Connect with us

Oregon

Portland Lunar New Year festival highlights traditions, celebration against backdrop of LA tragedy

Published

on

Portland Lunar New Year festival highlights traditions, celebration against backdrop of LA tragedy


On the entrance of Portland’s Lan Su Chinese language Backyard, dancers clad in brightly coloured lion costumes strutted, rolled and mingled with excited youngsters Sunday. The lion dancers — 4 individuals in two costumes— had simply carried out two well-liked routines that symbolize good luck to assist usher within the Lunar New Yr.

Lion dances from the Portland Lee’s Affiliation Dragon & Lion Dance workforce are certainly one of many highlights on the backyard’s Lunar New Yr pageant which runs via Feb. 5 to rejoice the start of the yr primarily based on the lunar calendar. Most international locations that commemorate are marking the Yr of the Rabbit, though these celebrating in Vietnam will welcome the Yr of the Cat.

Venus Solar, Lan Su Chinese language Backyard’s senior director of tradition and group engagement, mentioned the backyard has celebrated this occasion for the previous 22 years, however that is the primary yr they modified the title from “Chinese language New Yr” to “Lunar New Yr,” to incorporate different Asian international locations that additionally rejoice the pageant.

“Yearly that is about how we are able to do that higher and contain extra group members,” Solar mentioned.

Advertisement

For a lot of group members, that meant celebrating whereas dealing with the fact of a tragedy one state away. In Monterey Park, California, a gunman entered a Lunar New Yr occasion late Saturday evening, killing 10 and injuring 10 others. The motive of the capturing was nonetheless unknown Sunday, in line with studies.

However attendees on the Portland backyard mentioned the tragedy made coming collectively all of the extra necessary.

Piyush Amitabh mentioned he had already wished to drive up from Eugene for the occasion. Studying the information this morning didn’t change his plans.

“It highlights the significance of those occasions, regardless of the unhealthy issues on the earth,” he mentioned.

Solar mentioned the mass capturing in Monterey Park was heartbreaking, however makes the existence of the Chinese language backyard all of the extra important.

Advertisement

“Celebrations like this are so necessary. It’s the primary approach to break the hate, break down misunderstandings,” she mentioned. “Individuals are typically afraid of what they don’t perceive. That is by no means proper, however it’s a second for us to appreciate that we’re wanted right here.”

She mentioned the turnout for Sunday’s occasion was heartening.

“There’s a sense, a way of consolation and belonging to know that the lion dance groups are rising and that the youthful generations are getting concerned,” she mentioned.

Six-year-old Josephine Guthrie was excited to return to the occasion after studying in regards to the pageant at school.

“I discovered it was in regards to the moon,” she mentioned. Her favourite half was interacting with the lion dancers as they got here into the viewers.

Advertisement

The lion dancers had been largely middle- and high-school college students, who rehearse as soon as per week and carry out at native occasions all year long. The dance includes detailed choreography and coordination with individuals taking part in drums, cymbals and gongs.

Nick Lee, the drummer, coach and co-founder of the group, mentioned it’s a possibility to share Chinese language tradition with the broader Portland group, but additionally with one another.

“We eat collectively, study correct desk manners and the way to speak to your elders,” mentioned Lee, who based the group 19 years in the past along with his uncle and cousin. “We have now extra of a household environment.”

On Thursday, he’ll host a workshop for youths.

Lan Su Chinese language Backyard will maintain Lunar New Yr festivities for the subsequent two weeks, together with extra lion dances, martial arts performances, calligraphy demonstrations and music. And for the subsequent two weekends, the backyard may also host lantern viewing evenings, when the backyard will likely be illuminated with hanging crimson lanterns. A full schedule of occasions is accessible on-line.

Advertisement

‑Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com

Our journalism wants your help. Please develop into a subscriber immediately at OregonLive.com/subscribe



Source link

Oregon

What Gonzaga’s Mark Few said after loss vs. Oregon State

Published

on

What Gonzaga’s Mark Few said after loss vs. Oregon State


Putting the ball in the basket didn’t seem to be a problem for Gonzaga during Thursday night’s battle with Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon.

The issue for the Bulldogs (14-5, 5-1 WCC), however, was on the other end of the floor. Led by 29 points from Michael Rataj and 20 from Nate Kingz, the Beavers (14-4, 4-2 WCC) made 58.5% of their field goal attempts to outlast the Zags in a 97-89 overtime final from Gill Coliseum.

“[Oregon State] made shots and [isolated] guys and posted us,” Gonzaga head coach Mark Few said of the Beavers’ attack strategy after the game. “And when we did guard them well, they hit some tough shots [and] some tough pull-ups.”

Here’s more from Few after the loss.

