Mount Hood

License plate options in Oregon

March 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Most commonly, drivers in Oregon showcase that baby blue plate boasting a Douglas Fir between navy letters and numbers. This is the standard plate for Oregon — licensing more than 3.5 million vehicles after being introduced in 1988.

For a relatively cheap fee, that plate can be swapped out for other designs, such as a gray whale, salmon, Smokey Bear, an Oregon Trail Blazers logo, Crater Lake and other various wildlife.

Most recently, Oregon is selling vouchers for a new plate — featuring important shark species that live off of the Oregon coast to help promote awareness and generate funding for the Big Fish Lab, which studies those exact shark populations. The Big Fish Lab, based in Newport, Oregon, is the only dedicated shark research program in the state and has only been around since 2019.

The plate, titled “Vibrant Ocean,” shows off a large salmon shark, front and center, with blue sharks and a common thresher shark in the background. Each voucher costs $40, with $35 going to the lab. 3,000 vouchers must be sold before the plates are produced. 

April 7, 2025, will see the addition of an Oregon State University-themed license plate for sale, supporting Oregon State University’s athletics. Other plates, such as “Pollinator Paradise” — a wildflower and bee design — support other areas of Oregon State University, with “Pollinator Paradise” going directly to bee research occurring at the college.

Interestingly, “Pollinator Paradise” was created by 16-year-old Marek Stanton. “Vibrant Ocean” was designed by Natalie Donato, a third-year student at Oregon State University’s College of Science, studying marine biology.

Allegedly, Oregon’s “Smokey Bear” plate is most popular among the additional choices. It won the Best Plate Award in 2019 from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association. Previously, the “Crater Lake” plate won in 2002; it was also the most popular purchased plate until “Smokey Bear.” “Smokey Bear” has continued to raise money for the Keep Oregon Green Association and remains available alongside “Crater Lake” for purchase.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Catch these flicks coming out in April

Watch from home or hit the theaters for these new movies

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There are always new movies hitting streaming services, and with select movie theaters opening back up, there are even more films to enjoy in April, while social distancing. Some films are re-releases of old school favorites, like Sky High, or popular series like Shadow and Bone. Whether people are going out or staying in, here are over twenty of the latest titles to hit the silver screen ⏤ and laptop screen ⏤ this month:

April 2

  • “Every Breath You Take” (AppleTV, Vudu, Amazon Prime)
  • “Roe v. Wade” (YouTube, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Apple TV)
  • “Assault on VA-33” (YouTube, Vudu, Amazon Prime)
  • “The Girl Who Believes in Miracles” (Select theaters)
  • “Sky High” (2005) (Disney+)
  • “The Unholy” (Select theaters)
  • “Just Say Yes” (Netflix)
  • “Madame Claude” (Netflix)
  • “Godzilla vs. Kong” (Select theaters) 

April 6

  • “Dawn of the Beast” (Amazon Prime)
  • “The Enormity of Life” (AppleTV, GooglePlay, Vimeo, FandangoNOW)

April 7

  • “Dolly Parton: A Musicians Tribute” (Netflix)

April 8

  • “The Power” (YouTube, GooglePlay, AppleTV)

April 9 

  • “Voyagers” (Select theaters)
  • “Thunder Force” (Netflix)
  • “Held” (Theaters)
  • “Naked Singularity” (Select theaters)

April 10 

  • “The Nameless Days” (Select theaters)

April 16 

  • “Vanquish” (Select theaters)
  • “In the Earth” (Netflix, Disney+)
  • “Killer Among Us” (Select theaters)
  • “Monday” (Amazon Prime)

April 20

  • “Night of Sicario” (FandangoNOW)

April 22

  • “Stowaway” (Netflix)

April 23

  • “Shadow and Bone” (Netflix series) 
  • “Together Together” (Select theaters)
  • “Mortal Kombat” (HBO Max)
  • “Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train” (Select theaters) 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Honoring the experiences of BIPOC students across Oregon universities

This Instagram page holds Oregon universities accountable, one post at a time

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Though the college experience can be an exciting time for many students, there are inherent stressful experiences that disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous and People of Color students, and their ability to feel safe on campuses. 

One student at Western Oregon University saw the need for a space where BIPOC students can voice their experiences with racism and harassment, so they created the Instagram account @bipocatoregonuniversities. Students from Western Oregon University, University of Oregon and Oregon State University can submit their stories through Google Forms to be posted anonymously on Instagram. 

The creator of this page first saw a need for a safe space over the summer of 2020. They felt compelled to make the account after being profiled for a second time during winter term of 2021, when trying to buy food at the Valsetz Dining Hall. 

