Magazine Reviews: Star Wars, Arrowverse, and Carrier

Hey, a whole new wide open niche for Internet reviewing.  Why haven’t I ever done with before?  Probably because it’s way too obscure.  These three magazines should have pretty ubiquitous distribution and are sort of relevant to this blog (not entirely).     

Time Special Edition: Star Wars

This magazine was a Christmas gift, along with a hockey yearbook.  (I won’t be reviewing that one.  It looks interesting, but I’m not that desperate for blogging material.  I love hockey, but I don’t get to watch enough to comment on it for more than a couple of games.)  Is it just me or is there a subliminal American flag hanging out of Vader’s mouth on the cover?  Maybe it’s just me.  I have no idea what it would be signifying.  I may reedit this cover with Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan over What’s-her-name’s? picture. 

This magazine was produced to promote the latest film and Star Wars on Disney+ and the Star Wars attractions at their parks.  The sequel trilogy has already been de-canonized in the minds of many fans, especially after this current film.  I noticed that editorially the magazine takes shot after shot at the prequel trilogy, mostly to somehow enhance the sequel trilogy.  I saw a bit of a couple of prequel movies on Christmas Eve.  They’re still not good.  After the Phantom Menace, Star Wars fans would never again campout for the premiere of a Star Wars film.  That said, they are canonical Star Wars explaining what happened before the original trilogy.  You can disagree with the way they were made and certain elements in the films, but not really the story. 

The sequel films (of the two I’ve unfortunately seen) are derivative copies at best and cringey Agenda and toy marketing at worst.  They had no story other than, “Let’s make some Star Wars films to make money for Disney.”  Their mighty universal mythological theme was, “Let’s redo Star Wars, replacing the white males with flat tokens.”  I’ve heard it said that these films are for children, when you’re an adult, you don’t understand them.  I think adults understand them all too well and that’s why they don’t like them.   

The magazine starts with the facts about the franchise.  I thought this table of film details was interesting.  (Sorry I couldn’t get a great scan of it.)  This is followed by a brief synopsis of the films, except for Rogue One and Solo, which apparently don’t rate official treatment.  This section is less than insightful.

The commentary starts off innocently enough, but becomes slathering and spitting in SWJ rage.  An article on politics and Star Wars expresses sincere regret that Reagan and conservatives appropriated Star Wars terminology, when Lucas clearly meant for his films to be an indictment on non-democrats.  (In fact, I’ve read elsewhere, he saw the Empire as the US and the Rebellion as the Viet Cong.  Darth Vader was an honorable Green Beret-like warrior, who eventually figures out he’s fighting for the wrong side.)  This is followed by an embarrassing discussion about religion in Star Wars, not one of the franchises’ strong points.  Anything other than the vaguest concepts used in the movies tended to be way too on the nose. 

A discussion on feminism follows.  Carrie Fisher and all other feminists are still salty over the Slave Leia costume.  (Carrie had put on some weight after Empire and was angry as hell when Lucas handed her the bikini.  He was basically calling her “fat.”)  Fisher told Daisy Ridley to not let herself be, “Subjected to similar objectification.”  “Yes, and I shall also make sure my character never bathes and is completely flatchested to end all attractiveness.  My performance will shall only be judged by my acting ability.”  So much for that plan, Daisy.  How many women have voluntarily shown up at conventions in that Slave Leia outfit?  I don’t think those women are feeling oppressed.   

Then there’s an article on diversity, featuring Rogue One as the standard bearer.  There were no white male heroes at all in the movie.  (I’m surprised.  I didn’t know Cassian was Mexican.  I thought he was French.)  “The struggle modernize properties,” was the phrase used to explain their racism.  In other words, “How do we erase the presence of the people who made this stuff popular in the first place?”  “Disney had a problem on its hands with Star Wars, all of the heroes were white and male.  (Billy Dee Williams kicks back a Colt .45, “Whatever.”) 

“Audience expectations had changed: parents now demand diverse heroes for their kids.”  Said no one ever, even the article writer.  I was actually shocked by one throwaway line in an article where all criticism of the new Star Wars films was reduced to coming from racist, sexist Internet trolls.  It was as if these films are beyond being seriously criticized for their stories or direction.  Frankly, the meta-societal Agenda in these movies can also be questioned.   Woke is neither a shield nor an answer to criticism.    

There is an interesting excerpt from a book on how Lucas wrote Star Wars.  The creative process was painfully detailed.  Or should I say that the creative process was just painful?  (And I can say from experience, that’s how it’s been for me too.)  I nearly gagged to death reading the fawning interview with “Jar Jar” Abrams.  Before the first movie had even come out, they were saying how much better a job he was doing handling the franchise than everyone else, especially George Lucas.  Unfortunately, the article writer had to acknowledge, even without having seen the final product, how unoriginal everything was in The Force Awakens, my main criticism.

Then there’s this missive in the interview: “It’s entirely possible to read Star Wars as a movie about white men fighting to regain their rightful position as rulers of the universe, against a man who, if he’s not actually black, wears all black and has the voice of a black man.”  Take note that the article writer said, “Rightful position,” not me, but I appreciate the tacit acknowledgement.  Of course, Darth Vader was actually working with said white men to rule the universe, but don’t let that stop you from making such a strong point.      

