Vanguard March 4, 2011

The cost of college Paying for college is increasingly more difficult than in previous generations

OPINION: PAGE 5

INDEX

Film festivals?

Yeah, we got ‘em

NEWS OPINION ARTS SPORTS

Fifth Avenue Cinema hosts its quarterly “Visuals” film fest

ARTS: PAGE 9

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Ombuds to close after spring term

University budget team reveals initial budget outlook PSU projected to have $23.7 million budget shortfall in next fiscal year Corie Charnley Vanguard staff

While reviewing the initial budget submissions for the 2011–13 biennium from across Portland State, the university budget team held a forum on Tuesday to hear concerns voiced by the campus community.

Office of Student Affairs will be responsible for resolving university-related conflicts Joshua Hunt Vanguard staff

BUDGET ON PAGE 3

F

or nearly 11 years Sandy McDermott has worked at Portland State’s Ombudsman Office, offering students an informal, impartial and confidential resource for resolving their problems. In the first week of January, she met with Lois Davis, the president’s chief of staff, who explained to her that this service would not continue beyond spring term 2011.

“The current financial reality was a factor in this decision,” McDermott said. “But it was also thought that the problem-solving and conflict resolution for students needed to be addressed through the Office of Student Affairs.”

“Our value is not always measured in up-front dollars and cents…

It’s a hidden revenue that helps to prevent problems from spiraling out of control.”

SANDY MCDERMOTT

The key difference between the Office of Student Affairs and the Ombuds Office has traditionally been one of formality, according to McDermott. Students or faculty could come to the Ombuds Office for advice on a wide range of problems, and they could do so without presenting student identification.

Anchoring for the future Portland State standing behind mayor’s urban renewal proposal Vinh Tran Vanguard staff

saria dy/VANGUARD STAFF

Closing up shop: Sandy McDermott, who has worked in Portland State's Ombudsman Office for 11 years, will retire when it closes after spring term.

It’s a service that many students aren’t aware of until they need someone to listen to their problems or grievances, without fear of reprisal or recrimination, she said.

“Our value is not always measured in upfront dollars and cents,” McDermott said. “It’s a hidden revenue that helps to prevent problems from spiraling out of control…We identify alternatives and generate options, impartial perspectives and facilitate communication.”

Faculty members, including McDermott herself, are quick to acknowledge that the closure of the Ombuds Office will not leave students without alternatives. According to Vice Provost for Student Affairs Jackie

Balzer, several steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition.

“We have added staff very strategically throughout the campus in units and programs that are focused on student access and help in navigating through the student experience,” Balzer said. “In the field of student affairs, that’s the ethic that we bring to this work.”

Another change that has been initiated in response to the closure of the Ombuds office has been to remove the role of the Dean of Student Life in matters of student conduct creation to ensure their neutrality in dispute resolution.

OMBUDS ON PAGE 3

Stress increasing among college freshmen Portland State freshmen experiencing growing anxiety over finances and job prospects Alison Barnwell Vanguard staff

The emotional health of college freshmen is dire, according to a January article in The New York Times that cited an annual national survey.

Portland State’s freshmen are no exception.

Dana Tasson, executive director for the Center for Student Health and Counseling, said that the National Health Assessment showed PSU students to be in line with national data in the sense that anxiety and depression are some

of the most common complaints that bring students to SHAC. “Our students lead incredibly complex lives with conflicting demands and responsibilities,” he said.

Kelly Hess is one such freshman. Hess is both an ASPSU student senator and the vice chair of the Elections Board. Though he was awarded the President’s Scholarship last year, he still struggles with financial stress and worries about the future.

“I want to learn,” he said. “I want to engage myself fully, but...it’s incredibly disheartening to have no real idea of where to go or what to do.”

Hess suffers from cluster headaches as a result of stress. He saw a therapist off-campus but stopped making appointments several months

Sometimes bigger is not always better. At least that’s the case when it comes to urban renewal projects.

Around the end of last year, Portland Mayor Sam Adams shelved an ambitious urban renewal proposal that sought to redevelop 345 acres of downtown land, after he deemed the project too large for the city’s budget.

Nearly five months later, during his State of the City address in February, Adams came back with an equally ambitious, but perhaps more realistic proposal of an urban renewal project for the downtown area. The latest proposal is smaller in size but places bigger emphasis on Portland State as an “anchor” point in the area.

URBAN RENEWAL ON PAGE 7

Portland State to host national debate tournament Weekend tournament serves as a preview of the forthcoming debating championship Erick Bengel Vanguard staff

ago because he didn’t have the time for it.

Heather Mattioli, assistant director of Financial Aid at PSU, said that she sees many students like Hess who complain about financial pressure.

“I try to train my team...about the emotional health of our students,” she said, adding that Oregon’s recession intensifies the financial worries of students.

According to the Times article, stress relating to collegiate life begins before college. The number of high school seniors who are overwhelmed with the thought of job outlook and financial aid rose from 27 percent in 2010 to 29 percent in 2011.

Portland State will play host to a two-day debate tournament this weekend, organized by the university’s debate team as a warm-up for April’s United States Universities Debating Championship.

The event will kick off today with a “just for fun” public debate on the subject of eco-terrorism and whether it constitutes a legitimate form of political expression.

According to PSU debate coach Kelly Welch, this evening’s debate will be a “demonstration debate” to showcase national talent. It’s also a sort of press release, designed to raise university awareness that a PSU debate team exists.

STRESS ON PAGE 3

DEBATE ON PAGE 7

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Panel protests rising tuition and OUS restructuring Students, professors addressed tuition increases at Wednesday’s panel Alison Barnwell Vanguard staff

The Portland Coalition to Defend Education hosted a panel discussion on Wednesday about the proposed restructuring of the Oregon University System and rising tuition costs. Professors and students spoke to an audience of about 30 people in the in the Native American Student and Community Center before opening the floor for discussion.

Thursday was International Solidarity Day against budget cuts, and coalitions in California called for action. Tasha Triplett, a Portland State senior and the event’s moderator, said that a protest or rally at PSU was impossible due to the proximity of finals week.

However, plans are “still in the building stages” for a bigger event on May 4, Triplett said. This day coincides with the release of PSU’s budget for the 2011–13 biennium.

“We’re having this event today to bring people in,” she said before the panel began.

Marcia Klotz, an assistant professor of English at PSU and one of the panel speakers, was excited about the alliances between faculty and students that the

Deb Sankovitz is a counselor at Clackamas High School, the school that sent more students to PSU than any other high school in the state last year. She said that she does notice a change among the seniors she sees.

event encouraged.

“It won’t happen today,” she said.

“But I’m hoping that this will be the beginning of a collaboration.”

The speaking panel consisted of Klotz, political science Professor Barbara Dudley and Zaki Bucharest, an economics student.

“Student and youth voice and action have the power to change nations,” Triplett said. “We can no longer be silent or complacent as we watch our tuition increase year after year…If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us.”

PSU student Tim Rice showed a silent film he created before the panelists spoke. Images of student protests across nations filled the screen.

Klotz spoke first, describing her financial experience at the University of Colorado, where she graduated in 1983 to the tune of roughly $4,000 for four years.

“Public education used to be a kind of public trust, a system of social justice,” she said. “That system has been systematically eroded.”

She said that restructuring also affects teachers and professors.

“At the same time that administrators are raising your tuition rate, they’re putting a squeeze on us,” she said, alluding to the recent 3 percent across-the-board cuts PSU implemented.

“We get that mandate every year,” Klotz said.

“Those conditions can stem from a variety of factors, economic stress certainly being one of them.”

DANA TARSON

Alison barnwell/VANGUARD STAFF

Speaking up: Tasha Triplett, Marcia Klotz and Barbara Dudley (from left to right) at Wednesday's panel.

Commenting on the restructuring of the Oregon University System, Bucharest said that he is surprised that students have been so passive.

“Someone recently told me that it’s going through and there’s nothing to do about it,” he said. “Why are we as students so lethargic?”

Dudley spoke last. She discussed Ronald Reagan’s gubernatorial campaign in California, during which Reagan used the slogan “Clean up the mess at UC Berkeley.” Dudley, who studied law at the University of California, Berkeley in 1969, said that the “mess” Reagan referred to was student demonstration.

“The way he decided to clean that up…was to basically drive students into debt so they would no longer be able to act as independent agents,” she said.

“That situation has only been made worse…You all don’t believe there are alternatives.”

She asked why the country isn’t rebelling and imagined what would happen if students across America collectively refrained from paying interest on student loans as an action against increased tuition.

“Debt-free education is a right,” she said, drawing cheers from the audience.

Community members and students asked questions and made speeches after the panel.

“What would it look like to have a nuanced youth movement that can struggle for public education…and challenge debt?” asked audience member Marko Lawson. “What would a movement at PSU look like?” ■

NEWS BRIEFS PSU student receives HigherOne scholarship HigherOne, a program that facilitates student loans, recently handed out 20 $2,500 scholarships across the country to help students pay for tuition. Portland State student Caron Sutton was one of the lucky recipients.

HigherOne received around 3,000 scholarship submissions from across the country. Unlike the normal written proposals, students were asked to submit video responses to two questions.

The first question asked students to respond to HigherOne’s philosophy, whereas the second question asked students to tell more about themselves, their future goals and how they plan to achieve those goals through education.

This is the second year HigherOne has done this scholarship program. The first year, 10 awards were given to students. The program was so well received that they drew 10,000 written submissions. That success led to the decision to increase the number to 20.

HigherOne Vice President of Consumer Marketing Noreen Pfadenhauer believes that the video submissions are a better way to see the students and what they represent.

“We got some amazing submissions—seeing them on video helped bring those responses to life,” she said. “[It] was a compelling way for students to tell us their stories.”

CORRECTION In the article titled “E-board establishes elections goals,” it should have been reported that voting takes place between April 22 and April 29. Students must register as candidates before April 15, or will otherwise be considered late registrants. For more information, e-mail E-board Chair Ari Wubbold at aspsueboard@ gmail.com.

In addition, HigherOne often uses the videos for marketing campaigns, according to Pfadenhauer.

“What is more effective than having your customers speak about something in their own words?” she asked.

Pfadenhauer stressed the importance of education, and feels privileged to work for a company that helps students achieve their dreams.

“I believe we will continue to do things like this in support of higher education,” she said. “It’s inspiring to hear the stories of what students want to do with their lives as well as the different obstacles and challenges they have to overcome to get there” There is currently no set plan on whether or not the scholarship program will return next year, according to Pfadenhauer.

Sutton was not available for comment.

Peter Browning

PSU looking for 2011 student commencement speakers With spring term fast approaching, many seniors at Portland State are growing more and more excited about graduating. But if walking in the graduation ceremony is not enough, soon-to-be alums also have the opportunity to apply as the commencement speaker at the June 12 ceremony.

According to Student Affairs Outreach Coordinator JR Tarabocchia, 30 students applied last year to be the commencement speaker. Once all of the submissions are in, the applicants are narrowed down to one or two students.

At the ceremony, the selected students will address their graduating class and thousands of their family members and friends in the audience.

“We are looking for stories of PSU pride [and] students who can articulate through their experience, some or all of the President’s themes and the university’s learning outcomes,” Tarabocchia said.

President Wim Wiewel has five guiding themes by which the university operates. These themes include achieving global excellence and improving student success.

Christian Aniciete, social media specialist at PSU and last year’s commencement speaker, said that his teachers and mentors guided him when he applied. “[It] was a great way to say ‘thank you,’” he said.

Aniciete attended PSU for five years and was involved with many extracurricular activities that included serving in student government.

According to Aniciete, the commencement application requests a résumé and an essay detailing one’s experiences at PSU. After Aniciete was narrowed down as a finalist last year, he was asked to draft a two-minute speech about “PSU pride.” He said that he was given a lot of freedom while composing the speech.

Later, he auditioned in front of the Graduation Program Board, and before he knew it, Aniciete was informed that he would be one of the two students giving a speech during the graduation ceremony. He described the experience as being “surreal.”

“I was very excited and honored,” he said. “[It was] a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Aniciete encourages anyone to apply to be a commencement speaker.