Advertisement

On Gonzaga’s struggles defensively against Oregon State:

Oregon State Beavers guard Nate Kingz (7) shoots the ball against defensive pressure by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle.

Oregon State Beavers guard Nate Kingz (7) shoots the ball against defensive pressure by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle (99). / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

“We played really, really good offense. We just could not get consistent stops for longer stretches. Came out in the second half with more intensity on the defensive end. [The Beavers] were still able to get some tough shots. I mean they had some real backbreakers, the bank 3 and contested 3. Even when we did play good defense, they were able to knock in some really tough shots. You almost have to play perfect on offense when you’re playing defense like that.”

On Graham Ike’s big night:

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (13) shoots the ball over Oregon State Beavers forward Michael Rataj (12).

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (13) shoots the ball over Oregon State Beavers forward Michael Rataj (12). / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

“He was great. Graham was terrific. He delivered time and time again in a high-level game against a very good, physical, big postman. You know, you also got a guard at the other end too. So again, our offense wasn’t the problem — our defense was at pretty much all five spots.”

On the positives the Bulldogs can take from the loss:

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) shoots a three point shot against Oregon State Beavers guard Nate Kingz (7).

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nolan Hickman (11) shoots a three point shot against Oregon State Beavers guard Nate Kingz (7). / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

“We competed, great environment, fought, dug our way back in after our slow start; played some good ball there in the middle of the second half. We just had a couple of possessions, I think we missed a lay-up on one of those; and then again, just not even some of the stops, we foul a lot off the ball. We fouled on the ball. They were able to get critical free throws when they were in the bonus, and you just can’t do that.”

MORE GONZAGA NEWS & ANALYSIS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Continue to follow our Gonzaga coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram and Twitter.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Oregon

Oregon State Men’s Hoops Stuns Gonzaga, 97-89 in OT

Published

on

Oregon State Men’s Hoops Stuns Gonzaga, 97-89 in OT


For the first time in 34 years, Gonzaga brought its men’s basketball team to Gill Coliseum.

Over nine thousand Beavers & Bulldogs fans joined them. The first sellout crowd for a Gill Coliseum men’s basketball game in five years got their money’s worth tonight: an overtime thriller that ended in a court-storming.

In the first four minutes, Oregon State raced ahead. A long-range elbow jumper from Demarco Minor gave Oregon State a 4 point edge, and then Nate Kingz stole a Gonzaga pass, drew a foul, and sank two free throws. At the first timeout, Oregon State led 13-7.

Gonzaga slashed the margin to 1 on a Ryan Nembhard wide open three-pointer, after two Oregon State defenders collided. Then, a Bulldogs’ fastbreak bucket after a Michael Rataj miss gifted Gonzaga their first lead of the night.

Advertisement

Teams traded buckets for the next few minutes. With 7:59 remaining, Josiah Lake stole a cross-court pass from Ryan Nembhard and flew down the floor for a Beavers layup, 25-21 Oregon State.

Late in the first half, Nate Kingz erupted. First, the former McNary HS standout spun free of a Gonzaga defender and drilled a jumper near the top of the key. Then, Kingz launched a three point bomb. The crowd surged, Gonzaga coach Mark Few hastily called for timeout, and the scoreboard lit up 35-29 Oregon State.

In the final moments of the opening period, Michael Rataj kept the pace. The German senior notched a second-chance putback layup, but Khalif Battle upset the Beaver wing’s efforts with a buzzer-beating three. At halftime, Oregon State led by the narrowest of margins, 46-45.

Gonzaga’s Graham Ike opened the second half with a game-tying layup, then seized the lead on a free-throw, and the Bulldogs went on a 9-3 run.

Oregon State pulled within 1 on a Demarco Minor stepback jumper with 12:49 left. Then, Parsa Fallah drew a pair of free throws, but the Beaver big couldn’t convert either attempt, and Gonzaga kept its advantage.

Advertisement

But not for long. Soon, Demarco Minor sprang open. As the shot clock wound down, the Beavers guard nailed a game-tying three pointer with 11:08 remaining.

The two West Coast Conference foes resumed their battle. Following a Nolan Hickman layup that lifted Gonzaga back ahead, Nate Kingz tied it with two free throws. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike swung the lead back to the Bulldogs with consecutive makes, 69-65 with 9 minutes left.

Gonzaga seemed poised to land another blow, ahead 76-71 with 5 minutes remaining, but Ryan Nembhard walked. Possession went to the Beavers, who climbed within three on a Michael Rataj jumper. With two minutes left, Demarco Minor brought the crowd to a fever pitch with a game tying fadeaway. Then Michael Rataj hooked one from the right elbow, soaring the Beavers ahead 79-77.