They recounted this experience, “To people it may not be a huge deal, but for me when the simplest task of getting food is met with bias and assumptions based upon how I look, it can be difficult to feel welcome in a place you pay thousands of dollars a term to attend. … The purpose of this page is to make sure that universities do not have any room to think they can silence students of color’s voices by creating policies and forms that statistically deter students rather than helping them get the help and resources they need.”

Since the page started on March 1, students across universities have reached out to safely share their experiences, with the creator of the account saying, “So far this experience has been nothing short of phenomenally amazing. I have received overwhelming support from students around the state, as well as faculty, department heads, staff, and employees. I have encountered a particular post that was extremely ignorant and simply uneducated. I made sure to make an example out of what this page was not created to publicize. This page is for students of color, this is a time for particularly white students, staff and faculty to acknowledge and truly listen to what students on this campus have endured.”

Additionally, “There are always ways for universities to grow and provide support for BIPOC students, such as hiring students of color for student work and leadership positions, a well-funded diversity center and additional supervisors, advisors and counselors of color.

There are many ways white students and staff can uplift BIPOC students, such as by “understand(ing) why our country, and why our world is the way it is. If you see something that is wrong, don’t just stand there and let it happen. Speak up, and just do the right thing. It’s okay to make good trouble.”

Students deserve to feel safe and represented on their campuses, and Instagram pages such as @bipocatoregonuniversities provide a space for students to be heard until the colleges decide to take further measures to address racism at their own schools.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Review: “Birds of the Northwest”

Discover the joys of birdwatching with “Birds of the Northwest” 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Birdwatchers throughout the Pacific Northwest can rejoice: the visual identification guide “Birds of the Northwest” just made birdwatching so much easier. Award-winning photographer ⏤ and author of over 175 field guides and other literature ⏤ Stan Tekiela shows just how easy it can be to learn about native birds. Based on his best-selling bird field guides, this condensed copy manages to cover 130 species of birds found in Oregon, northern California, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 

Readers can find key details about the birds and their behavior, such as which ones will eat from backyard feeders, how to tell the variation in a male and female bird and how to tell the difference between their counterparts. There is also an additional section on feeding birds, which are broken up into categories ⏤ Bluebirds, Chickadees & Nuthatches, Doves, Finches, Hummingbirds and Woodpeckers.

The guide is a very condensed pocket sized format, yet manages to go fairly in depth on the variation of identification marks for a bounty of birds. It has useful sections based on the main color of the feathers, going from mostly red, to yellow, green-blue, black and white, gray and fully black birds. Along the bottom of each page shows the average height of the birds in question and their silhouettes for quick comparison, and Tekiela gives brief descriptions of important characteristics for proper identification. 

He uses to-the-point phrases, like for the Pacific Stellar’s Jay, which is described as having blue streaks on its black head and a large crest. Normally, it’s around 11 inches tall and will eat from bird feeders. Learning to name and place birds is a timeless skill, and makes going outside that much more immersive. It takes patience and a handy guide, but in time, anyone can practice their birdwatching skills.  

Review: I would have to give this a 4.5/5 because the book is so handy and detailed, which makes it essential for beginner birdwatchers. Before buying this book, it was difficult to correctly identify each bird I saw since there were so many. After getting the guide, it’s become increasingly easier to find the right fowl. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Give a big green thumbs up for gardening

These five YouTube channels make gardening easy-peasy 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The saying that “April showers bring May flowers” is especially true in Oregon, with the sunny spring weather being pretty touch and go. In between the rainy days, gardening at home can be an explorative and rewarding hobby; anyone can cultivate their own garden, even if they have no green thumb or outdoor space. There are YouTube channels dedicated to all things indoor horticulture, and ones that teach the very basics of planting, harvesting and tending to a garden. Poking around on YouTube can help anyone feel prepared for the upcoming planting season, and these channels are some great go-to’s: 

  • AnOregonCottage

Brian and Jami share their experience running a country cottage in Oregon, with their videos focusing on enjoying a homemade life. They started the channel over ten years ago, and their videos include recipes, garden tours, plant maintenance and the transformation of their 100-year-old farmhouse. 

  • EpicGardening

Kevin Espiritu has a goal of teaching over 10 million people how to grow their green thumb and reconnect with nature, no matter where they live. He has specific plant guides for urban and organic gardening, tips for prepping plants, DIY projects on a budget and countless other tutorials on his channel. 

  • GardenAnswer

Laura has everything that an urban gardener could need, with her videos covering proper care for succulents, which fertilizer to use for specific plants, lighting options and how to get the most out of one’s garden. Along with tutorials, she shows the process of growing from seed, and how she made a fairy house out of homegrown materials. 