There’s some unintentional comedy as the actress playing Captain Phasma was quoted for being so proud of playing female part that wouldn’t be judged by her looks (since she’s in a full Stormtrooper outfit), just her actions . . . such as being stuffed into a garbage chute and being a complete joke character.  She is every feminist.  We don’t know how she got her position, she made sure she looked good (with that shiny special feminist armor that deflects all criticism), but she failed horribly in the end without further comment.         

Worse than that interview was a puff piece on John Boyega from the sequel trilogy and what a piece of work he is.  For a middle class British actor pretending to be an American in the film, he’s sure taking the part to the next level by pretending to be oppressed as well.  Obviously, he couldn’t use his English accent in the movie, because that would mean he’s a villain, like Rey.  His “woke-ness” has even led him into conflict with other SWJ’s questioning his wokeness.  (That statement doesn’t make any sense to me either, but it’s the only way I can describe what I read.) 

I already said before, Donald Glover should have gotten that part.  (And I was right.  He ended up being cast as young Lando in Solo, where he ended up being a joke for having sex with droids.)  I’m glad my further idea for making a buddy picture with Finn and Poe didn’t happen.  Now that I know him a little better, I wouldn’t have wanted him to have been likeable on screen.

They reprint the magazine’s original reviews of the Star Wars films, which is sort of historically interesting.  To be honest though, Time is not known for their movie reviews.  After the first film, all the reviews explain how the last film wasn’t that great, but this current film is awesome.  The reviews for the two sequel films are positively hyperbolic in praise, especially compared to the prequels. 

There’s articles on Star Wars TV projects and Disneyland and Disneyworld attractions.  There’s a fairly arbitrary list of the top 40 moments in Star Wars.  (The sequel moments were lame.  The prequel moments were all given a backhand in passing.)  Finally, there’s some obscure Star Wars trivia. 

There’s lots of pictures in this, but it’s actually fairly meaty in prose.  Unfortunately, the words are all nonsense.  Needless to say, I do not recommend this $15 magazine for anything other than self-loathing regret for having purchased it.  (Thankfully, this was just a gift for me.  I only regretted the time lost reading it.)  Look, bottom line on the Agenda, the problem is that you’re doing what you’re doing for racist/sexist reasons.  What you’re criticizing from the past was not done for the same reasons.  We know this because those producers weren’t going out to the media and saying that that’s why we’re doing it and expecting a round of applause.  Your work will simply not stand on its own with that kind of foundation.

Entertainment Weekly: The Ultimate Guide to the Arrowverse

I have been enjoying CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths.  (I’m writing this before I’ve seen the ending, so hopefully I won’t be eating those words.)  I found myself unable to resist picking up this promotional magazine.  The magazine has brief series recaps, brief recaps of the previous crossover specials, and interviews with the series’ stars. 

The recaps were really more of a tease than comprehensive.  This goes especially for Legends of Tomorrow.  Some of the past events they mentioned for that show, that I hadn’t seen, were truly enticingly bizarre.  Black Lightning was also mentioned, though given a short-shrift compared to the other shows.  While he’s an established DC character, BL usually does its own thing on TV and isn’t even entirely compatible with the other shows in tone.  He is in the crossover though.  I wonder if he’ll be integrated more after Crisis.   

Stephen Amell, Green Arrow, is a handsome fellow.  Unfortunately, his interview was chopped into inarticulateness.  Grant Gustin, the Flash, came off as a pretty enthusiastic comic book fanboy.  Neither interview was terribly insightful.  These two are the heart and soul of the Arrowverse.  They are good enough actors and charismatic enough to carry their shows, even when the story material is, at times, subpar.  It’s too bad Stephen is leaving after Crisis.  

Melissa Benoist, Supergirl, wanted pants for her costume.  It’s all about the Agenda on Supergirl.  Maybe Melissa could be up there with Stephen and Grant, but her character is almost inconsequential most of the time on her show.  Little wonder, I’ve seen her totally phone it in on some episodes too.  The cast interview with the Legends was reasonably interesting.  Some of them were wearing the Agenda in the cast pictures.

Lastly, Batwoman was promoted as the first gay character to headline a CW show and with an openly gay actor, though Ruby Rose is actually “nonbinary” and can’t technically be gay.  (Of course, this is all nonsense.)  There are already a multitude of gay characters on the other DC shows.  They going to run out of “firsts,” at some point.

Overall, I can’t recommend this for fans of the CW DC shows.  There’s just not enough detail on the shows or insight into the actors or production to satisfy a fan.  I feel like a sucker for having bought this fluff.  The content is slightly irritating, but I really expected more meat about the shows and actors.

Smithsonian Air & Space: Carrier-City at Sea

At last, here’s a magazine purchase I can recommend.  (Actually, the hockey yearbook seems pretty good, but I haven’t read most of it.  The latest issue of Baseball America features some interesting postseason awards.)  If you’re interested in aircraft carrier operations, this magazine will give you what you want.  If you want more, you’ll need a book on the subject or talk to some sailors who’ve been on the big boats. 

