Culture – Westwood Horizon

Team Jess, Dean, or Logan? Settling the Rory Gilmore Boyfriend Debate

Charly Obermiller, Extras Editor — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:43:46 +0000

As summer comes to an end and the “ber” months begin, the Gilmore Girls are defrosting. As we all know, Rory Gilmore has been through plenty of turbulent phases, from Chilton to Yale to getting together with her married ex-boyfriend. Her taste in men throughout the years has definitely well… changed. Although she was seen as loyal and innocent at Star’s Hollow High I think Yale, that unfortunate haircut, and her academic downfall really took it out of her. I mean she used to be so in love and loveable until she was forgetting to break up with men, and going after men who were in relationships.

Teen Jess Mariano

Teen Jess has to be first on the podium. When Rory was falling apart, rather than telling her it was okay, Jess fought for her future. Importantly, he was not only a great boyfriend to Rory, but a wonderful friend. After Rory moved in with her grandparents, rather than shielding her from consequences, Jess showed his maturity in relationships by giving her a reality check about how stupid she was for dropping out of Yale. Although Jess was initially presented as some bad boy, I do believe this kept Rory on her toes — and in a way, in line. Loreali was right about the initial judging though, the smoking and drinking is not okay. From first glance, Jess was certainly not the best guy, however, he is smart, witty and quick-to-play when it comes to Rory’s comments. This is reasonably better compared to Dean, who was lost all the time. Jess, although an imperfect, complex character, he was perfect for Rory. He communicated well and called her out on things that went against his boundaries.

Teen Dean Forester

As a teenager, Dean was a pretty decent boyfriend. I will admit, his opinions on Donna Reed were unfortunate, but overall he was a good boyfriend (taking into account he was just a teenager). First off, he built her a car, and a classic car at that. Dean was able to set their differences aside, by going to dances with her. For a boy who was very uncomfortable with those situations, showing up for Rory like that was amazing. Not many teenage boys would wear a suit with tails and gloves to escort a lady. Although Dean had been put through so much, he was nothing but kind and respectful to Rory and her mother. I will say, I didn’t appreciate that Rory felt the need to change for him and hide things from him in fear of fighting. It’s one thing to not like confrontation, but keeping secrets rather than communicating is just wrong. However, in the end, I am proud of them for reconciling as friends before she attended Yale as it was a mature thing to do — especially since they were a part of each other’s lives for so long.

Adult Jess Mariano

As the ultimate Jess lover, obviously, adult Jess has to be high up on my podium. He grew up to be an amazingly smart and mature man that still cared for Rory so much. I appreciate that Rory went to Jess with her problems as she knew that he would understand her. I mean, Jess even said “I know you better than anyone.” Her later going to him proves that. Later, when Jess reappears, in the revival series Gilmore Girls: A Year in The Life, rather than being together, Rory and Jess were adults with mutual respect for one another. Rory was struggling in her life as a journalist and Jess was there for her to lean on. Even though lots of fans have mentioned the fact that they would love Rory and Jess to continue their relationship, Jess still considers Rory as “too good” for him, making it impossible for them to rekindle their love.

College Logan Huntzberger

In college, Logan was a decent boyfriend. It’s often said that Logan is the boyfriend that Rory loved most. While he did bring out a good side to Rory,I have to say I didn’t appreciate some of the other qualities in Rory he brought out; she stole a boat when she was with him, and got arrested. I will never understand the hype around Logan because he truly did cause Rory to suffer. She went through numerous crises and Logan was no help whatsoever. I get that he is a businessman, but Rory was his partner and he should have been there for her.

Post-College Paul

Paul, known only for his brief appearance, and often deemed the forgotten boyfriend of Rory Gilmore. Throughout the series, Rory would often mention the mental note of having to break up with Paul. This all happened while she was in an affair with Logan. Loreali made her opinions clear, and even called Rory out about her disloyal decisions. Honestly though there is nothing to say about Paul though due to him simply not being in the series very long. To put it into perspective, we don’t even know his last name.

