the retrIever weekly university of maryland, baltimore county’s student newspaper 12.08.09 volume 44 issue 14 retrieverweekly.com

Achsah Joseph — TRW Members of the Mama’s Boys practice for the International Championship of Acapella. From Left to Right: Charles Kuo, Matt Polonchak, Justin Lane, Raif Karerat, Paul Wetzstein, Jason Palum- bo, Kevin Lim, Christopher Hoopes, Benjamin Hong, James Krasnansky, and Nimit Bhatt. > see Mama’s boys [14]

Hrabowski hosts a Sexual assault on campuses, dinner for grad how is UMBC measuring up? students and staff to Anne Verghese lege campuses across the country with According to the police website, Editorial Staff regards to sexual crimes but only 58 in 2007 there were eight cases of sex percent of the campuses responded to offenses and six in 2008, but these Today’s college women are at a much the survey. The Center also interviewed numbers were based upon anonymous share experiences higher risk of being sexually assaulted close to 50 current as well as former statistics, which “includes reports made than their non-college-bound peers. In college students who had been raped to campus counselors. These statistics Christopher McKinney Many shared positive experiences order to combat the rise in sexual as- or sexually assaulted by either a peer represent anonymous reports believed Staff Writer in the classroom and within their re- saults, campuses across the nation have or in some cases a professor. Students by the reporter to have been made in spective departments. Some revealed enacted laws such as Title IX, the Clery who were accused of committing sexual good faith, but for which, no verifica- Freeman Hrabowski wants to an uncertainty about preparedness; Act, and the Family Educational Rights assault, as well as several student affairs tion has been established.” know what UMBC is thinking. On Jessica Bard of the Public Policy pro- and Privacy Act that currently require administrators, judicial hearing officers, “It’s hard to say because so many the night of Tuesday, November 17, gram explained that she was not en- schools to disclose their security proce- victim advocates, sexual assault schol- people don’t come forward,” Director Hrabowski held a dinner for UMBC tirely sure about how prepared she dures, report crime data, and ensure the ars, and lawyers were interviewed by the of University Health Services Jennifer staff, faculty and graduate students was, but explained that she had re- rights of the victims. Center. The question that was asked of Lepus commented when questioned in which guests shared their positive ceived a lot of diversity, experience, By definition, a person is a victim of the 152 campuses that responded was about the number of cases that have and negative experiences at UMBC and support from her department. sexual assault when, against the person’s how many student sexual assault cases come forward for help. “Last year we with the University’s president. Sug- Greg Parkington from the Public will, the person is forced to have sexual have they serviced in the past year. had 11 victims that we assisted through gestions with which to strengthen Policy program said that, coming contact. If without consent or by force Although the UMBC police failed to our program.” UMBC’s campus community were from the west coast (from the Uni- the assault involves sexual intercourse comment on the matter the statistics of In a national study that was conduct- also offered. versity of Arizona), adapting to life then it is labeled as rape. Often the crimes that have occurred on our cam- ed by the Justice Department, it was de- The dinner opened with an intro- at UMBC was going very well. “Ev- victim is raped by someone the person pus are readily available on the UMBC termined that one in five women who duction of the staff and the gradu- eryone’s been very friendly and posi- knows, which is known as acquaintance police website. The online statistics attend college will become the victim of ate students, and then the floor was tive; coming to UMBC, it certainly rape, but if the rapist is unknown to show that in 2008 there were four cases an act of rape or an attempted rape by opened for the students to share feels like a village that is very con- the victim then it is known as stranger of sex offenses, which incorporates the time she graduates. For many col- their experiences within their de- nected to the community around it rape. forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual lege students around the nation who partments and in class, and whether in comparison to my undergraduate The Center for Public Integrity, a assault with an object, and forcible have actually sought help after being they felt they were being prepared experiences.” group of investigation journalists who fondling. In 2008 there were two cases raped, they have been displeased with for their individual professional report on issues of public concern, con- of sex offenses in dormitories or other > see ASSAULT [5] fields. > see Hrabowski [6] ducted a nationwide survey of 260 col- residential facilities.

News 01 opinion 08 arts 14 sports 24 Online UMBC student As we go into Take advantage Amanda Deller Review: unearths the New Year... of Baltimore’s wins gold in Twilight sequel ancient seasonal track debut a disastrous necropolis offerings

InsIde cinematic effort 2 News 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly foreign desk A hint of the Dutch holidays

Michelle Birky neighbors. We visited the little Vermeer museum Staff Writer At Thanksgiving dinner we had ten (painter of “The Girl with the Pearl Ear- guests - Dutch neighbors, Hispanic ring”) and the two churches in town For Thanksgiving weekend I went and American friends from church and (the “new” one being 700 years old) that to visit my boyfriend’s parents in the school, and three American interns from had fantastic stained glass windows and Netherlands. I took the train from Lan- the embassy where Mr. Huete works. is where the royal family is buried when caster to Manchester Airport and then Dinner was great, with all the traditional they die. We walked around - there are flew into Amsterdam, where my hosts American Thanksgiving foods like tur- canals everywhere and a lot of people picked me up and drove me, on the key and stuffing, and so was talking ride bikes. We did some souvenir shop- right side of the road, to their home in with all the international guests. The ping and had lunch in a nice cafe. I had The Hague. Dutch neighbors were delighted to be an open-faced egg, ham, and cheese The Netherlands is very flat. Large celebrating the holiday and asked us a sandwich, which is apparently very portions of it are also below sea level; lot of questions about the food and how popular. they were reclaimed from the sea. It is many days people take off back in the While walking around town, I no- said that “God made the earth, but the States. I especially enjoyed talking with ticed that in a lot of the Christmas Dutch made Holland.” The soil is very Jennifer, an American who had studied decorations, there was not only a St. Michelle Birky — TRW sandy, so much so that many of the trees international relations in universities Nicholas figure, but a black boy as well. Birky holds some postcards from Holland, Dutch chocolate, and a stroop- in the backyard lean. all over the world and now lives in the Mr. Huete explained that in the Neth- wafel cookie. Their house was very interesting. It Netherlands with her Dutch husband. erlands, Sinterklaas (St. Nick) comes was built for a mariner and his opera Talking with Americans, I realized that dressed as a bishop because St. Nicholas it was much better than the medieval The Dutch sometimes put them on top singer wife, so the kitchen was built like I have become so accustomed to hear- was a bishop, and Zwarte Piet (Black series, much funnier. of their cups of tea, and then the heat a ship’s galley (small and with interest- ing British accents, that when I hear Pete) is a Moorish slave that he freed Sunday we went to church at their melts the caramel and they are even ing stairs) and the dining room was built American accents they catch my ear and who then decided to accompany him English-speaking church in town. We more amazing. raised like a stage for the singer. The sound fascinating in the way that British and be his assistant. Sinterklaas carries then went out and had Dutch pancakes So all in all, I greatly enjoyed vaca- otherwise square, white house has huge, accents once did! a bag of toys for the good children, and for lunch - a very large, thin, delicious tioning in the Netherlands and did not thin windows which aren’t very heat- The highlight of Friday was sleeping Zwarte Piet sometimes carries a sack pancake (think tortilla) on a plate with want to return to England, if only be- efficient. But the house is something of in incredibly late and then watching for taking naughty children to be slaves apples and whipped cream. Then I cause there were six final papers waiting a historical building, so no changes can some Black Adder, which is a BBC com- back in Spain! caught the plane and then the train to be written. Oy! be made. In the Netherlands there are edy re-telling of English history staring Saturday evening we watched some back to campus, my suitcase full of also the tree police; if you want to cut Rowan Atkinson. Black Adder episodes set in the time of rich Dutch chocolate and stroopwafels. down a tree in your yard, you have to Saturday Mr. Huete and I went to Queen Elizabeth (played by Miranda Stroopwafels are thin, round, waffle-like get permission first, or the tree police Delft, which is a cute little town nearby Richardson, who played Madame Giry Dutch cookies with a layer of caramel Comments can be sent to will fine you, which happened to the with an astonishing amount of history. in the Phantom of the Opera movie) and in the middle, and they are amazing. [email protected].

Holiday cheer in and around the Christmas Markets

excited about before coming here be- ing past walls of images and text that Stephanie Jung cause I have great memories of going gave viewers a glimpse into the world Foreign Correspondent to the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas events that were happening as the Market) with my grandparents when I Mercedes-Benz company was born, Thanksgiving this year turned out was younger. The smell of sweet roast- developed, and grew. I admired old to be a success, even though I didn’t ed sugary nuts and also of chestnuts, and new Mercedes cars, models from have high hopes for it since I knew crepes, and waffles covered in pow- the late 1880’s to the futuristic models I would be here in Germany instead dered sugar never fails to put a smile that were on display. I never saw so of at home with my family. My room- on my face. The day after Thanksgiv- many Mercedes in my life. After we mate Kat and I, along with the other ing, I went down to the market and were done there, we walked and then American exchange student, Casey, stopped at a few stands and ended up took the train (no, we did not take a planned the dinner and invited the buying a handmade book with hand- Mercedes) to our next destination. two English exchange students and a made paper from Nepal. The next stop was the Weissenhof friend of ours from Germany. We had On Saturday I went to Stuttgart Siedlung, a revolutionary and very Stephanie Jung — TRW all the Thanksgiving dinner necessi- again with one of my school friends modern (for the time it was built, Above is the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany that Jung vist- in 1927) development that is one of ties - rolls, corn, caramelized carrots, to meet a friend with whom my mom ed. The museum displays models from the 1880’s to futuristic designs. mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, went to school. He was awesome and the most noteworthy landmarks left green bean casserole, salad, cranberry took us to some interesting places. behind by the “Neues Bauen” (New of the booths were beautiful-topped treats, Gebrannte Mandeln, sugar- sauce, pumpkin bread, and apple Riding the train and walking through Building) movement. One of the ar- in greenery, Christmas decorations, coated roasted nuts. After making that pie. The only difference was that we the city with him was really nice be- chitects was Walter Gropius, who and nativity scenes. To compare the purchase, we had to quickly weave had chicken instead of turkey, which cause he knows so much history about was a founder of the Bauhaus school. sizes of the Christmas markets in through the crowds, walking so fast didn’t really leave a void for me since Stuttgart and a ton about architecture The aim of the designers was simplic- Schwäbisch Hall and the one in Stut- but not quite running, to make it I ate so much of everything else that I so it was like my friend and I had our ity and reduction to the basic forms. tgart, let me just say this: shrimp and to our train in time. Fortunately we didn’t even have room in my stomach own personal tour guide. Our first The homes, with their long and short whale, respectively. It was amazing. made it with three minutes to spare, to miss it. stop was the Mercedes-Benz Museum. rectangular shapes and curved edges I loved hearing the Christmas music enough time to say our goodbyes and Amidst all the Thanksgiving prepa- After walking into the futuristic, sleek, were a stark contrast to the Fachwerk and smelling the cinnamon and va- thank yous for the wonderful time we rations going on in the Grüne Baum silver building with huge bands of houses that I was used to seeing in nilla in the air. We ate roasted chest- had. With Christmas now around the (the name of the building where the windows encircling it, we bought our Schwäbisch Hall. But they still had nuts and drank warm Glühwein, a corner, I am looking forward to more exchange students live), below my tickets, got our audio guides, and then their own little charm, maybe because mulled red wine that is flavored with good times with the great people window on Gelbinger Gasse Street took a space-like elevator that looked they were so unique. spices and slices of oranges. For din- whom I’ve met here, and I’m also there were people bustling on the like a silver pill with a rectangular The last stop of the day was the ner we ate Steckerl fish, a grilled fish excited to be coming home to see my cobblestone streets setting up stands window and cream leather interior to Weihnachtsmarkt in Stuttgart, one specialty marinated in oil, spices, and amazing friends and family. and booths for the Christmas Market. the top of the building. From there, we of biggest Christmas markets in all garlic. It was delicious and so was the Christmas in Germany is a big deal made our way down from one floor to of Europe, with an over 300-year-old bread that came with it. For dessert Comments can be sent to and it is one of the things I was most the next in a spiral-like motion, walk- tradition. It was humongous! The tops we had one of my favorite Christmas [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 News 3 Helpful hints for students who Federal government are looking to study overseas seeks to recruit Gavin Way they’re considering, especially Eng- of the group of Americans in your UMBC students Editorial Staff lish-speaking countries. Many times, study abroad program. Ashford rec- Americans find their study abroad ommends “[trying] to embrace the The Retriever Weekly recently talked experiences in countries like the UK, culture and the international crowd.” with staff and students here at UMBC New Zealand, and Australia to resem- There is nothing worse than returning to find out what students interested in ble nothing they expected. To many of from a semester abroad and realizing studying abroad can do to capitalize these people’s amazement, these coun- what you did could have been done on their adventures overseas. tries, even though they share the same just by transferring to any American Before you go language, have dramatically different university for that time. Before you can worry about what cultures. Ashford also encourages students you can do while abroad, it is impor- Specific concepts to take into ac- abroad to not “be afraid of travel.” For tant that students take the time to re- count should include the nightlife, many students abroad, the exploration search what they are getting themselves the foods, and the geography. Don’t of a new country gives them a much into. First and foremost, students need underestimate the value of the later deeper appreciation for the country to understand that studying abroad point: while many study abroad pro- and a better understanding of its true entails just that: studying. grams are based in major cities, ev- culture. Admittedly there are also the “Study abroad is not a vacation. It ery country and city has very unique safety concerns, but many of these can is a different type of academic experi- people, universities, food, and public be minimized using the same street ence,” says Dr. Brian Souders, Associ- transportation. smarts Americans need to employ in ate Director of International Education The drinking habits of the young the States: don’t wander drunk, stay in Serves. In addition to being concerned adults in the countries are also impor- groups, and never use ATMs at night. with the country in which they are go- tant: “Be careful of the drinking cul- For more information on UMBC’s ing to be living, the universities and ture. It is different [abroad] and can be study abroad programs, start by ex- the academics available are major com- overwhelming,” says Daniel Ashford, a ploring http://www.umbc.edu/ies/studya- ponents of the student’s experience. Of student studying abroad here at UMBC broad/. course the country you are choosing from Swansea University in the UK. abnet shiferaw — TRW will have a dramatic impact. When Abroad The Shriver Center’s Christine Routzahn gives her opinion as to why the Souders advises students to research First and foremost, you need to Comments can be sent to federal government recruits from UMBC. the unique culture of every country make sure you make friends outside [email protected].