  • LearnToGrow

Misilla demonstrates the perfect tricks for indoor and outdoor gardening, sowing seeds, propagating and pruning ⏤ all while being beginner friendly. Many folks can gain inspiration from her outdoor space and setup, and since she’s located in the Pacific Northwest, her videos are great for learning about which plants work best for the area. 

  • TheRustedGarden

Gary Pilarchik provides an in-depth look at all the nuanced parts of growing a garden, such as which bugs can harm the plants, planning an outdoor space, preventing damage, repurposing supplies and advice for saving money on supplies.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Here are a few simple pranks to pull come April 1st

These practical jokes are entertaining for everyone

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

It’s no hoax — April Fool’s Day is nearly here. Traditionally, people pull lighthearted pranks and jokes on unsuspecting family or friends, most of which range in the surprise factor. There are many tried and true tricks, like using fake spilled nail polish on the carpet or the classic caramel dipped onion on a stick. If folks need some inspiration, consider attempting these silly April Fool’s Day antics:

  • Taping googly eyes to household objects is a simple way to provide some laughs through the day. Throw them on the lamp, the TV, on the outside of a coffee mug ⏤ anywhere is possible. 
  • Covering sensors on electronics, or removing the batteries, can be a harmless way to prank the household for part of the day.
  • Take dark colored paper and cut out an insect, then tape it to the inside of the lampshade to make it look like there’s a large bug lurking. Plastic toy insects work just fine in a pinch and are normally pretty cheap.
  • Scrape the filling from a few Oreo cookies, and replace it with white toothpaste. Leaving some of these cookies ready on a plate can help entice the prankee to fall for it.  
  • If there’s a near empty or fully finished jar of mayonnaise, rinse out the container very well and replace it with whipped cream, and then pretend to eat the “mayonnaise” right from the jar to see people’s reactions.
  • Replace photos in the house with random celebrity pictures or popular TV characters. Some examples people have used in the past are pictures of Danny Devito, Steve Buscemi and Shrek.  

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Honoring the experiences of BIPOC students across Oregon universities

This Instagram page holds Oregon universities accountable, one post at a time

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The college experience can be an exciting time for many students, and it can also be inherently stressful — the days are full of cramming study sessions, keeping up with assignments and too many late nights. Unfortunately, there are larger issues that have been running rampant across many universities in Oregon, ones that heavily impact Black, Indigenous and People of Color students and their ability to feel safe on campuses. 

One student at Western Oregon University saw the need for a space where BIPOC students can voice their experiences with racism and harassment, so they created the Instagram account @bipocatoregonuniversities. They post experiences that are submitted anonymously through Google Forms, it allows for students from Western Oregon University, University of Oregon and Oregon State University to submit their stories anonymously. 

The creator of this page first saw a need for a safe space over the summer of 2020. They felt compelled to make the account after being profiled for a second time during Winter term of 2021, when trying to buy food at the Valsetz Dining Hall. They recounted this experience, “To people it may not be a huge deal, but for me when the simplest task of getting food is met with bias and assumptions based upon how I look, it can be difficult to feel welcome in a place you pay thousands of dollars a term to attend.” 

After experiencing this racial discrimination on Western’s campus, they followed their gut instinct and created the page to share stories from other students of color, and the page has been active since March 1, 2021.

“The purpose of this page is to make sure that universities do not have any room to think they can silence students of color’s voices by creating policies and forms that statistically deter students rather than helping them get the help and resources they need.”

Since the page started, students across universities have reached out to safely share their experiences, with the creator of the account saying, “So far this experience has been nothing short of phenomenally amazing. I have received overwhelming support from students around the state, as well as faculty, department heads, staff, and employees. I have encountered a particular post that was extremely ignorant and simply uneducated. I made sure to make an example out of what this page was not created to publicize. This page is for students of color, this is a time for particularly white students, staff, and faculty to acknowledge and truly listen to what students on this campus have endured.”

Additionally, “There are always ways for universities to grow and provide support for BIPOC students, such as hiring students of color for student work and leadership positions, a well-funded diversity center and additional supervisors, advisors and counselors of color.

There are many ways white students and staff can uplift BIPOC students, by “understand(ing) why our country, and why our world is the way it is. If you see something that is wrong, don’t just stand there and let it happen. Speak up, and just do the right thing. It’s okay to make good trouble.”