There’s quite a bit of detail.  It might even be a little too technical in places.  They explain the Ouija board (a model representation of the ship showing aircraft location), the Meatball (a visual track that puts pilots on the right path to land), and catapult operations, including the Boot Shoot (shooters firing their boots off the deck on the last day of their tour). 

There is a frightening description of a “Night in the barrel,” where a pilot has trouble landing.  A British correspondent wrote a book about being on a carrier, which is excerpted here.  There’s even a possibility of taking a “Tiger Cruise” yourself, if you know someone on board.  Family and friends can ride aboard the ship for a couple of days as it comes into port.  (And way cheaper than a commercial sea cruise, but accommodations are bit more primitive.)

I realize the pilots are the stars on the carrier and in Top Gun, but I dig the deck crew guys.  It is fascinating to watch them do their thing.  They’re dirty, grimy, dangerous jobs, but they look cool doing them.  The magazine lists the significance of the crew color scheme: yellow (shooters, air boss assistants), blue (moving planes), green (catapult), brown (aircraft maintenance), purple (fueling), black and white (inspectors), red (ordinance, firemen), and white (landing).

Here’s the money shot of the magazine, a cross-section of the carrier.

                                                     

OMG, sometimes planes land on the wrong carrier.  This may result in copious graffiti before the plane is ransomed back to its ship.

Doesn’t that deck look somewhat in climate?  There are articles on carrier planes going back to WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Tomcats, Hornets, and the newest F-35 Lightning.  Strangely, the longest article is on the C-2 transport plane that resupplies the carrier, but isn’t actually stationed on board.  The tilt-rotor Osprey is scheduled to replace it.  Finally, there are war stories in the back. 

Again, if you’re interested in the subject, you’ll be pleased with this purchase.  I wish the other two magazines had been more like this one. 

Review of Sabrina the Teenage Witch trade paperback

I’d read the first issue of this series in the Sabrina Super Special.”  I was really impressed with it.  There was an ad in the magazine advertising for this trade, so I kept an eye on the racks for when it was supposed to come out.  I picked up the only copy I saw at Barnes & Noble.  A week later, I noticed there were two more on shelf, so maybe it’s selling well. 

I’ll start off by saying that I like and recommend this trade to anyone who is inclined to like Archie Comics, Sabrina, or magical girls in general.  This may be the most visually appealing version of Sabrina in her history.  (Apologies to Melissa Joan Hart and Kiernan Shipka.  Further apologies to Kiernan, whom I misidentified in the Special review as looking like she was in her late 20’s.  She actually just barely turned 20.)  Artist Veronica Fish has definitely enhanced a classic look.  The colors by Andy Fish (I’m presuming that was his main job) are incredibly warm and enticing.  The basic premise for the teenage witch needed no updating and pleasantly wasn’t.  The story by Kelly Thompson is also a fun, romantic, and adventurous read. 

    

Having said all of that upfront; most of the rest of this going to be a bunch of bitching.  There is an undercurrent in this and most other current comics.  This is especially present in the comics written by feminists, which seem to be the only kind of female comic book writers there are.  (Don’t get me started on the male “feminists.”)  This attitude didn’t ruin the comic, but it was hard to totally ignore.  I tried watch the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Netflix show.  I couldn’t even get through the first episode before the Agenda forced me to turn it off.  Funny, I was sure the demonic horror element would cause me to stop watching, but the real world horror show got me first.  (And I’d heard the show wasn’t as bad as the comic book it was based on, which I’d read a little of and was repulsed by.)

       

Kelly Thompson’s forward set the SJW tone, saying that Sabrina was better than Betty and Veronica since she had “real power” and her life didn’t revolve around a guy.  I’m questioning how much Betty and Veronica Thompson has actually read.  Those girls have their own lives and date other guys, and it’s not like women don’t fight over hot guys in real life.  This is especially ironic as Sabrina is stringing along a couple of guys in this story.  She’s beautiful and charming and has magical powers, but is somehow disadvantaged in life.  Of course, Sabrina has an ethnic pudgy budding lesbian BFF, like the author inserting something like a teenaged version herself into the story.  In consistent fashion though, Thompson’s life doesn’t revolve around some man either.  From her Instagram, it appears to revolve around her cats.  (I like cats too.  I don’t blame her.) 

You can see the devolution of the audience for comics.  Originally, the opinion was, “Comics are for kids.”  Later, it became, “Comics aren’t just for kids.”  Then it was, “Comics aren’t for kids anymore.”  This was never said out loud, but it was kind of obvious from the titles being produced.  This volume seems to say, “Comics aren’t for boys anymore.”  (This will be followed by, “Gee, whatever happened to comic books?  Does anybody still make them?)  Marvel Comics seem to specialize in this maxim.  Archie Comics have always mostly been aimed at girls, but had an appeal for boys.  I doubt Archie can really afford to section off what’s left of their audience.    