Post-College Logan Huntzberger

Tied for the last places are adults Logan and Dean. Maybe I’m just a hater,but I really do feel that Logan is awful. He was in a deeply-committed existing relationship when he reconnected with Rory — even if it was just with a fiance and not a wife, an affair like that is a major encroachment. The fact that he not only went out with Rory but ended up getting her pregnant is just not okay. He cheated. Then, he proceeded to ruin Rory’s life as well as his fiance’s.

Adult Dean Forester

I can say with full confidence that Dean grew up to be a terrible man. After he and Rory broke up officially, Dean moved on to Lindsey. I strongly believe that if Rory had just backed off once she went to Yale, and not tried to be friends with Dean after their two year relationship, Lindsey would not have been cheated on. So in reality, this relationship soured because of both Dean and Rory. However, I will say I am proud of Rory for not going to the wedding and just standing by –especially after a drunk Dean confessed his love for her. Although Rory didn’t know about the drunk confession, the fact that she still went after a married man was upsetting. Again, Loreali made her opinions clear by emphasizing: “He’s not your Dean, he’s Lindsey’s Dean,” which only made Rory more upset and distraught, which was an ultimate point of embarrassment for her.

Bullying Over the Ages (COMIC)

Sabareesh Dinakaran, Reporter — Fri, 16 May 2025 22:57:18 +0000

Hallway Hubbub (COMIC)

Sabareesh Dinakaran, Reporter — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:34:22 +0000

Bickercast: Jeans, Jolly, and Jail (PODCAST)

Gabriel Oliveira and Valeria Tijerina — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:09:17 +0000

Inside Jokes and Memes That Should Have Stayed Inside

Leah Kardonik, Reporter — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:20:52 +0000

As someone who spends the majority of my vacant time on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, I can say that I have seen many different memes circulate on those platforms that people “fein” over. Ludicrous videos get posted everyday and if they match the criteria of a mix of randomness and silliness, it will become an inside joke that users of these apps will constantly abuse. Read on for my ranking of worst to best memes circulating the internet right now!

1. Fein concert
Filming a concert while you are singing along can be rather risky, because rest assured you will be able to hear yourself better than the actual concert itself. Then one day a boy went to a Travis Scott concert, where Travis Scott played the song Fein. Everyone was screaming Fein during the concert but one boy who filmed this song sounded extremely off from what he was supposed to sound like. From the actual absurdity of how bad this boy was singing it, people decided this was the new trend and that everyone should recreate it. Now, before people attend a concert they say “I hope they play Fein!” This trend was funny for the first few times I saw it, but then it just started to get extremely repetitive. I do not believe that anyone genuinely watches these videos and starts to laugh out loud from how the concert will not be playing Fein.

2. Mama a girl behind you [purple heart emoji]
As seen in the viral Snapchat video, there is a little boy who is filming his mom’s outfit; yet to everyone’s surprise there is a filter on the video, causing there to be a bitmoji “dancing” behind his mom. Since her son doesn’t understand that there is a filter, he says “mama a girl behind you” warning his mom about the bitmoji dancing behind her. At first said as something cute and innocent, the internet could not get enough of “mama a girl behind you.” The video is funny, yet when I scroll through TikTok comments I am bombarded with purple hearts and people trying to recreate this meme for any type of video.

Another popular trend on TikTok is “hopecore videos,” which convey hope, optimism, and love in an edit. Then somehow people now created “mama a girl behind you” hopecore videos, so that “mama a girl in front of you” implies that looking into the future is beneficial. Honestly, the fact people started to comment “mama a girl behind you” was already painfully unfunny, but at this point it’s gotten exhausting to even open the comment section, when I can predict what everyone will be saying. Then when people say the meme in real life, it is genuinely unfathomable to even continue talking to them – how are you so chronically online?

3. Can I go to Ellie and Mason house?
In a chain of text messages a little girl texted her (as assumed) mother, where she sent her mom a picture of her crying then said “Please can I go to Ellie and Mason house.” Very quickly people turned the picture of this girl crying into a meme, like putting makeup on her. In perspective this was funny and people were extremely creative with the way they would change the meme up, but soon people started to text their parents “Can I go to Ellie and Mason house?” Now here is when the meme gets unfunny, and everyone thinks it’s top tier comedy to ask their parents if they can go to Ellie and Mason house. I’m not trying to sound very negative and boring, but literally everyone’s parents were just confused, and it was honestly sad to see how lost everyone’s parents were.