Students deserve to feel safe and represented on their campuses, and Instagram pages such as @bipocatoregonuniversities provide a space for students to be heard until the colleges decide to take further measures to address racism at their own schools.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Hop to it, Easter is just a few days away

Plan something fun for Easter with these suggestions 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Easter get-togethers and egg hunts across the community will look a little different this year, but there is still an abundance of things to do come Easter Sunday. The day can be as simple as enjoying one’s own company ⏤ full of rest, relaxing and eating huge chocolate bunnies. Whatever people may have planned, here are a few things anyone can try to stay entertained:

 

  • For many people, dyeing Easter eggs is a must, although it can get messy. There are online tutorials that explain tips for beginners and ones that show elaborate designs. 
  • Easter egg hunts are a staple activity for people of many ages, and can also be a good way to keep kids engaged for a while. Try it with pets by putting treats in the eggs and hiding them in a place they frequent. 
  • The egg toss is perfect because all ages can participate in the competition. This is another messy game but it allows people to enjoy time outdoors and to practice their hand-eye coordination. 
  • It would be a shame to forget about the egg walk — which requires the player to hold a spoon in their mouth, while an egg balances in the spoon. Then, they walk a certain distance without dropping the egg in order to win. 
  • “Pin the tail on the rabbit” is an easy, interactive game to help entertain the youngsters. This will require a blindfold, a piece of paper, a pen to draw the bunny, some tape and a white cotton ball for the tail. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Enjoy the sunshine with these spring events

From whale watching to a gem faire, these local events have it all 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There are many springtime events happening through the Oregon area that can help with looming boredom. Ranging from Eugene to Dallas, some of these events are in person, while others can be attended virtually. If people are still looking for something to do for Spring Break while safely social distancing, it can be useful to know the latest happenings around town. 

 

Eugene

  • Gem Faire. March 26 through 28, 12 p.m to 5 p.m. $7 admission fee. Located at the Lane County Events Center. Additional details can be found at gemfaire.com. 
  • Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. March 19 through May 2. Monday through Friday: 9 a.m to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunrise Entry: 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Additional details can be found at woodenshoe.com. 

Portland

  • March Medicinal Marketplace and Plant Sale. March 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at the Medicine Garden. Additional details can be found at stayhappening.com. 
  • Monthly Plant Walk: Early Bloomers. Event by The Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies. March 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Class location TBA within the Portland Metro area, limited class size, must register by March 22. Additional details can be found at arctosschool.org. 
  • National Crafting Month with The Craft Factory. March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently offering curbside pickup or free delivery of supplies. Additional details can be found at craftfactorypdx.com. 

Salem 

  • 22nd Annual Clay Ball: Through the Looking Glass. March 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Virtual streaming event. Additional details can be found at salemart.org.

Oregon Coast 

  • Oregon Spring Whale Watching Week. March 20 through 28. Additional details can be found at gowherewhen.com. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

St. Patrick’s Day folklore to explore

Try these traditions and check out some St. Paddy’s Day folklore 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will look a little different this year without large gatherings and events, but there’s still fun to be had in the various traditions and folklore that revolve around the holiday. Traditionally, the day honors the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Over time, people continued to recognize Irish culture ⏤ often involving elaborate get-togethers with food, dancing, music and wearing green clothing. Consider looking at these traditions and tidbits of folklore to get into the festive spirit come Wednesday, March 17.

  • Legends believe that the shamrock became a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, partly because they also believe that St. Patrick used the three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity in his teachings.
  • St. Patrick used to be associated with the color blue, but green fell into favor and has been associated with the holiday ever since.
  • It has also become custom for people to pinch each other for not wearing green, as it is seen as bad luck.
  • In ancient Ireland, shamrocks are considered to be sacred and symbolize the rebirth of spring. 
  • The odds of finding a four leaf clover on the first try is one in ten thousand, which makes it extremely lucky to find one. 
  • Leprechauns date back to Celtic mythology and are believed to be fairy-like creatures in Irish folklore, which connected them to St. Paddy’s Day. It is said that they are dressed in green, are mischievous and live in remote areas, where they make little shoes and protect their gold. 
  • Corned beef and cabbage have been a staple dish for this gathering for years, but corned beef really came into popularity for Irish-American families who used it as a substitute for traditional Irish bacon.
  • In 1962, Chicago dyed a portion of the Chicago River green to celebrate the holiday, which has since become a long-standing tradition for the area. Although there were no gatherings for the event this year, the city still dyed the river green to show their spirit.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Grab some popcorn and catch these latest local plays

Western presents “Little Prisons: A Series of Short Plays by Portland Playwrights”

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts from home, and local theater events are still happening throughout the year to provide some much needed entertainment. Beginning Mar. 6 Western’s theater students will be live streaming their upcoming event, “Little Prisons: A Series of Short Plays by Portland Playwrights,” which is directed by Jessica Wallenfels. This performance highlights four plays written by local playwrights, all of which will be free to watch. There will also be various streaming methods to accommodate different schedules — some will be pre-recorded, while others will be streamed live. 

