Everybody has a backstory, but some are a bit wackier than others. Few can say that before they were at the University of Oregon earning a PhD, they spent their days jumping around on all fours as Max the Dog for the Disney on Ice production of The Little Mermaid. For Barton Howe, a graduate teaching fellow in the School of Journalism and Communication, this is his wacky reality..

Jordyn Brown: How does one get a job as a dog for Disney on Ice?

Barton Howe: What I was [originally] hired as was a tour coordinator … Normally I was on the road with the skaters and we were on the road for nine months of the year, but when we weren’t on the road they’d bring me back to Florida to work on different projects. And I happened to be there when they were building Little Mermaid on Ice, coming up with the costumes and sets. And here was this job as Max the dog that didn’t require skating. And I remember thinking: “I want that job!” But I didn’t have the guts to ask for it. I wasn’t physically in shape for it, and there were just a whole lot of reasons why it wasn’t going to happen.

JB: So how did it happen?

BH: I went back on the road with my show … and I was walking home from the ice arena where we were performing back to our hotel, and I got hit by a bus.

It broke pretty much every major bone on the left side of my body. I was in a wheelchair for weeks, months maybe, crutches for more, many surgeries … The flip side of it was I was doing physical therapy three or four hours a day so I ended up getting in shape by accident.

I just kinda decided, “I’m gonna ask for the job.” It’s not like if they said no, it would kill me. And they said yes. So I ended up learning the part and became the fourth understudy. Then in one day, I went from fourth understudy to the only person that could do the job. In one day everyone went out with injuries, and long-term injuries (broken hand, broken back). So I ended up as the dog.

Barton Howe, a UO GTF in the School of Journalism and Communication, played Max the dog in ‘Disney On Ice: The Little Mermaid.’

JB: Was this a particularly dangerous career?

BH: As the dog, I ruptured a bicep because I was always running on my arms … Another time I got nailed right in the side of the head by a skater … She gave me a concussion and I was out for two weeks.

JB: How did you move on the ice if you didn’t skate?

BH: On my back legs I wore a pair of spiked golf shoes, on my front … [I would wear] a pole with a brace that wraps around the bicep and [I would] just slip the arm down in it and grip it like a bicycle handle. Except mine were only one foot long, so they essentially made my arms as long as my legs. And they were basically on big springs, like I was running on shock absorbers … So when I ran I was essentially running on four sets of big teeth, so I wouldn’t slip and slide on the ice.

JB: What was the best part of being Max?

BH: When you come running out onto the ice for the first time, and you have 15-thousand people who are yelling and screaming just for a few seconds because they think you’re awesome. I played the Portland Rose Garden and it was sold out, and just to hear 10-thousand people screaming for you is awesome.

JB: Was there a lot of travel?

BH: The job dropped me into 48 different states, 20 different countries. In the United States, every week you’re in a different city, and when we were overseas every month you’re in a different country. I won’t say all my bills were paid. I wasn’t making a ton of money, but I didn’t have a ton of expenses either.

JB: What made you decide to become a PhD student of journalism?

BH: I was always one of those people [before my accident] that was afraid of offending people, afraid of rejection. And there were always a lot of things that I wanted to do, and I was afraid of people telling me no. After recovering from my accident, and being Max the Dog, two things I never thought would be possible, I just kind of made up my mind that everything I’ve ever wanted to do, I’m going to go do it, or at the very least I’m going to ask.

But that whole experience, what it taught me is that life’s too short, and if you want something, then go after it.

“I always get butterflies walking up to the entrance and hearing all the screams from the corn,” Rachel Monninger said.

The Eugene local and University of Oregon freshman has been through Lone Pine’s corn maze every year for five years, but she still gets nervous every time.

“It’s always been so scary to me,” Monninger said. “I always freak out right before and feel so accomplished afterward.”

The maze is open every day of the week, but once night falls on the weekends, it becomes a haunted, twisted journey full of ghouls, ghosts and people–who are trained professionals–who will chase you with chainsaws, including on Halloween this Saturday.

“It’s not recommended for children under the age of 12,” said Lone Pine Farm’s bookkeeper Denise Garner about the infamous haunted maze. “Some adults can’t make it through the first part. It’s very scary.”

Oregon State University graduate and Junction City native Ryan DeLieu went to the haunted maze for his eighth year this past Saturday, a tradition he began in high school.