4. What I do?
At a Walmart a man came up to a random woman, and started to do a prank on her. He told her “he knows what she did” when she didn’t actually do anything. She started to get defensive and then she said “what I do,” which quickly became an iconic moment. The actual video itself was almost close to perfect because the video quality was grainy, the video was taken in a Walmart, and the woman was fairly sassy. Yet of course everyone had to quote this meme like their life depended on it, for videos that were not even closely related to this reference.

Bickercast: Bottles, Board Games, and Bathrooms (PODCAST)

Gabriel Oliveira and Valeria Tijerina — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:12:09 +0000

Wicked Halloween Group Costume Ideas

Charly Obermiller, Extras Editor — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:40:57 +0000

With Halloween just around the corner, finding the perfect costume last minute can be stressful. There are so many options… You could dress up as anything from your favorite food or to your favorite movie character. As the long awaited night rolls closer, here are some costume ideas that will have heads turning!

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… and Lydia

With Beetlejuice Beetlejuice out in theaters, icons Lydia (Winona Ryder) and Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) hit the screens once again. This is a cute couple costume that everyone knows. When Lydia first appears in Beetlejuice, she wears her messy half up half down hairstyle with choppy bangs and a long black dress. Then when Beetlejuice appears, he wears his black and white suit with his teased messy yellow hair. Instead of imitating the newer Lydia and Beetlejuice for your costume, you could also dress as the classic cartoon Lydia and Beetlejuice! They wear the same iconic colors just with more purple accents.

A Bunch of Hocus Pocus

The famous Sanderson Sisters of Salem, Massachusetts are an iconic costume idea, especially for a trio of friends. Sarah Sanderson with her long blonde hair, Mary Sanderson with her short black hair, and the oldest Winifred Sanderson with her bright orange hair, allow a costume for everyone. These sisters are crazy, but match each other perfectly in their own way.

Zing Mavis and Johnny

This iconic duo from Hotel Transylvania is so cute! These characters really prove that opposites attract – in personality and style. Mavis has a more goth look, while Johnny sports his California surfer aesthetic. Mavis wears red and black tights with a simple cute black dress! Oh, don’t forget to put on the black hightop converse! Johnny wears cargo jorts with a green and orange long sleeve. His bright ginger hair matches perfectly with Mavis’ black hair. This would be a great couples costume.

“Thank you for being a friend”

In the heart of Miami, Florida the four Golden Girls live as sisters though they are friends. The Golden Girls are iconic and easily noticed for their bold personalities and their hilarious dynamics. Blanche Devereaux, the flirt, has bright ginger hair and an impeccable taste in fashion. Dorothy Zbornak is the tallest of the quartet, and is mostly seen as the sarcastic opinionated girl of the group. Rose Nylund is the less bright one of the group, but has a big heart and a bubbly personality. Sofia Petrillo, the mother figure, has a strong Italian personality which may come off as harsh from time to time, but she deeply cares for Dorothy.

Ruh-Roh! The Scooby Gang’s in Town!

Traveling all over the globe, this infamous gang of teenagers along with the fun loving great dane Scooby Doo, solve mysteries while cruising in the mystery machine. Shaggy Rogers and Scooby are the iconic foodie duo and are always willing to eat some snacks as well as try new things! Shaggy wears a bright lime green shirt, khaki pants, and if you dress up as him you can’t forget his emblematic goatee. Daphne Blake and Fred Jones match together perfectly – Daphne in her soft purple dress with a light green dainty scarf and Fred’s bright white polo with blue pants. This couple is stylish and seemingly perfect. Finally the wonderful and smart Velma. Noticed by her big glasses, orange turtleneck sweater and bright red skirt, Velma and the rest of the gang are an easily identifiable and an iconic group costume!

