Volume 38 Issue 5

University Times

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall, a universal symbol of oppression, fell.

It not only reunited a country but also brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons.

It signified the end of the Soviet Union, but further reminded us that even in the darkest hour, freedom will prevail.

Remember, remember the ninth of November.

1989 - 2009

NOVEMBER 13, 2009 Volume 38 Issue 5

The University Times Staff David Hamilton Editor Lanette Virtanen Assistant Editor

Student Senate Elections

Landon York Assistant Editor Staff Writers Callie Foster Bhava Albert Kayla Ames Robert Butcher Lauren Camargo Stephanie Corriveau Cassandra Gildert Bert Goldman Sarah Graettinger Stephanie Jellett Leah McEachern Kaitlyn McLaughlin Mika Ouellette Pamela Perkins Ben Pinette Jennifer Sappier Natalie St. Pierre Lanette Virtanen Landon York Contributors Christine Corsello Bob Pinette Amber Reed Jessica Stepp Jim Stepp Curtis Thompson Adam Wilcox Don Zillman Adviser Dr. J The University Times, a nonprofit student publication, is printed at Northeast Publishing Company in Presque Isle, Maine. Articles and photographic ideas for submission may be left at the University Times office Normal Hall, Rm. 102 at UMPI, 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Advertising rates are available upon request. The newspaper takes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. All rights reserved.

Nov. 18 and 19 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

On Balckboard or Folsom Hall 2nd Floor

Dates for Submissions to the U Times Monday, Nov. 16 Monday, Nov. 30 Any submissions recieved after a deadline will be published in the following issue. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Lowman at 768-9745

University Times

Campus

November 13, 2009

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From Donʼs Desk Debut of Energy Curriculum: UMPI Getting Greener

When we first proposed installing the wind turbine, we made clear that the project was about several things. We looked forward to annual savings on energy. We wanted to move toward the use of renewable energy sources to reduce the amount of carbon that we would pump into the atmosphere in order to generate UMPI’s electric power. We wanted to serve as a pioneer for the community in the use of renewable energy sources. We wanted a symbol of campus that spoke to what we stood for.

Last, and highly important, we wanted to use the turbine (and other renewable energy projects) as part of our teaching.

Next semester we debut our energy curriculum. I would encourage you to take a look at the initial three courses we will offer. I invite you to consider

one or more of them in your second semester choices. Get in on one of the major growth businesses in Maine and beyond.

Wise business people have said that successful projects (energy or otherwise) depend on the answer to three questions. The first question: Is there the technology to do what you want to do? Another planet may be rich in petroleum.

But can we figure out a way to discover, extract and ship it to earth? The second question: Is there sufficient financing to do the project? Do the mechanisms of the private marketplace and government support allow the dollars to make the project work? The third question is: Will the laws and policies of our society allow the project to go forward? There may be attractive oil and gas

deposits in Yellowstone National Park. However, viewers of Ken Burns’ documentary on the national parks can guess the answer to that question.

The three courses cover each segment. Kevin McCartney will offer a course in the science of the fossil fuels and nuclear energy. The fossil fuels (coal, petroleum and natural gas) currently supply about 85 percent of all United States energy needs. Carolyn Dorsey will offer a course in the business of energy, with a focus on sustainable energy business. How can a business be profitable, “green”, and socially responsible. I’ll offer a course on the law and policy of energy, a subject on which I have taught and written for most of my academic life.

I’ll borrow one more paragraph to describe my course in

more detail. We’ll start with a survey of the United States and the world to answer two questions. What do we use energy for? Where do we get that energy? The answers to those questions give you a big picture of the “energy problem.” It’s then up to science and technology, business, and law and public policy to implement those answers. The law and policy part of the equation raise fascinating questions about both rights and values. If I own a piece of land, do I also own the oil and gas beneath it? Can I control the wind or solar energy passing over it? Can I object to my neighbor’s wind turbine if its noise disturbs my “right to peace and quiet?” Besides matters that involve individuals or businesses, there are areas in which government (local, state or national) wants or needs to

What are the involve itself. implications of a large number of off-shore wind turbines in shipping lanes or fishing areas?

