Volunteers for the 4/25 Children's Book Harvest

Where there is a need, the Timbers Army shows up. It was a full capacity of 32 volunteers who spent 4 hours on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to help clean and prepare nearly 1000 books that will be distributed to area children who have few or no books at home.  This is the final push for the Children's Book Bank Book Harvest to complete the task of making ready the 30,000+ donated books by April 30.

Help is still needed for the final day of work on Thursday, April 30 from 9 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 4 PM. Sign up for here for the Last Book Cleaning Events if you are available.

Moving the boxes of books onto the pallets for distribution will be May 13 and 14 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Please email Shawn Jaquiss at shawn@childrensbookbank.org if you can help during any of those hours.

Again, thank you to all the volunteers who made the day extraordinary and for supporting literacy in Portland.

Need a little lift after last night's match, a small reminder of why we stand for our Team, our Town, and one another? Come spend a night out with your fellow supporters THIS Thursday 4/30 and see a story with parallels to our own.  One of ascendancy born out of true devotion.

Tickets are still available here for $15.  All ages welcome. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the event for $18.  Do not be late, though.  With the new announcement of a FREE authentic Swansea kit complements of the club with the price of every admission, tickets are now going fast.

• Reception with fundraiser craft beer and cider at 5 pm
  
• Film starts at 7 pm
• Live Q&A direct from the Swansea City AFC Board Room immediately following the film

Remember that all proceeds go to help fund the Jefferson HS field replacement project as well as the continued refurbishment of historic Cinema 21.

As promised a few weeks back, below is the long form review from our very own resident film critic extraordinaire and MC for the evening.

In the right setting, at the right time, a football team – a football CLUB – can mean much more than a collection of players trying to achieve positive results in sporting matches.


It can be an incarnation of the spirit of a place and a people, a celebration of a community, a distillation of collective identity, a sign post distinguishing one particular spot in the world from every other spot.


Wherever football thrives from the grassroots up, a message is borne in the communion of a team, a town and a tribe of supporters, a shout to the world that declares, 'We are here, this is who we are, and this is how we love and hate, succeed and suffer, celebrate and commiserate, strive and thrive.'


If you're a fan of the Portland Timbers, you're fortunate enough to live amongst a group of people who have felt the primal urge to pool their passion for a game, a team, and a town and turn it into a genuine collective that comes together to affirm Portland's singularity, to buoy the players, to benefit the populace at large, and to create a culture and atmosphere that turns every day into match day and every match day into an epic carnival.


Of course, Portland is hardly unique in being a place where football is an occasion for community-building.  All over the world, especially in towns where the passion for the game runs thick and deep, individuals come together to lift team, town, and terrace as one.

Some of these places are global icons of the sport:  Buenos Aires, Liverpool, Milan, Barcelona.


Others are best known to aficionados: Hoffenheim, Kiryat Shmona, Sunderland, and, yes, Cascadia.


But, as revealed in the sprightly, engaging, and sometimes moving documentary “Jack to a King,” there's a special spot for Swansea, Wales, in that list of places where a sport and a team become a living symbol of a community.


The film is subtitled “The Swansea Story,” and it is exactly that:  the story of a team, Swansea City FC, and of its town, and how the two entities have, in the very recent past, taken turns lifting one another, the fans saving the team from bankruptcy, the team rewarding the fans with historically high levels of achievement.  It's all true, but it has the feel-good romance of a Hollywood story – complete with comic villains, bumbling schemers, and hometown heroes.


“Jack to a King” brings viewers close in on a place which time, fashion, and, alas, football all seemed, at one sad point, to have forgotten.  Founded in 1912, the Swans have spent a century as one of the dominant teams in a region with a small but ardent football culture.  They'd long been a powerhouse in Wales, but they only reached the top-flight of English football for the first time in the 1980s, and their stay in those heady climes was brief.  From the mid-'80s on, as the team struggled on the field and the town faced economic hardships of its own, it seemed that Swansea City were fated to plummet further and further into lower-division football, and maybe out of the professional league ranks altogether.


You could argue that the nadir came in 2001, when Swansea were sold to a dodgy businessman for £1 – that is ONE POUND STERLING, or about $1.85 at the time.  Or you could argue that the nadir was just two years later, when Swansea took the field in the last game of the season needing a win to avoid being relegated into the Football Conference, where they were as likely to play matches against amateur teams as against other fallen league sides.  But whichever you choose as your low point, you'd have to admit that it was very, very low indeed.


But a remarkable thing happened.  When the situation was at its worst, the fans – the ordinary fans and some deep-pocketed angels among them – rallied to support the club and buy it outright from the various consortia that had attached themselves to it, barnacle-style.  Under new ownership with strong local ties, the Swans, miraculously, resurrected, rising steadily back up the ladder of professional league football, building themselves a new home stadium, and, wonder of wonders, entering the last match of the 2010-11 campaign with promotion to the Premiership, the world's richest footballing league, hanging beguilingly in the balance.


