University of Southern Maine USM Digital Commons

Free Press, The, 1971- Student Newspapers

4-28-2014

The Free Press Vol 45 Issue 22, 04-28-2014

Kirsten Sylvain University of Southern Maine

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Recommended Citation Sylvain, Kirsten, "The Free Press Vol 45 Issue 22, 04-28-2014" (2014). Free Press, The, 1971-. 116. https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/free_press/116

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspapers at USM Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Free Press, The, 1971- by an authorized administrator of USM Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. It’s time to say goodbye ... and hello Perspectives / 11

Sounds of sword-play A&C / 7 the free press University of Southern Maine Student Newspaper usmfreepress.org Senate tables reduced budget

Sam Hill Managing Editor

The semester may be coming to an end, but the Student Govern- ment Association is still working on their biggest task–– passing next year’s budget. Due to low enrollment at the university, there were less student activity funds for the senate to work with than the previous se- mester. An emergency meeting to balance the budget took place on March 15, and the senate worked with entities such as the Board of Student Organizations, Gorham Events Board and Portland Events Board to make cuts and create a workable budget for the rest of the Sam Hill / Managing Editor semester. Now their task is to create a USM library employee Adinah Barnett spoke at last Friday’s #USMFuture rally in support of staff members facing layoffs at the university. Barnett budget for next year that works for addressed the budget crisis which prompted the past few months’ flurry of cuts, saying, “There’s plenty of money. It’s just all going up, and it’s all entities and groups with far less not coming back down.” Barnett then agreed with previous speaker and student Jules Purnell, “I do agree that cuts should come from the top.” money. The senate isn’t expect- ing more student activity funds to come in next semester and is bud- geting for $276,940 compared to Staff layoffs put on hold until May 31 last year’s budget of $337,694. Sidney Dritz utilities in Facilities Management. USM chapter of UMPSA, the pro- effort to delay decisions until after “This is a very conservative “People are also scared to even fessional staff union, expanded on the end of the academic year,” she fi News Editor budget,” said former nance com- come to the event,” said junior what those cost-saving measures said. “The fi scal year ends on June mittee chair Tyler Boothby. “This A student rally last Friday in sup- women and gender studies major might look like. “[Kalikow] said 30. It’s always a mad rush this time budget was created so that we and one of the event’s organizers that the Faculty Senate must come of year to fi nalize budget decisions. don’t have to have another one of port of USM staff facing layoffs at- tached a few faces to the rumors Meaghan LaSala to the Free Press up with $1.2 million in faculty This year has been especially tough those emergency meetings next afterwards. “I think that points to compensation savings as an alter- so decisions are getting pushed year.” of shadowy eliminations of USM staff members as a part of the uni- the precariousness of the position native to the 12 rescinded retrench- through commencement and be- When the 42nd Student Senate people are in.” ments. She will not accept savings yond as we prioritize and evaluate held their last meeting on April 18 versity’s most recent attempt to cut costs. There have been 26 staff layoffs they come up with from other areas cost-saving strategies.” and turned responsibilities over to in fi scal year 2014, comprised of as she still believes we have too Kalikow also responded to a sen- the new senators of the 43rd sen- Though the majority of the fac- ulty retrenchments and elimina- 15 salaried staff members and 11 many faculty, and she’s given the timent that pervaded the rally and ate, Boothby recommended that hourly staff members, according senate a chance to propose their was expressed by a majority of the they pass the budget as is, saying tions announced as part of the same initiative have been reversed, staff to Executive Director of Public Af- own cuts,” Bradley told the Free speakers––that the cuts should be that there had been a lot of eyes fairs Bob Caswell. Press in an email. made ‘from to top,’ that is, they on the project, and they believed it cuts have proceeded throughout the year. “Certainly, if current trends Caswell confi rmed the faculty should be cuts to the salaries and was the best option. hold, I think it’s certain we’ll be recommendations must come from positions of upper-level admin- As the current budget recom- “Staff cuts are going on behind the scenes, I don’t even know looking at additional cuts in [fi scal academic programs, and added that istrators, rather than faculty and mendation stands, BSO’s budget year 2015],” Caswell told the Free the amount of savings the faculty staff. will be cut by $16,800, PEB by who’s been cut,” said USM library employee and virtual imaging as- Press. senate were expected to produce The sentiment was echoed by $13,601, and GEB by $33,805. However, he explained, no fur- was, in fact $1.26 million. Bradley. “We have too many ad- The cuts to GEB would be a 66 sociate Adinah Barnett at the rally, which the #USMFuture group or- ther staff cuts will take place until LaSala told the Free Press she ministrators,” he said. “If Theo is percent budget reduction, leav- after May 31, which is when the felt that the fact that there will be sincere in trying to right-size the ing the board $17,175 to provide ganized. “I’m glad to be speaking as a Faculty Senate’s alternative cost- considerably fewer students on university, she can’t just focus on weekly programming for students saving measures for the university campus after the end of the spring faculty and support staff, she also all year. current USM employee, and I sure hope to stay that way,” Barnett are due to be presented to Kalikow. semester played into the May 31 has to reduce the number of non- Incoming GEB executive chair “We’ll evaluate those cost-sav- date. represented administrative staff as Chelsea Tibbetts sent a document said. Barnett was one of three current ing alternatives after May 31, and Kalikow responded to LaSala’s well.” to members of the senate titled the next step would be to make a statement in an email. “There will Kalikow noted a number of up- “The Case for GEB,” which cited staff members to speak at the rally, The speakers also included one determination on any additional be far fewer students on campus, per-level administrator positions staff cuts,” Caswell said. but that’s a refl ection on the fi scal See BUDGET on page 2 former staff member--Will Dunlay, See STAFF on page 6 the former director of energy and Jim Bradley, president of the year schedule, not on any kind of 2 April 28, 2014 Student profile: Anna Chiu, From BUDGET on page 1 commencement speaker