Gavin Way UMBC could also not be in a better Editorial Staff location – located so close to Wash- ington, DC, UMBC allows its students Police log UMBC has developed a close rela- to take full advantage of the jobs and tionship with many companies and internship opportunities found the DC organizations eager to hire our alumni, metropolitan area. Current UMBC stu- November 24, 2009 A former UMBC staff member vio- wearing a dark-blue sweatshirt, a light chief among them being the federal gov- dent and participant in the Cooperative lated a No-Contact Protective Order, hat, and was carrying a light-colored ernment. Attracted by UMBC’s diversity, Program within the DoD community, The Commons Garage Level 2 and a warrant was obtained charging backpack. its strong academic programs and prox- Sean Quinn summarized it best, “UM- Destruction of Property the person with Violation of Probation. imity, the government actively recruits BC’s location [in proximity] to the hub A UMBC student reported a tire was The warrant has not yet been served at Harbor Hall students for internships, co-ops, and of the federal government in DC, com- slashed on his vehicle while parked in this time. Theft of Bicycle employment. bined with the strong technical degrees the Commons Garage. A UMBC student reported his bi- Recruiters for many government the university offers, appeals to most December 2, 2009, cycle was stolen while it was chained departments and agencies, like the Na- federal agencies.” Erickson Hall to the bike rack in the Harbor Court- tional Security Agency (NSA), Depart- Federal employers’ interest in hiring Sex Offense 4th Degree Academic 4 yard. ment of Defense (DoD), and National UMBC students, however, isn’t enough An ORL staff member told the Theft from Buildings Institutes of Health (NIH), are a com- to guarantee students a job or intern- UMBC Police that a UMBC student A UMBC student left her cell phone December 4, 2009 mon sight around campus. This past ship if students fail to prepare. Rout- wanted to report a sexual assault that in the restroom. When she returned September, the Shriver Center hosted a zahn offered several points of advice for occurred a few months ago. to the restroom approximately 30 min- Severn / West Hill Homeland Security Lunch Panel, bring- interested students to consider. First, it utes later, the cell phone was gone. Possession of Alcohol by Person Un- ing recruiters from many security- and is really important that students start November 25, 2009 der Age 21 defense-oriented agencies. Turnout was early. Many government internships December 3, 2009 The UMBC Police responded to high, showing that the students here are and co-ops have early deadlines due to Unknown Location On Campus loud noises and individuals urinating just as interested in these positions as the security screening process. Theft - Miscellaneous Erickson Hall over a balcony. Upon arrival, the po- the recruiters are in hiring them. More important though, is the need A UMBC student reported that her Alcohol Violation lice observed evidence that someone There are many things about UMBC to be persistent. “In a down economy wallet was missing. Upon realizing An ORL staff member reported an had urinated. They also found seven that draw these recruiters, according many people are trying to enter the fed- her wallet was missing, she contacted intoxicated, underage UMBC student. underage UMBC students along with a to Christine Routzahn of the Shriver eral government for the job security that her credit card company and discov- The student was transported to the large amount of various alcoholic bev- Center. She identified the primary fac- is offered, so apply early and often. Also, ered that the card had been used to hospital by ambulance. The following erages in the room. All students were tor as diversity: “We are a very diverse don’t get tunnel vision with respect to make purchases at several stores off- day the student was issued a Judicial given Judicial Referrals and criminal campus, where recruiters can come and the positions you would take, it is much campus. Referral for the incident. charges are forthcoming for the rooms’ find a population representative of the easier to move around an agency and resident. American people.” Many of the govern- the government internally,” advised November 26, 2009 Biological Sciences ment recruiters are seeking to create a Quinn. Theft from Buildings (Attempted) Patapsco Hall work force as diverse as the people they Lastly, to make themselves the most Erickson Hall A UMBC student reported that Attempted Suicide / Emergency work to protect. attractive candidate, students should Rape while she was in a classroom, unable Evaluation According to Routzahn, UMBC’s rep- focus on strong academic performance A Baltimore County Police Detec- to be seen from the entrance, an un- The UMBC Police Department utation lets employers know that “the while avoiding illegal behaviors. It is tive contacted UMBC Police and stated known person was observed entering received a call from the Montgomery students they hire have the necessary extremely frustrating for both the re- that she took a report from a UMBC the room. The subject went to a desk County Hotline saying that a UMBC intellectual foundation and experience.” cruiters and students that an initially student for a rape that occurred on where a laptop was located. When the student had contacted them stating She specifically mentioned that the fed- promising candidate is later disqualified campus prior to the date it was re- student questioned the subject, he fled he was suicidal. It was discovered by eral government is the nation’s largest based on failure to achieve a security ported. from the area. Nothing was taken from UMBC Police that the student had employer and is also one of the most clearance. While traditional factors like the room. A check of the area failed consumed an overdose of prescrip- diversified. The federal government’s drug use are less often automatic dis- November 30, 2009 to locate the subject. The subject is tion medication. The student was broad mission means there are oppor- qualifiers, new issues have taken their described as a black/male, late 20s to taken to the hospital by ambulance for tunities in every field and for all majors. place. One such example is the usage of Casselman / Hillside early 30s, approximately 5’7”, medium treatment. Routzahn added, “overall, federal agen- illegal downloading software. Fail to Comply with Peace Order build, and light complexion. He was cies continue to recruit at UMBC due to their history of success in hiring strong Comments can be sent to student talent.” [email protected]. 4 News 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Poll: UMBC Athletics: In debt but worth it ment presented is a six to seven year plan, with an estimated payment of Although primarily viewed as a $150,000 per year. So far, the de- “science school,” do you think partment has been successful in fol- lowing the plan. Further solutions the University should increase its to reduce the deficit include reduc- spending in the arts, humanities, ing the size of travel teams, reducing travel mileage and reducing book and social sciences? scholarships. Also enabling UMBC’s athletic department to reduce its debt more quickly is increased fundraising revenues from alumni. According to Brown, UMBC’s athletic teams have received far more than just monetary support. Brown told The Retriever Weekly that UMBC teams received letters from soldiers in Iraq Courtesy - UMBCadmissionsblog.com who themselves had been affiliated Joy Adewui (women’s tennis), assistant director for academic services Jes- with UMBC Athletics in the past. sica Hammond, Corleia Carapcea (women’s tennis), and UMBC director of In addition, ticket sales are ex- athletics Dr. Charles Brown. pected to flourish as a result of the success of the men’s basketball team. Priyanka Oza to increase the amount of scholar- “We are on television, we spread the Yes! 45% Contributing Writer ships they offered to students and name of the university everywhere the number of coaches per team, and enrollment has shot up, “says Yes, but let’s wait until our 30% In fall of 2004, UMBC’s intercol- hence incurring additional costs. At Brown. “More people are engaged legiate athletics program moved up the same time “the department had with UMBC because of its athletics; budget situation is looking from Division 2 to Division 1. How- no time to raise funds and on top of athletics is the prime mover behind brighter. ever, moving up has had its cost. that had to pay an entrance fee of school spirit,” he emphasizes. According to UMBC Athletic Direc- $250,000,” said Brown. “The Athlet- Sophomore Erin Brown, a guard/ tor Charles Brown, “UMBC’s athletic ics Department had to pay this [en- forward on the women’s basket- No, we should devote our funds 20% department generated a deficit of trance] fee because the University ball team similarly explained how to futher build upon UMBC’s approximately $1.2 million due couldn’t afford to [due to budget UMBC’s move from Division 2 to 1, to this change.” The department is cuts].” although costly at first, will help the strong reputation in the not supported by the state; it runs To reduce this deficit, the Board university overall: “Moving up to sciences. solely on athletic fees, and thus does of Regents has asked all Division 1 Division 1 is a great opportunity; the not contribute to UMBC’s debt as a schools whose athletic programs are competition is better, athletic schol- whole. in debt, including the University of arships will be given to generate No, we shouldn’t spend any 5% The athletic department’s debt Maryland - College Park, Bowie State more interest and it is overall more additional money on either. was generated by requirements im- University, Coppin State University prestigious for a university.” posed by Division 1 American East and UMBC, to initiate a debt reduc- Conference’s emphasis on men’s and tion plan. Out of UMCP, Bowie State women’s basketball, soccer and la- and Coppin State, UMBC’s athletic Vote in next week’s poll at retrieverweekly.com. crosse. Upon moving up to Division department possesses the smallest Comments can be sent to 1, these departments were required deficit. UMBC’s Athletic Depart- [email protected].

How to stay healthy by managing your stress level

Grace Cho of that, many students also deal with conditions such as depression, high is evaluate your life and habits and to cise, which releases stress-lowering Staff Writer economic stress, parental and societal blood pressure, heart disease, fertility determine the source of your stress. endorphins into your body, is also pressures, drug and alcohol abuse, problems, skin problems, atheroscle- This means that you must honestly highly-recommended. This includes Too much stress can have very seri- homesickness, and lack of sleep. rosis, and unhealthy weight gains or consider your personal capabilities to exercise that emphasizes relaxation ous effects on both the mind and the On the physiological side of things, losses. As a matter of fact, 75% to 90% deal with the amount of stress that’s techniques or meditation such as yoga body. And yet it is so common that it is stress can both positively and nega- of all visits to the doctor are somehow currently in your life. For example, if and tai-chi. often overlooked and underestimated. tively influence your body. The body related to stress. you find yourself in a bad relationship Another good way to relieve stress is Perhaps this is why college dropout has developed a series of hormonal Obviously though, it is virtually while trying to juggle 18 credit hours, to spend time volunteering for a good rates in the U.S. are shockingly high responses that has been termed the impossible to survive in the modern a part-time job, and 5 extra-curricular cause. Spending time caring for other nowadays. According to MSNBC, only “fight-or-flight” response. When the world without encountering some activities, it’s up to you to recognize people is not only fulfilling, but it 54% of students who began college in brain perceives that there is a stress- long-term stress. The simple solution when you’ve reached your limit. keeps your mind off of worrying about 1997 had a degree six years later. Col- ful situation, it activates your sym- is to find an activity or strategy to allow Another thing to be careful about is yourself, which is where a large por- lege freshmen are particularly likely to pathetic nervous system and releases your body to de-stress and to talk to your method of de-stressing. Unfortu- tion of your stress comes from. give up higher education; more than 1 these hormones. These hormones people who can help you. nately, young people especially seem to Unlike many other health issues, in 4 drop out after their first year. then make you energized and more Though most campuses including think de-stressing and having fun are stress is something that begins in the Though there are many contributing excited, resulting in a faster heartbeat UMBC, provide some sort of coun- one and the same. And perhaps they mind and is therefore something that factors to this ominous trend, statistics and nervousness and preparing you seling service, over 70% of students are, short-term. However, if party- can, in many cases, be controlled. So show that academic burnout is one of for action. have not even considered visiting one ing to reward yourself after a difficult live life with a positive attitude. When the most common ones. According to However, when these stress hor- to help them deal with their issues. If exam will prevent you from doing you can do that and when you can ac- a poll done in 2009, 85% of students mone levels remain elevated for longer talking to professionals does not seem your homework for a different class, cept that there are things in life that are stressed on a daily basis and more periods of time and continue to deplete like an option to you, there are many you will end up being more stressed you cannot control, you won’t be over- than 30% feel overwhelmed a great energy and suppress the immune sys- other ways to lift some of the tension in the end. whelmed when life throws something deal of the time. This academic stress tem, they start to negatively affect your to prevent an unhealthy buildup of An example of a good method of de- unexpected your way. is so severe that 6 out of 10 students health and lower the body’s ability to stress. stressing would be just taking care of report that they get so stressed out that fight off disease. It has been proven If you find that you are feeling your body. It is important to eat right Comments can be sent to they cannot do their work. On top that stress can lead to many serious stressed, the first thing you have to do and to get enough sleep. Daily exer- [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 News 5 Scholar wins grant UMBC student unearths to fund civil rights ancient archaeological remains shoulder lifting buckets out of a trench book and exhibition Megan Masciana in the beginning of the third week. She Contributing Writer spent most of the remaining time either back in the Center or sitting in the field While working on her senior research tents cleaning pottery shreds recovered Natalie Ingleby for For All the World to See, writes thesis in Central Spain, UMBC ancient from the excavations. Staff Writer in her introduction that “we may studies and cultural anthropology major Gammon’s excavation experience all need this book as a guide to the Sandra Gammon unearthed an ancient was part of her senior thesis research A scholar for UMBC’s Center present day representations of our necropolis. Gammon had been working project, in which she is conducting a for Art, Design and Visual Culture larger-than-life president.” She adds as part of a team of Spanish archeolo- cultural analysis of the pre-Roman tribes has been awarded a grant worth that “Berger’s text and a superb col- gists and international students through of central Spain. She is using the infor- $400,000 to fund a website, book, lection of images spanning the sec- ArchaeoSpain, a non-profit organization mation gathered archaeologically by the and exhibition which examines the ond half of the 20th century gives us based in Connecticut and Madrid. Ar- field school run by the Universidad de history of the fight for civil rights a guide to visual literacy in African chaeoSpain was founded in 2000 with Valladolid, as well as information from across America. American representation.” the goal of bringing people from all over modern scholarly resources and ancient Dr. Maurice Berger, the project The work of Toni Morrison, the world to work alongside trained spe- accounts from the conquest of Spain. manager, curator, and author of For James Baldwin, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ro- cialists. ArchaeoSpain teams, consisting For Gammon, her time in Spain was All the World to See, received the land Barthes and the art historian of 10 people from around the world who as much of a cultural experience as it was America’s Historical and Cultural Rosalind Krauss, Berger’s mentor join the local crew, have assisted in major an intellectual one: “A local woman from Organizations: Implementation throughout his undergraduate and discoveries at sites in Spain and Italy. down the street cooked our lunch and Grant from the National Endow- graduate studies, has been the main “Sandra and the other participants dinner every day, which was excellent,” ment for the Humanities, which has influence on his creativity. The in- have been learning about archaeology said Gammon. Connecting with people also deemed the project a “We the spiration for this work, however, while at the same time contributing to back home was tremendously difficult: abnet shiferaw — TRW People” work. These projects are lies a lot closer to home. “My father important research projects. Our joint “Our hour at the library once a week was Sandra Gammon unearthed an an- cient Celtic necropolis, or a cem- deemed gestures which are encour- was a civil rights supporter before Spanish-international teams have un- the only Internet access we got and, for etery, from the 5th century B.C. as aging and strengthen the teaching, most whites even acknowledged the earthed priceless information about most of us, also the only time we got to a part of a Spanish archaeological study and understanding of Ameri- movement, so my initial inspira- Spain’s ancient past,” conveyed Archaeo- communicate with our loved ones back team. can history and culture. Berger is tion comes from the dialogue that I Spain director Mike Elkin. home. We went into the nearest town, career. My dreams, however, will keep currently the adjunct curator of had with my father in the 1960s as Although excavation work is often- Peñafiel, every Monday to go grocery me closer to home; I am more interested UMBC’s Fine Arts gallery. a young child,” he says. Dr Berger times slow and tedious, Gammon struck shopping and to the library.” The town in Cultural Resource Management than The project has been organized in has been writing on and curating the gold when she unearthed an Iron age/ is very small: “Living in a village of about Classics at this time. I hope to enter grad- partnership with the National Mu- topic of American race relations for Celtic necropolis from the 5th century 40 families was quite an experience all uate school after graduation in pursuit of seum of African American History the past 25 years. B.C. settlement in Pintia, Central Spain. on its own,” Gammon relates. “Everyone a master’s degree in archaeology.” and Culture, Smithsonian Institute, Berger says he has had a continu- A necropolis is a large cemetery belong- knew everyone else, and they all knew For more information about Archaeo- Washington, D.C. and is due to be ous attraction to political art and has ing to an ancient city. Gammon discov- who we were.” Spain visit their website; www.archaeo- unveiled on May 12, 2010 at the long been interested in the connec- ered three graves. As for Gammon, her experience in spain.com. International Center of Photography tion between visual culture and the “We worked through meals and after- Spain has only enhanced her passion for in New York. The project features society at large. For All The World To noon siesta to finish the excavation be- archaeology. “Having gone through that Comments can be sent to an exhibition, website, and a book See explores an even more compel- fore we had to leave,” said Gammon. In without losing enthusiasm only confirms [email protected]. written by Dr. Berger, For All the ling issue for me: how visual imag- the excitement, Gammon injured her left for me that I want archaeology to be my World to See; Visual Culture and the es, from photographs and magazines Struggle for Civil Rights, published by to television and film, can alter pre- Yale University Press. The exhibition vailing attitudes and thinking about will be feature in a festival and pub- politics, culture, and broader social UMBC implements protocals lic program at the New York Public issues,” he says. Library later in 2010, and will then Berger has been published in tour museums nationwide, culmi- a number of other areas, writing to combat sexual assaults nating at a display at the UMBC about the U.S. Supreme Court for Center for Visual Arts in fall 2012. the Village Voice in the 1990s, and > from ASSAULT [1] The Voices Against Violence (VAV) fault,” Leupus said. “It’s true that there Dr. Berger’s work comes at a time discussing race relations in the New Program, a university initiative, is spon- are things that aren’t smart to do but when race relations are still promi- York Times and Los Angeles Times. the steps that have been taken by their sored by University Health Services, at the same time no one deserves to be nent in today’s society. Writer Thu- Perhaps most significantly, his mem- respective campuses to ensure that such University Counseling Services, The Of- raped or attacked. So [students] should lani Davis, who gives the foreword oir about life in a predominantly actions are not repeated. fice of Student Judicial Programs, Uni- take care of [themselves] and recognize black and Hispanic housing project According to the Cleary Report, versity Police Department, the Office that [they are] going to have a whole in New York, White Lies, is assigned “UMBC is committed to creating a safe of the Vice President of Student Affairs, range of emotions…we want to make as a text in sociology, political sci- and secure campus environment that is Residential Life, and The Women’s Cen- sure that [the victim] is immediately ence, literary studies and African- free from acts of intimidation or the fear ter. The program’s main focus is to iden- safe, has a good support system…and American studies. “I’ve always been of falling victim to a sexual assault or tify and eliminate violence on campus. [she or he] is able to take care of [him- a big supporter of interdisciplinary hate violence.” The Staff from Sexual Assault and self/herself].” studies, so I guess I practice what I Currently UMBC has various pro- Relationship Violence Team (SARVT) It is important that students who find preach,” Berger adds. tocols in place to handle a situation of was created at UMBC in order to be themselves in such a predicament must Despite being awarded the grant, sexual assault. Victims have the option available to respond to reports of sexual know and understand their options and Berger feels that UMBC favors the of seeking counseling or mental health and relationship violence. Students who the various services that over the years science-related fields over the hu- help either on campus or in the com- have become victims of sexual assault have been put in place to handle such manities. “Given the relative success munity. According to the 668.46(4) can turn to SARVT if they require ac- situations. In order to encourage stu- of some of the humanities programs Code of Federal Regulations, UMBC companiment to the hospital, police de- dents to come forward and report a case at UMBC—here at CADVC, for ex- counselors when counseling a victim partments, University Health Services, of sexual assault, relationship violence, ample, we have a national, indeed, are not required to report the statistics University Counseling Services, the stalking or sexual harassment and to en- international following. We’re keep- concerning the incident. Office of the Vice President of Student sure that both parties are treated fairly, ing up with the sciences in terms of “Often times students don’t report Affairs and Student Judicial Programs. the VAV has put together a list of rights grants, we are continually the sub- the incident right away when it hap- The UMBC Police Department is also that shall be upheld for not only the vic- ject of national press. It’s my hope pens. Sometimes it’s several months af- available for students 24 hours a day tim but also the accused if the case is that the humanities will finally get ter it occurred,” Director of Residential seven days a week. brought before the University. The list of abnet shiferaw — TRW the attention we deserve at UMBC. Life, Katie Boone said. “But once they “[Victims of sexual assault] need to rights can be viewed by clicking on the Yes, our science and math programs let one of our staff members know… take care of themselves in a way that VAV protocol (http://www.umbc.edu/uhs/ Dr. Maurice Berger’s project examin- are superlative; but so are our hu- they realize that what happened to them ing the history of civil rights will go or someone else know…the incident is vav/index.html). on display May 12,2010. manities departments and centers.” documented. We have a Voice Against first of all wasn’t their fault…I don’t care Violence team here on campus…that if she had too much to drink or if she Comments can be sent to Comments can be sent to carries out the protocol.” went to someone’s room. It isn’t her [email protected] [email protected]. 6 News 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Student wins Idea competition with plans for an on- campus produce stand called “The Green Bean”

