THE RETRIEVER UMBC’s Student Newspaper

INSIDE Volume 39, Issue 16 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 February 8, 2005 Student organization space gets facelift from SGA News 02

UMBC aids women entrepeneurs, tea time, and soda prices.

Opinion 08

Valentine’s Day, Social Security num- bers and other cool stuff. Check it out.

Joe Regier [Retriever Staff] A New Beginning: SGA President Dom Cirincione and President Hrabowski cele- GRACE M. LO PORTO brate the grand opening of the new student organization space on the second floor Features 12 Retriever Staff Writer of the Commons last Friday, February 4.

When students entered the newly renovated student organization space were being distributed. House member Ross Dixon said that he was “really on the second floor of the Commons last Friday, they found free food, huge impressed at how many students showed up.” Dixon also pointed out that black ottomans, long meeting tables, and cushy chairs that—as student Jay a few students were already having small group meetings in the area, which Lagorio noticed—had arms wide enough to sit on. The new furniture con- was at the time officially only thirty-four minutes old. trasts drastically with the old haphazard table and chairs setup, and the little- SGA members were mixed in with non-members in the crowd, and used cubicles from a year ago. Dom Cirincione, SGA president, called the were noticeable only because a number of them were wearing black and gold. changes the culmination of “a long and worthwhile effort,” and the grand The new tradition (black and gold Fridays) originated over the summer in MC Chris rocks out, opening was a success by almost any standard. Even President Hrabowski the Leadershape program, which many members of the SGA attended; a SEB movies are showed up. number of them took the opportunity to attempt to subtly influence non- coming back, and Despite House member Ben Ring’s prediction that few would come, the members. Even if they wore no distinct colors, however, many SGA mem- Catonsville dodgeball. area was quite packed for the majority of free hour. Students talked, gorged, and admired their new area, sometimes tossing around the event leaflets that see SPACE, page 5 Sports 19 UMBC parents “pretty upset” over recent tuition increase

GRACE M. LO PORTO dents per year. Tuition for the spring port the amendment because it Colles Price wishes he knew “what Retriever Staff Writer semester at UMBC is currently would have involved asking the gov- the increase was for.” He asked, “Are $4,010, or $8,020 per year (accord- ernor for even more money. we getting more professors? I know As most UMBC students know, ing to the Registrar’s office). Thus, Reactions to the increase from we’re into building a new building the Maryland Board of Regents next fall, in-state UMBC students UMBC students seem to be some- soon or something, but are we recently raised tuition for Maryland will have to pay about $500 more what ambiguous, but never positive. increasing the funding of some state universities again. Fortunately, than they currently do. When asked to comment, many, like clubs?” UMBC’s Men’s the increase for the 2005-2006 UMBC currently has the high- Jacqueline O’Hare, asked, “Don’t SGA President Dominic swim; dive team school year averages out to only est tuition of any Maryland state col- they increase it every year?” The Cirincione said, “In terms of posi- sets a school record 5.8%, as opposed to nearly 30% in lege, and the Baltimore Sun’s January word “sucks” was used a number of tion, we would like to see tuition stay with an undefeated the past two years. In those years, 26 article by Jason Song stated that times. Student Ryan Jordan said that as flat-lined as possible; we don’t season. the university system received no the university system in Maryland is his parents were “pretty upset.” “I want to see it rise any more than it increase in funding from the state; “among the most expensive in the don’t pay my own tuition, so it does- needs to.” He continued to say that, this year, Maryland Governor Robert country.” n’t affect me as much as it would, “however, we’re aware of the fact that L. Ehrlich Jr. allocated an extra $43 According to the article, Regent because I’m not writing the checks. without money, we cannot survive as million to the state university system. James C. Rosapepe wanted an But since my curriculum’s probably a school, and without sufficient ALSO: According to a recent Baltimore amendment to cap tuition increases going to have me here five years funds we cannot hire the appropriate Sun article, tuition at UMBC will be over the next three years at 5%, but instead of four, that’s going to make college news 02 increased to $8,520 for in-state stu- other regents were reluctant to sup- it all that much harder,” he said. see TUITION, page 7 world news 05 Four Day trw.umbc.edu classifieds 22 410.455.1260 Forecast tues: 50/39o wed: 56/32o thu: 43/27o fri: 44/26o 2 News February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER

BehindtheScenes College News The Tea Empire takes over at UMBC

In-State Tuition SUN “We have a very diverse group of gave a demonstration of a traditional Retriever Staff Writer friends,” Colin replied. Chinese tea ceremony with authentic Going Up at It was this diverse mix that led the silverware. The Empire provides snacks Originally run October 12, 2004. two to explore the tea drinking rituals in that usually accompany a country’s tea Maryland’s Public other cultures. Since their birth last time presentation. Last week’s tea feature was Irish tea. semester- the group has done a Chinese The club has come a long way. Universities It was not green much to one mem- tea, Russian tea and Kashmiri tea rituals “We used to meet in the ber’s dismay, but it should be noted that to name a few. The group plans future Chesapeake lobby last semester,” Ng ADELPHI, Md. (AP) - The Ireland’s national color is not green, but tea parties and is looking into Moroccan remembers dismally. But her face University System of Maryland’s govern- BLUE. Go brag about that to your par- and Japanese tea ceremonies. brightens, “But now look where we are.” ing board voted Wednesday to raise in- ents, boys and girls. The Tea Empire’s The meetings are well-structured The Tea Empire meets in the state tuition by an average of 5.8 percent secret mission is to educate one about and organized, most definitely a compo- Harbor Café. It was fate that the club next fall at the state’s public universities, cultures that span the globe, while nent to the research done before the and that room come together; it holds but rejected a proposal that would have drinking everyone’s favorite beverage: meeting. the perfect ambient atmosphere. Also, it capped rates at 5 percent over the next tea. “This would be impractically hard provides enough room for all its mem- three years. “The whole world drinks tea, each without the Internet,” admits bers. By a 13-3 vote, the Board of country developed their own culture McGuigan. “The membership has ballooned,” Regents approved the new tuition rates with tea, incorporating it into their Ng and McGuigan research the tea notes McGuigan. and student fees for Maryland’s 11 cam- own tradition,” explains co-founder ceremony thoroughly and open up the “When you talk to people, they puses. The relatively low increase comes and president Claire Ng. meeting with history and tea trivia. For always come up with varieties of tea cer- after the board passed tuition hikes of “We wanted to share that insight instance, did you know that Ireland has emonies other cultures do,” Ng adds. more than 30 percent in recent years with a broader group,” added co- the highest per capita consumption of The list sounds endless. If you want because of deep cuts in higher education founder and vice president Colin tea in the world? to divulge in some tea culture and meet funding by the state. McGuigan. In the background of the meeting some intelligent personalities, come to Ehrlich promised earlier this month The Tea Empire was brewed after plays traditional Irish music while the the next Tea Empire meeting on to increase funding for the system by 4.8 informal nightly sessions at Ng’s place, method of the ceremony is described. October 21 for the British tea ceremony percent to $798.2 million for the 2006 where she and friends would drink tea For the Irish ceremony founders told at the Harbor Café. fiscal year. University officials, who had and hang out. Ng and McGuigan decid- members that Irish people put milk and lobbied the governor heavily for more ed to combine their common loves and sugar into their cups before placing the Sun is a writer for The Retriever’s money, hailed it as a turning point that excitement over tea and share it with tea in. Weekly. She may be reached for com- allowed them to keep tuition rates low. the rest of the campus. During the focus on Chinese tea, Ng ment at [email protected]. “We feel this is a good starting point in the reinvestment in higher edu- cation,” said system Chancellor William Kirwan. “We think this is a break- through.” The new rates mean in-state under- graduates at the flagship University of Maryland, College Park, will pay $7,821 in tuition and fees next year, compared to a cost of $7,410 this year. Salisbury University will cost $6,376, about $400 more than last year. Frostburg State will also rise $400 to $6,230. Before the vote, the board rejected a proposed amendment that would have capped tuition increases at 5 percent if the governor agreed to add more money this year for higher education to his budget and increase funding by about $50 million for each of the next two years. Regent James Rosapepe, who pro- posed the amendment, said the board needed to demonstrate it was committed to keeping tuition rates low. He said the extra money could come from funds Ehrlich set aside for the state’s rainy day fund. The proposal is very similar to a bill passed by the General Assembly last year but vetoed by Ehrlich that would have capped tuition at 5 percent and required the state to provide at least 5 percent funding increases for higher education. Rosapepe said the fact that the bill passed the legislature, combined with Sun [Retriever Staff] Ehrlich’s pledge to raise state aid for the Honest Tea: UMBC Tea Empire club members remain true to the spirit of tea ceremonies from around the world. university system, showed his proposal was viable. “If they (lawmakers) do their part, then we’ll do our part,” he said. “This is clearly what the legislature wants us to do.” But most board members said they did not want to go back to the governor to ask for more money and that the pro- posal was a thinly veiled attempt to try to If you work for us we will pay you! implement the failed legislation. “To ask him (Chancellor Kirwan) to go back to the governor and say ‘You didn’t give us enough,’ is going to be a x5-1260 terrible thing,” said former Gov. Marvin Mandel. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 News 3 4 Advertisement February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 News 5 UMBC gets ACTiVATEd SGA unveils new student STACEY TRUNNELL special lies in both the hands-on experience of Guest Writer an institution’s research center, like the tech- center@UMBC, and the advice and coaching organization UMBC is now giving women entrepre- of an experienced entrepreneur. The program neurs the opportunity to participate in a high- hopes, according to their website, that the space ly competitive program establishing six startup trainees will one day become mentors for the from SPACE, page 1 World News companies in the Baltimore area. Achieving program. the Commercialization of Technology in Stephen Auvil of the Office of Technology bers, such as Senator Peter Callioux, came sim- Ventures through Applied Training for Development at UMBC claims that the state of ply because they knew about the event Israel, Palestinians Entrepreneurs, or ACTiVATE, is a training Maryland has not been very successful in “the through their affiliation with the SGA. to Declare Cease-Fire program for “mid-career” women interested in formation of new companies that could com- About ten minutes after the food table entrepreneurship. It was founded to both help mercialize…new technologies” and it is mostly opened, Cirincione made a few remarks JERUSALEM (AP)- The Israeli and boost the commercialization of technology in due to the small amount of trained entrepre- regarding the renovation, which was sponsored Palestinian leaders will declare a formal Maryland research facilities and to encourage neurs. He hopes ACTiVATE will “grow to and organized by the SGA with the help of the end to more than four years of fighting at more women to get into this high-demand and other under-represented groups and to other Commons administration, specifically its Tuesday’s Mideast summit, both sides said male-dominated field. regions,” as well as provide job opportunities director Joe Regier. Other speakers were Brian Monday. Israeli and Palestinian negotia- Among six schools in the region, UMBC for UMBC graduates. Bailey, SGA Director of Student Advocacy, tors finalized the agreement during last- shines as a leading University that is perfect for So far, Auvil says that the program is look- and Melissa Kirkendall, SGA Speaker of the minute preparations Monday. the challenge. With our academically strong ing successful. About 50 people came out to House. Cirincione stated that the SGA will be “The most important thing at the emphasis on information technologies, the the recent open house held for prospective par- hosting a contest to select a new name for the summit will be a mutual declaration of prime location of the techcenter@UMBC, and ticipants. Ultimately, many attendees became space, and is currently accepting nominations; cessation of violence against each other,” the abundant opportunities for women in sci- applicants. Of those who applied, the “30 more information (such as what the prize is) said Saeb Erekat, a Palestinian negotiator. ence, it is obvious why UMBC was chosen to most qualified” are being selected to partici- will be forthcoming via email. Erekat said the agreement also partner this women-focused program. pate. As the program continues that number In an interview, Cirincione said that “The includes the establishment of joint com- In the first few weeks of the program, par- will narrow down to the finest of the trainees, real purpose of this came from students com- mittees to determine criteria for the ticipants will go through an intensive orienta- Auvil says. ing to us, from the SGA members speaking up release of Palestinian prisoners held in tion that will help them decide if pursuing an Auvil also asserts that ACTiVATE is much and saying ‘Listen, this is not a place [where] Israeli jails, and to oversee the gradual entrepreneurship is right for them. During this better than the reality TV version, “The we can easily work and easily relax…so after withdrawal of Israeli forces from time they will research the technologies, Apprentice.” Though the participants won’t be listening to all these responses from student Palestinian cities on the West Bank. financing, market and sales value of their proj- “fired,” some will be given more opportunities organizations saying ‘We want a change,’ this An Israeli government official, speak- ect all the while identifying with the severely than others based on their overall performanc- is what we came up with.” ing on condition of anonymity, con- competitive environment. The second part of es in training, providing them with better Toward the end of free hour, with the few firmed the cease-fire agreement, adding the training is considered “The Business Plan,” chances of becoming involved in their field. remnants of the fondue slowly browning on that the deal would also include an end to and its planning is still under way. Only the UMBC’s Office of Technology the food table and little more than a score of Palestinian incitement. very best of the participants will make it to this Development and Center for Women & students left, President Hrabowski walked in phase. If participants can make it through the Information Technology, CWIT, encourage and spoke with Cirincione for a few minutes. long and challenging training, they can contin- interested students to look into this new “I’m impressed; I like it,” he said, including Detainees Say U.S. ue the program long enough to start their own research opportunity. For more information words like “inclusion,” and “pride.” Troops Abused Them companies. about ACTiVATE or an application, check out Hrabowski also urged SGA to begin decorat- What makes the approach of the program www.umbc.edu/activate. ing the space with art. “That’s our next step,” (AP)- Eleven detainees say U.S. Cirincione replied. troops in Afghanistan and Pakistan abused them before they were sent to the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, allegations that include beatings with chains, electric shock and sodomy, according to a lawyer’s notes that were recently declassified and released Monday. Some of the men say they falsely con- fessed to being members of Afghanistan’s ousted Taliban regime or the al-Qaida ter- ror network to make the abuse stop, said Tom Wilner, a lawyer for the 11 Kuwaitis being held in the prison camp at the U.S. Navy base in eastern Cuba. Human rights groups and defense lawyers have long charged that some of the information that led to incarcerations at Guantanamo Bay was obtained through abuse or torture. Many of the 545 prisoners have been held for more than three years, most without charge. Maj. Michael Shavers, a Pentagon spokesman, said all “credible” abuse alle- gations are investigated but suggested the Kuwaitis’ claims were consistent with al- Qaida tactics to falsely allege abuse or mistreatment. “That these detainees are now mak- ing allegations of abuse seems to fit the standard operating procedure in al-Qaida training manuals,” Shavers said in response to questions from The Associated Press about the Kuwaitis’ accu- sations. The government has denied the use of torture, but multiple investigations into abuse of detainees in Afghanistan and Guantanamo are under way. Although most of 11 Kuwaitis say physical abuse stopped once they arrived at Guantanamo, all complained of being locked in their cells with scant reading materials and little contact with the out- side world or current events. “At Guantanamo, the physical abuse — at least for Kuwaitis — has stopped, Heidi Heimsal [Retriever Staff] but there has been a switch to mental tor- Cost Confusion: Despite the misleading $2.00 labels on soda machines across campus, bottled sodas still cost $1.25. The labels are for Full Throttle, ture,” Wilner said Monday during a tele- a new energy drink from Coca-Cola. Confusing $2.00 labels were placed on several machines across campus before the energy drink appeared. phone conference call from Washington. “Charles Manson has much better prison conditions than these men.” 6 News February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Police Log

