Mount Hood

Online dating safety tips

Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

In today’s modern world, finding love is more than difficult as everyone can, in a millisecond, reject a profile they see while scrolling the many dating apps. By chance, scrolling through these apps, one might find someone who intrigues them. This person is perfect. They are funny and their values align with yours. The future looks bright! Now there reaches a point when a suitor is acquired and both participants feel things are going well enough to meet. When it comes to online dating, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind. 

Creating a profile — When creating a dating profile it is best to avoid using photos or videos of oneself in places that can be traced or reveal personal information.

Displaying interest — When it comes to displaying one’s interests and facts about oneself, keep it clear and subtle. Be clear about what one expects from the app; this helps others determine the difference between a real and fake account. 

Discretion — Be discreet: use only a first name or nickname on one’s profile, and refrain from displaying anything like a phone number or any other personal identification. 

Scams — Be aware of scammers. The internet can be a dangerous place and that includes dating apps. People might ask for money, personal favors or more personal information than what one should be willing to give. If this occurs, it’s best to unmatch and block the user. 

Getting to know someone — If one is matched with someone they like, talk to them as much as possible and get to know them as they will reciprocate interest. This also ensures the person one is speaking to is real and of course, is interested. 

Video chat — Video chat and talking over the phone is not only a great way to communicate with a suitor but also to feel safe. 

Meeting up — If one chooses to meet a person through a dating app, it’s best to meet in a public setting during the day where other people are around.

Have a means of escape — Driving oneself ensures a safe way out if things go awry.

Share, share, share — Share the name of the person as well as their profile and location one intends on meeting.

Now with all these tips in mind, online dating can be safe and secure as we watch out for our well-being and potentially find our person. Love can begin and the swiping is over. Just remember that dating in this modern world can be a fairytale.   

Contact author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu

How Washington and Oregon shape culture in the PNW

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

The first things that come to mind when asked about the Pacific Northwest are somewhat stereotypical — trees, coffee, cult classics like Twilight and Grey’s Anatomy and the inevitable rainy sky. 

Taken at face value, all of these subcomponents of Pacific Northwest society seem one-dimensional, however, our little corner of the world has a rich, encompassing culture, filled to the brim with small moments of joy. In a place where cloudy days consume 222 days of the year, we have managed to create a special space where art, caffeine and the environment coincide to procure the comfortable place we all call home.

We are approaching those times now. The residents of the Northwest are prone to seasonal depression — most of the time shut in by circumstance. As a result, we create sanctuaries to nurture our minds and enjoy the creative and diverse individuals around us. Locals light up indoor spaces with their art. Social events, clubs, family and friends tuck us into close proximity, making our days just a little more bright. Our region’s rich and deeply enmeshed relationship with coffee brings many of us warmth and energy. 

Many of us line our rooms with plants, real or fake, to bring the outdoors to our bedside. Many of us watch comfort shows, and to no surprise, a few of those hit close to home. Movies like Sleepless in Seattle, The Twilight Saga, Ten Things I Hate About You, Halloweentown and The Goonies show off our little corner of the world, and we find solace in our sparse representation. 

Although the population of this area is vast and numerous, our cities and towns remain close. There is a sense of togetherness when the rain drones on for days because we know that it is dancing on everyone’s rooftop, muddying every shoe that steps outside. Millions of people ordering coffee from their favorite shop; millions of paintings and posters lining the walls of shops and institutions; millions of warm moments spent with those who are close to us — 

While we cherish those times when the sun shows herself, we do not need her to create light for us. We can do that for ourselves.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Spring into spring break

Written by: Jude Bokovoy 

Spring break is rapidly approaching. Some students have been awaiting it for months with a full itinerary of what they want to get accomplished over the week. Others are just looking forward to having a break from classes. No matter what category one falls in, here are a few ideas of what one could do during their break depending on their location and mood. 

Hometown spring break: Everyone has different feelings towards their hometown. Here are a few things to do to bring back some memories and make the most of one’s break. 

Monday — Unwind at one’s favorite coffee shop and read a good book.

Tuesday — Spend time with a family member doing a nostalgic activity.

Wednesday — Have a picnic at a lookout or park.

Thursday — Window shop through downtown to see what’s new.

Friday — Catch up with family members.

Saturday — Do an activity that one is unable to regularly do,  such as skiing or windsurfing.

Sunday — Take a drive through town to see what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Lowkey spring break: This is for those who want to spend their break taking a break. 

Monday — Call a loved one. 

Tuesday — Pack a picnic to take to a local park. 

Wednesday — Go out to breakfast with a friend. 

Thursday — Watch one’s favorite movie.

Friday — Cook oneself a nice dinner. 

Saturday — Have a self care day.

Sunday — Create a mood board.

Reset spring break: This schedule is for those who need to reset their atmosphere and headspace.

Monday — Put on a face mask, paint one’s nails and take a bubble bath.

Tuesday — Go to the library or a bookstore to find a book to read throughout the break.

Wednesday — Clean one’s space.