Director Marc Evans tells this wild rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story with great intimacy, humanity, and humor.  We get a strong sense of the people of Swansea, particularly a handful of those who swore themselves to save the club whether through money, hard work, or, in the case of a charmingly silly pair of would-be tough guys, sinister tactics.  We hear from the players, the fans, and the owners – not only the heroes who rescued the club but even one of the carpetbaggers who nearly killed it.  And we journey along with all of them, through highs and lows, glories and perils, from the frightening moment when the club dangled over the trap door to oblivion all the way through to the otherworldly spectacle  of a caravan of buses headed to London to watch the team take a 90-minute chance at rising to the highest heights of the professional footballing pyramid.


“Jack to a King” is an exhilarating and inspiring portrait of how something as apparently meaningless as a sport can come to embody the very essence of a community.  In its depiction of fans coming together to save their team and a team responding by lifting its fans to new heights of achievement, it offers powerful evidence that, in certain places, at certain times, a football team can be, in the words of Barcelona FC's motto, “More than a club” – it can be, indeed, the very heart of a place and its people.


- Shawn Levy

—by Andrew Brawley

This is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the 107ist or the Timbers Army.

Out of the wilds comes another Popcast. DANCE!

Follow this link and download here

From Nick Brock, Blood Drive volunteer coordinator extraordinaire

The annual TA blood drive kicked off on a blustery April 10th. While volunteers continuously re-arranged the sign-in table to keep it from blowing away, Red Cross was hard at work getting the bloodmobile ready for the influx of donors. The day started slowly as most donors were taking a late lunch during their workday, but quickly picked up speed as the day wore on. Soon, our volunteers were assigning donors numbers to keep track of who was next in the donation queue.

All of our experience with line culture was obviously paying dividends. The waiting was taken in stride, as people stopped by with tasty baked goods, fluffy puppies and the occasional laughing baby. With donors munching on their free pizza slices (Thank you, 107IST partner HotLips Pizza!) and sporting their nifty complimentary pins, the table volunteers checked off the last donors of the night, folded up the table and put away the supplies that somehow miraculously had not blown down the street. All told, we wound up having 51 people attempt to donate, with 49 of them being successful. That is a potential of 147 lives saved, which is fantastic.

A very big thank you goes out to everyone who attempted to donate; Hot Lips pizza for donating pizza slices and soda; Holly Duthie for creating the awesome pins; the Timbers front office for supplying the space and restrooms; and, of course, to all our table and canteen volunteers who made this a very successful event. We would never be able to pull this off without all of your help, so a very sincere thank you to you all. We look forward to having another amazing blood drive in the future.

Tickets are now on sale to all Timbers fans

Non-members can purchase their tickets using these links:

Ticket only $28

Bus/Ticket combo $69

Spots on these buses are still available:

• 10 Barrel — Kyle Jones
• Cascade Lakes — David Auxier
• Deschutes — Josh Lucas
• Hopworks — Tom Argent
• Lompoc — Richard Sheals
• Lucky Lab — Sara Nelson
• Ninkasi — Rick Curwen

Members can still purchase tickets using the link and password emailed to them. If you are a paid-up member but have not been receiving the weekly emails please first check your spam folder, if they are not there email us at membership@107ist.org ASAP and we'll look into it.

FAQ

I bought a "ticket only" for the Seattle away game. Where do I get the real ticket?

• Tickets will be distributed in Seattle. You will receive an email closer to match day with all the details on where and when.

I bought a bus/ticket combo. Where do I get my ticket for the match?

• You will be given your match ticket as you get on the bus. Make sure to put it in a secure place as we do not have replacement tickets. If you lose it, you will need to pay for another one.

I'm taking the bus. Where can I put all my stuff when I'm at the match?

• You can leave your personal belongings on the bus. The bus will be secured.

I'm not a member, can I buy a ticket to the match?

• Yes! Non-member tickets are now on sale. See the links above.

I just joined, should I use the link above?

• You will be mailed a link to purchase tickets at the member price within 48 hours of you joining (sooner if we can)

How many tickets can I buy?

• Two bus and four match only.

Are the tickets general admission or assigned seats?

• Tickets will have a seat number printed on them. However, the section is general admission and you are free to stand anywhere within our designated area.

What section will we be in?

• Most likely 300 & 301

I can no longer attend, can I get a refund or sell my ticket to someone else?

• Refunds only given in the case of a genuine personal emergency*
• You may sell or transfer your ticket to someone else. IMPORTANT - Email awaytravel@107ist.org with the purchaser's name, email address and contact info.