Students have until 5 p.m. on April 11 to apply. For more information, visit www.pdx.edu/commencement.

Brenda Yahm

SVA to host federal hiring seminar The Student Veteran Association at Portland State will host a federal hiring seminar today to inform students on how to gain employment with the United States government.

Tim Chandler, chief petty officer of the U.S. Navy, and Jo Jeter, the human resources specialist for Bonneville Power Administration, will lead the presentations.

The two-part seminar will include information on important “buzz words” to include on federal applications, as well as how to properly follow up with agencies after applying, according to a press release.

The event begins today at 9 a.m. in the Multicultural Center.

Corie Charnley

“Everybody is stressed because of lack of resources—tuition is going up and income is going down,” she said.

According to Sankovitz, more and more students are discouraged by steep tuition rates and are attending community colleges to cut costs before transferring to a four-year institution.

In addition, she said that some high school seniors take a year off before attending college to avoid joining the national trend of increased stress.

This is exactly what Cody Shotola-Schiewe, a senior at Grant High School in Portland, plans to do.

“I see no point in attending college to get a

degree unless I am going to use it directly after,” he said. “I still want to do a lot of living before I am tied down with a career.”

Once at college, many incoming students worry about which major will be relevant in today’s challenging economy.

“I...am worried about how I can find a job with my degree; one that can pay off my debts as soon as possible,” said Corey Lowder, a freshman majoring in psychology at the University of Oregon. “I’m worried that I might be getting the ‘wrong’ degree…I only hope I can have my occupation be...psych-related, but right now we’re living in an economy where any job is a blessing.”

Louise Paradis, assistant director at PSU’s Career Center, believes that student stress about landing job saria dy/VANGUARD STAFF is the same as ever. “[Students] get stressed about the Stressed out: Senator and Elections Board Vice Chair Kelly Hess says stress has taken a toll on him physically. future, whether it’s a good economy or a bad economy,” she said.

“Anxiety and depression are still our most com- ence asked students to rate their own mental Tasson said that SHAC doesn’t have the mon presenting concerns,” he said. “Those condi- health,” he said. “That can mean a lot of differdata on hand to support the idea that finan- tions can stem from a variety of factors, economic ent things to different people.” cial worries and getting a job after gradu- stress certainly being one of them.”

Hess believes he and his fellow PSU freshmen ation are leading contributors to freshman Tasson challenged the premise of the survey follow the national trend. stress, but that he sees a lot of depressed cited in the Times article.

“People’s minds are elsewhere,” he said. “They students.

“The problem…is that the study they refer- don’t have time for school.” ■

OMBUDS FROM PAGE 1

BUDGET FROM PAGE 1

Balzer encourages students to voice concerns about Ombuds’ closure

To curb budget shortfall, PSU must implement 3 percent across-the-board cuts

“Whenever a student has a problem…whether it be regarding academics, employment, housing or anything they don’t know where to go for help, their first stop should be the Dean of Student Life Office,” Balzer said.

However, Student Affairs Outreach Coordinator J.R. Tarabocchia added that students have more places to turn than official channels.

“In my experience,” Tarabocchia said, “faculty and staff at PSU really want to help students. I’ve seen many examples of faculty members of every kind going above and beyond for their students.”

While most of the staff from the Ombuds Office will be moving on to positions elsewhere on campus, McDermott said she plans to retire when the office closes.

“When I started my employment with PSU, I remember being told by more than one person to bring a book to read during summer term,” she said. “I can honestly say that I never had the time to read that book. I believe this is an indicator of the continued growth of our campus.”

In spite of unprecedented enrollment growth, PSU and the entire Oregon University System are in the midst of a budget crisis, with the university system reporting a shortfall of more than $17 million for the 2011–12 academic year.

The PSU tuition-setting committee is presently considering a proposed 9.4 percent increase in resident undergraduate tuition, to be implemented in the fall 2011 term, if passed.

It is an increase that, according to OUS Communications Director Di Saunders, would not account for the massive shortfall.

In February the PSU Ombuds Office held multiple forums in order to address faculty concerns regarding the transition, and Balzer hopes that students will similarly voice any concerns that they feel are not being addressed.

“Throughout the years, the Ombuds Office has led the university as it has grown up its student services,” Balzer said.

“If there are aspects of not having and Ombuds Office that we haven’t anticipated in managing the change, we’d love for students to tell us.”

As retirement nears, McDermott shares the optimism of Balzer and Davis.

“I’ve seen the budget cuts that the university has had to make over the years. Some may object to this characterization, but I’ve always thought of PSU as a scrappy institution, very much the survivor,” McDermott said.

However, McDermott also expressed slight reservation and concern for the student body without her department.

“I do worry about those students who are overwhelmed with complex problems that could benefit from a single point of contact,” she said. “Faced with difficult and disparate situations, it helps to have a single resource to go to for relief.” ■

During the forum, members of the budget team discussed how PSU compares to its peer institutions, the Oregon University System’s 2011–13 budget projections and the priorities around which the initial budget is being drafted.

Compared to OUS’ 2009–11 biennium budget, which totaled $697.2, Governor John Kitzhaber’s 2011–13 recommendation for OUS’ budget totals $531.7, an overall 23.7 percent reduction from the last biennium, according to Vice President for Finance and Administration Lindsay Desrochers.

PSU’s 2011–13 recommended budget totals $113.7, an overall 23.8 percent reduction, leaving the university with a $17.7 million budget gap for the 2011–12 fiscal year, Desrochers said. However, she also noted that once factors such as inflation are calculated, this gap looks more like $23.7 million.

“We have over the past few years tried to manage our resources very smartly because we knew that these tough times would come.”

WIM WIEWEL

To fill this gap, Desrochers said the university is implementing 3 percent across-the-board Education and General fund reductions in each academic unit, and is freezing 45 percent of the current E & G fund. The university is also implementing a temporary hiring pause, and plans to tap into its fund balances and will likely have to raise tuition.

“We are going to need to use a substantial amount to get us through [the 2011–13 biennium],” she said. “We hope to see some improvements in the [2013–15] biennium.”

According to PSU President Wim Wiewel, PSU operates much more efficiently than its peer institutions; it spends about 60 percent of what other public research institutions spend.

“We have over the past few years tried to manage our resources very smartly because we knew that these tough times would come,” he said.

Commenting on PSU’s revenue sources, Wiewel said that PSU’s tuition is 7 percent less than its sister institutions. In regards to

state support, it receives only 59 percent of the average funds its peers receive.

In addition, PSU’s revenue from auxiliary services and philanthropic gifts is substantially less than its peers. However, Wiewel said that PSU has more control over these numbers than what is receives from the state.

And how is this money used? Wiewel said that PSU spends above average on instructional costs, but is not spending enough on student services and research.

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Roy Koch said that the budget team is focusing on four strategic priorities while drafting the budget. These include increased investment in student success initiatives—such as the advising initiative implemented last fall— and additional investments in academic programs and research infrastructure.

“Last year, we had more students than ever, and we’re finally making progress in terms of retaining them at a higher rate,” Koch said. “We’re really on a great trajectory, but we want to make sure that whatever we do in this period continues on that trajectory.”

After the presentation, members of the audience were given the opportunity to pose questions to the panelists. One attendee was concerned about OUS’ recent approval of its automatic admissions policy for qualifying high school students.

Despite budget cuts, Koch said that PSU would most likely already accept students that qualified for automatic admissions.

In addition, he said that OUS does not promise financial aid for those that qualify.

Other concerns included the hiring freeze and how PSU would balance the recruitment of out-of-state students (who would provide more tuition revenue to the university) and access to in-state applicants.

“It’s a balancing act,” Wiewel said.

Wiewel also noted that PSU’s student population is comprised of roughly 20 percent non-resident students. PSU hopes to raise that number to 30 percent.

The university budget team will create the first set of budget recommendations in April. After they have been submitted to Wiewel, PSU will host campus-wide hearings on May 11 to get final feedback before it is reviewed by the Legislature in June. ■

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EDITOR: RICHARD D. OXLEY OPINION@DAILYVANGUARD.COM 503-725-5692

Tough talk

Slow down, you’re going too fast TriMet’s groovy answer to speeding bicycles “Keep Portland Weird” is the unofficial slogan of the city we know and love. TriMet is attempting to keep that weirdness MEAGHAN alive with a DANIELS singing bike path.

You read right: A singing bike path.

TriMet’s public art program is continuing its unique approach to different MAX and bus stops with a proposition of a singing bike path on the table. The soon-to-be-built Portland-Milwaukie light-rail bridge over the Willamette River will be welcomed with grooved pavement. Vibrations created against a bike’s tire across the groves will emit the song titled “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy),” by Simon and Garfunkel.

More specifically, the pavement will play the rhythm and melody to the part, “Slow down, you move too fast.” The idea behind it is that saying “Slow down, you move too fast” is more polite than signs that just say “slow down.” Cyclists will often not read signs as they are riding their bikes and it will be more helpful for them to avoid hitting cars, buses, pedestrians and other bicyclists.

The bridge is part of a $1.5 billion MAX line that is supposed to be open in 2015. It is also part of the public art program that is “allocated for art commissions, infrastructure and installation, based on the 1.5 percent of the project’s civil construction budget required by TriMet policy,” according to TriMet’s website.

TriMet’s public art program has made MAX and bus stations look nice and more unique than an average public transportation stop. The program has created murals and sculptures that are truly beautiful, which is great for the people using TriMet as well as the artists with whom Portland collaborates. Although the public art program has had triumphs in the past, it is hard to wrap your head around the idea with so many problems already arising.

This is just a proposition, and there are already bumps in the road for the singing bike path. It has been proposed that a test patch of grooves first be constructed to test how the grooves “sing” in the rain and mud, which is obviously very prominent in Portland.

While the whole concept of a singing sidewalk sounds cool in theory, the pavement’s performance in the weather is only one of the many problems for the proposal.

The last thing that you want to hear when you are in a hurry is a chipper song telling you to slow down, especially if you are in a rush while battling the wind and the rain that so often occurs in Portland.

And what if you do not like “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)”? One of the most annoying things is being forced to listen to a song that you do not like, which is what this bridge is doing.

Another problem with the singing bike path is that it costs money. With TriMet cutting Fareless Square down to the Free Rail Zone and cutting stops and lines, TriMet has been hurting financially. However, the company has added lines and upgraded buses, so it is hard to figure out exactly what TriMet’s financial deal is. Either

PSU needs to get its priorities straight and support its debate team The number-one thing Americans fear is public speaking. More than bears, spiders and gonorrhea, the most terrifying situation someone in this country KALI can imagine sIMMONS is standing up and giving a speech. Fortunately, the Portland State Debate Team is working to change that. Unfortunately, they have no funding to do so.

At the beginning of this year, the Student Fee Committee cut a large portion of the funding that the club received, rendering them completely unable to compete. On Global Debate Blog, Team Co-Coordinator Kelly Welch sent out a plea for others in the debate community

way, however, a singing bike path is not vital to the new bridge and would just be throwing money down the toilet.

The idea behind the singing bike path is that you have to go fast enough on the grooves to hear it, so people will speed up to hear the song and will experiment with going even faster.

That is not really promoting safety for bicyclists or pedestrians.

Problems galore exist for the singing bike path, ranging from the weather, to the song choice, to safety and budget. A singing bike path definitely sounds pretty awesome in theory and there is no doubt Portland would eventually embrace the uniqueness wholeheartedly, but there are some kinks that need to be worked out first. ■

Elizabeth Bommarito Vanguard staff

From its eight-year push for the unconstitutional Sit-Lie Ordinance, to its support of putting a tight squeeze on Portland Public Schools, the Portland Business Alliance (PBA) has made itself the target for some intense criticisms.

In addition, the highly influential PBA has continued on a seemingly never-ending lobbying pursuit to direct the development of this city in the favor of its biggest supporters, Portland’s mega-wealthy business owners. Along with tax breaks for those with high incomes and business owners, and deregulation strategies to reduce business fees, the PBA seems to have a political agenda a mile long.

Two particular pieces of legislation on which the PBA will be chiming in deserve special attention this year: the Schools Facility Bonds Measure 26– 121 and the repeal to Measures 66 and 67.

Measure 26–121, coming up in the May election, will give public funding to Portland Public Schools to begin a much-needed rebuild of nine east-side schools, as well as contribute funds to upgrade learning environments and security.

The PBA wants you to vote “no” on 26–121. The reason cited is that “for too many years PPS used its maintenance budget for teacher compensation, rather than keeping school buildings up to date.”

Is it too much to ask that we use public funds to pay teachers a fair wage and keep our schools upto-date? The PBA presents its case as though it is an either/or proposition; meanwhile, the PBA supports funneling millions into its “build it and they will come,” strategy regarding Portland’s development.

Meanwhile, at a time in which more public funding is needed to support the jobless and the need for lower-income housing, the PBA has helped fund a campaign to repeal tax increases for the mega-rich and company owners. Measures 66 and 67, which passed with flying colors in 2010, are facing repeal in the future under the charge from the PBA that the tax kills jobs.

Paying for college is increasingly more difficult than in previous generations Alexis Jewell Vanguard staff

A ILLUSTRATION BY susannah beckett/VANGUARD STAFF

This classic Reaganomics-like take on taxes is exactly what Oregon doesn’t need right now.

Measures 66 and 67 only create tax increases for an estimated 2.5 percent of the population.

Decreasing the taxes for this part of the population, which earns more than $250,000 per year in income, while then telling Portland Public Schools to keep it frugal, is exactly what the type of garbage one would expect from an institution whose sole purpose is to defend the interest of business.

What does that mean for the common good?

The problem with the ethics of lobbying groups like the PBA is just that—its allegiance lies with those who give economic support and power. Even if we vote against the bills and plans the alliance supports, they still will go right ahead and do it anyway, disregarding the public’s opinion.

As the alliance disregards the public’s opinion, it also disregards the public debts. As billions will be designated to fund transportation construction of new MAX lines, as well as the construction of the Columbia River Crossing, the Portland Business Alliance will keep rallying alongside its

tion, and in the case of the PSU Debate Team, they need funding to travel.

The strange thing is that while the travel budget was cut, the money allotted to pay the team’s coach was increased. The team was allowed to use some of the money that was allotted for the coach’s salary to travel, but they are still unable to travel overseas or across the country as they were formerly able to do.

As a former speech and debate student, I know how much growth can occur when you are forced to push your boundaries and your comfort level. When many started out on the team, they were quiet, shy and they shook like a leaf when they tried to speak in front of a small group of people. After a year on the team, they were more confident in general, and they developed socially as well. Public speaking can have an incredible effect on a person.

While I know that the university is buckling down and trying to save money in these harsh economic times, they are denying many passionate and intelligent students a chance at doing what they love to do, as well as a chance to win a lot of shiny trophies in the process.

If the university cannot find a way to balance the budget with student activities and interests, they’re just going to start taking away more of the positive outlets for students at PSU, and harm the beneficial and enriching educational experiences such activities produce. ■

The cost of college

With great power comes too much influence Who does the Portland Business Alliance really care about?

to help them appeal the decision by the SFC. Their plea fell on deaf ears.

Without the 20,000-plus dollars in funding from the school necessary for transportation and tournament expenses, the team was left without the budget that allowed them to travel to other schools and compete in tournaments.

Essentially, the club that was formerly an internationally competitive juggernaut was brought to a standstill.

While still able to compete in tournaments in the Northwest, Portland State Debate is unable to achieve its previous stature in the debate community.

The benefits of a debate team are innumerable. According to the National Forensics League, debaters are more likely to receive degrees from an institution of higher education. Experience in debate also fosters higher ability in critical thinking, analyzing an issue and research skills.

By creating students that are more academi-

cally rounded and globally aware, a university creates a space in which students can feel able to have an open dialogue amongst one another. Essentially, debate helps create citizens instead of automatons, free-thinkers who are not afraid to shake things up. Fostering a debate team promotes this idea.

It’s also important for colleges to promote career preparedness. Debate promotes a strong grasp of language. Speaking, writing, reading and listening skills are developed through debate. All career paths require the ability to express yourself to others and to explain your ideas in a clear and concise manner.

By failing our debate team, PSU is expressing that they do not wish to assist in the intellectual growth and experience of our debaters and students.

Currently, the PSU debate team has been on a winning streak. The tournaments they have attended have ended well, with noted senior debaters Aaron Baker and Lindsay Bing taking top spots in the Seattle Open and Kirkland Washington Tournaments. Of the seven tournaments in which they competed during the fall term, they ended up with awards from every single one.

While it would be reasonable for the university to cut funding from a team that was generally unsuccessful, this is not the case with the debate team. A team that achieves such success deserves the funding it needs to func-

corporate friends to spend four to 10 billion tax dollars on the Columbia River Crossing alone.

With a repeal to Measures 66 and 67 in hand, the alliance will do its best to make sure the industries who actually benefit from this transportation redirection pay as little of the bill as possible.

While it is important to be looking toward the future of our great city of Portland, it is also important that we don’t allow the PBA to ruin everything that is great about Portland.

Fostering positive renewal and growth in our public schools, as well as supporting those other 97.5 percent of residents that are already in Portland, is essential if we are to maintain what makes Portland a great city.

We are not just a city on the rise; we are also a city that has maintained social justice movements, supported sustainable rather than “bigger is better” style of development and made attempts to ensure that governing bodies be held accountable to their actions.

The PBA rejects this accountability each time it pushes for bills that exclusively favor its business alliances, and then deceives us as to how they will be effective in the long term. ■

college education has to be paid for, in one way or another. The most common way to fund the expense is to take out a student loan.

Student loans are a typical part of getting a college education, right?

No. Well, yes. Well no, but yes hold on! A bit of an explanation is needed.

Are you ready for this? A mere 20 to 30 years ago, a college education was basically affordable—at least, more affordable than today. That means parents or students with a part-time job could usually pay for a decent education at a state college or university. Those who couldn’t for whatever reason, or individuals choosing to attend a more expensive private college, were typically eligible for a Pell grant or scholarships.

Safety Note: If you suffer from a heart condition or asthma, please take precautions before reading the first sentence of the next paragraph.

Pell grants used to cover 80 to 90 percent of tuition costs at a state university. Currently, the maximum amount a student can possibly receive in Pell grants is $5,550 per award year.

Divide that by three terms and we’re looking at $1,850 per term, which might actually cover tuition for a resident undergraduate at Portland State University. Of course, the chances of being awarded the maximum amount in Pell grants is about the same as discovering the Holy Grail in Portland behind the bar at Mary’s Club.

I’m estimating the dollar amount awarded averages closer to $350 per term. I know this from personal experience, and trust me when I tell you that I do not have money. Trust me when I tell you that I will be paying off student loans until I’m 124 years old.

Now let’s talk about scholarships. Scholarships are pretty, and make you feel pretty when you get awarded one. Of course, again, the chances of being awarded a scholarship are similar to being chosen as American’s Next Top Model. It could happen, but chances are that someone more attractive than you is

likely going to beat you out.

Most scholarships are now either based on academic achievements or are private. This involves all kinds of discrimination. If you grew up in a poor neighborhood, your education may not have been as good as someone else’s or a disability might make it more difficult to complete application requirements, etc. Private schools typically receive more donations than state colleges. If you can’t go to a private university because you’re not a Kennedy or John Nash well, you get the idea.

Portland State University does offer a few dollars. I imagine if you applied for 15 scholarships, you might receive two, and that would probably be enough to cover the cost of textbooks for a year, depending on your major. There’s also the reality that you’re going to have to quit sleeping, stop having a social life, and drop out of school in order to get the applications turned in on time and in a condition that can compete. But hey, Godspeed to you: www.pdx.edu/scholarships/. I’d rather pass my classes and be able to get a job maybe.

For additional fun, the economic condition has resulted in a lack of employment in general according to a CNN article. No, really? If you’re lucky enough to get a job after graduation in the field you studied, the likelihood that it actually pays enough to both live on and pay debt is slim. Supposedly the average student graduates with $21,000 in debt. By the time this amount is cleared, an amount closer to $30,000 or $45,000 will have been paid.

The final dollar amount depends on the interest rates and whether or not deferments and forbearances were used.

Furthermore, if you read essays on social justice, it is clear that many students use credit and loan money to simply survive while going to college. Most students are forced to take out loans in order to pay for college and continue habits such as eating and sleeping indoors. If you didn’t how the hell did you manage that?

Student loan debt is greater than credit card debt in the United States. According to USA Today, consumer debt averages a total of $828 billion and student loans average $850 billion. No, that’s not a typo. Billion.

Is getting a college degree worth the cost?

Really, what is that cost? What price are we truly paying? ■

ILLUSTRATION BY colby brooks/VANGUARD STAFF

NEWS ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ VANGUARD 7

6 VANGUARD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ OPINION VANGUARD EDITORIAL

Support Senate Bill 242 At a campus-wide forum on Tuesday, Portland State officials announced that the Oregon University System faces a possible 23.7 percent budget cut—a $17.7 million budget shortfall for PSU. With more budget cuts and tuition spikes looming ominously in Oregon’s future, it’s certain that the state must restructure its university system if it hopes to continue promising quality education at a reasonable price.

Though legislators in Salem are considering several higher education restructuring bills—including the University of Oregon’s lofty call for its own separate governing board—one proposal has generated near unanimous support: Senate Bill 242.

If passed, SB242 would provide OUS with the autonomy it needs to function efficiently. As it currently stands, the university system is a state agency and is subject to bureaucratic red tape, similar to the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Post Office.

The Vanguard supports this measure as a great first step in establishing a well funded, flexible university system able to meet the needs of students.

The bill proposes that OUS function as a public university system, similar to Oregon’s community colleges. It would be granted more freedom in areas such as tuition setting, budgeting and purchasing. In addition, the state would be prohibited from tapping into OUS’ tuition reserves for use by other state agencies.

A common opposition to current restructuring efforts has been a stand against the “privatization” of higher public education. However, the Vanguard cannot identify any aspects of this bill that will result in such an effect. If anything, this bill will only modify OUS to mirror the successful public university systems of other states.

Currently, OUS is at the mercy of the Legislature. Not only does the university system have to appeal to the Legislature before spending its tuition dollars—the money you pay for your education—but the state often “sweeps” tuition reserves and redirects the funds to other state agencies, such as the Department of Corrections. At Tuesday’s forum, President Wim Wiewel sadly noted that PSU is weary of cushioning itself with too much reserve money, which could be an important safety net for the university. Instead, it must spend what it doesn’t use before the state snatches it up. A large sum of money is just too alluring.

Similarly, OUS institutions such as PSU must appeal to the Legislature before purchasing property. In the case of PSU’s recently acquired Market Street Building, which now houses the university’s administrative offices, PSU had to seek legislative approval before buying the building. This means making its maximum bid public, weakening PSU’s bargaining abilities.

If it didn’t have to jump through bureaucratic loopholes, PSU could have purchased the build-

ing two years ago, which would have freed up much-needed classroom space closer to campus and saved the university money.

Of course, with a possible 9.4 percent tuition increase in the works, one of the most heated topics is how restructuring would affect tuition.

SB242 proposes that each campus adopt a tuition setting committee on which students could serve—but just how this committee will operate is vague. If OUS is to truly promise inclusiveness, students need to be given a formal platform to voice their concerns.

One of the bill’s main assets is that its proposed increase in flexibility would help OUS achieve its goal of making higher education more affordable for Oregonians. Currently, the OUS’ budget has thousands of line items that can be micromanaged by the state. However, the bill addresses the need for a block grant budget that OUS could allocate as it chooses. This would free up money to be used toward awarding need-based tuition discounts to students, as well as hiring more faculty members, increasing course options and investing in research.

But OUS universities will have to do their part; with the passage of SB242, OUS would enter into a performance compact with the state.

This would require the universities within the system to meet certain standards, such as specified graduation and retention rates.

According to OUS Communications Director Di Saunders, each institution would be held to the same performance rubric, and would be allocated funds accordingly. However, this poses a problem for some schools, including PSU. Unlike universities such as U of O, many students come to PSU with the intent of transferring after two years. This significantly lowers PSU’s retention and graduation rates, potentially putting us at a financial disadvantage.