Thursday — Visit a coffee shop to read and sip on a delicious drink.

Friday — Bake muffins to have for breakfast.

Saturday — Paint something to hang up in one’s living space.

Sunday — Deep clean one’s place to take on spring term fully reset.

Adventurous spring break: This is for people who live around the Monmouth area that are itching to go out and explore with a companion. 

Monday — Spend the day in Lincoln City.

Tuesday — Go to an aquarium.

Wednesday — Explore the outskirts of Portland. 

Thursday — Go on a hike.

Friday — Watch the sunset at Pacific City.

Saturday — Go to the Portland or Corvallis Saturday market.

Sunday — Walk around a museum.

Vacation spring break: Some people don’t have their vacations all planned out yet, use these suggestions for some inspiration.

Monday — Try a new restaurant.

Tuesday — Look up places to explore throughout one’s stay. 

Wednesday — Take a long peaceful walk at sunrise or sunset.

Thursday — See what downtown has to offer.

Friday — Spend some time with the people one came with. 

Saturday — Rent a bike or scooter to zip around the area.

Sunday — Make a Tik Tok to commemorate one’s vacation. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu




Disney as adults

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Everyone has a different level of appreciation for Disneyland. Some couldn’t care less about it, others are full blown “Disney adults.” This article is for those who like the idea of Disneyland and are curious about what there is to do after the childhood glamor wears off. 

One’s company — Who one decides to go with can affect what one ends up doing throughout their time at Disneyland. For instance, if one is with family, one should do things that appeal to a variety of ages and interests. The size of one’s party comes into play when getting into rides with limited seating.  Recently, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Disneyland with the entire WOU cheerleading team. We were able to split off into groups and mine had eight people. This way we were able to take up entire roller coaster carriages and carts for bigger rides. This also allowed us to break into smaller groups if our interests differed at certain parts of the day. 

Rides — The only “kiddie” ride I recommend going on is “Mad Tea Party” — commonly known as the “Tea Cups.” The ride is completely outdoors, follows the theme of “Alice in Wonderland” and is the perfect place to take pictures. Other than that, the fast rides are the way to go. We started out our journey with Space Mountain, the infamous roller coaster in the dark. Another ride one cannot miss is Matterhorn Bobsleds. An angry yeti follows as one’s bobsled weaves in and out of the mountain, ready to give a jump scare. The bumpy ride filled with waterfalls, sharp turns and loud noises will give participants a smile and whiplash. Lastly, my favorite ride —that we were able to go on twice— was “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.” The realistic characters, enthusiastic employees and interactiveness left me, as a non Star Wars fan, in awe. This ride will keep one guessing as they go from location to location. I do want to keep this one a secret for those who haven’t had the chance to attend. Just know that the bigger the party the better because taking up a cart with one’s friends is much more fun than sitting with strangers on this thrilling ride. 

Food — When spending the day walking around, standing in lines and having a fluctuating heart rate from thrilling rides, it’s good to be honest with one’s group when one is hungry. Chances are  there’s more than one person who needs a meal. Disney is known for their unique snacks and desserts which are great to eat, just don’t forget to have a full meal. Being hungry and not getting a balanced meal can affect one’s mood in “the happiest place on earth.” I do have to say, my favorite food item was actually during our second day in Downtown Disney. A little stand called Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs sells a creative spin on the classic. Another cheerleader and I got pickle corn dogs. It was a hotdog inside of a pickle, battered, dusted with panko, fried and served with creamy peanut butter. It sounds crazy, trust me it was, but it was actually pretty good. All the other cheerleaders that thought we were weird for getting them turned out to like them as well. They were huge, if one ends up getting one, keep in mind that it could feed up to three people as a snack. 

Overall Disneyland is a great place to go on rides, eat interesting food and take in the scenery. No matter one’s age, there will always be something to do — just try to have it thought out before entering the park. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Be uncomfortable; chase ones dreams

Written by: Dakota Gange

“Happiness can’t be bought.” The saying echoes and bounces off the walls of life, circling social media and often received in the form of advice from friends and family. The sentiment is supposed to be common knowledge, but why do so many of us stay in situations where we are unsatisfied?

For me, it was prioritizing financial security that kept me from striving to achieve my dreams. Financial stability was such a strong force that gave me comfortability and peace of mind. Knowing I could eat and pay the bills helped me sleep better at night. Being a restaurant manager is a stimulating career. It’s meticulous but has enough leniency for one to have a blast, all the while constantly being around others. It just wasn’t what I wanted to do in the long-term.

It can be a tangled and confusing mess to be stuck between stability and dreams. For those out there caught in the middle, perhaps it will bring some comfort knowing that I traded my comfortable decade-long, salaried career to chase my dreams through education without a stable paycheck.

Now I am reaching the summit of the mountain. I’m only 29, but these past few years have been filled with a chest full of treasured lessons.