Matthew Graeff Free Press Staff

USM Senior Anna Chiu, the student speaker at the USM com- mencement, hopes to inspire gradu- ating students to keep USM values of inclusiveness and understanding in mind as they head out into the world. Chiu is a health sciences major with a minor in biology. She trans- Sam Hill / Managing Editor ferred to USM from Simmons Col- Elizabeth Martin (right) and Jason Blanco (left) are the clerk and treasurer lege, where she was a nursing stu- respectively at last Friday’s Student Senate meeting. dent, in 2012. For Chiu, that sentiment of in- clusiveness and understanding is New budget slashes very important. “I won’t ever forget Randy Hazelton / Multimedia Editor writing an article about depression once, and one guy emailed me and ferring here,” said Chiu, who sub- and famine. “I was born and raised GEB and PEB funds thanked me for speaking out about mitted her speech a day later than in Portland and even though I grew leadership development, reduction have worked hard and evolved the it because of its stigma. I was very the deadline. up poor, it blows my mind every of costs and community engage- board over the past three years. She touched and honored to have helped “I don’t particularly like the idea time to think how much can change ment over the past two years as wrote that with so little funding, him,” she said, referring to her time of talking about myself because I in just one generation. My parents reasons to reconsider changing the GEB would be unable to provide as a writer and sports editor for the think the duty of the commencement probably never would’ve imagined budget recommendation. The let- as high quality events as students Free Press. speaker is to represent the student that their children would one day ter calls for an alternative cut of 12 have come to expect and that they Chiu has fought her own battles body and showcase just how amaz- prosper in America when they were to 18 percent of the budget, which would have to start from scratch. with depression and hopes to help ing we all are,” she said. our age.” Chiu hopes that her par- would leave the board with around When the budget was brought other students. “Nobody should “I wanted a speech that was emo- ents story will inspire the outgoing $45,000 for the year. before the senate last week, it was be ashamed if they are feeling de- tionally captivating yet powerful. I USM class and send a message of “All GEB programs are almost tabled immediately at the request pressed. I’ve met the most caring spent hours just sitting at my com- hope and inspire them to think about exclusively for entertainment and of senate treasurer Jason Blanco. students, professors and staff at puter trying to think of something their own identity. community building purposes, “There are some other things USM, and honestly I’ve never felt meaningful that I could write about,” Chiu also has a word of advice for and that contributes greatly to the we need to review before we pass more like myself than here,” Chiu Chiu said. Eventually she settled on all the students at USM. “Honestly, sense of community and activity this budget,” said Blanco. “We said. the theme of personal identity and just breathe. I know it’s simple but on the Gorham campus,” Tibbetts may not be doing the students jus- Chiu will give her speech at the how USM can change its students. I think it’s true that we are our own wrote. “[The cuts] would have a tice by passing this budget.” USM commencement on May 10 at In her speech, Chiu explains that worst critic. We need to remember substantial and long-lasting nega- The budget recommendations the Cumberland Civic Center. she is the daughter of Chinese im- to breathe and stay in the present tive impact on the development will be on the senate’s agenda Initially, Chiu struggled to fi nd the migrants. Her parents were poor , moment and not be so hard on our- and growth of GEB.” again for their meeting this Friday. words for her speech. “What helped she said, and her father was forced selves.” Tibbetts wrote that such a large me and got me to start writing was to steal food and her mother did not [email protected] cut would result in a signifi cant [email protected] reminiscing on my USM experience own shoes until the age of 19. Her @USMFreePress @USMFreePress fl relapse in the group, as members and how I’ve changed since trans- parents ed China to escape poverty April 28, 2014 News 3