Should the City of Presque Isle set standards for when a wind turbine can be installed in the city? Those are the kind of questions we look at.

I also want to mention an energy related course that is already well known—Ted Shapiro’s meteorology course.

Our weatherman extraordinaire takes a look at some weather matters that also implicate energy sources—particularly wind and solar.

Come and join us for some up-to-the-minute courses that will let you understand one of the most important issues for business, science and government in 2010.

- President Don Zillman

Join the WUPI. We Meet Every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Normal 102

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I was parked in front of the mall, wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work.

Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money.

There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don’t want to be bothered.

This was one of those “don‘t want to be bothered times.”

“I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money,” I thought.

He didn’t.

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn’t look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke.

“That‘s a very pretty car,” he said.

He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him.

His scraggly blond beard kept more than his face warm. I said, “thanks,” and

University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

Chrisʼ Corner Donʼt We All...

continued wiping off my car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, “Ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say “yes” but I held true to the inner voice. “Do you need any help?” I asked.

He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often

look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me.

“Don’t we all?” he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve

gauge shotgun. Don’t we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help, too.

No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.

Even if it’s just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone who appears to have it all. They’re waiting for you to give them what they don’t have: a different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos that only you through a torn world can see.

Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that.

Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to souls too comfortable in themselves.

Maybe God looked down, called an angel, dressed him like a bum and then said, “Go minister to that man cleaning the car. That man needs help.” Don’t we all?

Author Unknown

Artistic Students Wanted!

STUDENTS IN KIM SEBOLD’S MEDIEVAL HISTORY CLASS ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DESIGN BOOTHS FOR A MEDIEVAL FAIRE! THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE TO SHOW OFF YOUR ARTISTIC SKILLS CONTACT KIM SEBOLD ~ 768-9721 ~ KIMBERLY.SEBOLD@UMPI.EDU

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University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

Leah McEachern Staff Writer With a cold winter wind blowing through the dying leaves and carrying a few stray snowflakes in the air, it was a perfect night to stay indoors and go a little crazy.

The afternoon of Oct. 29 was full of activity as the residents of Park and Merriman Halls enthusiastically decorated their doors and floors with garbage bags and toilet paper in anticipation of the evening to come.

From 7 to 8 p.m., children from kindergarten up to grade five came into the dorms with their parents to collect candy and show off their costumes to the students living there. This was the 13th consecutive year for the event.

Some popular costumes were ninjas from the recent GI Joe film and Hannah Montana. But some of the more unique costumes included a group of three

Dorm Spookfest

children dressed as a hotdog, a bottle of ketchup and a bottle of mustard; Johnny Stor m from the Fantastic Four; and a combination angel and devil costume. In addition to passing out candy, the students living in Park and Merriman Halls dressed up as well as barbies, prison psychos and witches. After all the kids had left, everyone was invited to the first floor of Park Hall to partake in pizza and other refreshments Despite a few minor setbacks, a fair number of kids and their families participated and seemed to have a fun time doing so. The decorating and cleanup went well, and the residents of the halls seemed to be enjoying themselves even more than their visitors. The tradition of opening our doors to the community on such a colorful holiday is alive and well.

We’re already starting to look forward to next year’s celebrations!

Trick or Treat

Ben Pinette Staff Writer

The famous quote, “being a kid in a candy store,” came true for kids under 10 years of age on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Between the hours of 7 and 8 p.m., kids from the greater Presque Isle community came to UMPI for Halloween a little bit earlier. Even before the kids even arrived, the dorms were transformed into a haunted house type theme, complete with black trash bag walls, toilet paper strung ceilings and an assortment of flashing lights, thanks to the RAs. All that was missing were the tiny kids anxious to receive candy. Throughout the evening, the same timid expression was common among the small children coming in and receiving candy

from college kids.

“The costumes and hall were very scary,” said one boy dressed up as a mini John Travolta from “Grease.”

