THE RETRIEVER UMBC’s Student Newspaper

INSIDE Volume 39, Issue 20 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 March 8, 2005 SGA introduces new budget for 2006 News 02 GRACE LO PORTO about $1,000. In addition, $14,000 The largest chunk of money by In addition, unlike in previous Retriever Staff Writer was allocated to Quadmania, along far is proposed for student organiza- years, these organizations will only be with $11,500 for other SGA-funded tions, which were allocated a total of able to request enough funds for the The SGA budget has been formu- services and activities like Involvement $368,500. Money for almost every first two months of the year; after that, lated for the 2006 fiscal year. A total of Fest, Into the Streets, and commuter organization but the SEB and the they will be able to make additional $651,498, to be collected entirely from support (e.g. Good Morning Retriever will be divided up by the requests on an ad hoc basis. According student activity fees, has been allocated Commuters). Elsewhere in the overall Finance Committee of the House of to Chris Krummel, SGA treasurer, to SGA administration and support, budget, like in previous years, $12,000 Organizations. The committee will “This change empowers next year’s SGA operations, the Student Events was allocated to Leadershape program- soon be holding hearings on individual organization officers to make more MaryPIRG update, Board, and student organizations like ming. This off-campus yearly retreat organization budgets, and the SGA budget decisions, which cuts down on the Retriever. The budget is awaiting program works to develop the leader- anticipates the process will be stream- reallocation requests, reduces unspent recycling on campus, approval by the House and Senate. ship skills of members of the UMBC lined somewhat by a new electronic fil- funds, and ultimately leaves more funds new food this passover, SGA administration and support community and the SGA. ing system. available for groups that need them.” and ballroom dancing. costs are projected to total The Retriever Weekly about $144,371. These funds had $50,000 allocated to it, as will go to support of the SGA in previous years. The Opinion coordinator and the account- Student Events Board alone 06 ing clerk for SGA and student could receive $163,500, organizations, the SGA coordi- which is $43,500 more than nator’s budget, and administra- last year, and $68,500 more tive overhead, which includes than the year before that. The $26,060 given to the reason for this increase is that University to defray the cost of the SEB will no longer be managing the student activity receiving $75,000 from the fee and student organization Commons fee budget, as it accounts. did in previous years, because We goofed on last The SGA operating budg- of increasing costs for the week’s P/CP, read et totals $118,462. It includes Commons such as a 25% it here. Plus, money for SGA programs such increase in utilities expenses. as Homecoming, for which Another change in the MaryPIRG, media $20,000 is allocated, and also budget is the addition of the bias, and more. includes a new allocation of previously mentioned $10,000 for programs and ini- $10,000 fund for yearly ini- Features 14 tiatives like this year’s Election tiatives such as the Election Night Extravaganza. The oper- Night Extravaganza. Since no ating budget includes salaries Heidi Heimsal [Retriever Staff] such fund existed previously, Procuring Plasma: Student Alex Macwrae looks on as he gives blood at Lambda Chi Alpha’s and stipends for some SGA on-campus blood drive. The drive provided the opportunity to contribute without having to leave the Extravaganza itself was officers as well, though not for UMBC. partially funded from the ordinary legislators, who are unpaid. These stipends average see SGA, page 2

Get a taste of some UMBC recontracting procedures called into question fresh food in the area and find out CHRISTOPHER PAUL tain UMBC employees in awarding new bids. modifications were generally benefi- where punk rock Retriever Staff Writer and monitoring the food service con- The first problem the auditing cial to the incumbent contractor,” tract at UMBC. team found was that UMBC did not Wood Food Service Management. went (hint: Virginia) UMBC recently received a According to audit manager document its rationale for any of the According to Ermer and Gorner, warning from the Department of Mark A. Ermer, CPA, and senior modifications to the original RFP. “Using the evaluation with the mod- Sports 27 Legislative Services, Office of auditor Julia Gorner, CPA, the audit The committee that was responsible ified financial criteria resulted in Legislative Audits, Maryland General team responsible for investigating the for evaluating the proposals, UMBC Wood Food Service receiving a high- Assembly for not documenting its allegations found that the original management personnel, said they er score than the competing contrac- rationale in making significant modi- RFP was issued by UMBC in August only reviewed the December 2000 tor,” thus allowing Wood Food fications to food service contract eval- 2000. The RFP identified eight tech- final technical proposals submitted Service to win the bid. uation criteria within UMBC’s origi- nical evaluation criteria in descending by the two competing contractors In the second RFP, Wood Food nal Request for Proposal (RFP) after order of importance. In December and never reviewed the August 2000 Services proposed a capital invest- receiving proposals. The auditors 2000, the UMBC procurement office proposals. ment of approximately $1.5 million, claimed the changes benefited Wood personnel modified the RFP after The original August 2000 con- over a ten-year period, while the Food Service Management and aided receiving bids from two companies; tract held the commission percentage competing food service provider pro- Snow wreaks havoc them in procuring the contract. In one was from Wood Food Service to be paid to UMBC as the most posed an investment of $1 million on UMBC teams, addition, UMBC did not have estab- Management, the second was not important of two financial criteria over the same time span. Wood Food AOTW, and coverage lished procedures to ensure that the identified. and the capital investment to be Services proposed a 15 percent com- of the sports that food service contractor complied First, the UMBC procurement made by the contractor as second mission to be paid to UMBC on all did play. with all terms of the contract, accord- office eliminated one of the criteria. most important. The revised cash sales, while the competitor pro- ing to legislative auditor, Bruce A. Second, the procurement office December 2000 contract listed the posed 17 percent commission to be Myers, CPA. added two new criteria and lastly, the capital investment to be made by the paid back to UMBC. The review was conducted dur- procurement office changed the order contractor as first and the commis- “Although such modifications ing May 2004, after receiving allega- of importance of the evaluation crite- sion percentage to be paid to UMBC are not specifically prohibited by ALSO: tions through the Office of ria after the deletion and additions as second. Reasons for the changes State procurement regulations, we Legislative Audits fraud hotline in had been made. The new RFP was were not documented by UMBC. see FOOD, page 5 college news 02 regards to possible favoritism by cer- sent out to the two contractors for The auditing team said, “The world news 05 Four Day trw.umbc.edu classifieds 30 410.455.1260 Forecast tues: 21/41o wed: 26/38o thu: 28/43o fri: 24/43o 2 News March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER

BehindtheScenes College News Coach Fraud

Barton County, KS (AP) - Some bas- ketball players who graduated from Barton County Community College in 2003 could lose their degrees. A college panel is looking at wiping out the degrees awarded to former players named in a 37-count federal indictment against their coach. It would be the first time the school used a new policy allowing degrees to be revoked. President Veldon Law says there’s some concern that graduates who have moved away might have a tough time con- testing charges against them. He wouldn’t Matt Stockslager [Retriever Staff] reveal the names of the players being Ready to dance: The Ballroom Dance Club prepares for practice. The club meets on Sundays and Mondays at 6 p.m. investigated, or how many of them there are. Former coach Ryan Wolf is accused Ballroom Dancing: not just for professionals of using his position as a coach at the col- lege to help players get credits, degrees, federal grants and work-study grants — MICHAEL REBOK are many beginners, who learn from both the For some, this club has changed their even though they weren’t qualified to get Retriever Staff Writer teachers and other students. “There are a lot of lives. “For many people who can’t express them. levels you can take it to,” says Rossi Irobalieva, regret and sadness, it wears us down. Dance is Do tangos and swing dancing scare you? the club’s treasurer. my way to reach for the stars,” says Justin Do you run and hide when you have to dance In order to keep up the quality of the Smith, a devoted member of the club. “It’s a Students hospitalized after at a wedding? Do you think Cha-Chas are teaching, the club hires professional dance school, and I take it seriously.” After discover- party at Wellesley done only by professionals with super-quick instructors, who on average cost around $75 an ing the club last year, Justin says it helps him feet and years of training, or Quickstep is a hour. As such, the club has to charge for its les- feel more confident about his choices and Wellesley, MASS (AP) - A night of chocolate powder added to milk? Then you sons, $40 for students for 10 weeks of lessons. decisions, and is a source of joy in his life. “I heavy drinking landed eleven Wellesley should go to a Ballroom Dance Club meeting These fees allow the club to get the best teach- walk down the street and just dance. At the College students in the hospital or the and learn the truth. ers and keep the lessons challenging but fun. harbor, I just dance.” infirmary. “One of the main goals as an officer has Like all clubs on campus, the Ballroom Meetings begin every Sunday and Most of the intoxicated students were been to change the face of ballroom dancing Dance Club encourages social behavior Monday starting at 6 p.m. Beginners are wel- removed from a large party at the college’s and open it up to students as an accessible, among their members, but this organization is come in the classes, and you don’t need to sports center late last night. affordable and enjoyable social activity,” says especially social, thanks to its focus. Dancing is bring your own partners. The various officers A spokeswoman for the women’s col- Erin Loeliger, the club’s President. a very social activity, and what you learn can of the club make it a point to go to the other lege says all of the students will be fine, There is no experience required to join, help you in night clubs, weddings and other classes, to help the beginners learn the steps but they could be disciplined by the though many are intimidated at first. events. As Erin put it, “The idea of the classes and moves involved in the various dance styles, school. According to Erin, “Everyone thinks ballroom is that you can learn to dance, but if you don’t from the fast and sexy Cha-Cha to the The college-sanctioned party is an dancing is just a bunch of snooty professionals go out and actually dance, why do it?” The smoother more graceful waltzes and Tangos. annual event, sponsored by a lesbian, doing unbelievably ridiculously complicated club also takes weekly trips to the Promenade Go to the schedule on the club’s website bisexual and transgender student group. moves and it’s really not like that.” Among the Dancesport facility to practice what they (http://sta.umbc.edu/orgs/ballroom/classes.ht Wellesley spokeswoman Mary Ann Hill group’s many members, spread over six classes, learned, and have fun on the weekends. ml#schedule) to choose the lesson you want. says virtually the same number of intoxi- cated students were treated at last year’s party. SGA budget Troop withdrawal affects study abroad unveiled MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) - Two from SGA, page 1 community colleges have ended their study-abroad program in Spain, citing the General Ledger, or GL, extra funds left over from country’s troop withdrawal from Iraq. previous years. The SGA Election Board’s operat- Trustees of the South Orange County ing budget was increased by $1,120, but stipends Community College District, comprising were decreased by $750, because only one election Irvine Valley College and Saddleback was held this year. Thus, the Election Board’s total College, voted 5-2 last week to cancel the increase was $370. Another $9,968 was allocated 14-year-old summer program. to pay for the SGA’s weekly page in the Retriever, “Spain has abandoned our fighting which contains news, announcements, and adver- men and women, withdrawing their sup- tisements for events; like the Election Night port,’’ said trustee Tom Fuentes, a former Extravaganza, the ad was partly funded from the head of the Republican Party in Orange General Ledger in the 2005 fiscal year. County. “I see no reason to send students The SGA gets its funding entirely from stu- of our colleges to Spain at this moment in dent activity fees. These fees consist of $39 every history.’’ semester from full-time students and $4 per cred- Spain pulled its 1,300 troops after the it hour from part-time students. Funding in 2005 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 was projected to total $622,975 in that year’s people in March last year. budget, but in actuality could total a lot more. Fuentes said the bombing also raised Because the revenues from student fees have concerns about student safety, although exceeded the amounts expected in recent years, the students were allowed to visit Spain three method for projecting the amount of revenue was months after the bombings. revised. The amount of projected funding for the “Bringing this up now is strange,’’ 2006 fiscal year is $28,523 greater than what was said trustee Marcia Milchiker, who voted projected in the FY 2005 budget. to keep the program. The budget as a whole should be voted on “I’m still in shock,’’ said Professor within the next two weeks, when the Senate will Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo, who runs decide whether or not it wishes to make any the study abroad program. ``I cannot amendments. Anyone with questions or concerns believe a community college can put this regarding the proposed budget should feel free to much politics into academics.’’ contact their SGA legislators. THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 News 3

TUESDAY, MARCH 8 THURSDAY, MARCH 10 SATURDAY, MARCH 12 MONDAY, MARCH 7 JOURNALS: The Sketchbooks, TSUNAMI SILENT AUCTION NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP JOURNALS: The Sketchbooks, Drawings & Prints of Charles Ritchie 10 AM - 2 PM Main Street SEB Sponsored event! The Bus leavees Drawings & Prints of Charles Ritchie Tuesday-Saturday A.O.K. Library Gallery UMBC at 7am! Cost is only $25 & tickets Tuesday-Saturday A.O.K. Library Gallery FLAT TUESDAY'S LIVE can be bought at the Commons Info Desk! TSUNAMI SILENT AUCTION 4 - 11 PM Flat Tuesday's MONDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL 10 AM - 2 PM Main Street Come out to Flat Tuesday's - listen to Jake WOMEN'S LAX vs. Old Dominion 7 PM Sports Zone Laufer at 8 PM, eat some food & don't Noon UMBC Stadium AMAZON.COM INFO DAY forget the drink specials! KARAOKE NIGHT 1 PM Cabaret FLAT TUESDAY'S LIVE 8-10 PM Cabaret SEB MOVIE - National Treasure 8 PM - Midnight Cabaret BLACK LIGHT POOL 7:30 & 10 PM Lecture Hall 2, $2 MONDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL 8 - 10 PM Gameroom SEB MOVIE - National Treasure 9 PM Sports Zone 8 PM Lecture Hall 1, $1 FRIDAY, MARCH 11 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 GAMEROOM FUN TSUNAMI SILENT AUCTION 10 PM - Midnight Gameroom TSUNAMI SILENT AUCTION 10 AM - 2 PM Main Street Free Pool for those coming from the SEB 10 AM - 2 PM Main Street Movie so make sure to bring your ticket MADDEN 2K5 TOURNIE stub! NSA CORPORATE VISIBILITY DAY 3 - 7 PM Gameroom 11 AM - 3 PM Cabaret FLAT TUESDAY'S LIVE LIVE MUSIC 4 - 8 PM Flat Tuesdays SUNDAY, MARCH 6 1 PM Sports Zone WASHINGTON DC BUS TRIP JOY NIGHT Bus leaves at 11am! Tickets are $5 & CARD GAME NIGHT 7 PM UC Ballroom on sale at the Commons Info Desk! 7 - 10 PM Cabaret Sponsored by the Gospel Choir

SEB MOVIE - National Treasure BALTIMORE AQUARIUM BUS TRIP 7:30 & 10 PM Lecture Hall 2, $2 Sponsored by SEB! Bus leaves UMBC at 5pm! Come sign up in the SEB office - FREE!