“I feel like every year they try to change their scare tactics,” DeLieu said. After going for so long, “you get used to how they scare, but even then [it’s hard not to] get startled when some masked man yells, jumps or chases you.”

This is the time of year when horror is coveted. People actively search out grotesque, shocking forms of entertainment to force them to huddle under the covers, too afraid to shut off the lights. But what is it about these scenes that keep us coming back for more? Generally, fear serves as a negative emotion, so why are we drawn to things that make us feel scared?

We might be in need of fear, according to Baran Germen, a graduate fellow who teaches a class on abject horror literature in the Comparative Literature Department at UO. Germen’s class is called “Literature of the Abject,” and its students study Kafka, Shakespeare, and other works featuring the debased and vile.

“Fear, like desire, is an instinct we all have,” Germen said in an email. “Think of the early human beings and their relation, say, to the predators wherein fear steps in for survival.”

Humans no longer need fear to escape from predators, and in middle-class America, most people don’t face life-threatening situations every day. Our lives, by comparison, are boring, and horror films can fill that primal craving for adrenaline.

“Works of art come in as a substitute for our atavistic fears and shake us up and reinvigorate us in our rather banal worlds,” Germen said. “As an instinct, fear makes us feel alive as a particular way of relating to the world around us.”

Putting a horrifying experience onto a screen or into a cornfield allows spectators control over it, according to Sean Hanson, a Eugene Film Society critic who has been with the organization for a year now.

“It’s contained in a safe space, and we know when we leave, everything is going to be okay,” Hanson said. “We like having our nightmares rendered onto film.”

Nightmares vary from person to person, and the trends in film are constantly shifting to recognize new fears in different ways.

“Some are timeless (creepy dolls) and some are contemporary (xenophobia in post-9/11 torture films like Hostel),” Hanson said in an email. “So in a lot of ways, horror films simultaneously capture cultural anxieties and regurgitate them as images that become part of our collective nightmare.”

Think Freddy Krueger, the iconic face of the boogeyman, or Pennywise the clown from Stephen King’s It (1990).

The cinematic experiences these films give us are timeless, which is why classics like The Exorcist (1973), The Shining (1980) and Psycho (1960) are still some of the most critically acclaimed horror films of all time. It’s in the build of the music, suspenseful camera pans and the sound effects that make us jump out of our jack-o-lantern socks.

“There is something inherently and unavoidably terrifying about sitting alone in a dark room full of strangers,” Germen said, “and with a fully focused orientation toward a big screen that almost completely frames our field of vision.”

But for some, the screen just isn’t enough. They need to feel that adrenaline on a heightened level, running for their lives in real life. This is why, for people like Ryan DeLieu, the corn maze is something he keeps coming back to, to the point where now it is pure entertainment. Over the years, the corn maze has become an annual tradition he and his friends do.

“It’s more of a nostalgic thing to do now,” DeLieu said. “I don’t really get scared during the maze, but I love to laugh at the people in my group who do.”

Lone Pine’s last night of horror will be Halloween, which falls on a Saturday this year. The actors generally go all-out on the last night of the season, Garner said, and she expects it to be “extremely spooky.”

It might be the isolation of the countryside, or the fact that you can hear the snapping of stalks and husks in the distance before you actually see what lies beneath; perhaps it’s the claustrophobia of being enclosed in an open space with no visible exit. Much like the horror movies we watch, the corn maze serves as a safe space to experience our most terrifying nightmares in a temporarily exaggerated reality.

With the summer winding down and fall term right around the corner, it’s easy to feel stuck in a rut between the two seasons. You’ve exhausted all of your crafty project ideas for “Summer 2k15,” and it still feels too early to move on to decorating your apartment with autumn leaves and little harvest pumpkins.

Fear not, crafty ducks! You can get the best of both worlds by focusing instead on the quickly approaching football season. Here are 10 do-it-yourself ideas to get out of the end-of-summer slump and hype you up for the new season before the first home game against Eastern Washington on Sept. 5.

1. Take some paint to all of those plain mason jars in your cupboard. Then you can be both spirited and hipster at the same time.

Mason jar decorations from the University of Oregon Ducks’ official Pinterest.

2. Prepare for cold nights sitting cheering at the games with these gloves. Take any gloves and attach pom-poms for extra festive spirit fingers. 