I do believe the staff of the comic genuinely loves the character.  In that respect, this reminds me of Tania del Rio’s manga Sabrina.  I reviewed that on an Archie fan forum once and called it a, “Labor of love.”  That fits here too.  For whatever Agenda items were mandated or inserted into the material, they wanted to make a comic that appealed to everyone to share their enthusiasm for Sabrina.  They couldn’t make the comic more Agenda-driven and have it be anything but ugly. 

Regardless of my questioning of the motives of the writer, the story and setting are basically really good.  It’s certainly light-hearted compared to the Chilling Adventures, but there’s supernatural action here too.  In the best tradition of the character, you get teenaged angst and the magical trials of a witch.  Sabrina herself is sweet, but tough and capable.  She’s fickle in love, but without being cruel. 

Sabrina’s relationship with Salem is a bit contentious, but not to the point of acrimony.  Salem is a cursed wizard and a cat, but can’t help being fond of his charge.  He isn’t always helpful, but is Sabrina’s friend.  The aunts are loving and somewhat nervous caretakers of their ward, but are much more enigmatic in their own affairs.  (What do Sabrina’s aunts do for a living in any version of their characters?)  Is it just me, or does Zelda looks like Magik from the New Mutants?  (Illyana is one of my favorite comic characters.  I’m okay if this is a ripoff.)

Harvey is a love interest, along with a cooler kid, who has a sister who becomes Sabrina’s social nemesis.  For whatever reason, Harvey’s had to face a revolving door of suitors for Sabrina’s affections in the last several versions of the comic.  Much of the high school setting for the comic is a bunch of really tired tropes.  I swear I’ve seen most of this setup (including the gay best friend) exactly repeated in a couple of other unrelated stories recently.  You wonder if the writer actually went to public high school, or only remembers what she read in books and watched in movies and on TV.       

The villain for the story felt like something out of Scooby Doo.  There was some ambiguity about the morals of Sabrina’s fellow students who were working with the villain.  The villain thinks he’s entitled to power, but gets a lecture from Sabrina that he has to earn it.  Funny hearing that attitude from a current day comic book professional, most of whom seem to have gotten their jobs because of what they are, not what they’ve done.  In any case by the end, the matriarchy in Greendale is firmly established as a girls-only club.       

The physical production of the trade is smaller than a full-sized comic.  The cover is thick, but pliable and meant for repeated readings.  The pages are sturdy and slick.  The bright colors pop off them.  There are five issues reprinted in the volume.  There are a couple of pages of character sketches and then a gallery of alternate covers.  This would seem kind of thin, but lastly, there’s a first issue of Archie and Sabrina romance series.

There was a decided lack of Sabrina in that sample issue.  Moreover, I thought Jughead and Sabrina were an item.  Maybe they were just friends.  What’s the deal with hooking up Archie with yet another established female character anyway?  At this point, it’s probably quicker to name the name the Archie Universe girls he hasn’t been with.  Josie?  Only because they might be related.  Black Josie on Riverdale is not canonical in any way as far as I’m concerned.  Melody?  Okay, I have no idea why he’s not hitting on her.  I’d dump Betty and Veronica for Melody.  I’m sure there’s a couple more.  (Sh*t, on Riverdale he banged Miss Grundy.)  The story had an interesting setup, but not interesting enough to get me to want to buy it, especially since this was totally decompressed in format and little to nothing happened.  For the current price of a floppy, something better darn well happen. 

For all the salt in my review, I totally recommend this.  It looks good, has a good premise, and has a good story.  If there’s another volume, I’ll probably be looking for it.  I’m sorry this rambled and went off on so many tangents.  I’m obviously very frustrated with comics in general.  This reminds me of CW’s current Crisis on Infinite Earths series with their DC heroes.  It’s so much fun, but their usual shows are so Agenda-driven, they’re almost unwatchable.  In other words, they’re capable of doing a good show, but choose not to.  Every instance of Agenda in this comic only pointlessly detracted from it and added nothing to it.  It’s sheer bitter indoctrination to anyone susceptible to it.

Do better.             

Comics Reviews: 3 Marvel Reprints and an Archie Christmas

Basically all three of the Marvel reprints are ads for omnibus volumes.  Since they’re essentially teasers, it’s a bit hard to judge them individually.   

True Believers #1: Marvel Knights-Iron Fist

This was the Iron Fist origin story, kind of.  It showed Danny Rand being tested and accessing the Iron Fist power.  It shows the tragic story of how he got to K’un Lun as a child.  The premise is kind of flimsy.  (There might also be a bad misprint in it.)  However, the worst of it, is that there’s no real motivation shown for why Danny wanted to be a Kung Fu bad ass.  Presumably, this comes later, but for your standard origin, you’d best spell out some things up front.  (Or alternately, make everything a mystery and start with showing the character in action as a hero.)    

Anyway, Danny is shown using the Iron Fist for the first time, though just against a robot.  If you’re wondering, that panel with Cobra Commander and his pals gets repeated about four times in this comic.

