The SMCC Beacon 10-29-2013

Issue 4 Volume 9 Oct 29, 2013

Beacon

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Lighting our Community

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Creating Culture around Volunteering

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Manners & Etiquette

Alpha Chi Nu Inducts a New Fleet of Members I’d like to start with a warm welcome to all of the students that were inducted into Alpha Chi Nu, Southern Maine Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, on Sunday, October 20th. Whether you chose to attend the induction ceremony or not, we are excited to have so many hardworking new members! The induction ceremony is held every semester to recognize and welcome our new members; so if you did miss this

and you could feel the excitement in the air. Inductees, distinguished guests, family, and friends of inductees all arrived on time. The inductees were all directed to a classroom where they were given the lowdown on how the induction would proceed. Once in the auditorium it was their time to shine. Our chapter President, Leanna Shields, delivered the opening speech and flawlessly presided over the entire ceremony.

Next up to the podium was President

one, you can always be inducted at our spring ceremony.

Before I continue I want to inform you all of what Phi Theta Kappa is about.

We’re the official honor society for twoyear colleges, and the largest international honors society in the world. We offer a variety of advantages to students; such as, opportunities for developing professional skills, a number of great scholarships, and chances to be more involved with your community. Involvement with Phi Theta Kappa, and SMCC’S chapter: Alpha Chi Nu, is also a great way to be recognized for your accomplishments. We are an honors society, which means you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to be a member.

This means that all inductees have worked very hard to be where they are and they deserve recognition for it.

All in all induction was a great success

Ron Cantor who delivered a motivational, albeit rather comical speech. President Cantor then had the pleasure of presenting our longest running advisor, Shane Long, with an award that came right from the top echelon of Phi Theta Kappa. Shane is also the Director of Residence life, in addition to being the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Director, and on Sunday he was recognized for five years as a chapter advisor. We are extremely thankful for his service and support!!

Then our Officer at Large, Dawn Smith, took to the pulpit to announce Tiffanie Bentley as our Honorary Inductee.

Tiffanie Bentley is the Dean of Student Life at SMCC and we are forever grateful for her support!!

Next up was our very special inspirational speaker; we were lucky to get Phi Theta Kappa’s Northern New England

SMCC has an epicurean delight right in the middle of campus! The Culinary Arts Dining Room, sitting obscurely right in front of us. I had heard of the famous dining experience from my sister, who has had numerous business luncheons in the dining room. I decided I needed to check it out myself!

I stopped by to see how I might enjoy having lunch and learned that reservations are a must, so I made one for the following Thursday. Lunch is available on Wednesday and Thursday and is “a la carte” menu and buffet is on Fridays. Let me say the day we had lunch it was simply amazing. I had a friend with me, the appetizer I chose was Chef Rascati’s lamb meatballs, they are house made and not from the freezer! They where not too big, the texture was not to dry, and the red sauce paired well with the lamb. I was delightfully surprised. This was followed by French potato and golden

beet salad. A first due to the fact I have never had golden beets. The combination was both interesting and very light, not too filling, unlike other potato salads.

The two main dishes we chose where the Grilled Atlantic Salmon and the Greek Stifado, both dishes where superb. The presentation was very good, salmon served with mushroom barley rice pilaf and broccoli, and warm bread.

The staff was extremely polite and service was timed accordingly, with no long wait between courses once service started.

The staff consists of actual students; they run the kitchen and the dining room. This is the first semester students are the ones who do the prep work and the senior students prepare the main courses.

What a great way to prepare students for working in the field and gaining hands on training in dealing with the public and things that may arise on any given day. I was told that if a vegetable shipment was

By Angelina Smith

d l r o W r e h t O The

4

Inequality for All

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Science Watchroom

Op Ed

6 “Can’t We All Just 7 Where are you?

Get Along?”

Region Vice President Keri Renner to deliver a very moving and quite enthusiastic speech! She came all the way from Connecticut just to share her passion for Phi Theta Kappa with our new inductees!!

After the standard swearing in procedure the new inductees then lined up around the back of Jewett Auditorium and proceeded to walk through the gauntlet of handshakes. There to greet the new inductees were: President Ron Cantor, the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Janet Sortor, our new honorary inductee Tiffanie Bentley, our co-advisor Shane Long, and the Dean of the Midcoast Campus James Whitten.

After the handshakes they then walked through all of our current officer team. Inductees were then welcomed by our chapter President, Leanna Shields, then they stopped at our VP of Administration, Tiffany Crockett to make the inuction official by signing the book, and then they moved onto our VP of Fellowship, Mary Jo Sellick, where they received their stoles. They then stopped at, and received a candle signifying a torch from me, the VP of Communications, Angelina Smith, and lastly they stopped at our VP of Leadership, Jason Glynn, to receive a white rose. To finish the ceremony our co-advisor and Assistant English Professor, David Stankiewicz sent us all off with a rousing charge, charging us all to continue our excellence and service to others.

A list of inductees will be available for viewing on the Beacon’s Facebook page, check it out and give them a ‘like’ at: https://www.facebook.com/thebeacon. smcc. It will also be available to see on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook. com/alpha.chi.nu. Remember to give us a ‘like’ while you’re there. Our Facebook page is updated regularly to announce events and provide updates on the many projects that your local PTK chapter is involved in; it is also a great way to contact an officer if you are interested in getting involved!!!

As a chapter we are hoping to get even more involved and visible on campus. We currently have weekly meetings on Thursdays at 12:30 at the Captain’s House that are open to anyone; however they are pretty business-oriented. If that sounds inter-

s e r u t a Fe & s t r A The Eyes 12 A 4-Star Culinary Experience on Campus

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Carrie

in the Kitchen

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late, that could set the dining room back a few hours in prep time, and the students learn how to cope with such issues.

The dining room is open to the public, siting high above the exterior landscape so that the glass windows facing east have a wonderful view of Willard Beach and Casco Bay. The tables are covered in white linens and could be from any fine restaurant in any major city. Yet, here it is on campus for all to enjoy. I plan on going back for the buffet! Should you want to make a reservation call 741-5612 between 11am & 2pm.

If you do happen to be walking past the Culinary Arts Dining Room, stop by and see what they also have on sale that day, as the students make cakes, breads, and pies to sell as a fundraiser for their trip, this year to Austria! These students work hard and it shows! Amazing the little gems we have right here on campus! This is a must do again and bring more friends!

OnCampus Targeted Writing Sessions IN YOUR OWN WORDS: PARAPHRASING PROPERLY

Gerry Zarrilli

11-11:30am Tuesday, October 29 WHAT’S YOUR POINT? EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENTS

Amy Havel

12:30-1pm Wednesday, November 6 BLENDING SOURCE MATERIALS WITH YOUR OWN WRITING

Mike Bove

12:30-1pm Tuesday, November 12 FORMATTING RESEARCH: CITATIONS AND QUOTATIONS

Robert Vettese

11:30am-12noon Thursday, November 21

REWRITING: POLISHING THE ESSAY

Kate Woodbury

Wednesday, December 4 1-1:30pm Wednesday, December 4

For further information, please email Amy at ahavel@smccme.edu.

FROM THE VISTA VOLUNTEER DESK

Creating a Culture Around Volunteering Beyond Complacency to being Pro-Active

Two months ago I started By Madelyn Holm working at SMCC. When I came to campus, and even during my first training sessions I was warned students at Community Colleges are reluctant to participate in volunteer events or programs. Why? What makes community colleges, in this day and age, so much different than other institutions for student engagement?

As a bit of back-story, I graduated from a private, four-year college in May. The students there, generally speaking refused to volunteer unless there was a direct benefit to them. Volunteer projects at the school came in the form of on-campus workdays, and occasionally a small group of students would venture into the world to volunteer in the community. Other friends, from different universities participated in all events available on and off campus. They acted as tutors, cleaned up the quad, and served soup at local soup kitchens. These students participated willingly and without coercive incentive.

Between my experience at a four-year school, the daunting success of other institutions, and the warnings of the “community college campus culture,” how was I supposed to change our culture around volunteering at SMCC?

In conversations with peers at other colleges and universities, it seems like there are two different types of success in regards

to volunteerism: On-Campus Involvement Many organizations willing to work with and Community-Based Engagement. What SMCC require a 6-month to a yearlong I mean by these two terms is, either students obligation for volunteering with them. When seem to be interested in working in commustudents are unsure whether they will be at nity based volunteer placements (i.e. The SMCC for a full year or not, how can they in Boys and Girls Club or Deering High turn be asked to commit to an addiSchool) or seeing their efforts benefit tional obligation at a community student directly (i.e. Willard Beach organization?

Clean Up or SMCC Food Pantry).

I struggle with letting

My feeling is the divide between convenience and fear of the two comes, on some level, from commitment, be the end all for convenience. For some students engaging students in volunteer adding in a volunteer placement is opportunities. It’s too easy: Excuses scheduled in like any class, and 101. I believe SMCC has the capacity to fits into the routine. Other stuchange the culture around volunteerdents participate in voluning now. After all, SMCC has deteer placements on campus partments and individual professors because its a one stop shop; on board, we have the CeSIL Office go to class, eat lunch, do ready to provide you with volunteer homework in the Learning resources, institutional support from Commons, pop into the SMCC President Cantor, and beyond Food Pantry for a few hours, A all else we have organizations, HAL EER schools, and community partners T N go home, repeat. However, if U LOWEEN VOL it were just about a matter of asking for volunteers. convenience, more students would actively

At this point students need to step up to find placement that fit into their lives, but in the plate and take responsibility. It’s easy to reality there are more barriers than practical opt out, make excuses and convince yourself planning. that you don’t have the time. But I am here

Beyond convenience, what is a deeper to tell you: I’m dedicated to changing SMCC reason why students chose to volunteer in student perceptions around volunteering. the community, on campus, or not at all?

Let’s break the norm for community colleges;

I believe commitment, or fear of comlet’s be an actively engaged college campus. mitment intimidate students, deters students

If you currently volunteer for a class or from exploring volunteering placements. because of personal interest, I want to hear Students at SMCC are already balancing from you. Tell me where you volunteer, what school, work, and life, and an additional you do with the organization, and why you commitment seems like too much to handle. chose to volunteer there.

On October 17th, SMCC’s newly revived GSTA(formerly known as OUT! on campus) hosted their very first social event of the year, the Meet & Greet! While not heavily advertised, the leaders of this group Zachary Banks (He,him,his), Devon Anderson(Ze, Zhers), and Hailee Corey(She, Her, Hers) reached out to neighboring colleges to attend this event. The goal of this event was to get the club out there, and to make friends. There was pumpking carving, icebreaker activities, and a great atmosphere between 33 students who made new connections!

TheBeacon

Staff

Contributing Writers

Jason Glynn Donna Chapman Clara Jones Krista Kelly Krasnow Nicholas James Miller Michael Micklon Angie Lowell Amanda Smith James Miller A.E. Kinsman Sineah McGrady Mac Hayes Patrick Doyle Tiffany Crockett Angelina Smith Sabra Schwirm Joe Riviera Richard D Sawyer Michael DuBlois Don Szawlotski Nicholas James Miller Sabra Schirm Madelyn Holm

Managing Editor

Jason Glynn

Art Director

Cortney Vamvakias

Graphics & Layouts Michael Cote

Brandon Roukey Sabra Schirm Laura Young

GSTA meets on Tuesdays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the Spring Banks Point Hall Meeting room. Zachery

The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program

Assist top students graduating from two-year colleges in the U.S. with pursuing a Bachelors Degree at the country’s most prestigious four-year institutions. Approximately 75 scholarships are awarded to students (international students can apply, too!) for up to $30, 000, renewable for up to 3 years.

The Foundation has moved to a two-phase application process. Any student attending a two-year college in the U.S., who meets all of the minimum requirements, can apply during phase one. The Foundation will invite applicants to complete phase two.

The minimum requirements for eligibility to apply for phase one are:

Details on eligibility:

• Current student at SMCC

http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarships/selection-eligibility/

• Minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average of all college-level courses • At least sophomore standing (30 credits) by December 31, 2013 • Must plan to pursue baccalaureate degree full-time at accredited four-year institution starting in fall 2014 • Must have un-met financial need • May not have previously been nominated for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

FAQs (for answers to very good questions): http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarships/faqs/ Information on the application process: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarships/how-to-apply/

Advisor

Charles Ott The Beacon is published by and for the students of SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

2 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship phase one application is available on the Jack Kent Cooke Website now. The phase one online application is due November 7, 2013 closing at 12:00 p.m., noon, Central Time.