For a full list of events check out the calendar link at http://www.umbc.edu OR call the events hotline at 410.455.3100 opt. 5 4 News March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 News 5 Recycling efforts fading on campus

SASHA ALCIDE World News Retriever Staff Writer Italian journalist rejects Despite the 260 recycling bins across campus, as well as images, messages and U.S. account reminders of the importance of recycling and its benefits, UMBC’s recycling efforts are ROME (AP) - The Italian journalist sparse. Dennis Belloff, manager of landscap- wounded by American troops in Iraq after ing and grounds keeping, has one belief which her release by insurgents rejected the U.S. he stresses: “You can’t make people recycle.” military’s account of the shooting and Belloff unearths one of the largest mis- declined Sunday to rule out the possibility conceptions about recycling, expressing that she was deliberately targeted. The White there are no monetary benefits to be had. He House said it was a “horrific accident” and explains that since UMBC is so large, recy- promised a full investigation. cling on campus will produce no profit. Meanwhile, an autopsy performed on UMBC earns ninety dollars for every ton of the agent who died trying to save Giuliana paper or thirty-five cents a pound for alu- Sgrena reportedly showed he was struck in minum. This money is meant to fund the Matt Stockslager [Retriever Staff] the temple by a single round and died manpower it takes to collect, process, sort, Recycling Mix-up: A UMBC student ignores the convenient recycling bin in throwing away his plastic bot- instantly as the car carrying Sgrena sped to and deliver the materials. tle. Much of the recycled materials on campus wind up in trashcans, while a large amount of the recy- the Baghdad airport. Belloff insists that this money is often cling on campus can’t be processed because it is contaminated with unrecyclable trash. Friday’s shooting that wounded the not enough to cover the cost of transporting 56-year-old journalist and killed Italian the recyclables to the plant. Although the intelligence officer Nicola Calipari as they process is not profitable, it must be done due Commons, which is handled by Abacus clean- within the budget. Rather, this will cost the were celebrating her freedom has fueled to the fact that Maryland requires that state ing service. school additional money to recycle. Many anti-American sentiment in a country facilities recycle twenty percent of their solid While UMBC meets the state’s stan- alternatives have been explored, from student where people are deeply opposed to U.S. waste. UMBC generated some three thousand dards, so much of the recycled materials are help, to purchasing bins for the residence policy in Iraq. tons in 2004 alone, and recycled approxi- lost or contaminated due to the fact that stu- halls, which have set the department back But government officials indicated mately twenty-three percent of that from all dents and faculty either throw them in the some forty-five thousand dollars. The depart- the shootings would not affect the decision facilities (materials recycled include alu- trash or throw trash into recycling bins. ment has stretched every dollar in addition to by Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi — a minum, cardboard, white paper, plastic, bat- As it stands, an expansion of the pro- the use of as much manpower they have, only strong U.S. ally — to maintain 3,000 teries, and yard waste) excluding the gram, which is now in its seventh year, is not to meet the state’s minimum standard. troops in Iraq to help secure peace in the country. “The military mission must carry on Audit team investigates food service recontracting because it consolidates democracy and lib- erty in Iraq,” Communications Minister from FOOD, page 1 satisfied the contract requirement. The contract investment and that UMBC monitor cash sales Maurizio Gasparri was quoted as saying by required Wood Food Service to make a financial commissions to ensure that such commissions the ANSA news agency. “On the other believe that modifying evaluation criteria after investment of approximately $1.5 million over meet the terms specified in the contract. hand, we must control — but not block — proposals have been received and/or opened, a ten-year period, including $1 million in the UMBC’s response to the audit team’s find- the presence of civilians and journalists, without documenting the rationale for doing first two years of the contract, fiscal years 2002 ings and recommendations stated that they who must observe rules and behavior to so, violates the sprit of the regulations,” Ermer and 2003. After this matter was brought to agreed with them, and that they would comply reduce the risks.” and Gorner said. The auditing team continued, UMBC’s attention, the contractor did provide in the future. UMBC said it would maintain Sgrena, who works for the communist “Specifically, the stated purpose of the regula- UMBC with paid invoices supporting the fact documentation substantiating the rationale for daily Il Manifesto, did not rule out that she tions is, in essence, to provide for a fair and that the fiscal 2002 and 2003 capital invest- proposal modifications and that UMBC had was targeted, saying the United States like- equitable procurement process in both fact and ment criteria were met. already implemented a monitoring process to ly disapproved of Italy’s methods to secure appearance.” The audit team recommended In addition, the contract requires Wood ensure that the agreement of cash sales commis- her release, although she did not elaborate. that if modifications are to be made in the Food Service to pay UMBC a 15 percent com- sions is met. “The fact that the Americans don’t future, UMBC should maintain documenta- mission on cash sales, but not less than The audit team’s review was not conduct- want negotiations to free the hostages is tion to clarify the rationale for such modifica- $250,000 per year. According to the audit team, ed in accordance with generally accepted gov- known,” Sgrena told Sky TG24 television tions once the RFP has been issued. “UMBC had not established procedures to ver- ernment auditing standards. If the review had by telephone, her voice hoarse and shaky. The second problem Ermer and Gorner ify that the commissions paid by the contractor been conducted in accordance with generally “The fact that they do everything to pre- found was that UMBC had not established pro- met the contract terms.” accepted government auditing procedures, vent the adoption of this practice to save cedures to ensure that Wood Food Service The audit team recommended that other matters may have come to the auditor’s the lives of people held hostages, every- Management had complied with all terms of UMBC establish procedures to ensure that the attention that would have been reported. body knows that. So I don’t see why I the contract. food service contractor complies with all con- This audit report is a public record. should rule out that I could have been the Specifically, the audit team found that, tract terms, specifically obtaining documenta- Complete details of the audit may be found at target.” “UMBC personnel did not verify that the actu- tion from Wood Food Service to substantiate https://www.ola.state.md.us/reportfiles/per- Italian officials have not provided al capital investment made by the contractor that they have indeed made the required capital formance/2005/umbc%20fraud%20report.pdf details about the negotiations leading to Sgrena’s release Friday after a month in captivity, but Agriculture Minister Giovanni Alemanno was quoted as saying ROBBERY ALERT it was “very likely” a ransom was paid. U.S. officials object to ransoms, saying it encourages further kidnappings. Last week, a male UMBC gradu- Police Log White House counselor Dan Bartlett ate reported that he was the vic- said Sunday the shootings were a “horrific accident” and pointed out that President tim of an armed robbery behind Bush had called Berlusconi to offer condo- the Hillcrest building. The Traffic Arrest Alcohol Violation lences and promise a full investigation. “As you know, in a situation where unknown men stole his wallet there is a live combat zone, particularly this and cell phone last Thursday On February 23, a vehicle was A Walker Ave resident was found road to the airport, has been a notorious between 10 and 10:30 pm. The stopped on UMBC Blvd because it had a supplying alcoholic beverages to area for car bombs, that people are making headlight out. When the officer asked the person(s) under the age of 21 on split-second decisions, and it’s critically student was left unharmed, and driver for his license, he found that it had February 26. A 17-year-old non-student important that we get the facts before we alerted UMBC and Baltimore been suspended due to his failure to was found lying on the bathroom floor of make judgments,” Bartlett said on CNN’s appear in court. The driver was arrested the apartment, and was unresponsive to “Late Edition.” County police. UMBC police for driving on a suspended license, and police. He was taken to St. Agnes for The U.S. military has said the car believe that this was an isolated was also issued a Safety Equipment Repair emergency treatment. An 18-year-old Sgrena was riding in was speeding, and incident, as crimes like this are Order for the damaged headlight. The non-student was also found in the room, Americans used hand and arm signals, driver was taken to the Catonsville and was taken to headquarters where they flashing white lights and warning shots to very rare on campus. Police Commissioner’s office where he was were picked up by a friend. The UMBC get it to stop at the roadblock. remind students to be alert. released on his own recognizance until his student was issued a judicial notice for But in an interview with Italian La 7 case is heard in court. providing alcohol to persons under the TV, Sgrena said, “There was no bright legal age limit. light, no signal.” She also said the car was traveling at “regular speed.” 6 March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER INSIDE

How does bias affect media?09 Debating MaryPIRG at UMBC09 Opinion Last week’s P/CP - Blogging11 WHFS: A blessing in disguise? Letters Editor So here we are, over a month after “99.1 HFS–The New Alternative” to the became “Nueve nueve punto uno—el zol!” 30,000 loyal listeners lamented the loss of a radio legend that brought us Rage Against the Machine, Live, Letters to the editor can be sent to [email protected] or delivered to UC 214, c/o Letters to Eminem, and Beck at HFStivals; the Violent Femmes and Kelly Bell Band the Editor. Letters must be received by 12 p.m. on Thursday and must be typed or written legibly and for free almost anywhere; and more recently the Killers and Franz Ferdinand include the author’s name and telephone number. Letters to the Editor cannot exceed 400 words. at the 9:30 club. Many people still have stickers and ticket stubs that read “Sponsored by 99.1 WHFS.” Although this is the loss of a childhood staple for many listeners, there Dear Retriever readers, has been reason to be disappointed in HFS recently. Rather than play the fresh alternative music they’d brought for years, they had stagnated. The late We’re currently hiring for the position of Opinion Assistant Editor. If you’re a UMBC student HFS played Papa Roach and Godsmack just like the pop stations, and did interested in the position, please send an email to [email protected]. not give airtime to artists who deserved it, like Jack Johnson, Modest Mouse, All majors are welcome, (you don’t have to be an English major), but we’re looking for applicants and Interpol. While HFS’ new format was a shock to many, after a month with newspaper or writing experience. in Baltimore this is an opportunity for the wounds to heal; this is better for The position is great for resume building, gaining experience, and improveg both writing and modern music in Baltimore. The fall of too-corporate HFS given rise to two editing skills. Many professional journalists got their start with college papers, and an assistant edi- new sources for good radio. tor job is a great start. Plus, most of the current staff members will agree: working for the Retriever For the 30,000 other listeners, many of whom called ClearChannel and is a whole lot of fun. Infinity Broadcasting in the first week without HFS, 105.7 has begun broad- If you are interested, please let us know, and we’ll send you an application. We’d love to have you casting nostalgic HFS music at night and during weekends. Rather than on our staff. playing the same music HFS was playing in the year leading up to the switch, 105.7’s HFS is playing classic HFS material, from the Clash to the grunge Ian Bukowski bands of Seattle, as well as some real, new music. Most true fans would agree, Retriever Opinion Editor the new Hoobastank-free (and other similar music) format makes the station a much better station than the old HFS. And for those who seek the original HFS experience, there is 103.1 WRNR Annapolis. This radio station has been taking care of everything Correction HFS was missing in the past few years. They play absolutely everything local and late-breaking, and give airtime to old-school HFS standbys like Rob In last week’s Point/Counterpoint, Doug Miller’s counterpoint was not Timm and Bob Waugh. They play all the cuts from an album, not just the singles. A typical playlist on 103.1 might include tracks from Wilco, The printed in the paper as a result of an error between the paper and our Rolling Stones, Anna Nalick, Keane, and Snow Patrol. Commercial-free! I’ll give that a moment to sink in while you tune your radios. printer. We have printed the counterpoint in this week’s issue, along with the corresponding point. Both articles can be found on page 11. Putting the honors in “Honors University” As some of you may know, and most of you likely do not, the Honors College recently approved new requirements for students entering the Honors program this fall. Beginning with these new freshmen, the steps to receiving an Honors Certificate now include completing two first year sem- inars in addition to the honors forum and an applied learning experience. THE RETRIEVER STAFF While current Honors students may be breathing a sigh of relief at UMBC’s Student Newspaper having narrowly escaped this added burden, this change is not only reason- Editor in Chief...... Douglas L. Miller The Retriever staff editorials able, but necessary. The certificate should have some relevance to go along Managing Editor ...... Joe Howley reflect the views of the editorial with any added prestige; to place a very select group of students into such a Business Manager...... Oliver Baranczyk board; signed columns and program also requires that they prove this acknowledgement is warranted. Advertising Manager ...... Eric Gernat advertisements represent the Many students have complained over the years about the number of News Editor...... Brandy Keller opinions of the individual writ- honors classes that fail to provide in-depth or additional relevant academic Assistant News Editor...... Brian Arnold ers and advertisers, respectively, material, and instead simply require an extra paper. The added require- Opinion Editor ...... Ian Bukowski and do not necessarily reflect ments (and the flexibility in the remaining ones) provide for the additional Features Editor ...... Amy Segreti those of the Retriever or the enrichment that the program has always claimed to offer. Students who would complain about the extra courses should stop and Assistant Features Editor ...... Sarah Pevner University of Maryland Baltimore County. consider the relevance of the honors certificate. If students are not inclined Features Music Assistant...... Noah Albro Letters to the Editor are to sacrifice time and effort to receive the certificate, then they have done Sports Editor ...... Kim DeBarge printed verbatim, although the very little to earn it; the new program requires just that. Assistant Sports Editor ...... Dave Iden editors reserve the right to edit Photography Editor ...... Anita Field any letter deemed lengthy, repet- Assistant Photography Editor ...... Stephanie Potter itive, libelous or otherwise in Production Manager...... Christain Brown need of revision. The editors fur- Production Assistant...... Evan Wiegand ther reserve the right not to Production Assistant ...... Julija Slavikas print any letter for any reason. Production Assistant ...... Ian Oland Letters to the Editor must be Production Assistant ...... Oluwagbenga Ajakaye typed or written legibly and Copy Editor...... Steve Wiley include the author’s name and Copy Editor...... Amber Sampson telephone number. Letters must Copy Editor...... Colin McGuigan be received by 12 p.m. on Copy Editor...... Rossi Irobalieva Thursday and may not exceed Copy Editor...... Justin Peeples 400 words. Illustrator...... Christina Ralls The Retriever publishes Technology Manager...... Rick Carback weekly on Tuesdays during the Assistant Technology Manager ...... Paul Swenson regular school year. Editors can Webmaster ...... Alice Rhodes be reached at (410) 455-1260 Circulation Manager...... Matt Stockslager during normal business hours or Assistant Circulation Manager...... Roy Richardson at University Center 214; 1000 Faculty Adviser...... Christopher Corbett Hilltop Circle; UMBC; Administrative Adviser ...... Dr. Patty Perillo Baltimore, MD 21250. The Layout Design Concept...... Brandon Gilbertson Retriever is an equal opportunity employer. Check us out online: trw.umbc.edu D.M. Lloyd THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 7 Opinion SGA Elections: No representation without participation