Marvel’s Greatest Creators #1: Misty Knight-Iron Fist

Misty Knight, Danny’s future girlfriend, makes her debut here.  Iron Fist is fighting an Indian Kali cult here.  This issue has a lot of good martial arts and supernatural action.  However, nobody has a gun here, even though this all takes place in New York City.  Since there’s no explanation as to why not even the bad guys will use one, one has to severely suspend one’s disbelief.  Of course, this is a Kung Fu comic.  Presumably, readers aren’t buying it expecting gun play.        

Danny Rand is still a complete cipher and way too functional here.  For the story, he only really interacts with Misty and that’s just a “misunderstanding” fight.  (There is no formal introduction between them.)  Both this issue and the other annoyingly use the second person narration, even though they’re scripted by different writers.  It’s obnoxious.  

Marvel’s Greatest Creators #1: Luke Cage, Power Man

For whatever reason, this comic is extremely wordy.  It’s trying to impress you with its literacy, but ends up being almost unreadable.  

However, the action and the story are right there.  Heck, it starts off with Cage about to be snapped in two, strapped to the bottom of a bridge that’s about to open.    

Cage is such a bad ass, he even sleeps in a tiara and still looks like a bad ass.  He is, “One bad mutha . . . shut yo’ mouth,” as a song about him might say.  

He’s fighting a couple of Batman-esqe colorful street villains.  There’s the Piranha with steel teeth biting him.  (How unsanitary and sort of alternative lifestyle-like, if you get my drift.)  He’s also fighting Cockroach Hamilton, who wields a six-barrel shotgun and hangs out with cockroaches.  Cage has got superpowers and a strong moral compass, but without a proper foil and a sense of humor, he does border on parody. 

Honestly, Power Man and Iron Fist aren’t bad characters, but didn’t it didn’t really come together for them until Marvel combined them into one title.  Iron Fist joined Cage’s private eye agency at some point.  That was kind of genius.  The two characters are so different that they complemented each other well.  The only reason anybody other than comics geeks know about these characters is because of their Netflix shows and the Defenders.  Unfortunately, they didn’t do a Heroes for Hire show and pair these two up.  I guess it was because Cage’s character had been more popular and had a history with Jessica Jones. 

(Actually, the last issue of Power Man and Iron Fist had Iron Fist disintegrating himself healing someone and Power Man getting framed for killing him.  He ended up on the run from the law.  Sweet Christmas!)       

Archie Christmas Spectacular #1

Going through one of my comics boxes, I discovered I’d bought an Archie Christmas Spectacular #1 last year.  It was a totally different comic; it just had exact same title. This years’ edition features a classic Harry Lucey cover with modern coloring.  It’s very attractive.  Apart from the cover, the rest of the issue is new material. 

The comic features four short stories, no ads, and a reduced price.  First up, the gang has a run in with the Bee over Christmas spirit.  I love that first panel.  In the second story, Sugarplum and Noelle, a couple of recurring Archie Christmas characters, end up unknowingly double dating Archie at a party.  That works out for Archie about as well as you’d expect.  

Next up is a baking contest, theoretically.  In actuality, it’s a bunch of cheesecake-y shots of Veronica.  (Betty too, but mostly Veronica.)  It’s not a great story, but who cares?  This is the reason to buy this issue.  Lastly, Santa himself joins the gang for some karaoke.  (Yeah, I am not over seeing Veronica in those little hearts shorts.)

I took out all of my Archie Christmas comics and sat down and read them a couple of nights ago before bed.  Archie does a great job with the season.  Admittedly, some of the older issues were better than this one, but it’s hard to regret the purchase (especially Veronica’s sleepwear).  What can I say?  It’s a tradition.  

NM State Aggies vs ASU Sundevils Women’s Basketball 12-18-19

I hate to do this, because this will make this post way too long, but I have to start by recapping three previous games.  Real life has intruded on me being able to write and post in a more timely manner. 

12-4-19 vs Western NM Mustangs

I missed going to this game.  I had the day scheduled off, but wasn’t able to take it.  Even if nothing had come up, I wasn’t sure about going to a game against a DII school.  However, with only three home games this month, I would have otherwise liked to have gone.

The game was on the WAC Digital Network, but it was only single-camera coverage with no radio or TV call.  Given that I was at work and busy that made keeping up with the game difficult.  Not to mention, I came into the game late in the first half.  The first thing I noticed was that they may have missed me there.  It was a terrible crowd, listed at 635.  The other thing I noticed was the score.  Gia Pack hit a three right before halftime to make it 31-28, otherwise the score would have been tied.

Coach Atkinson must have found, “New ways to motivate,” her team in the locker room.  Again, I was barely able to watch, but the Aggies pulled away in the second half.  The team forced a bunch of turnovers and scored off them.  The Aggies also went 49% in shooting, though most of the other stats close to even.  With under a minute left, Kaela Chavez with the Mustangs hit back-to-back three’s to get their bench charged up.  She went 3 for 3 for three’s for 11 points total.  The Aggies won 75-56.  Gia Pack led with 26 points, 18 of those in the second half, and went 4 of 5 shooting three’s.  Freshman Soufia Inoussa had 13, and Didi Echols had 10.  The Aggies took care of business here, though they had to play harder than they had probably anticipated.