The plays featured will have a wide range of topics and themes, the titles being: “The Third Prisoner” by EM Lewis, “A Wing and a Prayer” by Josie Seid, “Three Love Songs” by Anya Pearson and “Joy Fricken Hates her Stupid Dumb Room” by Sara Jean Accuardi. 

These local art performances can be found on WOUTV and will be available to stream at 7 p.m. on Mar. 6, and will be available on demand until Mar. 8 at midnight. To learn more about the event and to support the local arts, check out the theater department’s Instagram, @woutheatredepartment, or their Facebook page, @WOU Theatre Department.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Daft Punk’s era has come to an end

Exploring Daft Punk’s unique goodbye YouTube video

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The world of music received some surprising news at the end of February: legendary French duo Daft Punk has announced the band’s break up. After performing together for 28 years, Daft Punk released a nearly eight minute long YouTube video titled “Epilogue,” which shows an interesting farewell between the two artists. As of the video’s release on Feb. 22, it has racked up over 23 million views, and the message portrayed through the footage is that of an authentic, creative and explosive goodbye. 

Thomas Bangalter and Guillaume Emmanuel “Guy-Manuel” de Homem-Christo are seen in their iconic, shiny robot helmets and are shown walking forward, surrounded by a deserted landscape. The two walk at different paces, with Bangalter stopping and watching Homem-Christo walk off into the distance. 

The two share a short stare, and Homem-Christo returns to Bangalter to stand face-to-face — in this case, it’s chrome helmet to helmet. The rest of the video continues with Homem-Christo setting off a timer on Bangalter’s back, only for Bangalter to walk onward and then explode. The ending of the video shows each of their hands coming together to form a brightly glowing triangle, with the years “1993–2021” below it. For the final few minutes, the viewer is left with the final image of a figure ⏤ presumably Homem-Christo ⏤ walking toward the sunset.

Their cryptic goodbye video is exactly what should be expected from Daft Punk after all these years, as they gave their audience one final show and ended with their own flair. While the video doesn’t offer a reason as to why the band is splitting up, it does provide a final farewell and nod to their musical legacy since their debut album, “Homework,” released in 1997. 

Since the near three decades of performing and music making, Daft Punk leaves fans around the world with their beloved electro hits and singles, “Around the World,” “Da Funk,” “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” “One More Time” and “Get Lucky.” Thankfully, their existing music can still be streamed, but many were shocked and saddened to hear that they’re done collaborating for now. Daft Punk’s publicist has confirmed the group’s retirement, but did not elaborate on if they are pursuing new projects under different names. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Embroidery is one of life’s thimblest pleasures

Embroidery is the latest activity to try from home 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

Through the last year, people have had to get creative with their activities and pastimes. The world went through a collective bread baking phase and making the TikTok famous whipped Dalgona coffee, but there’s one activity that’s been overlooked. Embroidery has long been used throughout history to adorn and craft clothing items or to make elaborate art pieces. It continues to be a popular and eclectic activity, with a variety of ways to mix materials and try new designs. 

The starting materials don’t have to cost the artist a lot of money, and many smaller items can be found around the house or at an art store. It’s a hands on project that requires practice and patience, but it pays off to see the finished product. Here are some insider knowledge, tips and tricks that can make it easier to enjoy:

Starter supplies: 

  • Key items for any beginner embroiderer would be a wooden or plastic embroidery hoop or frame, a set of needles, thread of the artist’s choosing, fabric and sharp scissors. 
  • I find it useful to have a small pouch or container to keep supplies in, and it helps keep some of the smaller items organized.
  • Hoops, frames, fabrics and embroidery patterns can be found in thrift stores at low price points and often be bought in bulk. 

Optional supplies: 

    • There are specialty embroidery scissors that one can use, which tend to be smaller and sharper than traditional scissors — they are also often decorated or embossed. 
    • A thimble is small but mighty, and it can protect sensitive fingertips from the threading and sewing process. 
    • Using a very small amount of thread conditioner or beeswax can prevent tangling and knotting. If using a conditioner kit, lightly take the thread that is being used and run it along with the conditioning agent, while pressing against the thread with a finger. Then, pull the thread between two fingers to remove any static.

