The Free Press Vol. 40, Issue No. 19, 04-13-2009

University of Southern Maine USM Digital Commons

Free Press, The, 1971- Student Newspapers

4-13-2009

Matt Dodge University of Southern Maine

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Recommended Citation Dodge, Matt, "The Free Press Vol. 40, Issue No. 19, 04-13-2009" (2009). Free Press, The, 1971-. 53. https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/free_press/53

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspapers at USM Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Free Press, The, 1971- by an authorized administrator of USM Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. the free pressVolume 40, Issue No. 19 April 13, 2009 U S M Gorham marchers ‘take back the night’ Annual event aims to increase awareness of violence against women Abigail Cuey Sta Writer

If you were on the Gorham campus last Wednesday night, you might have seen and heard roughly fifty people marching around campus, shouting chants like Survivors unite! Take back the night! This event, called Take Back the Night (TBTN), is a national march aimed at raising awareness of violence against women. Another event is planned for the Portland campus at the end of the month. Community members, student organizations, faculty, staff, and students from USM all worked at organizing this event, which kicked off with a pre-rally at 6 p.m., where supporters could make banners and buy T-shirts and candles. Take Back the Night, which is held in April as B MK / P E part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, was sponsored by the USM students stand in front of Upton-Hastings residence hall last Wednesday night as part of a Take Back the Night rally to combat Department of Residential Life night-time crimes against women. and Resident Education. Despite the refreshments and brightly colored banners, the somberness of the event was Senate recommends budget approval palpable. T-shirts lined the room reading messages like, “Not my GTV funding still ozen, ee newspaper program to be cut daughter! Break the cycle now!” and “He beat my mom in front of us four kids…” Charlie Nickell At the head of the program, Sta Writer which was brought back to USM after a few years hiatus, The final version of next year’s is Chelsea Rock, a Residence budget proposal passed through Director at Upton-Hastings Hall the Student Senate on Friday on the Gorham Campus. night with a heated debate over “The department of residential the future of GTV, the student life was searching for a program run television station located on to bring the residential commu- the Gorham campus. nity to educate students about “Will we be leaving them sexual assault,” said Rock, who out to dry if we take away their along with Lyndsay Santeusanio, funding?” Senate Treasurer Coordinator of the USM Women’s Christopher Hopkins asked. Resource Center, helped formu- With a spreadsheet of GTV’s late the idea to make the campus budget projected on the wall “a safe place for all – both in the behind the executive board, the daytime and at night.” debate over whether GTV’s According to Take Back the funding should be re-allocated Night’s web site, the origins of brought senators head to head the march are often disputed. about the future of the student or- Some say their roots stem back ganization. as far as 1877, when women pro- The problem for GTV has been tested fear and violence in the its lack of attendance at senate streets of London. Others believe meetings. Without a presence, it was in 1976, when women many senators feel that the sta- from the International Tribune of tion gives up their opportunity Crimes Against Women took to for financial support. B MK / P E the streets of Belgium with can- “I have asked the students USM Student Senators Brent Jandreau and Jessica Chahanovich listen to President Selma Botman dles and rallied against violence who work at GTV several times speak during last week’s Senate meeting. against women. to send me an e-mail regarding TBTN was first introduced to their plans and still haven’t heard general manager for the past four what they expect. not surprised,” Kendrick said. “I America in 1978, when protes- anything,” Senator John Finison years feels that the senate hasn’t “Our funding has gradually tors gathered in San Francisco said. made it clear enough that rep- decreased over the years as new See TBTN on page 2 Franklin Kendrick, GTV’s resentation at their meetings is groups are needing money, so I’m See B on page 4

House of wonders ...... page 4 DVD bale ...... page 9 P ...... 6 S ...... 13 e F word ...... page 7 INSIDE P ...... 14 A & E ...... 8 THISISSUE Women’s rugby ...... page 16 2 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 3 From TBTN on page 1 Tracking the numbers of sexual N N crimes statewide and nationally after an anti-pornography con- can often be a challenge. “It is ference. Protestors marched e Obama Years difficult to know. Sexual assault down the city’s red light district historically has been the most to protest rape and pornography under-reported crime in the U.S. A Free Press political primer - which was seen as contributing However, over the last several to the subordination of women. years, crime statistics in Maine Adopting the slogan “Take Back and nationally show a rise in the the Night,” those who had been number of sexual assaults report- negatively affected by pornogra- ed to police. This is encouraging phy gathered to share their sto- because we want people to speak David O’Donnell We should be thankful that so at the statehouse. Governor ries. out, get the help they need and Sta Writer far, viewers are only taking this John Baldacci has always taken Perhaps the most emotional seek justice,” says Amato. out on pollsters. the standard line for liberal part of the night was the “Speak Amato says that all of SARSSM It seems quaint now, but just Democratic politicians with a Out.” services are available to men as last November there was this Marry Me good percentage of conservative “The Speak Out is held in an well. According to the group, 1 idea that some of the deep politi- constituents: he likes civil unions, effort to get survivors to share in 5 Maine residents report that cal divisions in this country were has nothing against gay people, their stories and have their voices they have been victims of rape or going to be bridged with the be- but doesn’t want to see marriage heard among a supportive com- attempted rape in their lifetime. ginning of a newer, younger, less touched. He is now reportedly munity,” said Rock. Counselors In the U.S. in 2007 there were ideological administration. Or at reconsidering that stance, but from the USM Health & almost 248,300 reported rapes, least that the country’s problems his office is being deluged with Counseling Center were on hand which means someone was raped might warrant putting them aside form letters from “traditional throughout the night, in the event marriage” activists urging him about every 2 minutes. for awhile. that those affected by sexual to remain firmly in the middle Considering these alarming There are three big reasons to abuse needed someone to talk to, (since there’s little hope of him numbers, the organization aims think that’s just not yet the case. and express their questions and at empowering victims to speak moving rightward, especially in concerns. If there was any hint last his last term.) out about sexual violence, and for First, Democrats and Rock feels that USM’s Gorham November of some culture war those people to feel supported by Republicans in Congress are campus is already a place where still left to fight, it was the passage their community. still voting down party lines. But Meta Data students can feel safe, but that SARSSM supports victims, of Proposition 8 in California, a they have to be proactive in order so what? Many of them still re- ballot measure limiting the state’s survivors, and concerned others member when now-91-year-old for it to stay that way. “Having a through their crisis and support definition marriage to a union be- TBTN is a way to send the mes- Sen. Robert Byrd was showing tween a man and a woman. No line, support groups, Sexual up to committee meetings in a sage that our community not Assault Response Teams (SART), exceptions. only wants, but demands that this leisure suit and gold chains, so California is far from the first. and outreach. In order to promote you might chalk that up to gen- campus be a safe place where a safe and violence free communi- In the 2004 elections, 11 states women can feel safe going out erational spillover. - Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, ty, they offer K-12 “age-appropri- Second, a Pew Research Poll after dark,” Rock said. ate and interactive presentations” Michigan, Montana, Mississippi, Part of Rock’s role as a Resident released last week found that North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, like Personal Body Safety and the gap between how many Director is to be able to react to Sexual Harassment. They also Ohio and Oregon - voted to situations where students might Democrats versus Republicans prevent gay couples from enter- offer community training and approve of Obama’s work so far not feel safe. When victimization speaking, a sex offender notifica- ing into anything labelled “mar- Call it naval-gazing, or a juicy occurs, she is prepared to give is the largest since the 1970s - riage.” economic soap opera, but the tion panel, outreach to homeless, 61%. That means that at the same them help when needed, includ- education of incarcerated youth, But California’s decision was story of the biggest (and small- ing getting them access to medi- point in 2001, Democrats appre- particularly devastating for gay est) names in news going belly- and support and advocacy with ciated George W. Bush more than cal help or recommending a crisis incarcerated women. rights activists, given that it has up is an easy headline-grabber. Republicans do Obama today. support organization like Sexual According to Amato, people one of the largest gay populations Then there’s a bit of intrigue at- So, is Obama the Divider in Assault Response Services of can promote safety on campus and a reputation for supporting tached that makes it even more Chief? - as a Fox News headline Southern Maine (SARSSM), by supporting others and their progressive causes. The groups important - like, whose gonna asked. More than likely, he’s been Cindi Amato, Executive safety. “It is important to use supporting the ban, mostly con- be in charge of writing the news unable thus far to slow a trend Director of SARSSM, kicked off the buddy system at parties and servative religious organizations, when all is said and done? that’s been developing since the the Speak Out on Wednesday. In around campus, to speak up when saw it as proof that the country The problem is that so much of Reagan years. her opening speech, Amato em- you see something happening that does not support marriage for ho- news gathering has been tied up phasized the importance of reviv- could turn into a violent situation, And third, none of the leader- mosexual couples - and that the in an increasingly irrelevant and ing TBTN and speaking out about and to let authorities know when ship on either side seems to give courts should stop ruling in favor money-hemorrhaging medium - these issues on campus, relating it does,” Amato said. a damn. of it, as California’s supreme newspapers. It took nothing short that it’s an event that’s meant to Take Back the Night closed That includes the President, court had in a May decision that of dire straights for the industry break the silence. She highlight- with an energized march around who didn’t waste any time going sparked the referendum. to understand that they couldn’t ed the resiliency of the human campus, with stops at almost on the offensive after finding By the time voters went to the treat the internet as an after- spirit, and ability to work through every dorm. Chelsea Rock held Republicans hostile to his spend- polls in California, the issue was thought in the 21st century. trauma as aspects of TBTN. a megaphone so all could hear ing plans. From that point on, it made into more than whether or What does this have to do Mentioning the SARSSM hot chants like However we dress, was alright to characterize op- not gays and lesbians could be with government? For starters, line as a “place to figure out what wherever we go, yes means yes, position to his agenda as advo- legally wed. Organizations push- some of our elected officials have to do next,” Amato says that their and no means no. cating “doing nothing” about the ing for the ban swore in ad after proposed tapping into the mood role in support isn’t to tell victims A police escort was provided economy. It was okay to have ad claiming that in reality gay of the times and sharing some what to do, but giving them op- for the marchers. As the brigade his staff name-check enthusias- marriage was a road to churches bailout-love with publishers. A tions, so they can make appropri- marched past the New Dorms, tically irreverent and maligned losing nonprofit status, kinder- bill introduced recently by Sen. ate decisions for themselves. onlookers peeked out their win- pundits like Rush Limbaugh in gartners being “taught” homo- Benjamin Cardin, Democrat of Education plays a key role in dows in curiosity of the large press conferences, an attempt to sexuality, and the moral fabric of Maryland, would allow newspa- allowing victims to take control crowd, certainly not something further marginalize the troubled society unraveling at an alarming pers to become tax-free nonprof- back in to their lives. On the you see on campus every day. Republicans. pace. its, enjoying the same off-limits Speak Out itself, Amato says that Rock says she anticipates Take But an easy route, consider- Get ready, Mainers, because income and dwindling patronage there are a lot of different ways Back the Night will become an ing the professional opinion- the battle is coming here in what as your neighborhood church. to speak out against sexual abuse, annual event. She hopes it will deliverers of TV and radio are should be a long and vitriolic fight That bill is in about as good including something as simple as be “something our students, staff, the only coherent messengers for over what exactly is “the way life a shape as the Portland Press marching. and faculty will come to not only Republican ideology right now, should be.” 60 Maine legislators Herald (still looking for buyers). While only a few people ac- expect, but to look forward to.” much to the chagrin of conser- have banded together in the state- If there’s been one benefit to the tually “spoke out,” the crowd’s vative intellectuals (yes, they do house to support a bill that would great money meltdown of 2008, silence was reflective of the se- exist.) Take Glenn Beck, for ex- change the definition of marriage it’s that archaic industries that riousness of violence. Amidst ample, who moved to Fox News on the books from a union be- controlled both content and dis- a silent and solemn group of at about the same time Obama tween a man and a woman to one tribution are finally losing -con people at the Speak Out, one of moved into the White House. His between any two adults. trol over the latter. That’s good the people to come forward and television show, which follows It would follow a decision last news for consumers and emerg- share what TBTN means to them 3-hours of chattering away on week by Vermont’s legislature to ing technologies. was a USM Police Officer, who radio, has been a smash hit. It’s legalize gay marriage. These are The bad news is that demo- said he only wished the crowd almost like an old-time medicine big deals because unlike previous cratic government could be a bit tonight was bigger “to support show for alienated right-wingers. decisions that have opened the vulnerable without local media those who gave the ultimate sac- Beck warns of apocalyptic sce- door for gay couples to marry, outlets to report on it. As jour- rifice.” narios, refers to the Democrats these are coming from democrat- nalist-turned-TV-producer David Another speaker, Lyndsay as “vampires”, cries on-camera ically-elected bodies and not ap- Simon told The Guardian news- Santeusanio, also spoke up and when he thinks of what’s happen- pointed judges. Still, there’s no paper of London last week - “Oh, said that the night was about “re- ing to his country, and then con- saying how Maine and Vermont to be a state or local official in claiming our country.” soles his audience with lines like would fare in the likely event that America over the next 10 to 15 “I love that there’s so many “we surround them!” In between, conservative groups call for a years, before somebody figures men here,” she said, adding that he can act like a giddy schoolboy peoples’ vote. out the business model.” men are also victims of sexual- heckling the liberals he occasion- On April 24, there will be ized violence. ally lures onto his set. an open hearing on the matter 2 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 N N e Free Press | April 13, 2009 3 Student partisan groups stumble back on the scene USM Dems, GOP groups resintated by student senate

