Mount Hood

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.

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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.

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