Along with handing out candy to the children, each floor in Park and Merriman had different contests that they participated in, including a “Best Door Decoration,” “Best Floor Decoration,” “Best Costume” and “Fastest Clean Up.”,As soon as the kids left, tension was high on all floors to get down all the decorations the fastest. As soon as the RAs heard from resident life director Jim Stepp that it was a “go” to start, all three floors frantically were running around, tearing down toilet paper and the trash bag walls all into one pile. The competition was definitely fierce and could be felt through each

floor.,In the end, it was determined that the guys first floor in Park cleaned up the fastest.

Shouts of victory could be heard all throughout the building, as they later won a pizza party.

At 8:30, Stepp announced the winners for the other contests. The best door decoration went to Jennifer Maclellan of 313 Merriman. Best Floor decoration went to Merriman third floor and best overall costume of the evening went to Stephanie Pemberton of 211 Park, who also is an RA for second floor Park.

It was certainly an evening of surprises for the local children. In the end they had the most amount of fun and memories, visiting the campus of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

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University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

Everyoneʼs Friend Sarah Graettinger STAFF WRITER

Claude Boucher’s office lies in the back corner of the facilities support building. In it, you’ll find an array of tools and materials to help him do his job on campus. You’ll also find Claude when he’s not out helping people across campus. He does various things that many people don’t know about. He helps the campus run in a multiple of different ways - and enjoys every minute of it.

One of the things that Claude does is make sure that all of the locks are working on campus right. He’s in charge of all of the key card information, and can keep track of who opened what door. He can key information to your card that can open certain doors. You leave a digital trail that goes into his computer, for every day and time you open a door.

“It’s one of my greatest challenges. I went to school in

New Jersey to learn about the card program,” Boucher said.

Claude does a lot of the carpentry on campus. Many people at UMPI ask him to make things, and he does it. Many of the professors ask him to make bookshelves for offices or modify furniture.

“All the club needs to do is pay for the materials that they need. They give me a blueprint of what they want, and I build it,” Boucher said.

Boucher has witnessed many things that have happened on campus. He’s been here for 29 years. That’s long enough to see the changing of five UMPI Presidents. He’s seen to the remodeling of Folsom Hall and even built some of the display cases there.

“The cases that have the sea turtle and the seismograph were fun to build. They were part of the science museum,” Boucher said.

Many students who

have been Claude’s work students him have enjoyed it very much. The students help build anything that needs to be done on campus. One of his work studies even started his own carpentry business.

“I help the students learn how to use the tools right. I teach them about carpentry, and how to saw things. I oversee their progress,” Boucher said.

Helping students is part of his everyday job. He helps people with the lock systems, key card system and a vast range of carpentry.

“I’m great with talking to the public. If there’s a problem, I try to find a solution as fast as possible. I also love working with the students,” Boucher said.

If there’s anything relating to locks, key cards or carpentry that needs to be done, Claude Boucher is always willing to try.

The UMPI community owes him a lot for the many things that he does.

Explore Wild Land Conservation in Montana!

Marjorie McNamara STAFF WRITER

As the campus student exchange coordinator, I’d like to let students know about the Wilderness and Civilization Program at University of Montana, Missoula. This is a one semester fall exchange program for students interested in conservation and the environment.

The University of Montana’s Wilderness Institute has been offering this innovative, interdisciplinary, immersion program for more than 30 years. The Wilderness and Civilization Program combines experiential learning, extensive field work and rigorous classes from across campus for a Wilderness Studies Minor. The program offers an in-depth look at conservation issues and strategies and the changing ecology, culture and politics of

the northern Rockies.

We encourage students from across the U.S. to participate through the National Student Exchange Program. The minor is available in just over one semester and while exchange students are encouraged to remain in residency at UM during the spring semester, program requirements can be completed from their home college or university.

wildlife habitat. This living classroom is integrated with oncampus

The Wilderness and Civilization Program The Wilderness and civilization Program is located in some of the wildest country in the lower 48 states. Based at the University of Montana in Missoula, it’s surrounded by vast forests and grasslands and millions of acres of unfragmented lands that support biodiversity and provide important

studies at the university throughout the program.

The Wilderness and Civilization Program blends hands-on learning, extensive fieldwork and small, interdisciplinary classes. Students can

earn a Wilderness Studies Minor in just over one semester, making the program an easy fit for students who wish to graduate in four years with a minor that provides real world experience, knowledge and skills.