I R H / P A Daniel MacLeod and commending the efforts of the BSO meetings. for him, but… I don’t think that’s involved. Who cares if it’s ideo- News Editor certain senators. According to Tetreault, the the fault of the BSO,” he said last logically different from some “The senate doesn’t usually problem with getting their mem- Saturday. others?” The only thing that nearly turn into a love-fest,” said senate bership revoked was that the BSO “There’s a sort of an assump- Sargent, who has registered as stopped Josh Grennie from getting parliamentarian Molly Dolby. froze all the money the group had tion and implication that… one a republican twice, but has never the USM College Republicans “We usually fi ght a lot more,” saved up doing fund-raisers. The person doesn’t make a group.” voted for a republican presidential group off the ground was the fact she clarifi ed. group had saved up around $500. Senator steps in candidate, agrees with Grennie that he was the only member. At the urging of Commuter “Part of that kind of shocked me Just as it was becoming unclear that USM is a profoundly liberal In the weeks leading up to last Senator-at-large Alex Sargent, – that the school would do that,” as to whether or not the group campus; so much so that some November’s national elections, the senate decided to postpone he said. Once his group realized would be able to form, Senator students are afraid of letting their the USM College Democrats the “love-fest,” and move on with what had happened, however, he Alex Sargent volunteered to join poitical stances known. were in full force around campus, the agenda, which included the went before the senate, who rein- the USM Student Republicans. “There are certain classes that, bolstered by the hugely success- testimonies of Grennie and USM stated the group’s charter. “I was surprised at fi rst, but now if you do voice opinions of op- ful grass roots Obama campaign. College Democrats spokesman It took the senate a few min- that I’ve talked with him, I’m not position, your grade will suffer,” Grennie, however, realized that Chet Tetreault, whose group’s utes to realize that Josh Grennie’s surprised,” Grennie said. he said. there was no group that refl ected membership had been revoked group wasn’t really a group after Sargent says that he joined the According to Sargent, who his view as a conservative repub- for lack of attendance at BSO all. Marie Follayttar, student rep group mainly to speed things plans on being an active member lican. meetings. to the UMS board of trustees, along. in USM Student Republicans, di- “I wanted to join the college Last semester, the USM noted that a group technically “I felt bad,” he said last verse opinions should ge given republicans, but [it] didn’t exist,” College Democrats were so needs to have two members. Saturday. equal creedence. he said. During the lead-up to last busy knocking on doors, running “I met with them several times “I was mainly like, let’s just “I think the job of a university fall’s election, he worked with phone banks, and “getting out the and was never made aware of get this on the road, let’s get this is to explore ideas, not matter Maine PIRG’s non-partisan “Get vote” in general, that they didn’t that,” Grennie said. group going. Let’s get students how bad or good.” Out The Vote” effort. But at the notice when the Board of Student “I’ve had a lot of interest [in the same time, Grennie saw a need Organizations revoked their group], it’s just that I didn’t try to for a more institutional represen- membership as an offi cial USM get a huge base. I just wanted to tation at USM for student conser- student organization, Tetreault get it created and then build up The job market is global. vatives. said. support.” Grennie, a freshman fi nance “It was bad management on BSO president Eric Favreau major, says that having a group our part,” he told the senate. The says that a group needing to have Are you? advocating conservative issues is College Democrats were holding more than one member should necessary for a school like USM, events on every Friday, he said, just be common knowledge. where it seems to him that a ma- so nobody was available to go to “Maybe we didn’t spell it out jority of students lean to the left. “It’s defi nitely overwhelmingly liberal,” he said. Grennie says that it’s not just students and student groups who are liberal – a large number of professors are as well. “But that’s why there is such a strong need [for this group], because there aren’t really any conservative groups. There needs to be one for those students,” he said. The only problem he ran into was that the Board of Student Organizations (BSO) never told him that he needed to have more than one member in order to qual- Teachers, ify as a group when they gave Engineers, him the green light to reinstate the USM Student Republicans. Health majors, His next task would be to go before the USM Student Senate, Math and science majors, and get his group’s constitution approved. Agriculturalists and foresters, “One person doesn’t make a French and Spanish speakers group” At the April 3 meeting of the encouraged to apply. USM Student senate, love was in the air. The 37th senate spent the fi rst 15 minutes nominating each www.peacecorps.gov/events other for various service awards, 4 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 5 From B on page 1 N N The senate approved funding didn’t know the senate expected for the 3rd annual Laura Vogel GTV to be at the meeting.” Portland greenhouse Memorial 5K race to be held on Kendrick, who is a senior, May 23, providing $1450 to help says that despite advertising the pay for port a-potties, tee shirts, station’s need for a new man- and a finish line director under thrives under green thumb ager for next year, he has heard the agreement that the entry little response from students. fee for students will be reduced A look inside USM’s rooop oasis GTV has been showing feature by 50%. The USM Bayside films on the Gorham campus for Nursing Partnership is organiz- the last three months and helps ing a free community health fair produce students’ independent the day of the race and hopes to film projects. attract over 1000 people. USM After a final 10 to 5 vote student athletes and nursing stu- against reinstating GTV’s fund- dents will be volunteering at the ing, the money was set aside in event. unallocated funds, suspending A new student group, the the station’s financial support Phoenix Network, which helps until they get the leadership nec- at-risk youth with mentor and essary to represent themselves advocate services, had its con- before the senate. stitution passed unanimously. Ben Skillings, who represented State of the union the Phoenix Network before the senate, explained that there were Guest speaker at the meeting 8 students involved in the group, was USM’s President, Selma and a fund raising party is being Botman, who spoke to senators scheduled for this summer. about the progress of the stra- Student Body President Ben tegic plan and the goals of the Taylor and Senator Matthew university. Working towards Taggett went before the senate streamlining the transition for to request funding for the Spring community college transfer stu- Fling ’09 events scheduled for dents was discussed along with the week of April 26. S L / S P ways of increasing retention The request was for $9,500 to Greenhouse manager Mayleen Farrington tends to some plants atop the science building on the Portland among undergraduates in this fund an outdoor concert sched- campus. Tasked with growing and maintaining plant specimens for biology courses, Farrington spends a time of economic hardship. uled for the Saturday night of the couple hours a week on pruning and pest control to keep things looking green. “In all of the budget cuts af- festival, as well as other activi- fecting the university, finan- ties. The Spring Fling event is Ma Dodge ing, you’re not likely to stumble problem, but rather uses a myriad cial aid will not be affected,” one of three major festivals held Executive Editor upon this space by accident. of cooperative techniques to keep Botman said. during the year and is a signifi- For a couple hours each week, the plants healthy. The difficulty students have cant opportunity for the Student “We have an ant on Mr. Spiky” Farrington tends to this diverse “I would like to get some pred- funding their education was Senate to generate excitement Mayleen Farrington says to her and unique collection of plant atory insects in here, but funding highlighted by Senator Adams, about university activities and daughter as she carefully pushes species, which are primarily used is limited,” says Farrington. who said that his own financial events. The senate passed the aside a leaf on the barbed plant as teaching samples for biology Farrington, whose has worked situation has deteriorated to the proposal. to give Maya a better looks at classes to study plant reproduc- as a farrier – trimming and shoe- point where he may not be able the insect crawling over the four- tion, pollination, and adaptation. ing horse’s hooves – for sixteen to afford to enroll next semes- No more newspapers? foot-tall, prickly looking plant. Farrington’s job is year-round, years, stumbled upon the man- ter. As greenhouse manager, a and primarily involves water- ager position and jumped at the Amidst the economic gloom, The newspaper program, which work-study position the 40-year- ing, maintenance, cultivation, chance to cultivate an unlikely Botman was optimistic about pays for the daily issues of the old biology senior has held for and a whole lot of pest control. and diverse collection of plants. the strategic plan. New York Times, Boston Globe two years, Farrington looks over “Mealybugs are the bane of my One such unique specimen is “It’s beginning to take some and Portland Press Herald, has one of the most unique and least- existence right now” she says. the Stapelia gigantean, also called good shape and we hope to been removed from the laun- known spaces on the Portland A proponent of integrated pest a “carrion flower”, this starfish- produce a final draft by the end dry list, a list the senate uses to campus. Nestled on the locked management, Farrington does not of the semester,” she said. The identify budget items it doesn’t sixth floor of the science build- like to go straight for the harsh See H on page 5 five-year strategic plan aims to know what to do with for next insecticides to fight her pest help resolve issues of economic year. The decision will free up sustainability as well as make about $12,000 dollars. the university more suitable to Reasons cited for the pro- its diverse population. gram’s removal were that faculty members were taking the Are you In or are you free papers and that news could Out? be obtained more cheaply over the Internet. Two newly elected senators, The question of whether re- Kaitlyn Hamilton and Micaela quiring students to present their Enevoldson, had their letters I.D. would solve part of the of resignation read by Senate problem was undermined by Chair, Katherine Letourneau, Senator Donahue, who said, “If I citing scheduling conflicts as knew that I had to bring my I.D. their reasons for giving up their with me every time I wanted a seats. newspaper, I would probably Also newly elected sena- not even try to get one.” tors, Daniel Barret and Melissa Because the budget is only Donahue, were voted on to sit a recommended proposal, The for the remainder of 37th term, 38th Student Senate will have which runs through April. the chance to make changes The search process for stu- when it takes office in May. dents for board of trustees was initiated and nominations will be solicited by the end of the week. Money, Money, Money Use your camera for more than just your facebook photos...