IAN BUKOWSKI campus groups has a stake in securing fund- role of SGA as a body for representation; the representing your club or organization. Retriever Editorial Staff ing that SGA doles out each year, having a SGA reflects students’ visions to the adminis- Last year’s elections saw the largest say in what happens to the $600,000+ col- tration and campus in general. The SGA turnout in recent history, a heartening dis- The phrase “speak truth to power” lected in student fees is particularly relevant. links students to administration, in a very play that would hopefully be paired with a should hold resounding value for anyone From WMBC to Quadmania, the allo- realistic sense. While SGA’s voice may not full slate of candidates. Representation means attempting to hold authority figures account- cation of student fees disperses your money determine the general policies of the more than voting, it means becoming able for their actions. As far as I can tell, the to campus organizations; to say that students University, it certainly holds weight for those involved. To assume that someone else will call originates, from Quaker groups in the have a vested interest in student organiza- who do. Topics determined to be relevant to do it takes an overly hopeful position that 1950’s; however, the root of the phrase is not tions would be an understatement. The SGA the campus through student government your interests will in fact be considered. nearly as relevant as the significance it retains as a whole represents campus and therefore instantly gain a much more visible status. The best way to reach this end is to actu- to this day. “Speak truth to power,” speaks to should be representative of UMBC’s stu- The requirements and obligations for ally participate in elections by running. the basic tenants of democracy- ensuring that dents. Among the members 200 students the Legislative body are relatively modest: Though the SGA’s power may be somewhat leaders are in fact representing their con- groups, vying for a position in the SGA candidates must have a 2.25 GPA and cannot limited, “speaking truth to power” is still stituents and answer to them. UMBC stu- should be the ultimate recourse to ensure be on judicial probation. The time require- important, and I would encourage the dents could do well to take note, particularly that your student group has adequate repre- ment is hardly cumbersome; a weekly meet- UMBC community to do so. with the upcoming Student Government sentation. ing, committee meetings, and office hour. elections. It would be encouraging to see similar Considering the voice you gain, the commit- The application for SGA positions is due At face value, a lack of candidates sug- enthusiasm for the rest of SGA that we see ment is certainly worthwhile. March 11; if you have any interest at all in gests a general detachment from the world of for the position of President. While Dom and An SGA filled with candidates who ran running, application forms can be down- SGA, going as far as outright indifference. Elan play a central role in the SGA, it is far unopposed hardly constitutes a democratical- loaded from SGA’s website. Whether it be due to weariness or distrust, a from the only role. Granted, our student gov- ly elected body. If single-candidate elections lack of involvement can only hurt students ernment does not make campus policies nor put most of the SGA House in office, then Ian Bukowski is the Opinion Editor for the when it comes to issues they might find more is not a governing body that makes policies the usefulness of elections is undermined, Retriever. He can be reached for comment at relevant. Considering that virtually every for the campus. This does not preclude the and the most qualified person may not be [email protected].

Quotes from the Quad photos by Matthew Stockslager How does UMBC decide to close school when it snows?

Rob Wolfgang, 22, 5th year Katelyn Kresse, 18, senior, Poli Sci Freshman, History “They roll dice.” “How risky it is for students to come out.”

Josh Kutcher, 20, Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering “Hrabowski flips a coin.”

Laura Norris, 19, Junior, Biology “They close whenever Freeman wants to sleep in.”

Mike Pollard, 19, Junior, Mechanical Engineering “Hrawbowski takes the decisions of College Park and other campus- es and then inverts them." 8 Advertisement March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER

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JEFF HARTLINE MaryPIRG’s scorecard is a listing of the legisla- DAN SMITH System of Maryland schools’ tuition have Retriever Staff Writer tors from all committees and the score they Retriever Staff Writer increased every year, and it looks like we’re received from MaryPIRG based on how they only going to pay more in the years to come. Just when you thought that UMBC could voted in particular votes. Democrats routinely Oftentimes, people will insist that col- Even though campus groups like SPIN not spend any more of our money, they devel- score disproportionately higher than lege students are apathetic and simply don’t already try to bring a student voice to this op new and innovative measures to do so. Republicans in every single committee. For care about the world around them. This is issue, having a larger group, such as Currently, the UMBC Student Government instance, the mean score for Democrats in the especially true when it comes to politics. MaryPIRG, will provide much needed sup- Association is debating whether to approve a Ways and Means Committee was 79%, while Whether it means not being involved with port for making students’ voices heard. A referendum for this year’s SGA ballot, which the mean score for Republicans was a mere national issues or issues that affect them, group with national standing and local sup- would result in a massive increase in funding 29%. The only member of the committee who motivating college students to engage their port links UMBC students with the chapter to an organization known as the Maryland was present for all the votes to receive a 100% immediate world is a difficult task. Recently, of MaryPIRG at College Park and other Public Interest Research Group (better known from MaryPIRG was Democrat Jon Cardin, organizers have been seeking to bring a state PIRGs across the country. You may as MaryPIRG). MaryPIRG is a political advo- while the two members of the committee who chapter of MaryPIRG to UMBC. have seen people working for MaryPIRG on cacy organization that promotes a left-wing received a 0% rating, LeRoy Myers and Page If you don’t know, MaryPIRG is an campus a few weeks ago, engaging students agenda on and off the UMBC campus. Elmore, are both Republicans. The general bias organization that works for the public inter- to take an active role in protesting tuition Although they claim to be non-partisan, the towards Democrats and against Republicans is est through research and campaigning. increases, and the lack of a cap. policies that they endorse indicate a noted not only found in this specific committee but MaryPIRG projects focus on grassroots Unlike the College Democrats, favoritism towards Democrats over in all of the committees in the Maryland organizing and public campaigning, provid- Libertarians, or SEA, MaryPIRG at UMBC Republicans. Legislature. ing internship and volunteer opportunities will provide more than just a vehicle for stu- Currently, the SGA is considering giving While MaryPIRG may not explicitly for students who would like to make a dif- dent interests. MaryPIRG wants to offer MaryPIRG $30,000/year to promote its agen- endorse candidates or a political party, it is ference. internships in public service, blending the da on campus. This represents a staggering clear that their loyalties lie in the Democratic Students at UMBC are seeking to create role of a student organization with academic sum of money for any organization on cam- Party. MaryPIRG implicitly endorses the poli- a chapter here through a referendum in the study. Even though UMBC already offers pus. Most, if not all, of this money would cies of modern liberalism, which are found upcoming SGA election. If this succeeds, internship programs, there are very few pro- come out the student fees that each and every within the Democratic Party. Thus, students will be able to get academic credit grams, if any, that specifically focus on student pays every semester. In effect, every MaryPIRG can claim to be non-partisan, but from the program through internships, but organizing campaigns. The clear role of such single student, regardless of whether they agree the reality is that MaryPIRG is a left-wing any interested student will be able to join. an organization would offer something that or disagree with the goals of MaryPIRG, will advocacy group that favors Democratic causes. One of MaryPIRG’s, and most state key other campus groups do not offer; students be supporting MaryPIRG to the tune of With all of left-wing advocacy, why functions is as a consumer watchdog group. As involve could gain real world experience in $30,000. should MaryPIRG be supported by the SGA described in an earlier issue of the Retriever, a addition to pursuing a simple interest. Although MaryPIRG claims to be non- to the tune of $30,000? It is a bit ironic that few state PIRGs published a report titled “Rip- Yes, some schools have had complaints partisan, it clearly has a bias that is evident in MaryPIRG is requesting $30,000 of our off 101,” which pointed out the deceptive about the funding for campus PIRGs, par- the issues that the organization supports and money to fight tuition increases. MaryPIRG behavior of many textbook publishers. The ticularly through specific PIRG fees on their opposes. Some of the issues that MaryPIRG may have a place in funding their advocacy for end result for California students meant a university bills. However, it has already been supports include: stronger state-wide emissions their various policy positions, but that does not lower price for textbooks because students and established that MaryPIRG is not seeking an standards for vehicles, increases in corporate have to be with our money. This is an issue that professors were made aware of these proce- additional student fee. So, if you’re interest- taxes and closing campaign fundraising loop- affects each and every UMBC student. We dures. UMBC MaryPIRG would promote this ed in bringing a chapter here, contact your holes. MaryPIRG opposes higher education cannot allow our money to be wasted on an issue, among others, since college textbook favorite SGA representative and get the word tuition increases, loosening of environmental organization that, frankly, does a disservice to pricing has become a prominent issue at most out, or at least look more into the actions of regulations and smoking in indoor areas. all members of the UMBC community. schools. How many times have you purchased the organization before initially writing These are issues that have a clear partisan books online, from friends, or elsewhere them off. divide in Maryland politics. Generally, these Jeff Hartline believes the best way to raise because the bookstore was just too expensive? issues divide Republicans and Democrats in donations for political causes is through private Some might say that tuition raises are a Daniel Smith is a staff writer for the the state of Maryland. This is clearly shown in donations, not public funds. He can be reached at bigger concern than textbooks due to the Retriever. Questions and comments can be sent to MaryPIRG’s scorecard of our legislators. [email protected] for comment. fact that, over the past few years, University [email protected]. Pick the right battles when fighting media bias YAAKOV WEISSMANN commentators to push the NCLB act. both conservative and (the few) liberal, to Armstrong Williams, we know and real- Retreiver Staff Writer When USA Today broke the story, tell us earnestly, after looking at both sides ize that the point being presented is a Williams responded by saying that while of the issue, what is the best for us. This is point spoken from the heart. We know If you had opened the morning he realizes his actions may be unethical, “I a blessing and a curse. The blessing is obvi- that the issue is being presented by some- Baltimore Sun to the Maryland section on wanted to do it because it’s something I ous: we have a clear-cut way to get our body we trust. Yet now, for the first time, February 22, the headline “Talk-show host believe in.” And getting paid $240,000 for news, or to hear informed opinion in our we even have to worry about that. Are also works for state” would have jumped it isn’t such a bad deal either. homes or on the road. We can get to know the people who have been your “friends” out at you. Andrew Green, the author of The other two personalities who cared the “personalities,” welcome them into our for years really looking out for your best the article, states that Chip Franklin, a about a program so much that they had to homes and make them our friends, as so interests, or are they looking out for local radio personality on WBAL (1090 be paid to promote it are Maggie Gallagher many of us have done with news personal- theirs? The case of Chip Franklin is an AM), who frequently has many state and and Mike McManus, two syndicated ities from Tom Brokaw to Denise Koch. extreme case that may not be applicable, local officials on his show, including columnists. Both Gallagher and McManus The curse of trusting the media is yet people around the country need to Governor Ehrlich. Franklin also does com- were paid ($21,000 and $10,200 respec- what many people fail to notice and an wake up and realize that unless people mercials for the Maryland State lottery and tively) by the Department of Health and extremely dangerous thing. I will say that keep an eye on news figures, the money gets paid roughly $1,500 per appearance. Human Services to promote marriage pro- I do not like Rush Limbaugh, nor do I that the station makes in ads may pale Green criticizes what he sees as a conflict of posals. Let’s sidetrack for a second and see trust him to present the issues fairly, yet against what people are being paid by the interest, considering, but the role of the how this compares to Chip Franklin being I will say I know he believes in trust in government or interest groups to deliver governor himself does not control the lot- paid to make ads for the lottery. (Much the media. Many people do have an your news. tery or its board. ado about nothing, huh?) agenda; we like to hope that it stays out In Chip Franklin’s case, he was hired The questions that must be asked of the mainstream media and, for most Yaakov Weissmann is a staff writer for under the Glendening administration and about the government paying journalists of the part, it does (FoxNews being the the Retriever. When not missing deadlines was not even paid through the state. I am are plentiful. The first question is, what is notable exception). Even when it does and telling people what to think, he can be not arguing that the Sun has a liberal bias illegal about this? Simply put, the govern- seep in, like with commentators such as reached at [email protected]. (it really does not) or that talk radio has a ment is should to use any money for prop- conservative bias (it really does), but rather aganda purposes through “independent” that the trend we are seeing throughout institutions, which include paying public our country gave this story the prominence commentators to advertise the programs, it received. whether they believe in it or not. Are there In the past two months, it has been other journalists and “entertainers” who We’re currently hiring an Opinon uncovered that three journalists had been are in similar “predicaments?” The answer paid by the Bush administration to pro- will never be known. What is so bad about Assistant Editor! mote various programs. The first, this? That unknown factor is the main Armstrong Williams, a conservative com- problem with much media today. mentator, was paid $240,000 by the Whether or not we admit it, we do Department of Education to, among other trust the media to an extent. We trust things, promote the No Child Left Behind them to tell us what is going on in the See the note in the Letters to the (NCLB) act. He was supposed to do this world, we trust them to uncover issues that by interviewing Secretary of Education treat people unjustly, we trust them to Editor section for details. Rod Paige on television and radio spots, cover our local sports and to get UMBC promote NCLB on his show, and act as a basketball onto television, losing again. liaison to urge African-American radio Many people even trust talk show hosts, 10 Advertisement March 8,2005 THE RETRIEVER THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 Opinion 11 Last week’s Point/Counterpoint The Blogosphere: Changing media, but not its quality Blogs play valuable support role to traditional media