    Learn the stitches: 

    • Knowing the difference between a French Knot, a Running Stitch, Chain Stitch, Stem or Split Stitch, Long and Short Stitches, Woven Wheels and Lazy Daisy Loops will help narrow down which ones should be used for the desired effect.  
    • Take it slow at first; consider watching YouTube videos and practicing on cheaper fabric to get the hang of it. 
    • Watch out for pulling stitches too tight, which can distort the fabric and overall design. 
    • Overlapping stitches can provide a lush look for flowers or nature scenes.
    • Stitches that involve knots can be perfect for finer details or building texture.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    AppleTV+ presents Billie Eilish’s latest artistic creation

    Billie Eilish’s debut documentary is an instant hit with fans

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    It’s no doubt that Billie Eilish continues to dominate the music industry with her creative and haunting music, but this time she took a new approach in highlighting her journey to fame with her debut documentary, “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry.” Released in select theaters and on AppleTV+ as of Feb. 26, the two-and-a-half-hour-long documentary covers everything that fans could want to know about the latest year in Eilish’s life. 

    Director R.J. Cutler provides an exclusive look at key moments from the crafting of her latest album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” to her subsequent winning of the Big Four awards at the Grammys. 

    In the documentary’s trailer, which is available on YouTube, the audience can hear Eilish steadily saying, “I look into the crowd, and I see that every single person in there is going through something, and I have the same problems. I was like, ‘Why don’t I turn this into art, instead of just living with it?’”

    The film covers Eilish in a way the public hasn’t seen before, showcasing her personal relationships and creative process, along with the quick-paced world of the music industry and the pressure of staying authentic while in a position of superstardom. Viewers can gain a better understanding of her personal life, with the documentary containing vulnerable scenes and conversations with her family, and the toll that fame took on young Eilish’s mental and physical health. The film takes time to address her mental health struggles and battle with self-harm, and how she turns to her music and creative process to combat her depression and suicidal thoughts. 

    Diving further into her private life, Eilish speaks more on her relationship and breakup with rapper Brandon Adams, also known as 7:AMP, who is nicknamed “Q” through the film. There’s also plenty of footage from her concerts, tours and behind-the-scenes clips in her childhood bedroom turned music studio. At one point in the film, Eilish delves into her creative process with her brother Finneas O’Connell when forming the album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” 

    By the end of “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry,” fans can fully appreciate the way director Cutler showcases Eilish’s journey of being an authentic and grounded person, while also being one of the most talked about and heavily awarded music artists in the industry. 

    If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out to friends, family or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. 

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    ‌Bringing back the classics, one game at a time

    Be on the lookout for these retro and affordable gaming systems

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

    Gaming systems have come a long way from their original clunky shapes, and have increasingly become more advanced in their programming and sophisticated designs. New games and systems are constantly being released, but the prices aren’t always the most accessible. To still have fun gaming the rainy days away, folks can look to some of the more affordable options. Older models, like the Game Boy and Nintendo DS, can usually be found at a cheaper price at electronic stores or online sellers. Not only that, revisiting these old school systems can provide a distinctly nostalgic feeling of easier days. 

    • Nintendo Game Boy 

    The model I have is from 1989, and using this one comes with pros and cons. One con is that it requires four AA batteries, and the games that fit inside have to be specific to this model to work properly. Thankfully, batteries aren’t super expensive, and the system itself isn’t in high demand anymore, so the device and its games can be found fairly easily. One pro tip for finding these older models is to ask around to friends or family, as sometimes items like these end up forgotten about in the attic or donation pile. 

    • Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP

    This is personally my favorite system, just because the satisfying startup noise and colorful screen bring me right back to my childhood. Not only that, but the games and accessories for these can be commonly found in thrift stores or for cheap at electronic stores. This makes it easy to build a large collection of games with a smaller budget, but it also means it’s easier to splurge.

    • Nintendo DS Lite

    Finally, the DS brings in the best of both worlds with the ability to take both Game Boy games and smaller, updated DS games with clearer graphics. Don’t forget about the chat option, which is way more entertaining than Zoom meetings. One con for this is the stylus; it can be easy to lose through the years, but they’re cheap and easy to hunt down at a store. It’s convenient to have a device that has two slots for different games, but some DS games can be upward of $15 or so at certain stores. 

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    The latest talked-about documentary on Hulu

    Hulu’s hottest documentary: “Framing Britney Spears” available now

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Released on Feb 5., “Framing Britney Spears” is a highly anticipated documentary episode of “The New York Times Presents.” The hour and 14 minute long documentary begins with the story of Britney Spears before her stardom — her life in Kentwood, Louisiana. Through compelling narratives laid out in interviews, the audience can gain an understanding of her humble beginnings, and how she went from performing in small town malls to gaining instant stardom. 