contact executive editor matt dodge [email protected] or stop by our ofﬁ ce at 92 bedford street, portland become a photographer for The Free Press! 4 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 5 N From H on page 4 gy professors looking for specific FarringtonN has come to see species to use in the classroom, that the school’s quality lies shaped flower emits an odor but much of the stocking of this not in its bankroll, but the reminiscent of rotting flesh as a mini ecosystem is left up to the dedication of its faculty. means of attracting flies, which discretion of Farrington. “What it lacks in funding, help it to pollinate. “They kind of “A lot of it has been for my own it makes up for in amazing smell like road kill,” Farrington entertainment,” says Farrington, staff,” she says. adds. who does a lot of her research on As Farrington prepares But this rooftop “Little Shop of the Internet, always looking for a to graduate this spring, she Horrors” does not stop there. The new way to keep the greenhouse is keeping the future of the Euphorbia tirucalli, or “pencil thriving. “These guys are sort of greenhouse in mind, putting tree” is a waxy looking sprawl of my pet plants,” she says. together a manual for the next thin green branches, whose sap But the work-study job is more caretaker to assure that this can irritate or burn the skin. than just a hobby for Farrington. sixth-floor sanctuary flour- Another, intentionally uniden- An advocate of developing sus- ishes in her absence. tified plant, is said to induce what tainable communities and lo- “It’s just a great place to Farrington calls “flying dreams” calized food production, she is come up and get away from it if licked. “But we are not sup- currently applying to a master’s all,” Farrington says. posed to discuss that,” she says. program in sustainable com- It’s not only the carnivorous, munities at Northern Arizona burn inducing, or hallucinogenic University. that makes it into the collection. Farrington’s specific focus The Stanhopea orchid, growing is on noninvasive, low-mainte- just across from the putrid car- nance landscaping techniques “to rion flower, gives off a pleasant replace lawns and all that stupid- warm vanilla smell and battles ity”. the olfactory senses for one’s at- USM’s science departments tention. are among some of university’s The greenhouse is kept at 55 best funded, but their budgets degrees during the winter, and focus very narrowly on specific can get up to 90 degrees in the concentrations such as genetics, summer, and has a wide range of and cellular work. species all thriving in the same The greenhouse receives little place. funding outside of what is al- From a six-foot papaya tree, to located to biology professors orchids, Egyptian papyrus, desert when they teach a class that calls cactus, and a pineapple plant for plant samples. Farrington’s harvested from a grocery store work-study salary is the only real Delmonte, there is no real rhyme expense incurred in running the of reason for what makes it into greenhouse, making it an easy to S L / S P the greenhouse. sustain and uniquely adaptable Farrington, with the help of her daughter Maya, inspects a few of the green- “It’s kind of a free for all” says venture. Farrington. Some of the plants house’s exotic plants. From pineapples, to papyrus the sixth floor space Still, in her time at USM, are grown at the request of biolo- houses plants that range in odor from rotting flesh, to warm vanilla. 6 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 P P e Free Press | April 13, 2009 7 the free press We want to hear from 92 B S - P, M 04101 (207) 780-4084 • [email protected] www.usmfreepress.org

EXECUTIVE EDITOR M D CORRECTIONS NEWS EDITOR D M L SPORTS EDITOR M T In last week’s story A E E D K you! PRODUCTION EDITOR K W about new student PRODUCTION ASSISTANT R H body president PHOTO EDITOR B MK Maggie Guzman, Dave Marshall was AD EXECUTIVE J G Comment on any story at www.usmfreepress. credited as being a BUSINESS MANAGER L S state representative. org, and we will pick a weekly winner to receive He is actually free swag. To be eligible, comments must include a Portland city your name, contact info, and year/affiliation with councillor. STAFF WRITERS USM. N B, C N , K C, S V, T Most creative, insightful, or Y , D M , T J , A R, A P , A M, funny entry gets the prize. D O’D, A C , D F, M MC , J N

COLUMNISTS A MC , J C , B MK, M T , T Y

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS G C A T , D M, S L Shouldn’t USM go solar COPY EDITORS T Y , K M , C N , J C , B H electricfor free? Michael S. Hamilton They are big, well-established, and investment capital on the open market. Guest Columnist they already have contracts to do the They also build, operate and repair the INTERNS same thing with Staples, Ikea, Whole systems. USM just signs the contract B S, B K, B S Imagine solar photovoltaic collectors Foods, Kohl’s, Costco and Wal-Mart, and pays the utility bill. The company on the roof of every major USM build- along with car dealerships, other univer- makes a predictable profit while USM ing in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston- sities, research parks, hospitals, federal saves money. Auburn, providing enough electricity to agencies, municipal governments, util- This arrangement involves NO risk Editorial & Advertising Policies meet USM’s needs and often enough to ity companies, and self-storage ware- for generation and transmission price houses. These organizations have two sell to Central Maine Power Co. increases during the entire period of op- e Free Press is a weekly student–run things in common with USM: a need Imagine the PV collectors get put eration, at the end of which electricity newspaper paid for in part with the Student for large amounts of low-cost electric- there without any significant outlay of prices will certainly be more expensive Activity Fee. • We have a gender-neutral funds by USM, and provide electricity, and lots of roof space. language policy. • We reserve the right USM would not buy the equipment, than they are today. During that period, ity at a fixed price for the next ten to CMP will be providing electricity to to edit or refuse all materials submi ed twenty years that is competitive with but would provide the roof space and customers using mostly oil and natu- or solicited for publication. • Columns what USM pays today to CMP for our sign a power purchase agreement do not re ect the opinions of e Free electricity. (PPA) with one of three competing na- ral gas, both of which will increase in Press or its sta. • Guest commentaries That means no negative impact on tional firms, SunEdison, Sungevity, or price, possibly precipitously. are sometimes solicited or accepted from student tuition or fees, while USM goes SunRun. USM currently has a PPA with This arrangement would provide members of the USM community; they “green,” reduces its carbon footprint on Central Maine Power, but it’s only for an important hedge against escalat- may not exceed 750 words. • One copy the world, and shows some leadership a year or two, and does not guarantee ing electricity prices; a smaller carbon of e Free Press is available free of charge. in the community. a fixed price for electricity. Every time footprint; insulation from future rate in- Up to 10 additional copies are available for And the side benefits include predict- the price of oil or another fuel goes up, creases. Can it get any better than this? 25 cents each at the oce of e Free Press, able energy costs, something incredibly the price CMP charges USM goes up, What’s the catch? Getting somebody 92 Bedford St., Portland, Maine. • e valuable to persons preparing a budget and USM tuition follows shortly there- in the USM administration interested Free Press reaches an estimated 11,000 for a large institution like USM. And after. enough to look at it seems to be the students of USM, their friends and families also incredibly valuable to students who But a PPA with SunEdison, for ex- major obstacle to doing it. on the Portland and Gorham campuses and ample, would be for at least ten years at might prefer their tuition not increase in In March 2009, SunEdison went over in the Portland community. To advertise, a guaranteed fixed price for the whole future to pay for more expensive elec- 100Gwh of delivered PV solar electric- contact our Advertising Manager at tricity. period. The price would be fixed by ity. Staples has 24 of their installations 207.780.4084 x8. • We reserve the right All USM needs to do is pick up contract because it would be determined to reject advertising, We will not accept the phone and contact SunEdison, mostly by the rate of interest SunEdison and is building more everyday. But discriminatory ads. • We welcome le ers Sungevity or SunRun and ask for a fea- would pay to private investors for fi- don’t take my word for it. Check it out to the editor. ey must be submi ed sibility assessment. These companies nancing the entire project, NOT on the yourself at SunEdison.com, Sungevity. electronically, include the author’s full are in this business today, and they’ve price of oil or gas or another fuel that com, or SunRunHome.com. Shouldn’t name, school year or relationship to USM, found a way to reduce the front end might increase suddenly. And today, in- we do this, now? phone number for verication and may not costs of going solar electric. terest rates are low, low, low. exceed 350 words without prior approval This is not some kind of California That’s right, no upfront capital costs Michael S. Hamilton is a USM profes- from the Executive Editor. • e deadline dreamin’; it’s TODAY. SunEdison’s for USM, just payment of a fixed, pre- sor of political science who is currently for all submissions is ursday at 4 p.m. national headquarters is in Beltsville, dictable rate for electricity, a rate that is teaching an advanced undergraduate preceding the week of publication. Send Maryland, and they have active opera- competitive and possibly lower than the class in Energy Policy Analysis and re- submissions to [email protected]. tions centers in New Jersey, Oregon, local utility. California, Hawaii, and Ontario, The company USM would contract searching a book with the same title. Canada. with uses the PPA as collateral to secure 6 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 P P e Free Press | April 13, 2009 7 G C USM Child and Family Centers Closing