In Wilderness and Civilization, a small community of 25 students gets the best of both worlds: campus and field learning.

Students spend 30 days in the field throughout the program, learning firsthand how the ecology, politics, history and culture of a place shape conservation efforts. Fieldtrips include a 10day backpack into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and shorter weekly trips to Yellowstone National Park,

Glacier National Park, the Blackfoot, Bitterroot and Mission Valleys, the Flathead Tribal Reservation and more.

Fieldtrips complement classroom teaching by exploring real world environmental issues and the specific ways that managers, community activists, tribal members, and landowners meet today’s conservation challenges. Our students often tell us how much they benefit from understanding the connections between changing culture, politics and landscape conservation.

For more information about this and other great opportunities with the National Student Exchange, stop by 103 South Hall and let’s talk. Applications are available and need to be completed and turned in by February to be eligible for a student exchange for Fall 2010 or Spring 2011. Don’t miss these great opportunities!

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University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

A Little Behind the Times Long Cao

STAFF WRITER

You can’t learn all about teaching from a textbook.

Getting out and experiencing it firsthand is something that no textbook can offer. UMPI’s College of Education has done an amazing job providing this opportunity to its students. One of the newer concepts that the college has been trying with its partners is the Professional Development School or PDS. The PDS is a Preschool-12th grade school that only made possible through many partnerships between the university and the area schools. Both local schools and UMPI designed and maintains the program.

The PDS gives an opportunity for students to intern at one of the many schools that the College of Education has is partnered with. For the Presque Isle area, the parbicipatry schools are Pine Street Elementary, Presque Isle Middle School and Presque Isle High School. For the Caribou area, there are Teague Park Elementary School and Caribou Middle School.

The internship through the PDS lasts for a whole year instead of the normal one semester as a student teacher.

Sometimes students might start a week before school actually starts and stay later—even when the year is over. This gives students a chance to really experience what it’s like to be a teacher instead of just coming in for the beginning or end of a semester.

“They’ll have a chance to see the classroom without the students, without the books and without all the little things that makes a classroom, a classroom.... To see the whole thing happen from start to finish just amazes me,” Eric Waddell, principal of Presque Isle High School, said.

The yearlong experience also looks great to possible future employers. Further, it gives a better chance for prospective

employers to really get to know students better on a more personal level. Having this time lets the students learn from teachers who have been assigned to them. The goal of all this is to better prepare students, to provide opportunities to the faculty of both the university and schools to improve their professional skills and also to increase P-12 student achievement.

“We not only want to immerse our students in a teaching environment, but also to show them how a school is organized,” Professor Reginald Nnazor, chair of the College of Education, said.

Professor Barbara Chalou is the local site coordinator for UMPI. Professor Chalou meets regularly with the PDS working committee to decide when and where to send the students and to plan out the mission and activities. UMPI is the only school in Maine with a PDS. Emily St. Peter was one of the lucky students who is currently in PDS. St. Peter teaches one day a week in Teague Park Elementary in Caribou. A teaching day usually starts with her going in at 7:30 a.m. That’s when St. Peter and her assigned teacher talk about the agenda for the day. The kids usually get there around 8:20 a.m. and that’s when the experience really starts. From there, St. Peter works individually with the kids or does small classroom task such as grading papers, watching over the children, preparing work for them and much more.

As the year progresses, the tasks that she’s assigned get a little more complex. St. Peter’s also had the chance to go to a few teacher workshops, teacher meetings and an open house.

GIS Program Charting New Ground Rachel Pinette STAFF WRITER

She really gets to see what it’s like to be a teacher, inside and outside the classroom.

“I’m so lucky to be a part of this program! I feel that it’s a great opportunity to get teacher education. I pretty much did it for my own sake. I felt as though I didn’t have enough experience to even student teach.

Somehow, I snuck through the first three years of school without any actual classroom experience. This gave me the opportunity to be there, in the school, learning what it really means to teach.... There are huge benefits to doing the PDS program over just student teaching. For one, I’m in the same classroom during the full 15 weeks of student teaching. Also, I get to see all of the changes through the year within the classroom…. I already know the faculty members of the school, the rules and routines of the school, and best of all, the students know me and I know the students. The mentors of Teague Park have been really great,” St. Peter said.