    The documentary shows behind the scenes clips of Spears performing for music videos and in interviews and commercials, but also touches on topics like the struggles in her family. Not only does it showcase unseen details from Spears’ life, but the documentary also highlights how scrutinized she was from early in her career. 

    The audience can see the ways in which the paparazzi’s involvement ended up fueling the drama surrounding her decisions, relationships and her parenting. Not only that, it goes into detail about the conservatorship her father has held for the last 12 years — which includes control over her person (for medications, medical records, etc.), finances and for her estate. The battle of her conservatorship has reignited people’s concern for Spears, and the show explores the #FreeBritney movement. Viewers can gain a better understanding of the pressure Spears faces from being under the spotlight, and how all of these issues have taken a toll on her mental health, also leading to why she should be freed from her current conservatorship. Find the full documentary on Hulu to learn more about Britney Spears’ conservatorship and details on the #FreeBritney movement. 

    Overall review: 9/10 because I’m a Britney stan, but also because they went very in-depth and provided useful information toward her situation.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Taste test these five kombuchas

    Try out these flavors and brands of kombucha

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Kombucha is a fermented and lightly effervescent drink, made out of either black tea or green tea, and is usually consumed to improve gut health due to certain probiotics and antioxidants they contain. It also provides benefits from the tea that is included, and some kombuchas are crafted to have higher caffeine content as well. In order to sift through all the brands and types, here’s a list that is ranked from the most approachable types of kombucha to the stronger and more intense flavors. 

    1. Brand and flavor: Health-ade Kombucha, Bubbly Rose

    Review: True to the name, this drink is very bubbly and has just a hint of rose in it. For kombucha newbies, I would recommend this drink to start off with, because of the delicate floral taste created from the hawthorn berries, mangosteen and rose petals. 

    1. Brand and flavor: Kevita, Lavender Melon

    Review: It has a very light flavor, and the tang from the kombucha isn’t overwhelming because of the lavender and melon. Personally, I could take a stronger lavender flavor but the scent is really there, and the melon still has a crisp and refreshing taste. 

    1. Brand and flavor: Brew Dr. Kombucha, Pineapple Guava

    Review: This one has a fun design and a very fruity flavor profile, which makes it easy to sip on and enjoy. The pineapple flavor comes in strong right off the bat, and the guava helps cut down on the slight acidity from the pineapple, which creates a nice balance between the flavors. 

    1. Brand and flavor: humm, Pomegranate Lemonade

    Review: Humm is another safe choice as it is pretty popular and can be found a bit more regularly in convenience stores than some of the other brands out there. The pomegranate and lemonade make it a smooth and citrusy drink, but come together for a surprisingly good flavor combination. 

    1. Brand and flavor: Synergy, Trilogy

    Review: This is my personal favorite brand, mostly because of the strong and tart kombucha flavor. Trilogy is a combination of kiwi, raspberry and lemon juice with both green and black tea — which all pack quite the punch when fermented together.  

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Trip out over Brent Faiyaz’s latest single, “Gravity”

    Trippy visuals and bass guitars come together 

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

    Music artist Brent Faiyaz has gained traction for his talents and recognition in the music industry following the huge response from his album, “F–k the World,” which was released in February 2020. Fans have been long anticipating another album or single, and when the time finally came, Faiyaz didn’t disappoint. Released on Jan. 27, Faiyaz’s latest hit, “Gravity,” comes stacked with vocals and lines from DJ Dali and Tyler, the Creator, and has Steve Lacey on the guitar and bass. 

    Through the song, both Faiyaz and Tyler describe their lifestyle on the road and the way it impacted their relationships. Both artists experience a type of “gravity” from their partners, who try to pull them back home from the rush of a luxe lifestyle, and the amount of energy it takes to maintain that balance. 

    Faiyaz boasts a bit about his fame in the chorus with, “I’m on (Don’t act like I’m average)/ But you want me home (Home)/ I’d get you what you want (Superstar status)/ But you want me alone (I’m gone, baby, I’m active).” And Tyler, the Creator echos the message of finding a balance between here and there in the third verse, “Now when I’m gone, and I roam ’round the globe for three months/ That’s too long without somethin’ that’s sweet/ So I phone, little treats, that’s a snack, not a feast/ They don’t mean much to me/ ‘Cause I know that I have a bakery back at home.” 

    There are effortless transitions between verses paired with strong vocals and unique melodies, which all together form a trippy auditory time-warping experience. Following this theme, the album cover includes fluorescent colors that look like a psychedelic oil spill, resulting in a warbling and eye-catching artwork. 