Prepare for Halloween With These Five Spooky Recipes

Charly Obermiller, Extras Editor — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:20:49 +0000

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

With Halloween just around the corner, making pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls is a great way to put yourself into the Halloween mood. As seen on social media, tying unflavored floss around the outside of the cinnamon rolls to shape them into pumpkins adds to the excitement of pumpkin flavor inside! Cinnamon Rolls are a simple and delicious breakfast treat that are very versatile as you can add whatever you want to them, like chocolate chips or strawberries. I’ve even seen people add cookie dough! For these cinnamon rolls, pumpkiny flavors are perfect for fall. I recommend eating them warm to really put you in the October mood!

Recipe here!

Spooky Cookies

These otherworldly cookies are quick, easy, and have a flavor for everyone! Cookies are a staple in the baking community as they are one of the easier things to make and customize. From making simple circles to cutting out fancy shapes, cookies are an amazing way to show your personality. Through the flavors and the decorating, cookies help show your spirit! Adding pretzels, M&Ms, and chocolate chips to the cookie dough give the perfect savory sweet combination. I think adding little sugar eyes will make these cookies more spooky and kooky!

Recipe here!

Mummy Pies

If you’re not a decorator like me, mummy pies may be useful. They are quick, easy, and delicious – especially hand pies. They are small and easily customizable! You can make a different flavor for each one and these hand pies are pumpkiny as well as delicious. Pumpkin is a classic fall flavor that comes up around Halloween a lot! That being said, if pumpkin is not your thing, be creative and add what you want. Making mummy pies can be a fun activity for any party. Using excess dough cut into strips is an amazing way to disguise any pie, easily turning it to a mummy. Remember, it does not have to be perfect!

Recipe here!

Spooktacular Skulls

Perfect for dinner or even a trick or treating snack, these pizza skulls are a hit. Using pre-made dough or making your own, you can add whatever surprise you want inside. Whether it’s pepperoni or even just cheese, these edible decorations are a spooktacular way to add a Halloween theme to your party. Plus, they’re delicious!

Recipe here!

Ghoulish Brownies

Brownies are chocolate and delicious, especially if you add marshmallows! Adding marshmallows before baking brownies can make a gooey somewhat scary looking dessert. Just putting jumbo marshmallows on top of warm brownies works too! Not only is it tasty, it’s also 3-D. Marshmallows are also very easy to work with and being able to manipulate them in whatever way you want, makes them the perfect topping.

Recipe here!

How Much Do You Know About Fall Traditions?

Mina Stephens, Heritage Assistant Editor — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:05:12 +0000

How Much do you Know About Fall Traditions?

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10 Total Questions

Fall into Baking with Four Autumn Recipes

Charly Obermiller, Extras Editor — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:22:25 +0000

Apple Cinnamon Scones

Apple cinnamon scones are some of the best sweet biscuits to eat with tea. The flavors in the scone mixed with the warmth of the tea of your choice just add to a cozy fall feeling. Scones are very versatile with the flavors and ingredients that can be mixed in so have fun with it! If you don’t like cinnamon, you could add maple, it’s sweet and is a nice contrast to the fruitiness of the apple. The maple is also a perfect way to add to the homey fall flavor.

Recipe here!

Chai Sugar Cookies

Most people know Taylor Swift as a singer, but did you know that she can also bake!? Her infamous Chai Sugar Cookies are a warm and sweet treat that bring Folklore and Evermore into your home. Chai tea gives the cookie that fall flavor which can have a relatively spicy taste, so pairing it with a more sugary cookie balances the flavors perfectly.

Recipe here!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is one of the core flavors of fall. As soon as the fall season rolls around there is pumpkin bread everywhere. Pumpkin bread is very versatile as you can add chocolate chips, nuts, and you can even make it with buttermilk. If the pumpkin flavor isn’t enough, adding pumpkin pie spice adds a kick to the fall flavor.

Recipe here!

Coffee Cake Cookies

Inspired by Gilmore Girls’ chef Sookie, Coffee Cake Cookies are a perfect fall snack to start the day. The light taste of coffee mixes well with fresh fruit and sometimes even whipped cream. The sweetness of the cookie with the tartness of a strawberry tastes amazing. Adding a simple powdered sugar frosting or glaze on top can add some extra flavor and style to the cookie as well. It’s baking, you can improvise, have fun!

Recipe here!