Two Portland State Vikings have been selected today as Big Sky Basketball's Players of the Week.
Junior guard Kelly Marchant was selected as the women's basketball honoree, while senior guard Dominic Waters shares the men's basketball honors with Weber State's Damian Lillard.
Read more about Marchant and Waters after the jump.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Does PSU football have a new head coach?
The Portland Tribune is reporting that an announcement is expected tomorrow declaring Nigel Burton the new head coach of Portland State's football program.
Despite the Tribune's report, the Portland State Athletics Department remains tight-lipped on the decision. Director of Athletics Torre Chisholm called the report "premature" and said that, while nothing has been made official, Burton is among the top candidates to become the new leader of Vikings football.
Read more about Burton after the jump.
Despite the Tribune's report, the Portland State Athletics Department remains tight-lipped on the decision. Director of Athletics Torre Chisholm called the report "premature" and said that, while nothing has been made official, Burton is among the top candidates to become the new leader of Vikings football.
Read more about Burton after the jump.
Portland State receives $3.9 million for computational science
Donation for math and statistics department
by Virginia Vickery, Vanguard staff
Portland State President Wim Wiewel announced a $3.9 million investment for computational science in Portland State’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics from alumnus Fariborz Maseeh at an event this morning. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Portland Mayor Sam Adams spoke at the event honoring Maseeh for the contribution made through his Massiah Foundation.
Adams thanked Maseeh and said, “The nation’s best urban university just got better.”
The department will be renamed the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The donation, which comes from Portland State's largest individual donor, will support upgrades in the department's facilities and will add three new faculty positions in computational science, five annual research fellowships, a lecture series and symposium, according to a university press release.
Maseeh previously made an $8 million gift to the College of Engineering and Computer Science, which was named in his honor. He has also been supporting scholarships and seminars at the Mathematics and Statistics Department for the past four years, according to the press release.
In addition to renaming the department, new faculty positions supported by his gift will be named the "Maseeh Distinguished Chair in Computational Mathematics" and the "Maseeh Professors in Computational Mathematics." The graduate research fellowships will be known as the "Eugene Enneking Fellows," after one of Maseeh's mentors at Portland State.
"With significant global competition facing us, now is the time to contribute to our educational institutions,” Maseeh said. “Investments fostering collaboration between academia and business will lead to useful and practical breakthroughs in the future.”
Computational scientists create computer simulations and data analysis tools that predict the behavior of extremely complex systems that shape everyday life, such as the atmosphere, oceans, tectonic plates, airplanes, freeways, cells and genes.
"Once again, Fariborz Maseeh is setting an example of excellence," Wiewel said. "His generosity shows the way to making [Portland State] the internationally competitive urban research university that Portland needs."
A first-generation American born in Iran, Maseeh received both his B.S. in structural engineering and M.S. in mathematics from Portland State, an M.S. in engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and has earned a doctorate of science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Maseeh founded, and later sold, one of the world's first and fastest-growing companies specializing in the custom design, development and manufacturing of tiny, micro-mechanical chips used in products ranging from cardiac pacemakers to aircraft landing gears. He serves on the advisory boards of a number of universities including Portland State, Michigan Institute of Technology, University of California Irvine and University of Southern California, according to the press release.
(Left) Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (right) Portland Mayor Sam Adams.
For more information, visit: http://www.pdx.edu/insidepsu/
by Virginia Vickery, Vanguard staff
Portland State President Wim Wiewel announced a $3.9 million investment for computational science in Portland State’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics from alumnus Fariborz Maseeh at an event this morning. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Portland Mayor Sam Adams spoke at the event honoring Maseeh for the contribution made through his Massiah Foundation.
(Left) Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (right) Portland Mayor Sam Adams.
TOP PHOTO: (Left to right) Kulongoski, Donor Dr. Fariborz Maseeh, President Wim Wiewel and Adams.
Photos courtesy of Rodrigo Melgarejo, Portland State Vanguard
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Yeasayer is creepy and weird and totally awesome with "Ambling Alp"
So Yeasayer has an album coming out in February called Odd Blood, which is pretty cool but an awful long ways off. To tide you over till then though, the band has released "Ambling Alp," the first single off said album. You can download it for free here, but there’s also a video that is very worth checking out:
Warning, there is some nudity so this one’s probably a little NSFW.
Yeasayer "Ambling Alp" from Team G on Vimeo.
The whole thing is pretty surreal. Mirror faced people fighting each other, naked folks running through the hills and some really beautiful shots of a guy beating the living hell out of a drum on top of some rocks. Definitly one of my favorites as of late.Warning, there is some nudity so this one’s probably a little NSFW.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Vikings Volleyball: Battle Tested – Battle Ready
by J. Logue, Vanguard staff
As the night begins to set in over Spokane, I can barely contain my excitement. While everyone walks around doing their holiday shopping, I know there is a battle that is about to take place right outside town.
Crossing paths with head coach Michael Seemann today, I could feel his intensity and it was clear he was ready to play. Speaking on last night, he noted how Montana brought an intensity that caught the Vikings off guard.
As the night begins to set in over Spokane, I can barely contain my excitement. While everyone walks around doing their holiday shopping, I know there is a battle that is about to take place right outside town.
Crossing paths with head coach Michael Seemann today, I could feel his intensity and it was clear he was ready to play. Speaking on last night, he noted how Montana brought an intensity that caught the Vikings off guard.
Vikings Volleyball: One wish
by J. Logue, Vanguard staff
After two thrilling games in Cheney, Wash., the dust has finally cleared and the teams have been decided for the championship game.
With both games going extra sets and the latter going five sets, Portland State and Northern Colorado have emerged as the top contenders for the Big Sky Tournament Championship and still have the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament.
Despite strong pushes in each match by their opponent, the Vikings and Bears were able to hold off their respective teams and grab the win in semi-convincing fashion.
Read more after the jump.
After two thrilling games in Cheney, Wash., the dust has finally cleared and the teams have been decided for the championship game.
With both games going extra sets and the latter going five sets, Portland State and Northern Colorado have emerged as the top contenders for the Big Sky Tournament Championship and still have the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament.
Despite strong pushes in each match by their opponent, the Vikings and Bears were able to hold off their respective teams and grab the win in semi-convincing fashion.
Read more after the jump.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Vikings Volleyball: Ready and Focused
by J. Logue, Vanguard staff
With the first game of the conference tournament looming, the Vikings are keeping an even keel. Despite playing in front of what should be a mostly hostile crowd, the Portland State women's volleyball team appears to be ready for whatever the Big Sky Tournament has in store for them.
With the first game of the conference tournament looming, the Vikings are keeping an even keel. Despite playing in front of what should be a mostly hostile crowd, the Portland State women's volleyball team appears to be ready for whatever the Big Sky Tournament has in store for them.
Considering the last two years, it’s hard to argue with them.
Playing in the Big Sky postseason in every year head coach Michael Seeman has been at the helm, the Vikings have enjoyed their time in the tournament.
Playing in the Big Sky postseason in every year head coach Michael Seeman has been at the helm, the Vikings have enjoyed their time in the tournament.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
One beat makes you larger and one beat makes you small
The best part about Canadian rapper turned Portlander Josh Martinez is that he never takes himself too seriously. You can tell if you ever listen to his music or get the pleasure of talking to him that he's a silly dude who's having a lot of fun. In the new video for his song "Underground Pop," featuring Moka Only, the two hip-hoppers channel the late and great Hunter S. Thompson on a Fear and Loathing style trip. The video is directed by Stuey Kubrick, the lesser known and very reclusive nephew of Stanley Kubrick:
This song is pretty rad and the direction is decent, but it's Martinez's acting that completely steals the show. Who knew his legs were so bendy or his eyes so shifty?
This song is pretty rad and the direction is decent, but it's Martinez's acting that completely steals the show. Who knew his legs were so bendy or his eyes so shifty?
Peter Broderick is still amazing and always will be
A long time ago, Peter Broderick used to live in Portland and was a member of folk outfit Horse Feathers. Now, he's living in Europe, collaborating with some incredible musicians and producing his own solo work.
Broderick is one of those artists I will never tire of hearing and, recently, I came across this video for "Below It," a song off his 2008 album Home:
Thank you to Local Cut and Michael Mannheimer at Willamette Week for reminding me just how breathtakingly gorgeous Broderick's music is.
Broderick is one of those artists I will never tire of hearing and, recently, I came across this video for "Below It," a song off his 2008 album Home:
Peter Broderick Below It from Ralph Etter on Vimeo.
Thank you to Local Cut and Michael Mannheimer at Willamette Week for reminding me just how breathtakingly gorgeous Broderick's music is.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
This week's "This Week..."
The final edition of "This Week in Big Sky Football" is up and ready for your listening enjoyment.
Typically, as we've done in week's past, we would also have the weekly teleconference with the conference's football coaches and the media.
However, this week was unlike others for Portland State football. Why, you ask?
That's why.
Typically, as we've done in week's past, we would also have the weekly teleconference with the conference's football coaches and the media.
However, this week was unlike others for Portland State football. Why, you ask?
That's why.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Improv comedy show tonight at the Brody Theater!
by Wendy Shortman
The Corporate Headquarters Improv group performs every second Thursday of every month. This month, they will be introducing a new blend of improv comedy that will be even more predictable then before. Check out the Facebook event page here.
Here's a video of a previous performance. The clip is of a game where three bakers are in the process of baking while interpreting a fast-paced play list of popular songs. There's a bit of a slow start, but it does pick up around the 2:40 mark though when Outkast's "Hey Ya!" comes on. Now that's some funky bread:
The Corporate Headquarters Improv group performs every second Thursday of every month. This month, they will be introducing a new blend of improv comedy that will be even more predictable then before. Check out the Facebook event page here.