Malicious Destruction of Theft from Building Property A former UMBC student tried to use his expired ID to purchase food at the din- On January 24, UMBC police ing hall on January 27. When the cashier responded to the Physics building where a swiped his card, it was shown to have no faculty member reported that the door funds. The suspect claimed that he had leading to a locked area on the fourth floor money on his ID, but had been having had been tampered with. The molding problems with it. A manager was then con- that held the glass window on the door to tacted who recognized the non-student the entrance had been removed, and no from a previous incident of the same man- one was reported in the area. Nothing had ner. The police were notified, and former been taken from the fourth floor and student Dey Devrup was asked to pay for nothing was found out of place. his meal. When he said that he had no money and could not, he was arrested for Trespassing theft.

An unknown white male was report- Malicious Destruction of ed to be behaving in a disorderly manner Property behind the RAC on January 26. The male fled on foot into the academic corridor Two signs were removed from the before police arrived. A staff member had Walker Ave. apartments on January 28. called the police when he witnessed the The unknown suspects left the signs in the suspicious male in an area of the RAC retaining pond next to the apartments, where he should not have been. where they were later discovered. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 Advertisement 7 Students react to another tuition hike

from TUITION, page 1 number of teachers that we need, or the appro- priate number of staff members.” Cirincione stated that without these funds, “we won’t be able to keep the building and the buildup of the UMBC name without further funding. Luckily the governor gave us more money this year, and that’s going to go very far.” He con- tinued to state that, “Unfortunately, when tuition keeps rising every year, which it has in the past two and a half years, it’s going to become a problem for a lot of students. It already has.” Heidi Heimsal [Retriever Staff] Disaster Relief: UMBC student Tigue Tozer speaks at the Tsunami Aid conference in the UC Ballroom on February 7. Tigue offered a firsthand perspective to the Tsunami Relief in Sri Lanka, telling the audience that victims of the tsunami “will always need help.” Students and faculty were also welcomed to hear motivating speeches from President Hrabowski and SGA President Dom Cirincione. 8 February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER INSIDE

How secure are you?09 Be my Valentine10 Opinion Drill this10 Letters Editor No end in sight for Financial Aid woes to the When you’re on the phone trying to navigate the Financial Aid Office’s automatic phone tree system, which somehow just transferred your call to the Letters to the editor can be sent to [email protected] or delivered to UC 214, c/o Letters to bursar’s office phone tree, while your lending bank can’t help but laugh at the the Editor. Letters must be received by 12 p.m. on Thursday and must be typed or written legibly and ineptitude of the UMBC office, there is a problem. The phone system is atro- include the author’s name and telephone number. Letters to the Editor cannot exceed 400 words. cious, impossible to navigate, and often simply asks you to hang up and call back later, as opposed to holding. It’s not as if the plight of the Financial Aid Office is not understood; every Madame editor: semester 13,000 students in need of one thing or another bombard them. They are understaffed and have been trying to hire a permanent director for nearly a You have my compliments on an outstanding issue last week. Very strong stories in news, features populat- year. This department is vital to absolutely everything else that occurs at this ed with very appropos pieces as well. Only nitpick would be the front page — it looks like an inside page, not a school. And currently, they are letting down entirely too many students. front page. Too split up with two mediocre photos. It would have benefitted from a single, larger image — the They frequently fail to inform students when the application process is dominant element you need for a strong layout. I know you rarely receive praise in letters to the editor, and so I incomplete, leaving students unable to solve problems equipped with very lit- thought I would offer up mine after being favorably impressed last week. tle information about the process. As a result, many spend countless hours try- ing to track down forms that they didn’t know were required. Yours, The laundry list of gripes is as long as the Registrar’s list of attending stu- dents. Giuseppe Henretti Students should not be spending so much time and energy dealing with financial aid, but should instead devote this energy to their actual reason for being here: academics. More and more often, this balance leaves students in danger of leaving school for one reason or another (or even five other). The choice between waiting in the financial aid office to clear things up or going to the first week of classes should not be a choice a student should ever have to UMBC students, staff, and other readers, make.

This is your space here; if you’ve got praise or criticism for anything on campus, related to campus, or print- ed in the paper, then this is a place to make that voice heard. Aside from letters that are libelous or otherwise Want to graduate? Listen up unfit to print, we run virtually every letter that is sent to the editor, so feel free to utilize the paper in such a man- ner. Not only do we hope for letters, we outright encourage them. So, send us some e-mail. We’ll read it. If you are one of the many students who intend to graduate this May, crunch time is rapidly approaching. With various deadlines to stay on top of, Ian Bukowski paying attention is essential if you’d like to walk with all those other cool kids Retriever Opinion Editor making their way to the real world (or grad school) after this May. The last day to actually apply for May graduation is February 15. This can be done online at http://www.applyweb.com/apply/umbccomm/index.html in less than ten minutes. Keep in mind, there is a $100 fee, so now is the time to ask your mom for the money. If you miss this opportunity, you might as well invite your family to the August commencement ceremony, as the fixed dead- line is regarded with utmost seriousness. Actual requirements for graduation are another story altogether. While THE RETRIEVER major and GFR requirements are not reviewed until March, the deadline for UMBC’s Student Newspaper STAFF class registration is February 11 (this Friday). If your advisor has not verified your completion of all requirements, or even if he/she has, it behooves you to The Retriever staff editorials look at your transcript and ensure that all requirements are or will be fulfilled. Editor in Chief ...... Kaidye C. Hansen reflect the views of the editorial A list of GFR classes can be found on the Registrar’s website or at the office, Managing Editor ...... Douglas Miller board; signed columns and and major requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog or through Business Manager ...... Oliver Baranczyk advertisements represent the your specific department. If you find yourself short of requirements, there are Advertising Manager ...... Eric Gernat opinions of the individual writ- still a few days left in which to add a class. News Editor...... Brandy Keller ers and advertisers, respectively, Upon following the link to apply for graduation online, you will be pro- Assistant News Editor...... Brian Arnold and do not necessarily reflect vided with a general schedule of the graduation review process. Mark your cal- Opinion Editor ...... Ian Bukowski those of the Retriever or the endars and be sure to stay in contact with your advisor and to watch for emails Features Editor ...... Amy Segreti University of Maryland about graduation. Missing graduation because you missed a GFR during the Assistant Features Editor ...... Sarah Pevner Baltimore County. last semester is expensive. Missing graduation because you neglected to fill in a Sports Editor ...... Kim DeBarge Letters to the Editor are simple form online is not just embarrassing, it’s sad. Assistant Sports Editor ...... Joe Howley printed verbatim, although the Photography Editor ...... Anita Field editors reserve the right to edit Assistant Photography Editor ...... Stephanie Potter any letter deemed lengthy, repet- Online Editor ...... Joe Howley itive, libelous or otherwise in Production Manager ...... Evan Wiegand need of revision. The editors fur- Want to Production Assistant ...... Christian Brown ther reserve the right not to Production Assistant ...... Ian Oland print any letter for any reason. Production Assistant ...... Julija Slavikas Letters to the Editor must be Production Assistant ...... Nic Takemoto typed or written legibly and write for Copy Editor...... Steve Wiley include the author’s name and Copy Editor...... Amber Sampson telephone number. Letters must Copy Editor...... Colin McGuigan be received by 12 p.m. on Copy Editor...... Rossi Irobalieva Thursday and may not exceed the Retriever? Copy Editor...... Justin Peebles 400 words. Illustrator...... Christina Ralls The Retriever publishes weekly on Tuesdays during the Technology Manager...... Rick Carback regular school year. Editors can Assistant Technology Manager ...... Paul Swenson be reached at (410) 455-1260 Come to our meeting during Webmaster ...... Alice Rhodes during normal business hours or Circulation Manager ...... Matt Stockslager at University Center 214; 1000 free hour on Wednesdays Assistant Circulation Manager...... Roy Richardson Hilltop Circle; UMBC; Faculty Adviser...... Christopher Corbett Baltimore, MD 21250. The in the UC, or call Administrative Adviser ...... Dr. Patty Perillo Retriever is an equal opportunity Layout Design Concept...... Brandon Gilbertson employer. extension 51260 Check us out online: trw.umbc.edu THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 9 Opinion Little security left in Social Security Numbers