Chris Cook time before class, [the Green Bean page description of their idea and an Contributing Writer can] give students an option to have optional one minute YouTube video. a healthy meal,” he said. He believes A field of 60 entrants was narrowed Junior mechanical engineering that students will value a healthier down to 15 finalists by judges Eric major Mariano Mumpower came alternative to The Commons and Conn, Kim Gordon, and Gib Mason. away with a $750 gift certificate to a quicker alternative to the Dining All three judges are UMBC alumni Amazon.com for winning November Hall. who were asked, along with student 19th’s Idea Competition Finalists Second place to Mumpower was voters, to base their decisions on Review. His idea? To bring healthy, a team of four students: Michael four main criteria: identification of fresh, quality, and affordable daily Adams, Paul Chamberlin, Charlton the problem or opportunity, creativ- dining options to UMBC through a Flanders and Andrew Mochinal. ity, feasibility, and impact on the project he called “The Green Bean.” Their idea was to make UMBC’s gym community. The selection was met with applause more environmentally friendly by The judges were impressed by the from the standing-room only crowd powering it in part with actual ex- presentations overall and pleased at The Commons Sports Zone during ercise equipment used by students; with the wide variety of ideas. “I the two-hour event’s conclusion. their presentation was one of the enjoyed being around other entre- Mumpower conceptualized “The most entertaining, a real life demon- preneurs-to-be,” said Conn. All have Green Bean” as a repainted, refur- stration of an exercise bike generat- been involved with UMBC in their bished, and redesigned old school ing enough power in a few seconds post-graduate lives to some extent, bus turned mobile organic produce to blow a small light bulb. The team and agreed that it was good to give stand. His presentation explained received $500 in cash rather than back to the school. They agreed that his project would incorpo- gift certificates, since the reward that the projects’ feasibility was Courtesy www.umbc.edu/entrepreneurship rate the concepts of using sustain- had to be split four ways. Two other the single most important aspect. Front and center: Mariano Mumpower’s winning idea is a traveling produce able energy and providing seasonal teams each walked away with $250 Gordon explained, “You can have stand made from a refurbished and redesigned old schoolbus that would menus, in addition to other things. prizes; third place winners Vlad Az- a good idea, but if it’s too difficult come to campus. He identified four main advantages imhodjaev and Fouad Kanaan were to implement or too complicated, it of his idea: innovation, sustainabil- rewarded for their innovative on- takes away from it.” Votes from the ity, benefit to the local community, line event management system, and judges counted for 75% of the final up-and-coming university. were announced. She explained that and convenience. “I feel great,” he Dehyu Sinyan won the “best pitch” vote, while the sum of student vot- The Alex. Brown Center for En- many ideas submitted to the Idea said shortly after he was announced award for his entertaining video pro- ing counted as 25%. trepreneurship sponsored the Idea Competition could also be submit- as the winner. “I’m glad I was able to duction. Ten student voters got paid Vivian Armour, Director of the Competition, which was UMBC’s ted to Prove It!, which provides the get my message across.” for just being there, in the form of Alex. Brown Center for Entrepre- first ever. It was open to both grads winner with $30,000 in funding in He cited ice cream trucks and $25 Amazon gift certificates. neurship, was thrilled to have 60 and undergrads in teams of one to addition to a $5,000 cash prize. SGA produce stands that are common in Ideas from other finalists ranged applicants from 27 different major three people. It was created to pro- is looking for ideas that “strengthen other countries as the main inspira- from improving UMBC’s parking sys- programs in the initiative’s first year. vide students with an opportunity to and inspire pride in UMBC.” Under- tions for his idea. “I like the thought tem, to installing renewable energy She hopes to double the number by address problems and opportunities grads interested in the opportunity of bringing produce directly to the generators on campus, to engineer- next year, and described this year’s facing society by generating helpful can visit umbc.edu/proveit for more community,” he said. He attributed ing bio-degradable cigarette butts. turnout as a great success. “We know ideas, whether they were UMBC- information. The deadline to apply the success of his project to its in- Pitches were creative and varied; students have great ideas,” she said. specific or not. is December 22nd. volvement with the health and green oral presentations, PowerPoints, ac- “We’re trying to give them a form to Yasmin Karimian, President of the movements that are gaining larger tual demonstrations, and short the- be heard.” She pointed out that stu- Student Government Association, followings throughout the country. atrical skits were all used. To enter, dent ideas and innovations are a big spoke briefly about SGA’s Prove It! Comments can be sent to “If students have just a little bit of teams submitted a maximum one part of why UMBC is regarded as an program right before the winners [email protected]. President hosts forum for students, faculty, and staff to share ideas on how to strengthen community

Other students expressed their > from HRABOWSKI[1] wishes for more interdisciplinary ef- Katrina Hein in the Emergency forts to take place. Travis Mayberry Health Services program explained of the Computer Science program her favorite part of being in UMBC, explained that in graduate studies, stating, “My favorite aspect of cam- it seems like students are immersed pus is the diversity –every time I solely within their department, walk around campus, I feel like I’m and don’t collaborate with other walking through an airport.” Hein students from other departments also commented that, while her ex- often enough. Hrabowski replied perience with faculty has been over- with a suggestion to the students to whelmingly positive, she disliked change this fact: propose ideas to having to take online courses. the department to work with other Peter Mech from the Engineering departments on certain projects or Management program expanded on activities. Heins’ dislike of online courses, ex- Parkington brought to the table plaining that he liked the interaction the fact that there aren’t many pro- in the classroom between students grams well-publicized for graduate patricia Davila — TRW and professors, whereas it is harder students to mentor and help under- President Freeman Hrabowski speaks with biology major Pooja Patil during the International Bazaar event. His ap- to incorporate a quality discussion graduate students on campus. He pearence at everyday events across campus is not uncommon. into an online course. Hrabowski explained that he has been working explained that “with the current with undergraduate students with involved in programs. Nancy Young, the Vice President mentor program of graduate to un- economic and budgeting issues, you their athletics at the RAC, but no- “I’m really looking for a mentor for Student Affairs, responded that dergraduate is really a great idea,” will see a lot of hybrid and online ticed that many undergraduate stu- program between graduate students UMBC has several mentor programs Young commented. courses pop up, not only at UMBC dents don’t really know what goes and undergraduate students for in- for student affairs, but mostly are but at many other universities, as on around campus, don’t know how coming students who need some undergraduate students to under- Comments can be sent well.” to adapt, or don’t know how to get direction,” Parkington explained. graduate students. “But I see that a to [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 News 7 Climate Commitment to lesson carbon footprint and cooling. Another 25% is due to use renewable sources. ver, gold and platinum. It is intended commitment, according to McConnell Priyanka Oza of vehicles, and is mostly from commut- Other examples of mitigation efforts for all new buildings to match the silver and Schaefer, is for the campus to devel- Contributing Writer ers to and from the campus. Air travel include water conservation efforts us- rating. On the transportation side, ex- op ways to get climate and sustainability by faculty and staff makes up another ing low flow toilets and faucet heads, amples include efforts to improve rout- issues into the college curriculum. Many In 2007, President Freeman Hrabows- 10%, and the remainder is due to solid and a commitment to making all new ing of shuttle and MTA bus service to ideas are under consideration, and some ki signed the American College and Uni- waste disposal and refrigerants used on buildings LEED silver equivalent. LEED increase transit ridership, and the pur- first steps have been taken. There will be versity Presidents Climate Commitment campus. The emissions have declined is a green building rating system, which chase of new campus vehicles that are two “sustainability interns” working on (ACUPCC), which commits the UMBC slightly over the period, despite some rates buildings on their efficiency in re- very fuel-efficient. sustainability issues on campus in the campus to develop a plan to phase in re- growth in the campus, due to a number ducing negative environmental impacts The CCTF has been working with the spring semester 2010. And on February ductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- of mitigation efforts, and to an increas- of construction practices. There are four Administration, Facilities Management, 5 of last year, UMBC participated in the sions to near zero over time. UMBC is one ing share of purchased electricity from levels to the rating system: certified, sil- and other groups on campus to identify National Teach-in for Global Warming of over 500 schools to have signed on to possible short term strategies for GHG Solutions. More than 30 classes over a this agreement. President Hrabowski ap- reductions.They have recently com- two-day period across many disciplines pointed the Climate Change Task Force pleted the first long-term plan for the were open to the entire campus commu- (CCTF) in the fall of 2007, made up of campus, the Climate Action Plan. Many nity and were committed to discussing faculty, staff and students from across the of the goals of this plan in terms of GHG issues related to global climate change. campus, to implement the commitment. reductions are consistent with those of The event included many booths in The Thanks to hard work by workgroups of recent State of Maryland regulations. For Commons with vendors and govern- the CCTF that include GHG Inventory, example, campus is targeting a reduc- ment agencies supporting sustainability Transportation, Research and Education, tion of 25% over 2007 levels by 2020, activities, and a panel discussion with Campus Outreach, Mitigation Strategies which is consistent with the Greenhouse national, state and local officials. This and Long-Range Planning, a good deal Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009, year, many of these events will be held of progress has been made toward fulfill- signed by Governor O’Malley. To work in conjunction with EcoFest in April. ing the terms of the commitment over toward the long-term goals, the CCTF “UMBC is working hard and has a lot the past two years. is about to sign an energy performance of potential to become a more green There are a number of components to contract to reduce energy use with an school. CCTF’s car pool initiatiative to the commitment in addition to reducing energy conservation company. reduce green house gases, I think is a GHG emissions, according to Dr. Vir- “UMBC is working hard, but there is great idea,” says Neeti Goel, a sopho- ginia McConnell, Professor of econom- still a lot more that can be done,” says more biology major. ics, who, along with Lynne Schaefer, Rachael Muellar, a sophomore political Students looking for more informa- Vice President of Administration and science and english double major. “For tion can go on CCTF’s webpage: www. Finance, co-chairs the CCTF. To identify example, the new trayless initiative in umbc.edu/sustainability/. Through this the amount and sources of emissions the dining hall is a good attempt at being webpage, students have access to infor- that contribute to global warming, the environmentally friendly, but more food mation on how they can get involved campus must develop an annual green- is being wasted as a result of students not with efforts to increase environmental house gas inventory. This inventory has serving themselves,” she adds. There are awareness, links to research centers, now been completed for fiscal years Courtesy indyvegsociety.org many changes that will occur in the next information on initiatives, and much 2007, 2008, and 2009, and has pro- 10 years as part of this contract, includ- more. Since 2007, UMBC has worked to lessen its carbon footprint through using duced some interesting results. About more efficient water fixtures and no longer using trays in True Grits’. How- ing adding energy awareness programs 60% of the campus emissions are from ever, there is more to be done so some professors aim to add climate and in the dormitories. Comments can be sent to energy use for electricity and heating sustainability into the curriculum. Another important part of the climate [email protected]. Programs and grants help entrepreneurship thrive

Megan Masciana of ACTiVATE. The program is going of ACTiVATE, was named the winner meeting an oncologist who had de- over into the SGA’s rainy day fund. Contributing Writer strong for a fifth year and, so far, has of the annual StartRight! Business Plan veloped a process for bringing unsuc- Student entrepreneurs can find re- helped to start over twenty-five com- Competition. This is the sixth year that cessful drugs to market. Her findings sources at the Alex. Brown Center for Recently the UMBC campus com- panies. the Rockville Economic Development, showed that the drug helped 10 people Entrepreneurship. The Center works munity has been rife with opportuni- The women involved in ACTiVATE Inc. (REDI) Competition has been held. with their cancer. Using her ACTiVATE with the Baltimore business community ties for students looking to be entre- are trained to assess markets, write Cook’s company, Thersa Medical, is de- training, Covin is now improving her to give students experience through in- preneurs. Some of those opportunities business plans, and start up a busi- veloping a device to monitor patients business plan and looking for investors. ternships and also provides mentors to include the Idea Competition, Prove It!, ness. A key component of the program using regional anesthesia. StartRight! She explained that continued guidance give students structure when mapping and programs sponsored by the Alex. is bringing the women together into was Cook’s second entry and first vic- from ACTiVATE instructors has been out their ideas. “I get a lot of students Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. teams. Usually the women have experi- tory. She now has the money to build extremely helpful. calling because they are interested in In addition, UMBC is involved within ence of five to ten years at minimum in her prototype, which will help her to The ACTiVATE program gives its starting their own business or have the Baltimore community through AC- the workforce. Half the women have a gain investors more easily because she graduates the tools to develop solid already started their own business and TiVATE, an entrepreneurship training technology or science background, and will be able to demonstrate a tangible business plans and present those plans would like to gain more information. and support program for career women half have business backgrounds, while and working product to them. to potential partners and investors. We connect them with people in the interested in using university technol- others have Ph.Ds. The mixed experi- Another successful entrepreneur is “Jodi and Carol exemplify the spirit community and give them advice,” says ogy that is developed through research. ence in both science and business cre- Carol Covin, a member of ACTiVATE’s and expertise of our graduates and we Vivian Armour, Director of the center. It is located at UMBC, NIH, and Texas ates strong and successful teams. class of 2007. She was one of eight congratulate them on this latest suc- “I think it’s great, I think we have State University. “The program helps women learn finalists out of 40 in the competition. cess,” conveyed David Fink, ACTiVATE done an incredible amount, we have ACTiVATE was started when UMBC how to use their skills in the real Her company, Sky Blue Pharmaceu- program director. really engaged a lot of faculty and received a grant from the National Sci- world,” says Auzil. “We go out and try ticals LLC, is creating a medication to For undergraduates looking to be they have engaged a lot of students,” ence Foundation. Vivian Armour, the to identify technology [that can best treat solid tumor cancers. Solid tumors entrepreneurs, the SGA is sponsoring says Armour. The Alex. Brown Center Director of the Alex. Brown Center aid individual groups in their business usually do not contain liquids or cysts. its second annual Prove It! Competition for Entrepreneurship also offers over for Entrepreneurship, thought that it plans] so that the women can choose Different types of malignant cancers are this year. Prove It! challenges students 40 credit and non-credit courses to would be good to have a strong entre- from the list that we provide or they named after the cells that form them; to strengthen the UMBCs community teach business and entrepreneurship. preneurship program at UMBC. Also, can bring their own technology to the some examples include: sarcomas, car- by creating their own innovative proj- These classes include: Introduction to as a state institution, one goal of UM- program.” cinomas, and lymphomas. Cancers of ect, service, or event on campus. “I ap- Entrepreneurship, ENMG/BTEC 609: BC’s mission is to support economic One of the issues that ACTiVATE ad- the blood are not considered solid. The preciate the opportunity that UMBC is Innovation and Technology Entrepre- development, says Stephen Auzil, As- dresses is the amount of entrepreneurs small-molecule drug is based on the giving students to create a better com- neurship, POLI 209: Civic Imagination sistant Vice President for Research and in the state. Training more entrepre- ingredient protocol. munity,” says Ravae Duhaney, a junior and Social Entrepreneurship. UMBC is Co-Principal Investigator on the ACTi- neurs and helping them build success- Covin was inspired when a friend dance education major. A committee currently developing an entrepreneur- VATE grant received from the National ful businesses is an important way to with stomach cancer found success will review the applications based on ship major and minor. Lastly the center Science Foundation. The primary way promote economic development. It also with a combination of natural ingredi- many factors including feasibility and offers students real world experiences UMBC supports the economy is by encourages more creative enterprises. ents used in a cancer drug developed contribution to the campus. The win- through business plan competitions training students for the work force, ex- The partnership also makes technology in the 1980s. However, the drug never ners will receive $30,000 to implement and direct learning through internships plains Auzil. A second way for UMBC devolved in universities available for made it to market. Colvin, a computer their project and $5,000 just for win- in early stage companies. to support economic development is to production and use. science engineer with experience in ning and carrying that project out. The create new businesses within the state ACTiVATE has trained many success- entrepreneurial enterprises, set out to $35,000 comes from the leftovers of Comments can be sent to of Maryland. This is the main function ful people. Jodi Cook, a 2008 graduate complete the data on the drug after Student Activity Fees that have rolled [email protected]. 8

[email protected]