UO pom-pom gloves idea courtesy of Pinterest user Amy Day Yaede.

3. Years of SAA game day shirts weighing down your dresser? Repurpose them into a patchwork scarf.

Go Ducks infinity scarf designed by Portland-based Grace is Green Designs, found via Pinterest user Molly Penna.

4. Never forget which cooler is yours by decorating it in school colors, like this one from Oklahoma University.

Decorated cooler from Florida State Univeristy’s official Pinterest.

5. Show your Duck Pride to everyone in your neighborhood by creating a door wreath like this one.

Ducks-themed wreath idea from Pinterest user Stacy Merritt.

6. Or by making one of these windsocks for your yard.

Football windsock idea from Florida State University official Pinterest.

7. Protect your table in style at watch parties by making these cool turf coasters.

Coasters from Pinterest user Kate Reed.

8. Save some money and make your own jersey to rep your favorite player.

Decorative jersey idea from Hoboken, NJ-based Gypsy Shoppe on Pinterest.

9. Never spill a drink at a tailgate again with these magnetic beer cozies.

Magnetic beer coozies idea found via Florida State University’s Pinterest.

10. Take your watch party to a whole new level by making a unique light piece like this (only with using a football instead.)

Luminescent basketball decoration courtesy of Pinterest user Betty Montoya Reyes.

These are just few of the many things to create in spirit of football season. If you’re new to the craft scene, poke around Pinterest or just add “DIY” to any Google search to find more like these. 

Put together music, face painting and emceeing drag queens. What do all of these things have in common? They are just a few of the things you will find at the Annual Eugene Pride Festival.

This popular event will be back to celebrate community pride August 8 at Alton Baker Park.

“I’m most excited about the entertainment this year,” said Dave McCallum, who has been the festival coordinator for the past four years. “We have a solid six hours, and there’s always something going on on the stage.”

The festival will be a full day of activity with bands, speakers and appearances by local politicians and the 2014 Eugene Float Queen, starting at 12 p.m. and running until 6 p.m.

In addition to being a day of fun for the community, it also offers an opportunity for those attending to connect with others.

“I think pride in any city offers a chance for visibility for the LGBT community that isn’t available the rest of the year,” said McCallum. “Our pride offers a chance for people to get together who might not get to see each other all the time. People travel from around the state from smaller communities to visit Eugene Pride.”

Those who attend can expect to see support from groups like Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Lane County and even UO’s own Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Education & Support Services Program (LGBTESSP).

So many in the Eugene community attend this annual festival, which means it takes a lot of work for Eugene Pride to prepare.

“I’d like to stress that it’s volunteer run and we’re always looking for people to participate,” said McCallum. “While we do have some sponsors, the organization runs on volunteers. We encourage the community to step up and participate.”

Here’s what else is going on this weekend:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6:

Junction City Scandinavian Festival – 10 a.m., Downtown Junction City, free

Starting today, people of all Scandinavian heritages will celebrate with live entertainment, crafts and food. Each day celebrates a different country. The festival runs through the weekend.

Earthquake Hazard Public Forum – 7 p.m., Straub Hall (Campus), free

All the talk of the big northwest earthquake got you spooked? University geologists will be hosting a public forum on the matter to answer all of your questions, no matter how basic.

pARTy on the Plaza: Def Con 5 – 5:30 p.m., Hult Center Plaza, free

Don’t miss the chance to see this Portland-based hip-hop crew tonight as they show off the genre in many forms including B-boying, DJing, beatboxing, graffiti and more.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7:

Oregon Festival of American Music 2015 – all day, The Shedd, price varies

This year’s theme is “The Age of Jazz.” Relive the 1920s with a celebration of popular artists like Louis Armstrong and Ethel Waters, the rise of swing and so much more. See the above link for a complete list of prices and performances.

Dr. Jazz Concert – 6 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, free

If you want the jazz but aren’t sure if you want to spend any money, head over to this local concert instead to get that Gatsby vibe.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8:

Slightly Stoopid Concert – 6:30 p.m., Cuthbert Amphitheater, $38.50

Calling all Slightly Stoopid fans: The reggae-punk band will be in Eugene this weekend, so don’t miss out and buy your tickets at the above link.