Under a minute remaining, the game got even better. Michael Rataj extended Oregon State’s lead on a beautiful layup that kissed the top of the glass before dropping through the twine, but Clackamas’ own Ben Gregg answered with a Gonzaga three-pointer.

From there, Gonzaga quickly fouled Oregon State. A pair of Beavers free throws made it 83-80 Oregon State with :20 remaining. Needing a triple, the heavily-favored Bulldogs roared back on a game-tying Graham Ike three-pointer with 4 seconds left.

Advertisement

Overtime swung back-and-forth as the teams traded baskets. Leading 89-87 with 2:01 left, Michael Rataj drove inside, drew a decisive fifth personal foul on Graham Ike, and strolled to the charity stripe. The extinguished Gonzaga big finished with 26 points on 9-14 shooting. Rataj calmly hit a pair of free throws, as Oregon State moved ahead 91-87 with 2:01 in OT.

The next Gonzaga possession was denied by a Josiah Lake steal. As time dwindled under a minute, Gonzaga clawed within 2 on a Braden Huff jumpshot.

They never got any closer. Liutauras Lelevicius spun free for a layup, 93-89 Beavers. Then free throws from Josiah Lake and Michael Rataj shut the door. Fans stormed the floor at the overtime buzzer, and the Beavers earned a signature win.

Oregon State moves to 14-5 overall, 4-2 in West Coast Conference play. Gonzaga drops to 14-5 overall and 5-1 in the conference, a half game behind St Mary’s. The Beavers have now won thirteen consecutive matchups against Mark Few’s blue-chip program from Spokane.

More Reading Material From Oregon State Beavers On SI

RECRUITING: 2025 Tight End T’Andre Waverly Picks Oregon State Over Notre Dame and Washington

Advertisement

Oregon State Defensive Coordinator Keith Heyward Steps Down

Oregon State Beavers Ranked #7 In D1 Baseball’s Preseason Top 25



Source link

Continue Reading

Oregon

How to watch Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Oregon State Beavers: TV channel, live stream WCC men’s basketball game

Published

on

How to watch Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Oregon State Beavers: TV channel, live stream WCC men’s basketball game


Gonzaga and Oregon State kindle a new rivalry Thursday night when they square off for the first time as West Coast Conference foes in Corvallis, Oregon.

The Bulldogs (14-4, 5-0 WCC) and the Beavers (13-5, 3-2 WCC) haven’t met on the hardwood in over 34 years, though that’s set to change for the foreseeable future as both share WCC membership for this season and next. With both set to join the new-look Pac-12 Conference in 2025-26, they’ll be seeing each other multiple times per season after not having played each other in three decades.

The Zags enter the matchup coming off a victory over another future Pac-12 foe, Washington State, on Saturday. Graham Ike led the way with 21 points on 8-for-11 from the field, while Nolan Hickman stepped up with 19 points and seven rebounds in the 88-75 win over the Cougars. Gonzaga led by three points at halftime before putting its in-state rival away with a 15-5 scoring run to open the second half.

Ike leads the country’s fourth-highest-scoring offense at 16.6 points per game. The Bulldogs’ 87.8 points per contest is also on pace to be the third-highest in program history. Senior guard Ryan Nembhard has masterfully pulled the strings as the team’s floor general, as he leads the country in total assists with 169.

Advertisement

Oregon State entertains Gonzaga following a 91-55 victory over Pacific on Saturday. Parsa Fallah led the way with 25 points on 6-for-7 from the floor and 13-for-14 from the charity stripe. Michael Rataj put up 15 points and nine rebounds, while Nate Kingz added 20 points. The Beavers set a new program record by going 31-for-32 (96.9%) at the free-throw line, which marked the highest free throw percentage in a game with 30 or more attempts.

Rataj, a 6-foot-9 junior from Germany, paces the Beavers at 16.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Oregon State has allowed the fewest rebounds per game to its opponents (29.2 per game) in the WCC. Gonzaga, conversely, is No. 2 in the league at 40.2 boards per game.

Oregon State has been dominant at Gill Coliseum, where it’s 10-1 so far this season. In those victories, the Beavers outscored the opposition by 20.2 points. On the other hand, however, Gonzaga’s 11 straight true road wins are the second-longest active streak in the nation.

HOW TO WATCH GONZAGA VS. OREGON STATE

Who: Gonzaga and Oregon State ignite a conference rivalry between Pacific Northwest schools

When: 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET | Thursday, Jan. 16

Advertisement

Where: Gill Coliseum | Corvallis, Oregon

TV: CBS Sports Network

Betting: Gonzaga -9.5 (-102)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

MORE GONZAGA NEWS & ANALYSIS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Continue to follow our Gonzaga coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram and Twitter.

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending