Pardon this shameless self-promotion having nothing to do with architecture, but I know a lot of architects in this city attended the University of Oregon, so wanted to extend an invitation to everyone - or at least those who are Ducks football fans - to my reading and signing at Powells Books tonight (1005 West Burnside) at 7:30pm.
The book is called Tales From the Oregon Ducks Sideline, a short history of the team from its beginnings in 1894 to present. There are new interviews with legendary Ducks gridiron greats such as Dan Fouts, Ahmad Rashad, Mel Renfro, Rich Brooks, Kellen Clemens, Akili Smith, Kenny Wheaton and many more.
You may be wondering: Why is a guy who writes about architecture, art and movies doing a book about college football? Because I've been a rabid Oregon Ducks fan since attending my first game with my dad in the fall of 1980. I've lost my voice screaming for the Ducks on numerous occasions, and even got misty eyed after a few key victories. If you've seen the movie Citizen Kane (and I really pity you if you haven't), think of the Ducks as my "Rosebud".
Incidentally, has anyone ever noticed the natural divide in Portland between Duck fan/alums among architects and Beaver fan/dropouts among the contractors? The culture of building today, particularly with sustainability, is such that designers and builders are more regularly collaborating early and often. Hopefully the contractors will still have a good attitude come December 1 when Oregon clobbers Oregon State. (Nevermind that the Beavers won last time, of course, with some major luck.)
Meanwhile, back to architecture-oriented posts next time around.
"Nevermind that the Beavers won last time, of course, with some major luck."
Stick to architecture.
Posted by: barker | August 28, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Ha ha, I knew there might be some of my associates from the Beaver peanut gallery ringing in. OK, OSU won that game fair and square. Mike Riley's a good guy. Their offensive coordinator, Danny Langsdorm (of kidney donating fame) grew up down the street from me and quarterbacked my 8th grade football team. I'll just have to take stock in Oregon still leading OSU in the all-time series by a comfy margin...and the game coming to Autzen this year.
Posted by: Brian Libby | August 28, 2007 at 02:19 PM
It would be nice if there was more interaction between the two schools of architecture and engineering/construction management during the formative years in college. Both schools put out very good graduates in their respective fields.
I've lost good friends to the black and orange, but I guess that's why the rivalry is called a civil war.
Posted by: brad | August 28, 2007 at 06:32 PM