Here's a video of a previous performance. The clip is of a game where three bakers are in the process of baking while interpreting a fast-paced play list of popular songs. There's a bit of a slow start, but it does pick up around the 2:40 mark though when Outkast's "Hey Ya!" comes on. Now that's some funky bread:
Solange Knowles covering Dirty Projectors
Holy crap. This sounded cool when I first read about it but, after listening to it, Solange's cover of "Stillness is the Move" may just be my new jam. Pitchfork has it here. This what they have to say about it:"If Solange Knowles isn't sampling Boards of Canada or getting Jay-Z and Beyoncé into Grizzly Bear, she's jamming out to Dirty Projectors. She's been bumping DP so much, in fact, that she decided to go ahead and cover the Brooklyn band's Bitte Orca standout "Stillness Is the Move", which always sounded like a monster R&B track in disguise anyway."
Thanks Pitchfork (jeeze it was hard to type those words).
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"This Week in Big Sky Football"
Another installment of "This Week in Big Sky Football" is available for your listening pleasure. Guests this week are Idaho State coach John Zamberlin, Northern Arizona running back Alex Henderson and David Coulson, executive director of FCS Football for the Sports Network.
The weekly conference call with members of the media and Portland State head coach Jerry Glanville is also up.
Enjoy!
The weekly conference call with members of the media and Portland State head coach Jerry Glanville is also up.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Eco-art happenings this week in Portland
by Bianca Blankenship
As part of National Sustainability Education Week, some events are being held on and off campus this week that should be fun.
This Wednesday at Ivy School in northeast, you can take a West African dance class from 6-7:30 pm and/or a West African drum class from 7:30-9 pm. The dance class asks for a suggested donation of $10-15 and the drum class asks for $15.
If you're not feeling the African rhythms, you can head out Thursday to Bagdad Theater and Pub where the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is happening at 7 pm. Doors open at 5:30, tickets are $8, and the event is 21+. Check out the trailer below:
As part of National Sustainability Education Week, some events are being held on and off campus this week that should be fun.
This Wednesday at Ivy School in northeast, you can take a West African dance class from 6-7:30 pm and/or a West African drum class from 7:30-9 pm. The dance class asks for a suggested donation of $10-15 and the drum class asks for $15.
If you're not feeling the African rhythms, you can head out Thursday to Bagdad Theater and Pub where the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is happening at 7 pm. Doors open at 5:30, tickets are $8, and the event is 21+. Check out the trailer below:
Saturday, November 7, 2009
PSU hockey: Live blogging to earn our keep
Sometimes we here at the Vanguard are forced to earn our cheap plastic media credentials by doing some crazy thing called reporting. Personally, I find it rather presumptuous and demanding, but I really like the pass. It's shiny, and I'm easily amused.
So, tonight we're at the Valley Ice Arena in Beaverton, bringing you, our dear readers, a live-blog glimpse of the second in a two-game series between the Portland State hockey club and the team from the University of Oregon.
Last night's match-up ended in favor of the Ducks, who ran away with the game early with a 5-2 lead after two periods. Halfway into the third, two PSU goals in under a minute made it an interesting 5-4 game, but the Viks couldn't get the puck into the net to tie it up and Oregon skated off the ice with a 6-4 win after an empty-net goal with 10 seconds left.
Read more after the jump!
So, tonight we're at the Valley Ice Arena in Beaverton, bringing you, our dear readers, a live-blog glimpse of the second in a two-game series between the Portland State hockey club and the team from the University of Oregon.
Last night's match-up ended in favor of the Ducks, who ran away with the game early with a 5-2 lead after two periods. Halfway into the third, two PSU goals in under a minute made it an interesting 5-4 game, but the Viks couldn't get the puck into the net to tie it up and Oregon skated off the ice with a 6-4 win after an empty-net goal with 10 seconds left.
Read more after the jump!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Next stop: Soccer championship
That's the title the Portland State women's soccer team earned after closing the season out with a 4-1-2 conference record, and 10-6-3 overall. The Vikings continue into the postseason as conference champs for the second time in school history this weekend, when they will host the Big Sky Championship at PCC-Rock Creek.
The first semifinal match will feature Idaho State against Eastern Washington at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. The first-placed Vikings will then square off against fourth-seeded Northern Arizona at 4 p.m. in a rematch of last year's semifinal. In that meeting, Northern Arizona trumped the Viks with a 1-0 victory.
The winners of each semifinal will have a day to rest before facing off in the championship match on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., with the winner earning the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
This marks the third consecutive postseason appearance by the Vikings' soccer squad--a first in school history. In both 2007 and 2008, the Viks fell in the semifinals. The last time Portland State won the conference title was in 2004 with a record of 4-1-1. That year they lost to Weber State, 2-0, also in the semifinals.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
This Week in Big Sky Football
The weekly audio from the conference call with the media and Portland State football's head coach Jerry Glanville is up and ready for a listen.
Sacramento State's head coach starts off the file, and after Glanville is Big Sky Commissioner Doug Fullerton.
Glanville, who's birthday was today, also appears on this week's edition of "This Week in Big Sky Football."
Joining him on the bill are Sacramento State offensive lineman Clint Lessard and David Coulson, executive director of FCS football for the Sports Network.
Enjoy, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERRY! Can I call you Jerry? Coach? J.G.?
Sacramento State's head coach starts off the file, and after Glanville is Big Sky Commissioner Doug Fullerton.
Glanville, who's birthday was today, also appears on this week's edition of "This Week in Big Sky Football."
Joining him on the bill are Sacramento State offensive lineman Clint Lessard and David Coulson, executive director of FCS football for the Sports Network.
Enjoy, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERRY! Can I call you Jerry? Coach? J.G.?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thoughts on the Northern Colorado football game
by Allison Whited, Vanguard staff
I'm going to continue my new tradition of providing personal commentary about the week's football game in a very relaxed way. I apologize for missing last week, but it was a hectic weekend with family coming in.
At the two practices I was able to attend this week, there was a different tone than that of weeks past. It was as if everyone had a chip on his shoulder, which I suppose they really should.
Offensive coordinator Jim Craft was ripping into his guys for a variety of reasons, mostly I think, because of some poor execution and failed follow-through.
One of the more interesting things I saw was a skirmish between receiver Ray Fry and defensive back Daniel Kinney. Fry was angry about a hit Kinney put on a receiver along the sidelines, and he definitely let Kinney know about it.
In the end, they had to be separated and I noticed Fry missing from practice the next day.
I'm going to continue my new tradition of providing personal commentary about the week's football game in a very relaxed way. I apologize for missing last week, but it was a hectic weekend with family coming in.
At the two practices I was able to attend this week, there was a different tone than that of weeks past. It was as if everyone had a chip on his shoulder, which I suppose they really should.
Offensive coordinator Jim Craft was ripping into his guys for a variety of reasons, mostly I think, because of some poor execution and failed follow-through.
One of the more interesting things I saw was a skirmish between receiver Ray Fry and defensive back Daniel Kinney. Fry was angry about a hit Kinney put on a receiver along the sidelines, and he definitely let Kinney know about it.
In the end, they had to be separated and I noticed Fry missing from practice the next day.
Click below to read more after the jump
Hockey Fight Friday
Sometimes weekends just need a good kick-start to get them going. Other times, they need vintage footage of one of the best parts of hockey--the fights.
So, to help start your weekend off with a BANG, POW and a KA-BLAM-O, here's a classic brawl from the 1989 NHL playoffs between goalie Ron Hextall and Chris Chelios.
And remember kids, goalies are to be feared! There is something inherently wrong with a person that allows others to shoot hard rubber pucks at them for 60 minutes.
So, to help start your weekend off with a BANG, POW and a KA-BLAM-O, here's a classic brawl from the 1989 NHL playoffs between goalie Ron Hextall and Chris Chelios.
And remember kids, goalies are to be feared! There is something inherently wrong with a person that allows others to shoot hard rubber pucks at them for 60 minutes.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
"This Week in Big Sky Football" and coaches conference call podcast, Oct. 7
The weekly conference call with Portland State football's head coach Jerry Glanville is available. This week he's the third coach on the podcast after the head's of Eastern Washington and Sacramento State.
The newest installment of "This Week in Big Sky Football" is also up. The guests this week are Northern Arizona's coach Jerome Souers, Montana State safety Kevin Retoriano and David Coulson, the executive director for the Sports Network.
Enjoy!
The newest installment of "This Week in Big Sky Football" is also up. The guests this week are Northern Arizona's coach Jerome Souers, Montana State safety Kevin Retoriano and David Coulson, the executive director for the Sports Network.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Deep house with SNL
Everything about this video feels kind of wrong but so, so right at the same time:
Anna Ternheim at the Doug Fir
Swedish musician Anna Ternheim played the Doug Fir this past weekend to an eager crowd, instilling a sense of quiet reverence from her audience. Her delicate voice, coupled with a solid backing band comprised of members from Loney, Dear, balanced out into sheer perfection as Ternheim crooned into the dimly lit venue.
Her third studio album, Leaving On Mayday was released on Aug. 11 and showcases her talent not only as a musician and singer, but also as a lyricist. On “Damaged Ones,” she painfully draws out the lines “what keeps you from moving / are you afraid to be loved? / See how my hands shake / I was raised on it like a drug.”