Staff Editorial staff International students feel the rush of the holidays Editors Editor-in-Chief Gaby Arévalo With the holidays quickly approaching, many out-of-state and international stu- fatigue. For some, it means missing their families' festivities entirely. Furthermore, 410.455.1262 dents are scrambling to take their final exams as soon as possible. Students are trying travel prices skyrocket around the holiday season and tickets can go up hundreds Managing Editor to beat the rush and get back to their homes as quickly as they can, but for those of dollars the later one buys tickets. For someone on a student budget, waiting an Ariane Szu-Tu of us who don't live within driving distance of UMBC, the trip home is often time- extra week to get a response from a professor about when they can take an exam can 410.455.1263 consuming and arduous, especially with holiday crowds. While some professors are break the bank. UMBC should be more lenient with students that have to travel long News Editor lenient about letting students take exams early, some are not and this can result in distances, or ideally, have exams start and end earlier so that all students and not just Andrea Thomson students having to take their exams a day or two before holidays. This can mean in-state students can get home in a timely manner. After all, the holidays should be Assistant Editor Alethea Paul that students arrive home at the last minute and are unable to participate due to spent with the ones we love, not on airplanes or highways. opinion Editor Anne Verghese Assistant Editor Bobby Lubaszewski The many benefits of being multilingual arts Editor Paul-William deSilva guages may help stimulate the brain Assistant Editor Anissa Elmerraji and, as a happy consequence, create a smarter you. But selfish benefits sports Editor aside, each individual becoming Donald Daniels smarter can also be coupled with the Assistant Editor Corey Johns more selfless reasons. By learning at least one other photography 410.455.1018 language, cultural barriers are bro- Editor ken down. Learning about differ- Patricia Davila Assistant Editor ent cultures is part of learning a Achsah Joseph language. This helps to add to the Copy Editors ever-growing diverse world. In fact, John Breen that could even be applied to our Amy King Gavin Way backyard. This country is a melting Danielle Kennedy pot. It would be helpful to know an- other language. Without improving Production cultural diversity, many ideas and 410.455.1266 principles that we have today might courtesy daytonchinese.org Manager have been overlooked. Tazuko Sugajima Unless you can understand the above statement follow the article’s advice. In fact, go ahead and follow it either way. The most important reason of all Assistant doesn’t fit into a selfless or selfish Neeta Balram Assistant Nathaniel Buechler languages. type that Americans are bigoted and category because it spans both sides Rahul Gautam Contributing Writer I’ll start off with the most selfish unintelligent when it comes to the of the spectrum. If you would like Assistant Ka Lai Lou of reasons that I’ve heard: it looks world past California and New York. to fully understand English (or any Assistant Learning a second language may great on a resume when applying If every person who has gone though native language for that matter), Sohee Oh not be the most exciting thing to for jobs. That’s right, you could get public education could learn at least you might want to begin by learn- do in the world (especially with the hired quickly. It makes sense. Since one other language then maybe that ing another language. By learning a Technology new Super Mario Bros game out), the world is indeed becoming "a would help future students compete second language, you might actually 410.455.3901 Manager but there are far too many reasons small world after all," employees with students overseas, not only in be re-learning your first (take gram- Greg Fiumara why it is a good investment. Most who speak a second language are the business realm, but on a more mar rules, for example). Next time importantly, the world is becoming showing that they have the patience fundamental, literally mind-opening you think about learning a second Online Editor Vania Dienzo an extension of the United Nations, to learn even a little bit of a second level. language and how time-consuming Assistant defined less and less by individual language and are also willing to have Scientifically speaking, learning and tedious it can be, just remember Darwin Mach System Administrator countries' physical boundaries. an open mind when speaking to for- a second language activates parts it is an investment. Paul Swenson True, English is considered to be eign customers. of the brain that are barely used in Webmaster Now Hiring "the universal language," but that To take this idea to a national lev- other fields (kind of the same con- C o m m e n t s c a n b e s e n t t o should not deter the pursuit of other el, it helps to break down the stereo- cept as music). Learning other lan- [email protected]. business 410.455.1261 Business Manager Nimit Bhatt distribution The Retriever Weekly welcomes your comments. Letters to the editor must be submitted before 5 p.m. Friday via e-mail Manager to [email protected] or delivered to The Retriever Weekly office, UC 214. Please limit letters to 300 words and include Kisou Kusuzaki your full name, year and major. The Retriever Weeky retains the right to edit submissions for content and length. Assistant Manager Paul-William deSilva advisor Faculty Adviser Editorial Policy Christopher Corbett The Retriever Weekly staff editorials reflect the views of the editorial board; signed columns and advertisements represent the opinions of the individual writers and DESIGN advertisers, respectively, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Retriever Weekly or the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The Retriever Weekly publishes Carly Wilkins weekly on Tuesdays during the regular school year. Editors can be reached at (410) 455-1260 during normal business hours or at University Center 214; 1000 Hilltop Circle; UMBC; Baltimore, MD 21250. The Retriever Weekly is an equal opportunity employer. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 oPINION 9 Flooded cities, fixed election and other fun events

Collin Wojciechowski anti-climatic start to an anti-climactic Editorial Staff decade. As the new month began, the character that lead to this decade’s dis- In just a few weeks Dick Clark, Ryan mal status was elected with a whopping Seacrest and a bunch of crappy pop majority of 7-2 Justices. Yes, goodoldboy bands will stand in Times Square and George W. Bush himself bought a nice count down as a giant glass ball gets seat in the Oval Office and the fun began. lowered a few feet. Try and contain your He would preside over two terms that excitement. As we approach this fantasti- would allow a major American city to cally anti-climactic event I thought it ap- flood, a war under false pretences to be propriate to do what we all do around waged, the standardization of students New Year’s, take a look back on the past under No Child Left Behind, and the year and reminisce on how much it creation of The Biggest Loser. sucked. But as we approach the end of Now you may be saying that it’s a bit a decade, I figured, why sum up a year harsh to blame all of the decade’s nega- of depressing statistics when I can fit ten tivity on this one man, and you’re right. into one biased editorial? Dick Chaney and Karl Rove deserve their Let’s think back. Way back to Decem- fair share of my anger, too. However, ber 31, 1999. If we all weren’t too busy maybe there is a little light at the end of following Prince’s advice, we were hud- this tunnel. I mean, I’m sure you can tell dled around flashlights, automatic weap- based on this writing that, I’m a big opti- ons, and cans of chicken noodle soup, mist. As Americans we have the unique waiting for the world to end because ability to start our culture anew. We are computers wouldn’t register the numeri- watching the beginning of one of the cal differences in the new year. Planes most landmark progressive movements were going to fall out of the sky, missiles in our nation's and our globe's history. courtesy thefutureofads.com going to launch uncontrollably, and the Through pending legislation in Congress Early word on the street is that the musical lineup this year is….I don’t care. Mayan calendar was going to run out of we may actually begin providing help to days. Wait, different overblown apoca- those less fortunate, at a summit in Co- ties to make this decade one of lasting volunteer more and help reduce the to believe maybe this year will be better lyptic scenario, my bad. But as the clocks penhagen world leaders have the oppor- positive change are upon us. national debt, currently standing at than the last.” turned over we all sat and looked around tunity to take real steps to reverse climate So despite all the events of the past, I $12,098,481,377,692.54. I personally at each other as the only bad thing that change, and our Defense Department look forward to that evening a few weeks am just going to try and get a little more had happened was the year that brought aims to seek the begining of the end of from now and a fresh start. Where we sleep, because, to quote Mr. Duritz, “it's Comments can be sent to us the creation of Nunavut was over. An fighting in Afghanistan. The opportuni- each make resolutions to lose weight, been a long December and there's reason [email protected].

Quotes from the Quad

What are your plans for Winter Break?

“Applying for internships and hanging out with Abigail Boateng high school friends.” Biology Freshman, 19 “Working, going to Detroit.”

Adam Vinson Psychology Bobby Attrill Junior, 21 Education Thomas Herstek Freshman, 18 Environmental science Freshman, 18

“Working at Chuck-E-Cheese!” “Working 10- hour overnight shifts.”

“Think about my life.” Garrett Lopez Undecided Freshman, 18 photographer: wyatt jaster wyatt photographer: 10 oPINION 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly point Health care compromises are a benefit to no one

plications that health care reform will threatening that he and his fellow Blue bring about socialism, and sensational Dog Democrats would withhold support rumors of “death panels,” all of which for the final version of the bill and de- serve to distract Americans from the stroy its chances of being passed. larger financial issues at hand. Demo- These distractions have hopelessly cratic leaders, who in general are pursu- muddied the health care debate, and the ing reform for altruistic reasons, have al- bill passed by the House is not nearly lowed Republican hysteria to control the radical enough to address the changes debate, which has led to the creation of that desperately need to be made. The a watered-down bill and the dangerous fact remains that the health care industry Stupak amendment. cares more about ensuring its own prof- The first part of the amendment has its than taking care of sick Americans. been federal law since 1976: it says The greatest cause of bankruptcies in the that the government cannot use federal US today is out-of-control health care funds to pay for an abortion. The second costs, yet health insurance stocks have provision in the amendment is most risen since President Obama backed troubling—it decrees that no federal away from a public option. According to courtesy zimbo.com funds can be put toward any health plan Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), one of The abortion issue has even found its way into the current health care debate on the floor of the Senate. that includes abortion. Part of the new the only progressives to oppose the bill, House bill includes subsidies for insur- Americans should not “fault the insur- Danielle Kennedy the House will save families money are health industry groups pledged to re- ance companies that will make it easier ance companies for being what they are,” Editorial Staff suspect, to say the least. H.R. 3962 will duce the growth of health care spending for low and middle-income people to but should oppose “legislation in which require all Americans to purchase an in- by $2 trillion over the next decade, yet purchase plans, but in order to receive the government incentivizes the perpet- All political discussions in America surance plan, and will make it illegal for the House bill projects only $440 billion these funds, companies will have to drop uation, indeed the strengthening, of the inevitably lead back to the culture wars, insurance companies to deny coverage in savings over the next ten years. While abortion coverage from their plans. The for-profit health insurance industry, the and this debate is no exception. Gallup because of pre-existing health conditions. estimates indicate some savings in the amendment means that a woman will be very source of [our] problem.” polls suggest the main issue Americans But the bill places no caps on insurance private sphere as well, the exact amount unable to use her own money to pay for While it may be true that any kind of now have with health care is its cost: premiums, which means companies can is unclear. her abortion, unless she can afford to pay reform sends a message, the elation of 46% say they are concerned with the raise prices any time they feel their prof- Despite these real concerns about its full cost out of pocket. The amend- Democratic lawmakers over this neu- cost of medical care, and 38% express its are being threatened. One provision spiraling costs and its burden on fami- ment stipulates that women are free to tered health care bill makes me doubt dissatisfaction with how much their of the bill limits the amount Americans lies, much of the debate has centered purchase optional riders that would that more reform will be forthcoming. own policies cost. Yet the percentage will have to pay in out-of-pocket ex- on ideological concerns, even among cover abortion, just as people purchase And these side issues—the threat of of Americans who support or oppose a penses to 5,000 dollars for individuals members of Congress. House Minority dental and vision riders, but it seems un- “socialized” medicine, the new abortion health care bill is roughly even, and the and 10,000 dollars for families. What Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) warned likely that someone would purchase cov- restrictions—are just distractions that reasons for their support or opposition working-class family has this amount of that health care reforms would inevitably erage for something that is unplanned by prevent Americans from seeing the real are largely philosophical or ideological, money on hand? lead to “rationing,” a word that evokes nature. Representative Stupak (D-Mich.) issue: that health care companies are rob- suggesting that American opinions about There are also doubts, even among the former Soviet Union and its constant has repeatedly said that he is not trying to bing us blind. health care are mostly based on partisan- supporters of the bill, that it will reduce shortages of food and consumer goods. kill health care reform, but told reporters ship. government spending on health care. In TV news coverage of the debate has been earlier this week that there would be “hell Comments can be sent to The claims that the bill just passed by May, President Obama and leaders of saturated with so-called Tea Parties, im- to pay” if his amendment was removed, [email protected]. counterpoint This is the debate that will never end, it goes on and on my friends

Christopher Marchsteiner why it’s used so frequently in the politi- Contributing writer cal arena to play games in elections and on issues as important as healthcare—a It was painful both as an American and life-or-death situation for millions. The as a Catholic to see a group of celibate old hilarious joke that has been played on white men determine the limits of repro- the American people is that the status of ductive freedoms in our country when abortion hasn’t effectively changed since the House passed the Affordable Health Roe v. Wade, and it likely never will in Care for America Act with the Stupak- our lifetimes, regardless of what conser- Pitts amendment, barring the use of fed- vatives will tell you about overturning eral funds for abortions except in cases the infamous Supreme Court decision. of rape, incest, or situations threatening Sure, there are slight adjustments to the mother’s life. The U.S. Conference policy here and there, the most famous of Catholic Bishops, a lobbying effort of which is the ban on the use of federal claiming to speak on behalf of Catholics, funds to support international groups who despite what Church leaders would who perform abortions; it was estab- have you think, are firmly divided on the lished by Reagan, struck down by Clin- issue of abortion rights, actively pres- ton, reinstated by Bush, and struck down sured Democrats in the House through again by Obama. While these presidents the utilization of the more conservative found themselves talking about the abor- members of the party. tion issue frequently, and entire segments While the future of the bill is at best of voters were mobilized to vote on that courtesy corbis.com uncertain as it approaches the Senate, position alone, these symbolic policy The abortion debate has drawn in opinions from everyone ranging from the Pope to the Supreme Court. pro-abortion advocates everywhere are changes were the most significant deci- hung up on this amendment. It’s hard sion they made on the issue. reason why the justices did not weigh in haps a better question: does the typical clearly than this healthcare bill. Toler- to blame them. Nevertheless, the bill is Then there’s the concern about Su- on the legitimacy of Roe v. Wade in the American citizen have greater concerns ate the concession for now; the abortion a step in the right direction. Perhaps it’s preme Court appointees. Those who case of Gonzales v. Carhart, which de- than abortions in another country? One debate will still be around in a month or time to put aside the outrage and stop cast their ballot on election day imagin- termined the legality of the Partial-Birth would hope so, because as scary as a two. Or, as the president said when he caring about the abortion debate, at least ing that with just enough nominations Abortion Ban Act—it’s scary to make complete ban on abortion might be, and lifted the federal funding ban earlier this for a little while. Roe v. Wade might, with one grand decisions like that and quite frankly they as offensive as the recent healthcare bill year: “I have no desire to continue this Of course, abortion is not an issue that gesture, be overturned once and for all didn’t want to. is to the rights of women, and even as stale and fruitless debate.” can simply be put on the backburner; it is have obviously never studied the judicial What does the typical American citi- important as providing women in other a powerful, emotional debate that cuts to branch. To say that the Court will avoid zen gain when the president determines countries with the ability to make such the core of many beliefs for many people. making decisions on a controversial issue whether or not federal money funds a choice safely might be, there are other Comments can be sent to But it’s not hard to see that this is exactly at all costs is an understatement; there’s a abortions in another country? Or per- issues. Nothing illustrates that more [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 oPINION 11 Pirates of Somalia: The curse of desperation and poverty

Ryanne Milani end of the tale. Contributing Writer As soon the ransom was paid and the hostages were safely on their Just hearing the word “pirates” way, the pirates did what pirates can summon up thoughts of excite- do best: fighting over treasure. Al- ment, danger, adventure, battles at though it is unclear how exactly it sea, terrifying captains, and ruthless began, a dramatic gun fight that re- crews. Thanks to popular culture, sulted in at least two badly wounded almost every child has dreamed of pirates broke out at Harardhere, a being aboard their very own pi- pirate stronghold in Somalia. There rate ship and going off to hunt for has been no reported loss of life as a buried treasure. Sadly, real pirates result of the shootout, but this event aren’t quite so romantic or carefree. is just one more in a series of vio- Poverty, desperation, and the lack of lent instances involving the Somali a stable (or any, for that matter) gov- pirates. ernment has pushed many young Somali pirates have gained quite a Somalis to partake in the dangerous fearsome reputation in recent years and difficult life of piracy. Although and have captured over 50 ships off piracy has the potential to make a the coast of Somalia just this year. lucky few become very, very wealthy, Just like the famous pirates of the it often leads to imprisonment or past, these pirates often target larger death at the hands of the military, vessels. Some of their more notable hardships faced at sea, or even con- exploits involved the capture of a frontations with other pirates. Saudi supertanker (for which the The most recent pirate drama pirates received a ransom of $3 mil- ended on the seventeenth of this lion) and a Ukrainian cargo ship month. After forty-seven days of that was carrying battle tanks and courtesy warisboring.com holding the Alakrana, a Spanish ammunition. fishing boat, and its thirty-six crew- In response to the danger the pi- Somali pirates: It’s actually an issue outside of South Park. members hostage, a crew of Somali rates have been creating for interna- pirates finally received the ransom tional ships around or in the Gulf of not giving up, forcing naval ships order to rescue hostages. in jail. The two pirates that were ar- they were demanding: three million Aden, the U.N., Somalia, and fifteen to capture and punish more young Captured pirates face very severe rested in connection to the capture euro ($4.5 million). Apparently all other countries are working together Somali men. As the events of last punishments after being handed of the Spanish fishing boat, for ex- of the hostages were released safely to immobilize the threat. Despite the April, when three pirates were shot over to the authorities in Kenya, Ye- ample, are facing an extremely long as soon as the ransom was paid. stepped up patrols, naval escorts for and killed by an American sniper men, and Somalia to be tried. They sentence: 200 years or life. According to two pirates that were ships that are likely targets, and the during the rescue of an American are often found guilty of several later captured by the Spanish mili- increased number of failed attempts cargo-ship, demonstrated, the U.S. charges including kidnapping and Comments can be sent to tary, however, that wasn’t quite the at capturing ships, the pirates are Navy is not afraid to kill pirates in armed robbery, and face many years [email protected]. Global warming all hot air? Obama pushes full speed ahead at Copenhagen summit be the policy response of the United reviewed journal. Perhaps we should Courtney Ring States and the rest of the world. The tim- encourage our colleagues in the climate Senior Staff Writer ing of the documents’ release comes just research community to no longer sub- before the December 9 United Nations mit to, or cite papers in, this journal. We The escalating Internet hubbub over summit on global warming in Copen- would also need to consider what we tell the e-mails released from Great Britain’s hagen, a summit that hoped to secure or request of our more reasonable col- Climate Research Unit in East Anglia promises for sweeping cuts in carbon leagues who currently sit on the editorial has been matched by near silence in the emissions. board." mass media. Why is that? Is it because This move promises to be highly ex- With so much money involved and these e-mails have the potential to force pensive, making it particularly onerous the sweeping social changes envisioned us to rethink the entire global warming for economies struggling to shake off the by proponents of this theory, the facts scenario in several different ways? torpor of recession. Before agreeing to had better be correct! But if people are The first thing to think about is the anything, representatives from the coun- not allowed to test the facts for them- information on which the global warm- tries involved would do well to take a selves, and to dispute the conclusions, ing platform is founded. The research hard look at whether or not they’re po- then there's no way of telling what from the Climate Research Unit was one tentially hurting their industries for the course of action is actually appropriate, of the four major sources relied on by sake of tilting at windmills. potentially wasting time and resources. the pivotal United Nations report deal- Third, we would have to re-think This leads back to the original ques- ing with man-caused global warming. how the information about the global tion: Why aren't more people in posi- If that information proves to be faulty, it warming theory was disseminated. The tions of power publicly investigating calls into question the conclusions of the e-mails hint at tampering with data, in- this issue to find out the truth? President rest of the report. Tellingly, the e-mails cluding requests to delete e-mails about Obama is still planning to appear at the mention frustration at not finding evi- the United Nations report, threats to Copenhagen Summit to promise heavy dence for global warming to back up the keep a dissenting report out of a paper cuts in carbon emissions. The situation predictions of models. One e-mail reads, even if “we have to redefine what the is a bit like being on a high-speed train “The fact is that we can’t account for the peer-review literature is” and to put headed for a tall trestle over a fast-flow- lack of warming at the moment and it is pressure on journals to keep dissenting ing river. Someone has raised a red flag a travesty that we can’t. voices out of accredited journals. The to indicate danger on the tracks ahead. The CERES data published in the defense offered has been that scientists, So, why aren't more people slowing the August BAMS 09 supplement on 2008 according to Dr.Michael Mann of Penn- train down in order to see what's actu- shows there should be even more warm- sylvania State University, “speak in a ally happening on the tracks before pro- ing: but the data are surely wrong. Our language they understand and is often ceeding? As a society, are we so wedded observing system is inadequate.” Usual- foreign to the outside world.” Agreed, to this theory that we can no longer step ly, when the data isn’t there, it’s standard but how difficult is it to understand the back and consider the facts objectively? courtesy dailymail.co.uk procedure to allow that the theory might following e-mail, sent after one journal published several articles by dissenters: World leaders plan to meet in Copenhagen to discuss revising the world’s be wrong—not automatically assume current climate change policy, which is to offer polar bears life vests. that the problem resides in the data. "I think we have to stop considering Comments can be sent to The second thing to reconsider would “Climate Research” as a legitimate peer- [email protected]. 12 oPINION 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Child slavery is still a topic of concern in Haiti

