Vol. III, Issue 15
February 9, 2021
Cocktails with Cupid page 5
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The Western Howl
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
Entertainment
wou.edu/westernhowl
345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
Editor-in-Chief CORA MCCLAIN howleditor@wou.edu
Managing Editor RYLIE HORRALL rhorrall17@wou.edu
News Editor
SYDNEY CARPENTER scarpenter18@wou.edu
Lifestyle Editor
ALLISON VANDERZANDEN avanderzanden19@wou.edu
Entertainment Editor NATALIE DEAN ndean17@wou.edu
Photo Editor
KIARA WEHRENBERG kwehrenberg19@wou.edu
Head Designer KYLE MORDEN
kmorden17@wou.edu
Digital Media Manager STEPHANIE MOSCHELLA
howldigitalmediamanager@wou.edu
Advertising Managers KYLE MORDEN & TIFFANY STRUHAR howladvertising@wou.edu
Student Media Adviser PATRICK MOSER moserp@wou.edu
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Photo by Natalie Dean
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but not everyone has plans this year, or a significant other to spend it with. However, the holiday doesn’t have to be full of sadness or longing for a partner; instead, it can be an opportunity to make the most out of singledom and celebrate love in other ways. Here are some of the best ways to spend time alone when single or without plans: Write letters to family or friends: If spending this holiday solo, love letters or letters of gratitude for friends and family can go a long way. This past year has been hard on everyone, and a small moment of appreciation can mean more to someone than initially thought. It doesn’t have to be pages long, but can highlight favorite memories, inside jokes or a cute message. Go the extra mile and mail them out if needed. Pampering: There are a ton of takeout and delivery services available to enjoy a nice meal,
There are plenty of ways to spend Valentine’s Day, with quality alone time, pets, or crafts.
SPREAD THE LOVE WITHOUT CUPID Ways to spend time this Valentine’s Day if alone or single Natalie Dean Entertainment Editor | ndean17@wou.edu beverage or sweet treat from home. Or the day can be spent cooking favorite meals or treats at home, with a movie or music. Take a nap, get out of the house, enjoy time in nature — do whatever brings the most relaxation through the day. Spend time with pets: Valentine’s Day can be spent with pets, either
out on a walk, playing, lounging around or by giving them treat after treat. Have a fun photoshoot with pets to commemorate the day together, give them a little Valentine’s with a toy or treat in it and bestow some extra attention (flowers are optional, chocolate not recommended).
A PLAYLIST FOR THE SINGLE AND TAKEN Add these classic love songs and heartbreaker anthems to a Valentine’s Playlist Natalie Dean Entertainment Editor | ndean17@wou.edu
PLAY @thewesternhowl
Random act of kindness: There are plenty of people in our community that need a helping hand, from folks facing homelessness to families in our own neighborhoods. Donating time and resources can make a big difference to those who may be struggling, even if it’s something small. Spread the love by going through old clothes, dishes, home items or unwanted food products and donating them to food pantries and homeless shelters. Valentine’s Day cards: If there are any kiddos or youngsters in the family, they may really appreciate some chocolates, a toy or Valentine’s Day cards — since they aren’t in classrooms and can’t quite celebrate in the traditional way. It can be an exciting time for children to soak in the holiday, so try out a themed activity with them. Have them make their own cards to give to family members or friends, decorate the house, bake goodies or have a spa day.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and this season of love can best be enjoyed ⏤ or not — with music. Jam out with these 40 songs, half being love songs and the other half being heartbreak anthems. These songs can create an upbeat tone during date night or enjoy quality alone time if flying solo this year. Or, hit shuffle, grab some ice cream and see how the night goes. The playlist has artists from Etta James, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, and all the way to Soulja Boy and The Pussycat Dolls. This lively playlist can add some excitement to this year’s Valentine’s Day, no matter someone’s relationship status. Find the official playlist ready to stream on Spotify @thewesternhowl.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
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News
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Sharing the wealth
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Photo by Sydney Carpenter
IndyMo businesses reward locals with utility bill discounts and in-store coupons Sydney Carpenter News Editor | scarpenter18@wou.edu
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Monmouth and Independence have come together to dedicate the entire month of February to the purchase of products from local businesses, known as the “Love Local” event. In each town, residents are rewarded with different benefits. For Monmouth, all patrons who
purchase $20 worth of goods from local retail stores, restaurants, fitness facilities or personal service businesses with a physical storefront will be credited with $10 towards their next utility bill. Participants can earn this $10 credit up to three times per account. Continued on back
The Dancing Muse Costume Shop has been in business for 16 years.