ROSSI IROBALIEVA red ID card, which probably has more power your door fresh and hot and not have to pay for behind the desk will ask you to write it down on Retriever Staff Writer than any other card in your wallet (including anything (flex can also be used for tips). Nice, a floating piece of paper, where other students that credit card that you are only supposed to right? Well, not exactly; there is a small catch. have previously written their SSNs. As you hesi- use for emergencies). Our red IDs hold our meal When you order over the phone, the only way to tate about what to do, you see that the previous- Lately, the media has been buzzing with plans and our flex dollars, they give us free prove that you are actually a UMBC student is ly written numbers have been scratched out, and stories about identity theft, warning the public admission to some campus events and facilities, by giving your student ID, which is then entered it gives you some sense of comfort, yet you know to protect itself. The number one recommenda- and discounts at the movie theaters and some- in the computer system at the place you are that there just has to be a better way to do all tion – do not share personal information when times, they are even the key to our on campus ordering from. Your student ID however, is your this. it can be avoided. Every individual’s personal housing. Conveniently enough, they are also SSN. So imagine this: you are on the phone, Actually, there are other ways. Many other history is stored in nine magical digits, also linked to our SSNs. Oftentimes, if you have for- ordering food, giving away your SSN number to universities provide their students with a unique known as the Social Security Number (SSN). In gotten your red ID, you can still get by without someone who you have never met and who you student ID number. That is the number they use a way, the SSN can be used like a weapon. It it if you just spill out those nine digits. cannot even see. Is it worth it? everywhere. They are rarely, if ever, asked for “guards” everything that you ever wanted to When you think about it, this is not exact- Our student IDs (our SSNs) are a huge part their SSNs and all of their academic information know about someone, allowing them to verify ly the best idea, unless of course, you are willing of our academic lives. Professors are provided and records are linked to their university ID. their identity, and when in the wrong hands, it to trust random strangers with very, very per- with a list of all of their students and their SSNs. The bottom line – with everything going can completely ruin its owner’s life. In fact, sonal information (which is exactly what you While some professors require that we always on in the world today, perhaps we should be a when SSN cards first came out in 1935, they have always been taught not to do). You never include the last four digits of our SSNs on all of little bit more protective of our personal infor- included the disclaimer “NOT FOR IDENTI- know what the “friendly” face behind the com- our work, others instruct us to give out all nine mation. In return, different businesses and insti- FICATION.” However, things have changed puter screen is going to do with your informa- digits, especially when taking scantron exams. tutions should be more considerate when requir- significantly since then and nowadays individu- tion when you leave. The fact is, giving your After all, it is the only way that our scores can be ing such information. As for UMBC, there is no als are asked for their SSN everywhere. While we SSN away, just encourages misuse and identity matched up with our student accounts. reason why we should not be able to have can often choose whether we want to share this theft. There are some occasions when it is impor- unique student IDs. True, that would be one information, there are times when there is just UMBC prides itself on offering a variety of tant to confirm one’s identity by matching the extra thing to remember, but that is a sacrifice no way around it. meal choices, including off-campus options. SSN with the name. The registrar’s office is one that many would not mind making. Take UMBC for example. Here, our SSNs Students have the option of using their “flex” such instance. To obtain a transcript, you need act as our student ID numbers and we need our dollars to pay for purchases and avoid using to show a student ID and provide a SSN. Rossi Irobalieva is a staff writer and copy edi- student IDs all around campus. Inside the Loop, cash. In other words, you can order pizza from Sometimes you are asked to just recite it right in tor for the Retriever. Comments can be sent to there is basically no way to survive without your Papa John’s at midnight, have it delivered to front of everybody, while other times the person [email protected].

Quotes from the Quad Reprinted; photos by Aaron Stoler Which Professor is your Valentine?

Laszlo de Simon, 20 Matt Metzger, 21, Film Video Mike Elliot, 25 Theatre “I’ll take anything.” Computer Engieering “Colette Searls (Theater “I don’t think there’s any I’ve had Teacher).” that I would want as my valentine.”

David Somerville, 19 Visual Arts “I don’t think I’m going to touch that one.”

Steve Johnson, 23, Math “Dr. Susan Minkoff (Math Teacher).” 10 Opinion February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Point Counterpoint Celebrating with Valentines or Dollar Signs? On Valentine’s Day, All You Really Need Is Love

JOHN ELLIS Let us truly remember that everyday is the ELLIOT S. GERLACH day used by corporations to sell gratuitous Retriever Staff Writer 14th. Retriever Staff Writer amounts of chocolate and cheesy greeting cards. Originally printed on Feb. 10, 2004 Originally printed on Feb. 10, 2004 Not only that, but it’s just a really cynical view of John Ellis believes in a thing called love, things. “Happy Valentine’s Day! Every day the giant crabs, and establishing erogenous ninja Despite the commercialization of The day dedicated to St. Valentine has long 14th!” as speaks Cupid Valentino (the modern zones north of the 38th parallel. He is a staff Valentine’s Day, the intrinsic value of it remains inspired lovers to celebrate that mysterious feel- day cupid) on Andre 3000’s romantic mani- writer for the Retriever, and can be reached at for anyone with an open enough mind. It’s too ing we sometimes have about other people. festo, the Love Below. So as another Valentine’s [email protected]. easy to just brush it off as just some sham holi- What could be more worth celebrating than Day approaches, I find myself wondering if something as uncommon as love? In a maybe we all shouldn’t take a certain Outkast world where turning on the news makes song a little more literally. people feel afraid, sad, or depressed, it is Valentine’s Day is when we all try to show important to take time to remember the our special someone just how much we care things that make life worth living—in this about them by making some grand romantic case, the people in it. gesture, like giving them a heart-shaped box of Unfortunately, many people say they candies. While we all love a nice present every have “no reason” to celebrate on February once in a while, I’ve noticed something about 14th. Of course, they are referring to the Valentine’s Day: it’s mandatory. ever-elusive “significant other.” I know Don’t give me that look; you know what I how mammoth the challenge of finding mean. Nobody envies the guy/girl who forgets someone to share love with is, yet that the middle of February, because they’re gonna doesn’t mean another V-Day “alone” has get a guilt trip the size of the Versailles treaty’s to be a downer. Everyone hopes for that war guilt clause. (Gasp!) How can you possibly romantic love when this day rolls around, care about someone if you don’t buy them a to be sure, but there is more to the day Valentine? than that. Giving someone flowers on Valentine’s Family is an often-neglected group in Day is like giving your mom a card on our lives. Even with the many daily oppor- Mother’s Day. It’s what you’re supposed to do. tunities people have to tell them they care I’m sure it warms our collective mom’s heart to about them, most don’t. Valentine’s Day get that card, but the people who are really would be a great day to say, “I love you.” happy are the card companies who know that What about friends? They are a huge you need to buy that card or break your mom’s part of life, and there never seems to be an heart. appropriate moment to tell them what Romance doesn’t have an expiration date, they mean to you. Maybe the L-word is a but Valentine’s Day is pretty close. Now I’m little much for some, but this would be a sure all you ladies enjoyed last year’s dinner great chance to tell them they are impor- date, but wasn’t it so much sweeter that time tant in whatever way is comfortable. your honey surprised you with a stuffed animal Take out the hype and gimmicks and for no reason in July? And guys, last year’s surely something worthwhile will come chocolates were nice, but wasn’t it even more from the day. So ignore all that excess and awesome when your snuggle bunny finally remember: Valentine’s Day is about love, agreed to that threesome with their hot best in all its forms. friend completely out of the blue? (Kidding.) Love is more than a silly space on the cal- Elliot S. Gerlach is a staff writer for the endar, so lets break away from this number Stephanie Potter [Retriever Staff] Retriever. He can be reached for comment Love in all the wrong places: Is the true meaning of Valentine’s Day spending time with your loved ones or game that only helps Hershey and Hallmark. spending money on junk that would otherwise be worthless? Many stores would like you to think the latter. at [email protected]. Arctic drilling: Back on the agenda, but not in the limelight