IAN BUKOWSKI occurs in trusting and understanding bias. DOUGLAS MILLER Bloggers can also prove valuable insight Retriever Editorial Staff When journalism and blogging mix, the trust Retriever Weekly Staff Writer from the frontlines of the news radar, often people hold for their favorite internet writers telling the stories that mainstream media is In an increasingly interconnected world, subverts many blog’s claims to overcome biases. Conservative pundits have complained unable – or unwilling – to cover. For instance, even our media is more interconnected. The Not only do blogs blur differences in style, but for years about the so-called bias of the “liber- entrenched Iraqi bloggers have offered advent of the Internet has seen vast media out- also between opinion and news, a hazy confu- al media” – an incorrect assertion with a kernel accounts of the U.S. invasion and occupation lets, including newspapers and magazines, trans- sion that is considerably more present in this of half-truth. Yes, it is correct that journalists of their nation that present a decidedly differ- ferring their content to a web-based format. realm than anywhere else. overwhelmingly self-identify as liberals, but ent account from the straightforward narrative Over the past few years, we have seen not only Blogs may be new, but they are far from the money largely comes from big businesses that established media has offered. the adaptation of print media to the internet, revolutionary. The inception of blogs has not with self-serving interests. The money and Also, bloggers played a significant role in but also internet-only media, including those changed news, but merely how people perceive wealth behind mainstream media can be revealing the true aftermath/significance of the quirky personal projects, weblogs, or simply news. If consumers can profess skepticism traced to the hands of a relatively small num- Southeast Asia tsunami disaster – an event the “blogs.” towards “mainstream” media and then utilize ber of individuals, who generally exert conser- mainstream media initially seemed to down- In what many traditional journalists see as blogs instead, they are doing themselves a dis- vative or at least pro-business political influ- play. Occurring far away from centralized a snub to their credibility, well-known bloggers service that approaches outright hypocrisy. ence indirectly throughout their organizations. news bureaus, the tsunami disaster unearthed are being granted Pres Passes and similar creden- At best, bloggings represent journalism-lite. Open and objective coverage is the goal of weaknesses in the fact-finding net of tradition- tials. Apple is currently engaged in a lawsuit that The approach has great folksy appeal, but lacks journalism, but at best the mainstream media al media that bloggers were able to plug. questions whether or not “bloggers” are actual the fact-checking and accountability that other tends to distort the truth – not to an exact lib- Bloggers are valuable in a whistle-blowing journalists, and should be given similar legal forms of media should at least strive towards. eral or conservative slant – but distort, capacity and for individual perspective on cur- rights, particularly for protecting sources. In a sense, blogs are actually harmful if peo- nonetheless. rent events, but are not a replacement for tra- While at first glance, blogs may seem like ple rely on them as a major source of news. This is where New Media sources, partic- ditional media. By nature, weblogs tend to be streamlined versions of newspapers, cutting out When you utilize an overtly biased news source ularly weblogs, have proven valuable in media very biased towards one particular position various middlemen, keep in mind that the that derives from the same bias you yourself pos- discourse – to catch mistakes and break stories and very rarely do any fact gathering legwork direct-to-consumer approach to “news” elimi- sess, you are not expanding your own outlook or that mainstream journalism misses. themselves. Their position in the news report- nates pretty much every source of editorial even increasing your knowledge. Instead, you Republican senator Trent Lott learned the ing chain has so far been essentially reac- input. Imagine a newspaper that has no one to merely reinforce whatever misconceptions you power of blogs firsthand in December 2002, tionary to the established system. check against bias, verify accuracy, and in short, already possess. Except, unlike other news, when an offhand remark sympathetic the Whether bloggers will find a role within ensure that the news you receive adheres to at where inaccurate stories or inappropriate behav- Dixiecrat ways cost him his senate majority the established journalistic system remains to least some standard of quality. Granted, main- ior causes for scandal, similar errors in the blo- leadership position. The story initially broke be seen. The saga of Jeff Gannon, a conserva- stream media is far from ideal, and arguably gosphere are generally overlooked. on the ABC news website to little notice, but tive blogger allowed into the White House does not rise to this standard. They do, howev- Hoping that blogs adhere to some sort of exposure on liberal-leaning blog sites kept the pressroom – only to lob softball questions and er, come substantially closer than most blogs. rigid journalistic standards would be an impos- story in the public eye – only to be co-opted serve as a Republican attack dog – exposes the Many bloggers consider themselves jour- sible reality to achieve, and inappropriate. Blogs and blown up by established media days later. difficulty of integrating individuals who are nalists of a new caliber, independent of corpo- offer opinions and should be regarded as such. If Poor fact checking and the blog backlash essentially untrained opinion peddlers into a rate controlled, corporate dictated media. While you’re relying on a blogging for news, keep in probably cost CBS Evening News anchor Dan long-established professional atmosphere that this may be true, you’re not much closer to fix- mind the line between blogging and journalism, Rather his job, thanks to a story he presented aspires to be objective. ing the problems of corporate bias when you and approach it with the same eye for objectivi- on 60 Minutes weeks before the 2004 presi- Nevertheless, bloggers have introduced replace it with a “right-wing racist-leaning” bias ty necessary for any news. dential election. The evidence Rather present- criticism and accountability into a system that or a “limousine liberal who equates being ed questioning incumbent President George previously had only itself to answer to. Republican to hating homosexuals” bias. Ian Bukowski is the Opinion Editor for the W. Bush’s military service held together on the Consumers of all media should seek to Retriever. He can be reached for questions, com- surface, but analysis from skeptical bloggers Douglas Miller is Editor in Chief of the expand their exposure beyond apparent bias. ments or any other conceivable reason at opin- quickly threw doubt on its validity – and the Retriever. He can be reached for questions and The problem in relying on personal journalism [email protected]. CBS News fact checking process. comments at [email protected] 12 Advertisment March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 Advertisement 13

Invites You And A Guest To An Advance Screening Of

Come to The Retriever Weekly’s FunFest on the Commons Terrace during free hour on Wednesday 3/9 and you could win a pass (good for two) to an advance screening. Passes and prizes are available while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Limit one per person. Employees of MGM and The Retriever Weekly and UMBC are not eligible. IN THEATERS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30th Month Day, Year

Nickole Halpine Nickole Halpine 22, senior Cross-cultural studies in visual communications

Scholarships, Awards, Accomplishments: Best in show Montgomery College, Hall Space Participant Future Plans: Find a job hopefully; become very famous; have lots of assistants and be able to fire peo- ple.

Likes: Oranges, travel, things that make me laugh.

Dislikes: The smell of fear, working in the yard, ugly shoes INSIDE You may reach her at may reach You 18 19 20 22 Mark Finizio [Retriever Staff] Mark Finizio [Retriever Staff] Retriever. Retriever. THE RETRIEVER The Damocles Trio’s concert was Trio’s The Damocles is an assistant editor Pevner Sarah Too Cool? Too nally grateful to The Damocles Trio The Damocles nally grateful to for taking my mind off my math test and bringing my attention to some- enjoyable. thing far more part of the UMBC faculty concert to UMBC stu- series, which is free dents. for the [email protected]. Mars attacks! March 8,2005 What’s goin’ on? What’s goin’ For the sake of readingFor the Sibylle Johner’s cello helped transport listeners to another time Leaving the recital hall, my head Leaving the recital Musical Journey: and place. individual piece, but instead, an over- was refreshing, whelming feeling. It was and head-clearing. It rejuvenating taken in months. I’ve the best break The trio was just fantastic, and it was of group beautiful to see an entire UMBC members simultaneously this performance. entranced by was full of the stories I wanted to write and the things I wanted to accomplish eter- the veryin my life. At least, I’m Finally, Ravel’s Trio was an equal- Trio Ravel’s Finally, accurately don’t probably Words again to the program, Turina’s contri- Turina’s again to the program, bution to the musical world is an “instantly identifiable musical pres- ence,” featuring a notable balance rhythms and nois- pounding between orchestral from heard never es I’ve composer, instruments. As a Spanish to stands out as an exception Turina the traditional what is considered The move- of Spain. sounds orchestral ments in this piece had an astounding ability to engulf the listener wholly, and falling notes and the swelling overwhelming. were Trio within this When intermission came, it was wel- comed, because it was clear that the audience was as exhausted as the musi- cians. com- ly jarring experience. A French was that Ravel it was reported poser, struggling with some kind of inner conflict when writing this piece, and I exe- clearly evident in it’s think that’s in the Ravel The movements cution. at odds with each other, piece were and sonorous, sometimes sweeping other times demanding and thick. was sense of a musical conversa- There and it was altogether tion at play here, effective. describe what I experienced at this What I was left with, performance. of any though, was not impressions The Damocles Trio is comprised Trio The Damocles does little to This background musical- The concert progressed, riveted and rejuvenated. riveted Yoshioka on piano, Airi Kent of Adam on cello. Johner on violin and Sibylle into the making, nine years They’re completed tours all and they’ve and also in States the United through They met in the doctoral Switzerland. School, and are at the Juliard program in both touring involved actively now According and educational outreach. the trio regu- program, to the recital larly meets with school-age students, as concerts.hosting discussions as well illuminate the fantastic abilities of this this performance, At they played trio. Trio Piano Brahms’ 3 pieces: Johannes 87, Joaquin Op. 2 in C Major, No. and Violin for Piano, Trio Turina’s 76, and Maurice 2, Op. Cello No. Each of these larger pieces Trio. Ravel’s contained at least 3 smaller move- effect was a ments, and the resulting perfect two hour concert. obscure, traditional to more from ly, was There and each piece was perfect. piece that in the Brahms a movement me of a day that I spent reminded with my father flying a kite in the park that it must be when I was so young The one of my earliest memories. was fascinating mostly because Turina I knew nothing of him. Referring

Aivi Yoshioka provided one-third of the gorgeous musical ensemble. Aivi Yoshioka SARAH PEVNER Retriever Editorial Staff

Many people draw an unfortu- Many The Damocles This was what The most exciting moments in The most exciting