The Werner University Center has permitted clubs to hold small tabling events, which the American Sign Language Club is taking advantage of. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the ASL Club is hosting a pre-Valentine’s Day tabling activity on Feb. 10 from 12 to 3 p.m. to inform students about the club and answer any questions people have in regards to the Deaf community. “We really wanted to try to do something in person,” said junior ASL/ English interpreting major and ASL Club treasurer Shayla Barnes. “We just want to provide a little beacon of friendliness and personal connection in a time where Zoom reigns supreme.” According to Barnes, the purpose of this event is to connect like minded people interested in developing their knowledge of ASL; Barnes explained all experience levels are welcome to join. For people who are new to ASL and are
A SIGN OF
LOVE
Stop by ASL Club’s Valentine’s Day tabling event Sydney Carpenter News Editor | scarpenter18@wou.edu
not completely comfortable with their level of signing, the Office of Disability Services was able to provide interpreters to attend the club meetings in addition to the students that are already in the club. “I would encourage people to look into ASL for numerous reasons,” said Barnes, “first it’s a wonderful language with a wonderful community around it. Secondly, there’s a huge Deaf population.” Barnes recalled her own experience learning more about the Deaf community, citing how surprised she was at the amount of famous people associated with ASL. Additionally, students who attend the tabling can expect club members to offer free Western merchandise. If a student needs an accommodation to participate in the tabling, contact the ODS at least 72 hours in advance at 503838-8250 or ods@wou.edu.
Photo courtesy of Pam Flippo
A SLICE OF LOVE Campus dining has altered its traditional Valentine’s day celebrations Sydney Carpenter News Editor | scarpenter18@wou.edu
All of Valsetz cookies will be made using frozen dough this year. Continued on back
During the holidays, Western’s campus bakery is bustling with activity; from baking sweet treats for various functions on campus to filling special orders for students, staff or faculty, the bakery makes frosted smiles for all during the holidays. Valentine’s at Valsetz Dining Hall in no exception. Students have their pick of cookies, cakes, brownies or specialty desserts. This year however, Valsetz has @thewesternhowl
downsized their celebration as a result of COVID-19. As an alternative to the big heart cookies with personal messages and special Valentine’s Day grams, Valsetz is packaging half a dozen Otis cookies in three varieties for $3, lemon bars covered in a berry drizzle for $1 and packaging half a dozen vegan and gluten free truffles for $4.50. Continued on back
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The Western Howl
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
Lifestyle
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CAMPUS VOICES
STAYING IN TONIGHT Unique date ideas for this quarantined Valentine’s Day
Western students answer the question, “How are you spending this Valentine’s Day? Allison Vanderzanden Lifestyle Editor | avanderzanden19@wou.edu
Allison Vanderzanden Lifestyle Editor | avanderzanden19@wou.edu Photo by Kiara Wehrenberg
Name: Kendra Acker Year: First year Major: Education Use blankets and pillows already at home to build a makeshift tent indoors.
For those who usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant date night, this year might feel disappointing. But being stuck inside doesn’t mean date nights can’t still be exciting. Hunker down with a significant other and have some fun with these date ideas.
Name: Noah Miller Year: Sophomore Major: Music Education
Name: Willa Carstensen Year: 2025 Major: Business Illustrations by Kyle Morden
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Try cooking each other’s favorite meal, or tackle a new dish with one another. Make a challenge out of it by creating a dinner or dessert with only ingredients currently in the pantry.
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Still have the travel bug? A number of museums, aquariums and other popular destinations are offering virtual tours and livestreams. Get immersed in places like the Guggenheim, the Louvre, the Smithsonian, Disney World’s Main Street, the Eiffel Tower, nearby aquariums and more all from the comfort of home.
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Partners can get cozy with an at-home camping trip. Pitch a tent in the backyard, or build a blanket fort in the bedroom or living room. Enjoy some s’mores — which can be cooked over a gas stove burner or in the microwave — and hot dogs. After cooking up some goodies, put aside the electronics and enjoy each other’s company under the stars or by candlelight.
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Get fancy and host a black tie evening for two at home. Dress up and break out the champagne or bubbly apple cider for a fancy dinner or movie night.
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Game nights are a classic, and each new round is unique. Sit down to play a favorite board or card game, or learn a new card game like Egyptian Ratscrew, GOPS or Briscola. Video games are also a fun option — hold a one-on-one match in “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mario Party,” play co-op in “Minecraft,” “Animal Crossing” and “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” or host a Jackbox matchup.