For ten years now, I’ve been building my skills and career in the customer service industry — quickly leading to a comfortable fiscal situation. I wasn’t unhappy per se, I had a great time, but it just wasn’t that exact puzzle piece I was looking for. I always knew it wasn’t, but I still went to work every day and caught myself thinking, “Am I really going to do this for the rest of my life? I can’t do this for 80 percent of my life.” 

As comfortable as I was, the job was not without its share of unfulfillment. I had always wanted to go back to school, but it always turned into, “Okay, next fall.”  

Then the pandemic hit in March 2020, and my life was forcefully shaken up. I was laid off from my salaried position, which was exactly the push I needed. 

So I signed up for classes and immediately fell into a position of writing. Swiftly, I began taking journalism classes and writing for the school newspaper at Linn Benton, which quickly turned into a year of being the student voice editor, followed by a year of being the editor in chief. 

Here I led my Linn Benton team to place fifth in best general selection in the Associated Collegiate Press 2022 Nationals, judged by 2020 Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Green, followed by 21 first, second and third place Oregon National Press Association awards in best photos, best news and feature writing, best graphics, best review and more. 

Journalism and education led me to achieve things I never thought of. 

After being laid off for several months, I returned to work part-time. Between being editor in chief and managing The Old Spaghetti Factory part-time, it was enough to maintain financial stability.

However, when I got a call from my boss, asking me to return full-time, it was tempting to go back to that livable $60,000 salary and vacation pay. I was faced with the choice of my career or my education. I had 48 hours to decide, but I knew in a flutter of a heartbeat that I was never going back to solely managing restaurants.  

We are meant to do so much more than just pay the bills. All too often do I hear stories of unhappiness, oftentimes due to working jobs we don’t love. 

Here I am, a student, first-time mother of a toddler, extremely, fiscally uncomfortable and I couldn’t be more content. 

My happiness is found in chasing my dreams through education and what comes with that is all worth it. 

Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

Authentic Mexican-Style Horchata

Written by:  Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Horchata is a popular Latin American drink consisting of milk, water, cinnamon and white rice. Sweet — but not too sweet — creamy and flavorful, horchata is the perfect partner to go along with traditional cultural cuisine. It is important to note that the ingredients of horchata vary by region. This recipe is inspired by Mexican-style horchata, which is traditionally served in the United States. 

HOMEMADE MEXICAN HORCHATA

Start to finish: 4 to 8 hours

Yields: 5-6 servings

1 cup of uncooked, long grain white rice

4 cups of water

¾ can of 12 fl. ounce evaporated milk

¾ can of 14 ounce condensed, sweetened milk

Sugar (optional for sweetness) 

1-2 cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Ground cinnamon

Wash the rice. Combine the soaked white rice, 4 cups of cold water and cinnamon sticks in a bowl. Leave the white rice mixture to soak for a minimum of four hours to a maximum of eight hours; it may be best to leave it overnight. Refrigerate, then remove most of the cinnamon sticks. In a blender, blend the mixture until it forms a thin paste. Strain the mixture into a pitcher — ideally, using a cheesecloth or a very fine mesh sieve — to separate and remove the solid chunks of rice that may remain. In the pitcher, stir in the evaporated milk and condensed milk, vanilla extract, if used, and sugar, if used. Balance out the preferred level of sweetness by adding more water, vanilla or sugar. Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick, or ground cinnamon. Serve with ice and enjoy.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Senior Stress

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Senior year brings a whirlwind of emotions — including excitement to be finished with college; finding a place to move and starting one’s career. At the same time, each of those things can be equally as stressful. Applying a few of the tips below can help ease one’s mind and prevent some potential headaches as graduation grows closer.

Start thinking about the future now — Think about jobs, destinations, living situations, relationships or whatever else that could come into play when starting the post-college journey. Narrowing down one’s career field of choice can be the first step that will determine one’s next destination. What comes into play when picking a place to move to? Is it one’s job, being close to family or a spouse, weather or cost of living? Figuring that out now can help establish what’s important when searching for the perfect place.

While still here, take advantage of opportunities — The lull between now and graduation is prime. The diploma will soon be in hand, but for now, one can sit pretty focusing on coursework, figuring themselves out and exploring what they might want for their future. This is the optimal time to gain some experience and add to one’s resume. Whether that means working a full-time job, an internship or even volunteering in the field of work one is striving to enter, every bit of experience helps. 

Soak it all in — For most of us, this is the end of the long road of education. No more general education credits, math classes or filler courses to take. This last term and a half is it. Take this time to work hard in the final push, put oneself out there and most importantly, make memories that will define one’s college experience. Don’t sweat the small stuff and spend these last few months doing the things one will be pleased to look back on.

Looking for assistance to help one figure all this out? Go on Handshake to make an appointment with one of the Center for Professional Pathways staff members. They offer resume reviews, career counseling, career assessments, internship/practicum advising, job searching mock interviews, graduate school counseling and much more.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Valentine’s Day writing prompts

Written by:  Jude Bokovoy 

No matter what one has planned for Valentine’s Day, there is always a reason to write. If inspiration strikes, pick out one of these prompts and write one’s heart out. 