Many schools—such as medical schools and some forms of trade school—already have some form of hands-on experience or internship. Education has been way behind. But with the PDS, it’ll be making dramatic change in the right direction to catch up.

Local students may be able to learn a great deal more about the ground we live on as UMPI’s GIS program continues to expand. GIS, short for Geographical Information System, is a term used to describe a system that captures, stores and analyzes all forms of geographical information. Do you need to determine the depth of a waterway for fishing and boating traffic? Want to measure the distance between two landmarks? Or perhaps you need to know the pH levels within a plot of farmland? GIS can be used to plot information on all these variables and much, much more. With such a wide variety of applications, students in the GIS program gain background in skills that they can use in a variety of work fields.

For example, students enrolled in the GIS program over the past couple of years have worked in Presque Isle’s Fairmount Cemetery, charting a total of 10,584 grave plots in order to help caretakers determine how many of the facility’s lots were still available for burials. Project organizers hope to post the database of their work online sometime next spring. It will include a map of the cemetery’s plots, general information on their occupants and photographs of all the gravestones and monuments on the grounds.

“When you’re applying for a job, it helps to be a little bit unique,” Dr. Chunzeng Wang, assistant professor of geoscience and GIS, said. “Having these

skills can benefit students going into any number of fields.”

Earlier this summer, UMPI received a grant from the Maine Technology Institute to fund a state-of-the-art GIS and GPS laboratory. It awarded $96, 800 to the program in order to purchase cutting-edge Trimble GPS units, 20 new student computers and a largescale scanner for students enrolled in the GIS I and II courses. The new equipment has been stored in Folsom 201, which has been officially named UMPI’s “Geospatical Information Technology Center.” Previously, students had to work in the Folsom computer labs between classes. The lab will reserve a place for GIS students to complete their projects with some of the best technology available.

The Geospatical Information Technology Center will be open to the public on Nov. 18, with an open house starting at 11:30 a.m. People interested in the program can attend and see for themselves what the GIS program is all about. All students who join GIS I in the fall semester can enroll in the program, with the option of taking GIS II in the spring. Each course is worth four credits and doesn’t require and prerequisites, aside from taking the classes consecutively.

“GIS is not just for math and science majors. It can be used for many different things. These classes are not required for a degree: they are generated by student interest,” Wang said, “GIS is for everyone.”

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University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

FYS Students Making a Difference Cassie Gildert STAFF WRITER

During their college career, students can have experiences that will change their lives. Sometimes they even get the opportunity to change the lives of others.

First Year Seminar is a class where students can make a difference in the lives of others. FYS can provide students with valuable information that can help them succeed in college. But taking the class can also satisfy students on a higher level. Many students who take this class volunteer and take part in service learning projects that reach out and affect others. Students can also participate in volunteer activities that benefit the entire community.

Kim-Anne Perkins is the chair of the Center for University Programs, the division of the university that includes FYS. Perkins talked about the types of projects students might do in FYS and said many times students and their professors do these projects together.

“Most of the time, it’s a group project,” Perkins said.

Many of these kinds of projects focus on helping the community by cleaning up and improving the appearance of public areas. Perkins also talked about some of the volunteer projects students helped out with over this past summer.

“The summer FYS programs did a project to clean up the bike path for the town of Presque Isle,” Perkins said.

Ben Pinette is a student who was involved with one of the FYS classes last summer.

Pinette and a group of students spent a day at Downing Park in Presque Isle.

“I went with a group of about 20 people,” Pinette said The students cleaned up the park by doing things such as pulling up weeds and cutting down dead trees. Pinette said he had never really done anything like this before, but for him, it was definitely a positive experience.

“It was great.” Pinette said, “I would definitely do it again.”

Activities such as cleaning up bike paths and maintaining parks benefit both the community and the people liv-

ing in the area. These projects make the area safer and show that people really care about their community. Though many projects do focus on improving life for people, volunteer work in FYS is not limited to helping only humans.

“I went to the animal shelter and helped out,” Elizabeth Gagnon said. Gagnon is a freshman at UMPI and is currently taking the FYS class.