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Psychologist Arthur Aron presented 36 questions that are proven to generate closeness in partners. Sit down with a partner, friend or even stranger and increase intimacy by discussing these 36 questions as outlined by University of California Berkeley.
Looking for more ideas? Brainstorm a list of each person’s favorite activities and decide how to spend Valentine’s Day together.
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Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
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A TOAST TO TRUE LOVE
Photos by Allison Vanderzanden
Lifestyle
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Four mixed drinks to whip up for Valentine’s Day
Allison Vanderzanden Lifestyle Editor | avanderzanden19@wou.edu Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mixed drink. Celebrate with a significant other or a group of friends, or test bartending skills individually with these four Valentine’s inspired cocktails. KENTUCKY KISS Start to finish: 3 minutes Yields: 1 serving 2 strawberries, sliced ½ ounce lemon juice ½ ounce maple syrup 2 ounces bourbon whiskey Splash club soda
The red to orange gradient creates a sweet citrus sunset.
In an old-fashioned glass, add the strawberries, lemon juice and maple syrup. Muddle well until the strawberries are mashed. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with ice. Stir well. Add a splash of club soda and, if desired, garnish with a strawberry for serving. Recipe from thespruceeats.com RED WINE MILKSHAKES Start to finish: 5 minutes Yields: 3 servings One 1.5-quart container vanilla ice cream 1 cup red wine 4 ounces vodka Whipped cream, for serving Maraschino cherries, for serving In a blender, blend ice cream, red wine and vodka until smooth. Divide between glasses and garnish with whipped cream and cherries. Recipe from delish.com
Try a different flavor of ice cream, such as strawberry, for some variety.
SEX ON THE BEACH Start to finish: 5 minutes Yields: 1 serving 2 ounces orange juice 2 ounces cranberry juice 1 ounce peach schnapps 1 ounce vodka ½ ounce chambord or grenadine (optional) Orange slice, for serving Maraschino cherries, for serving In a shaker add orange juice, peach schnapps and many ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and fill the glass with ice to the top, and add vodka on top of the ice. If using chambord or grenadine, in a separate glass, gently mix chambord or grenadine with cranberry juice. Slowly pour this red mixture on top of ice cubes to create an ombre effect. Garnish and serve. Recipe from flawlessfood.co.uk Continued on back
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Replace club soda with lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness.
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The Western Howl
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
Humor
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THIS WEEK
IN COMPLETELY MADE UP
HOROSCOPES
romantic advice
Compiled by The Western Howl staff
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
Gyrating hips.
Have you read Killing Stalking? It had a lot of helpful tips
Don’t change who you are as a person just to please a crush
Sometimes, in life and in love, risks must be taken.
3/21–4/19
4/20–5/20
5/21–6/20
6/21–7/22
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Find a sugar daddy on Omegle and call it a day
Romance is dead. Lie in your grave
Idk Mercury is in retrograde or something, good luck I guess
Honestly just shoot your shot, the worst thing that can happen is they say ‘no,’ right?
7/23–8/22
8/23–9/22
9/23–10/22
10/23–11/21
SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
get drunk and watch a movie with your partner, RESPONSIBLY
Listen to boyfriend ASMR in the dark and pretend that you’re not lonely
Most times love will lead to tears. I cry everyday anyway so it’s worth the risk.
11/22–12/21
12/22–1/19
You don’t have to be in a relationship right now to know your self worth, let life progress naturally. You might be surprised what comes your way.
1/20–2/18
2/19–3/20
Illustration by Kyle Morden
“Valentine’s Day” may not have scored high on Rotten Tomatoes, but it sure makes for a great drunk movie night. Read our full reviews in our online issue, which may contain spoilers. Please drink responsibly.