VALENTINES DAY WRITING PROMPTS

Personal prompts

  • What are a few ways I can show love to others?
  • If love was a color what would it be?
  • What does love mean to me?
  • What does love feel like?
  • Describe your best Valentine’s Day memory.
  • How do I show love to myself?
  • What/who do I love more than anything?
  • Who are two people that I love?
  • What do I bring to my relationship/friendships?
  • Do I prefer to receive love notes or gifts?
  • I deserve to be loved because…
  • What have I learned from love?
  • Write about the person you admire most.
  • Explain whether animals do or don’t feel love.
  • Do you think parents should give their children valentines?
  • Make a list of all the things you have put your heart into.



Fictional prompts

  • You are on the hunt for the person who left the peonies and heartwarming card at your front door.
  • You create the most successful dating app. What makes your app different from all the others?
  • What would the world be like without love?
  • You are the final girl left on The Bachelor, he gets down on one knee and proposes. You get a gut feeling that he isn’t the one for you. What do you do?
  • Write a valentine for your future spouse.
  • Create the ultimate Galentine’s girls day out.
  • Write up a class plan for a fourth grade class for Valentine’s Day. Will they make Valentine’s mailboxes, what will they learn about, will there be games?
  • You’re a wedding photographer but have yet to find your match.
  • In the attic of your new apartment, you find a small red box tied with a bow with a love letter attached to it.
  • Write out the most elaborate proposal you can think of.
  • Write a love story about a couple who’s been together for over 50 years.
  • Plan your future wedding without a budget. 
  • You’re cupid for the day, who do you set up?
  • You own the local flower shop in town. It’s Valentine’s Day, what customers will be popping in?
  • You travel to a place that doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. What will you do to explain and celebrate with them?
  • Write a movie that revolves around Valentine’s Day.
  • Who was the first person to associate the shape of the heart with love?

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Local options for getting comfortable with outdoor biking

This Independence restaurant experience is worth the price

 

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Mountain biking is one of many outdoor activities that Oregon has to offer. Searching for new trails helps people look forward to being outdoors and gets them excited about participating in a good workout. For some, mountain biking can seem intimidating, but this article provides three trails near Western’s campus to ease one into the sport.

Dallas Creek Trail is surrounded by a river, trees, wildlife and is also paved. These inclusions  give an easy going feeling of mountain biking without obstacles such as roots, rocks and hills. Since the trail can be accessed through a safe neighborhood, it can be used while the sun sets. 

The McDonald-Dunn Forest in Corvallis offers a variety of open trails that are perfect for beginners. The smooth trails allow people to adjust to the feeling of biking on dirt for the first time. This also allows beginners to work on switching gears on their bikes as they go up hills. While riding on these beautiful trails, people can take pit stops or even turn around when needed because of the wide paths. 

Last is the Calloway Trail in the McDonald Research Forest Oak Creek Access, which is for bikers that are ready to take on a more challenging trail. The narrow path is enclosed by greenery, has sharp turns, roots, and hills, which makes for a whole lot of fun. Bikers can speed though the trail while going across bridges and avoiding obstacles. There are many other trails located in the same area when one feels ready to level up. After a ride, stop across the street at Cookie Binge for a post-ride sweet treat. They offer a variety of cookies, milkshakes, ice cream and more–perfect to fuel up a hungry biker.

Headline: Champions vs. champions

Analyzing the National Cheer Association’s College Daytona performances from Navarro and Trinity Valley

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

 

This article contains spoilers for competition results and season two of “Cheer.”

Navarro cheer team is one of the most well known collegiate cheerleading teams in the U.S. Navarro can be easily recognized by their sparkly red and black uniforms, incredible stunting abilities and team spirit. In 2020, Netflix released a documentary about Navarro’s road to reach the National Cheerleaders Association National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, called “Cheer.” The show and the team’s execution of their routine was a major success. Navarro was named the 2019 National Champion in Daytona’s advanced large coed junior college division. 

Daytona is NCA’s Collegiate Dance and Cheer Competition. To be able to participate in Daytona, each team needs to qualify by either getting bid on at an NCA camp or approved by sending in a video. Cheerleading teams come from all over the country to experience and compete in the notorious Daytona.

This January, the second season of “Cheer” was released that included their rivals, Trinity Valley Community College. Throughout the season, they went back and forth showing how each team prepared for Daytona, as well as the ups and downs throughout the season. Both teams were incredibly talented and had viewers on their toes, wondering who was going to be the 2021 National Champions. TVCC ended up placing first, stealing Navarro’s national title. 

Although both of these teams are located in Texas, they couldn’t be more different. Days before Daytona, many competing teams performed a showcase of their routines for their friends, families and fans. At TVCC’s Daytona showcase, the camera crew made it clear that they were only focused on certain individuals, by exclusively filming certain cheerleaders as they were executing their skills. Their routine was extremely tumble heavy leaving viewers in awe, however it seemed they were more focused on the individual spotlight rather than working as a team. It didn’t go unnoticed that many of them did not smile during the duration of their performance. 