IAN BUKOWSKI they've ever had. The House Resources foreign oil, the rationale loses a great of appeal to be refined more cheaply do technically mean Retriever Editorial Staff Committee, chaired by Richard Pombo, an when put into the appropriate timeline and cheaper oil here, but also cheaper technology outspoken advocate for drilling, is meeting perspective. Long term solutions, including everywhere. Advances that will make oil cheap- With the incessant buzz over the war in Wednesday and will likely approve a new ener- solar power, wind power, fuel cells, and other er to refine during the next twenty years will Iraq and Social Security, numerous political gy bill with provisions for drilling in the alternatives, (Pomobo claims to be an advocate make it cheaper elsewhere as all, not just the issues have fallen to the wayside. With such Alaskan refuge. Moreover, Liebermann's fili- of these solutions as well, in the long term) are arctic. Hopes that drilling would create jobs are focused vigor, little debate has been given to buster promises may be rendered ineffectual as equally important. A relevant caveat: utilizing surpassed by the possible jobs created in seek- what were formerly hotly contested issues. One Senate Energy and Natural Resources the arctic as a short term solution does not pro- ing alternatives to oil. such issue, which has fallen from headlines and Committee chairman Pete Domenici (R- vide benefits in the short term, and even those Other than the marginal economic rea- is now only being discussed intensely by envi- N.M.) has mentioned the possibility of push- benefits stretched out over the twenty year sons for drilling, the impact on the region ronmentalists and advocacy groups, is drilling ing the plan as budget reconciliation legisla- duration of the program would prove minimal. would be tremendous. The refuge is home to for oil in the Arctic. tion, which requires a simple majority to pass Some partisan banter suggests that over a hundred thousand caribou, all species of The current makeup of the Senate and and cannot be filibustered. Even without the Republicans do not have the 60-vote majority bear, musk oxen, and snow geese. In addition, House offers less hope to opponents of drilling, budget reconciliation plan, Republicans may necessary to override a filibuster, though the countless species of birds use this area as migra- as there are more Senators that support drilling have the requisite 60 Senators to override a fil- debate persists. Campaigns by advocacy tory grounds. Even the most minimal impact than any time in the recent past. Deputy secre- ibuster considering the addition of four new groups, many state Public Interest Resource of drilling would likely significantly alter the tary of the Treasury Samuel Bodman, an out- Republicans in the Senate. Groups, religious groups, and others are still region. right advocate for drilling in Alaska's Arctic President Bush is a known supporter of working to freeze any plans for drilling. The And the issue is not only environmental. National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) enjoyed a drilling who, despite not having specifically Republican majority in the Senate suggests that Drilling would potentially pose a threat to the unanimous confirmation in the Senate last mentioned development in the Arctic, has the debate has reached a critical juncture, as indigenous Gwich'in people, who have lived week. Two weeks ago, the Bureau of Land recently charged Congress to create legislation past efforts to drill have been halted on the near this area for thousands of years, and Management gave the go-ahead to drill in the to make America less dependent on foreign Senate floor. depend on the land and the caribou for sur- remaining section of the National Petroleum sources of energy and many Senators see this as The economic output of drilling in the vival. Reserve-Alaska, an area neighboring on the a go-ahead to drill in the ANWR. The Energy ANWR is tenuous according to many esti- Considering the significant negative ANWR that had been restricted due to con- Information Administration estimates that full mates. Risks range from projected outputs to impact, in exchange for meager returns, better cerns of the impact on wildlife. With predic- drilling of this area will reduce foreign oil pipeline security. The 800-mile Trans-Alaska alternatives exist than tapping into Alaska's tions that this space will be utilized to it's dependency from 70 percent to 66 or 67 per- Pipeline System has already been bombed most precious wilderness. The estimated short utmost capacity, many environmentalists are cent: a 3-4 percent difference. Other estimates, twice, and was shot by a drunken man in 2001, term benefits are nowhere near the exaggerated concerned that the ANWR will no longer be such as one from the U.S. Geological Survey, spilling over a quarter million gallons onto the hopes and predictions, which only fuel the one of the few wildlife untouched ecosystems suggest that the impact is even less, as low as tundra, stopping production for days (in addi- misconception surrounding the issue. Given in North America. one third of one percent. tion to other costs). Moreover, time has already the costs associated, there is simply no com- Senator Joe Liebermann (D-Conn.) has Keep in mind, that even these impacts are taken a toll on the TAPS, as it approaches the pelling reason to spoil this pristine land and it promised to filibuster any proposals to drill in over a 20 year time period. Even before the 20 end of its intended lifespan. An increased vol- should be left as it is now. the refuge, but with four new Republicans and years, it is estimated that actual drilling would ume and more long-term programs mean an fewer anti-drilling Democrats than last year, not commence for at least ten years. For even greater gamble on the long-term sustain- Ian Bukowski is the Opinion Editor for the proponents of drilling are staring at the best Senators like Pombo, who cite a need for short- ability. Retriever and can be reached for comments at opportunity to get the proposal through that term relief and a decrease in dependence on Projections that technology will allow oil [email protected]. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 Advertisement 11 Women Earn $5,000 Be an Egg Donor For an Infertile Couple

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Heads up! Balls a-flyin!14 Flicks for a buck or two14 9:30 Club set aflame15 Features A grown-up grind16 Geeks, Nerds, and Dweebs: Your Hero has Arrived

DARLA MERCADO 9:20 p.m. as people began grumbling Retriever Senior Staff Writer about the hold-up. Suddenly, cheers erupted as the man of the hour Nothing takes the edge off of breezily walked across stage — only the first day of the spring semester to walk right off of it. At this point, quite like a warm soda, a tiny, crowd- the crowd began shouting, “MC ed concert venue, and the frenetic, Chris! What?” Several minutes later, high-pitched rhyming of renowned he walked back on stage. Clad in former “Adult swim” rapper, MC jeans and a blue sweatshirt, MC Chris. Relatively well-known for Chris thanked the crowd and songs such as “Fett’s Vette” and “The cracked, “Aren’t we really close to the Tussin” as well as his roles on Sealab president? So that’s why my sphinc- 2021 and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, ter is tightening,” before launching MC Chris filled the Ottobar with into “MC Chris Owns.” beer-swilling college students and a A newcomer to live performing, few middle-aged fans in a matter of MC Chris was quite adept at inter- minutes. How someone can get a acting with the crowd — even when bunch of dreadlocked hipsters and they screamed requests at him graying forty-year-olds together is between songs. One fan shouted, beyond me. “Do ‘I Want Candy’!” MC Chris Unfortunately, there was no laughed and said, “Any requests? immediate respite for the enormous F— you. I’ve got a set list!” Despite eclectic crowd: for an hour and thir- the fact that this was only his third ty minutes, the fans waited with show ever, MC Chris was able to bated breath for MC Chris’s appear- expertly lead the crowd: before per- ance on stage. In the meantime, two forming “Geek,” he asked, “How DJs alternated between old-school many of you are losers and nerds?” hip hop records and more recent The crowd roared in response to the music (such as Lil Jon and Usher). At question. “Nerd power!” he first the crowd took the delay in screamed, raising a fist. “Nerd stride, hanging out by the bar, ran- power!” the fans shouted in return. domly singing MC Chris’s songs While a mile of red tape pre- (everyone there seemed to love “I vented MC Chris from performing Want Candy,” which was featured any of his “Adult Swim” songs, the on an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger crowd had no problem singing along Force.). However, the warm beer and Courtesy of mcchris.com lack of air began to kick in around Fans fete rap vet: MC Chris represents. see MC CHRIS, page 15 Do-it-yourself Valentine’s Day: A holiday guide for the broke

SARAH PEVNER To some extent, it is a holiday places on campus that are perfect get off campus, why not consider sophisticated date. Retriever Editorial Staff designed to make single people for an early-evening picnic. My spending part of Valentine’s Day The other difficult part of feel a little weird about being sin- favorite is the little rock garden at Patapsco State Park? Everyone I Valentine’s Day is the gift-giving. Most college students would gle. However, romance is fun and near the RAC, which, for reasons I know on campus swears by that The fancy presents have been agree: Valentine’s Day is an expen- exciting, and an inexpensive can’t quite explain, is both calm- park. It’s lovely and quiet, it has given earlier in the winter, and sive holiday. This traditionally Valentine’s Day romance is extra ing and comfortable. I’ve spent an old fashioned appeal, and it’s most of us are too short on cash to romantic holiday puts a huge dent exciting. Besides saving some more than a few nights there, got a waterfall! I’m always struck drape our loved ones in diamonds in everyone’s wallet. There are increasingly important pennies, under a blanket, looking up at the by how romantic it is, for a state and cashmere. Again, consider dinner and drinks and some kind DYI Valentine’s Day participants stars. There’s a huge nature con- park. For a night out, one can something home-made. Mix cds of fancy activity — everything get to feel like they are pulling one servatory on campus, with paths consider renting out one of the and hand-made photo albums are costs. Expensive dates are almost over on American corporations and clearings that on-site camping facilities with always successful presents. Instead an anathema to college students. who spend millions of dollars are remote and friends. of a dozen roses, try a hanging Most of us don’t see too many advertising it the expensive way. romantic. If it’s too cold out for planter. In the spring it can be fancy dates during our college In essence, a DYI Valentine’s Day picnics, one could consider transferred to a garden, where it years. However, college students is probably even more fun setting up a candle-lit din- can grow for years. are human too, and many of them than the demanding, ner. This isn’t a particularly In essence, romance and love would love traditionally glitzy and fancy one. involved, or particularly should be an everyday part of a expansive Valentine’s Day dates. The hardest thing expensive, venture, but it is a successful relationship. However So, how does one create an for many on-campus rewarding one. Campus food sappy, though, Valentine’s Day inexpensive, thoroughly reward- college students is becomes particularly odorous can be a valuable opportunity to ing, thoughtful Valentine’s Day mobility. Without a after a few months, and the remind the one you love that you experience? What does it require? car, it’s hard to find take-out options available are love them enough to humor the These are the things I’ve been much to do on definitely lacking. Sometimes, sappy stuff. Lack of monetary thinking over, due to the fact that UMBC’s campus. We all one of the nicest comforts avail- resources isn’t a valid argument for my boyfriend and I are broker know everything shuts able is a home-cooked meal. Kick ignoring Valentine’s Day. Get cre- than ever. How can we create a down early, and the options your roommates out of the apart- ative, stay inexpensive, and do-it-yourself Valentine’s Day that we have during the day aren’t ment, clean the apartment, and remember, the most important doesn’t feel like makeshift and much to remark on. What we do set up a simple, sophisticated din- part of any successful Valentine’s lacking? have, though, is a particularly ner. My favorite bohemian dinner Day is love. The first thing to do, I think, lovely campus. The pleasingly aes- is healthy and remarkably inex- is to fully embrace the smaltzy thetic value of our campus is often If pensive: crusty, fresh French Sarah Pevner is an editorial nature of Valentine’s Day. Yes, it’s buried under a hundred different you’re one bread, fresh fruits, decent cheeses, staff writer for the Retriever. You sappy. Yes, it’s indulgent and construction projects, but there of those and some chocolate for desert. may reach her at expensive and it doesn’t further are some truly attractive places on lucky cou- Add in an optional bottle of [email protected]. any important world-wide causes. campus. There are numerous ples that can decent wine, and you have a fairly THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 13 Features

Matt Stockslager [Retriever Staff] Gambling for fun: On Sunday, SEB held a Superbowl party in the Commons, where above, students take part in Casino night. The game was shown on five screens, and food, games, prizes and a vari- ety of drinks were available. Beer and wine were available in the Cabaret for those 21 and older.