Please contact me: Sharon Bannon, SMCC Director of Career & Transfer Services, sbannon@smccme.edu, 7415626, Room 113 Campus Center for assistance.

OnCampus Tuning Up, and Jamming Out The Music Club is Plugged In Everyone who picks up a By James Miller guitar has a very different reason for doing so. For some, they wish to perform in front of an audience, bring people together, and do what they love at the same time. For others, they wish to create a lifelong skill that will bring them countless hours of satisfaction. Many wish to pass the skills they’ve acquired to others, so they can understand what makes playing an instrument so great. What is the goal of the Southern Maine Community College Music Club? All of the above.

My Name is Nicholas James Miller.

Growing up, I was listening to a wide range of musicians from a wide variety of genres. I wasn’t a very bright kid in the days of my youth, but I was aware enough to know one thing; I wanted to be like my idols. I wanted to perform in front of large audience, record in a studio, meet pretty girls, and have a great time with what I was doing. I was eleven years old when I bought my first guitar. It was a tremendous challenge at first. But with time, effort, and years of practice, I became the musician I dreamed of being.

I played gigs, made friends, and had the most fun I’d ever had in my life.

Now that I’m in college, I have been given the opportunity to share my passion with others.

The Music Club was started by a group of students in the Southern Maine

Community College dorms, who all share one similarity; a passion for music. A petition was started by founder Michael Smith and was signed by students of all different backgrounds, including myself.

The Music Club has two primary goals; to bring students together to perform, and to teach those who haven’t learned how to play a skill they’ll never forget. The club ranges from guitars, to bass, drums, and any other instrument anyone wishes to learn. The more that attend, the more we can accomplish, and the more we all can learn from each other. You wouldn’t even need to play an instrument. We’re always welcoming singers, or someone that just wishes to clap along.

“None of us came from money,” states Michael Smith, “We want to share the joys of music with everyone who wants to learn, without them worrying about more debt than they already have.”

“The goal we have is to find great people to jam with, write with, and perform with.” Says bass player Ivan Johnson.

The Music Club meets Monday afternoons, from 3:30 until 5:00pm in the All Faith Chapel.

Instruments are in the process of being purchased, and will be available to rent out to students. For more information, you can email me at nicholasjmiller@ student.smccme. edu. We hope to see you there!

In My Humble Opinion:

“When Did we Forget About Manners and Etiquette?”

By Michael Early this semester I had an Micklon interesting encounter with my online class, which had caused me to ask the question “When did we forget about manners and etiquette?”

I am currently enrolled in a photography class that is online and uses the forum of Facebook to review and comment on classroom projects. After reviewing the topic, I jokingly made the comment, “Let’s have a mutiny.” To my surprise, what I thought was a joke was taken to heart and people thought that I was actually trying to take control of the class and undermine the instructor. The lesson that I learned from this small innocent comment is that when we are communicating in this type of forum, we have no way of picking up on the connotation of a message.

From this one simple message, I got some of the most unexpected comments that attacked me as a person in a way that we would never speak to one another face to face. I was very taken back that people would behave in this manner. What happened to basic respect?

It is very important that we remember to respect each other along with our instructors and fellow peers.

Here are some basic guidelines that I find work best and that we need to remind each other of everyday: * If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. * Be pleasant and positive in your behavior, both online and in the classroom. * Show respect for all class members. Address legitimate grievances appropriately, preferably outside of normal class time. If you have a problem with the instructor, please try to solve the problem with them

before appealing to a higher authority. * When responding to classroom questions, please do not interrupt a fellow student or the instructor. Take your turn. When you respond to another student’s comment, please try to acknowledge the other’s position. When responding, please try your best to call other class members by name. * Please treat the furniture and equipment in the classrooms and computer labs as if it were your own. Leave classrooms and labs as you find them, turning off equipment as necessary and pushing in chairs. Throw any trash away on your way out. * Most classes begin on time and end on time. If you need to know about schedule or assignment changes, please ask about them at the beginning of class. If you have a real need to leave early, please inform the teacher and leave quietly. * You will do better if you are interested in the class, and the best way to be interested is to get involved. Talk to your friends about the material, and look for current applications or examples about the course issues in newspapers or popular magazines and on the web. If you can make connections between yourself and the course materials, you will be a happier and better student. * Please come to class appropriately dressed.

Unless the room is exceedingly cold, please take off your coat and hat. * Most of all, keep in touch with the class syllabus, the instructor, and your classmates.

You will do better when you feel you are a real part of the class.

Let’s learn to treat each other with the respect and dignity that we all deserve.

“Let’s have a mutiny” J

THE ARTISTS INVOLVED INCLUDE Devon Adair James Babine Mickaya Brockett Mia Broughton Brian Burgess Daniel Gagne McKayla Hinderks Cory McCollett Jahanna McCollett Nicole Mitchell Joshua Richards Steve Sommers Rosemarie Wadleigh Oliver Zrioka IN THE GATEHOUSE GALLERY Fantastic Piece an installation created by the students from Michael Branca’s Introduction to Visual is now on display in the Gatehouse Gallery, which sits at the entrance to the Midcoast campus. The installation consists of a floating cloud made of painted driftwood.

Alpha Chi Nu

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esting to you then great, we are currently looking to fill a couple of officer positions.

We are looking for a VP of Scholarship, and a VP of Service. If you are interested please contact Leanna Shields at: Leanna.Shields@ yahoo.com. If that’s not your thing and you are still looking to get involved then stay tuned, we are currently working on setting up an informal bi-weekly or monthly meeting, more on that to come soon. Also stay tuned for an upcoming bagel sale to be held in the Captain’s House, as well as the much anticipated unveiling of our very own chapter t-shirts! I would love to share them with you now to build interest, however I will attempt to describe them in one word: EPIC!!

We had our first fellowship event of this semester just last week. Bowling Night for Phi Theta Kappa members took place on the evening of Wednesday October 23rd.

It was a great time had by all and we look forward to having another one shortly!

On October 11th and 12th your Alpha Chi Nu Officer Team was in Norwalk, Connecticut to attend the Phi Theta Kappa New England Region Honors in Action Conference hosted at Norwalk Community College. It was a beautiful campus, although obviously nothing like ours. Our Officer Team took away many good ideas and pointers to grow our chapter.

As part of our Honors in Action project, we are trying to establish and build upon the pilot community gardening project for our campus, and also bring one to our Midcoast Campus. As many of you are aware we are proud to announce that the on-campus food pantry that we have worked really hard for will be open in just a couple of weeks!! A special thank you and recognition is in order for our advisor, Shane Long, our chapter President, Leanna Shields, our very own AmeriCorps VISTA Civic Engagement Coordinator, Madelyn Holm, The South Portland Rotary Club, and the Good Shepard Food Bank. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to make this dream become a reality!!

The experience at Norwalk Community College highlighted another huge benefit of being a member of Phi Theta Kappa; there were forty colleges that attended a PTK-hosted College Transfer Fair. They were all there to recruit the crème de la crème of the New England region’s college students. If you need more reasons of why Phi Theta Kappa is a great organization to get involved in here are some more:

Scholarships!!! Being a member of PTK opens you up to a whole host of them totaling $37 million that are exclusively for members. Our VP of Leadership, Jason Glynn, was the recipient of a Coca-Co-

la Leaders of Promise scholarship this semester! Not only do you get access to a plethora of scholarships available through our spring and/or fall commons application, but you also get access to the all-in-one college shopping stop that is College Fish. College fish is an extremely user-friendly resource for students that are looking for four-year schools to transfer to.

It also aligns you with many scholarships; there are many four-year colleges that offer substantial scholarships to Phi theta Kappa transfer students.

If you are a PTK member you are also open to many discounts from our corporate partners; such as, Geico Insurance, Dell, T-Mobile, Motel6, Carbonite online computer backup, and many others. Make sure to see the list of current partners at: http:// www.ptk.org/

The PTK website offers a whole sleuth of professional development tools exclusively for PTK members, including an e-portfolio, CollegeFish for college planning, a 5-star competitive edge personal development plan, and various skills training for organizational, scholarly, and other proficiencies. Check out the Phi Theta Kappa website for more information on scholarships and other opportunities and accept your membership today!

The

Business Club

Thursdays 12:30-1:15pm Business Club Lounge (1st floor, Hague building) The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 3

TheOtherWorld A Column for the Activist in You Acting Out -

Why is it you’re told to go “hug a tree” when you talk about the environment? The phrase sounds all sweet and loving when; in fact, we all know it’s a nice way of saying buzz off, because environmental issues are indeed just the opposite, ugly, detrimental to one’s health, bad for the planet; consequently, shouldn’t it be everyone’s concern since everyone is involved and is affected by the environment.

It seems money is much more important than any of the prior. Allow me to pose this question to you, as a good friend posed it to me: “What good will all the money in the world do if there is no fresh water to drink, no clear air to breath, or no safe food to eat?”

First, let’s start with the, “no fresh water to drink.” I hate to sound like a broken record, but immediately I think of Sebago Lake and Maine’s water resource and what could happen if Tar Sands start pumping through the pipeline and a pipe leaks into the lake.

Statistically, a leak is bound to happen.

Another fine example is back in the 1970’s in Niagra Falls, New York, in a neighborhood called Love Canal. 21,000 tons of toxic waste was buried there by the chemical company Hooker Chemical. Interestingly enough ten years later, New York State’s Health Commissioner, David Axelrod was heard saying the Love Canal would be remembered as a, “national symbol of a failure to exercise a sense of concern for future generations.”

Closer to home and in the present, last year the Maine State legislature rewrote the sulfide mining laws, which potentially opens the door for new mines to be developed across the state. At the time of writing this column, the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) will have accepted comments on the rules until October 28th, yesterday.

Second, there’s the issue of “no clean air” which could actually include all of the above.

But, I must say this should also include and highlight the transportation of asbestos otherwise known as, “Libby Amphibole Asbestos” which stems from Libby, Montana and a very toxic vermiculite/asbestos mine. Vermiculite houses the toxic asbestos fibers that were leaked all over the town of Libby later becoming embedded in the land.

Unfortunately, those fibers can become active around “human activity.” With a population of around three thousand, the town of Libby may just have a little human activity. These same toxic fibers are being transported and spread throughout the United States via rail and truck transport.

Lastly, on the topic of “no safe food to eat.” One word comes to mind--Monsanto.

Monsanto, a multinational company, the leader in the production of genetically engineered (GE) seed and herbicide sold under the name of Roundup. Prior to seed production, Monsanto was the leader in the production of PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls), a cooling and insulating fluid that was later banned by the U.S. Congress in 1979 due to research showing exposure to the chemical led to a cancer prognosis.

The Washington Post featured an article on Monsanto in 2002 where the company was being sued for dumping tons of waste in local area rivers for over “40 years.” And, even more recently both Maine and Connecticut Legislatures passed bills requiring food labels to say whether or not they contain GMO’S (genetically modified organisms).

And so, a short response to the beginning sentence goes, “hug a tree” is, at this rate depressing as there will be no tree for me to hug.

Maine’s clean water is our most valuable asset. Our clean rivers, lakes, and groundwater support our health, our outdoor way of life, and our fishing, guiding, and recreation jobs.

By Clara Jones

4 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

The Flip Side Of Equality: Inequality for All It is said that money makes the world go round, especially for those who have money, but in certain ways the world stops dead in it’s tracks for those who do not have money. Robert Reich film, Inequality for All examines the financial inequality gap that the world and the USA are experiencing now. Reich, an American political economist, author and political commentator, has the credentials to deconstruct the financial situation at hand.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see Inequality for All and while I thought I was aware of how uneven the economic playing field was, I left the theatre with a clearer understanding of how wide this gap is.

Reich’s intentions with the film are clear: organizing, mobilizing, and energizing those who are holding the short end of the financial stick. Mr. Reich states infaticly that, within the right framework and understanding, people can be effective in solving their financial problems. Economically, people have had little protection against the mechanisms of corporate banking. Reich decided to make a stand to stick up for the vulnerable, considering that the top 400 income earners have more wealth than 150 million Americans, combined. In addition, lobbyists throw millions, if not thousands at politicians. Where is Democracy’s voice?