CORRECTIONS I am writing in response to the letter to I wonder how many other departments occurs by age three, which is the most high quality childhood education is sub- In last week’s story the editor in the March 9th Free Press by don’t cover their compensation costs critical period to positively impact a stantial.” Even Governor Baldacci’s about new student “Hourly Employees.” Believe me, I know either. USM C&FC’s deficit taken out of child’s capacity for future learning. Dana Business Roundtable on Early Childhood first hand the impact of USM’s- finan context can be very misleading. Connors, President of the Maine Chamber body president Investment released its recommendations cial situation and can empathize with the My second objection is the assumption of Commerce, wrote a letter of support for investing in the early years with its “author” regarding some of the decisions that was made about the ease in which regarding increased investment in early Maggie Guzman, three priorities being: 1) public private Dave Marshall was that have been made. However, I have parents can make other child care arrange- care and education as part of the eco- issues with three points that were made ments. According to the 2004 Maine’s nomic stimulus package. He wrote that partnerships to create and sustain Maine’s credited as being a in reference to USM Child and Family Cost and Quality Studies, 76% of center- “high-quality early education programs comprehensive, early childhood system; state representative. Centers: the deficit, the availability of care based and 70% of Maine’s family child prepare children for academic success 2) a public education and parent education He is actually out in the community and the use of tax- care homes are considered to be “poor to and help them develop skills necessary campaign about Maine’s moral and fiscal payer dollars to subsidize child care. mediocre.” Many of our parents are strug- for their personal and later career devel- responsibility and the value of investing a Portland city Child care is a labor-intensive indus- gling finding alternative care in the com- opment. Children who lack early learning in young children; and 3) promote public councillor. try, especially due to the strict regulations munity that is comparable with USM and experiences are more likely to struggle and private investments that will increase regarding teacher/child ratios for infants those that are worthy have long waiting academically, drop out of school, be ar- the number of qualified early childhood and toddlers. Compensation is 88.5% of lists. USM C&FC was the first program in rested, become teen parents and abuse il- professionals. The newly formed Maine our budget compared with about 73% for Maine to achieve accreditation status from legal drugs-all serious disqualifiers for Children’s Growth Council, of which USM as a whole. In this country, child the National Association for the Education successful careers.” Research links high care is one of the lowest paid industries. of Young Children. Only 70 centers in quality early childhood education to UMS Chancellor Richard Pattenaude is a USM’s child care staff have been fortunate Maine are accredited and only 8 other cen- “better cognitive function and language member, has formerly adopted the “Invest to receive the excellent benefits that other ters are in the Greater Portland area. Most development, higher rates of attendance Early in Maine: A Working Plan for UMS employees enjoy. According to a of these do not serve infants and toddlers. at a four-year college and higher rates of Humane Early Childhood Systems”, that, 2008 Maine child care workforce study, The trauma that our parents are experienc- employment.” So basically, investing in among other things, advocates for access only 56% of 481 child care centers offer ing due to the lack of suitable alternatives quality early experiences for our children to high quality, affordable, accessible and health insurance for their employees. This is evident on a daily basis. Finding alter- is investing in our future human capital. I inclusive child care with a qualified and lack of benefits creates high turnover and nate child care is not like choosing store- think that makes quality child care critical well-compensated workforce. Sound fa- lower expectations for professional quali- brand peanut butter. to a public University, especially one that miliar? fications, neither of which are good for USM C&FC has a DHHS subsidy con- serves a highly non-traditional population A recent UNICEF study showed how children. The majority of our staff have ad- tract for eligible families and receives and espouses transforming lives. the declining rates of spending on children vanced degrees. Unfortunately, this level scholarship money generously allocated President Obama has certainly champi- of education is highly unusual in our field, by USM’s Student Senate, thereby provid- oned early care and education as a priority, in our country has resulted in the United since the requirements for training are less ing access to quality child care so that our as have Maine’s bi-partisan and unanimous States ranking 20th out of 21 rich nations G C than for those of dog trainers or hair dress- student parents are able to earn a four-year recommendation by the “Commission in “child well-being.” How can we ever ers. Many of our teachers have worked at degree. The research on the Parents as to Develop a Strategic Priorities Plan for compete globally if our children fare so USM for many years, again, defying the Scholars program demonstrated that PaS Maine’s Young Children” According poorly? I do believe that it is appropriate norm for the industry. This high level of graduates increased their wages by nearly to their report “investments in quality for our federal and state government to competence by our staff has provided our 50% by obtaining a college education and child care and early childhood education partner with parents to invest in early care many work study students with an en- that nearly 90% of PaS working gradu- do more than pay significant returns to and education the same way that it subsi- Shouldn’t USM go solar riched experiential learning experience, ates have left the welfare system. This has children—our future citizens. They also dizes the cost of higher education. prompting them to return year after year. major ramifications to break the cycle of benefit taxpayers and enhance economic In fact, the majority of our student parents poverty because the level of education of vitality. Economic research—by Nobel electricfor free? graduate from USM, which contributes the mother is one of the most important de- Prize-winners and Federal Reserve econ- Respectfully submitted by, significantly to the University, though it is terminants of child outcomes. USM Child omists, in economic studies in dozens of not reflected in our bottom line. We bring and Family Centers was the lynch pin for states and counties, and in longitudinal Lori Freid Moses in over $867,000 in revenue, but that does success for many of the PaS participants. studies spanning 40 years—demonstrate Director not cover the cost of wages and benefits. Ninety percent of brain development that the return on public investment in USM Child and Family Centers