r 4 News April 28, 2014 Caswell takes a bow After 34 years, Caswell, the fi rst and only executive director of public affairs USM has had, prepares to retire Krysteana Scribner just been created, where he began Free Press Staff his work in February of 1980. “When I started here at USM, p USM’s executive director of a career in public relations meant p public affairs Robert Caswell has primarily that you worked with the announced that he will be retiring news media. People who are in this this June after working at USM for career now are dealing with com- over 34 years. He responded to an munity relations, legislative rela- inquiry from the Free Press remi- tions, and internal/external commu- niscing on his time at the university, nications,” Caswell said. and talked about some of his fond- In 1980, USM was transitioning est memories. from a school of Patrick Higgins / Free Press Staff After graduat- “Don’t give up education to a ing USM in 1974 fi ve year teach- Bob Caswell attended a media training day hosted by the Free Press in April 2013, where he took part in a with a bachelor’s on USM, because er program bac- mock-press conference in which the participants began to gather information for a fictional news story. degree in history, you can get calaureate. The Times. incredibly dedicated to this univer- USM,” he said, “because you can Caswell set out to a really great program they Not long after, a huge feature sity.” really get a great education here become a news- education here, were piloting story on the university ran in the Over the years, Caswell has seen and you can have the opportunity to paper reporter was designed newspaper. “The fondest memory I a lot of change happen on campus. work with faculty and staff who arep and you can have specifi cally for in Maine. After the opportunity have while working at USM is pick- “Working at USM has given me a deeply committed to their subject working six years individuals who ing up the Portland Press Herald much deeper appreciation for the and this university.” in the industry, he to work with had already at- and seeing that they had run it on value of higher education in terms Although he is sad to be leaving, became interested faculty and staff.” tended a four the front page. After all the effort of what it can do for individuals.” Caswell says he is ready for this in public relations year program I had put it, it was nice to see they Upon retiring, Caswell says he next chapter in his life. “For all the and decided to see -Robert Caswell for another ca- fi nally publicized it. That was just has no defi nite plans. “Well, the challenges facing USM, someoner what job opportu- Executive Director of Public reer, but want- mind-blowing,” he said. short honest answer is that I don’t once told me that working in public nities were avail- Affairs ed to become When asked what he would miss have a clue. When I retire I will be higher education is a privilege. Even able. Caswell fi rst teachers, re- the least, Caswell replied, “I’m not almost 62 years old, so I’m still rela- though it was diffi cult at times, I’ve applied to USM gardless of what going to miss the communication tively young. My wife is also retir- spent a wonderful 34 years here, fi in hopes of getting a job in public their rst degree was in. Caswell challenges associated with budget ing, so I’m sure we’ll do something. and I’ve had a really good run.” As relations. Due to the fact that there believed the transition was a news- problems and issues. I’ve welcomed It’s exciting and sort of scary at of right now, no decision has been p was no such job title, he continued worthy topic. After a constant effort that challenge time and time again, same time, but I’m looking forward made as to who will take his place. working as a newspaper reporter. to promote the university’s transi- but I’m not going to miss that. I will, to it.” [email protected] Six months later, Caswell received tion through the Portland Press however, miss working with people Caswell has a few words of wis- @USMFreePress a letter from the university inviting Herald with no result, he decided across USM, who despite what dom to give to students before he him to apply for an opening that had to talk to a writer for the New York we’re going through right now, are retires in June. “Don’t give up on

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b April 28, 2014 News 5 USM health insurance gets a makeover Sam Hill ents’ insurance just this past win- Managing Editor ter, so I’m really grateful to have this available to me,” said junior The University of Maine Sys- history major Amanda Woods. tem will require proof of health “I really like the the university is insurance before students enroll in offering this plan. It sounds cheap classes beginning next fall. and easy,” said junior psychology The new Student Health In- major Ben Pohl. “I don’t know if surance Policy will kick in this I’m into it being completely auto- August and eligible students will matic though.” automatically be enrolled in the Pohl said that he is embarrassed program and have the $942 annual to know so little about healthcare premium cost added to their stu- options. dent account. “I just haven’t paid any atten- “There is a requirement to have tion,” said Pohl when asked about health insurance in this country, the Affordable Care Act. and we’re trying to make it as a af- An informational session on fordable as possible for students,” ACA was held at USM at the be- said Lisa Belanger, the director of ginning of March, but few students Health Services at USM. She said were in attendance. Jake Grindle one of the reasons for this new re- of Western Maine Community Ac- fquirement is the federal Affordable tion noted at the event that most Care Act and that the university students would still be covered un- wants to make sure all students der their parents’ insurance. have access to health care while “This is an affordable rate for they pursue their education. students and there is a value to having health insurance,” said Be- “Before, we had a student health Sam Hill / Managing Editor plan, but it was not required,” said langer, who recalled meeting with Belanger. “Insurance companies a student last week who said they Lisa Belanger explained next year’s changes to the student health insurance