By Mark Paul McIntyre
Back at the final week before Thanksgiving, Dr. Robert Harrison took members of his classes to the Portland Art Museum for a few hours of comprehensive mayhem. That’s right, this wasn’t the Griswold’s run through a museum in fifteen minutes, but there was running as we went on a scavenger hunt. There were around 10 of us on the competition as we went after an ever elusive prize, extra credit points.
“I loved the Chinese design the most.” Replied student Haley Temple when asked about her trip, “It was interesting to see how the old Chinese designs melded with the new twenty-first century China. Also the images that were displayed about of Tokyo were impressive.”
The museum was a fifteen foot fight Imax-like screen that would show scrolling images of Beijing and Tokyo in HD images for all to see as they entered through the doors to the main floor. This made you feel as though the museum got it. The younger crowd expects no bells and whistles when going to a place of art. Many of us stopped for a moment before heading our separate ways to stare and smile at the beautiful new age looks of the Far East. That led me to lose focus before being asked if I needed help from one of the many helpful museum staff. This made me ask for where the American Indian Exhibit was and he showed me on a map, which happened to be in my hand.
The American Indian Exhibit was so massive it took up two floors. There were ancient headdresses and portraits everywhere. I even met a young college student drawing the design of one of the totems there. She was doing it for an art class at Portland State University. Once gathering the information I needed on the two pieces I was looking for and more clues on where to go next, I headed down to the second floor.
“I believed Portland had the best combination of different cultures to show the students that was close enough to go to.” Dr. Harrison replied when asked about why he took us to this museum. “With the collection of European, American, Native, Asian, and ancient works, this gave the students the biggest combination to see all types of life both present and past. I thought a scavenger hunt would help the students see more of the art then they normally would have and it seemed to work as I feel the students enjoyed themselves.”
He was certainly correct about one thing. The amount of Traditional European Styled art was a big feature. The paintings well diverse and showing classics and ones I had never seen before. There was also an exhibit for woman art that was on display during the time we were there. The Portland Art Museum had a very romantic feel to it. You could easily spend a whole day there.
Oh, the scavenger hunt, well I finished second. The first place gentleman left quickly after I got there and in my dismay, I forgot to ask his name. In two hours I saw a lot of art. I had two hours there and it was way too little time to see everything. Next time I’ll see the second building as this was all in just one. If you are in Portland OR and have a day to spare, or just like art, head to the PAM and be whisked away to a time you may not have imagined.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Those Smooth Vultures
Those Smooth Vultures
By Mark Paul McIntyre
Too bad I didn’t have money two weeks ago. A band came to the Portland area that would have been one of the most fun to see. With Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) on the drums, and the lead vocalist and guitarist was Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Them Crooked Vultures definitely has its flavor intact. That alone draws me to try out the music. But once, I read that the bassist and keyboardist none other than John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame, I knew I had nothing to fear. The overall flow of the album is amazing.
If you buy the album on ITunes, it opens with an exclusive song, “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” that may remind you of a jam song. But it’s the next few songs that’s where the album has its fire. “Mind Eraser (No Chaser)” has the makings of a rock hit on its own. Cleaver lyrics and an up-tempo sound make you want to thrash about. Followed by "New Fang", the first single released one week before its release, it gives you a one two punch that makes you remember when you used to listen straight through albums. The song runs with pure enthusiasm. This pulling and releasing in the sound makes you become entranced by the vocals.
The album continues onward and you soon find yourself brought into its control. At almost seven minutes long, “Elephants” has a smooth intro that is melds into almost a different song. While most may be overlook it, “Scumbag Blues” holds killer riffs. If you like songs that blend several genres together, there is one song you shouldn’t miss on the back side of this album. “Warsaw or the First Breath You Take After You Give Up” blends blues and hard rock and with a little of influence from their bass player. It is one of those songs that will never get airplay because of its length but may be the best song on the whole album (and maybe the best pure rock song of this year). At the halfway point one loses track of time as you get an amazing piece of rock heaven as you get to see why these artists may work as well together as in any band they have ever been in.
This is an album that may be one of the most ambitious in the rock genre of 2009. It may have a couple of fillers, but what album doesn’t these days. In fact, what may be fillers on this album may be small hits for lesser bands. If you have a chance, check out this album during the holiday season. You won’t be disappointed in what you find if you like these artists. It may even bring some over that may not care for the current rock sound. This is definitely a throw back. 4/5 doctors will recommend you trying this.
By Mark Paul McIntyre
Too bad I didn’t have money two weeks ago. A band came to the Portland area that would have been one of the most fun to see. With Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) on the drums, and the lead vocalist and guitarist was Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Them Crooked Vultures definitely has its flavor intact. That alone draws me to try out the music. But once, I read that the bassist and keyboardist none other than John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame, I knew I had nothing to fear. The overall flow of the album is amazing.
If you buy the album on ITunes, it opens with an exclusive song, “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” that may remind you of a jam song. But it’s the next few songs that’s where the album has its fire. “Mind Eraser (No Chaser)” has the makings of a rock hit on its own. Cleaver lyrics and an up-tempo sound make you want to thrash about. Followed by "New Fang", the first single released one week before its release, it gives you a one two punch that makes you remember when you used to listen straight through albums. The song runs with pure enthusiasm. This pulling and releasing in the sound makes you become entranced by the vocals.
The album continues onward and you soon find yourself brought into its control. At almost seven minutes long, “Elephants” has a smooth intro that is melds into almost a different song. While most may be overlook it, “Scumbag Blues” holds killer riffs. If you like songs that blend several genres together, there is one song you shouldn’t miss on the back side of this album. “Warsaw or the First Breath You Take After You Give Up” blends blues and hard rock and with a little of influence from their bass player. It is one of those songs that will never get airplay because of its length but may be the best song on the whole album (and maybe the best pure rock song of this year). At the halfway point one loses track of time as you get an amazing piece of rock heaven as you get to see why these artists may work as well together as in any band they have ever been in.
This is an album that may be one of the most ambitious in the rock genre of 2009. It may have a couple of fillers, but what album doesn’t these days. In fact, what may be fillers on this album may be small hits for lesser bands. If you have a chance, check out this album during the holiday season. You won’t be disappointed in what you find if you like these artists. It may even bring some over that may not care for the current rock sound. This is definitely a throw back. 4/5 doctors will recommend you trying this.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Review: Dragon Age Origins
Mark Paul McIntyre
I have played RPGs (Role Playing Games) in both table top and video form for years. When I heard that Bioware has gotten back into the medieval fantasy RPB business, I smiled with glee. When they announced a 360 version as well as a PS3 and computer version, I knew it would be a day one buy. I jetted back to the days of Buldur’s Gate and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the 500+ hours of overall game time I put into both 1 &2 in my lifetime.
Away from the stigma that the Dungeons and Dragons franchise brings to some consumers, the developer has the ability to do something that hasn’t been done properly in an RPG of its type, be realistic. Yes there is magic, elves, dwarves and dragons. But, it is all about dialog. This game earns its mature rating. No holding back in any way.
The combat is simple for beginners and offers an easy control system that becomes more challenging to use over time. Similar to that of the successful Mass Effect of late 2007, the games actions are on a wheel. The difference is that this effort is not a shooter, but more moved around strategy. The player is allowed to let the character do the swinging. This leaves you able to switch character without having to pay attention to your characters exact actions and even be the archer without staying as your main character.
The game itself takes place in a fantasy near that to Middle Earth. It is layered with depth and ultimately is what makes your eyes smile. The level of care taken in every step of the journey seems to be amazing. The enemies seem to have their own way of life.
But the heart of the game is the development is the games “choices” system. Every action seems to matter. You can be diplomatic, or even if you’d like be an utter jerk and as evil as you want. Some party members may like it when you attack someone just because it’s your job, but if some are around, it could cause dissention. This keeps you on your toes and even makes you wishing you had saved outside of the auto save at times.
Only downside is loading times. I have the game burnt onto my X-box. This allows me to have quicker load times. For the first hour I played, I forgot to do so, and it was long, PS2 long. But, it’s worth the wait.
I have played this game now for some 14 hours as of Friday afternoon, and don’t know if I’ll see my family this weekend. They may need to ship food as I go in for a long session tonight. In a year where it is easy to miss this title with the upcoming Assassins Creed 2, and just out Modern Warfare 2, amongst others, do not miss this title.