Robert, a professor at University of By Sineah McGrady

California at Berkley feels the most important focus to generate a successful economy is higher education. Educated workers expand an economy because they have a greater earning potential, which leads to greater purchasing power.

The movie made it clear that consumers drive the industry. The median income of the middle 50% of Americans make between 25-75 thousand a year. A decrease in disposable income would in turn lower spending of aggregate expenditures. When wages are cut to improve company’s stock profiles, people’s purchasing power decreases. Then we downsize. Then tax revenues decrease. Then firms cut programs.

Then unemployment rises and then social safety nets are strained.

From the average American living by themselves to committed couples having 2 or more income sources has become the norm. Americans now work 300 more hours than the average European each year.

Robert Reich points out that the rich do not generate enough economic activity, and in fact, they are not the job creators.

They often hide their money in speculate investments like jewelry, gold, or art, or stocks. Protecting accumulated wealth The divide can be seen in tax ratio also. Mitt Romney paid 14% taxes in 2013 because it was mostly on capital gains. Comparatively, a family of 4 paid closer to 30% on less than ¼ of his income.

The movie then addresses Obama’s role and what can he do? The idea of replacing the trickle down economy with one pro-business would address the inequality gap. But considering that the wealthy don’t stimulate the economy, why have faith in seeing their money reaching those on the bottom of the economic ladder. Educating the work force like it was in the 1920’s is key in leveling the economic field. We need to spark a fire in employees like in the 60’s when 1/3 of the workforce were involved in labor unions.

Considering the recent push back against labor unions, especially Walmart, which is the largest employer in the United States, leveling the playing field might be more difficult that thought. The average Walmart employee is an adult bringing home ½ of their family’s income. These are the workers that need confidence in their paycheck. With this, they will purchase more. Then firms can hire more. Then tax revenues increase. Then the government invests more. Now the workers are educated, and our economy expands.

What can you do? Organize, mobilize, energize. Go to inequalityforall.com to get started. Education is true power. Work begins now. For those of you who are interested in seeing Inequality For All, the managing staff of the Beacon is trying to get the film screened here on campus. Hopefully the film will be screened in Jewett Auditorium in early winter.

HAVING A HARD TIME WITH YOUR RESEARCH? There’s still time to learn how library resources are better than Google!

These 60-minute workshops are held in the Learning Commons (2nd floor of Campus Center).

SMCC college store

Halloween Sale!!

30% off

CLOTHING AND GIFT ITEMS WHEN YOU WEAR A COSTUME ON HALLOWEEN DAY. GUESS THE NUMBER OF CANDIES IN THE JAR, AND WIN THEM ALL!!

Inquire at the Reference Office in the library.

Friday, 11/1 @ 1 PM • Tuesday, 11/5 @ 2 PM • Wednesday, 11/6 @ 12 PM

Can’t make these times?

Schedule a consultation with a librarian: (207) 741-5785 OR askalibrarian@smccme.edu

The Learning Commons Mon-Thurs, 8 AM-8 PM Friday, 8 AM-5 PM Saturday, 12-4 PM Sunday, 4-8 PM

(207) 741-5535 OR (207) 741-5521 tutoring@smccme.edu OR mlibrary@smccme.edu

TheOtherWorld Supply and Demand: Of Educational Career Goals The Science Watchroom The Science Watchroom A recent discovery has just shaken the theory that there were once multiple races of us humans walking the earth. Scientists over at the University of Zurich revealed that they have found a new well-intact skull from one of our early ancestors. They now have 5 nearly complete skeletal remains from humans dating back 1.8 million years that were all found within the same area. They were found in Dmanisi, Georgia; no, not our state, but the country in Europe.

What makes this find special is that these 5 skeletons were from the same era, and area; thus we now have a population to look at. And skull number 5 had defining features, such as a long face and small brain cavity that would’ve implied two separate species if they were not found on the same skull The big idea here is that it was previously believed that there was a diversity of species early on, but it turns out that there was just diversity within a species. Read more at: http://www. mediadesk.uzh.ch/articles/2013/schaedelfund-dmanisi_en.html

Sleep is good. I’m sure you’ve heard this throughout your entire life, and now there is yet more proof. Scientists at the Center or Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York have discovered that while you are sleeping your brain is not only helping encode and cement all those memories from the day, but it is actually doing a ‘scrub-down’ and cleansing itself of harmful toxins that have built up during the waking hours.

As you sleep the area between your glia brain cells grow, which then allow for toxins to be flushed out. The glia cells control flow through the glymphatic system (a network of pipes that clean out pathogens) by shrinking or swelling. In this case the glia cells will shrink, which leads to a 60 percent increase in the extracellular space between the outer glymphatic pipes and the inner blood vessels, letting more fluid pass through the brain and therefore wash away more toxins. Read more at: http:// www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/ news_articles/pressrelease_brain_ sleep_10182013.htm By Jason Glynn

It turns out that the trees that inhabit the Amazonian rainforests are not as diverse as once thought. Out of nearly 16,000 tree species that are present a mere 227 account for a whopping 50% of them. That number is even more surprising when you take into account that the 11,000 rarest of tree species comprise only 0.12% of all trees there. Of course that 227 is still a substantial amount of diversity, especially when you consider Maine has only about 75 different tree species here.

And obviously the Amazon rainforest is still insanely imperative to our survival since it is the largest carbon sink on the planet. A carbon sink is a reservoir that accumulates and stores carbon over an indefinite amount of time. Our green-colored complimentary life forms do this exceptionally well since they literally breathe carbon. Read more at: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/342/6156/1243092. abstract

Be careful what you just dump down the drain!! People will often dump out excess medications and/or disinfectants down the toilet or drain; which is inadvertently fueling a new generation of disease-causing and antibiotic-resisting superbugs. We humans have a funny way of just flushing stuff down the toilet or drain, and then thinking that it is magically gone. Not quite.

When you flush something away it generally goes into a leech field where bacteria will have a feast, and what’s left is eventually released into the groundwater.

Once in the groundwater it doesn’t take long to reach a stream or river. And rivers happen to be great places to incubate bacteria and other microbes. Of course if you live in a city than that generalization does not apply to you, entirely anyway.

Although “treated” sewage is not treated for everything, only the wellknown bad stuff, like E. coli for instance.

This is what recently happened in New York’s Hudson River; “treated” sewage is getting into the river, which is causing the microbes to rapidly evolve resistance to the very stuff we concocted to destroy them.

Read more at: http://www.sciencedaily. com/releases/2013/07/130719085255.htm

The Science Department at SMCC invites you to a series of free seminars open to the general public:

SCHEDULE:

WHEN & WHAT Monday November 18th Role of CFTR in the zebrafish innate immune response to Pseudomonas infection Thursday January 30th Epigenetic regulation of metabolism, obesity and related disorders

Thursday February 27th RNA Expression in Fast-Growth Clams: Effect of Selection in Aquaculture Monday April 7th Keeping your Babies Happy: Antidepressant Properties of Dietary Choline via Genomic and Epigenomic Mechanisms

WHO Carol Kim, Department of Biology, Univ of Maine at Orono Robert Koza, Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute Shallee Page, Dept of Biology, Univ of Maine at Machias Melissa Glenn, Dept of Psychology, Colby College

All seminars are from 5:30 – 6:30 PM in Jewett Auditorium, Jewett Hall Southern Maine Community College, South Portland, ME

Face it: Times in America are tough. It’s 2013, and things haven’t looked up since the historical crash of the economy in 2008. As the American economy continues to sour over the past five years, we are hearing of more and more employees being laid off, more companies closing, more people facing decisions of whether to buy that extra bag of groceries for their family, or take their sick child to the doctor’s office.

For those of us in the throes of choosing colleges and our academic futures, we still must choose what our majors will be. And in such stormy economical weather, it’s hard to map out a good future for ourselves.

All jobs aren’t created equal. In fact, some are better than others. The best jobs are the one that offer employment opportunity, good salary, manageable work-life balance, and job security. Several careers offer the perfect mix of these components.

The consensus of most major career and college websites agree that the following are the top earning majors: Zoology, average of $291,018 PreMed and Medical, average of $236,285 PreDent and Dentistry, average of $235,241 Finance, average of $189,782 Astronomy, average of $189,700 Urban Planning, average of $180,449

Unfortunately, even for those armed By A. E. Kinsman

with strong careers, the problem isn’t just about job demand. Everyone is feeling the squeeze and strain of the bad economy, including businesses and employers. The cost of living has skyrocketed, while paychecks have remained the same, or even diminished. Most employers can’t afford to hire new or additional staff. They just don’t have the money to do it.

So what’s left for the upcoming generation? With job supply and demand at historical lows, we’re left with looking at not just the best-paying jobs, but the jobs with the highest projected demand. Occupations with the most growth are going to be the ones with the most amount of need in workers. For example, teachers and doctors are always going to be needed. People will always need to learn. People will always need to be healed or fixed.

For the next ten years, the highest projected jobs are mostly in the medical field.

As the aging population slips into retirement, the number of home health care aides, personal care aides, and registered nurses will spike. Physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, teachers, and medical assistants are also expected to see a huge rise in demand.

One of the worst outcomes would be to spend thousands of dollars and saddle up a lifetime of debt for a degree that won’t merit enough pay to get rid of the student debt, and provide a financially stable life after college. Don’t wait until after college to grow up. Choose a career path that will lead to a life of success and open doors.

Though America may never resurface as a human superpower, it is still possible to live a meaningful life and support yourself.

Supply and demand.

Dining Out on a Student’s budget

Famous Dave’s is SOOO Famous!

The place of choosing this week was Famous Dave’s located in Scarborough in Cabelas’ plaza. A franchised restaurant that specializes in hickory smoked, pit style barbeque food. Even though there is BBQ, they have other food that is not.

It happens to be one of my favorite places to eat. The restaurant has ample parking. As you walk inside, you’re greeted by a host with a smiling face. You are guided to your seat. If you happen to not like your seat, you can request different seating. The seating is comfortable, and homey with many pictures and objects on the walls.

The waitresses or waiters are very respectful and fix any problems you may have with your food or if you want to order more. The food is fresh and comes out quick. The menus are readable. The prices per plate range anywhere from $9.29 to $30.00. The plates have a decent amount of food. Some meals come with one side and others with two sides. Most come with a corn muffin, not counting as a side. There are several sides that you can choose from.

One of the plates, which I chose, was “Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich,” with a side of potato salad. Georgia Chopped Pork is very much like pulled pork.

Instead of shredded, the pork is chopped.

The BBQ sauce wasn’t masking the smoked flavor. The meat was soft, but not mushy. The buns had a very sweet flavor and they were toasted, bringing even sweeter flavor.

The side, potato salad, was red skinned. The salad has minced celery and onions. The onions don’t overpower. If By Angie Lowell & Amanda Smith

you want more flavor, I would suggest pepper and salt. This plate doesn’t come with a corn muffin.

The other dish picked was Burnt Ends with a side of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. Burnt Ends happen to be the best part of the meat. It’s slightly burnt, however still soft and chewable.

Smoked flavor with no BBQ sauce on top.

There are several BBQ sauces at the table you can choose from. The sauces range from sweet to extremely hot. This plate does come with a corn muffin, which I had the privilege to eat. The muffin top was soft and sweet; however, the rest of the muffin was dry and fell apart. Butter can fix the problem of dryness. The side of mac and cheese was very interesting since it had corn. Even though it sounds weird, it’s worth a try.

The other side of mashed potatoes was amazing, they were red skinned potatoes. Combined burnt ends and mashed potatoes, I won’t tell you what it truly taste like. We all have to experience something different every day. We also took a chance on the bacon baked potato soup that had cheese and red skinned potatoes.

The soup was creamy and not like a broth more like chowder. Both plates were very delicious, and prices were decent. They have the best southern style sweet tea in town. When you take a sip, it will take you to places in the South like Louisiana or Alabama. If sweet tea doesn’t rub you the right way, they do have Pepsi products. Now if you’re looking for a real drink, there is a bar with TVs. The drinks are decently priced. Overall it’s a great place to have time with your friends or family.

The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 5

OpEd Where are you?

Where oh where have my little writing students of SMCC gone?

Oh where, oh where can they be?