T F A F P by Taryn Yudaken Divided we fall

In the past couple weeks California, there has been a lot -“the storm” being acceptance of actually actors. HRC spokesman, is no meaningless battle. The heat there have been major steps for- of turmoil in their state’s politi- same-sex marriage, which will Brad Luna, claims “this ad is full of this issue begs to ask some im- ward for equal rights advocates cal atmosphere. There is a huge supposedly infringe on every- of outrageous falsehoods-and portant questions -- What is free- around the nation-namely Iowa battle there (…and everywhere body’s freedom and rights (how, they didn’t even come out of the dom? What is love? What is hate and Vermont. We now have else) between equal rights and they don’t say). But LGBTQ mouths of real people.” and how far should religion enter four states that grant full same- anti-gay activists. The National people are lacking in freedom Although this ad does not speak into the constitution? Where is the sex marriages: Massachusetts, Organization for Marriage, and rights all over the place. of any progress in equality, its ex- Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. which advocated for the repeal of “United we stand” are words with istence alone is proof enough that separation between church and The D.C. council also recently same-sex marriage in California, a meaning that has been lost upon the more conservative are feeling state? Where is America going to voted to grant marriage rights to has spent a supposed $1.5 mil- many; at this point we are pretty threatened. end up on this issue? Constantly same-sex couples in the nation’s lion on airing their very anti-gay- divided, and fighting is maintain- The marriage debate seems to separated? capital who have married else- marriage advertisement (eight ing our fall. be a thriving topic at the moment, Some of us would like to know, where. Other states recognizing times a day) in states that appear There is a lot of controversy but equal rights look like they how long is it going to be before out-of-state same-sex marriage to be considering same-sex about NOM’s attempt to pro- might be slowly emerging. we are all recognized as equal are CO, MD, MN, NH, NJ, NY, rights. These include New Jersey, mote such an anti-gay message. Although there are always going beings? When will same-sex RI and our very own ME (which New York, Pennsylvania, New Not only is its hate and bigotry to be hateful attempts to coun- marriage be acceptable enough so has Equality Maine, among other Hampshire, and unsurprisingly, questionable, but so is its cred- teract anti-discrimination move- organizations, working very hard California. ibility. Audition tapes for the ad ments, the U.S. looks like it might that it doesn’t have to flood every to have complete same-sex mar- The ad shows several people were leaked and put on YouTube, be moving in a more accepting other headline? And where will riage granted here). standing underneath dark skies, and it was discovered that the so- direction, with more people who anti-gay activists draw the line? Since Prop 8 passed in claiming that a storm is coming- called concerned citizens in it are were apathetic realizing that this 8 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 A & E e Free Press | April 13, 2009 9 Page 9 ...... DVD ba le rts & Page 10 ...... Pick up a random album Page 11 ...... Review of “I Love You Man” Entertainment “I’m going with you” A Mint Films’ “ e Transition of Minor Skies” screens at SPACE Danica Koenig beautifully shot and meshes perfectly with Arts & Entertainment Editor the soothing soundtrack. All three of the main actors truly become Never has a sleepy beach town looked their characters. Sophie Hill points out that so good. The production team Mint Films this is easier when you can relate to the char- produced their longest fi lm to date, “The acter you are playing, which she could. Transition of Minor Skies,” a fi lm about the “My character is like this traveling girl clashing of familiar comfort with the possi- who tries to remain kind of unattached to bility of change. people. I feel that it takes a certain kind of Written and directed by Jeff Griecci, the person to travel different places and meet fi lm follows the lives of Hunter and Dom different people, because it’s hard make (played by Ian Carlson and Parker Newton) connections while still staying unattached,” in a sleepy beach town. It shows their every- says Hill. “I got the traveling bug when I day, monotonous routines in a town where was younger and spent a semester abroad, so change seldom visits. I can defi nitely relate to my character.” It starts off rather humorously with the “The Transition of Minor Skies” is Mint boys going through their routine activities; Films’ longest fi lm to date, at 55 minutes one funny scene shows them stealing a few long. The cast and crew consist of a mix of dollars from the tip jar of a small convenience Mint Film veterans as well as newcomers to store, giving each other high fi ves, and then the fi lm scene, like Hill, as this was her very running away in slow motion having just fi rst fi lm. done the most exciting thing they’re going “It was interesting because the kids I to do all day. worked with were pretty experienced. Both Another funny scene shows Hunter and Parker and Ian had done theater and fi lms Dom going to the local video store and de- before. It was really cool to work with such liberating over what to rent, an activity they experienced people,” says Hill. “It opened frequently do judging by their debate about up a whole new talent and hobby for me, and renting Army of Darkness. Their conver- I want to do more in the future.” sation about which zombie movie has the Everyone in the cast and crew is extreme- best gore is interrupted by the movie store ly pleased with the way the fi lm turned out. clerk who cruelly reveals how the special ef- Hill attributes the success of the fi lm to the fects are done. Hunter and Dom looked as people behind it, especially the gentlemen crushed as if they just found out Santa Claus of Mint Films. She says her fondest memo- is a myth. ries of the fi lm are the off-camera times they The boys’ daily activities become more spent together. sad and serious as the fi lm continues, until “The best part of making the movie was Dom runs into a girl at a bookstore (played hanging out with the guys,” says Hill. “They by Sophie Hill) who changes the way he are all just hilarious and they are really free looks at himself and his life. This visiting spirits.” girl, a traveling free spirit (who remains The fi rst public Portland screening of nameless throughout the fi lm) gives Hunter “The Transition of Minor Skies” will be on and Dom a taste of life beyond their sleepy May 20th at the SPACE Gallery in Portland. beach town. Some of the events at the screening include: The fi lm is sad, funny, bittersweet and DVD sales, Q&A with the cast and crew, touching all at once. The clashing of the mys- and a bonus screening of Mint Films’ short terious girl with the boring lives of Hunter documentary “Murphy’s Law.” For more and Dom subtly shows the familiar theme of information and updates about the screen- the confl ict of the familiar with the long for ing visit “The Transition of Minor Skies” on Official movie poster for “The Transition of Minor Skies” change, but in a unique, funny, and touching MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thet- way. The scenery and cinematography are ransitionofminorskies.

P M F From left to right: Parker Newton as Dom and Ian Carlson as Hunter 8 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 A & E e Free Press | April 13, 2009 9 Baltimore buzz band sets the bar for albums in ‘09 Indie out t Animal Collective’s best release to date

Dylan Martin lessly transition into each other, begging mean/I know I shouldn’t say so but when Sta Writer for listeners to digest the album in one you/Claw me like a cat, I’m beaming.” sitting. In some cases, Animal Collective’s lyrics 2009 has already been a great year Immediate standout tracks include the can get repetitive: “Open up your, open for music, and we’re not even half way single “My Girls,” “Lion in a Coma,” and up your/Open up your throat/And let the through. Over the fi nal few weeks of this “Brother Sport,” but limiting this review all of that time/All of that time, all of that semester, I will review my favorite musi- to “standout tracks” would do this album time go,” but only to their advantage to cal releases of this year so far. First off, a disservice. Every song on the album create a dancing frenzy. Animal Collective... can stand on its own, and it’s all thanks While “Brother Sport” and other fast- to Animal Collective’s loose and eccen- moving tracks will make you dance Animal Collective – tric songwriting. All of the songs have a fi ercely, other songs like “Bluish” and Merriweather Post Pavillion bubbly, sometimes tribal atmosphere with “No More Runnin” will evoke a slow melodies that heavily rely on synthesiz- sway of the body. This balance sets a fi ne Animal Collective is perhaps one of the ers, strong lyricism and echoing harmo- pace for the album, allowing listeners to most hyped up bands in the indie music nies. In addition, the band does a lot of get revved up for one track and then relax world, but rightfully so. This album layering with various synthesizer loops and chill for the next one. transcends everything the band has ever and drum tracks to build up the drama If you’re a fan of experimental, elec- done before. Animal Collective is always and excitement of their songs. tronic, dub, and/or freak folk, I highly Merriweather Post Pavillion pushing the envelope for a balance of ex- It’s important to mention that this suggest picking up this album at your perimentation and pop sensibility. Where album is very lyric-heavy and its one of local Bull Moose Music store. And even Animal Collective their last album was more jagged and the albums strong points. “Bluish” great- if you’re not, do the same; it’s defi nitely Domino, 2009 haunted, MPP is chilled-out, continuous ly demonstrates the band’s odd romanti- worth it. and dreamy. Most of the songs seam- cism with “I like your looks when you get

Oh Miley! Edition Jem vs. Crossroads vs. Gli er vs. Straight Ou a Compton? David O’Donnell Sta Writer

As a fi lm columnist for the Free Press, its my duty to keep abreast of the times, to keep my fi nger on the pulse of young America, to watch at least 13 hours a day of the Disney channel. Unfortunately, times being what they are and court-mandated ankle monitors being so effec- tive, I can’t afford to leave the house of my own free will and plunk down $8.50 to see Hannah Montana: The Movie this week. But this column is about helping you dig up cheap alternatives to the multiplex at your local library and video rent-o-shack. Thankfully, Miley is not the fi rst pop sensation to take all the behind the scenes angst of superstardom and make it into a movie. Maybe just the best.

Jem: e Movie Crossroads Gli er

Like HanMo, JEM is the su- Sony thought it would be cheap- Don’t forget that Glitter exists. perstar alter ego of a normal girl, er to create this movie rather than or in this case music industry put together a standard press kit heiress Jerrica Benton. The fi lm for Britney Spears’ third album, chronicles the rise of Jem and the the one where she covered Joan Mystix, as they battle the evil rival Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll”. band of some other name. While Crossroads is the lovingly ge- e winner... I haven’t seen this, if I remember neric story of BriSpe and two e Hit (aka Straight Ou a Compton II) my sister’s toy collection cor- friends hitting the road after high I still remember when somebody came bursting into rectly, Jem was a trampier, leg- school to fi nd fame and runaway the Whole Grocer several years ago to let everybody gier Barbie with some seriously parents. Much in the same way know “hey, I was over on Washington Ave., and they’re new-wave eye makeup. It’s my Mama Mia! used the music of fi lming Straight Outta Compton II in front of Buffalo family’s suspicion that she really ABBA as the glue and soul of its Wings’n’Things!” Wow, I thought, the sequel to Straight warped my sister. story, this movie is pretty much Outta Compton is being fi lmed in Portland, Maine, of all based on the song “I’m Not a places. Far too later on it dawned on me that nobody has Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” but ever heard of a movie called Straight Outta Compton. The gets kudos for it’s daring ending blue ribbon goes to a fi lm that combines a story of making where Britney’s friends laugh her it with the gritty streets of Portland. into a bitter drinking binge after she plays it for them. 10 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 A & E A & E e Free Press | April 13, 2009 11 E E by Anne McCormack Pea soup from le over Easter dinner Last year our Easter feast was Harvard beets, and mashed pota- cooked outdoors in the mild air toes speckled with snips of green Split Pea Soup full of chattering bird sounds. onions. Our plates held a palette Makes 6 servings Peter masterfully grilled a butter- of resplendent spring colors, har- 2 tablespoons butter fl ied leg of lamb slathered with a bingers of blossoms to follow. 2 teaspoons dried marjoram leaves blend of lots of fresh minced garlic The fog and raw days of late in- 1 large onion, chopped 1 1/2 cups green split peas and coarse mustard. Asparagus, spired this satisfying soup which 1 cup chopped celery, optional baby red potatoes, ruby beets, and made good use of the leftover 4 cups water 3 carrots, sliced sleek carrots all got roasted on the hambone. 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth grill. This year, Easter dinner was Ham bone, or smoked turkey, if desired somewhat more traditional with a glazed baked ham, asparagus with Hollandaise, Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in a large stock pot for about 10 minutes, stirring. Add rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil Reduce heat and simmer soup for an hour and a half to two hours, stirring occasion- ally. Remove hambone and cut any ham off bone and add to soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pick up a random album Album reviews om a di erent way of CD shopping Ben Boyden Contributing Writer

Lately, I’ve been trying out a new album choosing system. I go to the CD’s and I choose an album randomly. Sometimes, the outcome of this system isn’t what I’d like it to be, but it works 90% of the time. I try to go to the bargain bins, and look for interesting music that I’ve never heard before.