Her expressive voice tugs at your heart, compelling the listener to stay riveted to the sound of her voice sings out over intricate baselines, delicate string parts and atmospheric percussion.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Lenny Kravitz made cooler with the power of Justice
So this is kind of cool. I'm not a huge fan of Lenn Kravitz and his work, but Justice seems to have jazzed this song up enough to make it more interesting. The video is pretty funny too Reminds me a little of Twin Peaks meets West Side Story. I couldn't embed the video, but you can find it here.
The hots for Romero
Introducing Gwen the homeless doll
That’s right. In a move of art, er, toys, imitating life, Mattel has released it’s newest doll, Gwen Thompson, a homeless doll. I knew times in America were hard on a lot of folks, but now dolls too!
According to the book that comes with Gwen, her father lost his job and then left the family. Eventually Gwen and her mom were unfortunately evicted, and now have to sleep in a car.
I suppose this is a good thing. Since homeless populations are on the rise in the country, and unemployment hitting all-time highs, there should be a doll that speaks to the homeless children of our nation. Oh, wait … the Gwen Thompson homeless doll cost $95! I guess then, Gwen is a great tool for educating rich kids about those folks they see on the street, as they ride by in their stretched limos.
Hey, if rich kids can afford to buy a homeless doll, why not take it a step further, and just rent a homeless person to play with until they get tired of it.
According to the book that comes with Gwen, her father lost his job and then left the family. Eventually Gwen and her mom were unfortunately evicted, and now have to sleep in a car.
I suppose this is a good thing. Since homeless populations are on the rise in the country, and unemployment hitting all-time highs, there should be a doll that speaks to the homeless children of our nation. Oh, wait … the Gwen Thompson homeless doll cost $95! I guess then, Gwen is a great tool for educating rich kids about those folks they see on the street, as they ride by in their stretched limos.
Hey, if rich kids can afford to buy a homeless doll, why not take it a step further, and just rent a homeless person to play with until they get tired of it.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Live blogging: PSU hosting Sacramento State
It's an October afternoon at PGE Park and we are ready to see some college football. The crowd is bundled up and--well, sparse to say the lease. But that--and the fact that we here at the sports desk maintain the Internet is a fad--aside, I'm going to try and give live blogging the game a shot.
As we get ready for the coin toss and kickoff, I'll provide a little background. Portland State, 1-3 on the season and 1-1 at home, is coming off a disappointing last-minute loss against Weber State, and Sacramento State, 0-3, is still looking for their first win this year.
Coin flip:
Portland State wins and elects to receive.
More after the jump.
As we get ready for the coin toss and kickoff, I'll provide a little background. Portland State, 1-3 on the season and 1-1 at home, is coming off a disappointing last-minute loss against Weber State, and Sacramento State, 0-3, is still looking for their first win this year.
Coin flip:
Portland State wins and elects to receive.
More after the jump.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Public Service Announcement: Demon's Souls
Attention:
North American servers for Demon's Souls will not be up and running until October 6th. So, if you happen to get a copy of the game early, you will not be able to start playing online until launch day. After that it should be fine, however.
The good folks at Atlus just wanted you all to know; that is all.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Weekly media call and "This Week in Big Sky Football"
That's right folks, it's that time of the week!
Audio from the conference call with Portland State football's head coach Jerry Glanville is up. The file starts off with the end of Eastern Washington's Beau Baldwin taking questions, but then includes the head coach from this Saturday's game--Sacramento State's Marhsall Sperbeck--before Glanville fields questions.
Guests on "This Week in Big Sky Football" include Sperbeck, Idaho State wide receiver Jaron Taylor and David Coulson, executive director of FCS football for the Sports Network.
Enjoy.
Audio from the conference call with Portland State football's head coach Jerry Glanville is up. The file starts off with the end of Eastern Washington's Beau Baldwin taking questions, but then includes the head coach from this Saturday's game--Sacramento State's Marhsall Sperbeck--before Glanville fields questions.
Guests on "This Week in Big Sky Football" include Sperbeck, Idaho State wide receiver Jaron Taylor and David Coulson, executive director of FCS football for the Sports Network.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Viking recognized nationally
Portland State wide reciever and kick returner Aaron Woods was named as both the Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week and the Sports Network's National Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Saturday's game against Weber State.
The press release says it best:
The press release says it best:
Woods returned five kickoffs for 202 yards and a 97-yard touchdown to keep Portland State close in its 36-29 loss to No. 11-ranked Weber State at home. His kickoff return for a touchdown helped the Vikings climb back from a 28-10 deficit late in the third quarter. Woods had five catches for 128 and two TDs, his second scoring catch on a 15-yard pass from quarterback Drew Hubel gave the Vikings the lead with 1:15 remaining.
Woods finished with 330 all-purpose yards. Woods leads the Big Sky Conference with an average of 192.8 all-purpose yards per game, ranking third in the nation in that category. This season, Woods has jumped all the way from 10th to second in career kickoff return yards (1,387) at Portland State. Woods set a school single-season record with 908 kickoff return yards last year.Mike Lund
Assistant Athletics Director
Portland State University
Sunday, September 27, 2009
It Came Down to One Play
Vikings fall to Weber State, 29-36
by Allison Whited, Vanguard Staff
Sad. Deflated. Empty. All of these describe the looks on the faces of the football team after the game Saturday against the Weber State Wildcats.
They should have been proud. They lost by only a single touchdown to last year's conference title holder. They kept running back Trevyn Smith, the conference's current rushing leader, to 30 yards when he came in averaging 115.7 yards per game. They played well after the Montana game, something they have struggled with historically.
Head coach Jerry Glanville said it all after the game: “No comments, just disappointment.”
So what happened?
As the clock wound down to 1:12 in the fourth quarter, the Vikings were ahead by one point, 29-28. Less than twenty minutes before the Vikings had been down 10-28. It had been a scrappy comeback, with special teams, defense, and offense scoring to edge out the Wildcats by that one single point.
All day, Wildcat quarterback Cameron Higgins had been picking on the left side of the secondary. Glanville had originally lined up cornerback DeShawn Shead, who is almost always lined up on the right side of the field, against receiver Tim Toone, but, as Glanville put it, “he kept getting into trouble.”
When Shead couldn't answer the call, Glanville put him back on the right where he's comfortable and called Tracy Ford's number to replace him. According to quarterback Drew Hubel, Ford is a team leader who practices more than anyone else on the team and is heavily laden with heart and soul.
When the Wildcats began their run that would eventually lead to a victory, they did what the defending champs would do. In six plays and 47 seconds, they drove from their own 16 to the Portland State 38, aided by a Vikings' pass interference penalty.
After a Viking timeout, Higgins hit Toone in the end zone for a touchdown. That pass looked like a pick to everyone; Ford jumped up to the ball, was in perfect position, and somehow, someway, the ball sailed through his hands.
“I thought we had a pick,” said Glanville.
Even the Wildcat head coach and quarterback thought it was an interception.
With 55 seconds left in the game, the Vikings were emotionally and physically done. The game ended on an incomplete pass to Aaron Woods.
In a game with so many positives, including Hubel going 17 of 26 for 353 yards and two touchdowns, Ray Fry tearing it up for 196 receiving yards, and freshman fullback Ben Bowen rushing for 100 yards and garnering a gaudy 6.7 yards per rush average, the only thing Glanville's men will be thinking about today is that last play.
Like Hubel said after the game, it shouldn't have come down to that one play to win the game. Bowen had fumbled on the goal line and lost possession. Kicker Zach Brown missed two field goals. The team was penalized ten times for a total of 104 yards. Adjust just a few things, and that's the game.
But sometimes it does come down to just one play. It's a lesson that the Vikings and the Wildcats would do well to learn.
by Allison Whited, Vanguard Staff
Sad. Deflated. Empty. All of these describe the looks on the faces of the football team after the game Saturday against the Weber State Wildcats.
They should have been proud. They lost by only a single touchdown to last year's conference title holder. They kept running back Trevyn Smith, the conference's current rushing leader, to 30 yards when he came in averaging 115.7 yards per game. They played well after the Montana game, something they have struggled with historically.
Head coach Jerry Glanville said it all after the game: “No comments, just disappointment.”
So what happened?
As the clock wound down to 1:12 in the fourth quarter, the Vikings were ahead by one point, 29-28. Less than twenty minutes before the Vikings had been down 10-28. It had been a scrappy comeback, with special teams, defense, and offense scoring to edge out the Wildcats by that one single point.
All day, Wildcat quarterback Cameron Higgins had been picking on the left side of the secondary. Glanville had originally lined up cornerback DeShawn Shead, who is almost always lined up on the right side of the field, against receiver Tim Toone, but, as Glanville put it, “he kept getting into trouble.”
When Shead couldn't answer the call, Glanville put him back on the right where he's comfortable and called Tracy Ford's number to replace him. According to quarterback Drew Hubel, Ford is a team leader who practices more than anyone else on the team and is heavily laden with heart and soul.
When the Wildcats began their run that would eventually lead to a victory, they did what the defending champs would do. In six plays and 47 seconds, they drove from their own 16 to the Portland State 38, aided by a Vikings' pass interference penalty.
After a Viking timeout, Higgins hit Toone in the end zone for a touchdown. That pass looked like a pick to everyone; Ford jumped up to the ball, was in perfect position, and somehow, someway, the ball sailed through his hands.
“I thought we had a pick,” said Glanville.
Even the Wildcat head coach and quarterback thought it was an interception.
With 55 seconds left in the game, the Vikings were emotionally and physically done. The game ended on an incomplete pass to Aaron Woods.