Movie in the Park: Angels in the Outfield – 7 p.m., Washington Park, free

Watch this family favorite for free tonight at dusk. Maybe if you look close enough you’ll be able to see the angels coming to watch it too.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9:

Eugene Triathlon – all day, Fern Ridge, OR, cost varies

For all of the extreme athletes out there, today is your chance to compete against Eugene’s best in the triple-test of strength and endurance this weekend. See link above for registration and costs.

Good Work, Sister! Women Shipyard Workers of WWII, an Oral History – 2 p.m., Oregon Historical Society, free

History buffs will love this exhibit about the women of WWII in the local shipyards of Portland and Vancouver. This unique exhibit showcases the women who were skilled in formerly male trades, and how their work added to the war efforts.

While most Eugenians’ summer plans include more exercise, reading or outdoor adventures, the volunteers at the local nonprofit organization Burrito Brigade are up to something little different: Each week, they make and distribute about 500 vegan burritos to members of the community facing hunger and homelessness.

In an effort to raise the money needed to achieve this goal, the group will be hosting a Variety Show this Friday, July 24th, starting at 7 p.m. at Vanilla Jill’s Frozen Yogurt in Eugene.

Through a local network of personal donors and nonprofit partnerships, along with hosting free events such as this one, Burrito Brigade aims to engage the community in the fight to end hunger. The group meets every Sunday to make the burritos, and invites anyone who wants to help out.

Since it was founded in March 2014, many students from the University of Oregon have joined the cause, including alumnus Christy Reynolds, who is now the president of the organization’s board of directors.

“The goal of the variety show fundraiser is to help us grow and keep us going strong,” said Reynolds. “Some weeks we get more food donations than others, so having a monetary fund to rely on will allow us to stock up on staples such as beans, rice, tortillas and seasonings.”

Hosted by Eugene comedian Aaron Anderson, the variety show will feature performances by local musicians, comedians and more, and welcomes all ages. There is a suggested $5-10 donation, but anyone is invited to the show, regardless of their donation. Frozen yogurt, sweets, kombucha, beer and cider will be available for purchase, along with t-shirts and raffle tickets for prizes.

If you can’t make the event, you’re still encouraged to join the cause by making a donation or volunteering at any time. Check out the Facebook page for more information.

Here are some other events happening this weekend.

THURSDAY, JULY 23: 

RhythmFest – 5:30 p.m., Amazon Community Center Amphitheater, free.

Any percussion lovers out there? This event is for families and individuals alike, with an interactive family drum circle and rhythmic entertainment. It’s BYOB- Bring Your Own Beat, so grab a blanket and an instrument and enjoy the music.

FRIDAY, JULY 24:

Eugene Astronomical Society Star Party – Dusk, College Hill Reservoir, free.

Bring your friends and have your own Interstellar experience looking through various telescopes provided. However, refrain from taking selfies and using other bright lights to let the stars shine on their own.

High and Mighty Brass Band – 10 p.m., Hi Fi Music Hall, free.

If you’re over 21, dance to some “New Orleans funk” music this Friday with this large travelling band of nine.

SATURDAY, JULY 25:

West African Stories! – 2 p.m., Springfield Public Library, free.

The library will be hosting west african storyteller, Habiba for a day of fun featuring authentic African costume, singing and movement.

Concert by Jim Creek Band – 10 p.m., Hi Fi Music Hall, free.

Break out the banjos and beer. If you’re 21+, this free concert is a good way to support an Oregon-based band and enjoy some country-bluegrass sound.

SUNDAY, JULY 26:

Concert in the Park: Oregon Tuba Ensemble – 6:30 p.m., Washburne Park, free.

If you can’t get enough of the live music this weekend, finish it off on a classical note with a free concert by the Oregon Tuba Ensemble.

Two Cities Summit Run 8k or 12k – 9 a.m., Springfield to Eugene, cost varies.

Feeling inspired by the Prefontaine legacy? Sign up for the race before 2 p.m. on Saturday. Bright and early Sunday, meet your fellow runners at the starting point in Eastgate Woodlands Park in Springfield.

In its fifth season, American Horror Story has lost its appeal and traded psychological suspense for Lady Gaga-led, gimmicky jump-scares.

In 2011, a show peeked through the dusty frame of mainstream television, and brought something fresh to late night: horror. Before Ryan Murphy twisted his mind from Glee to something much darker, it seemed as though horror and suspense could only gain traction on the big screen. Audiences were thrilled when all their terrifying dreams were realized with the creation of American Horror Story.