The Navarro routine was team-based. Everyone had a smile on their face and they were energetic while performing their fluid routine. Navarro’s baskets and transitions were jaw dropping. As always, their choreography lit up the mat. What these two teams had in common were the high magnitude of tumbling, stunts and ambition. 

This year TVCC decided to enter into the advanced small coed division, meaning that they did not end up competing against Navarro. During the weekend of April 6 – 10, NCA’s Daytona provided each team two days to perform their routine twice in hopes of taking home a trophy. 

Throughout TVCC’s day one performance, their tumbling was clean but the stunts were not. There were many shaky dismounts, two stunts needed to be saved and the center group for their main pyramid fell. TVCC made a comeback on day two; their team jump combo was level throughout the team, the baskets were very high and the center tumbler had lots of energy. Unfortunately in the same middle stunt group, the flyer slipped during the pyramid. While making their final exit on day two, each member of the team did actions towards the crowd of an “I’m the best” mentality, iconic of the individualistic mindset that is rampant in TVCC.

On the other hand, Navarro blew it out of the park for both days’ performances. On day one, their beginning tumbling sequences were intense, all of their pyramids were executed well and included elaborate transitional stunts. On day two, all of their one-man stunts were solid; they nailed their first jump combo of a toe touch to a b-twist and they performed choreography with enthusiasm. The only notable flaw from Navarro was during one of their pyramids in which well known athlete Gabbi Butler slipped but regained balance while doing the choreography. When Navarro left the mat on day one and two they all hugged each other and exited as a supportive team.

At the end of the day, both TVCC and Navarro executed their intense routines very well. Both included elaborate baskets, jump combinations, tumbling and pyramids; because of their determination and skill Navarro and TVCC went home as the 2022 National Champion for their respective divisions.

Creating the perfect picnic

Creating the perfect picnic

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Now that the sun is shining over Oregon once again, it is the perfect time to go on a picnic. Picnics allow one to breathe in fresh air, get creative with meals and share the view with friends. 

Whether picnicking alone or with company, Riverview Park in Independence is the perfect picnic place. They provide many places to sit such as amphitheater seating, grass lawn and benches overlooking the Willamette River. The Riverview Park provides public wifi, allowing students to be able to work on homework while enjoying the outdoors.

When packing a picnic, the options are endless. Perhaps the best part about picnicking is how the food can be specifically catered for personal preferences. Nothing is off limits. Fruit, sandwiches, drinks and snacks are all great choices. Below are two recipes that keep well for any picnic.

 

PESTO TURKEY AVOCADO SANDWICH

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

2 slices of nuts and seeds bread

1 leaf of romaine lettuce

3 slices of oven roasted turkey

1 slice of sharp cheddar cheese

½ an avocado, mashed

½ teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of pepper

1 ½ tablespoons of pesto

½ tablespoon of mayonnaise, optional

On one slice spread mashed avocado, season with salt and pepper. On the other slice of bread spread pesto and mayonnaise. Add smoked turkey, cheese and romaine lettuce. Place the first slice of bread on top. Slice in half and package appropriately.

 

BANANA SUSHI

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 2 servings

1 banana, sliced

3 tablespoons of extra crunchy peanut butter

1 tablespoon honey, optional

Place banana slices in a sealable container. Add a scoop of peanut butter to each slice. Drizzle with honey. Serve with chopsticks.

Turning around teriyaki

How to make the most of Yang’s Teriyaki leftovers

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at  howllifestyle@wou.edu

Yang’s Teriyaki is one of the most beloved restaurants to communities near Western’s campus. Yang’s Teriyaki is known for their filling cuisine, great prices and friendly staff. Typically any large combination meal can be used to create three full portions depending on the person. Once the leftovers hit the three day mark, one may want to revamp their leftovers. Below is a recipe to boost leftover Yang’s Teriyaki chicken and rice.

 

LEFTOVER YANG’S TERIYAKI CHICKEN AND RICE

Start to finish: 7 minutes

Yields: One serving

Portion of Yang’s Teriyaki chicken

Portion of Yang’s Teriyaki sushi rice

2 eggs

½ Tablespoon of chili oil

Furikake, optional

Sriracha or Yang’s Teriyaki hot sauce, optional

Kimchi, optional

Cook eggs sunny side up in a small frying pan. Once halfway cooked, top with chili oil and place a lid over the top. Heat remaining Yang’s Teriyaki rice and chicken in the microwave for one minute and thirty seconds. Then add hot sauce and furikake. Once eggs have a thin white layer over the yolks place on top of the rice and chicken. Place kimchi off to the side. Feel free to add or take away anything if desired.

 

San Diego’s Little Italy is worthy of a visit

Notes from foodie adventures in Little Italy, San Diego, California

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

 

One of the most well-known tourist attractions in San Diego, California is Little Italy. This strip of business captures the style, cuisine and ambience of Italy. Little Italy has much to offer for all ages and interests. There are a multitude of restaurants to choose from with a range of different price points. 