Signs of Pessimism by Kaidye Hansen 14 Features February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Horoscopes Here comes the pain: Dodgeball, hardcore style DARLA MERCADO to the center of the gymnasium to pick up “Yeah,” I replied, “You really need to byKristina DeBold Retriever Senior Staff Writer as many balls as possible. My boyfriend, watch out for that guy.” I regaled her with and who happened to be on my side, warned, an account of actually getting hit with a Jami Sapia “Watch out, Pinky’s got a ball.” Here, ball from Tall Guy: I had an enormous After building up tons of tension over everyone seems to have an alias — and no bruise on my left thigh for about a week as Disclaimer from Kristina and Jami: In case you were questioning these horoscopes ... the first week of classes, I was ready for one ever seems to know anyone’s actual a result of it. No sooner had I finished YES, WE ARE PSYCHIC. THESE HOROSCOPES ARE some serious action — the sort of action name. Pinky, a short and somewhat muscu- telling my story than a ball came speeding REAL; LIVE YOUR LIFE ACCORDINGLY. that one can get only from dodging seven lar guy, has a nasty reputation for trick toward her, hitting her ankle. She was large rubber balls that are flying at unbe- throws (he’ll perform a cartwheel and then merely one of many victims on our side. lievable speeds. Thursday night found me at hurl the ball toward the other side of the As one of the last five people on my Aries (March 21 - April 20) the Bloomsbury Field House amidst about gym). Tall Guy, clad in a White Sox t-shirt team, I decided it was time to get a little fifty teenagers and twenty-somethings who and standing at about six feet, four inches more aggressive. Holding onto a ball, I Stick to your guns Aries- DO NOT were just dying to deliver a speeding ball tall, also has an amazing arm. Gazing up at deftly moved toward the front line to throw GROVEL! You always have your way with toward an unsuspecting victim’s head. a set of lights on the wall, I noticed that the the ball (my arms are scrawny, so I need to the men. Spend V-day with friends! A one-time five dollar cover charge metal grid around the lights had an enor- be really close in order to make any kind of permits anyone to participate in the weekly mous spherical dent right in its center–no contact). Winding up, I threw the ball as games and let some excess energy out. doubt the result of Tall Guy’s or Pinky’s hard as I could — right into Pinky’s arms. Taurus (April 21 - May 21) Watching, however, is free — just make wrath. Everyone on my team receded, “Awww,” I wailed, and I shuffled over to the sure you don’t get bombarded by an errant preparing to take Pinky’s volley and scram- bleachers. The game was far from over that Do you think anyone thinks I'm a fail- ball. Most of the crowd consists of bling out of the way. Unfortunately, one night, though, as the dodgeball crowd rents ure because I go home to Starla at night? Catonsville hardcore and emo fans, decked guy was too slow, taking the brunt of the the Bloomsbury Field House from 8:30 Forget about it! Spend your Valentine's day out in Fall Out Boy hoodies and skull-and- ball right in his chest with an echoing p.m. until about 10:30 p.m. with a true Starla. crossbones tattoos; on Thursdays one can smack and a chorus of “Ooohs” from our If you’re looking for a way to unleash find the majority of the local Record and teammates. your wrath from exams, swing by the Tape Traders staff playing. This Thursday’s Wanting to be in the middle of the Bloomsbury Field House on Thursday Gemini (May 22 - June 21) snows, however, kept many people indoors, action, I dashed over to the busiest side of nights. Bring five bucks and a badass atti- resulting in late walk-ins and sparse atten- our court, skillfully dodging five balls tude with you. It also probably wouldn’t If you feel like you are in a glass case of dance. simultaneously thrown at me. Running over hurt to do some upper-body workouts emotion don't fret — things will calm Expecting a slow night, I hurried over back to the quieter side, I hurled myself to before the game. down by Valentine's day! to my usual side of the gym and lined up at the floor — narrowly avoiding Tall Guy’s The Bloomsbury Field House is locat- the wall to prepare for the countdown. throw. A girl, new to the regular Thursday ed at 106 Bloomsbury Avenue in Cancer (June 22 - July 23) “One, two, f— you!” someone screamed, meetings, said, “Wow, you really dodged Catonsville. For more information, contact and everyone on both sides stampeded over that one there.” the author at [email protected]. You're trashed, I'm trashed... Hook up because it's VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Leo (July 24 - Aug. 23) You will find a mate who wants to spend ridiculous amounts of money on you. This will be all the love you need. In addi- tion- there is no one at this school for you either. But maybe try the professors, they make more money than the students anyway.

Virgo (Aug. 24 - Sep. 23)

Virginal no more! Wear a leopard print thong and get lucky!

Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)

Oh sweet Libra, there is obviously no perfect match for you on this campus. Don't worry your perfect valentine is in the stars — Jimmy Fallon, Jude Law etc. They flippin love you!

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You are hit with Cupid's bow... HARD! Get romantic — buy your sweetheart dia- monds and shower them with chocolates. MELISSA SMITH opportunity to catch up on what you might Here’s a list of movies SEB will be showing Retriever Staff Writer have missed in move theaters that cost nearly this semester. For more details on dates, (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) five times as much. check out the SEB website at Sagittarius New this semester that many students http://sta.umbc.edu/orgs/seb. It’s the beginning of the new semester, so may not be aware of: SEB is no longer accept- There's a lot more where this came it’s time to remind students that there is a ing cash, and will only be accepting payment Ray from.. if you’ll be my Valentine. cheap, easy way to unwind in the middle of for tickets with campus card accounts. So if Ladder 49 the week with friends, and it’s only a short you are going to catch a SEB flick make sure Shark Tale Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) walk from class or the dorms. to have your red ID with you (you should National Treasure The Student Events Board (SEB) spon- have it on you at all times anyway, right?) The Incredibles You're attractive, I'm attractive... We see a sors a different movie showing every week on Just remember: Wednesday and Closer hook up in your Valentine's future. Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm and 10 Thursday at 7:30 and 10, Saturday at 8, $2 Finding Neverland pm and on Saturday at 8 pm. Movies during and $1 respectively, in Lecture Hall 2! Come Ocean’s Twelve Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) the week are $2 to get in and Saturday show- hang out and have fun with your fellow stu- Meet the Fockers ings are only $1. dents! Get out there and socialize a little! In Good Company You are feeling wild. One word: strippers. Seeing a SEB movie is a great way to There’s no better stress relief than a funny unwind and de-stress a bit either in the mid- comedy or a poignant drama to help you take Melissa Smith is a staff writer for the dle of the week or at the end of it. Plus, the a break from serious studying every now and Retriever. You may reach her at Pisces (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) movies are recent releases and it’ll give you an then. [email protected].

This hasn't been the best Valentine's sea- son for you dear Pisces. But don't worry, there will be a shift in the stars in the next few weeks and your love life will be back on track! Write for Features. Get free stuff. x51260. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 Features 15 MC Chris a force by himself

from MC CHRIS, page 12 exhausted at the end of the show, resulting in “Fett’s Vette” sounding a little drawn out. to his new tracks, “Robot Dog,” “Rats,” “Stop At the end of the show, in a display of Jack, Time,” and “Tractorbeam.” When he got genuine showmanship, MC Chris sat at his I <3 you. around to “Toothpick Spliffs,” he decided to merchandise table with his DJ, signing person- make the song an official sing-along: “The alized autographs for an enormous crowd of You’re the chorus goes, ‘Smokin’ and drinking, and his fans and personally thanking them for best. smokin’ and drinking, smokin’ and drinking, attending the concert. After snaking my way and smokin’ and drinking. What were we, through a throng of tipsy and sweaty self-pro- what were we, what were we thinking?’” The claimed nerds and being subjected to copious Love, crowd readily chanted along. “No!” he shout- obnoxious complaining from the fans (“Man, ed, “That’s all wrong. Smoking and drinking why couldn’t he sing any of the songs from the Jill are very important, and we ain’t leaving ‘till TV shows? I mean, I know it’s a legal issue–but you get it right.” However, MC Chris later he should’ve done it anyway!”), I proudly held ended up being in the wrong when he kept onto the fruits of my labor: An MC Chris t- missing the first beat of “Fett’s Vette,” the final shirt and an autographed copy of his album number of the night. After two failed attempts Eating’s Not Cheating — it says “Word up, at starting the song, he said, “Oh, maybe I just Darla! -MC Chris.” shouldn’t do this song. [the crowd protests] I To learn more about MC Chris, visit his ain’t leaving till I get this right!” The third try website at Mcchris.com. To share nerd power proved to be the charm, for his timing was pre- with the author, please contact her at cise. Unfortunately, MC Chris seemed [email protected]. Won’t you be, my neighbor? ZACHARY ZOLLER Fire on stage, raising the total number of Retriever Contributing Writer musicians performing to a thick eight. Win Butler, his wife Regine, his brother Not the cold. Not the line. Not the William, and four others delivered an over- piercing back pain. No, none of these whelmingly passionate performance com- things could ruin my time tonight. An hour plete with guitar, synth, accordion, violin, before the doors open, the muffled sounds xylophone, and a multitude of percussion of “Wake Up” escape through the small that even included a motorcycle helmet. entryway. Like the rest on the album, the This strange cast of lively characters, like seventh track on The Arcade Fire’s debut the opening act, hails from none other than LP, Funeral, focuses on death, love, and our neighbor, Canada. Their main influ- growing up (very fitting themes to explore ences include The Talking Heads, The Morning after considering several members lost a close Pixies, and Radiohead. relative or friend around the time the The crowd stomp their feet and nod album was written). The chorus is the apex their heads to the pounding drum beats of of the heartfelt tune in which a crashing “Rebellion (Lies)” and “Neighborhood #3 wave of voices submit, “I guess we’ll just (Power Out)”, often contributing hand- have to adjust.” As I continue to stand out- claps and an additional choir of voices. This side the 9:30 Club, I wonder when I will be isn’t just a concert anymore, but some sort able to feel my toes again. Finally, it is half of indescribable emotional experience. I am past seven and I manage to stake out a great overcome by the delicate nature of Regine’s Vday shout-outs. spot in front of the stage after picking up a voice and the robotic movements she made copy of the band’s self-titled debut EP. I as if in a trance one moment, then laughing continue to wait, enjoying some friendly at clever mime between Sara and Final Email us your love blurbs. Email us your hate blurbs. We’ll post them. You’ll conversation with others lucky enough to Fantasy or the shenanigans of William fall in love all over again. Or hate someone even more. be in attendance. (think a slightly taller Napoleon Dynamite) Final Fantasy, a one-man violinist, and the band’s friend/guest musician whose Send ‘em to [email protected]. Subject: Vday Shout-outs opens the show with some beautifully cre- name I cannot remember. Anyone with ative songs by looping several phrases ADD would be in heaven, but so would together with the aid of some sort of foot anyone who loves great music. pedal trigger recording/playback device, a feat that required flawless execution and Zachary Zoller is a guest writer for the dead-on timing. He continued to impress Retriever. You may reach him at the audience when he joined The Arcade [email protected].

Jill, I hate you. Stop following me.