If performance benchmarks are to be mandated, the state will have to uphold its end of the bargain as well. Despite previous support, SB242 does not include any provisions for a state-funding floor—a minimum percentage of money promised to OUS by the state. Today, there is no funding floor; OUS just happens to currently receive approximately 14 percent of its money from the state. In a future biennium there is nothing stopping the state from further reducing its monetary support. How can OUS meet expectations if it is not guaranteed a reasonable amount of funding? This is an issue that needs to be addressed in the future.

University officials are relatively confident that the bill, now on the Senate floor, will pass.

Though it would not solve the issue of funding—an unrealistic goal given the current economic climate—SB242 is a viable step toward comprehensive education reform, and the Vanguard stands behind it.

EDITORIAL BOARD Virginia Vickery Editor-in-Chief Corie Charnley News Editor Nicholas Kula Arts & Culture Editor Richard Oxley Opinion Editor Kevin Fong Sports Editor Kristin Pugmire Copy Chief

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I am writing in regards to Elizabeth Bommarito’s “Snake oil: Is Kombucha a health miracle or a malady?” [March 1].

When comparing Kombucha to a soda beverage, which this piece attempts to do at the beginning, it is important to note that soda beverages contain more than twice the sugar and a whole lot of acid.

Kombucha contains alkaline-forming acids.

This means that when digested these acids have an alkaline (base) effect on the body. Soda acid is not alkaline-forming.

Bommarito refers to probiotics as a benefit as though they were just some extra vitamin.

The probiotic of value in most Kombuchas is Saccharomyces boulardii. It is a yeast that has been proven to attack pathogenic bacteria as well as candida.

DEBATE FROM PAGE 1

Weekend debate will feature teams from all over the country

Folks with yeast infections (and cancer) crave sugar because sugar is what candida and cancer feed on. Sugar helps cancer grow. When the probiotic S. boulardii eats candida sugar cravings are reduced. Does this impact cancer growth and to what degree? I don’t know, I’m a student and have to get back to my homework.

Terminally ill folks may have a bad reaction to S. boulardii and therefore shouldn’t drink Kombucha. However, the average consumer of pop would be much better off with a Kombucha.

Less sugar, less acid, less pathogenic bacteria.

Thanks for letting me clear up a few points that this article missed.

Cordially, Robert Thompson PSU Student adam wickham/VANGUARD STAFF

ONLINE COMMENTS The story doesn’t stop when the print hits the page. Don’t like something you read in the Vanguard? Want us to cover a story? Do you feel there is more to be said?

You have the opportunity to praise us or rip us apart here at the Vanguard. Post a comment online or write us a letter. Tell us what you think. Here are some online highlights from www.psuvanguard.com.

Oh snap!

Wait, Portland won’t just be for hipsters anymore [“Rant and Rage: The Portland we know and love,” Jan. 18]? Oh, the humanity!

Nick

Work in porn?

This article regarding the “disgruntled work environment” cites two employees, whose complaints I’m not sure I fully buy [“Aramark employees disgruntled with work environment,” Feb. 25].

Someone with a medical condition wets their pants while working food preparation and isn’t allowed to even change? Without hearing another side of this story—I’ll hedge my bets and call the anonymous whistle blower an L.I.A.R. Having hours curbed to cut off privileges to health care is highly questionable, I will admit, but this anonymous complainer comes off as bratty and entitled. “Anything would be better”; there’s money in amateur porn?

The lions share of this article is by employees who say they’re happy, or by neutral supervisors who seem oblivious that this journalist appears to have gone into the story looking to dig up dirt, and found some on purely pedestrian, mundane ground. The title of this story should have been “Aramark Employees Work in Work Environment.” Doesn’t seem like much is happening here.

Anonymous

Disgusting!

Are you kidding me [[“Rant and Rage: Kids vs.

Dogs,” Feb. 15]? This University let’s you right this garbage about human beings. Disgusting.

Anonymous

Economic benefits: Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration Mark Gregory believes that the urban renewal project will be economically beneficial for the surrounding district.

URBAN RENEWAL FROM PAGE 1

Mayor’s proposal would develop 130 acres in downtown

Gross bodily fluids Agreed [“Rant and Rage: Kids vs. Dogs,” Feb. 15].

Parents: Believe me, just because you think your child is amazing does not mean everyone else does. Particularly in Portland, you will find folks posing as open-minded, understanding and supportive of your choice to breed. In actuality, most people are judging you.

They wish you’d leave your screaming children at home when you go out to eat. Also, with the exception of a few perverts, nobody wants to see you feed your child bodily fluids from under your shirt while trying to enjoy their dinner.

Contrary to what feel good publications and your fellow nursing mothers might tell you, it is not beautiful. If your child is still young enough to be drinking bodily fluids as a well-balanced meal, it’s too young to be at a restaurant anyway. Who wants to eat next to a screaming baby, drinking bodily fluids and pooping its diaper at the table next to them? Really?

Dogs are way better! They potty train quickly.

They’re cheaper. They don’t give you stretch marks. You can have them spayed or neutered.

You’ll never have to teach them about the “birds and the bees.” Dogs are amazing!

Anonymous

Forcing a smile It is difficult as a front line worker to smile, and put forth an hospitable face when one is being treated like %$^&*(*&^% t [“Aramark employees disgruntled with work environment,” Feb. 25]. Perhaps one needs to think twice or trice [sic] before applying for employment with this top heavy bullying organization. Surely it’s been and eye opener for me.

Anonymous

University administrators are reportedly excited about the new proposal. As a growing institution with about 28,000 students, PSU’s bid to be seen as a major player in the city’s economy may finally be recognized.

PSU was one of the key stakeholders that pushed for last year’s proposal, along with the Portland Development Commission. The plan was met with concerns from the Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen over the scope and impact of the project on his county’s budget. While the old proposal called for the redevelopment of 345 acres of land, Adams’ new proposal calls for only 130 acres of downtown area.

What this potentially means for students is that properties in the surrounding PSU area could be turned into affordable housing and academic space. According to an early map outlining the district, the space allocates at least 45 properties to be developed into housing or academic space, which include classrooms and research facilities.

According to Mark Gregory, associate vice president for finance and administration at PSU, the university believes that there is a strong case to be made for the economic benefits that could come from developments around the university district. A large part of those economic benefits come from the university itself, he said.

In a recent booklet produced by PSU, in 2010 the university’s economic impact exceeded $1.4 billion, an amount that represents the multiplying effect of the dollars spent by the school. In real estate alone, PSU spent $62.8 million in new construction, repairs and renovations last year, and the research expenditures stood at $58.2 million.

Gregory said if the urban renewal works the way it’s supposed to, there are huge potential benefits to be realized for the university. But

photo courtesy of mark gregory

Urban renewal: The map above outlines the proposed boundaries for the project.

Urban renewal financial impact This chart displays the annual financial impact per year that the PSU urban renewal project would have on the city, county and Portland Public Schools. Each figure represents the cost per year, growing incrementally every five, 10 and 15 years.

City County Years 1–5 $215,616 $204,612 Years 6-15 $1,093,528 $1,037,716 Years 16-31 $3,126,768 $2,967,184

PPS $224,911 $1,140,666 $3,261,553

with any real estate projects, there is a risk that the result may not be as one expected. Gregory himself pointed out that in the past, the Lent and Gateway neighborhood urban renewal projects have not produced the revenue the city hoped for. Still, Gregory said he believes that in this project because its potential benefits outweigh such risks, at least for PSU. According to Gregory, the purpose of urban renewal is to channel property taxes in a designated area into a separate account, which is then used by the city to stimulate property developments. This brings property value up and drives economic activities.

In the case of the PSU urban renewal project, people living within the district would still pay taxes. However, the county would have to wait 25 years before it received any of the tax revenue. Cogan expressed concerns that taking money away from public goods—such as money that goes toward Portland Public Schools—during the current difficult economic times may not be a wise move.

Dave Austin, communications director for Multnomah County, said given the fact that Cogen’s office learned about the project only recently, it is still early for him to comment on whether he thinks it is good or bad for the county.

According to Austin, Cogen is also interested in learning how and when the mayor will put together a committee of stakeholders to discuss it.

“What we’re doing is…trading in money today that’s going toward public goods, for future growth and more public goods,” Gregory said. “ People who look at it conservatively say, ‘I’d rather have the dollars today,’ while others say they’d rather take it tomorrow.”

According to Gregory, usually the money that is redistributed toward development projects only covers about 5 or 6 percent of the total cost of the projects. However, to developers, that “seed” money is enough to encourage them to choose one land over another, he said.

Kimberly Schneider, communications director for the mayor, said the Mayor’s Office has not officially identified the major stakeholders in the PSU urban renewal project yet. But due to PSU’s master planning, the mayor is more convinced this time around that an urban renewal proposal is the right step to take.

“We haven’t heard anybody coming forward with opposition to the project at this point,” Schneider said. ■

In addition to PSU, the public debate will feature Seattle University, Regis University from Denver and Loyola Marymount from Los Angeles, Calif.

This weekend’s warm-up tournament serves two purposes, Welch said.

The first is to prepare a handful of U.S. debate teams heading to April’s championship with a far more competitive environment than that to which they are accustomed.

“It’s definitely a much better representation of what [the championship] is going to look like than other tournaments we’ve had this year,” Welch said.

With 14 states fielding a total of 52 teams—or debate duos—this weekend’s tournament will be the largest tournament that the majority of the PSU debate team will attend before the championship, according to Welch. And whereas most of the debate tournaments PSU has attended this year have been held “locally”—in Oregon, Washington and California—this weekend’s participants will hail from Colorado, Michigan, New York and elsewhere.

“We’ll have a better sense of how other teams debate, what they’re like and how good they are,” said Corinne Gilbertson, a PSU Debate Team member.

The second purpose of the tournament is to help popularize the debate format that PSU’s team specializes in—the British Parliamentary (BP) format—which Welch believes is the best among the many collegiate debate formats.

According to team member Aaron Baker, a junior philosophy student, speakers using the

All photos by Karl Kuchs/VANGUARD STAFF

Preparation: Aaron Powell (left) and Seth Evans (right) at debate practice.

BP format are more likely to be judged by a heuristic of 50 percent “manner” and 50 percent “matter” than to a hard-and-fast set of rules.

Gilbertson, who will be judging this weekend, said that tournament judges look for certain basic qualities while rating speakers. These qualities include persuasiveness, confidence, organization and the uniqueness of a speaker’s argument combined with his or her level of support.

Touching on the last of these, Gilbertson said that participating in the debate team forces its members to stay politically informed by maintaining a steady diet of national and international news.

Although it helps to be a widely read news consumer, reading The Economist on a regular basis is the hobbyhorse of a successful BP debater, according to Baker.

“I learn more in any given season of competitive debate than I’ve learned in any given

Warming up: Jaco Gran prepares for this weekend's tournament.

class that I’ve ever taken,” Baker said. “I learn about public policy, values, things to prefer and prioritize, and what we as informed citizens should know about and care about.”

This has been something of a banner year for the debate team, according to team member Lindsay Bing, a senior studying political science.

“This year we’ve been really competitively successful,” Bing said. “Our novices have done exceptionally well, which is promising because…if you don’t have any younger talent coming in, it’s not a sustainable team.”

Bing and Baker have been permanent debate partners since last year and are now one of PSU’s most experienced and successful debate duos. They made it into the final round at last year’s championship, which is a “pretty big deal,” Bing said.

She compared the championship to an entire sports season taking place over the course of a weekend.

“We were really happy to represent Portland State, a public university, in an academic competition that’s often dominated by private, very prestigious universities,” she said.