12-7-19 vs Weber State Wildcats

I had tried to get my dad to go to see this Saturday afternoon game, but he just wasn’t interested.  I think the Weber State Men’s team is pretty good, but the Aggies beat their Women with a paddle, 77-47.  Gia Pack scored 18, and Amanda Soderqvist had 12.  Hopefully, these last two games have gotten the team’s confidence back up.  

12-16-19 at UNM Lobos

I listened to this game in Albuquerque over the radio.  It sounded like a good crowd at the Pit, and there were over 5000 there.  Since beating the Aggies here (11-17-19), the Lobos were on a losing streak.  They’d lost their first two conference games and lost to ASU, the Aggies’ next opponent this week, by 37.  For that game, they went 0-18 shooting three’s and were -32 in rebounds.  Two players had also left the team, including Najala Howell, the UTEP transfer.  No reasons were disclosed.  Don’t get overconfident with all this news though.

First Quarter

There were two clock issues to start the game.  Aggies picked up three quick fouls before anyone scored.  I guess they were trying to play more physical.  The Lobos started the scoring three minutes in.  The Aggies got their first score four minutes in.  Don’t let that slow start fool you.  The Aggies took their first timeout as the Lobos built up a 10-2 lead.  The quarter ended 21-6 Lobos.  They’d hit two three’s, while the Aggies had committed 6 turnovers.

Second Quarter

Gia Pack was hustling, even if the shooting wasn’t there, as she collected 5 rebounds to this point.  Jaedyn de la Cerda, who’d led the Lobos in scoring last time, was firing three’s here, but missing.  She seemed to be forcing it.  Adenike Aderinto found a seam and got two baskets down low.  Micayla Buckner got three baskets in the lane.  Aisia Robertson, the Lobos’ star who’s been injured since last season, was in and was looking good tonight.  44-20 Lobos at the half.  They had 8 three’s.  The Aggies had zero.

Third Quarter

During the half, there was some kind of Pow Wow show going on.  I feel a little cheated that I wasn’t able to watch this.  Gia had 7 rebounds, but 4 turnovers to this point.  Aaliyah Prince only had 2 points.  The third period was more of the same, though the Lobos came out fouling immediately for some reason.  Jordan Hosey suddenly picked up 3 fouls.  78-47 Lobos.

Fourth Quarter

Coach Atkinson lost two arguments with the officials on back-to-back calls.  She was still fighting for the team, but it’s hard for the opposition to get calls in the Pit.  The Lobos emptied their short bench late.  Jaedyn missed a layup off a great assist and the crowd groaned, but she did hit a three to put the Lobos up over 100.  107-53 Lobos was the final.

At 54 points, this was the biggest margin of victory in the rivalry series and was the Lobo’s sixth straight win.  Five Lobos finished in double figures.  Jaedyn de la Cerda had 16.  Gia Pack had 18 points, but had 7 turnovers.  The Lobos dominated with 41 fast break points to 2, 23 turnovers to 8, and 17 three’s to 1.  Amanda Sodersqvist had the one.  She seemed to be having a hard time shooting and was way off on most of her attempts.  The Aggies were +4 in rebounds. 

12-18-19 vs ASU Sundevils 

I really narratively needed to preface today’s game with that Lobo game.  Given the Aggies would be playing the team that just crushed the team that had just crushed them, I was apprehensive, but actually somewhat giddy.  There’s always the possibility of seeing something historical, even if it’s historically bad.  Moreover, I was just happy to be able to get out and see a game after missing the last two (and the Volleyball Watch party). 

Ron was joining me.  I’d hoped dad would want to come, but he begged off again.  Maybe next time.  I can’t entirely blame him.  Both me and Ron were getting over nasty colds.  This was actually the first day since last week I was feeling more-or-less okay.  Ron had been to the doctor, but was still suffering from coughing fits. 

I’d been warned that this was Kid’s Day for this 11:00am weekday game.  I think it somewhat coincided with the last day of school before Christmas break.  There was a row of school busses already lined up in the Pan-Am parking lot when we got there.  We could see and hear a multitude of children before we even made it inside.  We ran into Aggie Marketing Director Nicole just inside the door.  She warned us which side the kids would be sitting on.

A bunch of kids were lined up in the concourse for some kind of giveaway at a table.  There was a costumed mascot there that I couldn’t identify, maybe it was the official city of Las Cruces mascot, since they were sponsoring today’s event.  Someone handed us coupons for Sonic.  Over at the courtesy table, there was an attractive Toys for Tots Santa poster.  I didn’t pick it up, since there was only one left and I hadn’t brought a toy.  (I came unprepared.)  Inside the arena, the kids filled one side and one end.  The official attendance was 1,600, but it seemed like a lot more.  It was 40 minutes before the game, nobody was on court, but the kids were chanting, “Let’s go Aggies!”  For the most part, there was a continuous roar from the kids for the whole game.