-Jack 16 Features February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER AROUND Beginning [February 9] Events Happening Throughout Music review corner the Greater Baltimore-Washington Area TOWN Wednesday, February 9 and parking sucks pretty bad in the D12 They Ain’t District so if you’re smart, why not Euge Groove, De La Soul “Arguably the most influential ensem- consider hopping the Metro and avoid- ble to emerge in New Orleans over the ing that major headache? TM* last 25 years,” the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is chugging into the Funk Box to Friday, February 11 Euge Groove, Euge Amount of Sub-Par Music give Baltimore a taste of their tuneful, Ax-master horn-based sound, which has been A consummate professional who’s heard in various performance halls worked with countless other musi- across the globe, primarily as a group cians, having been called “the Clark Artist: Euge Groove unto themselves, but also as a back-up Kent of the electric guitar,” Bill Frisell Album: Livin’ Large band, er…“featured artist” for such is a man who knows the ins and outs of Released: December ‘04 artists as Elvis Costello, David Bowie, his instrument, has a great sense of Label: NaradaJazz (Virgin) and the Black Crowes. They have even humor, and can put on an amazing appeared on recent albums by Dave show by using his vast talents. He’s Rating: 5.6 out of 10 Matthews and Modest Mouse’s appearing, guitar in hand, at the acclaimed Good News for People Who Library of Congress at 8:00 p.m. in Love Bad News. Catch them in all their D.C. TM* glory tonight at 7:00, appearing with ROWEN FRAZER become absorbed in it, hallelujah. deSol, a catchy rising Latin rock group. I [heart] Laughing The Retriever Staff Writer Perhaps talented musicians sometimes TM* They say that the way to a man’s heart forget some important details when creating a is through his stomach, to a woman’s music compilation. Even in a band where one Thursday, February 10 through a box of chocolate or a dia- When it comes to technique and act is the main act, the music is lessened in Gangster’s Paradise mond or some other b.s. cliché, but we smoothness, Euge Groove definitely blasts on value when there isn’t any drive. Some kind of Ah, to be alive and on the scene back all know that the one universal attrac- this album with the severity of a pilonidal cyst. passion that allows you to know, “Oh, this per- in 1995. For that spider dreadlocked tor relates to the funny bone. It’s a sim- But, like many talented musicians who find a son is trying to convey something to me.” My West Coast hip hop artist known as ple fact that being able to make some- way to finally get produced by a spin-off of a man Euge Groove isn’t exactly jumping off on Coolio, life was very, very good. one laugh and to appreciate their sense major record label, it becomes a problem when this record in an emotional or profound way. Among the first of what might be con- of humor is a key to getting the two of people just don’t care. Don’t get me wrong – He’s saying, “Hey guys. It’s me, Euge. This is sidered the current hayday of rap stars you together for a healthy relationship. if you’re a tenor sax player and are looking for some tenor sax work I’ve done. Couple ran- able to cross over to the mainstream of Then perhaps it’s quite fitting that the some clever hooks or just feel like hearing dom guys on the drums and bass. Just hangin’ pop, in other words, MTV and Top 40 Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. some horn, bust it. out. Alright guys, I’ve gotta run. Later.” Big Radio, Coolio dropped a cut on the is hosting, on this weekend before the Let’s get real, though; most of you will Euge even takes a moment in the liner notes to soundtrack to the otherwise mostly national Love Holiday, a “Valentine not want to scoop this one up. We can all include some insights of the album when he forgettable Michelle Pfeiffer flick Laugh-A-Thon,” which features come- imagine what Luther Vandross’ music would says, “As I sit in my hotel room in the south of “Dangerous Minds” that soared to the dian Rickey Smiley, who one hopes sound like, sans the vocals. We can also depict France, alone, at my laptop…”. Enough said. top of the charts, “Gangster’s will live up to his namesake; he goes on ourselves being stuck inside of an elevator for Overall, this album is a tight, clean, Pro- Paradise,” a brooding record that stage tonight at 7 and 10. TM* fifty-three minutes and thirteen seconds. But Tools concocted collaboration of soft drums, became the number 1 single of the why would we succumb to such circumstances tenor sax, and repetitive melodies. Nothing year. Before then as well as since, most Saturday, February 12 by our own device? Honestly, if somebody out more, nothing less. of his songs are of a more upbeat flavor, A Musical Flambé there can listen to this all the way through and such as the 1996 party smash “1, 2, 3, You want flamenco music? We got fla- 4 (Sumpin’ New).” Tonight you get menco music, and how! Come on your opportunity to see the man in down to that Washington hotspot, the person, at B-more’s Funk Box, begin- Lisner Auditorium, for an evening of ning at 8 tonight. TM* smashing sounds and bright colors, at One Hot Album Every Fifteen Years Is Better Than None the Crossroads Flamenco Festival A Classical Company 2005, beginning at 8. TM* Founded in 1997, the Aviv String Quartet for its first few years of exis- Saturday, February 12 Artist: De La Soul tence toured its homeland of Israel, but Scads of Ska became such a success that they Extra, extra, read all about it! Pietasters Album: The Grind Date embarked on a good deal of interna- team with the Players, the Harmonics, Released: October ‘04 tional touring to much critical praise. and Riki Rocksteady for superstar set Label: Sanctuary Records Two violinists, a cellist and a viola of ska/pop rock. Begins at 9, lasts as player make up the group, who regu- long as they want to go… at the Funk Rating: 8.5 out of 10 larly perform works by such noted Box in B-more. TM* composers as Schumann, Shostakovich, and Beethoven. They *TM = Ticketmaster: (410) 481-SEAT; play the Library of Congress in www.ticketmaster.com De La has finally grown up. This is a from rap men. After hearing The Grind Washington D.C. tonight at 8, so get Got an upcoming area event? Email swi- band I recall listening to back in ’96, famed Date I will have to question whether or not your book on in the capital. Oh yeah, [email protected] (min. 2 weeks notice). for their lack of profanity, overload of I’m too old for De La Soul. Speaking with antics, and cool attitudes towards success. the intuition of groups like Gangstarr and In The Grind Date, De La threw out their Wu-Tang, De La has finally seated them- old rulebooks, hooked up a couple profan- selves amongst the men at the table of hip- ities and started preaching about the future hop. of hip-hop. I think it went over well. The album, created by a team of for- At a certain age I think everybody mer 80’s rap stars including Supa Dave started throwing out certain hip-hop bands West, Jay Dee, Madlib, 9th Wonder and once their lyrics were taken into considera- Jake One, also shows evidence of an in- tion. A few examples are The Beastie Boys, depth compilation. The beats in the first The Pharcyde, and De La Soul. No disre- and second tracks come off strong, but by spect to the Beastie Boys, they hold a spe- track 6 the whole album has eased up a bit. cial place in my heart. But when your And the album’s best song, “Rock Co. Kane hooks start including phrases like, Flow,” is believed by many to be the finale. “Intergalactic planetary, planetary – inter- The album’s track assembly has the classic galactic,” I begin to lose faith in your “roller-coaster ride” effect, and this is a ride words. I suggest you bust out sometime in the near But De La Soul has successfully future. Scoop it. I’m out. Everything is breached the gap that separates rap boys everything. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 Features 17

week of February 8 c r d or w s s 18 Features February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Incidentally... The Retriever Guide

Events Happening On and Around the UMBC Campus to Surviving Valentine’s Day Beginning [February 8] Definitive Edition

Tuesday, February 8 RYAN DORRILL Secondly, you have to get yourself into the Involvement Fest Thursday, February 10 Retriever Staff Writer right state of mind. It’s like preparing for a Come to the 3 Day Student Organizations “Flat Tuesdays” Live physics test or a grueling battle- even if you Festival! Each day features different organi- Want to enjoy live music and beer?! Join How to Survive Valentine’s Day know your stuff, if you’re not confident in your zations so don’t miss out! 11am – 2pm SEB and The Commons for “Flat abilities there’s a chance you’ll freak out and get each day, on Main Street in the Commons. Tuesdays” Live in the Commons Cabaret Author’s Introduction eaten alive. For each person, getting into the Tuesday’s Groups include: Sports Clubs, Thursday night between 4-11pm. This The most dangerous day of the year has right state of mind takes a special trick, but I’ll Student Media, Intellectual Sports and week’s Pub Night will feature Blue Light reared it ugly head again and my first instinct is, offer a few recommendations. One of my Service Allstars at 8pm. The Cabaret is open to all, as usual, to run for cover. favorites is an all day Adam Sandler marathon Wednesday’s Groups include: Greek, but you must be 21 or older to drink at Valentine’s Day is a true conundrum. For on the thirteenth followed by leaving a disgrun- Honor Societies, Special Interest, “Flat Tuesdays”. Please drink responsibly. those among us lucky enough to have a signifi- tled phone message on my ex’s answering Governance and Programming. Thursday’s cant other, or a set of vying candidates, it prob- machine. Or, if that doesn’t work for you, you Groups include: Cultural/Ethnic, Friday, Februrary 11 ably means running out to the store on could always do things the old fashioned way Religion/Spiritual, Political/Social Activism, CLUB CUPID February thirteenth and digging enough stuff and get drunk. and Academic/Departmental Contact Erin Come to Club Cupid, the Valentine’s Eve out of the bargain bin to create the semblances The third key to surviving Valentine’s Day Hundley at [email protected] with ques- Party in the UC Ballroom. The doors will of a thoughtful gift. is to make safe plans. These plans should tions! open at 8pm. Tickets will be $5.00 at the If you’re single, it means you’ll be bom- include all day on the fourteenth from breakfast Information Desk (in advance) or $8.00 at barded with hearts, fat little angels, and more of until dawn the next morning when the Thursday, February 10 the door. the color pink than you normally see in a third Valentine’s monsters go away. To this end, par- SGA Elections Info Session grade girl’s makeup box. In short, if you’re at all ties are good because they keep you in the safe- STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIA- Sunday, Februrary 13 interested in dating you’ll probably have a ty and comfort of large groups. As long as you’re TION CANDIDATE AND VOTER 2005 Chinese New Year Celebration mixed sense of vertigo and loneliness. surrounded by friends and booze, there should INFORMATION SESSION, Thursday, Come celebrate the new Chinese year Somewhere out there, in the endless be no problem. However, if you’re not careful, February 10, 5:30pm, Commons 318. beginning in the UC Ballroom on Sunday, fathoms of space is an answer, but no one has the Valentines monsters might crash the party Come to pick up a candidate application or February 13 at 6pm. Entertainments will been kind enough to tell me about it, so all I and ruin it with their romantics. get your SGA questions answered. Unable include: 1.2005 CCTV Spring Festival have to offer is this guide. Hence, we come to the final section of the to attend? No problem. There will be more Shows 2.Fun games & Kara-OK guide: how to avoid catching the Valentine’s sessions in the future. Questions and com- 3.Valentine’s Ballroom Dance (warm-up The Four Strategies virus. This is the trickiest part, but there are ments are always welcome. Contact the class and invited DJ) 4.Chinese hot Movie First and foremost, you must dress for the some tricks that are known to work. Wear sun- SGA Election Board at 5.Dim Sum contest. Admission is $5. For occasional. That means no red or orange or glasses to shield you from bright colors, avoid [email protected] or visit the more information, contact Xiaoli Jiao at bright colors and especially not pink. An ideal candy stores and movie theatres, wear a flashy SGA website at www.umbc.edu/sga [email protected]. outfit would consist of all black clothing and ring to ward of ex’s, and stay away from restau- sunglasses so that you look a little like the ter- rants at all cost. minator. An even better idea would be to dress If all else fails, and your single, ask some- up in last year Halloween costume. Nothing one out for the night. They’ll probably be brightens someone’s mood more than seeing a happy to have the company. If you’re not the ninja or a pirate walk into their Valentine’s Day audacious type, though, just try to have fun. It’s pity party. only one day, after all. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 19 Sports LADY RETRIEVERS This Week in Sports STRUGGLE ON OFFENSE MEN’S BASKETBALL The Retrievers will host a game against the Boston University Terriers this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. On the 12th, the team will play Northeastern at 1:00 p.m. The Dawgs will go on next week to play at Binghamton on the 16th and Albany on the 19th.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Retriever ladies will travel to play at Boston this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., followed by anoth- er away game at Northeastern on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

TRACK & FIELD On the 12th, both men’s and women’s teams will travel to New York to participate in the Rider/Lafayette Invitational, followed next week by the America East Coast Championships.