In a game with so many positives, including Hubel going 17 of 26 for 353 yards and two touchdowns, Ray Fry tearing it up for 196 receiving yards, and freshman fullback Ben Bowen rushing for 100 yards and garnering a gaudy 6.7 yards per rush average, the only thing Glanville's men will be thinking about today is that last play.
Like Hubel said after the game, it shouldn't have come down to that one play to win the game. Bowen had fumbled on the goal line and lost possession. Kicker Zach Brown missed two field goals. The team was penalized ten times for a total of 104 yards. Adjust just a few things, and that's the game.
But sometimes it does come down to just one play. It's a lesson that the Vikings and the Wildcats would do well to learn.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Game Thought About Weber State
by Allison Whited, Vanguard Staff
Not that my opinion means much, but from now on, before Saturday's football game, I'm going to write a brief article about how I think the game is going to play out. I will provide some analysis of the opponent and mention what I think will be the key aspects of a Viking victory.
This week's opponent is Weber State. They shared the conference title with Montana last year, so this game is a biggie. In his media call this week, coach Glanville sounded a little bitter about this week's match up. He again and again reiterated that the Vikings have never played well in the game following last week's opponent Montana. Traditionally, the schedule has seen Glanville's men face Montana State after Montana, so this year Glanville asked for a change. This adjustment to the schedule leaves Portland State playing the two conference title holders from last year in consecutive weeks. Ouch.
Weber State has a record of 1-2 with their sole win coming over Big Sky competitor Idaho State. They entered the season with the league's top returning rusher, passer, and receiver.
Opponent Analysis
It will be all eyes on No. 25, running back Trevyn Smith. He is currently fifth on the Big Sky Conference's all-time leading rushers board. He needs just 110 yards tomorrow to move into third. He enters the game averaging 115.7 yards per game. He has also racked up 117 receiving yards so far.
Receiver Tim Toone will be quarterback Cameron Higgins's main target, but I would look for Cody Nakamura to have a good day. He has only 79 receiving yards less than Toone's 263, but twice as many touchdowns. I believe he will have to step up because the Viking secondary is going to put the squeeze on Toone.
The Wildcat defense doesn't strike me as overly stiff. They give up 373 yards of offense per game, and have only registered five sacks on the season. Their strong man on defense, at least statistically, is middle linebacker Taylor Sedillo who has 24 total tackles on the season. That's a respectable, but not mind blowing, 8 per game average, and he has not had a game in which he made more than 10 tackles.
Their secondary also seems a little thin with only three interceptions.
Viking Analysis
Enough can't be said about run defense in this game. If you take away Smith, there is no Wildcat running game. The next leading Weber State rusher is Bo Bolen who has had ten carries for a net 35 yards on the season. The run defense did look good at practice this week, I have to say.
Taking away the run would also force the Wildcats to the air where Higgins does make mistakes; he has thrown seven picks. I've said it many times, but I really like the Viking secondary. It is steady and has big play ability on every snap.
Offensively, the Vikings need to just play their game. Weber State allows an average of 221.7 yards through the air and 151.3 rushing yards per game. I don't want to say specifically what I saw the offense doing this week at practice, but I will say I don't like it. If you have a quarterback you can trust, and I think Hubel is certainly trustworthy, I say take the training wheels off and do it often.
The offensive line will stay strong, despite Moses Punzal's absence and Adam Kleffner's undetermined status. Kyle Ritt did a good job filling in this week, but Manual Rojas missed some stuff and was chastised on a couple of occasions. Lucky for them, the Wildcats don't appear, at least numerically, to have a severe pass rush.
In the End...
For the Vikings to win, they have to play perfect football, something they have not as of yet showed an ability to do. I'm more hopeful than Glanville seemed this week during the media call, but, at the end of the day, it will probably go the Wildcats. Their offense has all three parts working together like a machine.
Not that my opinion means much, but from now on, before Saturday's football game, I'm going to write a brief article about how I think the game is going to play out. I will provide some analysis of the opponent and mention what I think will be the key aspects of a Viking victory.
This week's opponent is Weber State. They shared the conference title with Montana last year, so this game is a biggie. In his media call this week, coach Glanville sounded a little bitter about this week's match up. He again and again reiterated that the Vikings have never played well in the game following last week's opponent Montana. Traditionally, the schedule has seen Glanville's men face Montana State after Montana, so this year Glanville asked for a change. This adjustment to the schedule leaves Portland State playing the two conference title holders from last year in consecutive weeks. Ouch.
Weber State has a record of 1-2 with their sole win coming over Big Sky competitor Idaho State. They entered the season with the league's top returning rusher, passer, and receiver.
Opponent Analysis
It will be all eyes on No. 25, running back Trevyn Smith. He is currently fifth on the Big Sky Conference's all-time leading rushers board. He needs just 110 yards tomorrow to move into third. He enters the game averaging 115.7 yards per game. He has also racked up 117 receiving yards so far.
Receiver Tim Toone will be quarterback Cameron Higgins's main target, but I would look for Cody Nakamura to have a good day. He has only 79 receiving yards less than Toone's 263, but twice as many touchdowns. I believe he will have to step up because the Viking secondary is going to put the squeeze on Toone.
The Wildcat defense doesn't strike me as overly stiff. They give up 373 yards of offense per game, and have only registered five sacks on the season. Their strong man on defense, at least statistically, is middle linebacker Taylor Sedillo who has 24 total tackles on the season. That's a respectable, but not mind blowing, 8 per game average, and he has not had a game in which he made more than 10 tackles.
Their secondary also seems a little thin with only three interceptions.
Viking Analysis
Enough can't be said about run defense in this game. If you take away Smith, there is no Wildcat running game. The next leading Weber State rusher is Bo Bolen who has had ten carries for a net 35 yards on the season. The run defense did look good at practice this week, I have to say.
Taking away the run would also force the Wildcats to the air where Higgins does make mistakes; he has thrown seven picks. I've said it many times, but I really like the Viking secondary. It is steady and has big play ability on every snap.
Offensively, the Vikings need to just play their game. Weber State allows an average of 221.7 yards through the air and 151.3 rushing yards per game. I don't want to say specifically what I saw the offense doing this week at practice, but I will say I don't like it. If you have a quarterback you can trust, and I think Hubel is certainly trustworthy, I say take the training wheels off and do it often.
The offensive line will stay strong, despite Moses Punzal's absence and Adam Kleffner's undetermined status. Kyle Ritt did a good job filling in this week, but Manual Rojas missed some stuff and was chastised on a couple of occasions. Lucky for them, the Wildcats don't appear, at least numerically, to have a severe pass rush.
In the End...
For the Vikings to win, they have to play perfect football, something they have not as of yet showed an ability to do. I'm more hopeful than Glanville seemed this week during the media call, but, at the end of the day, it will probably go the Wildcats. Their offense has all three parts working together like a machine.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tonight's the night...at the Stott
As a part of new student week, Campus Rec is hosting their annual Night at the Stott event this evening from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The event is free and features a shrimp boil as well as a laundry list of activities, including rock climbing, personal training, yoga, basketball and soccer.
As part of the fun, the aquatics program is sponsoring a "Dive in Movie," where they will project Yes Man on the two-story wall of the pool.
So, bring your Speedo and feed your Zooey Deschanel addiction while getting your swim on.
As part of the fun, the aquatics program is sponsoring a "Dive in Movie," where they will project Yes Man on the two-story wall of the pool.
So, bring your Speedo and feed your Zooey Deschanel addiction while getting your swim on.
Summer Game Awards
Now that Summer is drawing to a close and the Fall season of games is practically upon us, it's a good time to look back on the last few months and reflect on what worked and what didn’t. But please note: these are not the ‘best of summer’ game awards, nor are they the worst. Think of them as more of a smattering of lesser known and not-so-lesser known releases that all won (or in some cases, won by losing) various awards of my choosing.
So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road.
Best game destined to fade into obscurity:
Knights in the Nightmare
Atlus
Nintendo DS
4 out of 5 stars
Only Atlus could bring a game like Knights in the Nightmare stateside. The concept almost sounds like parody mish-mash of everything that screams hardcore Japanese—take the stat-based complexities of a strat-RPG, throw them in a real-time setting (sorta) and add a hefty dose of touch screen schmup action (no, I’m not joking) and you’ve got the basic genetic makeup of Knights.
See the little blue thing? You have to keep those bullets from hitting it. And that's an easy monster.
You play a wisp that’s been awakened to revive the dead spirits of knights from a fallen kingdom. In battle, your royal army of shades is controlled by the wisp, who issues orders to the knights by zipping around the screen, arming them with weapons, collecting gems (which refill your character’s MPs) and—wait for it—dodging projectile bullets from monsters. Despite its seemingly at-odds genre amalgamations, though, Knights works rather well. Recruiting the souls of dead knights to join your army is fun, the job classes interesting and the gameplay experience is pretty much unlike anything else out there. It's so niche, in fact, that it’s probably already passed from store shelves into the gloom of a withering retail dusk. If you’re looking for something very unique, Knights is definitely worth tracking down.
Worst reboot:
King of Fighters XII
Ignition Entertainment
PS3, Xbox 360
3 out of 5 stars
Some people may argue with me when I say that King of Fighters XII is the worst retooling of a series to hit stores this summer (especially given the hype it received). That’s fair. At its core, there’s solid design behind KoF XII. Characters contrast and complement each other, the three-on-three bouts and fighting mechanics work well, the game doesn’t resort to being too cheap and the difficulty is balanced. But that’s not the real problem. See, KoF XII is one of those rare cases where less actually is less (as opposed to being more). To put it more bluntly, the game only has a single arcade mode, and it’s entirely bereft of any kind of story or variation.
Sure, KoF XII is pretty, but...well, that's almost everything it has going for it.