For those looking for a quick meal on the cheaper side, Mr. Moto Pizza is a great place to stop by. They provide plenty of options when it comes to sauces, meats and vegetables to choose from along with a friendly staff that will reheat slices in their pizza oven. Looking for a refreshment? Get free sparkling water from their soft drink machine.

Searching for a fancy Italian happy hour? Allegro Restaurant will go past one’s expectations. They make simple dishes, such as grilled artichoke, an elaborate experience by having their waiters pour a white wine sauce onto each individual patron’s plate. Both toast options they offer are out of this world. Their five dollar Classic Buratta does just the trick containing savory flavors and plated with a dramatic drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and flower petals. The Fig and Prosciutto Crostini will remain on one’s mind for the rest of time. The balance of sweet fig jam, creamy fresh mozzarella and salty prosciutto is a happy hour masterpiece. 

Sorrento’s is the place to go for a nice dinner. All of the waiters adhere to Italian-American culture by bringing around a pan full of parmesan cheese to add to everyone’s plates. Their menu contains great appetizer portions with lots of vegetables and good quality olive oil. Each of their pastas are worthy of a chef’s kiss.

Day or night, Little Italy is a great place to take a stroll. One is surrounded by Italian flags, the smell of baked bread filling the air while music plays from every direction.

Little Italy is the perfect addition to a trip to San Diego.

How to expand one’s TikTok profile

Advice about growing one’s TikTok account from a paid content creator

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

The TikTok app is known as one of the most addicting social media platforms. TikTok is a platform where people can post short clips of them doing anything and everything. Their algorithm is mostly unknown, so this article will provide a few tips to enhance any page.

Take each clip or video on one’s camera roll. This prevents time from being wasted opening the app, as well as accidental deletion of previous clips. This way, one can quickly pull out their phone, take a second or two to record, then continue on with their day. 

Be as specific as possible. Participating in trends can be fun, but videos are more likely to go viral if they have brought something new to the table. Examples of this can include participating in an event, demonstrating specific skills, traveling to different destinations and much more. 

No need for crazy editing. Effects or filters are not necessary. Simply adding music to a video does the trick. To enhance a video, sync a fun sound to clips and add some colorful text.

Keep in mind that everything stays on the internet forever. No one has control over what goes viral or what people will see. It is important before posting to re-evaluate. 

Ask oneself:

  • Would I be okay with a parent or boss seeing this? 
  • Would each viewer understand references included in the video? 
  • Could anyone be negatively affected by posting this video? 
  • Does this create a positive persona for myself?

These questions also apply to what hashtags one decides to include in the captions of their videos. Adding the most popular hashtags can be such a mindless addition to any TikTok, but do creators know what these hashtags are supporting, or what they truly mean? To avoid potential hashtag havoc, keep it simple. Use hashtags that are related to the video. This way it will reach those who relate and enjoy the activities that are promoted in the TikTok.

Unlocking the creator fund. Doing this is not something that is out of reach, but it can be out of one’s control. To access the personal requirements to join the creator fund, go into “Creator Tools” on the TikTok app. After that, click the light gray creator fund icon. There, one will see a list of tasks that need to be completed within 30 days. A task could be as simple as posting three videos, or as out of one’s hands as gaining 100,000 views on their page. After completion of the personal tasks, one will have to complete paperwork. This includes sending in a driver’s license as age verification and filling out tax information. Once everything is approved, one will be paid for the views up to three days prior, as well as future content. From then on, funds can be checked on a daily basis to see how much has been earned. 

At the end of the day, TikTok is a creative platform for everyone to express their passions, memories and talents. Have fun and be safe.

 

To see an account that uses this format check out @judy.the.foody on TikTok.

A guide to finding your music routine

Having a playlist for each daily task can make the day more enjoyable

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

As an employed student-athlete, it is important that I am able to stay on task, which resultsing in what many would consider to be a borderline obsession with routine. Recently, I have found that listening to music has helped me tremendously in maintaining focus. When I am doing online school work, I make sure to put on blue light glasses and play a lo-fi playlist catered to the exact homework or study activity I am doing. By doing this continually I am able to stay on task. When I study without my glasses or lo-fi music, I tend to feel off kilter and face more distractions. Spotify has an abundance of lo-fi playlists catered to studying, reading, writing and more. 

I also listen to music to encourage myself to cook by putting on a playlist I made specifically for cooking. Music makes mundane chores — like doing dishes, wiping down counters or laundry — go by much faster.

Specificity is key. I work as a delivery driver and am able to stay concentrated by listening to a very specific artist for the duration of my shift. When I listen to a wide variety of artists and genres while delivering, I tend to get side tracked and forget the addresses and items.

The newest music involvement I have implemented into my routine has impacted my overall mood every day. Every morning when I make coffee, I put on a mellow worship playlist and do simple yoga stretches. This puts me in a positive and relaxed mood. Starting the day off with a routine that allows me to worship and gets my blood flowing has made a huge positive difference in my day-to-day life. 