Mark Finizio [Retriever Staff] Close call: The Lady Retrievers couldn’t quite hold off the Seavolves with 62 points to their 71.

AMIT CHAND that Stony Brook shot a scorching the Retrievers pulled to within four Local Sports Wrap Retriever Weekly Staff Writer 64% from the field in the first half. points. A Stony Brook three pointer The Retrievers were able to adjust and perfect free throw shooting with Baltimore ‘Blasts’ Cleveland Force into Oblivion Saturday’s 71-62 loss at home to their defense and hold the Seawolves under a minute to play were too The Blast pummeled Cleveland in a spectacular 8-2 victory on the Stony Brook gave UMBC (7-12, 2- to shooting 37% in the second half. much for UMBC to overcome. 29th. Giuliano Celenza led the pack with three goals, and the team 8) its second four-game losing streak Stony Brook ranks in the top three Luttrell, Pender and sopho- managed to hold off Cleveland netting a goal until the second quarter. of the season. The two teams traded in scoring in the conference but also more Sharri Rohde all scored in The Blast still has room to improve, however; their overall record leads until the Seawolves took con- gives up the most points. UMBC double digits with 12, 19 and 16, stands at 9-11. trol of the game midway through the was not able to take advantage of a respectively. Pender has had a great first half. UMBC relinquished the generous Stony Brook defense down season so far. Her three point Sosa to Boost Orioles Lineup lead at the 8:32 mark and would not the stretch. shooting percentage is among the Famed power hitter Sammy Sosa was officially indoctrinated as an tie or get the lead for the rest of the UMBC rallied to make it a one best in the nation. Rohde remains Oriole, donning the Baltimore uniform at a press conference last game. point game with 9:03 to play on a one of Head Coach Phil Stern’s Wednesday. Although Sosa endured a troubling 2004 season with the The loss dropped the lady lay up by sophomore Brittnie main stays in the rotation. She has Cubs, Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli is very confident that Sosa will be a dominating presence on the roster this year. However, there have not Retrievers into last place in the con- Hughes. Less than a minute later been the most consistent per- yet been any discussions for a contract beyond 2005. ference, with Stony Brook one game junior Matea Pender scored to make former this season, doing every- ahead of them. UMBC is also dead it 54-53 in favor of the Seawolves. thing from blocking shots, Clemson Tigers Defeat Maryland, Break Losing Streak last in scoring offense in the Am East Stony Brook went on to finish the rebounding and dishing out assists After victories against Georgia Tech and Duke, the Terps played a dis- at 49.6 points per game. That aver- game on a 17-9 run. The Retrievers to help the team. appointing game against Clemson last Tuesday, getting off to a slow age took a big hit last Wednesday would miss four straight shots with The Lady Retrievers have two start and staying at least 15 points behind for most of the game. when the Retrievers traveled up to less than three minutes remaining road games coming up against Terrapin John Gilchrist led with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to pre- Vermont and lost 55-27. until sophomore Heather Luttrell hit Boston on February 10 at 7p.m vent the Tigers from breaking their 13-game losing streak. The Retrievers did a good job of an “and one” shot at the 1:22 mark. and Northeastern on February 12 keeping the score close considering After Luttrell nailed the free throws at 1p.m. UMBC Track and Field faces stiff competition at Penn State National Open

MICHAEL AARON relay team consisted of lead-off run- ished 14th in the weight throw and Johnson leaped 11.30 meters in the Fabrication of times in the Retriever Weekly Staff Writer ner Chris Baumler, followed by also competed in the shot put. triple jump to place 15th and running events and marks in the Aaron Smith, Isaac Matthews, and The women’s team also Katrina Nathaniel placed 14th in field events is a persistent problem UMBC track and field team anchor Izudin Mehmedovic. excelled in both the track and the the high jump. with collegiate track and field as competed at the Penn State Sprinter Adam Grossman placed field events. Thrower Quiteelia Not all of UMBC’s athletes coaches are forced to inflate their National Open this weekend, with 5th in the 60 meter dash with a Boyd placed 9th in the shot put had a chance to compete in the athletes’ performances in order to several athletes and relay teams per- time of 6.82 and also placed 7th in with a distance of 12.82 meters. meet. At the last minute, officials give them a chance to compete. forming exceptionally well. the 200 meter dash. Other top per- Also competing in the throwing decided to increase the standards On February 4th and 5th the The Retrievers faced heavy formances on the men’s team events were Ashley Fauntleroy, who for entry into certain events because UMBC track and field team trav- competition during the two-day include the 6th place finish by placed 13th in the shot put and in previous years a large percentage eled to New York for the Armory Open, which included Olympians Raymond Hawkins in the 500 Danielle Robbins, who placed 15th of the athletes did not meet their Invitational. This track meet as and athletes from top-ranked meter dash (1:05.19) with team- in the weight throw. Senior Cara predicted seed times. UMBC well as the up coming NCAA track and field teams. mate Deleon Gray finishing 14th Wettlaufer had a 12th place finish coaches noted that even with the Rider/Lafayette Invitational serves On the men’s side, the 4 X 800 (1:06.20). Pole-vaulters Rob in the 1 mile run with a time of raised standards some UMBC ath- as preparation for the highly antici- relay team had a top finish by edg- Ludwig and Nathan Dixon tied for 5:05.00 and Jenelle Wilson raced in letes who didn’t compete in certain pated America East Conference ing the hosting team Penn State 13th with a height of 4.65 meters the 400 meter dash finishing 18th events still would have placed based Championships at the end of University and placing 4th. The and freshmen Mike Zyvoloski fin- with a time of 58.36. Tyishua on previous marks and times. February. 20 Sports February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Rec Sports 201: Intermediate Fun Rough start for men’s tennis spring season square

Retriever Weekly Staff departed teammates and lead the team to vic- quicksand tory, but the key to success will be player The Men’s tennis team has endured two development. Head Coach Keith Puryear consecutive 0-7 losses so far this year, first said that he is confident the Retrievers have a frozen tundra finishing scoreless against Navy on January chance for a conference title in May, but he 29th, and once again being shut out in last stressed that “the upperclassmen and the Wednesday’s game against University of freshmen will have to step up if we are going Aztec ruins Pennsylvania. to be successful.” In past seasons, the men have often The Woman’s tennis team may be facing (getting to the rac) pulled a great year out of a dismal start; the similar problems this year as well; despite 2004 season began with three straight losses, reaching the America East finals against 14- including games against Navy and Penn, time conference champion Boston University MATT MALECKI sure they know of doors we can’t even fath- before the team catapulted itself into the last season, the team will now have to deal Special to the Retriever Weekly om in there. Anyway, the doors that you America East Conference Championship with replacing some of its top players, should leave through are located by the semi-finals. including Tia Kaasalainen and Lana It has come to my attention that OTC. Exit the building and veer right. But two 0-7 losses are worse than usual, Khvalina. although some of you have been attending Once outside, look left. In the distance you and a bad sign. A dominating force in Senior Aimee Mann and junior school here at UMBC for quite some time will see an outdoor swimming pool. You Northeast Conference play last year, the team Alessandra Pedergnana are strong players you may not know that we do in fact have a can either use one of the cement pathways has now been placed in the awkward position with 50 and 43 career singles wins, respec- student fitness center that is available for all on either side of the field or you could of filling the void left by graduating players tively, and will do well stepping into the new to use. The Retriever Activities Center can drudge across the sludge, depending on such as Josef Novotny, a top regionally roles vacated by their departing teammates. be many things, including a place to refresh whether or not you wore your church shoes ranked player who helped lead the team to Pedergnana was unfortunately benched last the body, a lounge to chill in between class- that day. Once you arrive at the swimming 10-6 in regular season play in 2004. The season due to injuries, but her ability will es, a gym to blow off steam, a shower pool, go around the right side of it, up a set Retrievers presented a strong, intimidating certainly count for a lot this year. between classes, a forum to make new of stairs and straight on until you see your- lineup which eventually took them all the The focus this year for both Men’s and friends or a place to meet up with old ones self. way to America East semi-finals against ulti- Women’s Tennis teams will be developing for a little competition. The RAC has a Directions from Walker Avenue mate conference champion Binghamton, a and increasing the skill of the undergraduate pool, weight room, cardio balcony, indoor Apartments: exit the dormitories and find team they had defeated earlier in the season. players, and as always, even more will be track, locker facilities, equipment rental and your way to the inner loop of Hilltop Juniors James Tyler and Michael Keller accomplished with the support of the fans, so three sport courts, all of which are open Circle. Make a right. Keep going around have the potential to fill the shoes of their get out there and cheer on your Retrievers. during the course of the day for student Hilltop Circle until you reach usage. Please look to www.umbc.edu/recre- Administration Drive and cut left (walking ation for course supplements. only). After a short jaunt there will be a You may not even know how to get to parking lot on your right (metered parking) the Retriever Athletic Center. A crack and on your left is the RAC. It’s the one Athletesof theWinter research staff and I have come up with the with the glass doors. following points of reference and the quick- Directions from Lot 17: find your way Kim DeBarge est routes to travel to get to the RAC. to the inner loop and make a left. Walk Directions from the library: exit the through a stop sign and past the cemetery- The winter break deprived several ath- progress on completing their first undefeated library using the main doors and turn right looking rock garden with the random letes of press they would have gotten had season, officially closing the season with a win down a set of steps (there should be a pond benches. Once passed that, make a right UMBC been in session. Many of these play- over Johns Hopkins. This is the first team in on your right). Continue down this path onto Administration Drive and follow it ers received accolades for their outstanding the current 19-year Division I group to have passing by the University Center. When you around its curves. Once you get to a stop performances during the month of January, an undefeated season. Men’s swimming and get past the Social Science Building veer to sign, the RAC is on your right. Go around including Brian Hodges. He was named diving will compete in hopes of their eighth the left. You should see some patches of to the front doors. We’ll be waiting for you. Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week for the consecutive conference title at UMBC in less green space inexplicably surrounded by One other reason to come over–the America East conference. During the week than two weeks. Meanwhile, Agnes chains. If you do, the RAC is directly in Intramural Program is starting some great of January 16, Hodges became UMBC’s Stanislawska was named the America East front of you. sports for you to get involved in. This third freshman to receive this award. His Women’s Swimming Performer of the Week Directions from the Administration Wednesday at 1:00, in SS 108, there will be teammate, Rashad Bilal, was a co-recipient a on February 1. So far, her times on seven dif- Building: exit the building using the doors informative manager/free agent meetings few weeks before. Currently, the men’s bas- ferent trials rank in the conference’s top ten. by the elevators, walk straight for about for 3-3 Basketball and Arena Football. It is ketball team is 9-11, with a serious advantage Women’s swimming and diving enjoys a thirty paces. You are there. not too late to get involved. Please see on the home court. Look for the men’s team strong 8-3 record on the season, and has won Directions from the Commons: This www.umbc.edu/intramurals for pertinent to continue that trend while playing Boston the last 4 consecutive meets. They are await- one is a little tougher. It all depends on find- information and use 455-3122 or 455- University at the RAC on Wednesday night. ing their conference standing for the season’s ing the right set of doors to leave through. 1540 for directory assistance. And please In December, men’s soccer players end. You’ll want to go down to the lowest level bring your red ID because while we accept Derek McElligott and Marcus Gross both America East conference also heaped that the common person can go. And by people from all walks of like from all around gained recognition when they were chosen awards on UMBC’s track and field athletes “common person,” I mean the “average per- the world, we don’t take American Express. for the National Soccer Coaches Association on January 16. The men’s Mike Zyvoloski son,” not the Commons staff people. I’m The RAC, it’s everywhere you want to be. of America All-South Atlantic Region Third and the women’s Quiteelia Boyd were each Team. McElligott has been on the team named Field Performer of the Week. Each twice before, while Gross made his second had first place finishes in the prior week, appearance. Men’s soccer ended their seventh priming them for the awards. In the week straight winning season with a record of 8 ending January 9, Izudin Mehmedovic was wins, 6 losses, and 3 ties. named Performer of the Week in the America “The Sports Junkies” Men’s swimming and diving made East Conference. and the end of an era