plan to the Student Senate at are not going to support that meth- were paying up to $500 a month their April 18 meeting. od of enrollment anymore.” for coverage. fi All students will be required While an of cial notice hadn’t word out to students is a top prior- tend to not opt-out of things,” or any other problems that arise to enroll if they fi t certain crite- been sent out yet from the system ity right now. said Will Gattis, a senior econom- will have to be handled on a case- fi ria: taking nine credits or more of ce last week, a short notice ex- “We’re going to try to do every- ics major and former senate vice- by-case basis and that more infor- as an undergraduate and six cred- plaining the plan had been posted thing that we can to get this infor- chair. “I want this opt-out option mation on that will be released by its or more as a graduate student. on the USM website. So far, many mation out,” she said. “We will to be 100 percent clear to students the UMaine system at a later date. If a student fi ts either of these or students are not aware of the plan. pursue as many ways to market so they aren’t surprised by another “I would say this is a shift in doesn’t already have insurance, “I heard a friend of mine men- this as possible.” bill on their account.” thinking, it’s a shift that’s happen- they will have to enroll in the new tion it in passing earlier in the When Belanger came to speak Belanger said she knows there ing nationally, and that USM is plan. Students already enrolled in week, but they didn’t know much,” about the plan at the student senate will be issues when the opt-out going to be a part of it,” said Be- a health care plan can opt out of said undeclared freshman Pat For- meeting on Friday, April 18, some deadline rolls around and that she langer. this plan by signing a waiver be- ester. “I’m covered by my parents, senators expressed concerns about couldn’t guarantee that every sin- [email protected] fi fore the fi rst of October. but I de nitely want to know more making the option to opt-out well gle student was going to know and @USMFreePress “I was dropped from my par- about it.” known. understand the new policy. Belanger noted that getting the “I’m a bit concerned. People She said issues with opting-out SoPoBooks swap crosses the bridge to USM Krysteana Scribner acquiring new ones, I only spent it for resale. If we don’t know if Free Press Staff a total of $20.00 for the necessary the textbooks are going to be used, readings.” we purchase for a different whole- Saman Baghestani has proposed When you request a book, you’ll saler, and therefore the prices go an alternative to purchasing and get an email telling you when it is down a bit.” selling books for college students available, and if you post a book However, Baghestani says that in South Portland. It’s working so you’ll get emailed when some- you will never have to wonder well, he’s bringing it across the one wants it. “This whole process what you’ll get in return for books bridge to USM. takes no more than a minute and you want to sell, because you have Baghestani came up with the a half,” Baghestani said. “Rather a lot of payment options. “We feel idea for a book-swap website, than have to search through end- that by cutting out the ‘middle per- which he named the South Port- less pages of results, the website son’ [in this case the bookstore], land Book Exchange––or SoPo- does all the work for you.” students can save and earn a lot Books.com. With the help of his This can be especially helpful more money with college books. computer programmer friend Ja- We believe this is a huge reason son McDonald, he was able to cre- for college students to prefer our ate a site where users post books “I thought, ‘books site over the book store.” they no longer need and request that are not needed Baghestani said that some stu- books they are going to need. by one student dents have expressed concerns When a match is made, the site will be needed regarding the buying and selling connects the dots, and students are by others.’” of old edition books. However, welcome to barter, sell, negotiate he also said this is not something or trade favors, such as yard work, to be worried about. Students are for textbooks. -Saman Baghestani able to put the author, book title “The idea came to me in a sort of founder, SoPoBooks.com or the ISBN number into their ‘light bulb’ moment,” said Bagh- search to make sure they get the estani. “After constantly hearing exact books needed for classes. students complaining about book when trying to sell books. “Buy- Although the website was pri- pricing, I thought, ‘books that are back programs at campus book- marily intended for students at not needed by one student will be stores will take your $142.00 text- Southern Maine Community Col- needed by others. So why not cre- book and give you $14.00 for it. lege, Baghestani decided early ate a place for students where they SoPoBooks.com does not work the on in December to branch out to can buy and sell books in a timely same way as campus bookstores, USM in order help others buy and manner?’” because the transaction terms are sell books at reasonable prices. He Although websites such as Am- 100 percent entirely determined says he hopes to make this website azon and Craigslist have college by the students.” available nationwide in the future. textbooks for reasonable prices, Nicki Piaget, the USM book- “This method of buying and sell- SoPoBooks.com can make the store director, said that this is ing books is working for a ton of buying process much easier by not always the case. “Students students” he said. allowing students to choose what can get a lot of money back for Baghestani hopes that every Randy Hazelton / Multimedia Editor they pay for their textbooks. their books. The prices are based student at USM will look into the is free, and it connects people” he fi “I have used the website twice on whether the faculty are using website and consider the nan- said. “Not only is this a time sav- it the next semester. If it hasn’t cial benefi ts of buying and selling [email protected] as a consumer,” said Baghestani. er, but you are also going to get a @USMFreePress “After selling my old books and been ordered, USM doesn’t buy from other students. “The account much better deal. 6 News April 28, 2014