Finding a good playlist for working out can be tricky. Most people want something that keeps them going while doing various exercises, but I tend to stick with the Spotify featured playlists in the workout genre. When I go on runs, my guilty pleasure is to listen to a 2000’s workout playlist. The nostalgia takes me back to elementary school P.E. classes — except now I am faster and actually have a boyfriend to sing about. 

Figuring out one’s music preferences can be a step in the right direction when it comes to creating a consistent daily routine and is incredibly mentally stimulating.

Utilizing Kale

These three simple recipes easily incorporate kale into one’s diet

Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

These three recipes were created to include optimal amounts of kale by Jude Bokovoy and can be found on instagram @judy.the.foody. 

Kale is an easily accessible vegetable with great nutritional value. According to Healthline, kale helps lower cholesterol, risk of heart disease and inflammatory responses. It is also high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C.What really stands out is that kale has the ability to reduce the likelihood of developing at least five different types of cancer. The catch is, kale is typically sold in huge quantities and has a short shelf life.

One of the most common ways to consume kale is by packing it into a smoothie. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be a green smoothie. One can easily hide the vegetable taste with just the right amount of fruit. Below is a smoothie recipe that incorporates both a fruity taste and a healthy amount of vegetables. One of the biggest benefits of kale smoothies is that one can freeze the kale beforehand, which is a useful way to reduce waste if one has a large bag of fresh kale that can’t be used before it goes bad.

 

KALE SMOOTHIE

Start to finish: Three minutes

Yields: One smoothie

⅓ cup of kale

2 small mandarin oranges

⅛ cup frozen mixed berries

5 tablespoons of Dah! mango probiotic yogurt

6 tablespoons of Organic Life Green & Clean juice

Put ingredients in a blender. Blend to the consistency of one’s liking. For a fruitier taste add a banana or another kind of berry. For a veggie heavy smoothie add chard or any other leafy green.

 

The next recipe is a comforting omelet. The amount of ingredients can sound overwhelming, but  rest assured, it can be made in a short amount of time. This cheesy, vegetable filled omelet will warm one’s heart while fueling the body. 

 

VEGGIE OMELET

Start to finish: Seven minutes

Yields: One omelet

3 Eggs

Handful of kale, chopped

4 grape tomatoes, chopped

2 slices of ham, chopped

Sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese

Sriracha or ketchup, optional

Warm butter or cooking spray in a small frying pan. Then crack and scramble eggs into the pan when ready. Add the rest of the ingredients, then flip half of the mixture over. Cover with lid. Serve with sauces of your choice. Top off your omelet with sriracha and ketchup for a spicy and flavorful taste.

 

Last is a recipe for a decadent mushroom and kale ravioli. Ravioli is a highly underutilized pasta dish because people fail to realize that it is so quick and easy to make. Kale is a great addition to any pasta, especially ravioli. All one has to do is add washed and chopped kale to their sauce as it is cooking.

 

MUSHROOM KALE RAVIOLI

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Yields: One serving

½ Bag of Giovanni Rama mushroom ravioli

¼ Jar of Mezzetta roasted garlic sauce

Handful of kale

Red chili flake

Boil five cups of water. Add ravioli to a pot of boiling water for around four minutes. Simultaneously pour sauce into a large warm frying pan. Add red chili flakes while the sauce is cooking to create some spice. Add kale and cooked ravioli to the sauce. Cover with lid until warmed to one’s liking. Then plate.

Restaurants offering delivery and dine-in near Monmouth

Get dinner delivered from these eight local restaurants

Mirella Barrera-Betancourt | Staff Writer

With food delivery apps like GrubHub, DoorDash and Uber Eats becoming popular nationwide, it is no surprise that college students have been amongst the many to hop on the trend of food delivery. Here are some restaurants in and around Monmouth that are offering delivery services.

  • Yeasty Beasty — 167 Main St. W Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on their website and dine-in services. Open Sunday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Lunitas Mexican Food — 365 E Ellendale Ave. Dallas, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash and GrubHub. Dine-in and drive-thru services offered. Open Sunday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Carl’s Jr. — 131 Pacific Highway N Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and drive-thru services. Open Sunday – Thursday from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
  • 7-Eleven — 1696 Monmouth St. Independence, OR. Offering delivery on their website and DoorDash. In-store shopping available. Open 24/7 every day of the week.
  • Burgerville — 615 E Main St. Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash and drive-thru services. No dine-in. Open Sunday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Momiji Sushi Restaurant — 183 Main St. W Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and takeout services. Open Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Subway — 113 E Main St. Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and takeout services. Open Sunday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Urban Deli Mexican Food — 145 Monmouth Ave. N Monmouth, OR. Offering delivery on DoorDash, dine-in and takeout. Open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Hours may be subject to change.