The first season, Murder House was an exciting debut with psychologically thrilling twists and storylines of the spirits inhabiting the house that all seemed to flow together seamlessly from one episode to the next. It took the classic concept of a haunted house and amped it up with the added effect of trapped souls being able to physically interact with the family living there, to the point that they are often mistaken for real people.

It was a show that turned heads (sometimes literally,) and brought nightmares to life in one manifestation or another with each new season. However, after the second season, Asylum, the brilliant plot bursting with well-rounded characters and terrifying scenes, seemed to be falling apart.

Coven began with promise, but then was ruined when everyone who died could magically be brought back to life again, without a real purpose to the story.

Freak Show’s hype was about the same, but it overcompensated by aimlessly killing the characters who offered the greatest scare factor.

And so came the fifth season, Hotel. The audience excitement built waiting for new star Lady Gaga to come on the scene and the endless possibilities that the theme of a haunted hotel would have to offer (The Shining, anyone?).

The season fell flat the moment it started.

In what seems to be a growing trend for AHS over the years, this first episode was over the top in the worst way. At least 13 storylines were laid out, so many of which feel flat, unrelated or just unmemorable. What I gathered from the premiere is that this season is going to be about three things: blood, drugs and assault.

Gaga and her sidekick get off on orgies that end in slit throats and drinking the blood of their victims. Everyone in this hotel also seems to be hooked on heroin or some other hard drug. Assault is another addiction for this season, specifically taking the form of a skin-masked hotel dweller who rapes tenants with a sharply pointed, drill-like strap-on until they pass out from the pain. AHS, I don’t appreciate this as a scare tactic.

What once seemed to be a thrilling work of strong writing to truly illicit fear and psychological suspense for the audience has morphed into drawing people in purely by shock-value reliant on unnecessary gore. It’s hugely uncomfortable and socially problematic scenes equate to cheap jump-scares. The authenticity of the horror has been cast aside, leaving only mediocre story. A waste of the talented cast and beautiful cinematography.

Perhaps Hotel will sort itself out throughout the season and prove to be another work of genius from Ryan Murphy. But from what has been shown thus far, that’s not the case. Unless the writers take a step back, reach deeper into their imagination and re-watch the first season to remember what horror really looks like, this great idea will fall prey to mainstream television themes and lose its way entirely.

Imagine this: It’s a Friday night and you’re dressed to the nines with all of your friends in tow. In suits, hats, pearls and heels, you leave ready to jump back in time for a theater performance unlike any other. The lights fall, and the curtain rises to reveal actors poised in front of microphones, dressed in classic ‘30s garb. They lift their scripts, and you close your eyes while the sounds of radio theater fill your head.

Eugene local and founder of Radio Redux, Fred Crafts, has a vision for bringing back this lost art form with every new season of performances, and tries to include shows that will excite people of all ages. On Friday October 23rd at the Hult Center, “The Thin Man,” a comical mystery originally broadcast in 1936, will start the season with a bang.

This is an interactive experience for people of all ages courtesy of Eugene’s own Radio Redux, a theater troupe devoted to authentically recreating old radio shows by “broadcasting” using microphones, live music and old sound effects. The performers on stage even dress the part for the era the broadcast came from, so the audience can choose to have their experience be visual, or to just listen to the broadcast and imagine the scene for themselves.

“Our shows appeal to a wide range of people,” said Crafts. “For older people it’s a trip down memory lane, and for younger people it’s a brand new experience. We decided to do “The Thin Man” because it’s a great story. [The main characters] are a couple with a lot of banter, and that’s a show that the public really adores.”

The audience is also strongly encouraged to dress up themselves, explore the historical exhibits set up, and take pictures at their “selfie booth” to commemorate the blast to the past. Radio Redux aims to be a truly interactive theater experience for audience members while still doing the history justice.

Past shows include “The War of the Worlds,” “Treasure Island” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” which will be switched out for “Miracle on 34th Street” for the holiday show this year. In addition to their regular 90-minute shows, they also do a series of 30-minute shows in a segment called Radio Daze. This year’s feature will be “Sherlock Holmes.”

Radio Redux is also always looking for new, fresh talent. More importantly, the goal is to get the people in the community involved in renewing this retro art form.