Gagnon said that she has done a little volunteering in the past when she was in high school for groups like Civil Rights and the National Honors Society. But this is the first time she has volunteered in college.

“I went to the shelter and helped walk the dogs and clean up,” Gagnon said.

This kind of volunteering is something Gagnon really found she enjoyed. Gagnon also said she may volunteer at a local day care to get more of her volunteer hours in. The types of volunteer activities students do at UMPI have a wide range and can help everyone from people to ani-

mals, as well as the community as a whole.

Jason Johnston is a professor at UMPI who is teaching an FYS class this semester. He hopes his class will also improve the community.

Johnston’s class is working on cleaning up the West Campus Woods, located behind Gentile Hall.

“What we’re trying to do is make the woods become more accessible,” Johnston said.

The class has already done some cleaning up by removing bushes blocking the trail and trying to make information available about the woods.

This is Johnston’s second year teaching FYS, but he hasn’t done anything like this in his previous classes.

“This is the first time we’re kind of trying this approach,” Johnston said.

The class is also designing a new trail head and finding ways to distribute a

brochure to make people more aware that the woods and trail is there for use.

Other FYS classes are volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross and Literacy Volunteers of America. There are many other groups and people, as well, that can use volunteers.

Students who volunteer at UMPI have the possibility of changing many lives. The opportunities to volunteer are there and introducing students to service learning and volunteer projects through FYS is a way to show students how important their efforts are and that what they do really does make a difference.

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University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

Laughter The Stress-buster

A Newlywed Earns Student of the Month Award Pam Perkins STAFF WRITER

Jennifer Sappier STAFF WRITER

It can be as simple as a dose of laughter. Laugher is a stress management technique that can help you lower your level of stress as a student.

There are lots of tips and techniques, from professionals and others. But the tips are as common as pepperoni on pizza.

Being able to manage your time wisely and being able to find a balance and keep track of your due dates and work schedule will be very beneficial. You should also learn to plan ahead and avoid procrastination.

“If you build in extra time, surprises will cause you far less stress than they would otherwise,” said Elizabeth Scott on the About.com Website article, “College Life-How to Reduce Stress in College Life.”

Setting goals and priorities is another tip. Our goals can be small ones that lead to a bigger goal. Break down projects into smaller steps and tackle them one step at a time.

Be sure to prioritize and don’t forget to leave in time for fun and laughter. Make more

than one list if you have to.

Maybe you could make one for a week and another for a month. As you check off items on your weekly priority lists you’ll probably be able to check one off your monthly list.

Make sure you also take time to give yourself space or to be alone. Sometimes you just need to get away for a few minutes to clear your mind or to get clarity on a troubling assignment. All you may need is that uninterrupted or quiet time. Taking a short, brisk walk or finding a quiet corner somewhere away from your noisy dorm, apartment or home can be beneficial.

Remember to stay healthy.

Be sure to get some exercise, good nutrition and enough sleep. They may not, technically, be techniques, but they’re important enough to mention. Using relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, will give your brain a chance to rest.

Talking or writing about troubling issues is a technique that helps, also. Stress can be deflated simply by talking to someone. Keeping a journal or diary can serve the same

purpose. Getting it out is the main purpose here.

Another important tip is to try to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as a way to ease the stress. They are not coping tools. The feeling of relief won’t last long. Instead, use laughter. Laughter is one of the best stress relievers there is.

Dr. Cliff Kuhn, the Laugh Doctor, said, “laughter produces such profound positive change to your health and personal success.”

His Web site article,“Stress Management,” at www.natural-humor-medicine.com, helps you see and use humor and laughter as a de-stressor.

Too much stress can be harmful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Try some of these tips or find a Web site that you find helpful: there are lots. All you may need is a good laugh – rent a comedy or read a few jokes from a joke book or check out the comics in today’s newspaper.

Laughter is simply wonderful and it’s amazing what it can do for you and your stress level.

A very special and joking group gathered in the Whooos Hut on Thursday, Oct. 29. They were there to honor Meghan (Medlinskas) Lightbown, who was the recipient of October’s Student of the Month award.