Yasmin Radbod (Visualize that scenario in the U.S.!) Staff Writer Because parents are unable to support their families, parents willingly give In the United States, the word their children away to host families. It’s “slavery” evokes images of a cruel very easy for outsiders to look at this past and an unthinkable injustice in predicament and put the entire blame today’s world. Yet slavery, in a differ- on the parents. Sadly, the parents re- ent context, continues throughout the ally don’t have any other alternative. entire globe. To name a few instances, Would you rather your child starve or human trafficking and child slavery live with a well-provided family, and are serious crimes against humanity supposedly enroll in school, even if the that persist to this day. Child slavery child will suffer terrible conditions? It is especially cruel and unfathomable is an overwhelming decision that no because those children lack a promis- one should ever have to make. ing future. In Haiti, the restavek sys- I do, however, put blame on the tem, which is illegal, is supported by Haitian government for not enforcing 300,000 or more child slaves. its laws against the restavek system. Imagine growing up (from five years As long as Haitians are unable to get old to fifteen years old) with a host access to job opportunities to support family through the restavek system. themselves, this system will undoubt- There is a strong possibility you will edly endure. Fertility and mortality get raped, be severely mentally and rates are high, people are malnour- physically abused on a daily basis, ished, and there is poor sanitation, all lack schooling, and have to complete of which are the result and motivators chores and menial labor completely of the cycle of poverty. Haitians have without pay. In exchange you get a suffered tremendously this past year courtesy repeatingislands.com roof over your head, albeit nothing alone because of four hurricanes, and I Every day child slavery becomes a bigger issue, not only in Haiti, but around the world. substantial, and leftovers to eat. You fear environmental disasters will con- do not have the option of attending a tinue to degrade the lives of Haitians university, like UMBC, and your future unless the rest of the world begins to ter, not an e-mail, is becoming a more change. As Americans, we especially for your health and your family this is bleak. You are alone. be conscious of their effects on the en- and more effective tool in regards to have the power to lead the rest of the holiday season. It’s very sad to realize “Why,” you ask, “is this happening?” vironment’s climate. contacting your senators and repre- world in an environmentally friendly that the world’s wealthiest countries Like many other issues, poverty is the There are a few simple things you sentatives. Tell your friends and family lifestyle. Lastly, please be grateful for are able to consume so much because root cause of the proliferation of the can do to end the restavek system. Visit about this issue, and raise money over what you have. We UMBC students others have so very little. restavek system. According to the Jean www.restavekfreedom.org to take action the holidays. On a side note, please be are so privileged to be attending col- Cadet Restavek Foundation, 80% of by sponsoring a child, donating, or eco-friendly. As I discussed above, in- lege compared to people throughout Haitians live under Haiti’s poverty line, linking the website to your Facebook creased and more severe environmental the world who are unable to even get Comments can be sent to and the unemployment rate is 50%. account. Writing a hand-written let- disasters are a result of global climate a high school education. Be grateful [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 advertIsEment 13 14 Arts

[email protected] Mama's Boys prepares for International Championship Gaby Arevalo Editorial Staff

Three times a week in different classrooms across campus, the Mama’s Boys rehearse their versions of popular songs. The men’s a cappella group practices for two hours at a time, refining their songs bar by bar until they have them down perfectly. This commitment to excellence has paid off, as the Mama’s Boys have qualified for the International Championship of A Cappella. The ICCA is a yearly competition that draws a cappella groups from the United States and western Europe to give it their all. Senior Matt Polonchak, the musical director for the group, says, “this is the AChsah Joseph— TRW first year that we decided ‘we’re going The Mama’s Boys prepare for the International Championship of A Capella where they will be up against College Park, Towson, and Johns Hopkins. to do it.’ So we stayed up late one week at rehearsal recording, and sent it in gold event, get as many students as we SGA (several Mama’s Boys members have another member. There is joking around are required to go through a rigorous overnight because it was really close to can there, maybe get some buses going. served as SGA President), and the Mama’s at these rehearsals, but when Polanchak auditioning process that includes an the deadline.” Three other a cappella We’d love to see some support out there.” Boys jump at the chance to perform for gets the group’s attention, they all quickly individual performance, sight-singing, groups from area schools qualified, With tickets at five dollars per person, the their fellow students, whether it is at the stand in formation and get ready to and performance with the group. It also including the University of Maryland- Mama’s Boys hope to get a good UMBC UMBC talent show or the Panhellenic sing. Polonchak takes on a crucial role includes a “Q & A of some pretty goofy College Park, Towson University and turnout, as part of the judging for the Association’s bid day. in the group, as he is responsible not questions to try to get their personality Johns Hopkins University. According competition, which will take place on The conversation overheard at a only for singing his parts of the songs, to see how they would fit in the group,” to junior Nimit Bhatt, the ICCA is February 13, is based on crowd reaction. Mama’s Boys rehearsal is not the typical but also for directing the group. As the says Bhatt. This is key to the synergy that “the premiere, pretty much the only For UMBC students familiar with conversation one associates with a group group rehearses, Polonchak will offer the group has, as the group is close-knit international a cappella championship.” the Mama’s Boys, it should come as no of men in their late teens and early suggestions and helpful advice. When and works together seamlessly. Though Though the official location has yet to be surprise that the group is expanding twenties. It is peppered with mmms, the group practices a song from start to each member is singing different notes, announced, because of its central location to a new level. What started as a small oohs, and duns, with talk of chord finish without stopping (or as they call the Mama’s Boys sing as one. Their next to the groups competing, the Mama’s group of music-lovers in the basement progressions and tempos. Between songs, it, a “trainwreck”) Polonchak will signal performance will take place at the Mama’s Boys hope that the competition will be of Potomac Hall in the fall of 2003 has the members of the group help each when they need to slow down, speed Boys Winter Ball on December 14 at 8 held at Johns Hopkins University like it turned into one of the most recognizable other perfect the minute details of their up, or change key, but the group keeps p.m. in Lecture Hall 5. has in years past. President of the Mama’s musical groups on campus. Many of respective parts. “There’s a key change, singing until they finish the song. Boys Raif Karerat says “if that’s the case, the members are also involved in other dog,” laughed Bhatt at a recent rehearsal The road to becoming a Mama’s Boy Comments may be sent to we’re hoping to turn it into a black and activities on campus from Greek life to as he went over a part of a song with is not an easy one, as potential members [email protected]. Camerata warms Holiday season proves merry December spirits and bright in Baltimore turkey, stuffing, too much family time, Ingrid Garcia As the conductor lifted his arms and snowball fights. Staff Writer gracefully, the audience held a • Miracle on 34th Street: This Hampden silence that was broken only by the neighborhood tradition is currently in its The cold night obligated a group sounds of melodious angels; it was 62nd year. Between Keswich Road and of students in front of the library a heavenly chant that emitted only Chestnut Ave, the houses are decorated to walk briskly toward the Fine the strands of perfection. The choir’s so over-the-top they look as if Christmas Arts building. UMBC Camerata, voices echoed in unison not only has exploded. Complete with vendors conducted by Stephen Caracciolo, against the walls but softly, lingering selling hot chocolate, this event is a lot sponsored a beautiful repertoire of in the eardrums. of fun. Not only does it have the best classical music on December 4. Despite the cold outside, the people-watching in the area (you’ll lose The screechy chairs in the Fine music ended up warming up the count of all the tacky Christmas attire) Arts Recital Hall were almost full audience to the core. The first part of but also you can go into the actual houses and as people took off their layers the of the concert was a capella, no courtesy superartfirgt.com to see how the insides are decorated. of winterwear, impending suspense music accompaniment, which was Hampden’s Christmas Display on 34th Street is what the average city block Not even to mention meeting the quirky spreading throughout the crowd as a general surprise since for the past would look like after a nuclear attack. people who live in the lit-up houses. 8 o’clock came by and still the choir two semesters, UMBC’s Camerata This event runs until December 31, and had not taken their place up in the has always been known to start off Liz Omberg between you and the magical month of more information can be found at www. stands. Applause signaled their with the piano. But it was not at all Senior Staff Writer sleeping late and not having classes are chritsmasstreet.com. entrance and the men proceeded missed, since the singers made sure those horrendous three weeks of finals. • A Christmas Carol, The Musical: onto the stage in clean-cut black to resonate all the way to the last Coming back from a Thanksgiving To give us all something to look forward Recreating the Christmas classic is the and white suits, with the women file of chairs, and the audience was break full of turkey, stuffing, too much to (or give us a break from studying in Musical Artists Theatre. The city paper following behind in black mid-waist able to understand every articulated family time, and football, is my personal the unholy Library Atrium) I have made describes this event as a “musical version cut long dresses imitating a Victorian > see camerata [16] worst time of year. You get a taste of the a list of six holiday events around the > see holiday [18] style. freedom that winter break will bring, but area that will get us ready once again for The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 ARTS 15 Terry Gilliam’s Imaginarium Street urchin's poses existential dilemma Winter Break guide 2009 to Baltimore

courtesy baltimore-md.org The Metro Gallery on Charles Street provides a wide variety of stimulating Courtesy sony pictures classic cultural experiences for those looking to up their street credit in the station Terry Gilliam’s latest film features the last performance by the late Heath Ledger. North Arts District.

the trainwreck Baltimoreans are most Amy King the devil for immortality hundreds of film. However, this movie is far from Becky Hunter sentimental about, Edgar Allen Poe, EDITORIAL STAFF years ago, left with only your child and a mainstream. Staff Writer which runs through January 17. And wacky, collapsible stage? With Lily Cole’s It’s really a shame that people need an if you see Federal Hill as the be-all The AFI, a tiny theater in downtown Valentina and Ledger’s Tony as potential ancient old man to help them experience To the dismay of few, the fall and end-all of culture, the American Silver Spring, Maryland played host to collateral, can you win in the end? the fullness of their imaginations. This semester at UMBC is coming to a Visionary Arts Museum always has the European Union Film Showcase this Plummer gives a heart wrenching film may get flack for its quirky, fantastical slow and creaking close. It’s time to something delightfully and heart- November, showing The Imaginarium of performance as a very flawed hero, flavor, but philosophically the film truly cut that damn cord that seems to have warmingly bizarre to look at. Their Doctor Parnassus, a United Kingdom film struggling with the responsibility to keep packs a heavy punch. The film questions everyone so attached to this campus. yearly exhibit entitled “Life, Liberty directed by Terry Gilliam, for one night his daughter safe while his history with the moral dilemma of choosing good There are no more tyrannical academic & the Pursuit of Happiness” will only to a packed theater weeks before its Mr. Nick, the devil, drives him to the or evil, being selfish or being selfless, commitments, thank you very much, surely please all “aspects” of your official (and limited) December 25 U.S. booze. The taunting of the devil, played and living—forever, in Dr. Parnassus’ so there will be lots of time to do personality. And for the love of this release date. by Tom Waits, with cigarettes burning case—with the consequences. While something of leisure outside of Flat great earth, go into the barn and Although known as Heath Ledger’s and a slippery smile, doesn’t make it there are many other commendable Tuesdays. They are kicking you out of watch the screen-painters video. It final film before his sudden death in 2008, any easier. Cole, already famous for her aspects to this film, such as the vividly your dorm. Carpe diem. will certainly draw a tear. And then The Imaginarium boasts Christopher modeling career, plays his daughter, colorful cinematography and well-played It all comes at a perfect time really, you will feel an overwhelming urge to Plummer as its lead character, Doctor Valentina, as independent and spirited supporting roles, the plot is slow to for Baltimore is starting to turn that own a large, ceramic cat. Parnassus, with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, as her hair is red. Valentina could easily thicken, and none of the characters start to sad shade of brownish-grey for the As far as musical performances are and Colin Ferrell taking over the parts have turned into a whiny brat, but Cole make an impression until almost halfway winter months, and it probably needs concerned, there are a few options. If of Ledger’s role that he was unable to makes you feel for her character, a pawn through the movie. However, for those to be savored. Once January comes you are looking for something abstract complete. in the game and the real treasure which with some patience and a philosophical around, the city takes on the persona and questionable, hang outside of the Doctor Parnassus’ imaginarium Dr. Parnassus faces losing. bent, it shouldn’t disappoint. of an elderly, sickly gentleman with Copycat and wait until someone has gives all who enter it the access to their Ledger gives a stand-out performance I left AFI that night with the concept chronic emphysema. His heart of pity on you and lets you in. Just wander unique fantasy life. Every entrance in as Tony, a charismatic criminal on the run and novelty of the imaginarium burned gold and fiery wit is still intact though around the halls. Poke your head the imaginarium ends with an ultimate who helps the traveling circus act survive in my mind. It made me think about despite the overall sallowness of skin. into an exciting-sounding apartment choice between good and evil. Choose after it saves him from a rope-tight spot. how little we are encouraged by today’s Needless to say, the old man has (it wouldn’t be the strangest thing wrong and you may never come out There is even a brief moment or two ads and media images to use our own been abandoned by his family and to ever happen there…). And enjoy again. when the Joker from The Dark Knight originality to discover the capacity of our needs some cheering up before his what the portal to Hell has to offer. It becomes a game between Dr. comes out in his character, coercively imaginations. Honestly, have you used time comes, and the various venues For the less inclined, Joe Squared on Parnassus and the devil: who can win putting his gaze right up to the face of your imagination today? and spaces that make up his innards North Ave. provides rather unnatural the most souls from the imaginarium? who he is talking to with that whiney, are providing ample opportunity to combinations of jazz, funk, and What would you do if you were Dr. even-keeled voice; any Heath Ledger fan C o m m e n t s m a y b e s e n t t o give this poor guy something to look your best friend’s brother’s indie folk Parnassus and had sold your soul to can appreciate his performance in this [email protected]. forward to. experience. As always, the Hexagon Come the middle of December, on N. Charles St. will be offering a Mondays are pretty much useless. mish-mosh of open-mic things on Gossip Girl is on hiatus, which is Tuesdays. The Ottobar appears to 'The Crystal Egg' brings an really all it had going for it in the first have gotten really into metal lately, so place, so, it might be worth leaving if that floats your boat, go for a show the house to go shake it at a tragically there. December and January offer element of technology to hipster gathering of sorts that takes some pretty slim options. Just keep place on the most tragically hipster your head up, something marvelous corner in the WHOLE city. No Rule will come along, and then you can be UMBC's theatre department at the Metro Gallery features local all “boo-yah! most depressing time of fun-maker Cullen Stalin (Hey Joe!) the year, I am all overcome by musical spinning the finest of dance-y music. satisfaction!” Derek Roper unleashed three gelatinous aliens. was even more out of this world. This tends to happen every Monday Luckily, Baltimore is full of rich Staff Writer This colorful cast of characters Colette Searls, Assoc. Professor or so, and it is free. But you have to cultural experiences to tide you consisted entirely of puppets, CGI, of Theatre, directed the play. “I like be 21, so all you children will have over while campus is hibernating. Mr. Cave was a shopkeeper who and bubble wrap (operated by real to do original puppet shows and I to find somewhere else to gape at So, be sure to attempt to experience was miserable and wouldn’t flirt people—of course). was looking to do a puppet story, so some serious drunken, awkward something exciting and bizzare, with the first elderly woman that The adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The I was approached by Timothy Nohe movements. because that is what being an idiot came into his shop (even if she did Crystal Egg opened on Thursday, to collaborate on something,” Searls For a more sober outing, there are college kid, and life in general, have the sexiest mu-mu around). Dec. 3 (performed through Dec. said. “We admired each other’s work plenty of excellent exhibits going on is all about. Weird, sensational It seemed like humanity had given 13) in the campus theater and from afar, it was just serendipitously that might be worth a gander. The experiences. up on him and he had given up encouraged audience members to perfect.” Baltimore Museum of Art is featuring on them. That is, until a small boy delve into a world of science fiction With a partnership formed, Searls the prints of Picasso’s favorite frenemy, entered his shop and broke an and human emotion. While the play > see crystal egg [18] Henri Matisse, until January 3. Also Comments may be sent to expensive looking crystal egg and was fascinating, what went into it featured is an exhibit that idolizes [email protected]. 16 ARTS 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Life’s hand dealt in Precious g omin C to theaters This week by Daniel Supanick