“I think what I really want to get across is there’s a lot of history here,” said Crafts. “Radio had its hayday back in the ‘30s and ‘40s and we want to bring it back. It’s an art unlike any other. We make the audience engage with us through their minds what’s going on. We give the sounds effects, music, costumes, and they do the rest.”

Whether you’re looking for a new place to take Mom and Dad when they come to visit, or just an excuse to dress up other than Halloween, Radio Redux’s shows provide a unique, fun experience while drawing on history for some help.

“The Thin Man” opens Friday at 7:30p.m. and costs $15-$21.

The first play of the theater season comes directly from the creative mind of University of Oregon theater graduate David Rodriguez. “Sonrisa Del Coyote” is a bi-lingual one-act play that won the 2015 New Voices Playwriting Contest, and found its way to the Pocket Playhouse stage for fall. Before its opening at 5 p.m. on Oct. 22, we sat down with Rodriguez for a preview of the play.

Emerald: Will you tell me a little bit of the story behind your play?

David Rodriguez: I was kind of fascinated with the idea of magical-realism, so it’s about two siblings, Danny and Lupa, who are forced to leave their home in Mexico to travel across the border to America. Along the way they run into this trickster coyote legend who helps them to learn about their heritage and their identities and how family is the most important thing, and it doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters the family you make.

E: Is it a specific genre?

DR: It’s hard for me to define this as a genre because it’s layered. There are moments of comedy and moments of dark seriousness. It has kind of a storybook kids feel.

E: Why is the play bilingual?

DR: I think we’re getting to an age where we’re seeing a lot more bilingual plays and a lot more artistic expression from the latino community, because we’re starting to have a stronger voice. And it’s really nice to take pride in that, not in the point that we’re here and we’re dominant, but that we’re here and we’ve always been here.

E: What was it like to know your play won the competition?

DR: I wrote a couple plays back in high school… and took a playwriting class. After giving [my professor] a draft, he said “you should really consider submitting this,” and I did and I won the competition. It was just an ecstatic feeling. I wish I could bottle that and just have it every day when I feel like it’s going to be a little hard.

E: Where did your inspiration come from?

DR: I grew up, and I didn’t even know the word to identify myself as. My dad was from a small town near Cerano [Mexico] called Jacales, and my mom came up in southern California, and they met up here in Hood River. I’m the youngest of three, and my Dad actually suffered from a bad motorcycle accident a little before I was born. It put him in a coma for four months, and he was very lucky he walked away from it pretty okay. My sister was taught Spanish but he never got around to my brother and me, and so it was always this weird disconnect.

So I think this is a story about Danny finding his identity and roots but also it’s a little bit about me because every author instills themselves into the characters, and I definitely would identify that I’ve always kind of felt of two worlds. So it was just really good to open that side of myself to other people and have them be so receptive.

E: Can we expect to see more plays from you in the future?

Yes, I definitely plan on writing more. There’s a lot of really unfortunate situations that [immigrants] have to go through, because they’re not legal and they have to kind of be in hiding and I think that’s so unfortunate. I think it will definitely be a thing I want to revisit.

It’s only about halfway through winter break and without the bustle and excitement of being at college, you have found yourself slumped deep into the couch eating holiday cookies, already having binge-watched most of your Netflix shows. You’ve been like this for days. The few friends you’ve still kept in touch with from home are busy or working all day, every day. You’ve even started sleeping in to an unreasonable hour in attempt to eat up some of the lonely daylight hours.

Finally you take a good, long look at yourself and realize you cannot live like this any longer: you must free yourself from this slump and get out there, breathe some fresh air or do something productive with your days.

Here are some activities to ease that stir-crazy side that you can feel comfortable doing all by yourself:

1. Take yourself on a coffee date. People go to coffee shops by themselves all the time. Pick out a trendy little cafe you’ve been meaning to try, and treat yourself to a latte that you can enjoy in the corner on your own, or accompanied by a good book. You can stay as long as you want, and maybe it will become your new favorite place where you can later bring a friend or a date.

2. Go on a walk. If you just need a quick way to get the kinetic energy out of your body, grab a jacket and take a stroll around your neighborhood. You’ll get some fresh air and some space for your mind to breathe.