I have played RPGs (Role Playing Games) in both table top and video form for years. When I heard that Bioware has gotten back into the medieval fantasy RPB business, I smiled with glee. When they announced a 360 version as well as a PS3 and computer version, I knew it would be a day one buy. I jetted back to the days of Buldur’s Gate and how much I thoroughly enjoyed the 500+ hours of overall game time I put into both 1 &2 in my lifetime.
Away from the stigma that the Dungeons and Dragons franchise brings to some consumers, the developer has the ability to do something that hasn’t been done properly in an RPG of its type, be realistic. Yes there is magic, elves, dwarves and dragons. But, it is all about dialog. This game earns its mature rating. No holding back in any way.
The combat is simple for beginners and offers an easy control system that becomes more challenging to use over time. Similar to that of the successful Mass Effect of late 2007, the games actions are on a wheel. The difference is that this effort is not a shooter, but more moved around strategy. The player is allowed to let the character do the swinging. This leaves you able to switch character without having to pay attention to your characters exact actions and even be the archer without staying as your main character.
The game itself takes place in a fantasy near that to Middle Earth. It is layered with depth and ultimately is what makes your eyes smile. The level of care taken in every step of the journey seems to be amazing. The enemies seem to have their own way of life.
But the heart of the game is the development is the games “choices” system. Every action seems to matter. You can be diplomatic, or even if you’d like be an utter jerk and as evil as you want. Some party members may like it when you attack someone just because it’s your job, but if some are around, it could cause dissention. This keeps you on your toes and even makes you wishing you had saved outside of the auto save at times.
Only downside is loading times. I have the game burnt onto my X-box. This allows me to have quicker load times. For the first hour I played, I forgot to do so, and it was long, PS2 long. But, it’s worth the wait.
I have played this game now for some 14 hours as of Friday afternoon, and don’t know if I’ll see my family this weekend. They may need to ship food as I go in for a long session tonight. In a year where it is easy to miss this title with the upcoming Assassins Creed 2, and just out Modern Warfare 2, amongst others, do not miss this title.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Caution: Theatre Exists Here
By Mark Paul McIntyre
In the last few weeks, the campus has seen some rumbling in its halls that hasn’t been seen since May and it is something that many of us enjoy to do. Theatre is not dead here at LBCC, and there is plenty of proof of its life.
I remember helping out for countless hours in the spring unknowing of what will become of the Theatre program here a LBCC. We put on a performance in the forum because of construction in the Russell Tripp Performance Center. It seemed like we all (At least I) were going through the motions. I am not in the smallest bits suggesting that we were not giving our best; it was more like we felt as if we were punched in the gut. A group of students, all from different backgrounds and all majors in the same department had the thought that there was going to be a suspension of the department. Our director was being let go and we were given only a one quarter notice of this. I personally had the feeling of luck that I was going to be able to finish my requirements for my degree and transfer to OSU; and sadness to my colleagues who were not finished with their requirements in time.
The Albany Civic Theater (ACT) here in Albany is doing a casting call as well on Auditions Nov. 2, 3, & 4, 2009 for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. For more information call (541) 928-3488 or go to the ACT website at albanycivictheater.org.
Back on campus though, we have a Theatre Arts Club that meets currently in the green room of the Russell Tripp Performance Center. The actors here on campus are working on rehearsals of Tennessee Williams’ 27 Wagons Full of Cotton. There are two performances happening on December 4th & 5th in the Forum. For more information contact the LBCC Theatre Arts Club at lbcctheatreartsclub@gmail.com.
So you see there is plenty going on in the community. Not just for actors too. Bruce Peterson still has workshops for those who are interested in backstage work. I plan on continuing my dream and I hope others will do so as well.
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Merger of Two Loves? Commuter Story 1
I remember being one of the cynics and looking at that toy guitar like anyone who doesn’t “get it.” It was right after the original Guitar Hero came out. I was at BestBuy and saw the display with the corded toy guitar coming out of the Playstation 2 system. I grabbed the guitar, pulled the shoulder strap over my shoulder, started the song and “BAM” I hated it. It was clunky, unwieldy and down right stupid. I put the guitar down after the song failed out and walked away thinking that I would never play that childish rubbish ever again. Just under two years later, I was determined to play learn this “toy” and rock out to the massive songs and play like a rock god, all-be-it, in my living room by myself to keep from the ridicule.