From STAFF on page 1 the discretion of individual units, step is to continue to work as a part that have been eliminated since although those units might be as- of a state-wide coalition to make late in fi scal year 2013. “On the signed fi nancial targets. higher education funding reform a other hand, I think it can be penny Two weeks ago, Dean Lynn ballot issue in the coming election Police Beat wise and pound foolish to dial back Kuzma of the College of Arts, Hu- season. For the end of the year... salaries at any level to the point manities and Social Sciences told In terms of what’s next for spe- selections from the USM where you have trouble attracting the Free Press that she had been cifi c staff cuts, Caswell said, “I the highest-quality candidate you told that staff cuts would not im- wouldn’t expect many additional Department of Public can afford,” she wrote. pact her college’s reorganization, staff cuts in the remains of the fi s- Safety police log, Sept. After May 31, Caswell said, the a step Provost Stevenson has asked cal year. There may be, there may administration will look at staff all of the colleges at the university not.” to now. cuts again, but the specifi cs of to begin. [email protected] those cuts, he said, will be left to For students involved in @USMFreePress #USMFuture, said LaSala, the next Tuesday, Sept. 24 dents and passes can be purchased and professional healthcare pro- In Brief... at the Portland student life offi ce viders to learn how arts therapies Stole my heart in the Woodbury Campus Center can complement and enhance 9:15 a.m. - Report of theft of items. Report taken. - Bailey for $20. The pass provides access traditional healthcare,” said Kate Hall to all events and discounts for ad- Beever, board-certifi ed music ditional tickets to the Bob Mar- therapist, USM graduate and or- ley show on Wednesday and the ganizer of the conference. Tuesday, Oct. 22 cruise on Friday. Presenters include dance thera- This special performance by pist Christine Linnehan of Scar- And the week wouldn’t be complete without... Bob Marley is open to USM stu- borough who will present “Cre- 7:31 p.m. - Warning to operator for stop sign violation. - dents, staff and guests. Tickets ative Pathways to Resilience” Heather Guaciaro prices are: students: $3, faculty/ for working with traumatized Costello Complex, 43 Campus Ave. Free Press Staff staff: $7, non-USM: $10. children, art therapist Bohdi Tickets can be purchased at the Simpson of Yarmouth who will Thursday, Oct. 24 Portland student life offi ce in the present “Introduction to SoulCol- Woodbury Center. If any are left lage,” using collage-making to Miniature outrage Senior week they will also be sold at the door. discover one’s subconscious and music therapist Patricia Mulhol- 7:21 a.m. - Report of a very small protest in front of a events land of Kennebunk who will pres- building. Offi cer checked on them, moved them to a better Music ent “The Voice as a Therapeutic location and all set. - Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford St. approach Modality,” involving singing and breathing for stress relief. Sunday, Oct. 27 Senior week will be from May school hosts Those who participate in the 5-10 and will include a perfor- conference will fi nd workshops mance by nationally known and art therapy in three forms: art, dance and mu- Just making room for the new ones, offi cer made in Maine comedian Bob sic, but can choose to attend any 5:28 a.m. - Report of damage to a university sign. - 19 Marley on Wednesday, May 7 at conference workshop. Workshop sessions Campus Ave. at 116 School St. 8 p.m. in Hannaford Hall on the will focus on both adults and chil- Portland campus. USM’s school of music is hold- dren. Saturday, Nov. 2 Other senior week events in- ing the Creative Arts Therapy Registration is open to profes- clude bowling and Bayside Bowl- Conference on May 31 called sionals, caregivers, general public ing on Monday, May 5 from 5-11 “Creative Health: Conference and students at varying prices and Vilely vivisected vegetation p.m.; trivia night at Binga’s Sta- for Healthcare Professionals and includes lunch and an afternoon 7:06 a.m. - Someone drove a vehicle over grass. - Luther dium on Tuesday, May 6 from Caregivers.” snack. Bonney Hall, 85 Bedford St. 8-11 p.m.; senior night in the Old It is a one-day conference for To register for attending the Port on Thursday, May 8 starting therapists, medical professionals conference go to www.usm. Friday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.; and the 5th annual se- and caregivers, to learn about the maine.edu/music/boxoffi ce. nior cruise with Casco Bay Cruise uses of Creative Arts Therapies in Lines on Friday, May 9 from health care. Unusual verb activity 7-10:30 p.m. “This conference will be an op- [email protected] 10:25 a.m. - Unwanted subject trespassed (added to @USMFreePress Senior week is open to all stu- portunity for the general public a trespass list) from campus. - Dickey Wood Hall, 17 University Way, exterior