was also the fi rst time I heard ety, love, and aging. Aja sing. The Youtube video is One of my personal favorite also worth watching, by the way. tracks on this album is the track “Burn Burn” focuses a lot on the titled “U.F.O.” This track brings guitar and drums if you’re into up the question of what the world that kind of thing. would look like if you were to “Million years” has more of a look from the outside looking in. vocal focus. The beat the drums How would the wars, and the pol- are playing is pretty straightfor- lution, and everything bad in this ward, and the guitar is playing world look to an outsider? That’s some basic chords. The thing I something that I would like to like most about this track is the know. vocals. At times, this song has Another track that I love is “To more of an edgy feel to it. Newton Faulkner - the light”. This song is a really Nico Vega - Nico Vega “Iron man” isn’t what you’d Hand Built by Robots great track if you like the guitar. Marcus Miller - Marcus MySpace Records think it would be. It’s a nice ballad Columbia Records The guitar in this track shows Concord Jazz Records 2009 with an acoustic guitar behind the 2008 Newton’s masterful use of his in- 2007 vocals. The drums come in later, strument. Of these random picks, I found but I prefer the balance of the Another Album that I picked One of the things that keep me I’ve always been a big fan of that one of them sits among my vocals and the acoustic guitar. up off of the shelf at random was listening to this album is the bal- instrumental music, and I found favorite albums now. Nico Vega also has a number of Newton Faulkner “Hand built by ance of the vocals and the guitar. an album right off the shelf that Nico Vega is a LA based band albums out. They include: Cocaine robots.” I never get tired of this album be- was really cool. If you play the featuring Aja Volkman on vocals, Cooked the Brain, No Child left This album is absolutely fan- cause the balance is perfect. Bass Guitar, you’ve probably Rich Koehler on guitar and Dan Behind, Chooseyourwordspoorly, tastic. The fi rst sounds I heard The album art is also quite in- heard of Marcus Miller. I picked Epand on drums. as well as Nico Vega. when I played the album remind- credible. That’s actually the main up “Marcus,” by Marcus Miller. I’m not sure what it is, but This album was everything I ed me of the music in the movie reason I picked up the album in Marcus doesn’t waste any time everybody that I’ve shown this wasn’t looking for. Every song “August Rush”. the fi rst place. satisfying his audience with the album to is taken in almost au- only added to the overall qual- Newton’s guitar playing is only I love to listen to this album on fi rst track on this album, “Blast!” tomatically by Aja’s vocals. Her ity of the album. The songs cover overshadowed by his wonderful a nice spring day, while I’m walk- This song has an Arabic hip-hop voice is enchanting, seductive, a variety of styles ranging from vocals. ing down the street. For some feel to it. It’s actually the fi rst and entertaining to say the least. hardcore to a song that has a This album has a lot of folk reason, it gives a great walking time that I’ve ever heard this A few of my favorite tracks country feel. overtones to it. His lyrics actu- pace. This album makes a sunny type of sound. This sound returns from their self-titled album would Nico Vega is defi nitely worth ally carry a message that can be day even better. throughout the album. I’m not be “Burn Burn”, “Million Years”, the $10.96 at Bullmoose, or the useful to everyone who listens You can get Newton Faulkner’s sure what it was that intrigued me and “Iron Man”. $9.99 on iTunes. to this album. There is a sense Hand Built by Robots for $9.97 At about it, but it kept me listening. “Burn Burn” features a set of lyricism that has become un- bullmoose, or $7.99 on iTunes. Other favorites of mine on this of chord changes that drew me common these days. He sings of in to listening to the band. This topics such as the decline of soci- See R on page 11 10 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 11 A & E From R on page 10 A & 6.E This is an a cappella group of Jazz Standards, in my opinion, there that we haven’t even dis- album would be “Funk Joint,” made up of six people. They you shouldn’t change it beyond covered yet. I strongly recom- and “Pluck (interlude).” These cover songs like “Sweet Georgia recognition. mend this new system of mine. tracks could be used as the defi - Brown”, “Do you know what it They take “Do you know what Go to your local record shop (I nition of funk. means to miss New Orleans”, and it means to miss New Orleans”, prefer Bullmoose) and pick up I also love how that Arabic feel “Straighten up and fl y right”. and the lead singer on this song something that you’ve never weaves in and out of this album. I know that there are going to puts this horrible vibrato on, and heard before. It’ll be something It gives the album a sense of con- be some people out there who it went from a nice song to kara- that you might regret right away, tinuity. don’t exactly agree with me, but oke in about 2.2 seconds. but don’t let it discourage you. One thing that really sur- I didn’t like the interpretation of That’s what they’ve done I can promise that you will fi nd Split Pea Soup prised me about this album most of the songs. with this album. This group has some excellent music out there, Makes 6 servings is that Marcus did a cover of The only two of the songs that changed the things that made that and that music will lead you to appealed to me, were the songs music great in the fi rst place. another artist. 2 tablespoons butter “Higher ground”. He did an ab- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram leaves solutely fantastic job with the “Sweet Georgia Brown”, and It might also be the tone of their 1 large onion, chopped Take 6 - The Standard “Someone to watch over me”. voices collectively (one of which, 1 1/2 cups green split peas bass line. It also included a lot Telarc Records 1 cup chopped celery, optional of saxophone soloing, and even These were the only two songs I fi nd incredibly annoying). I like 4 cups water 2008 that really spoke to me, and ap- the voice of their bass singer. If 3 carrots, sliced some harmonica playing. This 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth is usually uncommon with an pealed to my particular taste. he were to make a solo album, I Ham bone, or smoked turkey, if desired album featuring a bass player, There have been three great Sometimes, when you do an would probably look for that, but but it only shows that Marcus is albums in a row that I have album of old jazz standards, your these people’s voices don’t com- a true pro. picked up randomly. Those are album will either be a hit or a pliment each other. They are con- Sauté onions, celery, and carrots in a large stock pot for about 10 minutes, stirring. I defi nitely recommend that really great odds. However, you miss. stantly clashing. you pick this up if you love the will eventually pick up a lemon. To me, this album is a giant I honestly wouldn’t recom- Add rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil miss. mend this album to anyone. Reduce heat and simmer soup for an hour and a half to two hours, stirring occasion- Bass. You can get it for $14.97 at In this case, I picked up “The Bullmoose or $9.99 on iTunes. Standard” by the group Take If you’re going to take a bunch There is so much music out ally. Remove hambone and cut any ham off bone and add to soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let’s Get Bromantic Review of “I Love You, Man” and the bromance phenomenon Kaitlyn Creney and guy-oriented, focusing on The fi lm “Superbad” also falls Sta Writer everything that makes and breaks into this bromance category as a bromance. it focuses on teenage bromance The term bromance has re- Other comedies have also had relationship and all its intimate cently appeared in our culture to great success with male bonding, details. describe a certain relationship; a but none like “I Love You, Man” The gender norm in our society bromance is when two men are because it intimately focuses on discourages men from being emo- best friends and are deeply in- this once taboo relationship. In tional or sharing intimate feelings volved with each other…but not the “40 Year Old Virgin” bro- with other men for fear of being in a homosexual manner. The mance was defi ned and given labeled un-masculine or homo- word is a combination of brother faces: enjoying fi ne pornography, sexual. The term bromance has and romance. Simply put, bro- playing passionate poker games, made men feel less homophobic mance is the male equivalent to rallying together to fi nd women, about sharing their emotions with the female BFF. smoking dope out of an apple, their closest male companion. There was even a MTV real- and joking about their borderline Through humor this idea has ity show entitled “Bromance” homosexual relationships despite spread throughout our culture starring Brody Jenner, where he being straight. and has become widely accept- sought out to fi nd a close friend “Knocked Up” is another co- ed. “I Love You, Man” is a ter- that competed in challenges to medic example of the bromance rifi c fi lm that imitates the male win his friendship. trend which involves all of these bonding in the tremendous Will More importantly though, aspects, along with arguing over Ferrell comedy “Step Brothers” comedy movies are placing great trivial things like who is greater, and is just as funny and love- emphasis and parody on this Chuck Norris or Steven Segal? able. So go watch this awesome type of relationship, and making Even “Pineapple Express” con- fi lm and become inspired to forge it normal to be involved with a tains not-so-subtle male bonding your own bromance with a friend. male buddy. The recent release of situations, spending a weekend Seriously, it’s okay. “I Love You Man” demonstrates getaway in the forest together or this emerging social trend. just hanging out watching car- This fi lm reminds me of a Judd toons. Apatow comedy, though he had no part in it. Like “I Love You, Man,” all of his tremendous comedies focus on some bromantic UNIVERSITY BARTENDING aspect and have the same strong basis of actors that is seen here. “I Love You, Man” follows newly-engaged Peter Klaven, Classes start soon! a Los Angeles real estate agent 1-800-U-CAN-MIX who has just come to the realiza- Paul Rudd and Jason Segel star in this hilarious comedy. This is tion that he has no male friends. their third movie together, but first with starring roles. www.universitybartending.com He begins a search for a new best friend who could be his best man. ral buddy material personifi ed his own gender. The movie is Space is limited! Sign up now!!! Peter is played by the amazing and the more the two hang out completely rude, raunchy, funny, Paul Rudd (“Role Models” and the more Peter sees him as a pro). “40 Year Old Virgin”) with such spective mate for his wedding. geeky tendencies the audience However, the male bonding that Cumberland Self Storage can only laugh hysterically at his goes down shows just how bad embarrassing antics. His typi- Peter is at it (seriously, so winc- 254-258 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101 cal wiseass antics are gone but ingly funny it hurts). replaced brilliantly with a nerdy Rudd’s character has such an understanding that makes one re- eager desire to fi t in and be ac- 775-7455 think his career. cepted that he is easily a geek The ongoing joke of “I Love that you can emphasize with and USM SUMMER STORAGE SPECIAL You, Man” is that Peter is too root for. Sydney’s acceptance of sweet, sincere, and sensitive to in- his new best bud show the inner 10%* OFF dulge in typical crude male bond- workings of an emerging bro- ing rituals: vulgar sex gossip, mance. $45.00 Campus Transport Service ** sports talk, and caroling to Rush “I Love You, Man” is a guy- songs like there is no tomorrow. meets-guy “romantic comedy” Rent or Reserve by April 30th !!!!!!! This is where Sydney, played and parodies how men have been *Applies to storage 8íx10í or smaller. Prepayment required. 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Monday, April 13 on t stayWednesday, April 15home!Saturday, April 18 Love that BOD! Transamerica RACH-RACH-RACH-RACH!! Boys and girls, the summer is quickly ap- Take part in USM’s Multicultural Film Heavy-rocker’s, Disturbed, bring their proaching which means it’s time to get that Forum as they screen the 2005 fi lm, “Music As A Weapon Tour” to Cumberland sexy bathing suit bod into shape. If you’ve “Transamerica.” Felicity Huffman gives an County Civic Center which is sure to be been lackadaisical in your workout regime Oscar nominated performance as a trans- a sweaty, good time. The bands joining USM’s Enhance Fitness is the program for sexual man on the verge of a sex-change Disturbed, or should I say weapon’s, are you. Get back on schedule with this weekly operation who becomes reacquainted with Killswitch Engage, Chimaira and Lacuna fi tness program at Sullivan Gym in Portland. her son, to whom she must tell she is his Coil. Give your neck plenty of rest the night $10 per semester/ 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Monday, father. Sound confusing? The fi lm holds all before in order to maximize your head- Wednesday, Friday/ Main Gym, Sullivan the answers and much more. Light refresh- banging ability. $39.75/ 7 p.m./ Cumberland Complex, Portland Campus/ 780-4939 ments will be served. Free/ Multicultural County Civic Center/ One Civic Center Center, Woodbury Campus Center, Portland Square, Portland/ theciviccenter.com Campus/ Call 780-4006 for more info Tuesday, April 14 Sunday, April 19 Memoir of a Boy Soldier Reggae Fest! USM’s Author Program presents former Thursday, April 16 Sugarloaf Mountain’s 21st annual Reggae child soldier turned human rights activist, Fest is in full effect starting Thursday, April Ishmael Beah, discussing the experiences Ca-ress me down Sublime will never get back together. It’s an 16 and wrapping up on Sunday. There will be faced in his book ““A Long Way Gone: tons of free music to jam to indoors and out- Memoir of a Boy Soldier.” The discussion is impossibility that we all must face. Don’t fret though, the closest thing to seeing Sublime doors plus all the warm weather skiing you followed by a screening of the fi lm “Fambul can handle. Headliners include Jah Cutta Tok” (Family Talk) and a book signing. Free/ live, Badfi sh, are bringing their spot-on tribute act to Port City Music Hall. Tagging and Westbound Train. There are several spe- USM, Abromson Community Education cial ticket packages available so check out Center/ 88 Bedford Street, Portland along for the fun are bands, Don’t Scotty and Sidecar Radio. $20 ADV/ $22 Doors/ 8 p.m./ sugarloaf.com for all info regarding Reggae Port City Music Hall/ 504 Congress Street, Fest. Don’t forget to pass the dutchie to the Portland/ portcitymusichall.com left hand side!