Features 16

Note Taken: Silence, then exhilaration: The Damocles Trio in Concert Damocles Trio The then exhilaration: Silence, an instrumental the silent concert are a piece starts, there ones. Right before completely exhilarating and three are are exhausting seconds; the players in unison. tensed and breathing close enough, if you’re Sometimes, almost It’s sweating. can see them you the second like being on a rollercoaster that the hill. In it flies down before connected to musi- are instance, you cians in a completely unique and way. unrepeatable nate conclusion when it comes to instrumental music, especially classical assume that They instrumental music. unex- dull, boring, or uninspired, it’s citing, or without any kind of thrill. the goal of classical wrong: They’re music is not to put the audience to bed, but instead, to challenge the assumptions, to engage with the audi- them to think intellect, forcing ence’s while at the same time presenting noise. lovely did to the UMBC audience Trio fortunate enough memebers who were 3, to catch the concert. March On Hall, Arts Recital 2005, in the Fine this trio left its audience spellbound, THE RETRIEVER March 8,2005 17 Features Punk’s not dead; it’s just lost somewhere in Virginia Mark Linsky, DUI, Booboisie, the Stabones, and the Ready Steady Go! at Purcellville Skating Rink, Purcellville, Virginia and it was a pleasure indeed to walk into a instant crowd classics as “Didn’t Get Laid At souls had provided doughnuts and excellent strange place full of strange people but to hear The Prom,” “I Wanna Be a Couch Potato,” pie in honor of their anniversary. familiar music playing. The RSG! are one of and “Don’t Wanna Drive This Bus No More.” DUI, an Irish-influenced punk rock band my favourite local bands — their high-energy Revelling in the irony of watching punk rock- whose work I was utterly unfamiliar with until blend, sometimes described as “Elvis Costello ers sing along with vocalist Bartley to that night, played next. I was trying to place meets the Specials,” never fails to get an audi- “Doormat,” a song that highly criticizes the their sound for a long time, but they did the ence moving. The setup was literally in the hypocrisy and lack of self-sufficiency often work for me by covering a Dropkick Murphys middle of the skating rink, with no stage or present in the punk scene, I was almost sad song, a band that DUI greatly resembles in anything; this was lovely in the sense that it when their set was over. both sound and attitude. Their set was highly allowed for a lot of interplay between the The next band was local punk favourites charged and extremely political, often directly bands and the audience, but was also misery- Booboisie (known affectionately to some as addressing the political situation both past inducing for the same reason. One particular “Boob Noise” for a misspelling of their name and present in Ireland and the UK. (likely inebriated) audience member found that occurred in a local newspaper), who’s sec- The evening ended with an acoustic set himself utterly unable to resist the temptation ond anniversary was the reason for this show. by Mark Linsky, of the Philadelphia punk to get “onstage” and annoy the band members Often political and always wholehearted, band The Hudson Falcons. With only a time and time again, even when he was Booboisie played a set that was appealing to twelve-string guitar and his gruff, world- repeatedly tackled away by band and audience all in attendance and can be seen playing reg- weary vocals, Linsky offered a new interpreta- KT Thompson [[email protected]] members. ularly in the Baltimore/DC area. Some kind tion of the classic Irish punk rock style. He Upfront vocals: Guitarist/vocalist of Booboisie, Max. The wonderful thing about punk rock is began his set with a number of political songs, that, while most of the songs are the same but also played some frankly beautiful, almost JULIE SAGER three chords repeated, its purveyors find other folk-like numbers that showed off his versatil- Retriever Staff Writer ways to express their off-kilter originality. In ity as a writer and performer. His intense this case, all of the microphones seem to have delivery and impressive songwriting abilities been MacGyvered out of common household captivated the audience, many of whom I’m going to be honest — typically I pre- objects — one of the mic stands was a baseball seemed loath to leave when the night was over. fer my live music venues a little less, well, bat duct-taped to a traffic cone, and another The verdict? Enthusiastic and irresistable, rural than the skating rink I sought last of the microphones was covered in what if not always musically challenging. If you like Saturday night. My Mapquest directions sim- appeared to be a Nerf ball and more duct tape, the sound of this stuff, I highly suggest you ply ended when I was still a few miles from prompting RSG! vocalist Dan to proclaim, “I check out the Ready Steady Go!, the the actual location. From there on out, my feel like I’m singing into a sno-cone!” Shakedowns, and the Goons at DC’s Black navigation was based on pure luck, After the Ready Steady Go!, the next Cat on Friday, March 11th. Purcellville being a small enough town to be group to take the homemade stage was KT Thompson [[email protected]] barely acknowledged, let alone properly Virginia’s own the Stabones. Known for their Local heros: Stabones vocalist Bartley (with Julie’s a punk rock girl! Email her at depicted, on my map of Virginia. I arrived at brutally honest, if less than eloquent, lyrics, bassist Mark in the background) encourages par- [email protected]. the beginning of the Ready Steady Go!’s set, the Stabones played a high-energy set of such ticipation from the crowd. Fresh Flavors: Local restaurants worth a visit

RYAN DORRILL good turkey club sandwich and a great rack of cheapest options at only six dollars. Other tasty bling orange chicken. Amazingly, the price for Retriever Staff Writer barbecue ribs. If you have a sweet tooth, you options include the “French Toast Slam” and the buffet and a drink is only ten dollars. might want to try one of their homemade “Moons Over my Hammy,” their version of If you want to go in the evening, I recom- deserts. An entrée and a drink will run you the ham, egg and cheese sandwich. mend the chicken bulgogi or the jaeyukgui Out around town and looking for some- about ten to fifteen dollars. The service is fast and friendly, especially (spicy pork). Their miso soup is good too, so thing good to eat? Some of Baltimore’s best Jennings is easy to get to — just go down if you get there before 2 a.m. (when most of consider having some as an appetizer. restaurants are hidden away in spots you might Wilkens Avenue and make a right onto Rolling the bars close and their regulars begin to flood The atmosphere is warm and oriental, never notice, so today I will explore of a few Rd. Then, follow Rolling until you get to in). Every time I’ve been there, the waitresses with wooden lattice around the windows that local favorites that are about as different as they Frederick where you will make a right. You have been very accommodating, refilling makes the interior look a bit like a scene from come. should see the restaurant up ahead with its drinks and bringing condiments at breakneck a kung-fu movie. The waitresses are friendly First and closest, is Jennings Café. characteristic Horse Head sign. pace. On the way out, be sure to try the claw and Mr. Kim, the sushi chef, often says hello Located right on Frederick road in Catonsville, The next restaurant I have in mind is one machine. Maybe you’ll have better luck than and chats a bit to practice his English. it’s a short drive from UMBC. The restaurant you might be familiar with, though you’ve me. Getting to Okinawa is actually very easy, is best known for its friendly staff and great probably never been there. Perfect for getting a The final restaurant is a bit of a drive, but though it may take about twenty minutes. All service. One of its waitresses, Peggy Bailey, has bite to eat after a late movie, Denny’s is locat- it is well worth it if you’re interested in trying you have to do is take 195 from the loop to been working there for twenty years and is so ed just a short drive from Arundel Mills. To get some exotic cuisine. Okinawa Korean and 295 South (just like you would to get to well known to the patrons that she won the there, make a left onto Arundel Mills Japanese Restaurant is a great place to go for on Arundel Mills). Then, take the exit for 175 honor of Baltimore’s best waitress. Boulevard and pass the exit to route 100. Make a Saturday afternoon to get a filling meal full of East and follow it for a few miles until you find Jennings is a casual café with a pub-like a right onto Dorsey Rd. and then take the next Asian cuisine. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday the restaurant. If you want more information setting, so don’t be surprised if there is a little left. through Saturday they have an all you can eat or reliable directions, they have a website at smoke or some boisterous chatter. In fact, if Denny’s may not serve gourmet cuisine, Korean and sushi buffet. The buffet includes www.okinawasushi.com. you’re looking for a good drink with your meal but they offer up tasty and fast options all sushi favorites like California rolls, tuna, this might be the perfect place for you. night long. The “Original Grand Slam” which salmon, and crab. The Korean dishes on the Ryan Dorrill is a staff writer for the The food at Jennings is also outstanding includes two pancakes, two eggs, two sausage buffet are bulgogi Beef (a bit like teriyaki), Retriever. You may reach him at and won’t cost you too much. They make a links, and two pieces of bacon is one of their spicy shredded pork, squid, and a dish resem- [email protected]. 18 Features March 8,2005 THE RETRIEVER Horoscopes byKristina DeBold andJami Sapia Disclaimer from Kristina and Jami: In case you were questioning these horoscopes ... YES, WE ARE PSYCHIC. THESE HOROSCOPES ARE REAL; LIVE YOUR LIFE ACCORDINGLY.

Aries (March 21 - April 20) Fiery Aries, we see a lot of creativity in you this week. Put it to good use... (And by good, we mean good FOR YOU — revenge is sah-weeet)

Taurus (April 21 - May 21) Desperate for the spotlight? Pick out your most fabulous outfit and all eyes will be on you.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) Got a case of spring fever? We got the rem- edy-- more vacation!! Spring break is only 10 days away...

Cancer (June 22 - July 23) Jupiter, the planet of optimism, is coming into your sign this week. That's enough to cheer even the most crabby cancer up!!!

Leo (July 24 - Aug. 23) Your confidence is at a peak this week. Just check yourself out before you prance into Heidi Heimsal [Retriever Staff] class; a true diva wouldn't be caught with Meredith Gallery: A collection of thought-provoking pieces comprise this exhibit. their fly down.

Virgo (Aug. 24 - Sep. 23) Call home... Because remember — you get it from yo mama.

Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) HIT THE GYM. And no, you can't stop Pine Ridge book drive benefits young readers on the way for a milkshake. RUTHIE ZIER snow. As some tried to flee, the soldiers occupied the massacre site for 71 days. The Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Retriever Contributing Writer chased after them through the banks of the message to the government was desperate creek, and shot anyone who lay wounded. and fierce: “Come talk to us or kill us.” Keep on dreaming — Scorpios never give up!! You often can’t find it on a map, but Civilian white settlers dug a mass grave. Many of the folks who once occupied Pine Ridge covers two million acres of Despite commanding officer General Cankpe Opi continue to reside on Pine Badlands in the western corner of South Nelson A. Miles’ report of what he called a Ridge, where stories of the past are writ Sagittarius (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Dakota. It is a reservation, home to the “cruel and unjustifiable massacre”, eighteen large on the desolate, heartfelt landscape, Remember that great money making plan Lakota people, also (inaccurately) known as medals of honor were awarded to members and many of the same issues remain com- you've always had in the back of your the Sioux. The 40,000 people living on the of the Infantry for their work at Wounded pelling. For the past two summers, I’ve mind?? The stars say go for it this week. Pine Ridge Reservation are of thrilling her- Knee. Survivor Black Elk spoke famously of traveled out to teach at dusty Pine Ridge. It Soon you'll be giving the Donald a run for itage and a beautiful culture, but their his- the tragedy at Cankpe Opi, remembering is very hard to describe this experience with tory becomes increasingly tragic following “the butchered women and children lying brevity. There is so much beauty and so his money ... The Sagittarius always had a contact with white settlers. One of the most heaped and scattered all along the crooked much poverty. There are families living in nice ring to it, didn't it?? haunting stories is set at Wounded Knee gulch….And I can see that something else houses or trailers that do not have four Creek—Cankpe Opi Wakpala in the Lakota died there in the bloody mud, and was complete walls. Thirty-nine percent of the Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) language—which still runs through Pine buried in the blizzard. A people’s dream homes have no electricity and 60 percent of Ridge. died there.” It seemed a long time before families have no telephone. The unemploy- Aren't you tired of that whiny friend? In 1890, nervous U.S. troops were anyone would dream again. ment rate is 86%, compared to the 5.5% Drop them... You may feel bad at first, but pushing a band of Miniconjou Lakota peo- The site of a massacre in 1890, national average in 2000. I adore every kid in the end you will feel freeeeee... Aren't ple, led by the ailing Chief Big Foot, Wounded Knee became the stage for a rev- I’ve met, but have a soft spot for my many you tired of that hot friend? Send them towards a camp at Wounded Knee Creek. olution in 1973. Inspired by the freedom students suffering from Fetal Alcohol over to us... ;-) There were 120 men, most of them elderly, movements sweeping “white land”, native Syndrome. and 230 women and children. Many had people from many different First Nations Alcoholism affects eight out of ten been widowed or orphaned by the Plains and many different reservations formed the families on Pine Ridge, and the death rate Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Wars. Upon reaching Wounded Knee, the American Indian Movement. AIM did not from alcohol-related problems is three 500 U.S. troops, many of them members of receive as much press coverage as the equal times higher than that of the remaining US Social butterfly, it's good to spend time Custer’s recently defeated Seventh Calvary, rights or anti-war movement, but the action population. While the reservation is with everyone but its always good to get a set up four Hotchkiss cannons in position they took was dramatic and distinctive. In “dry”—no alcohol is to be legally sold or little Aquarian me time. Go get a massage, around the camp. The outnumbered people one of the most famous attempts to force consumed—there is a town just down the your nails done, something to rejuvenate were under a white flag of truce. the U.S. government to address its contem- road called White Clay, population of 14 or YOU! On the morning of December 29, the porary economic and cultural massacre of so, which sells 11,000 cans of beer daily. troops went down to collect all weapons— the First Nations of this land, a band of That’s not counting the hard liquor. The Pisces (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) even sewing needles—from the Lakota peo- AIM activists occupied Wounded Knee. entire purpose of White Clay appears to be ple. Many stories tell of a shot mistakenly The site of the Wounded Knee Massacre selling alcohol to the folks on the dry reser- Shocked about the Charlie Sheen and ringing out when a soldier grabbed a had become something of a Wal-Mart, a vation; 11,000 cans is one beer every day Denise Richards break up? The Katie firearm from Black Coyote, a deaf man. small empire of a “trading post” established for one third of the people living on the rez. Holmes and Chris Klein break up? Brace Other stories say the soldier fired the shot by a man named Gildersleeve, whose adver- The rates of birth defects such as Fetal yourself... more SHOCKING news is on purpose. Either way, the U.S. troops tising schemes capitalized on the tragedy of Alcohol Syndrome or Effect and of deaths coming your way... Dum dum dummmm. responded with so much gunfire that the Knee. The activists took it back on the almost 300 people soon lay dead in the late evening of February 27, 1973 and see BOOK DRIVE, page 22 THE RETRIEVER March 8,2005 Features 19 AROUND Beginning [March 9] Events Happening Throughout Incidentally... the Greater Baltimore-Washington Area TOWN Events Happening On and Around the UMBC Campus Wednesday, March 9 tonight at 8:30 and tomorrow night I Beginning [March 8] Root of All Evil believe at 5. Them’s the facts, straight Jammin’ like a good jam band should, and plain, bub. TM* following in the shadow of bands like the Grateful Dead and Dave Friday, March 11 Tuesday, March 8 bundle of holiday money in 2004, so if Matthews Band (and often opening Funkier Than the Average Band Tsunami Silent Auction you missed it, or actually did join the for said acts), Rusted Root has forged For a band as unceremoniously Be a part of the forces of good as SEB blockbuster-enthralled masses and would its own identity, playing funky soul, named as The Average White Band, presents a silent auction held on behalf like to see it again for just $2, go to culty acoustic Latino-Afro percussion, the group known affectionately to of Tsunami relief efforts, which is help- Lecture Hall 2 at 7:30 or 10 p.m. and other eclectic styles. They began their followers (like the band, not all ing victims of the disaster rebuild their tonight and tomorrow night, or Saturday modestly, as just about all bands do, of them, evidently, are white them- lives. It’s your chance to bid on various at 8. playing coffeehouses as a two-piece at selves) as AWB. Hailing from items obtained through/donated by first, moving on to full-blown “col- Scotland, but proudly carrying the (/stolen from?) your UMBC professors. Thursday, March 10 lege rock” then hitting the stage on a banner of many musical styles, like The event will take place 10 a.m until 2 Tour de Clay regional, and then national level. This funk and R & B, AWB have provided p.m. today and every day this week Across Baltimore, the National Council evening you can see the boys from an interesting, innovative sound for through Friday, on Main Street in the on Education for the Ceramic Arts is Pittsburgh play the Recher Theatre in over 30 years running. You can catch Commons. Questions? Email Rebecca declaring Clay Day (actually Clay Towson; the curtain goes up at 7 p.m. them at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Pon . Month, as it last from today through TM* VA this evening at 7:30 p.m. TM* April 2), and the Center for Art and Amazon.com Info Session Visual Culture presents a three-part exhi- Great Scott! WTF: Band Discovers Worm Hole At 1 p.m. today, the Career Development bition at UMBC. The largest portion An R & B soulstress who has legions So, uh, at the moment I’m too lazy to Center gives you a chance to hear about will be the Fine Arts Building’s main of devoted fans, but might not get as dig up any further information on the everyone’s favorite e-tailer Amazon.com’s expo hall, featuring the work of over 75 much hype from the media as many matter, but as I write this, it appears, job opportunities for Software artists – the largest in town. Also to look of her contemporaries, is Jill Scott, a according to Ticketmaster’s website, Development Engineers, in the UC 310. out for is Series of Echoes: Anderson smooth, poetic singer who is coming that the ‘80s metal hair band White There’s lunch and a chance to win an Ranch, in the Gallery on Upper Main in to the D.A.R. Constitution Hall Lion has either cloned itself or has iPod; how could you pass up this One- the Commons, and Contemporary tonight at 8. She made her big debut somehow mastered the art and/or sci- Click career search? Contact: Lorie Codex: Ceramics and the Book, which in 2000 with the critically acclaimed ence of hyperspace time warps. The Logan-Bennett . examines ancient tablets, cuneiforms and Who is Jill Scott? Words And Sounds reason that I proclaim this hyperbolic other pre-paper tomes, in the Second Vol. I, which transcended any single development? Forsooth: this evening’s Wednesday, March 9 Floor of the Commons, Room 2B24. musical genre, synergizing jazz, pop, concert listings tell us that the band is Reading Rusyn Writings The official opening reception will be and spoken word along with her R & playing Thunderdome in Baltimore at Elaine Rusinko, associate professor in the next Wednesday, March 16 from 5 until B roots, and has continued to make 8:00 p.m. with Enuff Z Nuff, Evick, Modern Languages and Linguistics 7 p.m. at the Center for Art and Visual dreamy, sweet sounds (see: Vol. 2). If The Wrecking Crew and Bloodlines department here at UMBC, will give a Culture; the normal hours are Tueday you happen to miss this evening’s per- … and… they’re scheduled to play lecture on Straddling Borders: Literature through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Got formance, you’ll get a second chance Jaxx Nightclub in Springfield, VA, lit- and Identity in Subcarpathian Rus, her questions? Dial 410-455-3188. tomorrow (Thursday) night, same erally dozens of miles away, at the recent book which explores the literature place and time. TM* same exact start time! Clearly, some of the Rusyns, a distinct ethnic group of Friday, March 11 sort of federal investigation or Nobel Ukraine, Slovakia and Poland, from a March Madden-ess Cliff ‘em All Prize for physics is in order or some- fresh, post-Soviet perspective. The … and other silly PS2/XBOX puns. A longtime favorite, if not legendary thing. TM* Center for the Humanities and the MLL Gamers start your engines: the latest figure, in the minds of fans of department present this fascinating and update to football’s finest video game Caribbean music, Jimmy Cliff has Saturday, March 12 free of charge topic at the AOK Library franchise, Madden NFL 2005, will be been around the block more than a String ‘em Up Gallery at 4 p.m. More info needed? Call played for all it’s worth in the Commons few times, and is certainly not at a Making quite an impression on audi- 410-455-6798 Gameroom. Email [email protected] loss for words to describe the world as ences across the country, the Kings of for extra information. he sees it. A short bio might be called Strings are strumming and plucking “How Do We Do Women’s History?” for; Cliff began his career as a teenag- their way into the hearts of many. That’s the title of today’s Women’s Life Aquatic/Big Apple/Capitalism er in Kingston, Jamaica, recording Starring Jay Geils and Gerry History Month panel discussion in the SEB’s hosting a travel-happy blowout numerous ska and reggae hits for pro- Beaudoin and also featuring Bob seventh floor of the UMBC library, this weekend: first, tonight from 5 p.m. ducer Leslie Kong, beginning with Nieske, Jerry Miller and Aaron which features the following figures’ ‘til 10 you can go on a free trip to the “Hurricane Hattie” through the Weinstein, the Kings are a genuine thoughts on “herstory:” Michelle Scott, Baltimore Aquarium – just show up at release of his first full album in 1968. bunch of pros, and they play Easton, history and women’s studies, UMBC, the Physics/Common Loop. Eric In that traumatic era, Cliff wrote MD’s Avalon Theatre today at 8 p.m. Warren Belasco, American studies, Grollman [email protected] is your what Bob Dylan would call the great- TM* UMBC, Amy Froide (moderator), history contact man. est protest song he ever heard, and women’s studies, UMBC, Rachel Then tomorrow bright and early at 7 “Vietnam,” and a few years later, Sunday, March 13 Schreiber, digital arts, Maryland Institute a.m. there’s a bus heading up to New acted in and performed on the sound- Go Green College of Art (MICA) and history, York City; sign up in advance at the SEB track for the seminal film “The At 2 this afternoon, whether you hail Johns Hopkins U., Jill Moss Greenberg, office – it’ll run you $25 (buy tickets at Harder They Come.” Thirty years from Dublin or Dundalk, here’s your Maryland Heritage Center and Maryland the Commons info desk), and you’ll get later, and after innumerable more sin- chance to get into the Irish spirit: it’s Commission for Women. If you’d like to back here at 11 at night. More info? gles and albums, including 2004’s the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Also know more, contact Bria McElroy Email Shavonda Thomas: guest star filled Black Magic, he’s notable is the 180s Shamrock 5k . [email protected]. coming to town for not one, but two Run, starting at 1 p.m. at the Finally, on Sunday for just $5 there’s live appearances; OK, “town” is a Washington Monument (Charles and “Let’s Search for Treasure!” another trip in store: Washington D.C. stretch of the term, because tonight Mulberry Streets). The Parade begins …to quote South Park’s Terrence to his Be at the Physics/Common Loop but Cliff will be at the State Theatre in at 2 p.m. at the Washington fartner in crime Philip. Truer words were your tickets ahead of time, you know the Falls Church, VA at 9 and tomorrow Monument and ends at Pratt Street never spoken, as the producer of this drill… the bus departs at 11 a.m. night he’ll blow up Baltimore’s Funk and Market Place. week’s SEB movie Jerry Bruckheimer I’m Box, beginning at 8:00. TM* sure would agree. That’s right; Simon Questions? Then email Anusha Natarajan West directs Nicholas Cage and a cast of at [email protected]. Thursday, March 10 *TM = Ticketmaster: (410) 481-SEAT; dozens of dusty old documents in Let It Burn www.ticketmaster.com National Treasure. The movie made a Ash is a high-energy, guitar-powered Got an upcoming area event? pop/rock band, from Ireland I think, Email [email protected] (min. 2 and they’re playing at the Black Cat weeks notice). 20 Features March 8,2005 THE RETRIEVER

Ill-Legitimate Music Review extended reviews of [amazing albums]

The Mars Volta Rowen Frazer Retriever Staff Writer For those die-hard At the Drive-In fans still among the crowds, hoping that Frances the Frances the Mute Mute might show a faint heartbeat of punk left in their style, I come bearing bad news. For those of you interested in an ill-balanced love-child of Led Zeppelin’s box set CD four and in stores now Chick Corea and Return to Forever’s: Where Have I Known You Before, my news will ren- Universal Records der you elated. The Volta’s new album is anything but punk, pulling the plug on their for- mer genre to have it flat-line on the doctor’s examination table. All you remaining ATDI fans Rating (out of 10) 8.7 should attend the funeral, and move on with your lives. So what genre is The Mars Volta? According to many, it’s progressive rock (prog-rock, e.g. Frank Zappa). Others believe that the 16th and 32nd note drums and atonal/parabolic guitar melodies suggest a math-rock association (e.g. Dream Theatre). Yet Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez argues in many interviews that they are trying to break ties to any one genre, and be all-eclectic (like many pretentious rock bands suggest of themselves).

Lead singer and on-stage drug clown Cedric Bixler-Zavala sticks to his usual style of lyrical arrangement on Frances the Mute. Bixler- Zavala’s style is basically a compilation of random poly-syllabic SAT terms and stream-of-consciousness rants. Yet, like the first Volta album, there is supposedly a derivate behind the masked lyrical arbitrariness. Ex-keyboardist Jeremy Ward, who passed in 2003, found a diary once- upon-a-time which entailed a story of a boy searching for his biological parents. Some of the names in the diary were Cassandra Gemini, The Widow, Miranda and Vismund Cygnus. These then became some of the track titles for the album, and somehow Bixler-Zavala’s lyrics are sup- posed to deal with the content of the obscure diary. Here’s a clip from Cassandra Gemini: Movement 2, “She fell for the whispers/sister flooded deaf tears/that night tore a river/in her barren womb mirror/and his multiple sons with their mandible tongues/set crucified fires to petrified homes: let it burn.” From Vismund Cygnus, “Now this train don’t lie/an abortion that survived/a lineage of bastard mastication/all the severed proof/talons scratch my suit/these are the feathers that replace them.” If there is a message here, it’s clear to see that it isn’t readily-available for many.

Overall, this is an album which received four out of five stars by Rolling Stone, features Flea and John Frusciante from RHCP, and contains super-charged hooks and vocal wails that make Axle Rose cover his ears. This album definitely takes an acquired taste, but is worthy of notoriety. If you can make it through the intermissions of white noise and electronic animal sounds and are still pay- ing attention when the band decides to kick back into motion, you will be pleased (and if not, I’ll please you).

Chris Mewes Retriever Staff Writer The Arcade Fire With all the hype that’s surrounded this band of late, it can be difficult to discern if in fact they are the “real deal.” Many scenester cynics and over- Funeral pretentious critics, careful to avoid a college radio bandwagon, have in stores now slammed The Arcade Fire and their cavalcade of admirers (David Bowie, David Byrne, Pitchfork Media, NME, to name a few). If I have established Merge Records any credibility with my articles thus far (or any “street cred” as we used to say back in Queens, NY) as your humble purveyor of all things euphonious, Rating (out of 10) 9.4 then believe me when I rate The Arcade Fire among the very best bands today.

The fact that they have become the darlings of many a music journalist is not surprising, based on the quality of their debut effort, but a little unexpected in light of their makeup as a band. An eight member ensemble from Montreal, including two violinists and a married couple at the center of the scrum, The Arcade Fire seem unlikely indie rock heroes. Perhaps this acclaim signals the dawn of a new age in indie rock, one where the founding ideals of the genre and music for music’s sake are again realized, and the only aesthetic is no aesthetic at all. Or am I just another pie-eyed fan, all too quick to hail this band as gods, and optimistically overstate the album’s importance? I remain objective in my view, as I have yet to call Funeral life-affirming as many have.