A college is a community. I heard people refer to SMCC as a small town; a communal area. It has people who live here, food, stores, and events … hell, there is even a bar. A community relies in its fundamentals on being put together and upheld by individuals which then in turn are groups, which when groups come together, they become a vibrant community

This is an age of multi-platform options that we live in. There are many facets to our lives; many distractions, many obligations, many . . . things going on. This is understandable. However, someone shows interest in writing for the paper I take it seriously and begin by telling them, “write something, anything, everything is essentially valid. What do you like? What do you not like? Do you have opinions you wish to express in the written word?” All of The Beacon staffers have busy lives, just like everyone else, yet it gets done.

I’ve probably given out my email address to students who express an interest in writing so many times I may become confused for a gigolo or even worse yet, an activist. I give them the address, I tell them to just write something; let it spill out before you. Then what usually happens

is that they fall off the Earth or continue a seeming treatise with me where they say, “Oh yeah, I will.” All of which is rather disheartening.

Am I intimidating or something? You can say no if you aren’t interested; my feelings won’t be hurt. It just means someone else, generally a veteran writer of the paper, will have to pick up the slack.

This isn’t bad. There are many dedicated writers for The Beacon and they bring their own slice to the cardboard pizza box of college press. This is good.

It’s good to have dependability. You know what would be nice; more of that principle.

More people who, when they dissertate an interest, follow through. In conversation with people I usually will mention the paper and sometimes even ask them if they’d be interested; they say yes, but then give excuses. It’s fine, but what a wonder it would be to have people participating more concretely.

Take for example the Scary Story Contest or guest spots in my Poetic License column. I’ve offered these things, but no response. I find it hard to believe that no one writes – I know poets here who seem to keep their work like money in the depression era (under their bed) – and more so wouldn’t they want to give it a test run and get their work out there.

Let’s turn to the old adage of “does a

tree falling in the woods make a sound if no one is there?” Well, if you write you are making sounds, if you read you are hearing those sounds, so why write, or why want to write and not utilize the paper as a venue of getting your voice heard?

There are students here who are very good writers. There are many opinionated students here who have a voice but put it somewhere else, or nowhere at all.

What is already included in the paper is the product of certain individuals, but we all know there are many different people here, from many different backgrounds, cultures, nations, races and religions; again, this is the beauty of diversity in a community. Relish in it, take part in it, even if you find school a drag, you can do something creative, productive, and something that looks dashing as a credential.

Should I begin pestering those who at one time showed interest? “The Law of the Claw?” It sounds nice, a way to ease off the aggravation, but what good will it necessarily do? I suppose I could con someone into writing, but I want it to come from their heart.

Who knows the correct method, regardless of that, myself, and others will still be typing away contributing at our own level and in our own way, to the cohesive nature of writing for and publishing a college newspaper.

I look forward to meeting you and sitting down to chat. However, I won’t be available until after November 5th.

Although I commend you on your effort to promote some sort of civility among rival teams, I would like to point out that in terms of this election, it is 4th down, with 10 seconds (10 days) left in the game. Perhaps less, once you have read this. I am afraid that the Offensive and Defensive lines of these teams aren’t going to take it easy on each other on these last plays. I also feel that this tact being carried out by Team Exxon/Mobile is a trick play.

will have free run to take sentences, out of context, from anywhere in the Waterfront Protection Ordinance that they wish. They can claim that thousands of jobs “could” be lost all they like. They will have every opportunity to extend their disinformation campaign to anyone who attends.

lows. They have no interest in healing our community. As often as they can, they will paint themselves as locals. Sure, the guys they sent over the other day might be local,(might be) but their “handlers” are not. More often than that, they will paint themselves as patriotic, and admirers of “The Free Market.” They own the market. They don’t give a shit about peoples’ rights, or safety, or any equal opportunity to compete in their market.

For the record, I consider them criminals with business licenses, and wouldn’t trust them watching my houseplants.

By Patrick Doyle

To whom it may concern,

Please be careful as you move forward. They will be looking for someone like you to make a statement that paints them as compassionate, and well intentioned. They are looking for someone to commit to their side, and speak well of them in public. Please look into their past 100 years of business. This tactic is in their “Playbook.” This Play has been used over and over, Country after Country, State after State, Town after decimated Town.

As for their event on Friday, they

We will not be attending.

However, we will be available to shake hands when the game is over on November 6th.

In the end, All of the businesses who work in fossil fuel energy on South Portland’s waterfront will continue on, business as usual. They will be able to update and upgrade their equipment, which exists today. They will continue to make hundreds of millions of dollars in profits every year.

They will not be able to build infrastructure that is necessary to export Tar Sands oil. BTW- They want to export it internationally so that they don’t have to pay United States taxes.

These aren’t friendly fel-

Please don’t let them take advantage of your good nature.

Thank you for contacting me on this. I do hope that once things settle down, our neighbors will truly be able to heal from this divisive issue.

In Community, Tar Sands Free SMCC

From the Managing Editor’s Desk Well we are officially over half-way through this semester!! I don’t know about you, but to me it seems to be cranking by.

In less than a month many of us will be enjoying Thanksgiving, and just a couple weeks after that, the semester will draw to a close.

It has been a tumultuous semester for us Beacon staffers. We have quickly gone from having more stories submitted than room to run, to the present issue where we have plenty of room to fill and few submissions to run. At the moment we are down an On Campus section editor as well as a Sports section editor. That being said, if you are interested in helping out please contact our advisor, Chuck Ott, at cott@ smccme.edu

As a full time student myself I intimately understand how tricky it can be to balance responsibilities. I am taking 3 classes, but all have labs to add up to a 13 credit load, although this is much less than the 20 credit load I managed during the spring semester I am also doing many other things.

I work 20 hours in our Learning Commons and Academic Achievement Center, hold

6 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

an officer position for our college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, I also write the Science Watchroom column for this paper, and obviously I am the managing editor as well. These are all in addition to having a life, but believe me, I feel the pressure.

My story is not exceptional; many students take on a lot, and sometimes too much. The ebb and flow of staff and stories is an inherent condition with all student newspapers, and ours is certainly no different. All of our writers write because of their pure passion for writing or journalism, as it is an unpaid gig; and due to lackluster amounts of feedback we receive it is a seemingly thankless gig to bring you the news. As you can probably relate, when the pressure builds we all look for somewhere to trim, and for writers of a student newspaper it is often that thankless and unpaid gig that is trimmed. So bear with us here, and if you want to see us grow and flourish, then help us.

Alright folks, it is that time of year again; it is time to rock the vote!! Obviously, you should vote on what you feel is right,

and I am going to highlight one vote and explain why we think it is right. Question #5 on November 5th is a bond proposal for the Maine Community College System, and as part of said system SMCC stands to be awarded $3.4 million to expand our new Brunswick campus by adding new classroom and labs, and down here we will get some new toys for the integrated manufacturing program. And by toys I mean cutting edge technologies that are sure to increase the program’s capacity.

Unfortunately we will not all be getting a free Prezi membership because no students took advantage of our offer to help with submissions. Likewise we have had no one take us up on our offer to help facilitate for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals program, but for that one there is still time.

We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our inspirational CNMS students, Sharon Lima, who was the subject of last edition’s front page story. She lost her battle to stage 4 breast cancer on October 17th, and will surely be forever missed. Just last August I witnessed my grandmother’s

Questioning Sexual Awareness Week

Free condoms in a glass jar sit at the college help desk, while a flyer taped below it promoting healthy sex flutters as students pass by, some stopping to select a handful of free birth control. The flamboyancy of contraceptives heralds the beginning of sexual health week at Southern Maine Community College.

During the week of October 21st thru the 24th at Southern Maine Community College, the Student Life Department is sponsoring an all-you-can-stomach buffet of games, questions, and health services, all devoted to sexual activity of every kind you can or can’t imagine. In the “sex week”, there are events scheduled that will have speakers talk about toys, consent, sexual health, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Now that the 21st century is well underway, many people are much more comfortable with their sexuality and expressing their preferences, what turns them on, and how they express themselves sexually. There are stores and online websites devoted solely to market to the carnal side that exists in every human being, and it’s impossible to power up your computer or television without seeing sexual content of some sorts.

But has anyone ever wondered what kind of impact all of this sexual material is having on our society?

Statistics show that people are having sex at younger and younger ages, and some middle schools are handing out condoms and free birth control to children twelve years of age or younger. The United States continues to the have the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the developed world, more than the rates of all other developed countries combined. STDs are becoming drug resistant, such as gonorrhea, which has caught the attention and worry of the CDC.

Will the speakers in sex week bring up any of these startling facts? Teen pregnancy?

Unplanned pregnancy? Rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases? Drug-resistance diseases?

In sex week, we’ll be getting information from SARSSM, Nomia, documentaries, and games. But what does God have to say about sex?

Sex is an uncomfortable subject by itself. Adding God makes it that much more awkward. But it’s important to understand where everyone is coming from on the topic of sex, not just sexual health advocates.

In the Bible, God tells us to “Be holy, for I am holy.” In 1 Peter 1:16. God calls everyone to holy sexuality. Holy sexuality is not focused on orientation change, giving up sexual endeavors, or even becoming straight; it’s about obedience. Holy sexuality means one of two scenarios. The first scenario is marriage. If a man is married, he must devote himself in complete faithfulness to his wife.

Likewise, if a woman is married, she must (Continued on Page 9) By A.E. Kinsman

passing due to breast cancer. It has forever impacted me, watching anyone succumb to cancer can be a devastating ordeal. Sharon Lima was courageous in her fight and was always striving to spread awareness about this destructive disease. We do ask that you kindly donate to any of the numerous charitable organizations that are feverishly working to snuff out this killer.

If you are involved on campus, or are involved in any of our many clubs on campus we are here as a resource for you to spread your message. Want to get more people involved? Plug for an upcoming function? That is what our On-Campus section is devoted to. Contact Chuck Ott at cott@smccme.edu if you have something you’d like to share!!

And as a reminder, our Facebook page is up and running, be sure to give us a ‘like’ and you are more than welcome to send feedback or inquires through there if that is more your style!! We can be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook. com/thebeacon.smcc

OpEd A Thorn in America’s Side: Julian Assange In what has been described as the greatest speech of Western history, Socrates describes himself as a gadfly – that is, a pest stinging and goading the city-state of Athens, which could be described as a slow and dull horse. I would submit that the best modern day example of a social gadfly is Julian Assange, the founder and editor-in-chief of the highly controversial organization, Wikileaks, that publishes secret and classified information submitted by whistleblowers.

By Mac Hayes

Julian Assange’s history of conflict with the United States began when he was a sixteen year old. He formed an organization of hackers who called themselves the “International Subversives,” and who have been described as Australia’s most famous ethical computer hackers. This group was responsible for hacking into the Pentagon, and according to Assange, the data he saw during this experience started him on his lifelong journey as a social gadfly.

The first leak that propelled him to the public spotlight was in April of 2010, when Wikileaks published a video titled “Collateral Murder.” This now infamous video is taken from the classified camera footage from one of the US Army’s Apache AH-64 helicopters that was on the scene. Paired

with the communications audio between the helicopter and other military assets, it shows a military airstrike upon a group of twelve civilians – only one of whom was armed. As the pilots are firing upon the group, they call them “fucking bastards” and completely obliterate the group (which contained two Reuters journalists, whose cameras were misidentified as RPGs).

As the lone survivor (one of the Reuter’s journalists) attempts to crawl to safety, the pilots are heard praying that the “son of a bitch” has a weapon on him, so they can fire upon him again. Their prayers are not answered; instead, a van arrives on the scene, and two men emerge to help the severely wounded journalist, leaving two young children in the front seat of their van.

After sending a “request to engage” up to their commanders, and receiving a “cleared to engage” response, the Apache pilots rain 30mm cannon fire down upon the journalist, the good Samaritans who stopped to help him, and the two children, completely destroying the van in the process. Afterwards, one pilot congratulates his gunner, saying “nice shooting.”

In the months following, Wikileaks would publish classified files from commanders on the ground that painted a bleak picture of the Iraq War, over 250,000 US Diplomatic cables that held state secrets in them, and close to 1,000 files on Guantanamo Bay detainees. Indubitably, the US government was displeased. However, what was quite surprising was the visceral reaction from prominent public figures.

Vice President Biden labeled Assange as a “high-tech terrorist,” former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich labeled him

It’s Not Smart To Be Dumb By Richard D Sawyer

Wrap it up. Be Safe.