Arcade mode is, in fact, nothing more than a time trial; pick your three favorite fighters (from a sadly diminished roster—seriously, where the fuck is Mai?), fight five timed bouts and, uhm, compare your scores. There’s no resolution, other than an HD cutscene telling you that you’ve won. No boss. Nothing. Outside of arcade mode, there’s you can play multiplayer matches head-to-head or online, leaving you with a game you can wholly experience in ten minutes. I’d advise waiting for the bargain bin. It might be a fine fighter at its base, but for what you get, KoF XII is just a disappointment. Pick up Blazblue instead.
Best Superhero game that isn’t Batman:
InFamous
SCEA
PS3
4.5 out of 5 stars
The genre of original superhero titles may not exactly be spilling over with a constant influx of new games, but the InFamous Vs. Prototype debate brought the concept to the fore this summer, before Bats wowed us all with the deliciously dark Arkham Asylum. And as much as I (surprisingly) enjoyed the hell out of Alex Mercer’s uber violent, nonsensical rampage through Manhattan, InFamous edges Prototype out with superior design, art direction and one hell of a polish. As Cole, an ordinary courier imbued with lightening powers after a bomb detonates in the center of Empire City. After a government quarantine kicks in, you have the option to either use your powers for good or evil. What ensues are a lot of superpowered shenanigans, double crosses, twists, etc.
The draw distance isn't even remotely close to the most impressive thing about InFamous.
The GTA-style open world works well for the game, but where InFamous really shines is in its fluid platforming and animation. The frequent combat is great, as well, but there’s just as much of an emphasis on clambering up buildings and across areas as there is with pumping your enemies with electricity. And did I mention this game is gorgeous? The only downside to InFamous is that it seems clearly geared towards playing as a good guy, since Cole’s motivations for being evil, should you choose to do so, are slim to none. Sucker Punch’s PS3 debut has been long awaited, but it was well worth it—this is one of PS3’s best.
Worst movie-tie in:
Up
THQ
PS3, Xbox 360
2.5 out of 5 stars
Movie tie-in games are almost always bad. Really bad. For some reason, I thought that Up might not be. I guess I had been thinking about the overwhelming pathos of the film, and how cool it could have been if it had been translated into game format. Think about it. How great would it be to have played as Carl in the opening stage, simply sitting on a park bench, or walking contemplatively along a deserted waterfront thinking of his recently departed wife Ellie? Rendered with something akin to Capcom’s MT Framework engine, which brought us the likes of Dead Rising and Lost Planet? I don’t have to tell you how awesome it would’ve been. Instead we get an opening fighter plane level with Dug trying to shoot down Charles Muntz’ evil henchdogs in something a PS2 might have rendered if it crapped all over itself.
Don't expect THQ's Up game to look anything like this.
Then we’re forced to a plodding, forced co-op (and worst of all, boring) platformer with poorly programmed enemies and the like. I know this is supposed to be for kids, but even kids like to have fun. While there technically isn’t anything wrong with the gameplay, it’s too ho-hum to be anything more than utterly forgettable. Not even pretty significant involvement of the cast can save this one from the dredges of mediocrity, and quite frankly, Christopher Plummer, you should fuckin’ know better. Pass.
Best “able to live up to the hype” game:
Ghostbusters
Atari
PS3, Xbox 360
4.5 out of 5 stars
This is a no brainer. After almost (possibly) never seeing the light of day, Ghostbusters clawed its way to the top of heap to become one of the best games of the summer, and certainly the best movie tie-in without an actual film behind it. Basically Ghostbusters is the third film in the series, just minus the celluloid, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. Taking place two years after Ghostbusters II (that’s 1991 for all you kids keeping track) Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis co-wrote a stellar script with enough scares (inasmuch as the films have scares, which is to say none), laughs, familiar faces and science jargon for any self-respecting ‘Busters fan to keep ‘em from rioting in the streets, which very well might’ve happened had the game sucked.
Aykroyd and Ramis pulled out all the stops to make Ghostbusters an entertaining experience.
Surprisingly, you don’t even play one of the original four—rather instead a rookie the boys hired to essentially do their dirty work and test new proton pack modifications. Missions generally involve splitting off and teaming with one or two of the crew at a time; “Lassoing” spooks into ghost traps is a surprising amount of fun, and even when you’re using one of Egon’s new proton pack toys, a lot of which have different gun-style effects, the classic Ghostbusters tone and feel never goes away. In short, this is about as close to being as Ghostbuster as you’ll ever get. Oddly, despite Bill Murray’s insistence on only doing the game if everyone had an equal part, Venkman’s part in the game seems somewhat limited, which is a goddamn shame (since Bill Murray is in fact a god among men). Still, the anticipation had been building so much for Ghostbusters that it could have ended up a total disaster. Thankfully, it didn’t.
Best use of Tokyo:
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Atlus
Nintendo DS
4.5 out of 5 stars
Ahh, Tokyo. Next to New York and, uhm, Neo-Tokyo (or some approximation thereof) it’s probably the town most often used in games as a site for plague, famine, nuclear war, post-apocalypitca and of course, demons. Devil Survivor, unlike most MegaTen games, is set inside central Tokyo, or more specifically within the Yamanote line circle that encloses the area. Basically, if you’ve ever been to the Tokyo, the gang of COMP-packing teens you play is going to be running around in all the hip places you’ve likely spent time in, from Shinjuku to Roppongi. Only there’s a cataclysmic event that’s going to happen in a number of days, everyone’s walking around with a death clock and there are demons everywhere.
That's Omotesando in the background, in case you were wondering.
In the gameplay department, Devil Survivor takes a different tack than Persona or Digital Devil Saga, (though it’s closer to the former) by acting as a strat-RPG more than anything else. Battles are set up in a fashion similar to Front Mission, meaning you move your units (consisting of a demon handler and up to two demons in their possession) and enter old-school Persona-style battles upon enemy contact, rather than simply trading blows a la Final Fantasy Tactics (additionally this means health items and special summoned demon abilities can be used outside of skirmishes). Like any Atlus game, it’s challenging, the art style is great but you’ll have to grind a lot. The story, characterizations and localization are, as usual, up to Atlus' extremely high standards, however. And who doesn’t like saying, “Hey, I’ve been there,” when they’re playing a game?
Best idea that didn’t quite come together:
Cross Edge
NIS America
PS3
2 out of 5 stars
Cross Edge seems like it started out as a good idea. It has characters from Disgaea (Prinnies!) and Darkstalkers, as well as the, uhm, more obscure Ar Tonelico, Mana Khemia and Spectral Souls games. All mished mashed together, like an ultra-hardcore-niche version of Namco X Capcom (whose import-only status should tell of its own decidedly less-than-mainstream appeal). Still, for fans of these RPG (and…fighting?) series, seeing your favorite characters join forces together should be exciting. Right? Maybe. But then you start playing. What might tip you off first is that despite being HD as hell, Cross Edge looks like a damn PS2 game. The sprites are tiny and don’t show much movement. Even the character portraits aren’t terribly exciting, with only one major expression to each character. The story revolves around everyone from their respective universes getting amnesia and ending up in a magical realm where there’s an evil force trying to destroy all existence. In any case, you’ve heard it all before.
What a fucking nightmare.
Then the battles start. Oh, lord, the battles. Cross Edge has, without a doubt, one of the worst battle systems of any RPG I’ve played. And I’ve played a lot of RPGS. It’s kind of like a four-ally quasi-real-time system similar to Valkyrie Profile or Xenogears, on a broad level. But then the nitty gritty basics start. There’s a gauge for taking actions. All actions take AP (even using items). You’re only allotted a certain amount of AP per turn, and there’s a gauge that measures it. In addition to basic moves mapped the Dualshock’s face buttons, you can also perform EX moves, but they take as much AP as three regular attacks do. There’s a level measuring that. On the defensive side, there’s overkill and guard break meters, as well as no less than four different measurements of defensive power that are depleted with enemy attacks. Then there’s combo attacks. Following all this? I sure as hell can’t. After about hour you’ll probably give up—between the nuclear physicist degree prereq and the tepid story and gameplay, Cross Edge just wants to be too many things for too many people, which ultimately ends up destroying any fun you might have had with it to begin with.
So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road.
Best game destined to fade into obscurity:
Knights in the Nightmare
Atlus
Nintendo DS
4 out of 5 stars
Only Atlus could bring a game like Knights in the Nightmare stateside. The concept almost sounds like parody mish-mash of everything that screams hardcore Japanese—take the stat-based complexities of a strat-RPG, throw them in a real-time setting (sorta) and add a hefty dose of touch screen schmup action (no, I’m not joking) and you’ve got the basic genetic makeup of Knights.
You play a wisp that’s been awakened to revive the dead spirits of knights from a fallen kingdom. In battle, your royal army of shades is controlled by the wisp, who issues orders to the knights by zipping around the screen, arming them with weapons, collecting gems (which refill your character’s MPs) and—wait for it—dodging projectile bullets from monsters. Despite its seemingly at-odds genre amalgamations, though, Knights works rather well. Recruiting the souls of dead knights to join your army is fun, the job classes interesting and the gameplay experience is pretty much unlike anything else out there. It's so niche, in fact, that it’s probably already passed from store shelves into the gloom of a withering retail dusk. If you’re looking for something very unique, Knights is definitely worth tracking down.