Contact the author at staffwriter@thewesternhowl.com

Wicked writing ideas for this October

Eight frightful writing prompts to ignite the imagination

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

During the stressors of fall term, it can be rewarding to sit down and write something creative. Celebrate this Halloween season by crafting up a chilling short story. Listed below are eight spooky ideas to help ignite the imagination. Take the prompts below and morph them into any horrific desire.

  • Todd Hall — previously a women’s dorm — is rumored to be haunted and feed on the fear of men. Halloween night a group of men walk by the three story brick building. They hear/see…. 
  • After talking to someone on “Tinder,” they say something disturbing and get blocked. The next morning they are reported missing and there are flyers around the city.
  • While sweeping the living room, a dark stain is noticed near the carpet. After lifting to investigate, a hidden door is discovered.
  • It’s the day after Halloween. Nobody shows up to the 8 a.m. lecture besides the professor and one person. Campus is empty….
  • During an all-nighter at the Hamersly Library, a strange sound is heard. It repeats every five minutes….
  • While at a pumpkin patch, three close friends decide to enter a corn maze and ignore the closed sign across its entrance. After twenty minutes of wandering, they realize one friend is missing…. 
  • Using “Bumble BFF” a friend-date is made. After meeting and having dinner together, they offer a ride home. Instead of home, they pull into….
  • The main character is driving to the coast when they pull off onto a dirt trail, in hopes of a short cut. It seems to work until they see a tree fall on the road behind them, trapping them in. Forward is the only way to go on this unknown and unmarked trail, and the sun sets in two hours.

For a chance to be featured in Student Media’s art and literary magazine, “The Northwest Passage,” submit stories via email to northwestpassage@mail.wou.edu.

Happy haunting, writers.

Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com

New beginnings with roomies

Tips to have a positive roommate experience

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Having a roommate can be an exciting experience for many, but daunting for those who have never had one or had a negative encounter. Here are some tips to make a positive and easy transition to living with roommates.

Avoid talking about events one plans to attend if the other person is not invited. This is a great way to be respectful while bypassing an awkward encounter.  

Try labeling food in the fridge so you don’t lose your favorite items.

Be mindful of food items. Whether it is in the fridge, a cabinet or on the table make sure to keep track of personal items. Close containers and bags to prevent insects. Watch for expiration dates to avoid both mold and a spoiled scent in the room. Don’t take up too much space either; leave the same amount of area for each roommate in shared spaces.

Establish guest etiquette. Having a guest in one’s place is not against the rules, but make sure to set boundaries with roommates beforehand. This can include things such as notifying roommates when and how long they will be there, acceptable noise levels, appropriate and inappropriate times or days, parking arrangements and so on. If in a dorm on Western’s campus, be sure to also follow all guest rules; see wou.edu/housing-updates for details.

Make a chore list. Having set chores that are assigned to someone or are to be done on a certain day will ensure a clean living space as well as fair delegation. Use a whiteboard, sticky note, Google calendar or other method that everyone will be sure to see. Start by choosing what days chores should be done and how often, and rotate names for said activities. For example, have one roommate vacuum on Sunday, another clean the bathroom Friday, trade off who takes out the trash when full and so on.

Respect common areas. Give the same amount of respect to roommates that is expected of them.

Above all else, be open and communicate with each other so living together is enjoyable for all parties.

Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com

Sustainable decor for Halloween

Repurposing crafts for horrific handmade decor

Sarah Austin | Lifestyle Editor

Seasonal decorating can be expensive or create a lot of unnecessary waste. Try these ideas that repurpose items lying around the house for a more affordable and sustainable option.

  • Artificial flowers can easily go from chic to eerie. Paint or spray paint with any color. Once dry, glue on a googly eye or draw an eyeball in the center.
  • A milk jug can be turned into a jack-o’-lantern. Wash out the jug and let it dry first. Decorate the jug in any number of ways; draw a face on the front, tape on construction paper or paint the entire jug. After the face is made, light up the pumpkin by filling it with glow sticks, string lights or battery powered candles. Add leaves to the spout to complete the pumpkin. Make multiple for variation.
  • Using newspaper or old homework, make a fake body or scarecrow. Do so by stuffing some clothing with crumpled pieces of paper. Place outside the door, in the yard or somewhere in the house for a ghoulish addition to your Halloween decor.
  • Yarn or thread can be made into spider webs. Hang up a few tacks wherever is convenient, then weave under and around the yarn in any pattern for a “threadful” look.
  • For an apothecary touch, find some mason jars and fill them with spooky items. Use plastic or candy eyeballs, water and food coloring to give a potion look, branches or crushed leaves and so much more for a chilling counter.
  • Repurpose pool noodles into a faux chain. Take one noodle, stand it straight up and down and cut it vertically in half an inch to one inch wide sections. Repeat all the way down. After all have been cut, make one horizontal cut per chain link. Connect each individual piece to another. Paint black or gray for full effect. 

Properly dispose of all items, keep decorations around for a creepy theme or store for next year after use for a completely green experience. 

Contact the author at lifestyleeditor@thewesternhowl.com

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