Don’t over step your boundaries. Think about the consequences. Those are simple things to think about in anyone’s life, especially young adults. The sad thing is that many of our younger people are not taught or thoroughly taught these things when it comes to sex. That was the point of Sexual Health and Awareness week.

The week of programs was started as a service-learning project for a class that there was a need in our community for a certain level of education and awareness. This was a student-initiated event to be clear. The

reason I began this is because it is obvious that some people were never taught certain things when it comes to sex or they simply were taught the wrong thing. These happen for a variety of reasons whether it is from peers, a bad sex ed curriculum, a religious doctrine or parenteral ignorance or simple avoidance.

The problem is that we live in the real world. Regardless of the ignorance to the subject of sex it will still happen. The belief structure someone grows up in, the guarding of a child’s innocence, the simple lack of communication does not matter. The fact of the matter is people have sex and people

“Cant we all just get along?”

Over the past few weeks I have been trying to wrap my head around the Waterfront Protection Ordinance, and the implications of the overall impact to South Portland and the Southern Maine Community College Community. All I can say is, I am glad that I am not a South Portland resident and that this is a decision that I have to make.

Before writing this article, I had an informal meeting with President Cantor, and we discussed environment and economic situations. Out of respect for President Cantor, I am not going to even try to explain where he stands on this or his opinion. As a member of the community it is very important that President Cantor does not make a statement on behalf of the University. I will say that we were able to have a discussion and agreed, it doesn’t matter if we are talking about Tar Sands or the Government Shut Down, taking an extreme stance to either side of the topic does not facilitate a healthy discussion nor does it speed up any type of resolution. With all of this said, I am going to take a fresh approach to the Waterfront Protection Ordinance.

While reading through the ordinance, I was not able to find any language at all By Michael Micklon

that discusses Tar Sands. As I researched the issue, I found out that legally, we are not able to regulate what is moved through the pipeline. What the ordinance would do is restrict any alterations to the current equipment in place.

In reference to Tar Sands, this restriction would make it so that the pipeline would not be able to reverse the flow that would allow the Tar Sands to flow from Montreal to South Portland, Maine.

Before everyone starts getting all worked up, please don’t think that I am against protecting our environment

Here is an excerpt from a letter written

by Patricia Doucette, Code Enforcement Director and Deputy Director of Planning & Development for the City of South Portland.

“In regard to Sec. 27-1322 (D)(5), the vapor recovery units and transfer arms in the 2009 Portland Pile Line (PPL) submission

an “enemy combatant,” and Sarah Palin urged the government to pursue Assange “with the same urgency [used to pursue] al-Qaeda.”

However, perhaps most unsettling, were the calls for his death. Politician Mike Huckabee called for “those behind the leaks to be executed” and pundit Bob Beckel said, “A dead man can’t leak stuff.

This guy’s a traitor, he’s treasonous, and he’s broken every law of the United States … And I’m not for the death penalty, so there’s only one way to do it: illegally shoot the son of a bitch.” That last comment is quite irking to me, not only for its content, but for the gross overuse of hyperbole.

Assange has clearly not broken every law of the United States – in fact, it’s a matter of debate as to whether he has even broken one law. Furthermore, Assange cannot commit treason against, or be a traitor to, the US, because he is not a citizen of the US. To make such asinine comments erodes any (shred of) credibility you have as a political commentator. But, I digress.

Calling the man a terrorist for being a whistleblower is debatable, but to call for his extrajudicial killing is outright disgusting. In many ways, the case of Julian Assange and Wikileaks is similar to Socrates.

Both are polarizing figures, who offered the public a new lens through which to see issues, and in a more broad sense, their lives.

Socrates famously says in The Apology that his role as a gadfly is “to sting people and whip them into a fury, all in the service of truth.” Although they lived millennia apart, it seems that Socrates and Assange shared the same vision of their role in the service of the public.

When Socrates was put on trial, the

reason was seemingly for being a pest.

He would go to the marketplace, or to the gymnasium, to sit and lecture. Those who disagreed with him would debate him, and crowds would coalesce to watch. Naturally, Socrates bested his opponents, and in doing so would convert a number of men to his school of thought. They would learn from him, and use this knowledge to “live the examined life.”

When he famously referred to himself as a gadfly, he said that “all day long and in all places [I] am always fastening upon you, arousing and persuading and reproaching you.” He was a voice of dissent, always presenting a different view of things, and Assange is his modern day analog.

Via Wikileaks, Assange is accessible to everyone with an internet connection.

Through his published leaks, he has made his dissent known throughout the world and has prompted many others to question the apparent status quo. Like Socrates, Assange’s leaks encourage the public to lead the examined life. Also like Socrates, Assange is being persecuted for it.

The similarities between Socrates and Julian Assange are numerous. Both are gadflies, always present to pester the status quo. Both are also prisoners of conscience, persecuted by the state for their voice of dissent. When taking into account all the technological and social advancements made in the 2,500 years since Socrates walked the streets of Athens, one could be inspired. But to think that some are still calling for the deaths of human beings for simply being a thorn in society’s side is discouraging, even depressing. Considering this, one may wonder why despite all the advancements made, more people are not leading the examined life.

need to know what is in store for them if they do choose to engage in such activities.

Now the question is since people have sex how do we keep them safe? We obviously can no longer rely on just telling kids not to do it. The consequences are too great.

Unwanted pregnancies, AIDS, hepatitis A and B, gonorrhea, and other varying STIs, there is so much potential for life altering consequences. We owe it to each other and ourselves to know how to protect ourselves.

Many religious communities and even schools now are teaching abstinence only education. All they do is tell you not to have sex until you’re married without much in the way of other information. It is leaving teenagers and young adults in

a position that leaves them unprepared to face the challenges they could face.

This is something that is a moral obligation to teach. Just because it can make some people feel awkward or parents don’t like to think about their innocent teenage child having sex, does not mean the education is wrong. Sometimes people make a decision that they may or may not regret later, but they should know how to protect themselves from the dangers that come with that decision.

Furthermore, I wish we could have had the opportunity to go further with this as far as basic education. When it comes to this topic ignorance is not bliss. More and more I have heard statements about sexual

did in fact require direct access to water and therefore were exempt-to the extent applicable from this sections restrictions.

Relative to sec 27-1322(D)(7), my interpretation of this provision was that the vapor recovery units and transfer arms were pieces of equipment and not structures that would have been built on the pier. While larger in scale, a vapor recovery unit or transfer arm is like and HVAC unit installed on the roof of an office building. It is a piece of equipment that is purchased from a manufacture and is not build on-site. This interpretation is bolstered by the fact that the PPL application to the city dated June 19, 2009 included a DEP Natural Resources Protection Act approval that in its Findings acknowledges the project’s transfer arms and combustion units.”

From everything that I have read along with my discussions with numerous people on both sides of the issue, I have found that we are lacking moderation when discussing the Waterfront Protection Ordinance.

I have read that authors of the original ordinance are now against what is going to vote. Since the ordinance is an intuitive by the people, they are not able to make any modifications that would bring both sides together with a more comprehensive agreement.

If this ordinance goes through, it will cause an economic decline over time. As the current facilities deteriorate it is going to cause the energy industry, as we know it in South Portland to implode. We need to realize that the State of Maine is dependent on our numerous energy facilities. This ordinance will also prevent local marinas from upgrading their fuel pumps and tanks, that provide our local fishermen and boaters a way to refuel.

Currently a majority of our communities depend upon the fuel terminals. At these terminals we are able to get our heating oil and gasoline that we depend on to survive.

If we loose this valuable industry, it is going to cause an increase in our cost of living.

Before you go into the voting booth, please consider what I have written and please do some research on your own. As we speak, Portland Pipeline has rescinded their permit for Tar Sands and the Pipeline is being run from Alberta, Canada to St. John’s Canada and bypassing the United States.

Don’t let the scare tactics of the grass roots WPO organizations scare you.

(Continued on Page 10)

The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 7

Arts&Features

Please Join Us For An Informational Session About The WPO Where: Jewwett Hall Auditorium, SMCC Campus When: Friday, November 1st at 2pm RSVP: neighbors@nowpo.org Refreshments will be served Please Join Us And Get the Facts About the WPO… …Learn More About Why So Many Oppose Its Passage NEWSPAPERS such as the Portland Press Herald and Current UNIONS such as the South Portland Professional Firefighters and United Steelworkers ELECTED OFFICIALS such as South Portland City Councilors Linda Cohen, Jerry Jalbert, Melissa Linscott, Al Livingston, Michael Pock (5 of 7) FORMER SOUTH PORTLAND MAYORS Linda Boudreau, Chris Bowring, Brian Dearborn, Nancy Larsens, and Frank Morong BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS such as the Greater Portland Chamber of Commerce, Association of Builders and Contractors and the Associated General Contractors of Maine AND MANY OTHER LEADERS such as South Portland Planning Board member Rob Schreiber, retired South Portland Fire Chief Phil McGouldrick, retired South Portland Police Chief Robert Schwartz, former South Portland City Manager Jeff Jordan, and longtime South Portland community leader Kathy DiPhillipo.

8 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

Arts&Features Poetic License By Patrick Doyle

The poem featured here reflects a feeling of social anxiety. Sometimes situations in life can appear so absurd, so far away, and so unusual that you can’t really think or feel anything, yet you’re operating based on some sort of instinctual drive. This can leave room for much dismay and kinetic befuddlement, but naturally, it is sort of a vivid, if not endearing phenomenon.

Brunswick, Maine

this coffee shop offers the practice and duty of responsibility with the promise of human failure due to lack of gallantry. you order coffee with espresso. the barista puts a shot of espresso in a small cup and hands you it. there are many coffees at the self-serve. you can’t read the names because they all look and sound the name. you bring yourself to fill it with a brew of choice. it is called “jamaican me crazy.” you think, “is Jamaica crazy?” when you are filling the cup you notice the intrinsic honor system of self-serve coffee. (one could nab any cup and begin filling as much as they please, then walk away; baristas do not notice their customers usually, this is more common in busier shops.) then you voyage to the island where creams, milks, sugars and stirring sticks are managed to your ability. if there is a crowd (meaning more than one person, they are so cramped) and you cannot bring yourself to cosmopolize the drink to your ability, you will fall behind. what a travesty. you cannot have what you truly ordered, which, after staring at the menu with a line of people composing in your periphreal, is an obligation to yourself. the half & half is apparently out. someone shakes it a bit in front of you. they put it on the counter nearby, not near any worker, just there. now the half & half is in limbo of being noticed or to go about empty, like reading a book while you’re actually watching everyone who walks in or is ordering; a camoflague cloaked in supposed intellect. you give up. you use skim milk, which you don’t like, but you can’t bring yourself to reach toward the actual milk. that would make your arm run across over someone else. you are sweating. you grab the skim milk. you pour too much and know when you fix the cap on, it will likely pour down the sides of the cup and onto the alloy beach island. “oh damn,” you say, plastically laughing. sopping up the spilled drink with a napkin - not even taking time to put sugar in - there is a line forming behind you, where the back of your head is being scrutinized. do you have dandruff? it’s humid, is a bug in your hair or worse yet, flying around, landing from time to time? you turn to throw away the napkin and almost bump into one of the crowd from before in a near collapse of hysteria. you laugh lightly and say, “excuse me, ha ha” and have enough time to throw away your napkin. you discover neglecting to stir your coffee together with the skim milk. now you have a flash flood leftover drink, but luckily you’re alone. you don’t have to take a sip and go “mmmm.”

ON DISPLAY PAPER SCULPTURE IN THE LIBRARY Paper sculptures from Debra Klotz’s 3-Dimensional Design class is now on display in the library in the Campus Center. Students create spatially dynamic designs, or sculptures that use the same form repetitively. The beauty of the show is found in how creative the student is in utilizing simple forms creating complex sculptures that engage the eye, mind and surrounding space. ~ The Beacon Staff

Questioning Sexual Health (Continued from Page 6)

devote herself in complete faithfulness to her husband. People do not need to be attracted to women or men in general to get married; they only need to be attracted to one person of the opposite sex.

Heterosexuality is a broad term that focuses on sexual feelings and behaviors toward the opposite gender, including lust, adultery, and premarital and extramarital sex – all sins according to the Bible. Holy sexuality means focusing all of our sexual feelings and behaviors exclusively toward one person: our spouse.