But what changed my mind? It wasn’t a friend showing me how to play it or me trying to act cool; not only was that the love of video games that I have enjoyed for over 20 years, it was also that of the one love that has eluded me because my lack of talent, music. I love different types of music (alternative, classic rock, classical, punk, and hard rock to start the list) and through the games Guitar Hero 1 & 2, I would see music on my screen and imitate the art of playing a guitar. This spawned my love of this genre and later that year, 2007, I was gifted something that has spawned my love to expand, Rock Band.
Rock Band, from the developers of the original two Guitar Hero games Harmonix and published by MTV and EA games, did something I had been waiting for, made my experience more then a self loving experience, it made it a group affair. By adding vocals and drums, it made me want to find others who enjoyed this trend of rhythm video games as much as I. This took a while. In the first year of this brand new experience, it was mainly online play and that was not as fun as it could be. Either you felt pressured into playing at a difficult you were not comfortable (at the time I was still learning), or you found the children playing not fun to talk with. When Rock Band 2 came out and added not only 85 songs to 55 that were made downloadable from the original’s disk, but the ability to play as a bass guitarist. I found a franchise that got it.
Every Tuesday since Rock Band 1’s original release, new content is added to the game. Even the only week where the game added only one song, the song was the video game classic Still Alive from the critically and commercially game Portal, and it was free. These music tracks open minds up to new bands and music that some wouldn’t ever give a chance to. Some great (The Who), others bad (I’ll never download Nickelodeon’s in house talents The Naked Brothers Band onto my hard drive). I, like so many others plop on my computer, go to YouTube and look at one of the many of the rock band community who spend their time posting the weeks new content for we commuters to make an informed decision on whether or not to spend the required money of $1-2 to download a particular song (I as a bassist look at S1ckh4nd’s account). Coming up Tuesday the 20th we get 10 songs from often request, and never to be on this game’s platform, classic rock band Queen. They also have country songs, funk, progressive, Metal, and are starting to add rap. The Beatles Rock Band was just released last month for those who love the Fab 4. There is even a Lego game coming out (Lego Rock Band) that is adding a child friendly experience for those who are not sure about the game’s Teen (13+) rating. I may not be speaking about them, but Guitar Hero is as big as ever with Guitar Hero 5 that debuted last month a Pop music version, Band Hero dropping on Nov. 3rd and a band specific version game based on classic rock band Van Halen (Guitar Hero: Van Halen) due out Dec. 22nd.
There are many out there who still, after over four years since original Guitar hero came out, who say lines like “get a real guitar.” That has already happened. Throughout the country, according to music teachers, children of grade school level are asking parents for guitars to learn music. In 2006 sales of guitars jumped 40%. Guitar sales are not the only thing that’s seen a jump; these competing franchises have given the struggling music industry a jolt. Bands whose songs are long past its time has seen new blood of teenagers buy their music online. Even young and fresh bands have seen success. Talented and now famous band Dragonforce saw their song “Through the Fire and Flames” increase in sales 126% after its appearance in Guitar Hero III.
In November, they will be releasing an update to the game for the debut of the Rock Band Network for all X-Box 360 users. Though this service, all anyone with songs recorded can musical people can have their songs released onto the Rock Band platform. They have companies popping up making the game tracks for the musicians so they can be added to the growing set list. The best part is that the musicians themselves can make the benefits for their own original pieces of work and find a bigger audience for their work.
What has Rock Band done for me? I have found bands that I would never have noticed like Electric Six and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Songs that normally miss the mark of genre that I normally listen to like Handlebars (debuted on the Oct. 6th) and country song Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert. Since I started playing I’ve noticed my thought process of thinking “I will never be able to make music” changed to actually believing I can. I have written lyrics out for three songs, contemplated buying a bass guitar (student funds make this a tough decision), and am currently taking voice lessons to find my range to be able to sing properly. Rock Band itself has found a crowd in people who like karaoke. With vocals being in the game, it doesn’t take 20 hours a week of time to master the game, it takes knowledge of songs. And with almost 1000 songs in catalog (I personally have almost 450) it keeps it fresh for a whole night. I recommend anyone who likes music to, when given the chance, take someone up on the offer to sing in a session of Rock Band. Who knows, you may find yourself, having fun.
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