Ron and I sat behind the visitor’s bench.  ASU did bring a nice knot of fans with them.  I’d never been on this side before.  It was a different perspective.  Other regulars were sitting around us.  Down below, ASU brought their own radio broadcaster.  Next to him was a very pretty blonde, who seemed like either a production assistant or an assistant coach.  PA Ed consulted with her briefly, probably on how to pronounce their players’ names.  The glamorous Aggie marketing intern Emerson was also working with Ed.  No matter how bad the game got, at least watching Emerson was entertaining (except when that tall ASU fan woman below us kept obscuring my view of her).

Next to our section, the Roadrunner Revue band was depleted down to the level of a Salvation Army band.  Were the rest on break, or would the full band be there for the Men’s game tonight?  What they lacked in number, they did make up for it in energy.  The Cheerleaders and Pistol Pete were there.  Two Cheerleaders actually went to the visitors to ask for contributions for their raffle, where you could win a trip to the WAC Tournament.  They’re brave, but maybe not great marketers. 

Aggie fan Danny told us that the Sundevils were ranked #18 in the nation, though they were only fourth in their PAC-12 conference.  He also pointed out that one of their girls, Taya Hanson, was from the same Canadian town as our own beautiful volleyball goddess, Megan Hart.  Then there’s that other player that was built a whole lot like a well-built dude, Ja’tavia Tapley.  Kinda intimidating.  Am I being insulting or am I impressed?  Honestly, I’m not sure.  Apparently, she used to play for our former coach, Mark Trakh, at USC.   

The Aggies seemed to be aware of what they were facing.  When they came out on court, they seemed nervous and tight in warm up, even with the kids there.  Broadcaster Adam Young, who was doing TV today, walked by and waved.  Even he looked particularly grim.  (Or maybe it was because he’d be working with a huge pack of howling children directly behind him.)  Coach Atkinson came out in a black sweater, tight black pants, and spiked crimson boots.  She’s always fashionable.  

First Quarter

I only missed counting one basket today, but I’m still disappointed in myself.  If the final score had been closer to what I thought it was going to be, I’m pretty sure I might have abandoned the scorecard altogether at some point.  Across the court from us, the kids went crazy doing a countdown right before the Anthem.  With that, we were underway. 

The Aggies scored first on a Didi Echols’ jumper, though that was after two misses on the possession.  Ron’s comment was, “This is probably going to be their only lead of the game.”  Gia Pack hit an early three, as both teams played up-tempo.  It was 9-7 Aggies at the first break about five minutes in.  Thereafter, the Aggies had trouble scoring.  Micayla Buckner missed a couple of close shots.  Gia broke up five straight dry trips down court with a jumper, as ASU had taken the lead for the quarter, 14-11.

Second Quarter

Dino Dash!  I’m not sure if it was two kids in the T-Rex suits.  I couldn’t see any faces in the neck windows.  There was also an Aggie hat toss into the crowd.  In the ASU section, there were, what I’m guessing, three young men and their dad, possibly there to watch a sister playing.  A couple of the guys got up and ran out of the visiting section to go yell for a hat.  They succeeded and seemed to be impressed with it.  I’ve seen this at softball with some visiting parents collecting their opponents’ giveaways.   

An Aggie turnover and an ASU layup started the quarter.  The Sundevils seemed to really turn up the defense.  They forced a shot clock violation on the Aggies’ next trip.  Then they got a turnover at midcourt.  Amanda Sodersqvist took an unconfident shot the next time down.  There were two more Aggies misses on the next trip.  By this point, it was 20-11 ASU, four minutes in.  For some reason, the ASU coach was irate and called a timeout.  Your team was making shots and holding the other team scoreless.  I’m not sure what the problem was. 

A new break feature was introduced, Bongo Cam.  A bongo graphic was put on the video screens.  Fans, the kids, were encouraged to beat those drums.  Imagine an entire grandstand full of kids playing air-bongos across from you.  It was majestic.  The Aggies took their own timeout at 25-11 with four minutes left.  Hmm.  Ah.  If you haven’t noticed, the Aggies still hadn’t scored this quarter. 

PA Ed was starting to sound rather mechanical and uninvolved in the game.  I presume he was going to be doing the Men’s game tonight.  No sense in straining the voice for a lost cause.  Thank you, Adrianna Henderson.  With 1:30 left, she made a layup to keep the Aggies from being kept scoreless for over ten minutes.  They ended up with 4 points for the quarter.  Credit ASU’s defense, but the Aggies did miss several open looks.  32-15 Sundevils at the half.  Even the kids were a bit quiet for this quarter.

Halftime

I’d noticed some little girl cheerleaders with the kids.  They came down and perform for the half.  There was a giveaway toss into the crowd of Aggie Men’s Basketball replica WAC Championship rings.  Yes, the ASU brothers ran over and started shouting, “New Mexico State!”  They got one.  It helped that they weren’t wearing Sundevil gear.   

Third Quarter

We were finally sitting nearby Aggie super fan, Tom.  I noticed he had on a “5-Pete” Aggie Women’s Basketball championship shirt.  I was only wearing a “3-Pete” t-shirt.  Adenike Aderinto forced a Sundevil turnover to start the third, but the Aggies turned it over twice right after.  Timeout Aggies.  It was 37-15 at the 9:00 mark.  Baby Shark played on the PA.  Once again, there was an entire grandstand of kids doing the dance.