The second scenario is holy sexuality is singleness. Single people must devote themselves to complete faithfulness to the Lord through celibacy. Abstinence isn’t unfair or unreasonable of God to ask of His people. Singleness is not a curse or a burden.

It doesn’t have to be permanent either. All it means is being content in our present situation while being open to marriage, but not obsessing over getting married.

Holy sexuality doesn’t mean that we won’t experience any sexual feelings or at-

tractions, to members of the same or opposite sex. God created us as sexual beings with the natural desire for intimacy. And everyone is created to desire intimate, God-honoring, nonsexual relationships with people of the same gender. I believe that homosexuality (and any other sin, such as lust, jealousy, pride, gluttony, etc.) stems from a legitimate need fulfilled in an illegitimate way.

Here’s a few things about following holy sexuality that you probably won’t be told at the sexual health awareness week: You’ll be spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthier, you’ll show consideration for your future spouse, you’ll have no negative consequences to deal with, you won’t settle for less, you’ll save yourself lots of heartbreak and disappointment, and you’ll pass the test of true love by waiting.

Do your own research. Check out the real life consequences of not abiding by holy sexuality. Is it any wonder why 86% of abortions are out of convenience, or why the rates of sexually transmitted diseases are skyrocketing? Choose the right path and spare your body. It’s never too late to make a positive change.

GIFT CARD?

$50

Have you tried SMARTHINKING online tutoring yet? It’s free and easy!

Any SMCC student who has an online tutoring session with SMARTHINKING from now until the end of November will be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card.

This is limited to one entry per person, but you may use SMARTHINKING as often as you need.

We would appreciate your feedback about your experience with this service.

Please email us as tutoring@smccme.edu.

Sponsered by SMCC Counseling Servics

SMARTHINKING currently provides online support in a variety of Math, Writing, Science, Spanish, Computer/Technology and Business subjects.

::INSTRUCTIONS:: To access SMARTHINKING: If you have a MyMathLab account, please go directly through your lab product.

All others: 1. Log into MYSMCC 2. Go to Students tab, scroll down to tutoring link on bottom left.

3. Click on orange online tutoring link.

New users need to register with the code provided on the portal.

The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 9

Arts&Features Sabering Hollywood: Chloë Grace Moretz phones it in as the titular character in the latest reboot of the horror classic, Carrie. Preyed upon by her classmates, troubled teen Carrie White (Moretz) must cope with a religiously zealous mother (Julianne Moore) while trying to survive High School.

Things seem to be looking up when she’s invited to prom by a popular jock, but not all is what it seems. One cruel prank leads to a devastation that the small town won’t soon forget.

Directed by Kimberly Peirce, this film was co-written by Lawrence D. Cohen and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and is based upon the novel “Carrie,” by Stephen King. The film stars Julianne Moore and Chloë Grace Moretz, and is produced by J. Miles Dale and Kevin Misher.

This is a film that tries, and fails, to live up the iconic original. Just as the sequel, Carrie 2: the Rage (1999), and the TV reboot, Carrie (2002), fell flat on their faces, so too does this film. Though this is unfortunate, it isn’t surprising. Reboots, in general, are difficult, but Carrie reboots even more so. This is a film where you want to sympathize with the protagonist while also abhorring what she does to the people around her. This, of course, is a difficult balance to strike, especially when the filmmaker falls into the trap of trying to recreate “the monster,” instead of the characters and dynamics that gave birth to the monster. Unfortunately, this film falls into the former category, leaving the audience indifferent or scornful of the characters, so when you By Sabra Schwirm

Carrie (2013)

are faced with the results of their actions, you don’t care either way.

To add insult to injury, the film throws plot and character development out the window, relying heavily on the audience’s knowledge of the basic plotline. They hint heavily, but don’t actually say anything of substance. As an unfortunate result of this, Chloë Grace Moretz’s performance as Carrie waffles between a flat version of “crazy outcast” and an over the top ham-fest as she explores her powers.

Even the sublime Julianne Moore is left hanging by her fingernails to a part that is cringe-worthy, but not noteworthy. The fact that this movie attempts a halfhearted subplot surrounding the main bullies, Chris Hargensen (Portia Doubleday) and Billy Nolan (Alex Russell) is even more insulting, as it leaves you feeling less sympathetic, and more like you’ve just watched a film about a love affair between two sociopaths.

Overall, the movie was extremely disappointing and disturbing in all the wrong ways.

The only thing scary about this reboot is that they charged money for it.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the 1976 Carrie (a horror classic) and 1 being the 1999 sequel Carrie 2: the Rage (a pitiful attempt to cash in), I’d give this movie a 3.5, if only for making Julianne Moore slog her way through this mess of a film.

If you’d like to read a differing review of this film by Nicholas James Miller,

click here.

310

Scary Illustrations

While authors will say its how they craft words, turn phrases blatantly use innuendo and leave the reader hanging in order to create suspense and drama all with the intent of scaring their readers, it is the illustrator that visualizes the implied.

Yes, it is another Halloween week, with the day of trick or treat this Thursday, maybe, just maybe you will pass one of these scary monsters and super freaks, giving you a moment to pause, thanking the illustrator for preparing you for your new acquaintance.

Not Smart to be Dumb (Continued from Page 7)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

Veterans’ Breakfast for all veterans on campus held at the McKernan Center at 0700. RSVP by 10/20 to: smccmevetclub@gmail.com POW/MIA flag raising held at the flagpole in front of the Campus Center at 0900.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars,will be set up in the Campus Center from 0900-1200.

Wed, November 6th: Wreaths Across America

sponsored by the

Veteran’s Club 10 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

Want to learn to do an adaption MJ’s most famous hit?

In the spirit of Halloween, two members of the SMCC Theatre Club are offering complementary lessons through the month of October on how to dance the entirety of Thriller.

Lessons are open to all, students or not and take place Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 and again from 6-8 in the Howe Hall Seminar Room on the third floor. Time and place are subject to change however so be sure to rsvp.

For more info you can contact Dontavis at dontavis_hines@yahoo.com or Ellen at corgigirlmcleod@gmail.com

reproduction, anatomy, and physiology that are amazingly wrong. One of the more popular ones came from Todd Akin, a Congressmen from Missouri, who said; “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” I have also heard other things throughout the years that show just how ignorant people are. For example I have heard on multiple occasions of people thinking they can get pregnant from oral sex. These are extreme examples, but it is scary that adults hold such erroneous beliefs.

The linchpin for all of this was to bring SARSSM on campus to teach about what consent is. We have a large problem with sexual assault. The statistics are disgusting.

One in four women and one in thirty-six men will be sexually assaulted while in college; most of the time it is done by someone they know and trust. Even on our campus it is an issue and many of these instances will go unreported. One of the key problems is that many do not know what consent is or what constitutes a sexual assault. Whether you agree with the culture or not this problem needs to be addressed.

While not many people attended the event those who were there agreed that this needs this information on consent and what is defined as a sexual assault needs to be seen by a greater number of students.

Everyday we try to make sure students are as safe as possible. This is just one more way to ensure the safety of our community with hopes that it spreads to the greater community we are a part of. We cannot afford to remain ignorant and carless about sex. Especially if our goal is to become better educated, productive members of society. The consequences are too great.

Arts&Features Wasteland: Beauty Amongst the Trash Waste Land is a By Krista Krasnow Kelly documentary about people overcoming tremendous situations and still having reverence for life and other human beings.

The documentary trails Vik Muniz, an artist that was born in Brazil and due to unforeseen circumstances was able to come to the US. Once here he started a career as a visual artist.

The documentary features his return to his roots of Brazil. He places his attention on the world’s largest landfill, which employs many of the citizens in this town.

The “pickers” as they refer to them, are people that pick out all the recyclable materials that are discarded into the garbage.

From the beginning of the documentary Muniz discusses this idea of art being transformative. When you are far away or up close, art looks different. Beautiful things can transform into ugliness the closer you get, and visa versa. Muniz goal was to transcend this idea of the pickers being dirty creatures into something beautiful.

Getting to know these people as human beings, he spent a considerable amount of time at the landfill, in the heart of the pickers. There he established connections with specific pickers. He got to know their stories.

The documentary features 6 pickers.

The main picker featured is Tiao, who is

the organizer and head of the association of pickers. He advocates for their needs and wants. The documentary strays far away from showing miserable, emaciated, enslaved workers. Although they do discuss the conditions these works have to operate in, they depict the joy that these people experience in their life. Taio comments, “We are not pickers of garbage; we are pickers of recyclable materials.”

While getting immersed in the project, Vik takes a series of aerial shots of the landfill. He references that from a far the pickers look like little ants. This spawns the theme that from a far the landfill just looks like chaos but up close is a community. Muniz also documented the pickers through a series of photographs as well.

In the printing process he enlarges the photographs of the pickers in a giant wear house space. Then assembles a photo collage solely made from trash, and recyclable materials found in the landfill. These discarded materials make up a breath-taking portrait of each picker. At the end of the assemblage process Vik photographs the collage.

The documentary closes with Vik taking these photographs directly to auction.

Taio and Vik take a trip to London where they stand by during a live auction while the photograph of Taio is auctioned off.

The photograph sells for $50,000 USD. The proceeds that were made from the

FALL OPEN HOUSE Saturday October 25th saw more than 850 visitors, and more than 275 prospective students attended SMCC’s Fall Semester Open House. Prospective students visited with each of the College’s degree programs, met with faculty and staff, toured the campus, and sat in on special classroom sessions in their top choice of degree program. photographs are given to the picker that is portrayed. This documentary features the human struggle, as well as the ability to rise from that. We all would look like little molecules from space, but thankfully we are all down here together. We are able to

see each other as more than moving parts in the larger chaos.

The Portrays of these pickers are available online http://www.wastelandmovie. com/gallery.html. This documentary is also available on Netflix.

Halloween The Tradition Beyond Customs & Costumes It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again.

But the leaves have fallen, and despite the unusual warmth for the autumn season, winter is coming, and soon.

But before Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner comes Halloween, when children dress up and beg for candy and teenagers enjoy parties and haunted hayrides. Or as Cady Heron put so perfectly in Mean Girls: “Halloween is the one night a year that a girl can dress up as a total slut, and no one else can say anything bad about her.”

Halloween is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween.

Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating.

The most popular costumes are ones that generations throughout the decades by A.E. Kinsman

have worn. The witch remains the most popular among women and girls, and has several variations, including the symbolic green-faced, black-pointed-hat witch, or perhaps her kinder sister, Glenda the Good, who looks more like a fairy than a cauldron-toting witch.

The vampire comes in second place in terms of popularity. Though humankind has always been fascinated with the occult, the vampire took off after Bram Stoker’s popular Dracula. Vampire costumes typically have the exaggerated fake fangs, pale makeup, black widow’s peak, and cape, but after the introduction of Twilight and True Blood, you’re more likely to find costumes inspired by contemporary vampires.

Ghosts are arguably the mascot for Halloween. A simple costume with a white sheet and holes for eyes, like Charlie Brown’s, are all that is traditionally needed for this costume, but newer versions have the infamous Scary Movie or Scream face, contorted with horrible gestures made to elicit screams.

Frankenstein is the fourth most popular Halloween outfit, and can be best pulled off by tall men wearing green makeup. However, the monster is still very popular with children. Variations have included a feminine

Incongruent Disclaimers

by Lana Welch

touch, as in the Bride of Frankenstein.

The fifth most popular Halloween costume is ambiguous to the child or adult range, especially after Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Catwoman. A cat costume can easily be worn over a normal outfit featuring a tail and ears. Tigers, lions and cheetahs have enjoyed variations of the typical housecat costume over past holidays.

Other contenders for the most popular Halloween outfits include devil costumes, angel costumes, skeleton costumes, pumpkin costumes, and, thanks to the blockbuster The Walking Dead, zombies are skyrocketing to the top of the costume lists.

Besides trick or treating, people enjoy carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns and hanging out decorations. A cheap way to create lanterns is to place a candle inside of an empty gallon of milk, and then draw faces on with black Sharpie. For food, a simple hot dog can become a delicious mummy, when wrapped in flaky pastry and given mustard eyes.

A word of caution for those who own cats, especially black ones: Though Halloween is normally celebrated with playful spookiness, there is a darker side to the holiday. Satanists and other occult groups

celebrate Halloween with sacrifices, and black cats are usually the prime selection.

Keep your pets indoors and always supervise children when trick or treating. Don’t let Halloween become a truly scary holiday.

