The Russian invasion of Ukraine, under the command of President Vladimir Putin, has caused a groundswell of support for the Ukrainian people and condemnation of the Russian government. While…
The cult of celebrity must die
There have been countless think pieces and news broadcasts on local and cable stations about the impacts of social media, the 24-hour news cycle and our collective obsession with those…
The grim outlook of owning and renting
With the cost of living increases, insufficient wages, wealth inequality growth and continued gentrification of Portland and other urban areas, trying to keep a roof over one’s head is a…
In defense of the essential worker
Since we entered the pandemic two years ago, much has been revealed about certain structures and institutions in our society—exposing the enormously toxic behavior and virtue-signaling aimed at retail and…
What’s all the hubbub with NFTs?
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are apparently worth millions of dollars, as illustrated by the artist Beeple, the phenomenon seems to be creating a fervor in people ranging from academic economists to…
Oh god, what’s next: predicting the 2020 election
If you’re reading this on Election Day, welcome! Here at Portland State Vanguard, we generally deal with what happened more than we deal with what’s going to happen when it…
Blood clots and anxiety: a lesson in self-awareness
In December 2018, I was in a bus accident. Tossed around the interior of the bus after it hit a cow, I ended up getting knocked out for a moment…
With backyard astronomy, the sky’s the distance
It is understandable to want to go outside now and it is a realistic desire to want to do things with people—anything. COVID-19 has all but shut down venues of…
Have yourself a merry little summer
I really value the dividends paid by paying attention to even the smallest portions of our health needs. My body has been a blunderland since a bus accident in December…
Why America hates math
“It makes me feel really stupid, I have a very hard time comprehending it.” “It makes me feel bad. I feel less intelligent.” “I just get frustrated.” When I…
The trouble with election technology
The Iowa caucuses are usually seen as pretty grand events for their part in presidential elections. They’re the first nominating caucuses for both Democratic and Republican party primaries and represent…