Sunday, Jan. 26 Unwell by default? 2:53 p.m. - Wellbeing check on an individual, unable to locate individual. - Glickman Library, 314 Forest Ave.

Friday, Feb. 7 Keep it in your pants (pocket) 7:37 p.m. - Warning for texting while driving. - Falmouth St.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 Read the not-so-fi ne print 11:07 a.m. - Warning to operator for stop sign violation. - College Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 27 Measured in MPH or grams? 10:04 p.m. - Warning to operator for speed. - Parking lot P2, 35 Bedford St.

Monday, March 10 ... What? 8:13 a.m. - Initiated - Caller found a piece of equipment and not sure why. Report taken. - 96 Falmouth St.

Police logs are edited for grammar and style. They can be found at usm.maine.edu/police/campus-crime-log. April 28, 2014 7 Free Press music picks / 8 Master blacksmith / 9 Film review / 10 Arts&Culture The Blade Society fi ghts to preserve history

Randy Hazelton / Multimedia Editor Blade Society members focus on a variety of different fighting styles. Some practice modern style fencing, while others adopt much older styles that include metal armor and shields.

Francis Flisiuk bat archaeology. “Once you pick up a sword and put on a the rapier and short sword. Arts & Culture Editor According to Matzke, donning period ap- mask, it helps you understand the past better,” “Through the practice of these forms we can propriate clothing, armor and footwear is not said Matze. “It’s important to preserve this tra- improve our minds as well as our bodies,” said Every Tuesday night in the Sullivan Sports required to be a good fencer, but it helps. dition of living history.” Tupper. Complex a battle rages between armor-clad “If you can feel the ground wearing shoes But not everything from historical combat According to Tupper, his involvement with members of the USM Blade Society. that your ancestors wore, you have a bet- can be replicated. For example grappling is the Blade Society has been rewarding because The Blade Society is a student-run group ter chance of getting in the right mindset for prohibited because it would be far too danger- they’ve transformed a brutal practice from his- that meets weekly to learn, practice and ul- combat,” said Matzke. “It also gives you a ous. tory into an activity of learning. It helps with timately perfect the sword and fencing tech- newfound respect for the brave warriors of the “We can’t be 100-percent historically ac- physical agility, confi dence, and it helps form niques of several different European styles. medieval world.” curate in our gear and great friendships with like minded people, he Made up of many different individual groups, On top of the leather “If we don’t techniques, because if we said. including the Society for Creative Anachro- fl imsy-looking shoes, were, there would be bro- “If we don’t study and practice these ac- nism, the Fencing Club, the Quasi Historical many members wear alu- practice these ken bones and dead bod- tivities, they will eventually go away forever,” Group and the Historical European Martial minum greaves, titanium activities, they’ll ies,” said Stephen Straut- said Tupper. Arts Club, the Blade Society turns the gym into cuffs and gauntlets, steel go away forever.” Esden, a 30-year “knight” Brenden Belanger, a junior chemistry major an almost unrecognizable scene with about 40 helmets and chainmail. of the SCA, who goes by and longtime fencer, believes that fencing is diehard history fans––sometimes dressed in Some sport metal bucklers -Robert Tupper Sir Osgkar of the Wood more of an art than a sport, and just like both, fi full medieval garb––clashing swords, swing- and leather scaled vests, Blade Society Instructor when he’s training. it requires a lot of practice to acquire pro - ing chainmail and banging shields. They’re all all of which are puncture The SCA, a subgroup ciency. dedicated to mastering historically accurate proof. The swords (foils, of the Blade Society, fo- “It’s not something that you pick up and in- combat and swordplay techniques. epees, rapiers and sabers) cuses on heavily armored stantly get,” said Belanger. “But once you do Many of the members participate because are all weighted and balanced as if they were combat from the ancient Romans to the early get it, it’s so much fun.” of their passion for history. Some people made to function 500 years ago, although they medieval foot soldiers. If the combat training Belanger, whose fi ghter name is Sir Tobias, come equipped with the typical white jacket aren’t sharpened and feature a thick rubber gets particularly loud, it’s probably coming urges anyone who’s interested to get involved. and mask of the modern Olympic fencers, guard over the tip, for obvious safety reasons. from these guys. According to him, no experience is necessary but according to Johanne Matzke, an instruc- Most of the fi ghting styles and moves that “The only thing we’re missing are horses,” ,and they have enough loaner gear for students tor, about 90 percent of the members come Matzke teaches are rooted in actual historical said Straut-Esden. to use free of charge. For him, it’s absolutely clothed in historically accurate clothing and documents he has researched. According to Straut-Esden, whose armor integral to preserve this cultural tradition be- armor, right down to the footwear, which is “Within the last 30 years we’ve gone from is inspired by the Saxons of medieval Ger- cause it teaches self control, grants a new abil- often handmade. Most participants even adopt having no fi ghting manuals at all to acquiring many, stepping into the role of a knight can ity and can bring someone a lot on a personal a medieval persona to embody when they en- them and learning exactly how these expert help teach a person how to live life in a nobler level. gage in a sparring session. Although Matzke swordsmen trained,” said Matzke. fashion. “It’s exciting because it offers an escape said he didn’t need a combat name because his The combat manuals are all accessible on- “The activities of the SCA help us adopt the from boring everyday life and instead allows fi rst name sounded “old-timey” enough. line and feature a combination of diagrams old honor and chivalry and apply it to our ev- you to immerse yourself in a fascinating cul- “I’m a big history nerd,” said Matzke, who, and text, usually either in French, Latin or eryday life,” said Straut-Esden. ture,” said Belanger. apart from teaching 14th and 15th-century Spanish. Matzke believes that it’s important And learning self-improvement through swordplay to anyone who wants to learn, also to research medieval and renaissance combat this kind of combat is an ideal that Robert [email protected] has two master’s degrees in history and com- techniques and learn the truth about them. It Tupper, a Blade Society instructor and former @FrancisFlisiuk helps separate fact from fi ction. president, shares. He specializes in the art of 8 Arts & Culture April 28, 2014 Local Album Review In Heavy Rotation Banditos is bad, but entertaining A look back at the Free Press staff’s matter. A glorifi ed minor-blues, the Banditos favorite albums of the past year. should be ashamed of themselves for bor- rowing from such a respected genre to make Estoille Naiant a punk song. A perfectly good chord progres- patten sion is wrecked with, as always, fuzzed-out guitar, pounding drums and screaming vocals. What I love about this experimental electronic “Anybody seen the invisible man / Last time album is that it’s absolutely directionless, like I saw him he was doing the slam” fi