Trick or treat!

d i t o rs wa n ed

If interested please contact Jason Glynn at jasonwglynn@gmail.com

The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 11

Arts&Features Pro Active Advice with Tiffany Crockett

The Eyes In The Kitchen Bobbi was awoken by a loud, metallic sound.

The lights were off in the room, there was no wind outside the window but there was this sound. It was very jittery and unorganized. Without turning on the light, she ventured down the stairs, like a leap of sardonic measure in an important conversation. The noise grew louder and more pronounced. It was coming from the kitchen. She walked up and turned the corner into the kitchen.

Matt had his back to Bobbi. She heard him say, “Where is it,” over the noise.

“Where is that? Where...” he said.

She braced herself on the floor more like a beached seal anticipating a large wave.

“Matt, what are you looking for? Why are you being so loud?” she said.

“I....I can’t find it.”

She started moving up very slowly. She was a few feet away.

“Help me find it,” he said. “Bobbi.”

He turned around and his eyes were gone. There were bloody holes where his eyes used to perch themselves and nestle in unison with his skull and sensory system.

Bobbi softly whimpered trying not to wake their parents. Staring at Matt, his face looking concerned, she couldn’t be sure what he felt as she only saw the dark hollow sockets that he now had. “Matt...is this a joke?”

He said nothing and continued to look frantically around the kitchen. Bobbi was shocked, and starting to shake.

Matt turned to her, “Little sister...Your eyes...”

He lifted up his hand to Bobbi’s face, and held it gently. She knew her brother needed help, but didn’t know what to do.

“Matt...You’re scaring me, I’m going to get mom and dad.” Positively frightened, it was the only thing she could think of to do; get the grown-ups.

“You can’t...They are gone,” Matt said with an empty voice. The room tasted stale as Bobbi searched her mind for something to say. She pulled herself away from her brother and ran up the stairs to their parent’s room and flicked on the light; she scanned the room with frantic eyes. Her parents were nowhere to be found, so she scurried down into the kitchen. “Matt!” Bobbi screeched, her voice gaining power, “Please!” She could feel her blood boiling now; more furious than scared, she lunged herself at Matt with her arms stretched out and gave him a good shove. “Bobbi...” Matt said in a soft, almost caring voice.

Bobbi knew that something had taken over her brothers body, Matt was no longer himself. He put his hands up to his sister’s face caressing it, his fingers moving more quickly, pressing harder against her soft skin.

Matt then turned around in one movement, and grabbed a dirty kitchen knife from By Joe Riviera

12 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

the sink, and jabbed Bobbi below her left eye. “You have what I was looking for!”

Matt cried out. Bobbi, too scared to speak didn’t even notice she was bleeding all over her clothes. In an instant she jumped up and grabs a pot that hung overhead and slammed her brother in the face. Matt collapsed on the floor with a loud thud; the knife he was holding slid across the kitchen. Bobbi looked at him vacantly.

She felt disconnected from him. Shaking violently, she gripped the pot tighter and hit him on the head again, and again, and again, screaming, “I’m sorry! How could you do this to me? I didn’t know what else I was supposed to do...”

Bobbi dropped the pot and stepped back to see the blood seeping from her brother’s head. She had killed him. And didn’t realize what she had done until after the fact. Everything became quiet and she stopped shaking. Bobbi walked over to the light and flicked it off, plopping herself on the ground, sliding over to Matt. She held his mashed head in her lap and rocked back and forth whispering “I’m sorry...I’m sorry...”

Here is some advice whether you want it or not!

BOO! Halloween is just a smither away. Halloween can be a lot of fun, and many lowered inhibitions usually follow suit. I love Halloween and know that it can be quite the thrill. Let’s start off with the basic Halloween advice you were given as a wee little pumpkin, or perhaps an unoriginal ghost sheet, OR maybe if you were super cool than PETER PAN.

DON’T ACCEPT CANDY FROM STRANGERS - haha who am I kidding this is the only acceptable day to do such things. But what I really mean is if you by any chance along with thousands of other youngsters are partying it up then please do not accept any foreign “adult candy.”

Situation:

Tiffany: Oh boy all this non-alcoholic water is sure giving me a headache. Anyone have any Tylenol?

Steven: (Pulls pill out of nowhere) sure here ya go! Make sure to keep it under your tongue it will absorb better that way.

THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. Do NOT accept any pills in this form. Bring Tylenol with you, and if you forget, make sure to examine the bottle the pill is from and the pill itself.

Also be careful as to not leave any of your beverages out of sight. You don’t want anyone stealing your precious water or perhaps dropping something dissolvable into it that would cause you to wake up hearing “do you want to play a game?” Think I’m being dramatic? Well, maybe you should stop living under a rock.

HAVE A BUDDY SYSTEM Have at least one person that knows where you are going and will check in with you. Also have someone on speed dial that will be available to pull you

out of trouble if need be. Don’t go alone!

Maybe being a loner is your thing but it is safest to be in numbers especially on such a spooky night with so many werewolves and vampires abound. Hardy har har.

LAYERS Don’t like being cold? Bring some layers!

I know you are just dying to show off all of your brains and hard studying for nursing, but even nurses need to wear insulating clothes at times. Also, ladies and gentlemen, if there is certain attention you wish to not get then maybe think twice on your costume. This leads me to my next topic….

BE SENSITIVE WITH YOUR COSTUME CHOICE

Please do not dress up as a terrorist. It is not funny and is extremely stereotypical.

This would also be very insulting to whatever ethnicity you were trying to mock. This kind of ignorance could end your Halloween bitterly. Instead try choosing someone you look up to! Shocking idea I know but could be worth a try. Or perhaps just be creative!

Have fun and stay connected to those around you. I know cell phones will be melted to the hip but try to have more one on one face time instead of making out with radiation. Lately all of us, including teachers and students have been feeling the drain of midterms and it is now time to play. Whether you choose to do this in the form of giving diabetes a head start with your children’s candy or cutting some rug (aka dancing for those who aren’t up to date with my vintage vernacular) just make sure you enjoy yourself.

Happy Halloween.

Vlad Tepes: The Monster behind Dracula From the time of the ancients, human beings have been obsessed with death, dying, and the supernatural. From blood-drinking Goddesses of ancient Egypt to the demons and ghouls of the modern age, the things that go bump in the night have been an obsession of human kind.

The Victorian Era (1837-1901), known so well for its zealously religious mores, is also the era of the highly publicized and still unnamed serial killer, Jack the Ripper, as well as serialized Gothic horrors like Varney the Vampire (also known as The Feast of Blood) (1845-47) by James Malcolm Rymer, and the world famous novel, Dracula,

by Bram Stoker, published in 1897.

Even still, with this obsession for blood-drinking fiends or sparkling pretty-boys, it is easy to forget that, sometimes, truth is stranger and more gruesome than fiction. In this case, Dracula the man is far more the monster than the miserable creature portrayed in Stoker’s novel.

Vlad III, the Prince of Wallachia (14311476), was a son of Vlad II, a member of the Order of the Dragon, as well as a member of the House of Drăculeşti, also known as “Dracula.” He reigned as voivode (“warlord”) of Wallachia three times during his lifetime. Though he aimed to strengthen his beloved home country, he was unquestionably ruthless and punishments were undeniably gruesome, from poisoning, to By Sabra Schirm

mass slaughter, to his favorite punishment of all—impalement, earning him his nickname of Vlad the Impaler.

Though he faced captivity and was usurped twice, the second time by his younger brother, Vlad regained a foothold in his country again and again. Only two months into his third reign following the death of Radu III cel Frumos (“the Fair”), the brother who usurped his throne, Vlad III was assassinated, though the exact date is questionable. His presumed date of death is December of 1476, though he isn’t noted as dead on record until 10 January, 1477.

Vlad III was a man to be feared, notorious for his cruelty, even during his own lifetime. Even after his death, his cruel exploits remained a thing of macabre fascination, with pamphlets printed across Europe expounding upon his cruel deeds.

One such pamphlet, printed in 1521 in Germany, seems to relish in the retelling of his atrocities:

“He roasted children, whom he fed to their mothers. And (he) cut off the breasts of women, and forced their husbands to eat them. After that, he had them all impaled.”

Though little, if anything, remains of the actual Dracula in Stoker’s novel, our fascination with the iconic character remains. He is a cultural cornerstone, from the Bela Lugosi incarnation in the horror classic “Dracula” (1931), to Leslie Nielsen’s portrayal in Mel Brooks’ parody “Dracula:

Dead and Loving It” (1995).

In the end, the ruthless tyrant who held all of Wallachia in his grip during a total of three reigns, was far more a terror to be feared than the melancholy antihero/ antagonist penned by the Irish novelist and playwright, Bram Stoker. Like many “real life” monsters, the truth and terror of Dracula is stranger than fiction.

Arts&Features

Exporting tar sands oil from South Portland would require 1. Burning off toxic chemicals into our air, including cancer causing benzene.

2. Two new 70 foot smokestacks on Pier 2 next to Bug Light Park and SMCC. 3. A new oil pump station in the center of a densely populated neighborhood, near Kaler Elementary School, three other public schools, and the South Portland Community Center.

4. Possible use of 19 holding tanks, located near the schools, that have mostly sat empty but are capable of holding millions of gallons of tar sands and would release toxic fumes.

5. Tanker ships exporting toxic tar sands out of Casco Bay, increasing the risk of spills.

FIND OUT MORE

Protect South Portland’s Campaign Office is at 72 Ocean St. in Mill Creek. www.protectsouthportland.org Find Protect South Portland on Facebook The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 13

Sports&Features SMCC FOOD PANTRY: Food for Thought Hello fellow By Michael DuBlois Beacon readers.

I’ve always said creative writing is not one of my best skills, but I find it so tempting to be involved on campus that I cannot contain my enthusiasm for writing about the food pantry project that is taking place in the Captain’s House. With that said, I decided to find out as much as I could about this exciting new development, resource, and opportunity.

The plans for a food pantry are actually becoming a reality. Currently the official opening of the pantry is scheduled for the second week in November. Notification of when the pantry is officially opened will be sent out via the CeSil Report and other campus forums.

If you’re not sure where the pantry will be located, you will be able to find it in the Captain’s House. The Captain’s House sits on the corner of Fort Road and McKernin Drive, 3 buildings down from the Culinary Arts building.

Everyone involved has been really eager to make this generous service available to SMCC. Our food pantry is designed to provide an accessible food resource to all students, faculty, and staff that happen to be in need. The pantry itself will be located on the right hand side of the first floor of the Captain’s House.

If you are in need of a helping hand, or know someone on either of our campuses that could use some goods to stock up their pantry, kitchen, and supplies at home, we want you to stop in and pick up a box of goods!

Not only will we have a variety of food, the pantry will contain personal items and access to clothing as well. This year’s pantry is going to be amazing. As any successful project must do in order to “takeoff” with flying colors, organization, planning, implementing, allocating resources, and getting people involved have been key ingredients.

We have such an outgoing and experienced staff and student environment on our campus, and as they are the foundation for this project, the potential for the food pantry to be a valuable service to the SMCC community is tremendous.

We are very fortunate to have an Americorps representative stationed in our CeSIL office this year. Madelyn Holm, or “Maddie” as she is known, comes to us from Marlboro College in Southern Vermont where she concentrated in education & ceramics.

Maddie also writes the From the Vista Volunteer Desk column for the paper.

Prior to landing at SMCC, she became involved with Campus Compact, a higher education and low-income program for colleges and universities that falls under the umbrella of Vista, which in turn falls under the umbrella of Americorp. Since Maddie has been at SMCC, she has been networking with a plethora of local organizations and Mainers to make this opportunity a reality.

Samantha Culver, the Child Hunger Corps Member at Good Shepard Food Bank,

contacted Maddie in order to start the process of starting an on-campus food pantry.

Samantha spearheads childhood hunger and access to food programs throughout Maine.

Not only did Good Shepard and Samantha play an intricate role in starting the planning of SMCC’s Food Pantry but they will also be the pantry’s main food supplier.

“Unlike other pantries, we will not be stocking our shelves through food collections alone. By partnering with Good Shepard Food Bank, the school will be able to purchase bulk food at a discounted rate, and buy salvaged food (donated items) for 14 cents per pound. The goal of the pantry is to have a yearly operating budget of $3,000, with an estimated cost of $330 per month. By keeping a low overhead and stocking the shelves regularly students will be able to supplement their dietary and nutritional needs on campus for free.”