3. Do something crafty. What’s more productive than making something brand new out of nothing? Get creative! Dive into the DIY ideas of Pinterest, revamp something old, or create a piece of art. There are many ways to get crafty for both experienced crafters and beginners alike.

4. Discover a new hike. If you are in Oregon, there is an abundance of nature waiting to be explored. Pack a lunch and some gear to keep you warm and venture out on your own for some outdoor exercise. Just make sure to be safe: tell a friend where you’re planning on going and set a time you plan to be back.

5. Pick up a new hobby. Finally follow through with that dream of learning guitar, or of making a good acrylic painting. Find some videos on computer coding, or a book on photography basics. Starting something brand new takes up time and is fun too!

6. Get lost in a bookstore. Build your personal library without the pressures of having a friend waiting on you. Stroke the spines and peruse the shelves as long as your heart desires.

7. Build a gingerbread house. Bring out your inner architect and build an intricate gingerbread house your working friends will ooh-and-ah over. Complete it with a frosting pond and picket fence.

8. Surprise your family with a new dinner or dessert that you made from scratch. Plus, you can start to build your college cuisine to include more than just ramen and cereal.

9. Write out some christmas cards to your friends. Nothing beats the feeling of making someone else feel good. Pick up some cards and tell your friends what you admire about them to spread some extra cheer this holiday season.

10. Explore a museum or historical site. Hover for as long as you want around that special piece of art that caught your eye, or learn something new from a historical brochure without feeling the pressure of having to rush through the exhibits with others.

11. Brainstorm New Year’s Resolutions. Get a jump start on that list of goals for the new year, and have time to really think them through and maybe make a few more than just “go to the gym.”

12. Play tourist in your own hometown. Growing up in an area makes it so you sometimes overlook a lot of fun things there are to do around town. Be a tourist for the day and go into all the trendy shops, visit the big landmarks, and see your city in a different light.

13. Discover new music. Let yourself fall down the rabbit hole and find some new tunes you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Check out some old record stores to hear a mix of old and new sounds.

14. Finish a project you’ve been putting off. We all have that one thing we’ve been trying to do but the stress of fall term wouldn’t allow it. Whether it’s a video for your portfolio, a new story idea, or an innovative idea, take this time to finally bring it to life.

15. Pick up an adult coloring book. This new trend is a great way to kill some time and boredom. Spend hours filling the intricate designs with color to create a beautiful mosaic your childhood self would be astounded by.

Picture yourself in one of the University of Oregon’s giant lecture halls, excited for your first day of class. You find a seat somewhere in the middle, and when the professor walks out, you’re ready to finally learn something about your newly-decided major. But when he starts to talk, you can’t hear a thing. The sound completely dissipates before it gets anywhere near your ears, along with any knowledge you could have possibly absorbed.

For students who are hard of hearing, this is a particularly challenging problem that they face every day. This is why UO has recently launched an initiative called Project AMP, short for Amplify My Professor, which encourages professors to use microphones in lecture halls.

Project AMP is a product of the College of Education and UO Chapter of NSSLHA, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. The goal of this project is to raise awareness for the need for microphones or other amplification in lectures in order to help students who are hard of hearing have a better classroom experience.

“A lot of times, students who are hard of hearing might feel shy [about wanting] to sit closer to the front,” President of UO’s chapter of NSSLHA Alice Smith said. “It’s not that they’re disabled or anything, it’s just that they need extra assistance and support.”

While Smith says that the communication disorders classes do use microphones, most of the College of Education does not, which extends to classes at the university as a whole. But this project is faced with challenges.

“[Even though] they don’t have a visible disability, they’re still here. It’s hard to get through to break that habit of not using a microphone,” project assistant Alison Stewart said.

Based on data collected last year by project director Karen McLaughlin, out of 172 observations, 67 percent of the time professors did not use a microphone. The survey she then put out to all respondents showed that the professors who indicated that they didn’t use a microphone in class said it was because they felt they didn’t need one.

Project AMP aims to have all professors on campus using a microphone in their lectures. Going forward, it hopes to spread Project AMP’s mission to several other schools in order to help students hard of hearing in different areas as well.

“I definitely feel this will affect their experience,” Smith said. “Not just for students hard of hearing, but other students who would prefer a more clearly amplified professor, because it cuts out background noise, and they don’t have to second guess while taking notes or miss the lecture. I think it will benefit all students.”