The 2011 USU Debating Championship will be held at the University of Vermont on April 1–3. According to Welch, PSU will be sending six teams of two partners, including the Bing-Baker team. ■

ARTS & CULTURE ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ VANGUARD 9

8 VANGUARD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ ARTS & CULTURE

A&C

EDITOR: NICHOLAS KULA ARTS@DAILYVANGUARD.COM 503-725-5694

Film festivals? Yeah, we got ‘em

Where memoir meets funny The perfectly honest humor of “Mr. Funny Pants” Candace Opper Vanguard staff

Most people know Michael Showalter from MTV’s “The State” or the 2001 summer camp parody “Wet Hot American Summer” or various other comedy collaborations with David Wain and Michael Ian Black, et al. While Showalter has both writing and acting credits for most of his projects, “Mr. Funny Pants” is his first attempt at writing a book. As a reader, I immediately attach this book to an irrational fear that it won’t be as funny Showalter’s performances. Thankfully, that anxiety is quelled before you even arrive at the book’s opening acknowledgements.

“Mr. Funny Pants” is marketed as a “comedy memoir,” following the leads of other recent projects like Sarah Silverman’s “The Bedwetter,” and any of Chelsea Handler’s autobiographical ventures. While it lately seems like everyone and their dog is jumping on the memoir bandwagon, comedians prove to be especially adept at the form. In a recent interview with Salon.com, Showalter commented, “Comedians are proven commodities with built-in audiences. They may not have the writing chops of a Dave Eggers, but they’re salacious and funny and self-reflective”— all pretty vital qualities for the genre.

Showalter’s book is essentially a self-reflec-

tive memoir about the process of writing a memoir. While his narrative rips every piece of this book-writing process apart, Showalter reflects, digresses, rants and humbles himself in countless hilarious ways.

His preface opens with, “I know that if I am going to write a book, the first thing I’ll need to

write is a preface. I don’t really understand what purpose this preface will serve, but I know that lots of books start with them, so mine will too.”

The preface is then followed by a post-preface, a post-post-preface, a pre-post-post-preface, and an end of pre- and post-prefaces preface.

Showalter structures the book into short chapters about his book-writing attempts, interspersed with various embarrassing recollections of unlucky love (“Dos and Don’ts for Girls with Boyfriends Who Go Out on Dates with Guys Who Aren’t Their Boyfriends”), humbling experiences in the acting industry (“Closeup Photographs of Your Face”) and touching idiosyncrasies (“1 1/2 Pages on I Hate Jogging Because…”).

The Showalter we know and love comes out best in the many “My Morning Routine” chapters where he shares excerpts from his “Morning Joke Journal.”

“Let’s say I ask you, ‘On a scale from 1 to 10 how much do I love this song?’

And you know I really love the song and you say, ‘Eleven.’ The reality is that, even though your intention was correct, it’s actually as wrong as if you’d said ‘one.’

Because, while in theory you were right, technically it’s incorrect.”

One theme of this memoir—beyond its surface level hilarity—is Showalter’s adam wickham/VANGUARD STAFF self-diagnosed obsessive-compulsive dis-

Fifth Avenue Cinema hosts its quarterly “Visuals” film fest order, which reveals itself in the many rants and digressions that dig their way out of his seemingly genuine over-analytic nature. While there is a playful randomness to these anecdotes, strung together they illuminate a plight that is the foundation of Showalter’s comedy: the very real and often very hilarious predicament of neuroses. It’s obvious he has learned to wield his erratic fixations for the greater good of his comedy.

Overall, this book implicitly traces the makings of a comedian as well as the efforts to reconstruct those makings. Most of the time I felt as though I was sitting right next to Michael in his Brooklyn apartment while he obsessively saved and re-saved his book document after every sentence he wrote.

“I can’t write the memoir I want to write if I stick to the facts. My life simply isn’t eventful enough for an accurate portrait. So instead of telling the truth, I will write whatever comes to mind and if I’m asked about it I will just say that memory is subjective.”

Fair enough. The reader still gets a fulfilling portrait of an honestly hilarious person. ■

Nicholas Kula Vanguard Staff

T

onight, Fifth Avenue Cinema will play host to the “Visuals” film festival, an event they hold each year at the end of every term. The event will feature free food, live music, an awards ceremony and more. On top of all that, it’s free for PSU students.

Hopefuls were encouraged to submit their shorts—not to exceed 10 minutes in length—by Feb. 25, giving participants plenty of time to let their creative juices flow. These juices, however, are barred from producing and submitting a

Stats: Showalter is reading at Powell’s Books on Burnside, Wednesday, March 9 at 6 p.m.

Following this reading is a live show at the Mission Theatre at 9 p.m., 21+, $12 advance, $14 day of show

Beyond the walls of Campus Rec Tons of equipment rentals are yours to be had Rian Evans Vanguard staff

W

hen it comes to having fun while getting or staying fit, few things beat the great outdoors. While there are few sick individuals like myself who actually like the mouse-in-a-wheel gym routine, sane people tend to prefer getting active outside of a gym setting. What sounds more appealing: slugging it out on a stair climber while staring at the wall, or backpacking on a mountain trail on spring day? Going back and

forth on a rowing machine while listening to the same tired mp3s for the 100th time, or going on kayaking trip with some friends? Like I said, most will opt for the fresh air and excitement over the often bland experience of the gym.

There is one problem, though: equipment and

Would you like to go backpacking? Campus Rec has tents, stoves, coolers, water jugs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, shovels, compasses and more.

ADAM WICKHAm/VANGUARD STAFF

Fun for rent: Campus Rec's monolithic walls of rental gear.

gear are often prohibitively expensive. The truth is that most of us are students who are just eking by financially as we pursue our education. If we had extra money to spend on kayaks or skis, we probably wouldn’t be drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller High Life. I refuse to believe that even the hippest of Portland hipsters, given an increased income, would still prefer PBR to beer from Hopworks or any other local brewery.

So, what’s a student to do? Many of us already work as much as we can, and selling our organs on the black market can be quite risky. As usual, our old pals at Campus Rec have us covered.

The equipment rental at Campus Rec has a wide variety of equipment to choose from for would-be adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts—I’m talking about pretty much everything one could possibly need. Would you like to go backpacking? Campus Rec has tents, stoves, coolers, water jugs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, shovels, compasses and more. How do you feel about kayaking or rafting? They’ve got boats, paddles, oars, life vests, wet suits, helmets and inner tubes for the water novice. For the Sly Stallone, “Cliffhanger”-types, Campus Rec even has climbing and mountaineering gear, such as boots, crampons, ice axes and so forth. And finally, there is skiing and snowshoeing equipment for all the snow lovers out there.

Before anyone gets too excited, I must point out that equipment rental isn’t free. However, ASRC members and PSU students get some pretty sweet rates. For convenience, much of the equipment is available in packages. For example, the “whitewater kayak package” includes a boat, personal flotation device, paddle, helmet, skirt, and float bags for only $30. Most equipment can be rented out for multiple days at a time without accruing additional charges. Equipment is also available to those who aren’t ASRC mem-

pornographic film, which is the only genre that is prohibited.

Though the deadline is passed, it is surprising to find that Fifth Avenue Cinema accepts submissions from people other than the PSU student body. As stated in the rules and regulations, the contest is also open to PSU faculty and “fans of 5th Avenue Cinema.” Essentially, anyone can submit a short.

Besides the food provided by around-thecorner eatery Hot Lips Pizza, this quarter’s soiree features performances by two live bands: Spookfish and Cotton. It is unclear whether Fifth Avenue Cinema is extending to full-time music venue, in light of this and Fanno Creek’s performance there last Friday.

Spookfish is a Portland artist who's music sounds tailor-made for scoring a film festival.

Not too many of the songs sound alike, but a lot of its tracks share a sonic commonality; many of them sound like circus music run through a pitch-shifting vibrato pedal.

Drums, ambient vocals and a smattering of acoustic guitars find themselves into the mix on occasion.

Attendants of “Visuals” won’t find much out of the ordinary with Spookfish’s tunes, however, because even agreeing to attend a film festival consisting of several 10-minute-maximum shorts puts one’s attention span on the chopping block. That said, Spookfish has multiple self-released albums to draw from that span a huge variety of styles.

Cotton’s web presence isn’t nearly as well defined as that of Spookfish, so trying to locate

ALL PHOTOS BY LIANA SHEWEY/VANGUARD ARCHIVES

Fest of film: Fifth Avenue Cinema will offer up free food, film and awards tonight.

its music is a task unto itself, which is only augmented by its common name. This isn’t a bad thing, though—the films are just as much of a surprise, so why shouldn’t this mentality bleed into the musical acts as well?

Fifth Avenue Cinema is Portland State’s student run-media center. Way back before most of us were born, the cinema was a Portland art-house staple. The cinema specialized in hard-to-find limited-run artsy flicks, the likes of which couldn’t be seen at any other movie theatre in town. It was only in 1989 that the theatre was reclaimed and reopened by PSU students, where it has been providing the student body with personally-selected flicks, free popcorn and free admission ever since. Even non-PSU students are only asked to pay a paltry $3 for entry, and only two if the mov-

iegoer happens to be a student anywhere else.

That alone makes the Fifth Avenue Cinema the best deal in town, and it’s right in PSU’s back pocket.

If you are looking for a last breath of fun before dead week begins, interested in checking out some of Portland State’s budding filmmakers or are just looking for something to do tonight, “Visuals” just might be the ticket for you. Plus, there’s free pizza.

Visuals Film Festival Tonight 7 p.m.

5th Avenue Cinema Free for students All ages

There’s nothing gentle about this movie “A Somewhat Gentle Man” is more powerful than its name implies Ines Kuna Vanguard staff

Karl kuchs/VANGUARD STAFF

The Horde: Inner workings of the rentals.

bers, though the prices double in those cases.

Whether one is a genuine outdoor enthusiast who just can’t afford their own equipment or a gym rat like me who could definitely stand to change things up, there is ample reason check out the Campus Rec equipment rental. Pay them a visit at the Campus Rec building Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For rental info, rates, policies and other information, please visit www.pdx.edu/recreation/equipment-rental-center. The equipment rental center can also be reached by phone at 503-725-5668 or by e-mail at eqc@pdx.edu. ■

“A Somewhat Gentle Man,” directed by Hans Petter Moland, follows the post-prison life of Ulrik (Stellan Skarsgard), a man who spent 12 years in prison for the murder of his wife’s lover.

Upon release, Ulrik is awaited by friends Jenson and Rolf, who offer him a place to stay with Karen Margrethe, Jenson’s cold yet dependent sister. Jenson, who has been sending Ulrik’s family money during the imprisonment, urges Ulrik to seek revenge on the man who testified against him. Jenson supplies a weapon and a car for the reluctant Ulrik. After rejecting Jenson’s suggestion, Ulrik is ostracized from his only friends. He attempts reconciliation with his son and ex-wife, who acknowledge him but cannot accept him.

The only person who fills him with any happiness is the beautiful secretary Merete. However, when things with Merete fall apart by way of fate, Ulrik finds himself confined again in a prison of loneliness. As he contemplates the value of this useless existence, Ulrik finds himself at the scene of a most unlikely blessing.

The film’s expressive cinematic techniques captivate audiences into the somber flavor of Ulrik’s life. A blue filter sets the stage for the dismal plot, emphasizing Ulrik’s constant challenges.

Photo courtesy of paradox production

Exercise gun control: This is not how you hold it. No horseplay.

The opening frame following his release exudes the coldness of freedom and the closed frames of his new living quarters and interactions with old friends depict the illusionary nature of this freedom as an ultimately continuing imprisonment. The slow pace, although perhaps unbearable for some, allows the audience to appreciate the lack of revolution brought upon by liberation. As Ulrik falls into a network of various complex and intertwining social relationships, the plot

drastically thickens, leaving viewers questioning whether he will ever find a true niche in the free world.

The Norwegian film won the award for best actor at Fantastic Fest and the Special Jury Prize at the Chicago International Film Festival. It is no surprise; Skarsgard is remarkable. Ulrik’s character is fully embraced as the title “somewhat gentle man,” who creates disparity in the binary view of good versus evil. Likewise, the rest of the characters each deliver unique and sincere personalities

without requiring excessive screen time. Although the film is relatively long, it manages to introduce many intricate characters while continuing the unraveling of a slow but twisted plot.