However, I can understand that assessment. This is not an album to be approached from a distance or with any cynicism. One has to be open-minded, and allow themself to experience the honest emotion contained within this album, aptly titled as the years preceding its release were marked by the deaths of many close to the band. Few lyricists today can write as maturely and thoughtfully as Win Butler, without airs or pretension and without trying to be something they’re not. Comparisons are futile, especially for The Arcade Fire, who has the unique ability to sound like your favorite band without sounding like any other band. Their influences show through, such as The Pixies, Neutral Milk Hotel, Modest Mouse, et cetera, but do not nearly define them. Funeral is as emotionally charged as Jeff Buckley’s Grace while remaining fun and enjoyable. Grand orchestral numbers give way to dance grooves slicker than snot on a doorknob. The music press tends to fear that which they do not understand; that which they cannot easily categorize or cross-reference. The Arcade Fire’s defiance of indie rock norms, both personally and musically, makes them a lightning rod for scruti- ny as well as praise. However, a fair appraisal shows that a few critics in the minor-

The Mars Volta photo courtesy of amazon.com; the Arcade Fire photo courtesy of cdnow.com THE RETRIEVER March 8,2005 Features 21 Music Review Music

Recher Theatre www.rechertheater.com 3/9 WED RUSTED ROOT 3/11 FRI JIMMIE'S CHICKEN SHACK w/ Product - Of Broken 3/12 SAT DICKEY BETTS & GREAT SOUTHERN w/ Todd Wolfe 3/16 WED PSYCHOPATHIC ALLSTARS: ABK, ESHAM, BLAZE THE DEAD Upcoming concerts HOMEY, JUMPSTEADY 3/17 THU O'MALLEY'S MARCH w/ The Crawdaddies 3/19 SAT CITIZEN COPE 3/20 SUN TOOTS & THE MAYTALS w/ Keith Hurlock 3/26 SAT LAUGHING COLORS w/ Kelly Bell Band 3/28 MON DROPKICK MURPHYS

9:30 Club www.930.com 3/7 MON SUBLIMINAL & THE SHADOW w/ The Tact Family 3/8 TUE LONG BEACH SHORTBUS w/ Bullets and Octane 3/11 FRI HOT HOT HEAT w/ Louis XIV - Washington Social Club 3/12 SAT CITIZEN COPE w/ Meika Pauley 3/14 MON RUSTED ROOT 3/15 TUE BLACK 47 3/16 WED OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW 3/17 THU ATMOSPHERE w/ Grayskul - p.o.s. - Philmoore Brown

Funk Box www.thefunkbox.com 3/8 TUE BENEVENTO w/ Russo Duo 3/9 WED THE BRIDGE w/ Basshound 3/10 THU JIMMY CLIFF w/ The Skool Band - Jabali Afrika 3/11 FRI THE REAGAN YEARS w/ Real Geniuses 3/12 SAT THE RECIPE w/ Frenchbread & the Chinamen 3/16 WED THE BRIDGE w/ Black River Circus 3/17 THU BONERAMA w/ The Bomb Squad 3/18 FRI THE GOLDEN ROAD w/ Free Wheelin' 3/19 SAT CAN'T HANG w/ Bridges and a Bottle - K.O.E.

Ottobar www.theottobar.com 3/7 MON THE QUEERS w/ Bullets and Octane - Parkton - 3 Prong Outlet 3/8 TUE BANE w/ Comeback Kid - With Honor - Silent Drive - Ruiner 3/9 WED ALEXISONFIRE w/ Vaux - Emanuel - The Black Maria 3/10 THU OXES w/ Palomar - More Dogs 3/12 SAT 7 SECONDS w/ Champion - Kill Your Idols - The Spark 3/13 SUN LIARS ACADEMY w/ Two If By Sea - Elkland - Action Action - As Tall As Lions 3/16 WED ATMOSPHERE w/ P.O.S. - Grayskul - Philmoore Brown 3/17 THU BAG OF HUMANS w/ Pandemuertos - Marino The Heir of

Rockefeller - New Age Hillbillies and Tape of Record Traders courtesy

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Ram’s Head Live! www.ramsheadtavern.com 3/8 TUE RAM BLUES JAM hosted by Dean Rosenthal 3/11 FRI CRUSHING DAY 3/12 SAT THE COMMITMENTS w/ The Fenians 3/13 SUN THE BIG WU w/ Black Eyed Susan 3/15 TUE BLUE FLOYD 3/22 TUE BUDDY GUY w/ Tom Hambridge 3/23 WED PAPA ROACH w/ F-Ups - Skindred 3/24 THU STEVE VAI w/ Eric Sardinas 22 Features March 8,2005 THE RETRIEVER Be Cool, this is a robbery! Shockingly uncool Get Shorty sequel was not worth the wait

DOUGLAS MILLER ing how much the makers of this rehash got Is watching Vince Vaughn (dressed Retriever Editorial Staff wrong. like a rapper) call The Rock a “faggot” This is ironic, because the plot is basically the again and again really that funny? In the early 90’s, John Travolta’s career experi- same. Mobster Chili Palmer gets sick of his current Despite its PG-13 rating, Be Cool is enced a miraculous resurrection from the lows of profession and decides to enter the entertainment less “family friendly” than even the very things like the Look Who’s Talking films. Thanks industry. In the first film, Palmer started making adult original Get Shorty. The 50+ uses of in large party to his involvement in a couple of movies. This time it’s music. His efforts get the the word “fuck” present in the original trend-setting, self-aware crime comedies, Pulp attention of several shady types, including Vince may be absent, but this sequel has far more Fiction and Get Shorty, Travolta not only returned Vaughn playing a white man that thinks he’s violent conflict, death by beating, and into the limelight, but earned a spot on “black,” The Rock as an ambiguously gay body- scenes of torture. Hollywood’s A-list again. guard, Cedric the Entertainer as a bourgeois gangs- If Be Cool were rated R, it would His Chili Palmer character in Get Shorty ta, the Russian mafia, and Steven Tyler. merely be a bad movie. With a PG-13 rat- remains the highlight of a long and varied career. The problem is, none of this is very funny. F. ing, it is probably socially irresponsible. With effortless charisma and grace, Travolta Gary Gray, the generally underrated director of On the basis of this picture, brought Novelist Elmore Leonard’s colorful dia- films like Set it Off and The Italian Job, seems Hollywood is still far better that satirizing logue to life, and carried the lightly plotted satirical totally lost on how to approach this material. itself than other segments of the entertain- picture all by himself. Like Chili Palmer, Travolta The original Get Shorty was a quirky black ment sector. The plot of this film seems was in control. comedy aimed at adults. Be Cool tries to have it driven more by the desire to sell the After a series of high-profile bombs both ways, mimicking Pulp Fiction while also ton- records of real musicians than to offer any- (Battlefield: Earth, Basic), it is no surprise that ing down the profanity to obtain a PG-13 rating. thing insightful or humorous about the Travolta would choose to revisit one of his most The result is a personality crisis. music industry. successful characters 10 years onward, but Be Cool Part of this film wants to be a quirky satire like There are occasional glimmers of wit is far from the surefire hit that the actor was the first picture, while the rest attempts urban pop- throughout Be Cool, but for the most part undoubtedly hoping for. This time, the still-like- ulist appeal in the vein of the Friday series or this is a colossally insincere and unfunny able Travolta is not in control. Barbershop. The result is a confused picture that movie. In fact, Be Cool is one of the worst sequels of works as neither genre. Get Shorty and Travolta deserve bet- recent memory. The whole cast gets lost in a sea of There are some very funny moments in Be ter. Courtesy of yahoo.com contrivances that seem dictated more by marketing Cool, like The Rock’s “monologue” from Bring it Douglas Miller is an editor for the Uma again: After having to kill Bill, Thurman reunites with demographics than the creative thought process. On, but too often the film falls back on homo- Retriever. You may reach him at Pulp Fiction co-star John Travolta. Compared to the original Get Shorty, it is shock- phobia and gangsta stereotyping for laughs. [email protected]. Donate books to help kids

drive in hopes of creating a public library on Pine Ridge. When I’ve given books to my students in the past, they’ve often clutched them like teddy bears and carried them around all week. I’ve met a wide range of kids all desperate for books, from a ninth-grader bored with Shakespeare to his Ruthie Zier [Retriever Staff] eight-grade friend who still couldn’t read Girls in need: Contribute to the book drive and Dr. Seuss. They deserve the resources that help enhance their lives. we had access to when we were growing up. I launched the book drive downtown from BOOK DRIVE, page 18 on February 27, the day the ’73 occupation associated with alcohol are astronomical. of Wounded Knee began, and am now And with 14,000 children living on the expanding the drive to UMBC. Boxes are reservation, there are zero public libraries. already in the Commons at the SGA office Zero. I dream of this changing—soon. (2nd floor) and the Women’s Center Every summer, a group of folks from (ground floor), and will appear at the Baltimore packs up construction paper and Commons main desk, in the residential flashcards and hauls itself out to the halls, and in the library this week. The Badlands. We sleep on the floor of a church book drive campaign runs from now until hall in the middle of Pine Ridge, and roll April 8. up our sleeping bags every morning to I wish I could communicate how lone- make room for the Hou Kola! Learning ly and heart wrenching the reservation is, Camp. “Hou Kola!” means “Hello Friend!” and how beautiful and full of potential its in Lakota. The camp is free, with snacks, young children are, how much I respect lunch, and rides provided. Lessons have their history and their dreams. I can’t find included geography, reading, mathematics, words. The best I can do is to collect books arts and crafts, creative writing, music, and and ask everyone to imagine this history last year even computer skills. However, we and this reality, these kids growing up in a want to do more than tutor; our purpose is Third World country smack dab in the to teach the kids the value of education and middle of the United States. their own value as human beings. If you would like to contribute to the This year, I want to carry the objective book drive, please donate new or used chil- of Hou Kola! back to “white land”, as non- dren’s books to the boxes you see around reservation areas are often referred to. I campus. It will make a difference. want to educate other people on the true history of the United States and the nations For information on the book drive, or that were here before any European book recommendations to read more about colonies were established. I want to show Pine Ridge, please contact Ruthie at library- my kids at camp that they are valuable by [email protected] participating in a Baltimore-wide book

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yourvotecounts.org 24 Advertisement March 8,2005 THE RETRIEVER THE RETRIEVER March 8,2005 Features 25 c r d Last week’s answers or w s week of March 8 s 26 Advertisement March 8,2005 THE RETRIEVER

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For more information log onto www.noattacks.org or call your doctor. THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 27 Sports VERMONT ENDS UMBC’S This Week in Sports Baseball The Retrievers’ Tuesday game at Mount St. Mary’s has been post- CINDERELLA STORY poned, and UMBC will next play their next game against Towson on Wednesday the 9th at 3:00 p.m. The Baseball team will host Canisius College this weekend on the 12th and 13th, followed by games next week at Delaware on the 16th and Georgetown AMIT CHAND junior year. He scored 11 points get away with anything, University on the 17th. Retriever Staff Writer and chipped in six rebounds while Coppenrath slowly took control altering shots on defense. of the game. UMBC was able to The Retrievers won their first After falling behind 24-17 at hang with the Catamounts early game of the Am East the 9:56 mark, UMBC went on a on but could not withstand a bar- Softball Championship against New 21-6 run that was sparked by rage of treys by Sorrentine in the This week’s Kick-off Classic has been canceled, but the Retrievers Hampshire, 78-73, but were Davis’s inspired play at both ends second half. will return on Monday the 7th to host Coppin State at 1:00 p.m., unable to pull of an upset against of the court. A jumper by fresh- The Dawgs took a 21-20 lead followed the next day by another home game against Delaware at 2 Vermont a day later, losing to the man shooting guard Michael 11 minutes into the first half p.m. The Spring Classic will begin this Friday the 11th with a game Catamounts 76-61 at Knight tied the game at 25 with before threes by Alex Jensen and against St. Francis. The Lady Retrievers will face Eastern Shore and Binghamton. Unfortunately for 4:43 left to play before the half. Sorrentine put the Catamounts up St. Francis again on the 12th. UMBC (11-18, 5-13 Am East), Davis’s deuce at the 1:34 mark for good. Sophomore Chris Pugh Vermont had a bye for the first would give the Dawgs a 38-30 cut Vermont’s advantage to 31-29 session of the conference tourna- advantage. UMBC went into half- but a Sorrentine three capped Women’s Basketball ment, which gave them fresh legs. time leading the Wildcats 42-35. another Vermont run. The Dawgs UMBC will begin the America East Conference Tournament this Friday’s game against the A Knight three-pointer a lit- were down 41-33 at the half. Wednesday the 9th in a match against Northeastern at 8:30 p.m., New Hampshire Wildcats saw tle less than midway through the Sorrentine hit three three- and will face Hartford the following day at 6:00 in the quarterfinals. freshman Brian Hodges explode second half gave UMBC its pointers following halftime to fuel for a career high 28 points on 8- biggest lead of the game, 62-48. a 15-2 run midway through the 17 shooting. Hodges hit four tri- The Retrievers would hold on to second half. Vermont would take a Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse fectas on the day and went a per- the lead for the rest of the game. 24 point lead with 10 minutes to Retriever Lacrosse has a game scheduled against Johns Hopkins on fect 8-8 from the charity stripe. Hartford made a last minute rally, play, making any UMBC rally the 8th at 7:00 p.m., and will host Canisius the following Saturday Hodges has provided the Dawgs scoring six unanswered points to futile. at 3:00. UMBC will travel to face College Park on the 19th, and with a sure-shot all season long. make it a three point game with Hodges led the Retrievers in will face Vermont on the 26th. “When I see the ball going up 33 seconds left to play, but scoring for the fourth game in a in his hands, there is never a Hodges went 4-4 from the free row, including two regular season The Women’s team will host Old Dominion this Saturday the 12th doubt in my mind,” said Head throw line in the last minute to ice games, with 14. Pugh was the only and Towson on the 16th, followed by an away game at William & Coach Randy Monroe. “I know the game. other Retriever to score in double- Mary on the 19th. it’s going in. That is how confi- “A lot of times when we had digits with 11 points on 4-4 dent I am in Brian Hodges.” games like this where we had a big shooting. Monroe’s confidence in lead, we played not to win and Though the Retrievers had Men’s and Women’s Tennis Hodges was evident early in the just tried to keep the lead,” said their season come to an abrupt UMBC will travel to face off against Loyola in a match on Tuesday season, when he inserted the Knight. “Coach kept on telling us end at the hands of Vermont, they the 8h, and will host Morgan State the following Thursday. St. freshman into the starting lineup that we [need to] play to win and completed an otherwise positive Bonaventure will host the Retrievers on Sunday, March 13th, fol- over more experienced players. that’s what we tried to do.” season in which they surpassed lowed by another away game at Georgetown on the 16th. UMBC The playing time in the early On Saturday, the Vermont most reasonable expectations. will have a two-week hiatus after hosting Quinnipiac on the 17th, stages of the season has paid off Catamounts wore down the They exceeded last season’s win returning on the 30th to duel American. well for Hodges as evidenced by Retrievers as the game progressed total by four with a new coach at his confidence in taking big shots. and the Catamounts coasted to the helm. The lady Dawgs’ next three games will see them traveling to face “Coach tells me to shoot the victory. Vermont’s standout thun- “It is very gratifying and just Howard on Wednesday the 9th, Towson the following Monday the ball and I try to listen to him as der and lightning duo of center tells me that the program is really 14th, and Georgetown on the 16th. The Retrievers will then return much as I can,” said Hodges. “It Taylor Coppenrath and point going in the right direction,” said home to host Quinnipiac on the 17th. felt good to help my team win.” guard T.J. Sorrentine combined Monroe after the New Hampshire Junior Seth Davis came off for 33 and 20 points, respectively, game. “We have some young men the bench to provide a much to end UMBC’s season. that have a tremendous amount of Men’s and Woman’s Track & Field needed spark for the Retrievers. Coppenrath, recently named pride in themselves. Our young The Track & Field teams can be seen at the NCAA Indoor The power forward came in for the Am East Player of the Year for men never quit. For me, it was all Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas this Friday and Saturday. junior Cory McJimson after he the third consecutive time, domi- about passion.” VCU will hold a two-day invitational in Richmond starting the fol- got in early foul trouble. Davis nated the post. UMBC had no Amit Chand is a staff writer for lowing Friday the 18th, and College Park will host an invitational responded to a hostile crowd by answer for him inside. With refs the Retriever. He can be reached for on April the 2nd. playing the best basketball of his allowing the Catamount star to comment at [email protected]. ROBINSON CONTINUES STELLAR PLAY