 

What if I can't get to the ticket pick-up in time?

• It is imperative that you pick up your ticket on time.
• Due to security procedures mandated by Seattle front office and CenturyLink, we are required to enter the stadium as a group.
• If you cannot make it in time due to a genuine emergency**, please contact awaytravel@107ist.org AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and we will leave your ticket at Will Call.
• Please be aware that the travel committee has their hands full on match day and are not always available by email. An emergency contact number will be emailed to everyone closer to the match

What if I get to will-call and there's an error with my order?

• Call the emergency contact number (will be emailed to everyone closer to the match)

*Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part.
**Staying at the bar to drink longer is NOT a true emergency.

—by Matthew Lindley

“We are the Popinski Brothers. We are here to support PTFC. We are the voice of the terraces. When it’s time to go to the football, follow us, and all will be good in the Rose Fu*king City.”

That is how the Timbers Army was introduced to the Popinski Popcast, the show that melds electronic dance music with an unrivaled passion for Timbers football, but also isn’t afraid to plant the tongue firmly in the cheek.

Popcast creator Barnacle Brian says the show started as a bit of a practical joke. “Back in the USL days, Bruce ‘Obi’ Eaton was doing a podcast called ‘The 107 Report.’ It was a traditional sports and news podcast. It was very well done, but I think Obi became bored with it and basically handed the keys over to me. I then decided to drop a ‘Hijacked 107 Report’ full of random electronic music, remixes, and whatnot and not tell a soul about it. I even deliberately added songs Obi didn’t like on that first Popcast. I think he still kind of dislikes me for that little prank, but to be honest, it was the best way to get attention.”

Barnacle says he intended the Popcast to be more “Pirate Radio” than podcast, with listeners never knowing when a new episode was coming. In fact, there have only been 36 episodes since 2009. Each episode is “hosted” by a snotty robot with a British accent, delivering equal parts rallying cry and snarky missive.

When asked about his inspiration, Barnacle nods to a belief that all music and football can go hand in hand. “Music and football culture parallel each other in various ways: Both are passionate. Both imitate life. It’s all sorts of musical genres. Look at Oi!, punk, classical, etc. Next time you watch a football match, grab a pair of headphones, turn off the TV audio, and play some classical music, or some DnB, or something that moves your soul. It makes the match even more intense.”

Breaking into the Popcast archives opens a Timbers time capsule. The first episode opens with PTFC at the top of the USL table and preparing to face the Rochester Rhinos. Occasionally, actual goal calls from matches are played over the music. Nothing quite compares to reliving John Strong’s call of Khalif’s amazing first goal for the Timbers against Puerto Rico, played over fantastic beats. The show’s rallying cry atmosphere is never more present than in the season kickoff episodes. For example, the premiere 2012 episode, featuring a remix of Adele’s “Hometown Glory,” will absolutely make you want to run through a wall in the name of the PTFC.

The show has had its special episodes as well, including a fantastic tribute to late Beastie Boy MCA (Episode #24) and Barnacle Brian’s favorite (“The Chavcast” #19), which is chock-full of TA inside jokes and a parody of soccer culture in general.

Seeing as there is no end in sight for the source material, you can rest assured there will be Popcasts for seasons to come. However, according to Barnacle, there is one thing you’ll never see: a live edition. “Not unless I was able to do it in a Sasquatch costume. And the Popinski Brothers would have to be on the dance floor dressed up as the Fruit of the Loom guys.”

Until then…Very Prepared.

All of the past episodes of the Popinski Popcast can be found at http://popinski.libsyn.com.

—by Andrew Brawley

Since we're so obsessed with stats lately (especially those around possession and passing, particularly when the boys in green don't win), here's some player data you can nerd out on.

Below are some top-line Twitter stats for all Timbers players on the current roster. Stats were pulled April 8, 2015.

Some key takeaways:

Tenure (a.k.a. old-timers vs. n00bs)
Top: Jorge Villafaña (2,033 days)
Bottom: Diego Valeri (24 days)

Tweets to date (a.k.a. who likes to talk?)
Top: Liam Ridgewell (5,337 tweets)
Bottom: Diego Valeri (7 tweets)

Tweets per day (a.k.a. who really likes to talk?)
Top: Liam Ridgewell (5.04 tweets / day)
Bottom: Andy Thoma (0.03 tweets / day)

Follows (a.k.a. who’s most interested in what others have to say?)
Top: Schillo Tshuma (552 follows)
Bottom: Diego Valeri (12 follows)

Followers (a.k.a. who’s interested in what I have to say?)
Top: Rodney Wallace (35,644 followers)
Bottom: Andy Thoma (583 followers)

Ratio (a.k.a. who’s too cool for school?)
Top: Liam Ridgewell (157.98 followers per 1 follow)
Bottom: Schillo Tshuma (3.67 followers per 1 follow)

OK, back to the real world.