Worst reboot:
King of Fighters XII
Ignition Entertainment
PS3, Xbox 360
3 out of 5 stars
Some people may argue with me when I say that King of Fighters XII is the worst retooling of a series to hit stores this summer (especially given the hype it received). That’s fair. At its core, there’s solid design behind KoF XII. Characters contrast and complement each other, the three-on-three bouts and fighting mechanics work well, the game doesn’t resort to being too cheap and the difficulty is balanced. But that’s not the real problem. See, KoF XII is one of those rare cases where less actually is less (as opposed to being more). To put it more bluntly, the game only has a single arcade mode, and it’s entirely bereft of any kind of story or variation.
Arcade mode is, in fact, nothing more than a time trial; pick your three favorite fighters (from a sadly diminished roster—seriously, where the fuck is Mai?), fight five timed bouts and, uhm, compare your scores. There’s no resolution, other than an HD cutscene telling you that you’ve won. No boss. Nothing. Outside of arcade mode, there’s you can play multiplayer matches head-to-head or online, leaving you with a game you can wholly experience in ten minutes. I’d advise waiting for the bargain bin. It might be a fine fighter at its base, but for what you get, KoF XII is just a disappointment. Pick up Blazblue instead.
Best Superhero game that isn’t Batman:
InFamous
SCEA
PS3
4.5 out of 5 stars
The genre of original superhero titles may not exactly be spilling over with a constant influx of new games, but the InFamous Vs. Prototype debate brought the concept to the fore this summer, before Bats wowed us all with the deliciously dark Arkham Asylum. And as much as I (surprisingly) enjoyed the hell out of Alex Mercer’s uber violent, nonsensical rampage through Manhattan, InFamous edges Prototype out with superior design, art direction and one hell of a polish. As Cole, an ordinary courier imbued with lightening powers after a bomb detonates in the center of Empire City. After a government quarantine kicks in, you have the option to either use your powers for good or evil. What ensues are a lot of superpowered shenanigans, double crosses, twists, etc.
The GTA-style open world works well for the game, but where InFamous really shines is in its fluid platforming and animation. The frequent combat is great, as well, but there’s just as much of an emphasis on clambering up buildings and across areas as there is with pumping your enemies with electricity. And did I mention this game is gorgeous? The only downside to InFamous is that it seems clearly geared towards playing as a good guy, since Cole’s motivations for being evil, should you choose to do so, are slim to none. Sucker Punch’s PS3 debut has been long awaited, but it was well worth it—this is one of PS3’s best.
Worst movie-tie in:
Up
THQ
PS3, Xbox 360
2.5 out of 5 stars
Movie tie-in games are almost always bad. Really bad. For some reason, I thought that Up might not be. I guess I had been thinking about the overwhelming pathos of the film, and how cool it could have been if it had been translated into game format. Think about it. How great would it be to have played as Carl in the opening stage, simply sitting on a park bench, or walking contemplatively along a deserted waterfront thinking of his recently departed wife Ellie? Rendered with something akin to Capcom’s MT Framework engine, which brought us the likes of Dead Rising and Lost Planet? I don’t have to tell you how awesome it would’ve been. Instead we get an opening fighter plane level with Dug trying to shoot down Charles Muntz’ evil henchdogs in something a PS2 might have rendered if it crapped all over itself.
Then we’re forced to a plodding, forced co-op (and worst of all, boring) platformer with poorly programmed enemies and the like. I know this is supposed to be for kids, but even kids like to have fun. While there technically isn’t anything wrong with the gameplay, it’s too ho-hum to be anything more than utterly forgettable. Not even pretty significant involvement of the cast can save this one from the dredges of mediocrity, and quite frankly, Christopher Plummer, you should fuckin’ know better. Pass.
Best “able to live up to the hype” game:
Ghostbusters
Atari
PS3, Xbox 360
4.5 out of 5 stars
This is a no brainer. After almost (possibly) never seeing the light of day, Ghostbusters clawed its way to the top of heap to become one of the best games of the summer, and certainly the best movie tie-in without an actual film behind it. Basically Ghostbusters is the third film in the series, just minus the celluloid, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. Taking place two years after Ghostbusters II (that’s 1991 for all you kids keeping track) Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis co-wrote a stellar script with enough scares (inasmuch as the films have scares, which is to say none), laughs, familiar faces and science jargon for any self-respecting ‘Busters fan to keep ‘em from rioting in the streets, which very well might’ve happened had the game sucked.
Surprisingly, you don’t even play one of the original four—rather instead a rookie the boys hired to essentially do their dirty work and test new proton pack modifications. Missions generally involve splitting off and teaming with one or two of the crew at a time; “Lassoing” spooks into ghost traps is a surprising amount of fun, and even when you’re using one of Egon’s new proton pack toys, a lot of which have different gun-style effects, the classic Ghostbusters tone and feel never goes away. In short, this is about as close to being as Ghostbuster as you’ll ever get. Oddly, despite Bill Murray’s insistence on only doing the game if everyone had an equal part, Venkman’s part in the game seems somewhat limited, which is a goddamn shame (since Bill Murray is in fact a god among men). Still, the anticipation had been building so much for Ghostbusters that it could have ended up a total disaster. Thankfully, it didn’t.
Best use of Tokyo:
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Atlus
Nintendo DS
4.5 out of 5 stars
Ahh, Tokyo. Next to New York and, uhm, Neo-Tokyo (or some approximation thereof) it’s probably the town most often used in games as a site for plague, famine, nuclear war, post-apocalypitca and of course, demons. Devil Survivor, unlike most MegaTen games, is set inside central Tokyo, or more specifically within the Yamanote line circle that encloses the area. Basically, if you’ve ever been to the Tokyo, the gang of COMP-packing teens you play is going to be running around in all the hip places you’ve likely spent time in, from Shinjuku to Roppongi. Only there’s a cataclysmic event that’s going to happen in a number of days, everyone’s walking around with a death clock and there are demons everywhere.
In the gameplay department, Devil Survivor takes a different tack than Persona or Digital Devil Saga, (though it’s closer to the former) by acting as a strat-RPG more than anything else. Battles are set up in a fashion similar to Front Mission, meaning you move your units (consisting of a demon handler and up to two demons in their possession) and enter old-school Persona-style battles upon enemy contact, rather than simply trading blows a la Final Fantasy Tactics (additionally this means health items and special summoned demon abilities can be used outside of skirmishes). Like any Atlus game, it’s challenging, the art style is great but you’ll have to grind a lot. The story, characterizations and localization are, as usual, up to Atlus' extremely high standards, however. And who doesn’t like saying, “Hey, I’ve been there,” when they’re playing a game?
Best idea that didn’t quite come together:
Cross Edge
NIS America
PS3
2 out of 5 stars
Cross Edge seems like it started out as a good idea. It has characters from Disgaea (Prinnies!) and Darkstalkers, as well as the, uhm, more obscure Ar Tonelico, Mana Khemia and Spectral Souls games. All mished mashed together, like an ultra-hardcore-niche version of Namco X Capcom (whose import-only status should tell of its own decidedly less-than-mainstream appeal). Still, for fans of these RPG (and…fighting?) series, seeing your favorite characters join forces together should be exciting. Right? Maybe. But then you start playing. What might tip you off first is that despite being HD as hell, Cross Edge looks like a damn PS2 game. The sprites are tiny and don’t show much movement. Even the character portraits aren’t terribly exciting, with only one major expression to each character. The story revolves around everyone from their respective universes getting amnesia and ending up in a magical realm where there’s an evil force trying to destroy all existence. In any case, you’ve heard it all before.
Then the battles start. Oh, lord, the battles. Cross Edge has, without a doubt, one of the worst battle systems of any RPG I’ve played. And I’ve played a lot of RPGS. It’s kind of like a four-ally quasi-real-time system similar to Valkyrie Profile or Xenogears, on a broad level. But then the nitty gritty basics start. There’s a gauge for taking actions. All actions take AP (even using items). You’re only allotted a certain amount of AP per turn, and there’s a gauge that measures it. In addition to basic moves mapped the Dualshock’s face buttons, you can also perform EX moves, but they take as much AP as three regular attacks do. There’s a level measuring that. On the defensive side, there’s overkill and guard break meters, as well as no less than four different measurements of defensive power that are depleted with enemy attacks. Then there’s combo attacks. Following all this? I sure as hell can’t. After about hour you’ll probably give up—between the nuclear physicist degree prereq and the tepid story and gameplay, Cross Edge just wants to be too many things for too many people, which ultimately ends up destroying any fun you might have had with it to begin with.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
This Week in Big Sky Football
Another edition of "This Week in Big Sky Football" is up on the Interwebs. Guests on the show this week include Weber State running back Trevyn Smith, Montana State coach Rob Ash and Big Sky Conference Assistant Commissioner Jon Kasper.
Portland State head coach Jerry Glanville's conference call with the media is also available. Sacramento State's Marshall Sperbeck is on the call before Glanville, so unless you want to hear about the Hornets' bye week, fast forward to the half-way point.
Enjoy!
Portland State head coach Jerry Glanville's conference call with the media is also available. Sacramento State's Marshall Sperbeck is on the call before Glanville, so unless you want to hear about the Hornets' bye week, fast forward to the half-way point.
Enjoy!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Weekly conference call with Jerry Glanville
This week's conference call with the media and Portland State football's head coach Jerry Glanville is up.
There's also a new edition of "This Week in Big Sky Football" with Commissioner Doug Fullerton, Northern Colorado's head coach Scott Downing and David Coulson of the Sports Network.
Enjoy.
There's also a new edition of "This Week in Big Sky Football" with Commissioner Doug Fullerton, Northern Colorado's head coach Scott Downing and David Coulson of the Sports Network.
Enjoy.
OMG More about bikes!
So, in a crazy turn of events, the Flaming Lips are apparently filming a music video in Portland and they want YOU to be in it. BikePortland.org had this to say:
The plan for the shoot makes Portland’s annual naked bike events sound fairly run of the mill. “I’m having one of my giant space bubbles covered in fake fox fur,” [Wayne] Coyne said. “Its going to look like some giant fur egg, and the people on bicycles are gonna sort of be born and erupt out of this fur, vaginalistic thing.”
Coyne in a “giant space bubble.”
...The video is being made for the final song, called “Watching the Planets,” on the Flaming Lips’ upcoming album appropriately titled Embryonic. The song is “an epic…march, almost. It goes on this hypnotic groove,” Coyne said. The video’s concept is still emerging: “Maybe I’ll even get naked for the video, too. I don’t even know how it ends — maybe it ends with them all getting clothed and making me get naked and shoving me back into the giant fur egg. I just came up with that right now.”
The shoot is from 10am to 10pm on Wednesday, September 23rd. Participation is on a drop-in basis. The sign-in table will be the basketball courts near the top of Mount Tabor.
Giant fur egg? Simulated birth? I'm there...
I went to the naked bike ride. It was amazing. Getting the Flaming Lips and a camera involved could only make that kind of situation more epic.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bladen Country showcase at MFNW!
I love Bladen County. They put out good music by good people like Y La Bamba and Alan Singley. For this reason, I am pretty excited for their ginormous showcase at Musicfest NW this Saturday. It's taking place at Rontom's at 2:30 and won't be over till late into the night. Sixteen bands, zines, and a whole lot of love. In preparation for the showcase, Bladen County has put together this dandy little compilation album for free. I suggest you go here and download it immediately.
Biking and beer? Yup, welcome to Portland...
In typical fashion for a city filled with bike enthusiasts and brewers, Hopworks Urban Brewery is hosting a free, all-day bike-in Oktoberfest on September 19. The March Fourth Marching band will be playing some sick jams and the Sprockettes, a bike dance troupe, will be there too. I have no idea what a bike dance troupe is, but it sounds both entertaining and dangerous (two things that generally make for a good performance).There will also be a plethora of other bike related activities for the whole family, some more live bands on a "keg-supported stage" and two new organic beers being unveiled. It's a little overwhelming just typing all of that. Bring your bike, grab a beer and try not to crash on your way home.
Ride Oregon has more information here.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fradella earns fifth Player of the Week
For the second straight week, Vikings' setter Nique Fradella has been chosen as the Big Sky Player of the Week.
Press release, take it away:
Press release, take it away:
Portland State’s Nique Fradella has claimed her second straight Big Sky Player of the Week award for matches played the week of Sept. 7-14.
The Vikings won the Circus Circus Invitational in Reno, Nev. last week and Fradella was tabbed the MVP after notching 11.00 assists per set, and hitting .429 over the tournament. Portland State defeated Sam Houston State, UC Davis and host Nevada to take home the title. Earlier in the week, the Vikings took No. 12 Oregon to four sets before falling on the Ducks’ homecourts.
The senior setter notched 151 total assists, 28 digs and seven blocks on the week. She averaged 10.07 assists and 1.87 digs per set. In a 3-1 win over UC Davis on Saturday afternoon, Fradella recorded her third double-double of the season with 43 assists and 10 digs. She connected on 5-of-7 attempts for a .571 hitting percentage, and added three blocks and two service aces.
Fradella followed that up with 46 assists on Saturday evening as Portland State closed out the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Nevada. She started the week with 30 assists against Oregon. On Friday, she had 32 assists, two blocks and five kills as Portland State shut out Sam Houston State.
The native of Lake Arrowheard, Calif. has won the weekly award five times in her career. She was also honored twice in 2007 and once as a freshman in 2006.
Autumn L. Wehr
Big Sky Conference
Brown earns Big Sky recognition
Vikings' kicker Zach Brown was chosen today as the Big Sky Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Saturday's game against Southern Oregon.
Straight from the press release:
Also nominated for this week's honors were junior quarterback Drew Hubel and sophomore linebacker Ryan Rau.
Straight from the press release:
Brown, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound freshman from Keizer, Ore., booted field goals of 52 and 46 yards in Portland State’s 34-10 victory over Southern Oregon. Brown’s 52-yard field goal came in the second quarter and put the Vikings up 17-3. It was the longest field goal by a Portland State kicker in 22 years and was 3-yards shy of tying the school record. Brown added the 46-yarder in the fourth quarter. Brown was also 4-for-4 on extra points and finished the game with 10 points. This is the first Player of the Week honor for Brown.Jon Kasper
Assistant Commisioner/Media Relations
Big Sky Conference
Also nominated for this week's honors were junior quarterback Drew Hubel and sophomore linebacker Ryan Rau.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Success at Home
Viks pull off overwhelming win over Southern Oregon
by Allison Whited
Vanguard Staff
PGE Park on a warm Saturday afternoon in September was meant to be home to a football game. Head coach Jerry Glanville seemed to think the same thing as he led his team to a 34-10 victory over the Southern Oregon University Raiders.
Though it seems to be a strong win and therefore a good indicator of the team's ability, Glanville had no problem finding fault with his team, and justifiably so.
First, there were the six turnovers. Quarterback Drew Hubel threw two interceptions in the third quarter and wide receiver Aaron Woods had three fumbles on punt and kick returns.
Next was the lack of a score coming from the red zone. Last year, the team ranked last in the Big Sky Conference in red-zone offense.
Penalties? Nine flags for 85 yards, including a boneheaded roughing the kicker penalty on a punt that returned possession to Raiders.
Lastly, according to Glanville, the freshmen played like freshmen. Evidence of this came on the Raiders' only touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, outside linebacker Joel Sisler blew his coverage and allowed a 75-yard pass to speedy receiver Vance Beach.
Despite the obvious negatives, plenty of positives came out of this game.
The first, as Glanville agrees, is the performance of kicker Zach Brown. Last year he traveled listed as an emergency punter, but after this game, it seems like kicking is his niche. He hit field goals from 52 and 46 yards today that would have been good from several more yards out. He also barely missed a 42 yarder.
“We found our kicker today,” Glanville said.
Second would have to be the overall performance of the defense. They stifled the opposing offense and allowed them to complete just 16 of 41 attempted passes. Seniors Erik Pedersen and Jermaine Jacobs had six and five tackles, respectively, assisted and unassisted, while fellow senior Ryan Pedersen racked up five solo tackles, including two tackles for a loss.
The defense also kept a Raiders rushing attack that garnered 242 yards in their season opener to a miserable 12 yards despite 34 hand offs.
When asked about how he felt the defense performed, Erik Pedersen replied that “[they] did pretty good” considering they had to play through 75 offensive snaps. The defense also allowed the Raiders to only convert on six of their 22 attempts at third down.
Another bright spot in the Vikings' game plan was the ability to convert third downs. Though last year they ranked last in the conference with just a 33 percent success rate, in this game they converted on six of 11 attempts for a healthy 54 percent rate.
Last but not least was the explosive play of the defense. On the first possession of the first quarter, Hubel threw a 96 yard touchdown pass to Woods. On the very next one, he threw a 91 yard touchdown pass over the middle to receiver Lavonte Kirven, who showcased soft, beautiful hands throughout the game.
Next week will be a true test of Glanville's Vikings. They will compete against Montana in Missoula in their first conference game.
Glanville says he will inform the squad on Monday that preseason is officially over and that the one-and-one record they have amassed so far doesn't mean anything.
Erik Pedersen, for one, is happy to be getting such a big game out of the way so early in the season.
Montana is "a team that gains momentum as the season goes along. We're still healthy and have a lot of guys ready to hit,” he said.
Montana is the team to beat in the Big Sky, considering they have won or shared the last 11 conference titles. In last year's match up between the two teams, the Grizzlies controlled the ball for a little over 43 minutes. For the Vikings to have any chance at winning, they will have to keep their defense off the field and have a solid day against the run, preventing another 300-plus yard rushing day for the annual conference favorite.
Senior Lavonte Kirven caught three passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's game against Southern Oregon, including this 42-yard touchdown reception.
Photo by Aaron Leopold,
Vanguard Staff
by Allison Whited
Vanguard Staff
PGE Park on a warm Saturday afternoon in September was meant to be home to a football game. Head coach Jerry Glanville seemed to think the same thing as he led his team to a 34-10 victory over the Southern Oregon University Raiders.
Though it seems to be a strong win and therefore a good indicator of the team's ability, Glanville had no problem finding fault with his team, and justifiably so.
First, there were the six turnovers. Quarterback Drew Hubel threw two interceptions in the third quarter and wide receiver Aaron Woods had three fumbles on punt and kick returns.
Next was the lack of a score coming from the red zone. Last year, the team ranked last in the Big Sky Conference in red-zone offense.
Penalties? Nine flags for 85 yards, including a boneheaded roughing the kicker penalty on a punt that returned possession to Raiders.
Lastly, according to Glanville, the freshmen played like freshmen. Evidence of this came on the Raiders' only touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, outside linebacker Joel Sisler blew his coverage and allowed a 75-yard pass to speedy receiver Vance Beach.
Despite the obvious negatives, plenty of positives came out of this game.
The first, as Glanville agrees, is the performance of kicker Zach Brown. Last year he traveled listed as an emergency punter, but after this game, it seems like kicking is his niche. He hit field goals from 52 and 46 yards today that would have been good from several more yards out. He also barely missed a 42 yarder.
“We found our kicker today,” Glanville said.
