ideas for every mother figure

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Mother’s Day is almost upon us, which means if getting Mom a gift, it’s time to go shopping. Gifts can be very meaningful without costing too much; get inspired by these Mother’s Day gifts to present to a mother figure this holiday.

Photo album: Collect meaningful photos of the family into a photo album or slideshow. Decorate a little scrapbook with stickers and captions, buy a simple photo album to put many printed photos in or keep it digital by arranging a slideshow to share.

Pots and plants: If Mom loves gardening, buy them their favorite flowers or some herbs or vegetables to plant together. Customize a pot by painting it together, or get the whole family involved by each decorating a container for them.

Mug and coffee or tea: Cute coffee mugs can be found all over the internet for as little as $10. Get them a mug that says, “Best Mom/Aunt/Grandma/Sister Ever,” and stuff it with some of their favorite coffee or tea. Or give them new flavors to try together. Sit down with them and spend some time chatting over a hot beverage on Sunday.

Office supplies: Sticky notes, paper clips, pens — an organized person has to have it all. Buy Mom some office supplies in their favorite color or themed with their favorite flower or animal. Some notepads and journals come with motivational messages, which can be a nice mood booster for Mom for days to come.

Their favorite self-care product: Is Mom running low on their favorite lipstick, lotion, hair product or essential oil? Offer to buy them a refill of one of their favorite products, or give them a gift card to the store they most enjoy.

A nice card: Give Mom a thoughtful, funny or beautiful card with some meaningful words written inside for them to display for the coming weeks. Plenty of physical stores offer a wide variety of greeting cards, and online shops like Etsy have customizable options to give the gift an added personal touch.

Time together: Sometimes the best gifts are nice moments together. Spend some quality time with Mom on Sunday, or, if busy, plan a day soon that’s dedicated to them.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Two days left to enter the #SafeHolidaysOR Student PSA Contest

Governor Brown asks Oregon students to design PSAs on how to safely celebrate the holidays

Cora McClain | Editor-In-Chief

While the weather outside is frightful, the rise in Oregon COVID-19 cases is far less delightful. The easiest way to spread COVID is through large gatherings, even if those gatherings are with friends and family. The fact of the matter is, traditional ways of celebrating the holidays are less safe for everyone involved.

The Oregon Health Authority has said that people in their 20s continue to be the most likely to test positive for COVID. To raise awareness, Governor Kate Brown launched the statewide COIVD-19 #SafeHolidaysOR Public Service Announcement video contest. The contest entails any and all Oregon students to answer the question “How Do You Plan to Celebrate the Holidays Safely?” in a 30 seconds or less.

Whether a student attends a school located in Oregon or lives in Oregon while attending school out of state, any K-12 and college student is eligible to enter. Governor Brown will choose the winners of the contest, share the videos across her social media platforms and invite the winners to a video chat with her.

The deadline for these videos is Dec. 18. There’s only a couple of days left to enter; so, if you are interested, get your video in soon.

A student can enter by submitting a PSA in video format through their form. If there are any issues submitting your video, email your submission directly to Sarah Dean at Sarah.Dean@Oregon.gov along with your name, city, school, and PSA title.

Rules:

PSA Videos must:

Answer the question: “How Do You Plan to Celebrate the Holidays Safely?”
Be 30 seconds or less.
Observe proper physical distancing and other public health recommendations.
Be student created. An adult may assist with the video editing and filming, but the content must be student created.

PSA Videos must NOT:

Use music that is copyrighted. Royalty-free music websites such as freeplaymusic.com offer songs that can be used without violating copyright.
Use images of any kind that are copyrighted. Royalty-free image websites such as pixabay.com provide images that can be used without violating copyright.
Include violations of physical distancing or other COVID safety requirements.
Contain non-factual information, content promoting hate or discrimination, or other offensive content.
Include audio, images, or other footage of other people without their permission, and, if the video includes minors, without their parent/guardian’s permission.

PSAs that do not comply with contest rules will be disqualified.

By submitting, you consent to have your submission featured on Governor Brown’s social media accounts. If your video is selected, you and your parent/guardian, if applicable, may be required to sign permission form.

For more information and ideas to include in your videos, visit the official My Oregon News article on the contest.

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Some examples of the video PSA from The Western Howl staff below!

“My immediate family and I are doing all of our gift shopping online.”
– Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

“I’m going to be celebrating Christmas with my roommates by watching a ton of movies throughout the day.”
Sean Martinez | Copy Editor

“I’m staying safe this holiday season by staying home as much as I can.”
Rylie Horrall | Managing Editor

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Last minute Thanksgiving appetizers

Coldplay’s “Everyday Life,” five years in

Winter resources

Valentine’s Day origin

Tree lighting ceremony

Meaningful mementos for Mom this Mother’s Day

Two days left to enter the #SafeHolidaysOR Student PSA Contest

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