This is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the 107ist or the Timbers Army.

Las Cruces, El Salvador and Portland, OR are separated by thousands of miles, but they are united in a joint love of soccer and coffee. So, when the opportunity arose for the Timbers Army / 107ist to partner with local coffee roaster Tanager Coffee, Operation Pitch Invasion, and Cuatro M Cafes, a El Salvadoran collection of coffee growers, to revitalize a soccer pitch at an elementary school in El Salvador through the sale of coffee, we jumped at the chance.

The Las Cruces soccer pitch in El Salvador

The Las Cruces School is situated in the mountains above Santa Ana, surrounded by coffee farms. It is the only soccer field for miles around, and is heavily used year-round. Thousands of children, coffee workers & even a semi-pro soccer team share the poorly maintained field. It is more than simply a place of recreation; it is a community focal point & essential to linking families, farms, and neighborhoods together. Unfortunately, the field itself is in need of major renovation. It doesn't drain properly, there are no stands for families and supporters to watch the matches, and its goals and other equipment are in serious disrepair.

In order to raise funds to complete these renovations, we are offering bags of a special Las Cruces Project blend of El Salvadoran coffee. Proceeds from the sale of this coffee will help raise funds to revitalize this local pitch. The project will donate all net profits from the sales to the field renovation fund. The goal is to raise a total of $35,000, which will support upgrades such as:

• Re-grade the field
• Install a drainage system that can hopefully capture the water for reuse
• Replace goals and other equipment
• Build stands and dugouts
• Provide a picnic area
• And so much more . . .

Local farmers, soccer players, and project volunteers.

And as if helping out doesn't feel good by itself, the coffee is pretty spectacular too. Las Cruces Project blend is a great example of the delicious coffee that comes from Western El Salvador. The name, Four Farms, come from the fact that the coffee is made up of a blend of beans from four neighboring farms. Expect to taste rich notes of chocolate and a natural, unrefined sweetness, much like a turbinado or brown sugar. As the coffee settles on your palate, there will be luscious notes of cherry, orange slices, and spice notes. The finish is smooth and long, leaving you to contemplate the project and the field itself, nestled amongst tropical trees and pines in the heart of the Santa Ana Volcano foothills.

Want to taste for yourself?

Join us at the Fanladen (1633 SW Alder) for a FREE tasting Sunday morning, April 12, 2015, starting at 9:00am. You can get a cup of the brew, and purchase some to take home - remember, all profits go to supporting this amazing effort.

Once you’ve decided you’d like to help us support this amazing cause, there are a couple of ways for you to get your hands on this delicious coffee:

• Single 12oz bags will be for sale at the No Pity Van as well as the Fanladen. You can also order them from the Las Cruces Project website.

• If you don’t want to worry about running out, monthly subscriptions are available. The subscriptions will last 6 months and you have the option of ordering 1 (for $20 / month) or 2 bags ($35 / month) including shipping.

So, why not enjoy some great coffee, while supporting an awesome cause?

And, as always, we thank you for your support.

We encourage Op-Eds at all times. Our latest come from Robert Cross. He is the the head of American Outlaws PDX. What's your take? His take is below in bold.

"We are the Portland, The Portland Timbers, We are mental, And we are green, We are the greatest, Football supporters, That the world has ever seen."

The Timbers Army has been the home to a supporters culture unlike any other in the history of soccer in North America. That culture has been cultivated, fostered, and grown through the years. All behind the passion and spirit of thousands of individuals. Each of whom has subscribed to the ethos of city, community, and club, or some variation there above.

Everyone who enters the North End on match day understands that they will be standing, chanting, and cheering for the Green & Gold for ninety plus minutes. Or they should ... but lately, when I look to my left or look to my right from the heart of 103, I see far too many statutes, selfie takers, and tourists. These people plod through a match with staid enthusiasm on a regular basis. You may observe them mouthing chants, going through the motions, or worse, standing idle. I want all of them to go away. Starting right now, and do me the favor of never come back.

It takes many years to build a culture and far less time for it to slip away. This is a beautiful thing we have and I don't want to lose it.

To that end, I challenge my fellow members of the Timbers Army to bring their best Saturday night. If you find yourself standing next to an aforementioned statue, politely encourage them to chant and sing. Poke them to see if they are still alive. If that doesn't work, please feel free to tell them to take a hike and go home. I believe the Trailblazers are still playing. They might be better off in a sleepy atmosphere, one that is ripe with balloon clappers and confetti falling from the sky.

I'd rather burn, destroy, wreck, and kill.

Sincerely, with a heart filled with compassion and love,

Robert W. Cross

RCTID