Second would have to be the overall performance of the defense. They stifled the opposing offense and allowed them to complete just 16 of 41 attempted passes. Seniors Erik Pedersen and Jermaine Jacobs had six and five tackles, respectively, assisted and unassisted, while fellow senior Ryan Pedersen racked up five solo tackles, including two tackles for a loss.
The defense also kept a Raiders rushing attack that garnered 242 yards in their season opener to a miserable 12 yards despite 34 hand offs.
When asked about how he felt the defense performed, Erik Pedersen replied that “[they] did pretty good” considering they had to play through 75 offensive snaps. The defense also allowed the Raiders to only convert on six of their 22 attempts at third down.
Another bright spot in the Vikings' game plan was the ability to convert third downs. Though last year they ranked last in the conference with just a 33 percent success rate, in this game they converted on six of 11 attempts for a healthy 54 percent rate.
Last but not least was the explosive play of the defense. On the first possession of the first quarter, Hubel threw a 96 yard touchdown pass to Woods. On the very next one, he threw a 91 yard touchdown pass over the middle to receiver Lavonte Kirven, who showcased soft, beautiful hands throughout the game.
Next week will be a true test of Glanville's Vikings. They will compete against Montana in Missoula in their first conference game.
Glanville says he will inform the squad on Monday that preseason is officially over and that the one-and-one record they have amassed so far doesn't mean anything.
Erik Pedersen, for one, is happy to be getting such a big game out of the way so early in the season.
Montana is "a team that gains momentum as the season goes along. We're still healthy and have a lot of guys ready to hit,” he said.
Montana is the team to beat in the Big Sky, considering they have won or shared the last 11 conference titles. In last year's match up between the two teams, the Grizzlies controlled the ball for a little over 43 minutes. For the Vikings to have any chance at winning, they will have to keep their defense off the field and have a solid day against the run, preventing another 300-plus yard rushing day for the annual conference favorite.
Senior Lavonte Kirven caught three passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's game against Southern Oregon, including this 42-yard touchdown reception.
Photo by Aaron Leopold,
Vanguard Staff
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Vikings open at home with Family Day at PGE Park
Fans and families alike are invited to PGE Park on Saturday as Portland State football kicks off their 2009 home season against Southern Oregon.
Coming off last week's hard-fought loss to Oregon State on the road, the Vikings look to earn their first win of the season on their home turf as they face the NAIA-independent Raiders from Ashland. The last time the two teams met was in 1975, when Portland State was led by coach Mouse Davis to a 58-7 victory.
The game is scheduled for a 1:05 p.m. kickoff and will feature family-friendly activities and discounted ticket packages. As a part of Family Day at Portland State Football, two adult and two youth general admission tickets will be available for $25 and the Viking Family Fun Zone, featuring three inflatables from Portland Party Works, will be available for kids from noon through halftime.
To purchase tickets by phone, call 1.888.VIK.TIKS (1.888.845.8457) or 503.725.3307.
More information is available here.
Coming off last week's hard-fought loss to Oregon State on the road, the Vikings look to earn their first win of the season on their home turf as they face the NAIA-independent Raiders from Ashland. The last time the two teams met was in 1975, when Portland State was led by coach Mouse Davis to a 58-7 victory.
The game is scheduled for a 1:05 p.m. kickoff and will feature family-friendly activities and discounted ticket packages. As a part of Family Day at Portland State Football, two adult and two youth general admission tickets will be available for $25 and the Viking Family Fun Zone, featuring three inflatables from Portland Party Works, will be available for kids from noon through halftime.
To purchase tickets by phone, call 1.888.VIK.TIKS (1.888.845.8457) or 503.725.3307.
More information is available here.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Viking Athletics Program Teams With Bald Faced Truth Foundation
The Portland State Athletics program and the Bald Faced Truth Foundation have announced a partnership that will allow PSU to aid the all-volunteer non-profit in support of area youth programs and activities.
The non-profit, created by local newspaper columnist John Canzano and KATU reporter-anchor Anna Song, has the stated mission of "inspiring joy and growth in area youth through the support of the arts, education and athletics." Portland State Athletics will work in conjunction with the Bald Faced Truth Foundation to restore funding to these critical youth activities throughout the Portland Metro Area.
The partnership begins with Portland State football hosting the Bald Faced Truth Foundation Day on Oct. 17 at PGE Park when the Vikings play Northern Arizona. Guests can make a donation to the BFT Foundation and receive a complimentary general admission ticket (min. $10 donation per ticket). Proceeds raised from the BFT Foundation Day will be used to fund grant requests for elementary and middle school programs in the area.
"This is a great opportunity for our program to be involved with a worthwhile organization," said Viking football coach Jerry Glanville.
For more details about the Bald Faced Truth Foundation, go to http://www.baldfacedtruth.org or email info@baldfacedtruth.org. The BFT Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible.
The non-profit, created by local newspaper columnist John Canzano and KATU reporter-anchor Anna Song, has the stated mission of "inspiring joy and growth in area youth through the support of the arts, education and athletics." Portland State Athletics will work in conjunction with the Bald Faced Truth Foundation to restore funding to these critical youth activities throughout the Portland Metro Area.
The partnership begins with Portland State football hosting the Bald Faced Truth Foundation Day on Oct. 17 at PGE Park when the Vikings play Northern Arizona. Guests can make a donation to the BFT Foundation and receive a complimentary general admission ticket (min. $10 donation per ticket). Proceeds raised from the BFT Foundation Day will be used to fund grant requests for elementary and middle school programs in the area.
"This is a great opportunity for our program to be involved with a worthwhile organization," said Viking football coach Jerry Glanville.
For more details about the Bald Faced Truth Foundation, go to http://www.baldfacedtruth.org or email info@baldfacedtruth.org. The BFT Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible.
Mike Lund
Assistant Athletic Director
Media Relations
Assistant Athletic Director
Media Relations
"This Week in Big Sky Football" and coaches conference call podcast, Sept. 9
The first edition of “This Week in Big Sky Football” is up. On the show are Montana coach Bobby Hauck, Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones and Dave Coulson of the Sports Network.
Also, listen to the audio of this week's conference call with coach Jerry Glanville. Eastern Washington's Beau Baldwin and Sacramento State's Marshall Sperbeck take questions first, so feel free to fast-forward to the final third to hear Glanville.
Also, listen to the audio of this week's conference call with coach Jerry Glanville. Eastern Washington's Beau Baldwin and Sacramento State's Marshall Sperbeck take questions first, so feel free to fast-forward to the final third to hear Glanville.
Um, if you like art you really should go see this
One of the best displays of innovative art that also has a broad appeal is Daniel Barrow's Everytime I See Your Picture I Cry currently at the TBA festival and being performed at the Art Museum. A story told by the artist with projections of comic-book like depictions, Everytime employs some really amazing imagery, full of symbolism, a little gore, and deep emotions.
The story does become a little stormy, especially by the last chapters, which is full of generalizations and simplistic understandings about love, death, suffering and art. However, overall it is a compelling narrative through the eyes of a janitor and art-school drop out while he creates a phonebook complete with visual representations of those included by sneakily drawing them in their homes.
The vocal story-telling by the Winnipeg artist is supplemented with Barrow's projections, gorgeously drawn with a little bit of peek-of-boo mixed in, complete with movement and symbolism of instances that are more abstract.
This is the LAST NIGHT to check it out. Highly recommended.
Northwest Film Center
Whitsell Auditorium at the Portland Art Museum
6:30 pm
$15
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People- a study in dichotomy
Last night at the Winningstad Theatre marked the world premiere of Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People's Last Meadow. Some parts were rich with energy and subtext, others were downright atrocious. The best was about three-quarters of the way through when the three main players disrobe and break out into dance moves only seen in the most homosexual and best techno clubs, with a little ballet mixed it. With trite statements from a mike/amp combination on stage such as "America is a disaster" and a break midway through, literally, the three performers stopped, commented that a moth was disrupting their stage presence during the performance, drinking water, and talking about pooping, it was mostly a discombobulated mess.
Some statements, such as "I wish my parents loved me the way I want to be loved"
(or something along those lines, and we can all relate, right?) showed hints of accessibility. Most did not. But I would be lying if the crazy dance moves to Madonna didn't make me smile.
Friday, September 4, 2009
TBA:09 is among us
Yes, it is that time of year again. Time for T:BA 09, with its experimental and questionable art and performance, it has become a premier art festival in the Northwest, harnessing talent from all over the world.
Tonight's docket includes Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People's world premiere of Last Meadow. Here is what PICA has to say about it:
Last Meadow is set to an original score created by first-time composer Neal Medlyn and lighting by longtime collaborator Lenore Doxsee. Mining movement and text from James Dean’s East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant, Last Meadow creates a non-narrative collage of sensorial confusion, aka an America where the jig is up and the dream has died. Last Meadow is about the space of waiting, when things don’t move forward, don’t happen as they should, and mixed messages are the only ones we get.I won't be able to give you my thoughts on it until tomorrow morning, cause I am going to what will probably be one of the highlights of the festival, the Explode into Colors performance with Janet Pants & Chris Hackett later tonight after Last Meadow.
Here are the deets if you want to come join in on the arty fun.
Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People
Fri. Sept. 4th 6:30-8pm
Sat. Sept 5th 6:30-8pm
Sun. Sept. 6th 6:30-8pm
Mon. Sept. 7th 8:30-10pm
$15-20
Buy tix at the door.
Portland Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA)
Winningstad Theatre
111 SW Broadway
Explode into Colors with Janet Pants & Chris Hackett
TONIGHT! 10:30pm at THE WORKS- Washington High School
531 SE 14th Ave. Portland, OR 97214
All Ages, $8-10
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