AMIT CHAND points, grabbed eight boards and aged just 50 points per game. Head 6 run in the second half that contest, but the Retrievers would Retriever Staff Writer blocked two shots against Maine Coach Phil Stern’s Princeton-style brought them back to within four go cold after that, missing three in only 24 minutes. Against offense has yet to work on all fronts points. Robinson’s jumper with consecutive shots and a free throw. UMBC (8-19, 3-15 Am East) Maine, Robinson scored a game this season, and UMBC finished 10:38 left to play capped UMBC’s The Lady Retrievers will dropped their final two regular high 20 points and pulled down the regular season last in the Am run and made the score 44-40 begin the Am East Women’s season contests on the road last five rebounds. She was the lone East in scoring. advantage Maine. The Bearcats Championship on Wednesday at week to New Hampshire on Lady Retriever to reach double Against the first place team in responded with a run of their own Harford against the 7th seed Thursday, 56-51, and Maine on digits in scoring for both games. the conference, UMBC saw Maine to take a double digit lead at the Northeastern at 8:30. Saturday, 63-55. Both games saw The Lady Retrievers have take a 7-5 lead at the 12:32 mark 3:36 mark. the continued emergence of fresh- struggled mightily on offense this that ballooned to 36-23 by half- Seven unanswered points Amit Chand is a staff writer for man Amanda Robinson. season. During their current four- time. would bring UMBC back to with- the Retriever. He can be reached for Robinson had a team high 19 game losing streak they have aver- The Retrievers went on a 12- in four points with 1:34 left in the comment at [email protected] 28 Sports March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER Local Sports Wrap Virginia Tech Defeats Maryland in Regular Season Closer, 86-76

The Terps lost their third straight game and fourth in the last five against Virginia Tech, los- So you ing control of the board to ACC newcomers the Hokies for most of last Saturday’s match. Maryland (16-11, 7-9) came within two points three times in the final four minutes, with James Gist bringing the score to 74-72 with two free throws in the last two and a half, but Hokie Jamon Gordon answered back with seven points in a final run of twelve for Virginia wanna cover Tech (15-12, 8-8). Gist and Chris McCray each scored 18 points for the Terrapins, with Nik Caner-Medley and John Gilchrist scoring 12 and 11 respectively. Spring Baltimore Blast Strikes Down Philly KiXX, 5-4 Baltimore’s soccer team brought their record to 13-15 with a victory against Philadelphia last Tuesday at 1st Mariner Arena. In a hard-fought battle to retain control of the score- board, the Blast managed to score three straight goals and tie Philly, and team captain Tarik Walker scored a final point with 23 seconds in the final quarter. Cleveland Force will host Sports? Baltimore’s next game this Friday the 11th. Maryland Jockey Briefly Hospitalized After Racing Accident

Apprentice jockey Ryan Fogelsonger was released from University of Maryland Medical Center’s Shock Trauma Unit last Friday after being admitted earlier in the afternoon for an injury sustained at Laurel Park. The jockey fell from his horse, Lucky Valid, after finishing second in the second race, landing on his head and suffering a strained neck. Fogelsonger Contact Kim DeBarge was listed in stable condition and was released later that day. at [email protected] Veteran Orioles Broadcaster Chuck Thompson Dead

Long-time Hall of Fame broadcaster Chuck Thompson died of a stroke last Sunday at 83. The venerated broadcaster had called Orioles games since the early fifties, working for the team during their presence in the International League before entering the modern American League in 1955, and he was also known for his frequent national broadcasts of Colts games for the NFL. Although he retired in 1988, the Ford C. Frick Award recipient had periodically returned to broadcast key Orioles games on WBAL’s Orioles Radio Network. Retriever Track & Field Disappoints at ECAC/IC4A

DAVE IDEN Amherst for a 49th place finish. Junior Adam ond sprint to give the Retrievers a ninth place in the 55m hurdles with a time of 7.80s. Retriever Editorial Staff Grossman led the UMBC Men’s team, running finish in the 200-meter dash preliminaries. UMBC will begin its outdoor schedule the 55-meter dash in 6.44 seconds to finish Junior Aaron Smith teamed up with soph- with the VCU RAM Invitational, being hosted The Retrievers put on a disappointing fourth in preliminaries. Grossman went on to omores Izudin Mehmedovic, Chris Baumler, in Richmond on March 18-19. performance at the ECAC/IC4A nab first place in the semifinals with a 6.33 sec- and Isaac Matthews to hold the alternate qual- Championships held last weekend at Boston ond time, which was the second best of the ifying time for the 4x800m relay, finishing University’s Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic entire meet for the 55m dash; the Baltimore ninth with a time of 7:39:96. Mehmedovic Dave Iden is the Assistant Sports Editor for Center, tying in final scores with Harvard, native unfortunately ran 7.00s to finish eighth also ran 4:18:28 to finish 17th in the 1-mile the Retriever. He can be reached for comment at Universities of Massachusetts Lowell, and in the finals. Grossman also ran a 21.58 sec- run, and freshman Aaron James came in 22nd [email protected]. Athleteof theWeek: Kali Shirk by Yemisi Aina.

With a .351 batting average and a ten she volunteered at a center for physical the game. She loves to play everyday. [She game hitting streak, it is no wonder that therapy and wellness in Lansdale, as part plays] catcher, first, [and] center field.” Kali Shirk of UMBC Softball is Athlete of of North Penn’s Career Exploration Shirk and her fellow teammates were the Week. Her stats for the past two weeks Program. supposed to participate in the UMBC were 14 for 37 with 7 runs scored, and one Shirk was first encouraged by her Softball Kick-Off Classic the weekend of home run. Last weekend her stats were 9 father to play softball in elementary March 4th, but the event was cancelled for 22 with one home run. school, and she has continued ever since. due to a snowstorm. Coach French Hailing from North Wales, When she first started playing, she wanted explained that a doubleheader against Pennsylvania, Shirk attended North Penn to be an infielder. However, her middle Coppin State was added for Monday High School, where she played softball for school coach and teammates convinced March 7th, so the team only really lost the Maidens. She was voted Most Valuable her to be a catcher. Since then she has three games that weekend. “We got stuck Player during her senior year, and she was evolved into a player who is comfortable in indoors this week,” he said reluctantly. also given First Team Suburban One many positions. In the words of Coach French is anxious to return outdoors, so League honors as a catcher in that same French: “[She is] tremendous. [She] can that his players can continue to work on year. Her junior year she was a Second play any place on the field, except for improving their game. Team selection. She also played basketball pitcher. She is the most versatile athlete After the Coppin State game, Kali and for North Penn and was part of the defensive-wise that has ever played at her fellow teammates are up against the National Honor Society. In her spare time UMBC…a phenomenal athlete. She loves Delaware Blue Hens on March 8th. THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 Advertisement 29 THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 30 Classifieds lab maintenance and molecular biology. summer! We are currently looking for outgo- 100 ANNOUNCEMENTS Contact Steve Kinsey at 410-706-2661 or ing, enthsiastic people to become pedcab Quakers Aren’t Just on a Box of Oats. We’re send resume to [email protected] operators. 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University Center 214 Speech Majors Part-Time work $10/hr 410-247-7665 http://www.patapscofriends.com 410-465- Tutors needed to join established team: Work Youth Counselors Needed A residental lead- 1000 Hilltop Circle 6554 or http://quakerfinder.org 1:1 teaching communication, play & social ership training program for boys in foster care Baltimore, MD 21250 skills w/adorable & happy 3 year old. No seeks to hire motivated, disciplined, highly (410) 455-1260 300 EMPLOYMENT experience needed/Training provided. organized couselors for various shifts to work Native Speakers to teach adult language class- Location: Howard County, MD- Contact directly with our young men. Please forward Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. es—All languages, especially Spanish and Ph: 301-602-2805 resume to [email protected] Classifieds may be placed online by Email:[email protected] French. Also need translators and interpreters. going to www.universaladvertising.com. 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Summer Job/Paid Internship per week! in section 100- Babysitter wanted for my two active boys, Part-time, flex hours, no exp required but opportunity, OCEAN CITY, MD ages 2 and 5 years, in Catonsville. 4-5 hours TELESCOPE PICTURES®/NORTHEND STUDIO ANNOUNCEMENTS must be strong and capable of using hand is now hiring for the summer of 2005 per day on Wednesdays and Fridays. (410) tools. Excellent pay. Catonsville 410-627- LIVE AND WORK ON THE BEACH! Outgoing 908-8024 Personalities With A Winning Smile Can Earn Over 10K. email [email protected] 0780 No Photo Experience Necessary. Check out our website Part-time Laboratory Assistant needed in the for more information and apply directly on line at Baltimore Pedicab NOW HIRING. Make www.NORTHENDSTUDIO.COM Department of Physiology at the UMB No Beach House, No Worries…Housing Available Tons of Money! Get in shape! Look Get this School of Medicine. Duties include general THE RETRIEVER March 8, 2005 Advertisement 31 32 March 8, 2005 THE RETRIEVER INSIDE

Upcoming Sports Schedule27 Men’s Basketball Season Over27 Sports Track and Field in the Postseason28 WHEN IT SNOWS, IT POURS: WHAT HAPPENS TO UMBC SPORTS?

Matt Stockslager [Retriever Staff] Snow football: Students take advantage of the campus closing last Monday by playing football.

KIM DEBARGE “was a special situation because the guys and would give us a home games both at home and at Mount ous in volunteering their locker Retriever Editorial Staff game was on TV and Channel 2 field advantage.” As far as play in St. Mary’s cancelled. Softball, rooms and fields to UMBC’s needed a place to film from — so the meantime, he says that he does- meanwhile, has not played since teams, eventual scheduling con- As everyone sees on the side- we had to move someplace.” That n’t know what the day-to-day plan February. They do not have an flicts will mean games are post- walks, UMBC has issues with someplace ended up being the field will be for home games. “I know away game scheduled until March poned. Postponing even one drainage management. This week- at Johns Hopkins, where UMBC we’re trying to find sites to play. It 18, and it is unclear when UMBC’s game makes the entire season end, baseball and softball games faced Ohio State in a dramatic dou- would be nice to have sites prede- softball team will play again on the more difficult to schedule, and the were cancelled and a lacrosse game ble-overtime loss, 10-9. The game termined.” He also credits the home field. lack of a home playing field makes was moved with little notice due to marks the third game straight that lacrosse team for being adaptable In keeping with this new tra- effective practices and home field field conditions. The previous has seen Ohio State and UMBC in and playing their best regardless of dition, UMBC Tennis has also advantage for our teams a near week’s snow melt made the fields double overtime. Coach Warne the location changes. been playing away. With the impossibility. too muddy to play. So what do says the lacrosse team is “hoping to Neither baseball nor softball courts in such a condition that the UMBC sports teams do when they get back on turf [at home] by the were able to relocate their games tennis team cannot play at home, Kim DeBarge is the Sports can’t play at home? month of April,” and that “it would this weekend. UMBC Baseball has they have been competing at Editor for the Retriever and can be According to Assistant Men’s be nice to have some home games not played since the season opener Johns Hopkins instead. While reached for comment at Lacrosse Coach Warne, this week here. It would be special to our at ODU, with the subsequent local campuses have been gener- [email protected].