Friday, April 17 School’s out forever! Hot on the heels of Badﬁ sh, Port City Music Hall presents another spectacular tribute band, The Machine, performing as one of rock’s greatest acts of all time – Pink Floyd. While rumors still swirl over a Pink Floyd re- union tour, catch the next big thing performing songs from 1960’s premiere space-rock, experimental outﬁ t. $20 ADV/ $22 Doors/ 8 p.m./ Port City Music Hall/ 504 Congress Street, Portland/ portcitymusichall.com

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Always safe, always prompt 207-791-2727 (ASAP) 12 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 13 A & E From R on page 16 the Loyal Order of the Moose). S “It’s not like we’re a bunch of the major difference in the two drunks. We just like to celebrate seasons. after games, win or lose.” Stigas G C “Spring is the fun season. It’s says. “It’s an important part of a lot of fundamentals, and that’s the club.” good for players like me. But But, what you might not expect, the Fall season is really competi- are the physical appearances of Di erent terrain, tive.” the team’s players. So far Stigas is just attending “I was really surprised and I’ve practices when she can make even told some of the girls on the them. She’s trying to graduate same feeling team ‘I really thought everyone in the Media Studies department here was going to be huge and and maintain a part-time job. But strong’ but they’re not all like Skiing the Swiss Alps this quasi-commitment is fi ne that. Some of the girls are big and with the Club, she says. They un- strong, but there are some smaller Ben Slagle at any ski mountains in Maine, derstand that people have outside girls who are just quick,” Stigas Sports Intern and this was just to reach the lives. explains, making a zig-zagging base lodge. To reach the high- But how did a 25 year old just motion with her hands. Alongside an intense passion est peak at Verbier, the famous decide to pick up this heavily The team is also a mixed bunch Mt. Fort, was quite a task. We nuanced and extremely physical for a sport, almost always comes in terms of age. Ranging from a sense of self-identifi cation. took a lengthy gondola up to a game? high school girls to their moth- smaller peak, then skied down to Aside from boredom and a When I say I’m a skier, I don’t ers, and everything in between, simply mean that I enjoy sliding a lodge nestled into a valley at the Craig’s List posting, Stigas says it the team is truly a hodgepodge bottom of glacier called Tortin, was a combination of two things: down hills on the snow. It means of different demographics, who something deeper. It means that elevation 6,726 feet (for com- exercise and camaraderie. come together three times a week parison, Sugarloaf, Maine’s tall- “I really wanted to meet people I enjoy the culture surrounding to take out a little aggression. the sport, I appreciate its history, est ski mountain measures 4,237 and be active. I fi gured this was a The team is led by a cohort of feet). From Tortin we packed good way,” she says. and I have let the sport permeate experienced players who used my concept of self-identifi cation. ourselves like upright sardines Stigas, who played soccer for to play elsewhere. When they into a tramcar with ninety smelly 10 years in her youth, said that Skiing feels as deeply familiar landed in Portland there was no to me as the comfort of family French-speaking Europeans and there are some similarities be- rugby team. So they started one. continued upward. I don’t like tween the two sports. and friends, and I consider it as “There’s a good mix. There are much a part of who I am today heights, and swaying in a packed “They’re the same in that quite a few girls who are really tram moving over deep valleys you’re always running around as anything else in my life. This experienced and then there are is why when I was presented an and steep cliff faces, I let my and doing something,” she said. some people like me,” Stigas nerves start to get the best of me. But what about the fi rst time opportunity to spend some time says. skiing in Switzerland with close At 9,678 feet, we stepped off she took a hit? Asked if she’ll keep playing the tram at the base of Mt. Fort. “Yeah. It was scary,” she says. friends recently it was something for a while, Stigas didn’t miss a I couldn’t turn down. I might have taken a second to “You’re in formations and you’re beat. think about whether I wanted to really tight together and you’re The European Alps are known “Yeah. Defi nitely. I can’t stress as one of largest mountain ranges immediately get back into yet an- basically banging heads with one enough how receptive and helpful other tram that I could see docked another. I’ve still got bruises from in the world. A chance to go ski everyone has been. And they’re them has always been a dream of at a station perched atop the the fi rst practice.” still recruiting people of all expe- highest mountain peak in sight. Nevertheless, Stigas says that mine and this trip represented a rience levels.” sort of personal pilgrimage to the Luckily my friends continued on it’s rewarding to come home with If you’re interested in joining to without considering my nerves a few signs of physical battle. skiing holy land. Yes, Utah might ranks of Portland’s toughest set of get more inches of snow annually and I silently followed. While “It showed that I was tough,” women, check out their web page unloading at the top of Mt. Fort, she says with a laugh. than the alps, and yes there might at www.portlandrugby.webs.com. B S / S I be more fi rst descents on epic un- we stepped out of the tram onto And as for the camaraderie end Or, if you want to see the team in steel grating that formed an ex- of things, there is plenty to be touched lines in someplace like action April 25 against Charles the remote Alaskan mountain pansive platform and allowed you had. As you might expect, play- River. The game starts at 11 a.m. to look down past your feet to a ers are “encouraged” to partake A series of tram lines lead to ranges, but the alps possess a cer- at Dougherty Field on Douglass Mt. Fort base at an elevation tain mystique to them that is ac- dauntingly steep mountain slope. in after-game socials at local bars Street in Portland. I looked across the valley from that sponsor the team (Ruski’s, of over 9,000 feet. That’s twice knowledged by any skier familiar with the history of the sport. The us and saw the Bec des Rosses, the Flask Lounge, Amigo’s and as high as Maine’s loftiest peak, the venue for the World Extreme Sugarloaf. Sports writer and Alps are the cradle of Modern Alpinism, as most of us know it Free Skiing Championships, and avid skiier Ben Slagle spent at this point started to become a some time skiing in Verbier, today. We came into the village we bit dizzy. Switzerland. He said it’s pretty Feeling quite intimidated and gnarly. were staying in by train at night, Husky Highlights so it was not until I woke up the questioning the naivety of my following morning and stepped own skiing ambitions, I made my outside that I realized the sheer way down the steps to the small (Augusta) raked two doubles and MEN’S TENNIS size of these mountains. I’ve area of snow designated for put- collected a pair of RBI, while skied out west in the Grand ting on skis. One of the most re- sophomore hurler Sarah Deroche Men’s Tennis rolls past Tetons, which are widely recog- lieving feelings I’ve experienced (Portland) scattered fi ve hits UMass Boston nized as some of the more gnarly followed: snapping into my ski over seven innings to pick up the skiing terrain in American, and bindings. Suddenly the nerves win. The Huskies improved their USM’s men’s tennis team, led they could not hold a candle to faded and my dizziness disap- record to 2-16 win the win. by a senior Derek Stevenson the landscape I found myself peared. The mountain did not (Raymond) and junior Josh waking up in. feel as steep or intimidating as it OMEN S Warren (Hermon), blanked UMass W ’ LAX To reach the skiing village at had looked from the nauseating Boston in LEC tennis action 9-0 the base of the Verbier ski resort, tram ride and I felt at home again last week. Both Stevenson and Women’s LAX pair which spanned across four dif- on my skis. Then I proceeded to Warren picked up singles victo- notch LEC honors ferent mountain valleys, we were immensely enjoy what will likely ries while grabbing a fi rst dou- required to take a cable car from be the most memorable skiing Junior Erica Robertson (St. bles match together. Senior Matt our small village up a mountain- experience of my life. Albans, VT) and sophomore McGown (Waterville) and junior side steeper than anything seen Although I was skiing moun- Stefan Kelly (Biddeford) also Jessica Martineau (Auburn) tains so big and steep it had made picked up a doubles win, as did earned weekly accolades from me initially sick, I was still just in the tandem of junior Steven Lent the Little East Conference for ski boots, on skis, skiing on snow. (New Sharon, NH) and Zach Holt their efforts during the week of The familiarity and comfort I had (North Conway). March 30. Robertson was cited as felt with skiing for the better part the conferences Defensive Player of my life was still there, even in of the Week, while Martineau completely unfamiliar surround- SOFTBALL picked up Rookie of the Week ings. For people who are passion- honors. Over that three game ate for a sport to the point where Softball splits with stretch, Robertson racked up 17 they feel it has become entwined Colby for second win ground balls and nine caused with their identity, experiencing turnovers. Martineau tallied 13 that familiar comfort in a sce- USM softball notched their goals. nario that is wholly unfamiliar is second win of the season when the experience of a lifetime. It’s they split a double-header with an experience I wouldn’t trade Colby College last Sunday. The for anything and it’s a sensation Huskies lost the fi rst game 11-0, I can only hope I get to feel again but rallied to defeat the Mules 3-1 someday. in the nightcap. In the Huskies’ win, sophomore Molly Hopkins 14 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 P S e Free Press | April 13, 2009 15 su | do | ku Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