    The melodies, layers of instruments and laid back vocals create a pop song that will hit the top of the music charts and stay there. As of right now, fans wait to hear if an official music video will be released within the coming months. While they wait,  a video of the audio alongside engaging visuals is currently on YouTube. 

    Find Brent Faiyaz’s ⏤ and other accompanying artists’ ⏤ latest music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Look into these four poets this month

    Find a real page-turner with this poetry recommendation 

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

    Poetry is often enjoyed because of its versatility ⏤ especially since there are so many different poets and genres to explore. To help narrow down the search, here’s a list of four poets and their works to help get the ball rolling:

    • “Among the Dog Eaters” by Adrian C. Louis.

    Louis covers material centered on being Native American in the 20th century and recounts his experiences in a vivid, vulnerable way. From the foreword written by Jimmy Santiago Baca, “[Louis] deals with margin life, the blood and betrayals, the bleak joys and raging ecstasies of our lonely, primal dance as humans living in a world insanely intoxicated on cheap thrills.” Broken into five parts ⏤ all jam packed with poems ⏤ the titles alone are enough to make a reader intrigued. Some of my personal favorites are “Sometimes a Warrior Comes Tired” and “In the Ghetto on the Prairie there is Unrequited Love.”

    • “at the helm of twilight” by Anita Endrezze.

    With a tough love, no-nonsense attitude, Endrezze uses lyrical poetry to wrap the reader into the natural rhythm that is created, and her sharp imagery keeps the pages turning. She takes closely familiar, universal experiences, examines them and then uses original approaches to poetry, such as the ways it can be read and enjoyed by many audiences. The poem, “Sunflower Woman,” is a poem that can be read in vertical or horizontal columns, and another poem, “In the Horizontal Sky,” consists of twelve short sections.

    • “The Captain’s Verses” by Pablo Neruda.

    Neruda is a staple among many people’s poetry collections and is well known for his artistic use of language that pulls at the readers’ heartstrings. He addresses the visceral feelings of new love and ecstasy, relationships with one another and the deep connections people share through their lives. In his poem, “Not Only the Fire,” he describes, “Ah my life/ it is not only the fire that burns between us/ but all of life,/ the simple story,/ the simple love/ of a woman and a man/ like everyone.”

    • “War of the Foxes” by Richard Siken.

    Siken takes a compelling and haunting approach to his poetry, touching on issues around morality, personhood and the ways people find meaning and purpose in art. He uses raw language that can also be found in his poems from earlier published collections, such as “Crush.” This collection holds stories of birds, war and tales about the moon.

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

    Opinion: Self-love doesn’t have to be linear

    Learn to like yourself first, and the rest will come later

    Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌

    Valentine’s Day used to be simple and relatively stress free. Those were the days, when all we had to do as students was scribble a ‘xoxo’ on some cheap-o cards our parents bought last minute. The biggest stress was making sure everyone’s names were spelled right on the card. As we grow up over the years, we realize that there’s an external pressure to find someone “special” to spend Valentine’s Day with. And if you’re single during the holidays, then the next mission is to take that singleness and to “just love yourself” through it. In a world that puts a lot of pressure on loving yourself fully, right off the bat, what is someone to do if they don’t even like themselves? 

    Thankfully, you don’t have to love yourself. At least, not right away. 

    Self-love is important, but it has recently become the suggested quick-fix solution to people’s problems. If loving yourself was that easy, everyone would be doing it — and nobody would be struggling with the parts of themselves that they hide away. But life is not about loving yourself right away, it is about honoring the process of getting to know yourself and taking realistic baby steps. The saying is true after all: no matter where you go, there you are. 

    It is not a race, and it takes active practice. Even though it can be difficult to put ourselves first, there are many approaches to personal growth. Some ways that may help is by practicing patience with yourself, and to show acceptance and gratitude to the body that has gotten you through a pandemic. If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, hold yourself accountable in the ways you want to change, and work toward those goals. 

    Instead of being our own worst enemies, what if we tried being as patient with ourselves as we are with others, like we do with our loved ones? If they make a mistake, our first instinct isn’t to tear them down, it is to lovingly encourage them to try again. It is important to recognize when we speak to or treat ourselves poorly, and then try to be more understanding and patient. 

    This last year has put too many people through the wringer, and it can feel like we’re going through the motions until we fully settle into our new normal. While the dust settles, it is important to know that this type of acceptance and love can’t happen overnight, and it is crucial to ask for support when needed. Love and kindness toward yourself is something that can be worked on anytime — not just because it is a new year, or because it is Valentine’s Day, but because you deserve to feel at ease with yourself all the time. 

    Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

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