The film raises serious questions about second chances, both within the prison system and in personal life. Moland’s suggestions on the difficulty of transition shed sympathy onto all who have paid their dues. No amount of charitable service or personal redemption can completely erase some past mistakes. Sensitive to the suffering of prisoners, “A Somewhat Gentle Man” opens a discussion of goodness, proposing that circumstance can shatter the commonly thought objective moral system.

“A Somewhat Gentle Man” is wonderful beyond words. The plot weaves slowly but profoundly between the complex, intertwining experiences of a basket of unique, sincere characters. Skarsgard’s magnificent performance allows Ulrik to consume viewers in a striking moral inquiry about redemption, forgiveness and karma. Combining a compelling plot with skilled actors, suggestive cinematography and moral implications, “A Somewhat Gentle Man” is worth seeing by all means. ■

“A Somewhat Gentle Man” Dir. Hans Petter Moland nwfilm.org

ARTS & CULTURE ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ VANGUARD 11

10 VANGUARD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ ARTS & CULTURE WE THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS SHOW

A spoonful of laughter helps the finals go down Kynna Groff Vanguard staff

photo courtesy of jz-kamp.de

A Hawk and a Hacksaw

Saturday, March 5 A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Denver, Ezza Rose There are plenty of well known “world music” acts out there, and a lot of them really play to our American quasi-isolationism. Bands like Gogol Bordello, Balkan Beat Box and our town’s on Chervona really hammer home the idea of foreigners being super ker-azy people that are just so weird! Thankfully, this Saturday at Mississippi Studios, you can get your fill of this kind of music without all the theatrics. A Hawk and a Hacksaw play deeply lush instrumentals, which is quite striking, since the band employs only two core members. You can expect complete audience captivation and some very inventive compositions, seeing as how AHaaH have five albums worth of material to work with. What you won’t find: people kicking you in the head, people spilling beer all over everything, stage dives or any general kookiness outside of the music. And you know, given the rabid popularity for bands like this nowadays, this seems almost like a bonus. Also, AHaaH is from New Mexico. Fooled you!

Mississippi Studios, $12–14, 9 p.m., 21+

Sheen watch

It really is the best medicine We’re nearing the end of term, which means a few things. For starters, finals week is coming up, so it’s a safe bet that many of us are attempting awe-inspiring feats of studying, such as reading an entire term’s worth of book chapters in one week. This also means that for most of us—even those who aren’t cramming as if their life depended on it—that stress is at a high point right now.

Now, we all know that too much stress can have ill effects on the body. Things like depression, headaches, sleep problems and lack of sex drive are all associated with it. So, what is your average PSU student on a budget supposed to do to get rid of all this stress? Well, you could do some yoga, or meditate, or burn incense, but if you ask me, the simplest advice is often the best. That means taking a big dose of the best medicine: laughter.

This week, you can swallow a heaping helping of the good stuff at the Weird Bar’s oneyear anniversary of Laughterglow Comedy Night. Laughterglow is a monthly showcase of some of the most promising comedy talent Portland has to offer, and features stand-up, musicians, sketch comedy and more. Although last month’s show has been described as killer, The Weird Bar says this month’s Laughterglow will be just as good. The night of laughs this month is happening on Thursday, March 10 at 9 p.m. Obviously, since it’s at a bar, the show is 21-and-over, and it’s being offered for the amazingly low price of $5—perfect for the college student who needs a little break without wanting to shell out major cash.

Even though Laughterglow Comedy Night is only a year old, there are some well-known names coming to its first birthday party.

Hosted by Whitney Streed from the Helium Comedy Club, this month’s Laughterglow boasts headliner Timmy Williams, who is part of the hit IFC sketch show “The Whitest

Kids U’Know.” Making his victorious return to Portland is local comedian Phil Schallberger, who you might know from the Bridgetown Comedy Festival. Also featured are rising comedic stars Zach Cole, Katie Brien and Grace Sadie.

On its website, The Weird Bar (formerly the much beloved lesbian bar The Egyptian Room, or E-Room) promises that it has something for everyone who considers themselves a little weird. This is probably because the Division Street bar is, in fact, three bars rolled into one—“This Bar,” “That Bar” and “The Other Bar.” “This Bar” is where you are located when you first enter the building. It’s the best place to get connected to wi-fi, and features electrical outlets on the customers’ side of the bar. It also offers a variety of games, activities and food. Walk down a ramp and you’ll be in “That Bar.” “That Bar” opens at 9 p.m. and features epic karaoke nights Wednesday through Saturday.

Next to that is “The Other Bar,” which is the largest of all three. “The Other Bar” holds poker tournaments Sunday through Wednesday. Specials shows are scheduled on Thursdays, and DJs spin music and turn the bar into a dance club on the weekends.

You definitely want to leave yourself time to check out everything The Weird Bar has to offer before you head into “The Other Bar” for Laughterglow. At this time, there isn’t anything on The Weird Bar’s calendar about next month’s Laughterglow show, but if you miss this one, and want to see more of what they have to offer, check them out at www.weirdbar.com.

It’s time to take a break from your studying and beat the stress monster. Spend a few hours cracking up at The Weird Bar’s Laughterglow Comedy Night. Trust us, your body will thank you. ■

Laughterglow Comedy Night Thursday, March 10 Weird Bar 3701 SE Division $5 21+

Charlie Sheen outs himself, a warlock speaks

karl kuchs/vanguard staff

Cheese pillow: If you can't appreciate the ingredients, appreciate the color coordination.

Ricotta chard dumplings with egg noodles A meatless winter dinner Kat Vetrano Vanguard staff

By now, you’ve likely heard of the Meatless Monday campaign. It’s the decision that everyone from Oprah to Michael Pollan has decided to take on, where a meatless dinner is eaten once a week for health and environmental benefits.

Perhaps you’d like to try out the idea but have a hard time thinking of a meal without the traditional plate of big protein, small grain and small vegetable.

Whether or not you care about this way of eating or you’re just trying to enjoy more vegetables, this recipe is a quick way to add some green to your meal: Simply wrap a large leafy green around a filling, and serve it over noodles (or rice, if you prefer). The meal takes minutes to prepare and can easily be tweaked to your preferences; freshly chopped parsley or cilantro would be a nice addition to the ricotta, or perhaps beans and salsa for a Mexican-style dinner.

Ingredients 1 cup of ricotta 1 tablespoon of chives 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (Meyer if you can find it) 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes 4 leaves of any kind of chard (or other sturdy greens like kale) 8 oz whole-wheat egg noodles 1 tablespoon of butter 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan Finishing salt (or regular salt if that’s what you have) Pepper

Method Place the ricotta in a small bowl. Chop the chives and place them in the bowl along with the zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to your liking. Mix and set the bowl aside.

Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt and make your noodles according to the package directions. When the noodles are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them into a strainer (save the boiling water).

Then, put one leaf into the boiling water.

Count to 60 and remove with tongs, laying it flat on a clean workspace. Repeat this process with all of the leaves (if you used a big saucepan, you may be able to do two at once). Once all the leaves are cool, make your dumplings.

To make a dumpling, take one leaf and lay it flat on a cutting board. Put one-quarter cup of the ricotta mixture in the center. Bring up the bottom part of the leaf and hold secure with one hand. Then, fold in the right and left sides towards the middle. Roll the bottom upwards until all of the ricotta is covered (do this the same way you would roll a burrito).

Repeat this process with all the leaves until you have four dumplings. Dress the hot pasta with butter and Parmesan, and top with two dumplings per person. Serve with the remaining chard sautéed in garlic and olive oil, or a salad topped with vinegar. ■

NOW HIRING ARTS WRITERS a p p ly o n li n e at w w w. P S U VAN G UA R D.c o m

Vanguard and Facebook: together at last?

Spring is inching closer, and that means the season of love is upon us. Well, at www.psuvanguard.com, an unlikely companionship has been taking place! Did you know you can “like” articles from our website on Facebook?

Doing so will help optimize your Vanguard experience by telling us what’s important to you, the reader, the student. Check it out today! photo courtesy of juophoto.com

Timmy Williams: Not the medicine we're talking about.

With all the hype surrounding Charlie Sheen’s absolute hyper-cosmic nuttiness, did you think there was a chance that we weren’t going to talk about it?

Amid questions of Sheen’s rampant drug use fueling his psychoses, Sheen submitted his blood and urine for drug testing. The world was shocked when he passed—his blood and urine came back 100 percent free of controlled substances.

Since then, every media outlet has been trying to get a piece of Sheen’s warped head, and for good reason. How many times have you goaded on a drunk relative at a family picnic? Charlie Sheen is a media personality and is therefore the drunken uncle of shows like “20/20” and “Good Morning America.”

Recently on the “Today” show, Charlie Sheen dropped the bomb: he told “Today” that he’s a warlock.

“CBS picked a fight with a warlock,” said Sheen. “They’re trying to take all my money.”

This news is even more exciting because it gives a glimpse into the rarely-explored world of warlocks. Not only do they have ridiculous amounts of money, but they are also from Mars and often rock stars.

“I’m tired of pretending I’m not a…total bitchin’ rock star from Mars,” Sheen also told “Today.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONALLEDGER.COM

More details as we get them, but the grand warlock council surely can’t be excited to have their cover blown. ■

SPORTS ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ VANGUARD 13

12 VANGUARD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ SPORTS

SPORTS

EDITOR: KEVIN FONG SPORTS@DAILYVANGUARD.COM 503-725-4538

Softball plays under the Tucson sun Portland State softball to play five games in three days at Wildcat Invitational Robert Britt Vanguard staff

Portland State softball is taking a break from the rain-soaked Park Blocks to spend the weekend under the sun at the 15-game Wildcat Invitational in Tucson, Ariz.

The Vikings (8-5) are set to play five games at the three-day event, and will be looking to keep their hot streak going in the Arizona heat.

Play begins tonight when the Viks take the field against tournament host Arizona. PSU then plays Idaho State (2-6) later in the evening before returning to the field Saturday to face Minnesota (7-7) and UC Riverside (3-10). A Sunday-morning meeting with Utah State (3-7) closes out the event for the Vikings.

The Wildcats (14-2) are fourth in the nation in the most recent USA Today rankings, and tonight’s meeting marks the sixth time this season that the Vikings face a nationally ranked opponent. The last time the Vikings and Wildcats faced each other was in 1979, when PSU claimed a 1-0 victory.

Portland State enters the weekend on a threegame winning streak, and is off to the best start to a season in 13 years. The Vikings hold the top record in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference, and the last time they won eight of their first 13 games was in 1998. Four of PSU’s five losses have come against teams ranked in the top 20.

all PHOTOs COURTESY of PORTLAND STATE ATHLETICS

Swinging for the fences: Sophomore Danielle Lynn zeroes in on the incoming pitch.

Spearheading the Vikings’ success this season is the strength coming out of the pitching circle.

Behind the plate: Junior catcher Lacey Holm tosses a ball back to the pitcher.

Spearheading the Vikings’ success this season is the strength coming out of the pitching circle.

Led by senior Nichole Latham, Portland State has swept all three of the PCSC’s weekly pitching honors. On Monday, Latham was named the Mountain Division Pitcher of the Week for the second consecutive time and the seventh time in her career. Sophomore Anna Bertrand opened the season by taking the Feb. 15 pitching honor.

Latham leads the Vikings with a 1.87 ERA over 45 innings pitched, with 22 strikeouts. Bertrand, last year’s Pitcher of the Year, holds a 3.50 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 44 innings.

Against Arizona, the Viking batters may have to face the heat of Arizona’s pitching staff. Wildcats’ sophomore Kenzie Fowler currently leads the Pac-10 Conference in strikeouts (76), ERA (0.69) and wins (10).

Even if Fowler gets the start in tonight’s meeting with the Vikings, the PSU sluggers are well equipped at the plate.

In her first season at PSU since transferring from Colorado State, junior outfielder Jenna Krogh enters this weekend riding a 10-game hitting streak—the longest active streak in the PCSC. Krogh is batting .372 on 16 hits and has a team-leading three triples.

Junior catcher and designated player Lacey Holm leads PSU with 14 RBIs and a .467 batting average on 14 hits. In the PCSC stats, three Vikings sit atop the charts with four multi-hit games each this season: Krogh, sophomore out-

fielder Danielle Lynn and senior shortstop Arielle Wiser.