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L ICENSED Joel Neill Texas-Tyler had already played Of course, being able to play Guest Columnist 10 games outside games and had outside year round is a huge re- numerous practices while USM cruiting tool, but northern teams For anyone who has grown was still indoors. Not many such as USM still seem to bring up playing baseball in the spring people may acknowledge it, but in talent from all over New Got Experience in New England, they can tell this is a signifi cant advantage England due to the hard work you that it’s not the most ideal that warm climate schools have and pride of the people within weather for America’s favorite over their foes in colder parts of their institutions. USM’s peren- pastime. the country. nial success is a testament to with Children With ball fi elds covered in Despite not having the luxury how well many northern teams late winter snow and beaten of playing outdoors all winter, prepare themselves despite their up by early spring rain storms, USM and other northern teams climatic disadvantages. it’s diffi cult for the northern are preparing themselves well and/or high school and college base- with what they have, as evi- ball teams to practice on their denced in the national rankings. normal playing surfaces before Currently four of the top 10 the season kicks off. USM and teams in the country (Eastern Technology? other local teams have been no Connecticut, Wheaton, Trinity, exception to this rule, but they and USM) have to deal with seem to be coping well. practicing indoors until March Apply to be a Robotics camp counselor! Many high school teams resort and still manage to compete at to their gyms and even park- the highest level in Division III ing lots to hold their pre-season baseball. Maine Robotics is a 501.c.3 non-proﬁt that provides practices, with some scrimmag- educational outreach programs in the State of Maine. ing other high schools indoors. We work closely with the Applied Sciences, Engineering The USM baseball team has the and Technology program on the USM Gorham campus luxury of the multipurpose fi eld house on the Gorham campus and the position listed above is for camps that will which many of the players be- run on the USM Gorham and USM Portland campus lieve benefi ts them greatly in conjuncture with the ASET program. This position every year in preparing for their is ideal for teachers, graduate students (education, season outside. While in the engineering,sciences, technology) or upper level under- fi eld house, coach Ed Flaherty graduates. and his squad can play games with a shortened fi eld, which gets pitchers in shape and ac- climated with throwing off a mound, and also gives the hit- Responsibilities: ters a chance to face their own • secure camp room team’s live pitching. Another huge factor in pre- • Portland and Gorham paring the team for the season • give short presentations outdoors was their three game stint in Long Island before • resolve equipment problems heading out west to fi eld-friend- ly Arizona, which, along with • Work with campers and staff indoor facilities, has helped • provide mentorship for the campers. USM garner the success they’ve had thus far. • Responsible for day-to-day operation of USM’s home game sched- the day camp. ule has gotten off to a slow start with the fi rst game of the • Experience with children and/or year at USM Baseball Stadium technology IS required. being played just last week. Considering the harsh weather from this past winter and the beginning of this spring, the USM Each camp baseball fi eld is in excellent shape and the grounds crew is consists of 16 doing anything and everything they can to maintain it for the campers, ages 9 best possible playing surface for the team. USM has one of the to 14. Camps run best baseball complex’s in the Little East Conference, and the July 6th to August staff here has put in a lot of hard work to sustain its quality. 14th Even though USM’s fi eld is (6 weeks) top-notch facility, it’s still can’t June tr make up for Maine’s longer plus aining in winter, often leaving USM in waiting until early-mid April Orono. without a legitimate home fi eld. Many Division III teams, espe- $400/week cially teams from the southern and western parts of the country Call 866-4340 or send resume with 3 have a huge advantage as they are already outside practicing references to two months before the Huskies even see green grass. Nationally [email protected] ranked foes like Millsaps College (Mississippi), and 16 e Free Press | April 13, 2009 Page 13 ...... Skiing in the Alps S Page 15 ...... Spring fever Head-to-head Local rugby club o ers iendly competition Mike Tardi your boyfriend,” Stigas says. “I once, how long the halves were Sports Editor needed to get out and do some- and other basics of the game. thing.” “It’s a little overwhelming at When Alex Stigas moved to Stigas is a member of the fi rst,” she explains. “There’s just Portland she didn’t know many Portland Women’s Rugby Club a lot going on. It’s organized, but people, so she decided to fi nd an along with 30 fellow Mainers it’s organized chaos.” activity that would get her out of whose thirst for the physical has The Portland Rugby club is the house and into the company led them to what many consider no novice organization, though. of new friends. the roughest and toughest game They’ve been around off and Now she spends every Tuesday in the world. on since the 1970’s. Right now and Thursday doing just that. But she’s no pro. they’re back at full strength. Except, instead of joining a In fact, she’s just getting to With practices every Tuesday book club or social network, she know the basics, but that doesn’t and Thursday during their two spends two nights a week bang- deter her interest one bit. main seasons, the spring and ing heads with fellow Portlanders When I met with her, she was fall, the team also plays a game in the often misunderstood sport toting a spiral notebook with a week. of rugby. notes about the sport so that she’d But Stigas is quick to point out “There’s only so much time be able to answer my questions. you can spend in the house with The notebook reminded her how See R on page 13 many people were on the fi eld at

Left: Women from the Portland Rugby club send a teammate into the air. The club is always recruiting new women of all abilities. Currently the team ranges from high school girls to their mothers and everywhere in between. B MK / P E Men’s LAX much improved from last year Bryant, Gilbert leading USM Corsairs nip Huskies to gain conference edge Mike Tardi Through ten games last season, Brian Slagle Sports Editor USM had been outscored Sports Intern almost 2-to-1 (102-59). But this Last year at this time the year, with the help of Bryant UMass Dartmouth put up an USM men’s lacrosse team had and Gilbert’s prolifi c scoring, early two goal lead against USM mustered only two wins against the Huskies have closed that of- in Little East Conference lacrosse eight losses. But this year has fensive gap to 108-99, a drastic action and never looked back. The been a much different story. improvement over a year ago. Corsairs maintained their lead de- Led by a senior Preston Gilbert Gilbert and Bryant have spite the best efforts of the Huskies (Saco) and sophomore Tim been virtual carbon copies sta- to post a 9-7 victory Saturday. Bryant (Peterborough, tistically, both posting impres- The Huskies climbed to within NH), the Huskies sive numbers through the early one goal four times in the match, have settled to a re- stages of the season. Gilbert including the fi nal moments of the spectable 5-5 mark has recorded 25 goals and third quarter, but couldn’t get over on the season fol- seven assists, while his sopho- the hump. lowing Saturday’s more counterpart has tallied an “We played solid defense overall, heartbreaking equally impressive 24 goals but our offense just wasn’t clicking loss to UMass and seven assists. like it usually does,” sophomore Dartmouth 9-7. Collectively, the tandem has Chris Gassman said of the effort. The Huskies have contributed to 63.6% (63-of-99 The Huskies didn’t live up to been much im- points) of the Huskies’ goals their 10 goals per game average, proved on this season, which means that but did allow less than their 10.8 the offen- Bryant and Gilbert alone have goals against average. sive end. produced as much offense in The tandem of senior Preston And it their fi rst ten games as the Gilbert (Saco) and sophomore Tim shows. entire 2008 team. Bryant (Peterborough, NH) contin- And some of those points ued to pace the Huskies, combin- have been crucial. ing for fi ve goals and two assists. Most recently, Gilbert netted Bryant scored four of those goals fi ve goals in an important including three straight in the third 14-12-conference win over quarter, which brought the Huskies Western Connecticut. And, ear- to within a goal heading into the lier in the season, Bryant gave fourth. Gilbert added a goal and the Huskies an overtime, two assists. game-winning goals “We had moments of bril- against New England liance,” said Gassman. “But we just College in their 9-8 win. couldn’t put it together for all four The Huskies, cur- quarters.” rently 1-2 in Little East Prior to the game, both teams sat Conference action, will at 1-1 in conference play. Following need Gilbert and Bryant the contest, they switched places in to continue their offensive standings, USM dropping to fi fth in fi reworks if they hope to the conference. B MK / P E make a run into the con- “We look forward to a playoff Senior Preston Gilbert (Saco), left, and sophomore Tim Bryant, right, are doing yeoman’s work for the USM ference playoffs. opportunity to pay Dartmouth back lacrosse team. Together, the pair has combined for 49 goals in ten games. Unfortunately, the two couldn’t for the great game they gave us,” muster enough offense to push USM past UMass Dartmouth on Saturday, as the Huskies lost 9-7. Gassman said.