nishes the me. This album never focuses on one thing and second verse just before you need to turn your relies soley on imagination and patience. I’ve stereo off. made this album’s strange sounds and broken But the Banditos are more than just bad down drum kits the unoffi cial sound track to my music, they represent what happens when semester because it mirrors how often I’ve been four guys come together to try and exceed the either confused or daydreaming. sum of their parts. Alone, each member could surely create an unorganized pile of sound, but Warp Records -Francis Flisiuk Straight from the Gutter is ridiculous, mind- Arts & Culture Editor less and, because of this, endlessly entertain- Stop Talking Preble Street Records ing—even if there is no intrinsic musical Pacifi c Air value. While we can assume that tracks like Dan Kelly “Heart Attack Spree” and “Snake Plissken” The Lawhon brothers reached their objective for Free Press Staff won’t deliver major musical breakthroughs, this album. The genre isn’t anything new but its they are undeniably fun to listen to, and make refreshing against all the heavy electronica that Straight from the Gutter, self-released by you laugh, however they are quite over-the- we hear on mainstream media. It pulls me in and the Banditos, is old-school punk in its most top. At least The Banditos will force a chuckle I start to lose track of which song I’m listening unrehearsed, technically imperfect and hap- out of you. to. Stop talking and listen. hazard form. The Banditos are not a good At most, this album will make you ques- band––at all. tion why you listen to music in the fi rst place. -Sokvonny Chhouk Before playing the album, you may notice Does it really matter whether or not a group is Design Director that Straight from the Gutter’s cover shows a “good” if they can’t make you feel something? Republic Records picture of a man, whose head is a poorly pho- While the ideal situation would be good tech- toshopped dollhead wearing a metal helmet. nical ability that also inspires genuine feeling, Inside Llywen Davis The man is holding a guitar, but, what’s more? the Banditos get it half right, and it’s the better Various The guitar is on fi re. Aside from being abso- half. Each member is able to play their instru- lutely ridiculous, this image is the mark of a ment well enough to get their point across; it I feel absurd choosing a soundtrack as my album band who just doesn’t care. just so happens that they don’t have anything of the year, but just listen to this soundtrack, and Toward the beginning of the album, “The particularly complicated or profi cient to say. I swear, you’ll get it. Oscar Isaac was robbed at Basement” kicks things off with loud and The response this music garners—laughter, the oscars this year, and I’m not making the same obnoxious drums, fuzz guitar and outright mindlessness and surprise—is what matters. mistake in my heavy rotation. This album hasn’t screaming. Lyrics like, “We don’t talk about The Banditos cultivate meaning out of music left the back of my mind since I walked out of the the basement / That’s the way that it goes” are that has no meaning and pay rightful due to the movie theater and down the street to Bullmoose. really just nonsensical utterances being yelled funnier side of life—something we could use at you while a rock band rages on in the back- more of. The Banditos, true to punk tradition, Warner Music Group -Sidney Dritz ground. just don’t care. News Editor “Graveyard Dance” follows in similar suit. “Dracula is doing the twist, but Frankenstein [email protected] What was your favorite album this year? is getting pissed” is an example of mindless @USMFreePress Tell us on Twitter @USMFreePress writing and a questionable-at-best subject April 28, 2014 Arts & Culture 9 Top 5: Old beats new in a local Ways to cope blacksmithing workshop with finals Artisan forges Free Press Staff handmade 1.) Get organized equipment Make a list. Make a very detailed list organized by due date and include spaces set aside to allow yourself coffee breaks. using only Draw your own boxes for check-marks, color code it and draw hearts around the place you allow yourself to take a nap. Then make copies that you can plaster around evey- 19th century where, so you can never take a relaxed breath until every- thing that’s on it has been checked off. techniques When you’ve fi nished making your list, congratu- late yourself on a job well-done by pouring yourself a strong drink (or helping yourself to something sugary, or something Francis Flisiuk greasy, or whatever your vice of choice is), and put on some Arts & Culture Editor really stupid TV. The stupider the better. Sit-coms are good, reality shows are better and game shows are best of all. Feel Tucked away in a side shop on free to then ignore the TV and read a book involving dragons. Fore street, hiding behind a heavy wooden door, is a workshop that looks like it was pulled from a 2.) Play music time warp. The Portland Forge is a soot Blast the right music. Sometimes the chatter of a packed com- fi lled shop that specializes in puter lab, or incessant shenanigans of drunk roommates can crafting custom ordered metallur- make studying for fi nals a distracting, annoying debacle. On gic items made using only histori- the contrary the numbing silence of a desolate library fl oor, cal blacksmithing techniques. By might also cause your thoughts to race around so much, it using historically accurate tech- might prove to be a bigger interference to your studies then niques and tools, Sam Smith, the your sloshed roommates! However putting on an appropriate founder and master blacksmith, playlist can sometimes magically lift your mood and grant you forges handmade metal works for focus for the task at hand. The best music to fi ll a room during a variety of purposes. a study session are usually songs with atmospheric or ambi- Metal tongs, bellows and ham- ent qualities. Keep the tempo slow, so you’re not anxiously mers, his tools of the trade, are tapping your feet, but make sure it has a distinct sound to scattered across the dusty room, keep your mind alert and sharp. It’s really hard not to feel re- bathed in a soft orange light from laxed, focused and oddly determined when you’ve got some the roaring fi re and red hot coals. classical jazz fi lling the room. All are evidence of Smith’s un- conventional mastery and what he 3.) Go to sleep described as his passion. “I put my life-force and creative Things are getting a little overwhelming. You’ve got a pow- energy into this,” said Smith. “It’s Randy Hazelton / Multimedia Editor nice to see something either use- erpoint presentation due tomorrow, and three fi nal papers Sam Smith supports himself solely by blacksmithing, a trade he started ful or beautiful come out at the are ominously looming over your head that you haven’t even showing interest in at the age of 14 when attending a living history fair. done the reading for. There’s only one escape from the en- end of it.” Smith forges everything from suing madness of meeting deadlines and making excuses: here to show people it’s still vi- couldn’t have civilization without sleep. At least when you’re asleep there’s a break from stress. hooks, nails and mason’s tools, to fi replace pokers, knives and able,” said Smith. “But I’m not blacksmithing.” Take a nap and you just might wake up with a refreshed mind, only providing services that are Smith said that it was actu- ready to tackle any intellectual hurdle. swords are, who believes in the value of good old-fashioned hard valued, I’m keeping an