PSU heads to the Wildcat Invitational after taking two wins in Sacramento, Calif., at last week’s PCSC Crossover Tournament, including a 3-0 shutout of the Saint Mary’s Gaels—the winners of last season’s PCSC Championship Series.

The Vikings began the season winning three of their six games at the Kajikawa Classic, including a 4-3 win over then-ranked No. 16 Brigham Young in eight innings. The following weekend, Portland State went on to win three of five games at the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic in Nevada.

In the preseason poll released in January, the Vikings were the unanimous pick to win this season’s PCSC Mountain Division title. Last year, PSU won the division title after going 18-2 in league play and 30-27 overall, but lost to Saint Mary’s in the first-ever championship series.

The PCSC expanded from six to 12 teams last season and split into two divisions, with a bestof-three series deciding which team advances to the NCAA postseason.

Under third-year head coach Tobin EchoHawk, the Vikings have won two titles and advanced to the NCAA Regional. Echo-Hawk was selected as last year’s Mountain Division Coach of the Year.

Despite beginning each of the last three seasons in the state of Arizona, this weekend will be PSU softball’s first trip to the city of Tucson.

Since 2009, the Vikings have thrown the first pitch of the season at the Arizona State-hosted Kajikawa Classic in Tempe.

Portland State begins PCSC league play next month, when they are set to host Utah Valley in a double header on April 9 at Erv Lind Stadium.

Live stats and audio of this weekend’s games can be found at arizonawildcats.com. ■

Portland State at the Wildcat Invitational Hosted by University of Arizona Tuscon, Ariz.; Hillenbrand Stadium Friday, 4 p.m. at No. 4 Arizona (14-2) Friday, 6 p.m. vs. Idaho State (2-6) Saturday, noon vs. Minnesota (7-7) Saturday, 6 p.m. vs. UC Riverside (3-10) Sunday, 10 a.m. vs. Utah State (3-7)

Taking a club to a whole new level The PSU Disc Golf club is serious about its game, and enjoys the sport for what it brings Gretchen Sandau Vanguard staff

The Portland State Disc Golf club is more than just an average club. It helps build courses, competes in various tournaments and is even sending a team of four down to the Collegiate Disc Golf Championship in mid-April. The club is currently ranked second out of the Oregon series, which includes other schools such as Oregon, OSU and Western. President of the club senior Tony Skrivanek and team leader junior Alex Bernstein discussed the club and the sport that they love.

The Vanguard: Who are you? What do you do?

Disc Golf: [We’re] a group of students who got together to have a competitive team. We’re playing against other schools in Oregon, and

we’re competing down in nationals. We’re just hoping to get more people from PSU out to play disc golf and teach people if they want.

V: What is the history behind the club?

DG: The club started a few years back, but the guys kind of fell into bad standing with the rec clubs… so I went in front of the rec club counsel and proposed that we restart the club… so [rec] let us start it back up again. We’ve been around for about two years now.

V: What events has the club sponsored or competed in?

DG: Last year we helped and competed in a tournament set up by some international community development students [who] were trying to raise some money for a trip to Uganda for some CD work over there. The tournament was at Milo McIver State Park, and we’re going to do the same thing again this year, but this time we’re going to fundraise for our club.

Senior, pitcher • 1.87 ERA • Two-time Pitcher of the Week (Feb. 22, March 1)

V: How many members are there?

DG: We have about 30 people on the list, about 20 active members, but eight to 10 competitive members. It’s about half and half [between] casual and players who are competing.

V: Where, when and how often do you meet?

DG: We try to get together and practice twice a week. We meet usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning or the early afternoon, and we vary on everyone’s schedule…but ideally, we meet twice a week. Usually it’s up at Pier Park up in St. John’s, its kind of the closest and best course that we have. We also carpool for students who need rides.

V: How do students join?

DG: Go to our website and fill out the paperwork. The best way is probably e-mailing psudisc@pdx.edu, and then we take it from there.

V: What have you done recently?

DG: We’re doing a series with three other schools: Western, Oregon and OSU. We’ve competed in two events and our third one is this Sunday. Then we have a fourth one, and

Portland State men’s tennis travels to Northern Arizona in a bid to propel Big Sky campaign Nilesh Tendolkar Vanguard staff

The Portland State men’s tennis team will play conference rivals Northern Arizona on Saturday at Flagstaff, Ariz. The Vikings are currently 1-2 in the conference and 4-7 overall for the 2011 season. On the other hand, Northern Arizona are will kick off its Big Sky campaign against the Viks. The Lumberjacks have a 2-9 overall record this season.

In their previous game, the Vikings registered an emphatic 7-0 win against Northern Colorado at home last Saturday. This was their first conference win after narrowly going down to Sacramento State (3-4) and Weber State (3-4) in their first two matches.

The match against the Lumberjacks is critical for reviving Portland State’s conference fortunes. The Viks currently stand ninth in the Big Sky table, although the season has really just begun. Last year, the team had just missed out on a playoff position, finishing fifth under head coach Jay Sterling.

For the Viks, the Big Sky season started with a hard-fought 3-4 loss to Sacramento at the Club Green Meadows. This result was an improvement over the 0-7 drubbing that the Viks had received last season against the Hornets. Sacramento State is a quality program that finished at the top of the conference table and won the Big Sky Championship in 2010.

In their second conference match against Weber State in Utah, the Viks once again went down with a similar 3-4 scoreline. In 2010, the Viks had lost 2-5 to the Wildcats at home. This severely hampered the team’s chances of qualifying for the Big Sky semi-final round. The Viks finished fifth in the conference overall last season.

However, Sterling urged the team to not to hang their heads and continue to focus on creating chances.

“It is imperative that we turn the corner and start to win key matches. We are 0-2 in the conference and we have played some tough teams, but we can play better,” Sterling said. “We have given ourselves the opportunities in both our matches, but we haven’t quite closed them out and taken advantages of these opportunities.”

The team followed the coach’s instructions and registered a dominant 7-0 win in its third conference match against Northern Colorado

Lacey Holm

Jenna Krogh

Sophomore, pitcher

Junior, catcher/designated player

Junior, outfielder

• 52 strikeouts • Pitcher of the Week (Feb. 15)

•.467 batting average (team leading) • 14 RBIs (team leading) • Player of the Week (Feb. 15)

V: Does the club have any quirky anecdotes, or stories to tell?

DG: Every time we go out is a blast, that’s why we do it.

V: Do new members need to have experience?

DG: No, not at all!

V: What’s coming up for the club?

DG: On April 3, it’s a disc golf clinic and tournament. There is going to be a 14-person shuttle and we’re going to take people from PSU over to beautiful Estacada and teach people, if they want, basic skills and techniques of disc golf, and then play in an 18-hole tournament.

There will be prizes and snacks for people.

V: What do you want the PSU community to know about the club?

DG: We want them to know that we exist. Let people know that we’re here, and we’re willing to help people. Also we are sending people to the Collegiate Disc Golf National Championship in South Carolina. We’re sending a great team out there. And we’re stewards of different courses too, we’re all about growing the disc golf community. ■

all PHOTOs COURTESY of PORTLAND STATE ATHLETICS

Women's tennis: Junior Masha Los plays for the Portland State women's team, which faces Gonzago on March 27.

2011 Men's Tennis Standings School Eastern Washington Northern Colorado Weber State Idaho State Montana State Montana Sacramento State Northern Arizona Portland State

Anna Bertrand

then finals…we did some community service projects. We helped build a course, essentially.

L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park in Buxton. We participated in a five-weekend clinic with Dave Feldberg, who is the best in the world, and our club has a chance to work with him. He likes what we’re doing here.

Duel in the desert for Vikings

VIKINGS TO WATCH

Nichole Latham

V: Is the club a part of a larger organization?

DG: Right now we’re mostly just PSU rec, and we’re loosely organized with the other schools for the Oregon Series, but we don’t have a governing body that we are a part of…this is our first year of doing the Oregon Collegiate Series, so we’ve just been working with other club leaders to get the ball rolling.

• 10-game hitting streak • .372 batting average At your service: Senior Matt Erickson sends a big serve toward his opponent.

Conf 2-0 0-3 2-1 0-2 1-0 0-0 3-0 0-1 1-1

Pct 1.000 0.000 0.667 0.000 1.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.500

at home. The Viks made a clean sweep of the contest by winning all three doubles and the six singles matches.

The Viks will hope to keep the winning momentum against Northern Arizona and avenge last season’s bitter 2-5 defeat by the Lumberjacks. According to a press release by the athletics department, Sterling had said, ”It was a really close match. It pretty much came down to the doubles point.”

So far this season, the Viks have won 12 doubles duels and lost 18. The singles performance stands at a 0.400 win-percentage with 24 wins and 36 losses total in 2011. ■

Overall 5-4 2-7 3-7 0-8 5-7 3-1 4-6 3-8 4-6

Home 1-1 1-3 3-1 0-6 3-1 1-0 0-0 2-3 3-4

Away 3-2 1-4 0-6 0-2 2-6 2-1 4-6 1-5 1-2

Streak W3 L3 W3 L8 W4 W2 L1 L1 W1

Viks in the conference for 2011 Portland State 3–4 at Sacramento State Portland State 3–4 at Weber State Portland State 7–0 at Northern Arizona

Portland State at Northern Arizona Flagstaff, Ariz.

Saturday, 1 p.m.

SPORTS ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ VANGUARD 15

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ETC.

The rise of rugby into American sports culture

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: VIRGINIA VICKERY EDITOR@DAILYVANGUARD.COM 503-725-5691

CALENDAR Today

One of the world’s most popular sports emerges in U.S. competition, as rugby sevens makes 2016 Olympics

How to Make Yourself More Competitive When Applying for Federal Jobs 9 a.m.

Stephen Lisle Vanguard staff

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Free federal hiring seminars for students and veterans, and open to the public. This is the second segment of a twopart series regarding how to gain employment with the U.S. government. Sponsored by the PSU Student Veterans Association.

Intro to AutoCAD Workshop 12:45 p.m.

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Social Sustainability Colloquium: Pedagogy of Place Among Indigenous Young Adults 1 p.m.

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“Fefu and Her Friends” 7:30 p.m.

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28 Like the Bay of Rainbows 30 Washing machine sound

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or pick up a calendar request form at the Vanguard advertising office, SMSU, room 114.

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33 Glasses for a scientist 34 It creeps up 35 Upper-class?

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Rugby is a sport that is vaguely familiar to many in the U.S., and is even less evident to those who stay true to old-fashioned American sports traditions like football, baseball or basketball.

Without pads or blocking, rugby separates itself from football and has helped bring light to concerns regarding what seems like inevitable injury.

The sport is just now making its resurgence onto the Olympic field, more than 90 years after the last rugby game was played for a medal. This comes as great news for a very proud group of nations that have only had a chance to shine in the rugby world cups, which occur every four years.

The sport that began in England nearly 200 years ago has flourished in most every part of the world, excluding the United States. Even more popular in recent years is the shorter- and faster-paced take on the game of rugby, known simply as rugby sevens.

Rugby was a part of the Olympics four times between 1900 and 1924, with the U.S. taking gold and shocking France twice, taking back-toback gold medals in 1920 and 1924. This game, however, was the traditional 15 per side rugby that has been around since the beginning.

2016 will see the newer rugby sevens style of tournament play.

Seven is the magic number in the game, as there are seven players on the field for each team and halves run a much shorter seven minutes, compared to the traditional rugby 40-minute halves. The time seems very limited, but 14 minutes of constant running and tackling proves to tire some of the world’s best athletes.

The game of sevens continues to grow rapidly in popularity because of how simple it is to

learn and how quickly the game moves.

The approval of rugby in the Olympics provides motivation for less competitive countries in the sport to make strides in training and compete against powerhouse opponents all over the world.

This past year alone has seen great progress in getting the green light to showcase what USA rugby is made of and where it could potentially go.

Collegiate sevens competitions have been aired on NBC, as well as the recent Rugby International Sevens tournament that was held in Las Vegas only weeks ago.