princess and the frog [g] The highly anticipated return to 2-dimensional animation from Disney, The Princess and the Frog is a re-telling of the classic fairy tale, only set in New Orleans’ French Quarter. It also features Disney’s first black princess, Tiana. I, personally, can’t wait to see this one. I’m excited to see if Disney can make a grand return to form from the mediocre 3D movies its been producing (Note: not Pixar, Disney) since rejecting the medium of 2D. Invictus [pg-13] From director and life-long badass Clint Eastwood, Invictus stars Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in the story of Nelson Mandela’s attempts to unite South Africa by encouraging its rugby team to win the World Cup. Eastwood’s film are usually a pleasure to watch, and this has had good buzz, so expect a winner. Also expect Clint Eastwood to take what is his in the director’s chair, because, you know, he’s Clint Eastwood. I wouldn’t say no to him. This picture is worth a thousand words at least. courtesy lionsgate the lovely bones [PG-13] From Peter Jackson, the director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this is the Daniel Supanick easier than she does as a black person. decision by making the film Glitter? story of a teenage girl who is murdered and ends up in an “in-between” world. From there, she keeps careful watch over her family and her killer. Staff Writer This, however, does not translate as a Her turn in Precious is good enough This film sports a plethora of talent, including Stanley Tucci, Rachel Weisz, distorted esteem for being white, but to make the audience forget that. Susan Sarandon, Marky Mark Walberg, and Atonement’s Saoirse Ronan, Lee Daniels' urban drama Precious: rather as Precious wondering how life Lenny Kravitz submits a reserved and and should at the very least be a visual winner. That said, I put it upon Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire could be different. In her day-to-day effective performance as a male nurse, Peter Jackson to convince Marky Mark to bring back the Funky Bunch. I has been stirring controversy in the routine, Precious sees white people and as Precious, newcomer Gaboury also had hoped for this from M. Night Shyamalan, but instead he gave us black community. Some have been who have it much easier than she does. "Gabby" Sidibe turns out a great, The Happening. Oh, well. praising its raw honesty in its portrayal They dress nicely, have good jobs, and nuanced performance that should be a single man [r] of life in a destitute African-American sustain a stable lifestyle. White people recognized. Starring Colin Firth in a role that has been garnering awards buzz, this tells the story of a gay man who struggles to make it through one day household, while some have labelled are also beautiful to her in the way The main selling point of this after the unexpected death of his partner. This has had good word-of- it a white supremacist's dream film. In she wants to be beautiful. This isn't film, though, has been Mo'Nique. mouth spreading the last few months, and it should be fun to see how it a way, both of these points could be masochistic racism but an indication As a comedienne, Mo'Nique has plays out. argued. of a young girl who is unhappy with been known for making mainstream Precious tells the story of Clareece her own life and wants that of another. comedies and television shows that Precious Jones, a sixteen-year- Precious, at its core, is about a girl who don’t inspire anything but grinding old black girl living in a destitute has to come to terms with who she is ridicule. Her performance here should apartment with a spiteful and abusive and the life she's been given. change people's perceptions of her mother. Precious, as she likes to be That all said, Precious is a good talent, if not for a while, as it is one referred as, keeps mostly to herself, movie. Not a great one. Yes, it is a worth noting. As Precious' mother, having learned from years of being harrowing experience to sit through. Mo'Nique has to be a slug and a Camerata winter put down that it's best to stay quiet We are subjected to some awful things predator both at once, something she and not resist. She has had a mentally in this film, but that only makes it pulls off effectively, and does bring disabled child by her rapist father, eye-opening, not great. The fact of out the underlying hurt her character concert delights and has another one of his children the matter is that while it does have feels at the right point. She also holds on the way. Life is not pointing in its realistic tone going for it, it's a her own in a great scene that she has Precious's favor, and things don't look rather conventional film that uses towards the end of the film. However, audiences to be changing. the sufferings of its character to hide while her performance is a good Precious is a very child-like person that fact. While the use of convention one, it isn't extraordinary. It will be with childish impulses. She reservedly works and doesn't make the movie a interesting, though, to see if he can > from CAMERATA [14] instruction, and their eyes sparkle and silently beats those who taunt bore, it still doesn't craft its structure develop her acting talent for later, with fervor when a song is coming to her. She makes up outrageous stories well enough to make it even more greater roles. The hints we receive vowel that they sang out. a crescendo. They look comfortable in conversation to tease the other interesting than it is already. here of what can come from her are After a short break the song “There and alive, not staunch and gargoyle- person. She sometimes steals as a Again, this is not to say the film promising. is No Rose of Such Virtue,” stunned like, scaring the audience from form of fun. This is all because no one doesn't work. It works very well. Precious is a film that tells its story my pen out of my hand. The women enjoying the music since they has fostered her growth, and has left This is especially evident in its use exactly the way it should. It's a tough sang all together with a breathtaking, themselves do not seem to live in the TV to teach her about her culture of its characters. Precious is a great film, and one that also provides a peaceful beginning that took all the the composition. UMBC’s Camerata and the world. character, someone who has been glimmer of hope amidst the horror of stress from finals away. When the does not suffer from that ailment; if Precious also uses her dreams to crippled by life and the people in its character's life. While it ultimately song ended, there was no shuffle anything, they are too eager to share escape from the hell of her life in her life, but who still has a heart isn't a great film, it's still one that from anyone and my pen refused to their passion and semester-long the real world. She dreams of being underneath the slouched, wounded should be seen, if not to understand a move. It was only resuscitated after effort with caring friends and family famous, a dancer in music videos, a exterior she exerts. She is hurt, but person like Precious. It isn't her fault the next song, “People Look East,” who ventured out into the cold to face on the red carpet, a universally she still goes on. Her mother, played that she can't get out of her situation. started with a quick but pleasant hear a beautiful performance. loved figure. She dreams of being in the film by comedienne Mo'Nique, People are keeping her down with melody. It was refreshing to watch 37 talented UMBC singers like the celebrities she sees on the is also a complicated character. She every attempt she makes to get up. She the conductor be animated and lean succeeded in silencing the audience television shows she watches, with hates her daughter, but not for reasons diminishes her importance because toward the side while grinning, to a natural, peaceful, exhilarating beautiful clothes and a dreamy that she should. She, too, is a crippled others have being doing that to her encouraging his singers. stupor that gave a warm rush to the boyfriend. These dreams help her get soul, but doesn't deal with it as well as her entire life. Precious gives a voice Not only was the music uplifting soul. It left the heart thumping long through the day despite the affronts to Precious does. to a character whose voice is never to hear, but, as a spectator, UMBC’s after the music had faded and the her life. One of the great things about given heed, and in the end provides Camerata vocalists actually feel last note had been sung and played. One could see how Precious could the film is that it has a cast that not a beautiful portrait that outshines the what they sing. All of their members Bravo! come off as a backwards-setting film only works, but turns out great film itself. have a ready smile on their faces for the black community, as there performances from unexpected and emotion is clearly seen in each are certain points where Precious sources. Remember Mariah Carey, Comments may be sent to and every one. They lean forwards C o m m e n t s m a y b e s e n t t o dreams of being white and having it when she turned out a career-low [email protected]. in expectation of the conductor’s [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 ARTS 17 Musicians cater to the financially challenged

Amanda DiGiondomenico those who care, FLAC is a higher its price creeps up to a max of 98 probably would have never spent Staff Writer Noise Trade quality music file, but with a simple cents. But fear not, cheapskates, money on that album, it's still a www.noisetrade.com file converter Google search, audio new releases are free. Unfortunately, nice addition to my growing music Pioneering Noise Trade offers neophytes can enjoy the music in my favorite album on the site, collection. In days of social and economical music fans two options: "pay what their iTunes. This site is best for Blue Roses' “Does Anyone Love Me turmoil, folk music has always you want" or "tell five friends." The those fanatics that can't stand to miss Now?,” cost a ghastly $2.28. But Brite Revolution resurged, gaining popularity as a pay what you want feature is pretty the special impromptu performance still, worth the splurge. briterevolution.com society slowly loses hope. Woody self-explanatory and works on the moments. Plus, who knew G. Love Okay, so it's not free. It's a Guthrie strapped on his guitar level of guilt. The price scale ranges and Special Sauce were in Annapolis Generation Music Online subscription service that costs during the Dust Bowl, Pete Seeger from $0 to $25 and the artist receives at Ram's Head Live back in 2006? freelegalcds.blogspot.com $4.99 a month. However, for sang to LBJ about the Vietnam 80% of your offer. If the guilt does Relive the show here. This blog is updated almost daily those with soft hearts, it is free, in War, and of course, there was Bob happen to get to you, but you still and offers links to artists' sites theory. The five dollars goes to a Dylan, wailing about the Civil can't stand to part with any more of Jamendo that offer music for free of their cause of the listener’s choice, such Rights Movement. It's no secret that your money, there is always the “tell www.jamendo.com own volition. There's an almost as Invisible Children, The Mocha we're currently witnessing days of your friends” option. By plugging in Specializing in music from overwhelming library of music Club, or Blood:Water Mission turmoil, with the economy sinking five of your friends' email addresses, around the world published under available from "Experimental Indie among others, and in exchange, get and unemployment rates rising, you receive a download code and Creative Commons licenses (a sort Pop" to "Electro Powerpop" and access to exclusive tracks from the but there is one tiny upside, at they get to learn all about your of copyright that at once protects is probably heaven for anyone 31 sponsoring artists. Five bucks least where the priorities of college musical hipness. Publicity is better and shares the property), this well- with unlimited computer memory. a month is nothing when it comes students are concerned: it’s possible than five bucks anyway, right? organized and colorful site makes Unfortunately for me and my to changing a life, and getting to legally download music for free. Hopefully that's true for the former music browsing easy. Best part: limping laptop, I had to be more unreleased songs from artists like Like clockwork, the folk and indie Catonsville residents and current finding bands from France that sing discerning in my selections. But the Andy Davis or Joy Williams at the musicians of today are coming out Nashvillian brother and sister duo in English. Or Swiss bands, like whistles, trumpets, and ukuleles of same time doesn’t hurt either. For of the woodwork, but with a new Judd & Maggie and their album Pinkle and their album “Invertible.” Wild Honey's “Epic Handshakes and once you can feel good about your mission in mind: giving music back “Kingdom of Noise.” They also provide a service for a Bear Hug” were a good decision. hankering for free stuff. to the people. filmmakers or business owners that So, get yourself an external hard Record sales are tanking and iTunes Live Music Archive allows them to purchase a license PHROCK Blog drive, a few hundred blank CDs, recently raised their prices, but the www.archive.org/details/etree for the music on the site. All pretty phrockblog.blogspot.com and have at it. What good is a appetite for new, quality music has The Live Music Archive offers just convenient, if you ask me. Focused on psychedelic, hard, recession if you can’t take advantage not shrunk. Alas, our wallets have. that: live music. Featuring recorded folk, and progressive rock of the 60s of folk music’s renewed attempts at But fear not, audiophiles, socially live concerts from 3,423 bands, you Amie Street and 70s, this blog is a cornucopia revolution? conscious musicians have heard get to hear that show you missed amiestreet.com of b-sides and forgotten albums your cries and the free (and almost because of class from the comfort A sort of stock market of music, from the trippy days of yore. My free) music revolution is upon us. of your bedroom. Most shows are this store varies the price of the favorite find: Eric Clapton’s short- Here are a few of the best outlets to available as mP3s, but some are only albums by their popularity. As a lived supergroup, Blind Faith's self- Comments may be sent to get your fresh tune fix: offered in FLAC lossless format. For song is downloaded more and more, titled album. Although, in reality, I [email protected].

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Questions for Quinn

Q: My roommates have decided over the past couple of weeks to turn our apartment into a party- house and they have been throwing a whole bunch of parties here with their friends. They graduated from college a few years ago and now they’ve decided to live it up- while I’m trying to study for my classes I’m still taking. How can I get them to stop the constant partying so I can actually get some decent studying done at home?

A: Have you brought this to their attention? They are probably still easing into a transition being out of school and probably still adjusting to the stress of real life and trying to pay back their loans as well as everything you’re doing right now to stay in school. Of course, it’s no excuse, but bring it to their attention that you still need your time to study. Also, perhaps try to spend a bit more time at the library- it’s always there and generally quiet enough for you to study in. Try to compromise.

Q: My two best friends have been hanging out a lot together lately (we’ve all known each other since high school) and it feels like they’ve been excluding me deliberately from our little group. They don’t invite me out places with them anymore and they both barely call me when they get together. I don’t know what else to do.

A: There are many potential factors into why they haven’t been seemingly as into your company lately. Have you been busy? Have you recently come across a lot of work or have you found yourself busier than normal? Everyone has new problems in life and it is probably true that things have changed a lot since high school and maybe you’re unfairly comparing those times to the way your lifestyle is now. I somewhat doubt you all are the same individuals you were in high school, so maybe you should ask them if their recent attitudes have been deliberate or if you’ve simply gotten the wrong message, and then ask why. Things have probably changed, and perhaps not in the way you expected, but try not to let that go to your head- they’re still your friends. 18 ARTS 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Displays bring joy Multimedia changing the to the masses concept of theatre at UMBC

> from HOLIDAY [14] They are performing at the Tikvat Israel > from CRYSTAL EGG [15] were all dressed in brown, adorning that most cast members agreed on of yuletide’s most beloved classic” and Congregation on 2200 Baltimore Road fedoras, to match the set) almost was the noisy wrap. “You’ll notice returns with “a blend of beautiful music, in Rockville. The music is a bit cheesy, set out to find the exact story that didn’t exist—to an extent. “I’ve never that it catches light well,” Searls lavish scenery, authentic costumes and but good for kids, or to have a laugh she was going to bring to life. “I done a puppet show before, it really added. theatrical magic.” The musical is playing with the comedic lyrics and dance-along looked at everything from ghost spoke to me as a dancer,” Jessica While the light agreed with the from December 11 to the 18 and is at the Chanukah songs. Tickets are $10. stories to sci-fi and found this Baker, a performer, said. “You have decision to use bubble wrap as the Riverside Stage at Salem Lutheran Church • 2009 Holiday Pops Concert: This interesting story,” Searls informed. to know how the body moves to vessel by which the aliens traveled located at 1530 Battery Ave. Tickets are holiday concert, put on by the Annapolis She said the original story was about operate the puppets.” Indeed, some earth, one had to suspend their steep for college kids at $12 but is sure Symphony Orchestra with the Boston Cave finding an egg that peers into of the actors were told to tone down disbelief that bubble wrap was what to get you in the holiday spirit and bets Brass, and directed by José-Luis Novo, another universe. “I thought, what if their emotion and to let the puppets they were watching the puppeteers the creepy Jim Carrey version coming to was acclaimed as the “most distinguished we made a story about aliens outside take the lead. play with. Some audience members the cinema. performing arts organization in Maryland’s the egg instead of in the egg?” However, the humanoid puppets were confused and watched • Brookside Gardens “Garden of capital city” playing holiday classics. The Now that she had the perfect (which were the main focus) weren’t quizzically as the plastic wrap Lights”: Not to be ridiculously cheesy, concert takes place on December 18 at story line and pulling together the only stars of the show. When the danced across the stage. but ever since I was a little kid I adored 8:00 p.m. at the Maryland Hall for the multiple collaborators, she focused egg cracks, three amoeba-like aliens However, Searls and the this garden. It is in Wheaton, MD so it Creative Arts in Annapolis. Student tickets on the puppets. “Puppets are always are released, and to bring them to performers agree that it isn’t so is a bit of a drive, but the garden lit by are only $10, and as a bonus, going will problematic,” Searls laughed. “An life Searls and her colleagues went much about aliens coming to earth 940,000 lights is totally worth it. During make you feel sophisticated. example is the main character (who to the Imaging Resource Center and as it was about a man’s journey to the winter months nothing is in bloom, • Kwanzaa Family Day: The City Paper resembles the mad scientist from the had students design the three aliens make a decision that would save but everything including the fountains, describes this event as having “hands- Nightmare before Christmas moving using Flash animation, which was humanity. The show is based on flowers, even a rainstorm, is recreated on art-making activities, a costume around in his motorized wheelchair) then projected behind screens as human emotion; there is no talking in lights. There is also a greenhouse with stop, special family performances, and a was supposed to be animated by part of the set (i.e. a chalkboard). (except for the Jell-O creatures). toy trains circling the trees, and an indoor chance to learn about the seven principles three different puppeteers [the issue The creatures have to be controlled For those that haven’t read the café where you can get spiced apple cider. of Kwanzaa.” The event is free, and even of crowding arose] so we put him by X-Box controllers. original story, Cave is not spared The cost is $15 per car so make sure to though it will probably be crawling with up in a wheel chair.” This is Searls’ Where does the bubble wrap victimization. The story had a main shove as many people in a car as possible children, making an art project can cure fourth puppet show at UMBC, and come in? Well, the cast and crew theme of aliens attacking, but Searls’ for a cheap way to enjoy the show. The some of the stress studying for finals can she said what she has found is that tried thinking of ways to make the version was about redemption—and “Garden of Lights” has a hotline at 301- cause. The event is Sunday the 20th of for every problem that is fixed, creatures come off screen, so they defeating bubble wrap. 962-1453 for any questions, and the last December from 1-5 in the afternoon at several more present themselves; it had the aliens inhabit something car is permitted at 8:30 p.m. the Baltimore Museum of Art. is a lot of problem solving. so they could move (with the help • Mama Doni and the Mama During the play, one found him of puppeteers). The cast met at Doni Band: This band is described as or herself focusing so much on the different times and discussed using Comments may be sent to performing “funky music with a Jewish Comments may be sent to puppets that the puppeteers (who multiple objects and the one thing [email protected]. twist,” with titles like “Chanukah fever,” [email protected].