important ally in the same building that he 4.) Wait until the 11th hour work. According to Smith, many part of Portland’s history alive.” works in now, at the Portland manufacturers today seek tech- Smith detailed Portland’s rich Company, that the forge operated and vital history at full capacity Put it off until the last minute. Well, don’t actually do that if you nology that is convenient, and the human element is often over- with black- during World can help it, but if you just happen to be one of those people smithing by War I, provid- who manages to procrastinate on every assignment, and looked. “I work with the sweat of my explaining that “I work with ing munitions maybe you thrive under pressure, if that’s the case, then get- it was through the sweat of my and equipment ting it all squared away in as brief a period of time as possi- own brow and the strength of my own back,” said Smith. it that the city own brow and for the troops ble, might be the best way to go. Actually, this can sometimes became more overseas. yield the best results. Saving that paper or studying for that Smith works with metals like the strength of bronze, copper, steel, iron and accessible to “There’s a exam two days before class, means that you have to hyper- trade. Accord- my own back.” reason town focus, but you’ll need to remember to take frequent breaks silver that he exposes to a heat of over 2,500 degrees and then bangs ing to Smith, centers almost to re-energize. Study in as many locations as possible, and -Sam Smith fi into shape with his hammer and in the late 19th always had a when you’re stuck on that dif cult passage, read it aloud or Master Blacksmith fi anvil. Depending on whether the century, The working black- talk it over with a friend. After you’ve nished, put it away for a Portland Com- smith,” said few hours, and then come back to it with a fresh set of eyes. metal is ferrous or nonferrous, it’s then dunked in a barrel of water to pany hired Smith. “Not You’re done. Houlà. blacksmiths only does it either harden or soften it respec- tively. Ferrous metals containing to build the promote pro- 5.) Accept reality fi iron, non ferrous do not, and both rst locomotives. Blacksmiths ductivity and creativity, it builds were crucial in forging construc- communities.” Pray. Let’s be honest, some of us aren’t going to make it react to temperature changes in fi different ways. tion equipment and railroads that Smith said even with the ad- through nals week in one piece. All of our classes this se- would eventually connect Port- vanced progress of technology, mester were laid out for us in syllabi on day one, and we Sometimes custom orders can take days because this process land to Boston and Montreal. blacksmithing the 19th century thought we could pull it all together, but things are looking According to Smith, using the way is simply too skills-based to a little bleak. We sent out our “please, professor, I promise has to be repeated several times to strengthen the metal. Smith takes same methods of our ancestral be replaced by machines or any I’m not a terrible student” emails out months ago and haven’t blacksmiths is important to the other time saving and modern made any progress since then. We’ve probably spent most orders from around the Portland area and they usually include trade because it pays homage methods. According to Smith, of our free time watching Bob’s Burgers and organizing our to generations of craftsmen and you can’t accomplish this kind of email instead. things like intricate metal work for fencing or gates and aestheti- ensures the skills get passed on metal work any other way. At this point in the year the best option might be to through mentors. Smith called “There’s an industrial heritage bite the bullet. Focus on the work you know you can get done, cally designed coat hooks. Smith said that although his his craft “saving history,” and to Portland,” said Smith. “We and do it well. You might not be able to complete all your work he preserves it by demonstrating can’t forsake and abandon our this way, but you’ll be able to pass a class or two. Write a letter methods are time consuming, the quality of his work is superior at fairs, events and art walks. He past.” to your future self about how terrible the end of the semester also welcomes anyone interested is and hope you don’t do it again next winter. and more durable because of his choice to stick to the historical in a one-on-one apprenticeship in [email protected] roots of the trade. his workshop. [email protected] @USMFreePress “A lot of people consider my “I’m duty bound to teach peo- @FrancisFlisiuk job antiquated or extinct, but I’m ple this craft,” said Smith. “You 10 Arts & Culture April 28, 2014 Film Review Noah is visually impressive but ultimately sinks A&C cantankerous Russell Crowe, is as a more than four-hour fi lm into Listings instructed by God, through some just over two, which leads to odd immaculately realized dreams- swathes of time stripped out of capes, to seek out his grandfather the narrative. The actors collide (Anthony Hopkins), who had fl ed into each other and bounce off in Monday, April 28 to the only mountain that Noah’s mildly amusing ways, but no one Earth seems to contain. On his except Noah bears enough depth All Time Low way, he encounters the Watchers, and personality to hold our sym- State Theatre fallen angels encased in stone and pathy. The fi lm is surprisingly 609 Congress St. rock, who look as if they walked misogynistic, constructing female Doors: 7:00 p.m. / Show: 8:00 p.m. straight out of The Dark Crystal, characters whose sole concerns who take him under their protec- seem to be satisfying the sexual Tuesday, April 29 tion. They begin building the ark and reproductive needs of the according to God’s instruction and men around them. Emma Watson Andrea Gibson with a little magical help from No- and Jennifer Connelly give ev- Port City Music Hall ah’s grandfather. Trouble befalls erything they’ve got in their own 504 Congress St. them when the evil descendants emotional climaxes, but they’re so Show: 6:30 p.m. of Cain, led by Tubal-cain (Ray easily shaped and explicitly cre- Winestone), want in on the whole ated to function around the desires Doug Paisley ark escape plan. Naturally, there of Noah, that the source mate- Empire is an epic battle scene, drenched rial caves underneath their acting 575 Congress St. in the fi rst downpour of the fl ood. prowess.. Doors: 9:00 p.m. / Show: 9:30 p.m. Suffering heavily from the While this fi lm is at times vi- over-produced visual quality of sually beautiful and bravely per- Super Cowork Day! today’s Hollywood blockbusters, formed, these moments are few Peloton Labs Portland Regency Enterprises the fi lm is nominally saved by its and far between, cushioned by 795 Congress St. rolling prophetic voice. Noah and the stereotyped movements of All Day Martin Conte his grandfather wheel and deal in the modern fi lm epic. Aronofsky, Free Press Staff a sort of voodoo, drug-induced popular for his philosophical pan- fi Wednesday, April 30 black magic passed down to them dering in lms like The Fountain Chute and Co Blues Duo At times reminiscent of the from the garden of Eden. Aronof- and Requiem for a Dream, seems Gingko Blue darker side of Jim Henson’s pup- sky, as he is wont to do, veers from to lose his grasp on his own work 455 Fore St. pet workshop, and at other times the traditional storyline to delve here, leaving the viewer con- Show: 7:00 p.m. wandering through Cormac Mc- into history and myth: sweep- fused. The fi lm has glimmers of Carthy’s burnt