Although the current USA squad is made up of athletes that have day jobs during the week, playing with local clubs provides exposure and valuable experience. The powerhouses in sevens rugby include countries like New Zealand, England, South Africa, Samoa and Wales.

All of those teams are made up of players that are able to practice as a team year-round, and are paid for it.

Despite lack of funds and support, the U.S. still ranks among the top 15 in the world. Local Portland rugby club head coach and former player Andrew Edmundson has credentials going back to his home country of Australia, where rugby is one of the national sports. As a loyal supporter himself, he can't help but be excited to see where the sport can go in America, especially now that it's caught some national attention.

“I really think that the pressure has increased in a good way, as the U.S. will try to become even more competitive,” said Edmundson. “We have actually been improving and competing well at the sevens tournaments against the world’s best.”

With new workout facilities being built for the team, it is likely that sponsors will start

helping support progression over the next few years. A lot of time is still needed to work on cohesion among players who are currently not able to practice as a unit until the final weeks before competition.

In an attempt to broaden the sports knowledge to youth in the states and expose talent early on, an initiative has been brought up to encourage kids from fifth grade to eighth grade to participate in touch rugby to get familiar with the sport at a younger age. More Oregon high schools are opening their doors to the sport as well.

While rugby may never reach the popularity of other sports in the United States, there is room for growth in the highly devoted fan base, according to Portland Rugby club president Ben Altiero. Hard-hitting and fast-paced action should be something any American sports nut would be happy to watch or play.

“I definitely think that rugby could work alongside football rather than against it, since the season typically starts after football is done,” said Altiero.

“It does offer a good chance for football players to improve and even stick with rugby if football is not for them.”

The sport is starting to take shape all over the country as clubs, collegiate squads and even high school teams are becoming increasingly competitive. As the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand approaches, large TV networks understand the importance for Americans to be exposed to the sport at its finest. All of the U.S. World Cup games will be televised on NBC in September when the competition starts.

Only time will tell if sevens is something that can stick around for Olympic competition time in the future. However, as long as rugby has the Olympic name attached to it, it’s likely the U.S. will be more than willing to do whatever it takes to become a contender and get fans behind their representative squad. ■

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● Each row and each column

must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given

3-4-11

operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

photo courtesy of usa rugby

Getting a handle on it: U.S. rugby has been working hard to expand fan interest.

Watch the sky for flying objects Portland State's lacrosse club is not afraid to play rough and tough Gretchen Sandau Vanguard staff

Luther King Jr. day of service together. Team members took part in honoring King and participating and assisting in any way that they could.

There are 27 members on

consists of over 200 teams from across the nation.

Haidar, who has been on the team since the 2007 season, shared one of his first memories of the team and explains that half the fun of playing lacrosse is just getting to know your teammates. It was their first trip

When checking out the lacrosse club’s web page, visitors may instantly notice an anonymous quote: “The cowards never started, the weak died along the way.” Lacrosse, as junior team captain Ryan Haidar would say, “is definitely not for the faint of heart.”

Iraq War veteran James Taylor, who is currently a cocaptain with Haidar, founded all photos by karl kuchs/VANGUARD STAFF the club in Weaving through traffic: Senior Grant Neely (7) jukes and jives his way up the field.

2007. The team is composed of a group of guys who come from a the team, with spots still down to Arcata, with a volunteer wide range of backgrounds and available for more players. coach, who according to Haidar, who all share a love for playing New members do not need could easily become upset. to have experience, because “The tournament [was] all lacrosse. there are many said and done and we were on the team trying to get out of Arcata, we “ It goes beyond a team who have been went to a gas station, and our level, we’re all friends… playing for coach went inside to get some many years and snacks. Meanwhile, I was we really care about are willing to sitting in the back of the van each other.” help those who when another team captain RYAN HAIDAR need it. went to pay the gas… and The team he stuck the gas card into the “It goes beyond a team meets and practices three receipt slot and got it stuck…” level, we’re all friends…we times per week, with about said Haidar.

At the same time, Haidar really care about each other,” two hours of allowed field time. Outside of practice, said, another player decided Haidar said. he would lend a helping hand and clean the glass. But after cleaning the outside of the van, he got back inside and decided that the inside glass was dirty. He proceeded to wash the inside with the dirty squeegee he used on the outside.

“Meanwhile [our] coach came out with a bunch of snacks, realized that Grant got the card stuck, and that there was this nasty water all inside the van, and Max was trying to scrub the inside of the windows with it, and it was probably one of the funniest things I have ever Big action: Portland State players love the fast and intense action that lacrosse provides. seen,” Haidar said, “[Our coach] got The team is very competitive many of the guys get togeth- bright red and started screamand has participated in several er and go to the student rec ing—I was in the back just tournaments, including center for conditioning and dying laughing. It was a really competitions down in Arcata, weight lifting. good time, it just showed me The club is a part of the the potential how much fun Calif., at Humboldt State University and even some at Pacific Northwest Collegiate you can have getting to know the University of Oregon. At Lacrosse League (PNCLL), these guys.” the moment, the team is in and is in the Division I with For more information about the midst of the regular season seven other teams. Their the club and how to join, go and playing games almost conference is just one in the to www.pdx.edu/recreation/ larger organization of the lacrosse or http://psulax. every weekend.

Aside from sports, the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse groups.pdx.edu. ■ team took part in the Martin Association (MCLA), which

16 VANGUARD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011 ■ SPORTS

Final regular season game for women’s basketball Portland State takes on Montana this Saturday at the Stott Center Rosemary Hanson Vanguard staff

T

he women’s basketball team goes into its final home game this Saturday at 2 p.m. against the Montana State Bobcats. For the four senior players, this will be the last time they play a regular season game on their home court.

The Viks have already sealed

Taking the lead: Eryn Jones provides steady leadership for Portland State.

a bid to the Big Sky Tournament, but they are vying for a shot at a Big Sky regular season title, and with that the opportunity to host the post-season tournament.

Currently, the Vikings hold a second-place position in the Big Sky race, tied with Montana State with a record of 10-4. These standings are prior to the Thursday night game, the results of which were not available at press time.

The Viking’s future title is also dependent upon the outcome of Northern Colorado’s performance this weekend, who holds the conference lead with a 12-3 Big Sky record.

Portland State had a tough final four games on its schedule, but the Viks were up to the challenge. PSU’s schedule pegged the team against two of the top competitors, Montana and Montana State, in back-toback weekends.

Portland State headed to the Montanas last weekend and achieved a sweep of the competition—the first time in school history the Vikings have won both road games at the Big Sky state.

The team beat Montana State by a close 81-77 margin.

The win moved the two teams’ overall series to 5-4 in favor of the Vikings. Last Saturday’s game was a tough win for PSU. The Bobcats took early control of the game, but the Viks used the second half to work themselves back into the lead.

Just under halfway through the second period, the Vikings grabbed a lead that would hold through to the end of the game. The win sealed the third regular season victory against the Bobcats under head coach Sherri Murrell.

Senior guard Lexi Bishop led both the Montana State victory and the earlier Montana win last Thursday. Normally a defensive player, Bishop made four threepoint shots last Thursday night and then followed it with five treys last Saturday, achieving double-figures in scoring both nights. The senior earned Big

Sky Player of the Week honors for her standout performances.

Bishop said that the wins are huge and that the team will focus on applying last weekend’s performance to this Saturday.

She also acknowledges that the team must continue to work on improving.

“Winning last weekend helped us because we know what we did that worked,” Bishop said. “As well as…the things we didn’t do well. That will help us big time [on Saturday]. I think coming back home is also going to be really good for us.”

Bishop will join Saturday’s senior night alongside center Courtney Cremer, guard Kelly Marchant and forward Kelli Valentine. The four players have all played in the past two post-season appearances, and even helped the team achieve a bid to the NCAA tournament last year.

Montana State will try to spoil the Vikings’ home celebration tomorrow night, and are the only team to have a positive record against PSU in the regular season. Montana State controlled the first half of Big Sky play, going on a sixgame win streak at one point, which was only halted by a

loss to in-state rival Montana.

The Bobcats’ success can be attributed in part to their three

because this team wins on the road,” Murrell said of the Bobcats’ notable success on the road.

The coach continued to explain that PSU must not assume they will win because of the home court advantage.

“We can’t just have that confidence and not perform. We have to go in here and really make sure to play until the end,” Muriel said.

With the tough competition and both teams vyShooting strong: Senior Kelli Valentine will play her ing for the title, final home game at the Stott Center tomorrow night.

Bishop feels that key players: forward Sarah the outcome of this game is Balian, guard Katie Bussey and just as important as a champiforward Rachel Semansky. onship game.

Senior Balian scored a “Every game is like a game-high 24 points against championship. We have no the Viks last weekend. Bussey chance of hosting unless and Semansky both claimed we win out the rest [of the double-doubles. Bussey made games],” said the senior.

17 points and pulled down 10 Both teams are shooting for rebounds, while Semansky had the similar regular season title 10 rebounds and 15 points. goal. The tipoff is scheduled “We can’t take for granted for 2 p.m. at the Peter W. [that] we play well at home, Stott Center. ■

Friday Softball *

Portland State (8-5) at Arizona (14-2) Tucson, Arizona 4:00 p.m.

Live audio/stats: GoViks.com Softball *

Portland State (8-5) vs. Idaho State (2-6) Tucson, Arizona 6:00 p.m.

Live audio/stats: GoViks.com WHL hockey

Portland Winterhawks (43-17-0-3, 89 pts) vs. Seattle Thunderbirds (24-31-4-5, 57 pts) Rose Garden 7 p.m.

Radio: KXFD, AM-970 MLS Soccer pre-season

Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders Starfire Sports Complex Tukwila, Washington 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Softball *

Portland State (8-5) vs. Minnesota (7-7) Tucson, Arizona 12:00 p.m.

Live audio/stats: GoViks.com Softball *

Portland State (8-5) vs. UC Riverside (3-10) Tucson, Arizona 6:00 p.m.

Live audio/stats: GoViks.com Men’s tennis

Portland State (1-2, 4-7 Big Sky) at Northern Arizona (2-9, 0-0 Big Sky) Flagstaff, Arizona 1 p.m.

Women’s basketball

Portland State (17-10, 10-4 Big Sky) vs. Montana State (16-12, 10-4 Big Sky) Stott Center 2 p.m.

Live video/stats: GoViks.com MLS Soccer pre-season

A FINAL LOOK AT PSU’S SENIORS Courtney Cremer

Your weekend in sports

Lexi Bishop

Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps Starfire Sports Complex Tukwila, Washington 5 p.m.

WHL hockey

Portland Winterhaws (43-17-0-3, 89 pts) at Vancouver Giants (33-25-1-4, 71 pts) Pacific Coliseum 7 p.m.

Radio: KXFD, AM-970 NBA

Average Points: 4.1 Average Rebounds: 2.3 Total Assists: 16 Total Blocks: 30 (leads team) Total Steals: 8

Kelli Valentine

Average Points: 6.6 Average Rebounds: 2.5 Total Assists: 49 Total Blocks: 2 Total Steals: 35

Portland Trailblazers (34-27) at Charlotte Bobcats (26-34) Charlotte, North Carolina 7 p.m.

Radio: 95.5 “the game” TV: CNW

Kelly Marchant

Sunday Softball *

Portland State (8-5) vs. Utah State (3-7) Tucson, Arizona 10 a.m.

Live audio/stats: GoViks.com WHL hockey

Average Points: 10.7 Average Rebounds: 5.7 Total Assists: 54 Total Blocks: 4 Total Steals: 43 Two-time Big Sky Conference All-Tournament

Portland Winterhawks (43-17-0-3, 89 pts) at Chilliwack Bruins (27-30-2-3, 59pts) Chilliwack, BC 5 p.m.

Radio: KXFD, AM-970

Average Points: 3.9 Average Rebounds: 1.2 Total Assists: 17 Total Blocks: 0 Total Steals: 15

* Part of the Wildcat Invitational, hosted at the University of Arizona all photos by karl kuchs/VANGUARD STAFF

Standing tall all season: Sophomore guard Courtney VanBrocklin pushes her way toward the hoop. She is tied for the lead in team scoring with Eryn Jones, averaging 14.0 points per game.