Banned Books event pushes envelope on the literary concept of freedom of speech

Charlene Cleland of Huckleberry Finn and Where the and communities seek to ban them, Staff Writer Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. the popularity of the book skyrockets. The books were then burned after the Books which are often banned usually Book censorship is not a thing of jury voted against them. Burning is a tackle controversial issues and discuss the past, it is a thing of the now! Since method of censoring, as it destroys all taboo topics that others will not dare 1982 more than a thousand books have access to the book. talk about. Some popular books that been challenged in the United States. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m, book are being challenged or have been These books range from children’s readings took place in the library banned in the past are Of Mice and Men books to those for young adults. and The Commons. Children’s books by John Steinbeck, J.K Rowling’s Harry Often, these books are challenged by which had been banned in the past or Potter, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, The parents, churches, schools, libraries, are being challenged now were read Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger, The bookshops, and even the government, to students and faculty. While these Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, in an attempt to have them banned events went on, book dealers milled American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, from society. The most re-occurring around campus slipping banned books An American Tragedy by Theodore reasons for book censorship are sexual into pockets, and persuading students Dreiser, William Powell’s The Anarchist content, profanity, homosexuality, to accept and read banned books. Cookbook, And Tango Makes Three by violence, and the supernatural. In the later part of the day, the book Justin Richardson, Are You There God? Sometimes, the government bans dealer was seen being chased around It's Me, Margaret and Forever, both by books that threaten or criticize it (ie, campus by a cop. Judy Blume, and As I Lay Dying by 1984 by George Orwell). This event, which was sponsored William Faulkner. In honor of the American Library by Professor Pattee Fletcher, created As college students, books are Association’s Banned Books Week awareness about book censorship and essential to our everyday lives, not (September 25-October 2), UMBC’s promoted the argument that books only for research but also for the first-year seminar on banned books should not be censored regardless of acquiring of knowledge and necessary created its very first Banned Books Day the content. Everyone had a right to information. Without books our on December 2nd, 2009. The Banned read any material they chose to read lives will be stagnant. There will be Books Day events included a book and authors had the right to express no opinions. While on break, please trial, book readings in the library and their opinions. Also banning books is support the cause and read a banned in The Commons, a book dealer and an infringement of First Amendment or challenged book. Exercise your police chase. rights. It takes away our freedom of freedom to read! courtesy librarythang.com The book trial was held in The speech and creates room for others to Commons Main Street, and the books tell us what to read and not to read. Comments may be sent to This stack of books (above) that have been banned at some point includes several children’s classics... go figure. on trial were Mark Twain’s Adventures Ironically, when books are challenged [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 ARTS 19 Comics

tower of babel Timb mantegna

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comments: [email protected] 20 ARTS 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly k g games 4crossword a 3 1 www.mirroreyes.com/crossword ACROSS

1. Lowly worker 22. Blush 38. Seated oneself 52. Swelling of the big 5. Performance platform 24. Extremely 39. Tall structure toe 10. Cease 25. Mostly 40. Pretend 53. A system of 14. Gait faster than a 26. Fundamentals 41. Gives expression to musclebuilding exer- walk 29. The need to eat 43. A frenzied woman cises 15. Anklebone 30. Belch 44. Matrimonial 56. Encourage 16. No more than 31. Australian wild dog 46. Between the head 57. European blackbird 17. Ill-natured 32. A scientific work- and 58. Dwarf buffalo 19. Pearly-shelled mus- place shoulders 59. Look of lust sel 35. Taunt 47. Counterbalance 60. Destitute 20. Honey insect 36. Exploded stars 48. Cut back 61. List of choices 21. Ritual 37. Alone 49. Deception

DOWN 1. Counterfoil 11. A certain cut of meat 29. Homes for bees 45. Previously 2. Coastal raptor 12. Bay window 31. Wooden pin 46. Appointed 3. A strong line 13. Spring bloom 33. Seaweed 48. Sit for a photo 4. Faster Than Light 18. Construct 34. 007 49. Connects two points 5. Steps 23. Therefore 36. Footnote 50. Computer symbol 6. Yummy 24. Moral weakness 37. Search 51. Jacob’s brother 7. Wings 25. Pertaining to the 39. Carry 54. Take to court 8. Pistol Moon 40. Aspect 55. Male sheep 9. Alienate 26. Pleads 42. Not Missus 10. A blemish made by 27. Operatic solo 43. And nothing more dirt 28. Deception 44. Big shot

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The Center for Art, Design and Visual dominated genre. comedy about an oversized elf who fiction in order to tell the story Culture presents: Mixed Signals: falls in love with a pretty girl. of a shop owner who discovers Artists Consider Masculinity in Wednesday, december 9 something miraculous on one of his Sports, an exhibition which focuses Bake Sale Fundraiser friday, december 11 shelves. on artists from the mid-1990s to the The Commons: Mainstreet. 11 a.m.- Fall Dance Concert SEB Weekly Movie: Elf around present who question the notion of 2p.m. The members of Women Fine Arts 317. 8 p.m. $12, $7 Lecture Hall 1. 8 p.m. Admission: the male athlete as the last bastion Involved in Learning and Leadership students and seniors. $2, ticket required. Will Ferrell and of uncomplicated, authentic identity will be holding a bake sale in order Zooey Deschanel star in this holiday in American culture. The exhibit will to raise funds for the International The Crystal Egg comedy about an oversized elf who campus run from October 8 to December 12. Rescue Committee. UMBC Theatre. 8 p.m. This new falls in love with a pretty girl. The Center, located in the Fine Arts comedy created and directed by building, is open Tuesday through Film: Nobody Knows My Name Collette Searls combines computer Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The Commons: Room 004. 11 a.m. graphics, puppetry, and science SUNDAY, december 13 Admission is free. This 1999 documentary focuses on fiction in order to tell the story UMBC Jazz Ensemble female hip-hop artists and their of a shop owner who discovers Fine Arts Recital Hall. 3 p.m. Free. The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery struggle to be recognized in a male- something miraculous on one of his reasons to presents The Art of Persuasion: Poster dominated genre. shelves. The Crystal Egg stick around Design from 1896 through 2008, UMBC Theatre. 8 p.m. This new this weekend an exhibition which highlights the Thursday, december 10 Guitar Hero Tournament comedy created and directed by transformation in the art, culture, Fall Dance Concert The Commons: Gameroom. 9 p.m. Collette Searls combines computer and technology of posters. With Fine Arts 317. 8 p.m. $12, $7 graphics, puppetry, and science posters representative of distinct students and seniors. Saturday, december 12 fiction in order to tell the story eras throughout history, the exhibit Holiday Extravaganza! of a shop owner who discovers is presented in three thematic The Crystal Egg The Commons: Flat Tuesdays. 7 something miraculous on one of his groups- Pleasure & Leisure, Politics UMBC Theatre. 8 p.m. This new p.m. Get into the festive spirit and shelves. & Propaganda, and Commercial comedy created and directed by enjoy holiday themed food, games, Advertising. The exhibit will be on Collette Searls combines computer karaoke, and sweaters. UMBC Chamber Players display from now until December graphics, puppetry, and science Fine Arts Recital Hall. 8 p.m. Free. 13th. The Library Gallery is open fiction in order to tell the story UMBC Vocal Arts Ensemble Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 of a shop owner who discovers Fine Arts Recital Hall. 8 p.m. Free. MONDAY, december 14 p.m., Thursday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and something miraculous on one of his Festival of Lights Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. shelves. Fall Dance Concert In front of the UC. 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 Admission is free. Fine Arts 317. 8 p.m. $12, $7 p.m. Join the Newman Club for a UMBC Percussion Ensemble students and seniors. celebration of all things Christmas. tuesday, december 8 Fine Arts Recital Hall. 8 p.m. Free. Film: Nobody Knows My Name The Crystal Egg Department of Music Honors Recital The Commons: Room 004. 11 a.m. SEB Weekly Movie: Elf UMBC Theatre. 8 p.m. This new Fine Arts Recital Hall. 8 p.m. Free. This 1999 documentary focuses on Lecture Hall 1. 8 p.m. Admission: comedy created and directed by female hip-hop artists and their $2, ticket required. Will Ferrell and Collette Searls combines computer struggle to be recognized in a male- Zooey Deschanel star in this holiday graphics, puppetry, and science 22 advertIsEment 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 advertIsEment 23 24

sports [email protected] Grant and Neller provide UMBC This week in sports 12.08 tuesday with big offensive lifts, but Men’s basketball at Penn State at 6:30 p.m. 12.12 saturday

Women’s basketball at Coppin State at 2:00 p.m. defensive woes keep UMBC Men’s basketball vs. Rider at 7:00 p.m. from first win of the season sophomore guard Chris De La Rosa pointed with the way our team de- bounced the ball off his foot, lost pos- fended tonight, very, very disappointed. session, and with one second left Tiger I thought our rotations were not very center Robert Nwankwo dunked the good, pressure on the basketball was ball as UMBC lost 82-77. not very good, [and] we gave up second Despite a great offensive showing by effort shots.” UMBC in which four Retrievers scored A season ago the Tigers got the upper in double-digits, the defense allowed hand on UMBC by sinking 14 threes. Towson to shoot 45.5% from the field This time UMBC gave up 11 threes, and hit 11 three-pointers in the game. allowed Towson to shoot 45.5% from Grant led the team with a career the field and 50.0% from three-point high 28 points off 10 field goals, four range. of which came from three-point range. “We didn’t get back in transition, not He also grabbed five rebounds and stole knowing where the basketball is, those two balls. are the things that we’ve worked on “He’s certainly capable of doing that,” since October 15,” Monroe said. “I can coach Randy Monroe said. “Shawn’s understand you miscuing on some of- strength is his offense. He’s a very, very fensive set because you’re still learning good basketball player and I think he but I can’t understand why you can’t get has tremendous talent and he’s confi- back on defense, why you can’t block dent. He has the green light to shoot the out. Those are fundamental things that basketball because he’s shown that ever should not change.” since he’s been here.” Three days later UMBC made a long abnet shiferaw —TRW The men’s basketball team has started the season with seven straight losses largely due to the defense allowing 74.7 While Chauncey Gilliam (13 points, road trip to Toledo, once again in hopes points per game. three rebounds, three assists), Adrian of winning their first game of the sea- Satchell (11 points, four rebounds), son. While Toledo went into the game Corey Johns by making three-pointers with five in a hood game,” UMBC traveled 30 min- Chris De La Rosa (10 points, seven as- without a win against a Division I team, Editorial Staff team high 15-point game. But despite utes north on I-95 to take on Colonial sists, five rebounds) and Robbie Jack- UMBC certainly had a chance to get a those two stepping up to give UMBC Athletic Conference foe Towson. While son (seven points, 10 rebounds) all win but fell into a bad situation early. In road contests against Towson and an offensive boost, the defense contin- Towson never lost the lead in that game had solid outings to help out Grant in Just six minutes into the game Jack- Toledo, the men’s basketball team was ued to struggle and the men’s basketball and held a double-digit lead nine times, their best offensive effort of the season, son was forced out of the game with an treated with big time offensive efforts team lost their seventh straight game to they never quite got a knockout shot the defense gave up their second most ankle injury. While he would return in by freshmen Shawn Grant and Brian start the season. against UMBC as the game went down points of the season. the second half, his absence forced Jake Neller. Against Towson, Grant led all With the hopes of getting their first to the final possession. “I didn’t think from my team’s stand Wasco and Adrian Satchell to take on scorers with 28 points and against To- win of the season in what Towson Down by three points with 14 sec- point there was a lot of defense being ledo, Neller matched his season total coach Pat Kennedy called a “neighbor- onds to go, UMBC had the ball but played,” Monroe said. “I’m very disap- > see defeated [27] tured ea athlete: victor gilreath F Corey Johns and led the charge for UMBC as he won a then followed that win up with another Editorial Staff gold and silver for the men’s team while trip to the medal stand, this time taking qualifying for the IC4A championship a silver, as he finished second in the triple This past weekend the men’s and wom- meet in two meets. jump with a mark of 14.38 meters. en’s indoor track and field teams kicked Last season Gilreath made his debut Honorable Menton: Men’s basketball off their seasons in the Bison Invitational for UMBC after transferring from the Uni- freshman Shawn Grant who averaged at Bucknell. Between the two teams versity of Maryland and quickly became 20.0 points while shooting 58.3% from UMBC walked away with five goals and one of the top members of the team. This the floor in two games. four IC4A/ECAC qualifying times. Despite season he does not look like he will take only competing in two events, Victor Gil- a step back. In the high jump, Gilreath Comments can be sent to reath made the most of his opportunities leaped 2.04 meters to win the event. He [email protected].

courtesy athletic communications The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 SPORTS 25 america east statistics Men’s Basketball standings league leaders School AE Overall Points Per Game W L W L Name Team Avg/G Stony Brook 00 • 00 06 • 02 John Holland BU 19.0 Vermont 00 • 00 05 • 04 marqus blakely UVM 17.9 maine 00 • 00 03 • 04 will harris UA 16.1 new hampshire 00 • 00 02 • 03 tim ambrose UA 15.3 binghamton 00 • 00 03 • 05 maurice joseph UVM 15.1 boston u 00 • 00 03 • 06 gerald mclemore Maine 15.0 albany 00 • 00 03 • 06 joe zeglinski UHart. 14.3 hartford 00 • 00 02 • 07 chauncey gilliam UMBC 13.7 umbc 00 • 00 00 • 07 corey lowe BU 13.4 muhammed el-amin SBU 12.9

Assists Rebounds Name Team Avg/G Name Team Avg/G Chris De La rosa UMBC 6.6 Tommy brenton SBU 10.2 andres torres UHart. 5.4 marqus blakely UVM 9.2 corey lowe BU 4.5 dane diliegro UNH 8.6 russell graham UNH 4.2 sean mcnally Maine 8.3 marqus blakely UVM 4.0 radar onguetou UNH 6.4 tim ambrose UA 3.7 john holland BU 6.3 mike johnson UA 3.7 carlos strong BU 6.3 tommy brenton SBU 3.4 jake o’brien BU 6.1 junior bernal Maine 2.9 junior bernal Maine 6.0 2 Player tie 2.8 robbie jackson UMBC 6.0

League Leaders statistics updated as of 12/07/09.