Kyle Morden | Head Designer
Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor
Sydney Carpenter | News Editor
Love, cheating, thriller, jason, harry styles, queen beyonce, and valentines day — a day full of lonely a-b-----s who somehow get a love interest by the end of the day?? EVEN THIS LITTLE A-- 7 YEAR OLD GETS HIS ONWN MOTHER BACK?? “Lmao im 7 and love sick” B---H WHAT ABOUT Overall review: Let’s get naked~ uwu Slide into my dms @_kylemorden on instagram ;) Or contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu
I would like to preface my review with the fact that i know none of the characters names, only taylor and taylor. I am inept when it comes to celebrities Rotten tomatoes is WRONG, I had an AMAZING time watching this movie even though I was really confused. Who’s at the airport??? Whos barely legal in high school??? I could not tell you I could not Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou. edu or don;t
There were a lot of straight people but at some point we were gay and it was beautiful. I’m convinced all of these people were stunt doubles cause there absolutely no way all these famous people got together. The stunt doubles failed to give me wolf man and sharkboy there was sex scenes sometimes which was fine but i wasn’t really paying attention because I was busy eating my chili fries there was a little boy with a lot of angst for no reason over a cougar woman Dont email me, i wont’ reply email thank you
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Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
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Opinion
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YOU DON’T HAVE TO LOVE YOURSELF RIGHT AWAY
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Illustration by Rylie Horrall
Learn to like yourself first, and the rest will come later Natalie Dean Entertainment Editor | ndean17@wou.edu 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
Opinion: Self-love is not a linear journey, and it takes active practice and patience.
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.
Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Magnum Opus
Photo by Stephanie Moschella
“Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes” is Wizards of the Coast most essential source book Mordenkainen’s offers many options for expanding campaigns beyond hack-and-slash dragon slaying with political intrigue storylines.
“Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes” stars our friendly level 30 mad mage — he takes readers through the multiverse that includes realms like Greyhawk, Eberron and more. If dungeon masters have players that are looking to be thrown into some good ol’ political intrigue, there is some rich history here that can help with that. With six chapters that contain a plethora of new lore and dozens of options regarding general gameplay, it tops it off with a large bestiary of new foes to use against players. The first section of the book focuses
on The Blood War, which was fought between demons and devils, each attempting to grab for power. They fought a lot in the lower planes, so if DMs were going to use this in a campaign, there shouldn’t be too much concern regarding players venturing there. Unless players have a pretty sadistic DM…. A large extension to the Tiefling race was added — many subraces, additional abilities and more personality traits can be used by players. Along with multiple race variations to elves, dwarves, halflings, and gnomes, there is also an
Stephanie Moschella Digital Media Manager | smoschella20@wou.edu entirely new race addition — the Gith. Players would be able to play a githyanki or a githzerai depending if they wish to hone their strength or intelligence skills. Although the race additions and bestiary are helpful, a large portion of the sourcebook is optional information to add into campaigns. It would be useful for newer DM’s and those that want a quick fix to creating lore, but for already ongoing campaigns, it can truthfully be disregarded. For more modern DM’s, I would not suggest using any of the lore in this book.
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It dives deeper into why certain races are classified as “evil” compared to others, specifically the drow and duergar. This sourcebook provides a pretty lame excuse for being blatantly racist by deeming it as “world expansion.” From Mordenkainen himself, “dwarves are neurotic.” Overall Review: Between the name calling and race structured personality traits, this sourcebook typically sits on my bookshelf collecting dust. 5/10 would recommend to players and DM’s alike.
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Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
Tail-End
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COCKTAILS
Continued from page 4
VALENTINE’S DAY MIMOSA Start to finish: 5 minutes Yields: 4 servings 1 bottle pink champagne, chilled 1 cup pomegranate juice In each champagne flute, add ¼ cup pomegranate juice. Fill the rest of the way with pink champagne. Recipe from everydaymadefresh.com
“LOVE LOCAL”
Continued from page 3
“(We’re) trying to get some recreational things happening out here,” said Dancing Muse Costume Shop owner and Vice President of the Monmouth Business Association James Martin. “I have to remind people that there’s fun still. Even if you are stuck in the house because of COVID-19, you can still go to a Zoom meeting and hang out in different costumes.” Martin explained he intends for his patrons to escape the mundane life activities brought on by COVID. “I enjoy dressing up and having fun and
Continued from page 3
VALSETZ
“This is where I show the most love to the students,” explained baker Pam Flippo. “I care very much about desserts I put out and I care very much about my baked goods.” According to Flippo, to ensure
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I want to have other people dress up too,” said Martin. “Drinking a mug of ale with a bunch of friends and singing sea shanties while dressed as a pirate, well there’s nothing better, even if it is through Zoom.” For businesses in Independence, patrons who make purchases from any of the 14 participating businesses will receive a scratch it ticket worth $1, $5, $10 or $20 that will go towards their next purchase. For more information on the event, contact Suzanne Dufner at 503-8380722.
student safety during COVID, all deserts will be packaged. For students interested in ordering for Valentine’s Day, email flippop@mail.wou.edu by Feb. 13 to customize any of the desserts being offered. Cover photo by Allison Vanderzanden