Back to play, Taya accidentally ran into a little boy with glasses seated by the goal, as she was trying to save a ball.  She made sure he was okay after she got up.  She seemed genuinely concerned, but the kid seemed unfazed by the event.  During the next break, we had another new feature, Fortnite Cam.  The children were all issued firearms and encouraged to shoot at one anoth . . . Or, they just encouraged to do the victory dances from the game.  The ASU brothers were posing.  One little boy was really working the floss and got a big cheer from the crowd. 

Back in play again, Gia made a great down court pass to Micayla under the basket.  She inexplicably tried to throw it back to Gia and turned it over.  There was another bad Aggie pass directly into the sideline signage.  AD Mario Moccia collected another loose ball sitting on the sidelines at the other end of the court.  Tayelin Grays was fouled and missed two free throws.  Meanwhile, Reili Richardson for ASU hit the rim on a shot.  It bounced straight up and went into the basket for a three.  It was that kind of game.  53-21 ASU.  The Aggies followed up their 4-point quarter with a 6-point one.

Fourth Quarter

The Hamburger-Making contest, which usually happens at football games, was brought out on court with the same amusing results.  It was serious though.  The teachers that were playing for competing for free Whataburgers for their whole schools.  Wow, what a generous prize!  With a musical cue, the entire kids section did the Macarena afterward.

Didi made a three to start the fourth, but the officials waved it off on a foul by ASU.  Man, the girls can’t catch a break today.  Or can they?  Another official reversed it, counted the basket, and gave the Aggies back the ball.  Okay.  We’ll take it.  From here, the Aggies finally started putting it in.  Aaliyah Prince hit a jumper.  Nike got a steal that led to a Soufia Inoussa layup.  The Aggie defense stiffed the Sundevils on the return.  Gia got a fast break layup.  Timeout ASU at 53-30, seven minutes left. 

After the break, the Aggies forced a turnover.  Gia got another layup and drew a foul.  The Aggies were stout on defense again.  Gia got another layup.  During a break, the kids did the dance for YMCA.  (That song is from the 70’s.  Where did they ever hear it before?)  Gia came up with a three out of the break.  Prince hit a jumper.  This really got the kids into it.  They were paying attention.

I noticed Marketing Nicole talking to some guys sitting higher up.  I think it was some players from the Men’s team, but I didn’t recognize who they were.  They were probably watching Ja’tavia and wondering how she’d match up with them.  Ron reported that Coach Jordan of the Volleyball team was sitting at the top of one of the grandstands, but I never noticed him. 

Prince hit another jumper.  Micayla fouled out.  As a nearby fan pointed out, she had five fouls with zero points.  Didi hit a jumper.  Freshman Shania Harper finally came into the game.  I was wondering where she was.  ASU had some free throws at the end.  The kids started pounding on their seats to disrupt the shots.  ASU tried to dribble it out to end the game.  Didi made an absurd flop attempt in front of the player to try and draw foul.  Nice effort.  Gia put in another three right before the end.  70-47 ASU was the final.

I’ll admit it.  I was expecting another 100-point game for the opposition.  Keeping the Sundevils under that total was something of a victory.  Let me give some credit to the Aggie defense.  They were making ASU work for their points.  Aggie shooting however, was terrible for two quarters of the game.  Ron thought ASU was just playing their bench in the fourth quarter, but the scoring actually doesn’t bear that out.  I’m not sure what got the Aggies going.  The game was more up tempo. 

The ASU coach was a lot less uptight at the end.  I’m sure she didn’t tell her team to back off, but might not have told them to play harder.  By the end of the third, the game wasn’t really in doubt.  In the first quarter, ASU played like they had just rolled off their bus and asked, “Who are we playing?”  They didn’t entirely seem like they’d prepared well for the game and were just looking to out-talent the Aggies.

Gia Pack led all scorers with 20 points and 10 rebounds.  Aaliyah Prince came in with 10 points, but really needs to start shooting more.  Give it up for Didi Echols.  She got 9 points and really hustled for the whole game.  Your takeaway stats for the game are 21-7 in points off of turnovers and 31-4 in bench scoring, all for ASU.  The Aggies aren’t taking care of the ball, aren’t making shots, and have no bench.

I don’t know if I should have been surprised by this, but there were autographs afterward.  I don’t know if it was a good or bad thing to do this after a bad loss and when several hundred kids would be going down for them.  We’ll call it bad for the players’ fingers and wrists, but probably good for their psyches to smile and chat with some kids. 

While I sort of wanted to give the girls some support today too, Ron was hungry and wasn’t going to put up with waiting around for another half hour or more.  We had a great lunch at Raising Canes.  I’d forgotten that the last time we went there (after the Lobo game), they were closed to clean up a mess.  It’d been a while.  This has been a disappointing season so far, but a weekday afternoon matinee game was kind of a cool way to spend a couple of hours, regardless of the result.  I’m okay with having a bunch of enthusiastic kids out for every game too.