WoMen’s Basketball standings league leaders School AE Overall Points Per Game W L W L Name Team Avg/G hartford 00 • 00 06 • 01 courtnay pilypaitis UVM 19.3 vermont 00 • 00 05 • 01 michelle kurowski UMBCLeague Leaders17.6 statistics updated as of 10/12/08. umbc 00 • 00 04 • 03 may kotsopoulos UVM 17.2 boston u 00 • 00 03 • 04 kirsten jeter SBU 15.6 albany 00 • 00 03 • 04 andrea holmes Bing. 14.8 new hampshire 00 • 00 03 • 04 alex young BU 14.7 maine 00 • 00 02 • 04 carlee cassidy UMBC 13.9 stony brook 00 • 00 02 • 05 erica carter Bing. 13.5 binghamton 00 • 00 01 • 05 denise beliveau UNH 13.3 jackie ward Bing. 13.3

Assists Rebounds Name Team Avg/G Name Team Avg/G Courtnay pilypaitis UVM 5.7 Michelle Kurowski UMBC 8.6 andrea holmes Bing. 5.7 diana delva UHart. 8.6 amy simpson UNH 5.1 destiny jacobs SBU 8.3 caitlynn moran BU 4.0 erica beverly UHart. 8.1 felicia johnson UA 3.9 meghan colabella UMBC 7.6 jackie smith Hart. 3.9 julie fster UA 7.6 katie brooks UMBC 3.3 denise beliveau UNH 7.4 katelyn vanderhoff Maine 3.2 viive rebane Bing. 7.0 michelle kurowski UMBC 3.0 candace williams UNH 6.9 kirsten jeter Maine 2.7 amanda tewksbury Maine 6.7

League Leaders statistics updated as of 10/20/08. League Leaders statistics updated as of 12/07/09. 26 SPORTS 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Women’s basketball winning Amanda Deller streak snapped by Delaware shines in indoor

> from SPLIT [28] the score 56-39. was higher,” Stern said. UMBC had not given up yet and went Cassidy went 4-7 in the second half, track and field ki (17 points, nine rebounds, five assists) on a 18-6 run to bring the score to 62- including 3-5 from three point range to made two free throws with 10:41 to go 57. Sophomore Katie Brooks scored six give her 14 points in the second half. in the half. points and Cassidy added five as the Brooks also did much better in the sec- debut with gold in Delaware pushed their lead to as high Retrievers got to within five points, the ond half, scoring all eight of her points. as 13 points with a 28-15 lead over closest they had trailed since the third Even though the Retrievers held with UMBC and the two teams went into the minute of the first half. the Blue Hens for most of the game, the the shot put locker room with the Blue Hens up by The two teams traded shots and a big lead they lost in the first few minutes 12, 35-23. three by Cassidy kept UMBC within proved to be too much for UMBC to the finish line with a time of 9.45. Kurowski proved to be the Retrievers’ five with 44 seconds left and the score overcome. The loss drops the Retrievers Brandon Wright As for the rest of the team, Britney only real force in the first half, scoring 66-61. UMBC was unable to score any to 4-3 while Delaware moves to 3-3. Senior Staff Writer Foreman has a third place finish in nine points and getting five rebounds. more points and the Blue Hens went on UMBC takes a week off before traveling the 60-meter dash. She was third in Cassidy went 1-9 from the floor includ- to win 70-61. to Coppin State on Saturday December As the women’s indoor track and the preliminaries and parlayed that ing 1-8 from three point range. The Retrievers play closely mir- 12 at 2 pm for the start of a six game road field season began this past week- into a time of 7.77 in the finals. UMBC was able to get as close as eight rored their play against Navy. The team trip. The Retrievers next home game is end, one athlete in particular shined In addition, Tawana Wilson tied points at the start of the second half, again had poor shooting in the first half January 6 against Hartford as conference in Lewisburg, PA as she brought for eighth in the 60-meter dash with making the score 41-33 with 15:50 to (21.9%) but came back strong in the sec- play begins. The game is at 5 pm. home a gold. That athlete was fresh- a time of 8.06. She was followed by go. Delaware, however, made a strong ond half (45.2%). man Amanda Deller, who in her de- Kiki Malomo-Paris and her 8.10 fin- push and upped their lead to 17 points “We got some better looks in the sec- Comments can be sent to but in UMBC colors, won the shot ish. Wilson was the first Retriever halfway through the second half to make ond half which is why our percentage [email protected]. put at the Bison Invitational. Deller’s to finish the 200-meter dash with a impressive throw of 13.68 meters time of 27.33. was good enough to qualify her for In the 500-meter dash, Ashley the Eastern College Athletic Confer- McClure just missed the medal stand ence (ECAC) Championship meet as she finished fourth with a time of at the end of the season. Deller also 1:12.05. Lauren Leclercq was not far competed in the weight throw and behind as she finished seventh with finished fifth with a throw of 14.50 a time of 1:23.10. meters. Freshman Brightful finished in a In the finals of the 60-meter hur- three-way tie for third place in the dles, sophomore Imani Colbert also high jump with a height of 1.55 me- qualified for the ECAC Champion- ters. ship. Colbert met the requirement The team returns to action on Jan- of an 8.84 second run, with a time uary 9 at the Gulden Relays, which of 8.80. This run only gave her fifth is also in Lewisburg, PA. place, showing how much talent All attempts to contact coach Da- UMBC was challenged with. Fallon vid Bobb were unsuccessful. Rovel-Jones finished eighth in the same race with a time of 9.38, and Comments can be sent to Chowan Brightful was tenth to cross [email protected]. file photo — TRW Two-time AEC scoring champion Carlee Cassidy (5) currently ranks seventh in the conference with 13.9 p.p.g. after scoring 17 points against both Navy and Delaware.

The Down and Dirty Dawg Band, adding that extra excitement for basketball fans Swing” to “25 or 6 to 4” to the Family “They never played the same song students playing the music. “Being in the pep band is one of the Corey Johns Guy theme song. Their job: get the fans twice, they were great, they were loud, “One of the things that I love the most best experiences I’ve had in my four Editorial Staff pumped up and ready to cheer by play- and they were great,” he said on PTI about being in the Pep Band is that our years at UMBC,” Strassle said. “Sopho- ing good music, scream at the top of with pure enamorment of the group. director takes input on which songs we more year I was asked to be one of the When a person goes to a basketball their lungs during the game, and taunt As Whelliston said in his ESPN Insid- should play and when we should play student directors and conduct the band. game, usually the best show is the bar- opposing teams’ players when they are er blog, “No other school can match the them. It’s not something that happens I enjoy the leadership opportunity that rage of dunks, blocks, threes, and play- on that side of the court. rich repertoire of the Down and Dirty with a lot of music groups, and the free- the band and Jari has provided me— al- ers spouting out all kinds of emotions to “Getting the fans riled up is the best Dawg Band, easily the tightest brass sec- dom that gives us makes sure that we all lowing me to be a go-to person in the get a win. But at University of Maryland, part of the job,” Curt Condyles, a tubist tion in the league.” play at the top of our game, especially band as well as work with the heads in Baltimore County the best show is not with the pep band said. “Having fans It has not taken very long for the since we’re playing songs that we like,” the athletic department and RAC. always the basketball team that has been respond to what you’re doing, and just Down and Dirty Dawg Band to get high said Condyles, who is also a part of the “I love going to basketball games to two straight conference champion- feeling the energy levels of the crowd praise and national recognition. The Baltimore Ravens Marching Band and and hearing the band play and being ship games, one of which they won. The rise…it’s a high that you can’t get any- band is still very young. It started in could not begin to describe the differ- in front just allows me to do, while also best show is just to the right, at then end where else.” 2003 and has been under the direction ence of freedom he has. being able to take on responsibility and of the court, just behind the basket. Nicknamed The Down and Dirty of Jari Villanueva since. From then on But the freedom does not end with hopefully helping all the members get There sits a group of 50 students, Dawg Band, the UMBC pep band has he has added new sections of the band, the taking of suggestions from the band as much out of the experience as I have wearing black and gold, with their been receiving various shout-outs from added new twists and techniques every members. It goes much farther than and make games enjoyable for all those faces usually painted. That group is national news writers for years. They’ve year, and has done whatever it took to that. If Villanueva has a conflicting plans who attend by playing great music.” the UMBC pep band, which is one of been the topic of conversation for get the bench to where he wanted it to with a basketball game and cannot be For now seven years, the Down and the top on the east coast according to ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption (PTI) be: very, very good. there to direct the band, rather than Dirty Dawg Band has given the UMBC ESPN’s Kyle Whelliston. anchor and Washington Post Columnist He said that he gives a lot of freedom hiring an outside conductor to lead the fans something to get excited about no From an hour before, to a half and Tony Kornheiser on both television and to the band members. He lets them band, as most bands do, he hands the matter how successful or unsuccessful hour after the men’s and women’s home in his column, who is a Binghamton think of songs they want to play, and reigns over the Paula Strassle, a member the basketball teams at UMBC are. basketball game in a given season, the graduate, which is a school that plays any additions they want to add to the of the band who started out as a clarinet band is in the Retriever Athletic Center in the America East Conference with band and pending approval, he goes player and has worked her way up to Comments can be sent to (RAC), playing everything from “Swing, UMBC. along with it because after all, it is the student leader. [email protected]. The RetrIever Weekly 12.08.09 SPORTS 27 Men’s basketball defense continues to be an issue

> from DEFEATED [24] have a solid day of shooting (43.3% from the field and 47.1% from three the Rockets’ biggest players on defense, point range) and the lack of size allowed which got them in foul trouble as each the Rockets to move the ball inside, ended the game with four fouls a piece. pick off fouls, and score with the clock Though Jackson did return in the stopped. second half, he played just four minutes While UMBC is 0-7 and not playing before being taken out of the game for well on the defensive end, the offense good, which gave Toledo the size advan- has been fairly impressive, especially tage as without Jackson and with Wasco since the available players consist of and Satchell in foul trouble, UMBC was four freshman, three sophomores, two forced to go five guards for the majority juniors, and one senior. Both freshman of the game. Jamar Wertz and senior Justin Fry have Neller gave UMBC a good perfor- yet to see the court this year with knee mance off the bench as he finally settled injuries. down and hit five threes for a team high Come January the team is expected 15 points. He was joined by four other to get both players back on the court. Retrievers with double-digit scoring as With Fry the team should certainly see Gilliam (13), Grant (12), Spadafora (10) an improvement on the defensive end and De La Rosa (10) all did their parts, as he is one of the top defenders on the but their lack of size caused UMBC to team and should provide UMBC with a be out-rebounded 40-28 and forced the lot of experience as he has started every offense to the outside, allowing them to season he’s been at UMBC. In Wertz the only go to the line 13 times, which they team adds another offensive option. But did not capitalize on anyway as they until those two are available the team went just 6-13 (61.5%) has to learn how to win with what they De La Rosa though did show a lot of have. They have six more non-confer- improvement at the point guard spot as ence games to get things together before he made much better shot decisions, go- the season ahead is only those ever im- ing 3-5 from the field, dished out seven portant conference games. assists and gave up just one turnover. The defense however gave up 10 Comments can be sent to abnet shiferaw —TRW three-pointers and allowed Toledo to [email protected]. Sophomore point guard Chris De La Rosa (10) leads the AEC with 6.0 a.p.g. but has taken too many poor shots which is shown by his 27.4 field goal percentage.

Has Allen Iverson found the answer? days. A potential hall of fame career of one of Donald Daniels the toughest scorers in the history of the league Editorial Staff looked to make a subtle exit as he announced his retirement two weeks ago. When you put the words Allen Iverson and Then the 76ers, who lost guard Lou Williams press conference in the same sentence one for eights due to injury, made an offer on a one thought immediately comes to mind: practice. In year non-guaranteed contract, an offer as Iverson May of 2002 the four-time NBA scoring champi- put it “an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.” As on went on a two-and-half-minute tirade on the Iverson sat in a press room in the Wachovia Cen- insignificance of practice. Iverson at that point ter, the 2000-01 M.V.P. choked up as he talked had already gained a reputation of being a thug about what he was going through for the last in basketball shorts and the comments he made couple of months. As he spoke trying to fight the didn’t help his cause. tears and remain composed in front a room filled But now when you hear the words Allen Iver- with media personnel it became hard to look son and press conference a different word should away. Outside of being a phenomenal basketball come to mind: genuine. On December 3rd, player another thing that Iverson possesses is his 2009, Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers held brutal honesty. That same honesty has led him to a press conference where they welcome back the say things that have hurt his career in the public ten time all-star to place where he became a bas- eye. So to watch him unload his emotions you ketball icon. Over the last couple of years Iverson know that his words are sincere. Iverson has has faded as far as his super stardom went. After made his fair share of mistakes in life and he went being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2006, to acknowledge those failings last Thursday. Iverson has become a shell of what he used to be At the age of 34, given his reputation, people on the basketball court. It got so bad that the De- would say once a thug always a thug and that he troit Pistons who acquired him via trade through won’t change. But maybe at this point in his life the Nuggets were paying him not to play as they after seeing and going through, everything from felt his presence on the court hurt their chances being one of the faces of the NBA to a guy who in the playoffs last year, a very eye—opening looked as though we was being pushed out the move considering that Iverson is 6th all-time in league. It is possible that Iverson could be grow- points per game average with 27.0. ing up a man and possibly changing the way we Once the Pistons didn’t re-sign him, as well as view not only him but others as well? Internal having a slew of other NBA teams choosing not growth as no age restrictions and now Iverson to add him to their team, the young Memphis could become another example of that as he Grizzles gave him a chance but as time went on helps guide the 76ers to another playoff run. the Grizzles organization and Iverson communi- cated very little if at all and the two parties parted Comments can be sent to ddan- ways. It seemed to be the end of Iverson’s playing [email protected]. 28 SPORTS 12.08.09 The RetrIever Weekly Women’s basketball splits final home stand of 2009

Michael Donnelly Kurowski missed a double-double but Staff Writer earned nine points and nine rebounds. The Retrievers shot much better in the Coming off two good road wins, the second half (47.8%) bringing their game UMBC women’s basketball team hosted percentage to 39.2%. UMBC also shot Navy on Wednesday, hoping to make much better from beyond the three point it three in a row. With sophomore Erin line, sinking five threes out of seven. Brown and junior Meghan Colabella out, The Retrievers ended up going 5-15 in the Retrievers had a short roster. How- threes. ever, strong play from the bench and a “In the second half we made the good second half effort helped UMBC shots,” Stern said. “We’re normally a defeat the Midshipmen 59-51. good shooting team.” “We played well without Colabella UMBC held Navy to 26.9% shoot- and Brown,” head coach Phil Stern said. ing from the floor and only 19.5% from “We knew we’d struggle offensively. We three point range. Navy also outfouled had some different lineups we don’t nor- UMBC 20-10. mally play.” “We took the ball to the basket more The Retrievers got out to a quick lead and they were relying on their threes so on four points by sophomore Tope Oba- they couldn’t get fouls from us,” Obajolu jolu. A layup by sophomore Michelle said. “When we took it to the basket, Kurowski made it 8-3 but Navy quickly that’s when we had our advantage on the tied the score at 8-8. foul line.” UMBC scored six straight points to UMBC shot 14-21 from the foul line build their biggest lead of the first half, compared to 7-10 for Navy. Those extra but after four turnovers, four missed seven points proved to be crucial. shots and a 12-2 Navy run, the Midship- Cassidy’s 15 points makes her the fifth men had a four point lead. The teams Retriever to pass 1,300 points. went into the locker room with Navy The win brought UMBC to 4-2 for the leading UMBC 24-22. season and was their third win in a row. UMBC clearly struggled in the first The loss dropped Navy to 6-3. half, going 9-28 (32.1%) from the field, On Saturday, UMBC hosted Delaware including 0-8 from beyond the three at the RAC Arena and attempted to point line. bring their winning streak to four. With Navy did worse in field goal shoot- Colabella (eight points, three assists and abnet shiferaw —TRW ing, only making 24.2% of their shots. Michelle Kurowski (20) may wind up being an AEC Player of the Year candidate as she ranks second in points (17.6), four rebounds) back to play, the Retriev- However, the Midshipmen hit four three first in rebounds (8.6), and ninth in assists (3.0). ers hoped to have more options on the pointers. Navy took 22 three point shots court. in the first half, two thirds of their shots Despite the renewed effort, the Mid- able 11 point lead with 2:03 left in the and a steal. However, a strong push by Delaware from the floor. shipmen built up an eight point lead to game. UMBC ended up winning by eight “We have people that are hurting in the first half put UMBC in a hole they “They weren’t getting inside so they make the score 30-38 with 15:52 left in with a score of 59-51. and they needed someone to be ready,” couldn’t dig out of. The Blue Hens de- relied on their threes,” said Obajolu. the game. Obajolu earned her second double- Barker said. “We needed someone to step feated the Retrievers 70-61 to snap their Coming out for the second half, the The Retrievers rallied back with three double of the season with 12 points and up. It had to be me, we were short play- winning streak. Retrievers set their new tone early on pointers by Chelsea Barker and Cassidy. 14 rebounds. ers and I tried to bring energy and that’s UMBC struck first on a three pointer a jumper by senior Carlee Cassidy (15 A jumper by Obajolu tied the score 38- The star of the game was Barker, who what I did.” by Obajolu (seven points, four rebounds) points, four rebounds, 3 assists) to tie the 38. The two teams traded leads again came off the bench to go 4-4 from the “I’m really proud of her,” said Stern. but Delaware hit four straight threes and score at 24-24. and the score ended up tied 44-44. floor, including 3-3 in three pointers. “We don’t win tonight without her.” eventually gained a 12 point lead. UMBC “We didn’t have enough energy,” Oba- A three pointer by Cassidy would give Barker also went 4-4 from the free throw The Retrievers ended the game with didn’t score another point until Kurows- jolu said. “Coach gave us a motivational the Retrievers a lead they would never line. She ended with 15 points (11 in the three players scoring in double dig- speech at halftime and we picked it up.” give up as the Retrievers built a comfort- second half) to go with five rebounds its. America East Player of the Week > see split [26] Men’s indoor track and field kicks off 2009-10 season with four golds at Bison Invitational Dan Levin of 6.89 seconds. Meanwhile fellow se- luse this hot start to try and crack into the Contributing Writer nior Jason Powell earned bronze in the top three and carry that into the outdoor 200 meter dash with a time of 22.82 sec- season in the spring. Indoor men’s track and field kicked onds. And in the 60 meter hurdles senior Coach David Bobb could not be off their season on Saturday at the Bison Camal Pugh and Keith Onto finished reached for comment. Invitational in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. second and third with times of 8.30 and Coming up next for the Retrievers is Overall UMBC won five events and five 8.42 respectively. about a month off before they head back Retrievers qualified for the 2010 ECAC/ It was a good day for the UMBC men to Lewisburg on January 9th for the Gul- IC4A championships. as they competed against athletes from den Relays. UMBC was led by senior Victor Gil- Howard, Georgetown, Penn, and Buck- reath who won the high jump with a nell among others, after finishing fourth Comments can be sent to mark of 2.04m. Gilreath also placed sec- in the America East last season, and wil- [email protected]. ond in the triple jump with his score of 14.38m. Both scores will qualify him for the IC4A meet in March. InsIde UMBC also got production from ju- sports nior Keith Onto. Onto earned gold in the long jump with his jump of 6.93m. Freshmen Cameron McDearmon made his UMBC debut and he made it one to 24 men’s b-ball 0-7 remember by winning the shot put with a throw of 15.14m. Also, sophomore Joshua Hewitson won the 500-meter 25 aec stats dash in a time of 1:06.06. courtesy facebook.com In the 60-meter dash senior Adrian Senior Jason Powell (left) started off the indoor track and field season with a Arthur qualified for the IC4A meet. Ar- 27 Iverson’s return third place finish in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.82. thur finished third overall with his time