Currently, the only other Maine college that has a food pantry in the works is Central Maine Community College and considering how hard economic times are the main objective of initiating the food pantry is to give college students who need access to food the resources to acquire them.

Some of the organizations involved in making the Food Pantry a reality include; the Student Senate, PTK and the Good Shepard Food Bank as stated above.

The process for having the pantry started when the Student Senate used a survey last year, looking at the “needs” of students.

From the data, SMCC found that an operational food pantry would be a useful resource that many students would benefit from. In the past all the students, faculty, and staff have donated goods to our donation boxes.

While we continue to promote donations we will be working with other organizations to build this student resource ... more than ever.

Phi Theta Kappa has been dedicated to this project from its conception. As PTK is full of talented student leaders, who seem to get their hands in the “cookie jar,” they also are very skilled at recruiting others and developing ideas.

Recently PTK member Dawn Smith proposed to the Student Senate requesting matching funds for start up cost for the pantry. Her request of $500 would come from a portion of PTK membership dues, and not from student activities fee fund. The request was not only approved, but doubled by the Student Senate. After a bit of easy short math that’s $1,500 that will be coming from PTK and the Student Senate for the start up of SMCC’s food pantry.

Another great donation is a commercial fridge and freezer. One of the appliances comes from Pepsi and the other from a family member and mother who loves to share. I won’t mention any names, but according to the rumor mill it was a highly acclaimed PTK member who was able to find us these items.

The refrigerator will help tremendously because we are planning to have fresh produce, meats, and dairy available.

HAVE QUESTIONS? We have answers.

Just

advising

sk

smccme.edu

The pantry will also be expanding their service capabilities by establishing a closet for donations of school supplies, toiletry, and personal items. Darla Jewitt, an SMCC employee who works with President Cantor is helping us with the details and guidelines. The Sunrise Rotary Club from South Portland will be a partner assisting with fund-raising. Campus clubs involved are the RotorAct, Captain Frank’s Planet’s Posse, the Nursing, and the Health & Wellness clubs.

When we do open and you come down to visit, or grab something to gnash on, please do not forget to bring your student ID. If you are interested in volunteering we welcome all SMCC students who want to lend a helping hand. The types of volunteers we are looking for are: Food Pantry Clerks: 9 - 15 volunteers needed ~ work the desk ~ provide friendly service to students ~ work as much and as often as you’d like

~ access to wi-fi (bring your laptop, books and homework with you) Inventory Management: 4 - 5 volunteers needed ~ stocking ~ sorting ~ rotating; products in code Buyer / Purchaser: 6 volunteers needed ~ once a week commitment ~ ordering; vendor relations ~ picking up food and supplies Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

If anyone is interested in learning about our new commitment to exceptional student services or want to give back to the college community, please feel free to drop in at the CeSIL office.

Thank you and keep up the good work!

Mike Deblois michaeljdeblois@student. smccme.edu

The State of The Patriots I hear the same thing everywhere I go this season. I hear people talking about it in the halls, at the bars, at work, and of course online.

It is simply maddening. I know it will not go away anytime soon, but it is enough to make a sane man want to drive a red-hot poker into their eardrum. What am I getting all worked about, you may be asking yourself at this point? Well I’ll tell you. It is the fact I am always hearing about how much the Patriots suck this year and it is completely untrue.

The Patriots are 6 and 2. They are winning. At the end of the day—and the regular season— is all that matters. They are top in the AFC east and number three in the conference. They are only behind the powerhouse Denver and the unexpected contenders Kansas City. So I ask you, is this a sign of a failing team? Let me make this easy for you, no.

I’ll give it to everyone that the Patriots are definitely struggling a little bit, but that is only in comparison to themselves. In reality many teams wish that they could have the same outcomes in the situation New England is in. Between injuries and just plain inexperience it is amazing they win at all.

Even the team itself has shown their frustration of not being perfect every play.

The usually even-keeled Tom Brady has let his anger come out to the public on a couple of occasions. His body language on the field made his frustrations apparent. The young and promising receiving core just were not ready for the punishing assault that Brady brings through air superiority.

The plan was obviously that this young core was supposed to be supplemented by the veteran tight end tandem of Gronk and Hernandez and off-season pickup, and Welker replacement, Amendola. That is not how it worked out though. Gronk has been out for the whole season so far, due to his offseason surgery. Week seven he was finally cleared to play.

By Don Szawlotski

Amendola, who was first nagged by a persistent groin injury and now a concussion, has not played a full game since week one. Hernandez of course decided that it was more important to pretend to be a gang-banger and allegedly shoot someone instead of getting paid millions to play a game. Without these key players they are forced to start more rookies and second stringers.

Now, the defense is looking like it is in trouble too. The behemoth run-stopper Vince Wilfork has landed on the injured reserve list with a torn ACL. Jarrod Mayo has also ended up there, ending his season.

Combined with other short-term injuries in the defensive department there is certainly worry.

With all that said, all of the injuries have not stopped the Patriots from putting points on the board. It may not be in the most ideal way, like beating the Saints in the final seconds of the game. I honestly think Coach Belicheck enjoys those kinds of wins though. In the post-game press conference he was actually jubilant and even cracked a joke.

To expect the Patriots to be an unstoppable juggernaut all the time is completely unreasonable. All I can think of when I hear this kind of talk is the Yankees. That’s right my fellow New Englanders, I’m saying many of you sound like Yankees fans when you talk about the Pats. Even though they lost to the Jets it is not the end of the world. The Jets played well and everyone in America discovered a new rule that cost the Pats the game. Some might even say Rex Ryan was a rat in that situation, but I leave that to the sports conspiracy theorists.

When it comes down to it the New England Patriots are a great team. They cannot be expected to go undefeated every season. Sometimes they have to fight for it. I know every loss sucks, but it does not mean the team sucks overall. So stop sounding like a bunch of entitled and whiney New York fans.

P M A C OOT

B Y D BO

Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 - 6 pm

For more information please contact Julia Howe at jhowe@smccme.edu

14 • The Beacon October 29, 2013

SportsReport

Fall Sports Conclude, as Winter Sports Warm Up By With the onset of fall Beacon Staff transiting into winter, the baseball, softball diamonds and soccer pitches have turned quiet on the SMCC campus, which means that the SMCC winter sports teams have now started their seasons.

The men and women’s basketball teams traveled to Central Maine Community College this past weekend to participate in the 19th annual Can-Am Tournament. Teams from St. Thomas University in Fredericton in New Brunswick, and the University of New Brunswick – Saint John traveled south to to play in the tournament, which CMCC hosted and played in also.

The men Seawolves started their season off Saturday afternoon against St. Thomas University, while the men did come out on top at the end of the game, from the opening tip it was obvious that offensively speaking the rust had to be knocked off the gears.

The inability to score was aparent as it wasn’t until the 12:36 mark that SMCC broke into double figures grabbing an 11-6 lead. SMCC wouldn’t be able to build on this lead though, as at the end of the first half the Seawolves held a 30 – 25 lead.

With the scoring being sparse in the first half, guard Jon Amabile shot better than 50% from the floor, scoring 12 of his

14 points in the first half.

The second half continued to be a tightly fought game until the 7 minute mark when SMCC was finally able to create some space between them and St Thomas. At the final buzzer the Seawolves walked away with a 59-52 victory, one that started the season off on the right foot, with concerns.

The inside game of Tong Akot was a bright spot for the Seawolves as he became the first SMCC player to record a double-double this season scoring 15 points and corralling 11 rebounds.

Scott Proudman who scored a total of 11 point drai.ned 9 of them in the second half while grabbing 9 rebounds. From behind the 3 point line the day proved to be woeful as the Wolves went 0-16.

Sunday’s game against The University of New Brunswick, St John proved to be a wolf of a different coat as the men rolled to an 84-52 victory. The final scorebook records 16 Seawolves scoring, 26 turnovers forced, 51 rebounds and 54 points coming from the bench.

As in Saturday’s game, Jon Amabile and Scott Proudman found themselves in the center of the offense scoring 14 and 10 points respectively. Point guard Jose Nouchanthavong collecting 6 assist, scoring 9 and grabbing 5 rebounds.

The men Seawolves returned to South

Portland with a record of 2-0 and will play Holyoke Community College on Friday in their home opener. Tip off is slated for 8pm.

On the Ladies side of the court, their season did not start until Sunday morning as they faced University of New Brunswick - St John in a morning game.

The Ladies fought a tightly contested game from opening tip till the end only to find themselves on the short end of the score loosing 62-60. With the Ladies holding onto a slim lead a backcourt violation opened the door for St. John to steal the victory when a defensive lapse left UNB player Monica Newman open for a go ahead layup with 12 seconds remaining.

SMCC did have a good look at the basket with 10 seconds left on the clock as Maria Veino missed a potential game winning shot. Roberta Trafton scored 9 and collected 12 rebounds while Esther Palmieri led the Lady Seawolves in scoring with 16 points, 12 of which came from behind the 3 point line.

The Ladies will be back on the court this Friday with the intent of evening their record at 1 and 1 against Bunker Hill Community College. Tip off is penciled in for 6pm.

In the world of soccer both the men and women’s soccer teams feel short in the semi-final round of the YSCC post-sea-

son tournament. The Men Seawolves were eliminated in the semi-final round of the YSCC post-season tournament, 2-0 by NHTI in Concord, NH. The Men’s soccer team earned the right of traveling to Concord to play in the semi-final when they beat CMCC 4-1 on the SMCC campus.

The Men ended their season with a 10-6-1 record.

On the Ladies pitch, the Seawolves season eneded here at SMCC when they dropped a hard fought match against Unity College in overtime. The game was knotted until the 4minute mark of overtime when McKinley Bell of Unity found the back of the net.

The scoring went back and forth with the Lady Seawolves answering Unity’s goal both times less than a minute later.

Scoring for SMCC was Michela Desjardins and Zyrah Giustra. The Lady Seawolves finish their season with a overall record of 5-4-4.

Off the pitch, Kyle Stiefken-French and Michela Desjardins were named to the 2013 All-Conference team. Kyle finished the 2013 season with seven goals and two assists for the Seawolves, while Michela wrapped up the season with ten goals and three assists in twelve games for the Lady Seawolves.

The Beacon October 29, 2013 • 15

UNITED AGAINST The WPO! Say NO to the WPO November 5th! “…We do not support the proposed Waterfront Protection Ordinance, as written, as the proposal does not protect our working waterfront, does not protect the highly valued blue collar jobs of our working waterfront and is not in the best interest of our community, - South Portland City Councilors Linda Cohen, Gerard Jalbert, Melissa Linscott, Alan Livingston and Michael Pock, October 15, 2013 “We find this ordinance as written to be too open to interpretation, too difficult to enforce and too damaging to commerce in the harbor for us to support. While we consider the effort to be well-intentioned, we encourage voters to say ‘no’ on Nov. 5.”

- Portland Press Herald, October 17, 2013

“Our firefighters are better trained and equipped because of the working waterfront. . . . South Portlanders who want to continue to be served by Maine’s best Fire Department should vote against the Waterfront Protection Ordinance.”

Luis Tirado, Engine 5, South Portland Professional Fireghters IAFF Local 1476 The so-called Waterfront Protection Ordinance would not only devastate family supportive jobs we represent at the tank farm, but would hurt the regional economy dependent on heating fuel, jet fuel and fuel for commercial vessels and fishing fleets.”

John Shinn, Director of United Steelworkers District 4, North America’s largest Industrial Union representing 850,000 workers.

“Our board members recognized the serious problems built into the proposed Waterfront Protection Ordinance and the thousands of jobs at risk as a result. As drafted the ordinance will hurt small businesses in South Portland and throughout our region because the ordinance is overbroad and unnecessarily regulates far more than ‘tar sands.’”

- Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Hall

“As a pro-union, tree huggin’, Obamacare lovin’ liberal Democrat, I can tell you that voting No does not mean that you are in favor of Tar Sands. This is an emotionally charged issue. Let’s put that aside and look at the facts. There is no imminent threat of Tar Sands.”

- South Portland Planning Board Member Rob Schreiber

www.NoWPO.org - www.facebook.com/NoWPO Paid for by MEMA BQC, 25 Greenwood Road, Brunswick, Maine