KIM DEBARGE on in the morning any longer. This is sure- Retriever Weekly Editorial Staff ly unpleasant for commuter students looking for their sports-oriented morning catch up. On January 12, longtime Baltimore But there is good news as well! WJFK, out radio standby 99.1 WHFS abruptly changed of Washington DC, will broadcast the formats to Spanish-language programming, Junkies during the daytime. WJFK has leaving many listeners wondering where to plenty of sports credibility of its own, being go for their daily dose of rock – and sports the broadcast station of choice for the commentary. Washington Redskins. This move is a sort of While 105.7 has begun broadcasting homecoming, as the Junkies originated on WHFS-style music in the evenings for the WJFK’s evening programming. WJFK does music fans, another demographic may not not, unfortunately, have streaming audio on feel as included: the sports fans. WHFS’ their web site (www.1067wjfk.com); howev- popular morning program, Junkies in the er, with the Junkies’ loyal WHFS fanbase Morning, was cut from WHFS’ program- and a little Internet savvy the Junkies may be ming as well. With web and telephone available to you in the computer labs on resources switched to the new format, campus during your lunch break. Enjoy! [Courtesy of www.umbcretrievers.com] Junkies fans may not know where to find Kim DeBarge has no excuse for last week. Athletes of Winter: (From top left) Agnes Stanislawska, Brian Hodges, Marcus Gross, Derek their morning show. You can reach her for comment at McElligott, Mike Zvoloski, Quiteela Boyd, Rashad Bilal. The bad news is that the Junkies aren’t [email protected]. THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 Advertisement 21 THE RETRIEVER February 8, 2005 22 Classifieds

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 BHM LINE DANCE-A-THON PHOENIX DANCE COMPANY SEB MOVIE - Ray 8 PM UMBC Theatre JOURNALS: The Sketchbooks, 6 PM - Midnight UC Ballroom 8 PM Lecture Hall 1, $1 Only $7 for UMBC Students! Drawing & Prints of Charles Ritchie Tuesday-Saturday A.O.K. Library Gallery MEN'S B'BALL vs. Boston University BHM PHI BETA SIGMA SPRING JAM 7 PM RAC BHM - ALPHA PHI ALPHA PAGEANT 9 PM - 1:30 AM Lecture Hall 1 8:30 PM - 1:30 AM UC BALLROOM INVOLVEMENT FEST - PART 1 Come out for the Pageant and the AFTER 11 AM - 2 PM Main Street, Commons SEB MOVIE - Ray GAMEROOM FUN PARTY! Media, Sports and Service Groups! 7:30 & 10 PM Lecture Hall 2, $2 10 PM - Midnight Gameroom Come out an see all that UMBC has to offer! Free Pool for those coming from the SEB Movie Get involved with the new semester! PHOENIX DANCE COMPANY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 so make sure to bring your ticket stub! 8 PM UMBC Theatre PUB NIGHT WHAT THE REAL WORLD REALLY WANTS Only $7 for UMBC Students! 4 - 6 PM Cabaret A discussion about life after college SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 DUO EGO - MUSIC PERFORMANCE 6-8 PM Career Development Center BHM - CLUB CUPID HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND! 8 PM Fine Arts Recital Hall 8 PM - 1:30 AM UC Ballroom BLACK HISTORY MONTH - "The Build" FREE to UMBC Students! Purchase tickets @ the Commons Info Desk Social Professional Seminar MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 7-10 PM UC Ballroom Lounge THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 PHOENIX DANCE COMPANY VALENTINES'S DAY INVOLVEMENT FEST - PART 3 8 PM UMBC Theatre BLACK LIGHT POOL 11 AM - 2 PM Main Street, Commons Only $7 for UMBC Students! JOURNALS: The Sketchbooks, Drawings 8-10 PM Gameroom Thought that was all UMBC had to offer? and Prints of Charles Ritchie You were wrong! Academic/Departmental SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Tuesday-Saturday A.O.K. Library Gallery WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Religious/Spiritual, and Cultural/Ethnic BHM - CULTURAL EXPLOSION Groups will be out today! INVOLVEMENT FEST - PART 2 6 - 10 PM UC Ballroom MONDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL 11 AM - 2 PM Main Street, Commons Purchase tickets @ the Commons Info Desk Pitt vs. Syracuse PUB NIGHT & COFFEEHOUSE Intellectual Sports, Governance, Special 7 PM Sports Zone Interest, Greek, Honor Societies, Political/ 4-7 PM Happy Hour MEN'S B'BALL vs. Northeastern 8 PM Live Music Social Activism, and Programming Groups 7 PM RAC KARAOKE NIGHT Come out to the Cabaret! 8-10 PM Cabaret LIVE MUSIC PHOENIX DANCE COMPANY Come celebrate Valentine's Day with us at the SEB MOVIE - Ray 1 PM Sports Zone 8 PM UMBC Theatre Cabaret - All love songs, all night long! 7:30 & 10 PM Lecture Hall 2, $2 Only $7 for UMBC Students! MONDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL PUB NIGHT Kansas vs. Texas Tech 8 PM - Midnight Cabaret 9 PM Sports Zone Featureing Spoken Word from 8-10 PM Happy Valentine's Day, UMBC!

For a full list of events check out the calendar link at http://www.umbc.edu OR call the events hotline at 410.455.3100 opt. 5 24 February 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER INSIDE

Women’s Basketball suffers a loss19 Track competes at Penn State19 Sports Winter Athlete roundup20 RETRIEVERS SWIM AND DIVE TO SCHOOL RECORDS WITH UNDEFEATED SEASON FOR MEN

JOE HOWLEY UMBC swam this weekend Retriever Weekly Editorial Staff against nearly full bleachers in the indoor pool, with fans and team- UMBC’s Men’s Swimming and mates alike shouting on every event. Diving team became the first team UMBC’s swimmers pounded on the in school history to go undefeated diving blocks and urged on their for an entire season this weekend as teammates as the final relay events UMBC beat Johns Hopkins in the heated up. As the meet ended, they last meet of the season. huddled and shouted, “Nice meet, After ten straight victories for Hopkins, see you at ECACs!” The the men, UMBC goes on to the Eastern College Athletic American East championship, Conference Swimming and Diving which will be held at UMBC in two championships are February 24-27 weeks. The meet also yielded the in Pittsburgh. UMBC women’s fourth straight win Jakub Srocynski had a prag- over Johns Hopkins. matic outlook on the meet’s out- Two of UMBC’s divers, Jeff come, noting that the chance of Salgado and Katie Spohnholz, going undefeated if his team won broke school records in the three- put little pressure on the swimmers. meter dive. “This meet, we kind of assumed we With Johns Hopkins not field- were going to win,” he said. “We ing a dive team, UMBC’s points knew if we went out to do our job, victory in the match was assured we’d win.” Sroczynski won the after it won the diving portion 32- Men’s 200 Yard Freestyle and the 0. But Coach Chad Cradock made 200 Yard Backstroke. a last-minute decision to split Agnes Stanislawska, who won UMBC’s team for the Men’s 400 the Women’s 200 Yard Freestyle, the Yard Free Relay, allowing UMBC to 100 Yard Breaststroke and the 400 claim first and second in the event Yard Medley Relay by strong leads, and to beat Johns Hopkins on the was reserved about her victory. “It water. was no real competition,” she said, Cradock ascribed the team’s “but the time is still not as good as victory to talent and a willingness to it should be.” win. “We just have a lot of talented Stanislawska added that she individuals,” Cradock said. “They was proud of the men’s team’s accept the challenges.” achievement, and that it provided a Dive Coach Andrew Hastings good goal for the women. “I hope said Salgado’s and Spohnholz’s per- next year we’re going to do the same formances were not total surprises. thing!” she said. “We’ve been waiting for them to “Guys and girls always com- step it up,” he said. “So it wasn’t pete,” she added. completely unexpected, but it was a Spohnholz’s record-breaking nice surprise.” score in the three meter dive was Including the diving, UMBC 270.60. Salgado scored 297.75. finished first in 18 out of 26 events Dive Coach Hastings said that at the meet. Cradock said the meet Salgado was going on to the nation- was going all right, but the final al pre-qualifying competition. relay victory cemented it. “We split UMBC’s winning team in the the relay to make up for a meet that Men’s 400 yard relay came in at wasn’t so good,” he said. 3:15.81, and the second place team, “It was a good way to finish up consisting of Adam Blais, Sean the season,” added Assistant Coach Ogden, Zachary Hurd and Joe Chris Gibeau. Raymond came in at 3:16.12. Hopkins didn’t field any swim- Johns Hopkins’s third place team mers in the Women’s 1000 Yard timed 3:18.04. Freestyle. Rachel Lesslie, who Along with Stanislawski, placed first in the event with a time Amber Harris, Lindsay Prather and of 10:30.53, noted that an uncon- Jessica Prosen came in at 4:00.88 in tested race can be hard. “It was the Women’s 400 Yard Medley kind of rough because we didn’t Relay, nine seconds ahead of Johns have a team to race against in the Hopkins. first race,” she said. Lindsey Engler won the Ryan Korrer, who won the Women’s 50 Yard Freestyle. Lindsay Men’s 1000 Yard Freestyle and Prather won the 200 Yard along with Tim Conway, Scott Individual Medley. Geza Szabo fin- Auchter and Jakub Sroczynski won ished first in the Men’s 200 Yard the Men’s 400 Yard Relay, said he Fly. was excited about the American UMBC Swimming and Diving East conference. “There’s nothing next takes to the water in two weeks ALL PHOTOS MARK FINIZIO better than going out in front of at the American East Conference, to home fans,” Korrer said. be held at UMBC on February 19.