Lightbown, who is a social work major, has been very heavily involved within the campus community of UMPI for the past several years. Her achievements at UMPI includes: being a peer adviser during the SOAR sessions, peer tutor, a volunteer work study in South Hall, a member of the Student Organization of Social Work; helping out with the Writing Center; becoming an actual work study in South Hall who helps to train new work study students. She’s just, in essence, an all-around positive role model and good buddy. As of this year, she has taken on an internship working in the Student Affairs office at NMCC. Helen Findlen, one of the many nominators there, said, “Meghan is just not Student of the Month, but Student of Every Day. She freely will share her life experiences with whoever asks. Meghan is a very valued member of our team and she

does whatever I ask, even above and beyond what’s expected of her to do.”

This then prompted Lightbown to jokingly say, “I didn’t cry at my wedding but I might for this.”

Next to speak on Lightbown’s behalf was Marjorie McNamara, who told the group that she first started to work for them as a volunteer work study in South Hall. She was so good, that they had to hire her. She’s been working for them now for the past three years. McNamara said that Lightbown does a lot with posters, data entry and training the new work studies who have come in over the years.

McNamara said, “I can’t think of any other work study who deserves this.”

With a slight tear in her eye as she was receiving her reward, Lightbown humorously remarked. “I always wanted to say this and now I can. You like me! You really like me!” Then with all seriousness, she thanked the crowd and said that out of the other colleges that she’s been to, “UMPI is my home.”

Congratulations once again to Meghan (Medlinskas) Lightbown upon your reward.

Everyone here at the U times, wishes you good luck with your new marriage.

Meghan (Medlinskas) Lightbown with Dean Corsello accepting the student of the month award

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University Times CAMPUS November 13, 2009

UMPI Kitchen Suffers Small Kitchen Fire Ben Pinette

STAFF WRITER

Around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10th as students and faculty were finishing up their lunch, a rare fire alarm evacuated them outside. It was a shock to many, as the fire alarm rarely goes off. In the middle of his student senate meeting, Jeff Rhoads was one of the many witnesses of the event.

“I was immediately worried. All of a sudden we were in the middle of a student senate meeting and we were forced out to the gazebo. All of us thought someone had pulled the alarm but then we saw smoke coming out of the kitchen so we knew it was legit.”

Logan McNulty, a freshman also was walking by and saw the fire.

“I was just walking along and I see a large group of

Dan Smiley Staff Writer The eagle has landed, but in the form of a passionate and well spoken Eddy Ruiz. Eddy Ruiz was hired recently as Project Compass Director of Student Success and Innovative Education, bringing expertise in Native/Aboriginal education and campus climate. In a recent interview, Ruiz was eager to relay his message and dreams for the campus as a whole and with the development of Native students on campus.

When asked how he’s liking the job so far, Ruiz without hesitation said, “I like getting to know the community, getting down to the roots and building relationships with students.”

Ruiz is a graduate of UCLA where he’s a Doctor of Philosophy candidate and Master of Arts recipient in the field of higher education and organizational change. He earned a second Master of Arts from the University of Oklahoma at Norman and a

Left: UMPI Campus Center.

people outside the Campus Center then the whiff of smoke from the kitchen. My uncle called me right up and said he heard fire sirens coming to the campus and asked if anything was wrong.”

It was later reported that the fire had been caused by a clothes dryer that had caught fire while aprons were being washed. Overall, fire officials were on the scene for about an hour and a half.

“I’m just glad there was no one injured, and that the fire was maintained so quickly.”

Jeff Rhoads later said.

Darren Collins, the Food Director of Kelley Commons was asked to comment, but declined.

Many of the students were questioning if dinner would still be served later on, but in fact dinner did continue on as if nothing had happened.

Bottom: Fire Trucks arrive to investigate the source of the smoke

The Soaring Eagle on Campus Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Berkeley. He’s also participated in archaeological fieldwork with tribal descendants at San Pedro Sula, Honduras (Mayan) and Angels Camp, Calif.

(Miwok). He served as an active associate of UCLA’s American Indian community by volunteering for more than 600 attendees during the 2006 Indian Youth Conference.

Ruiz also participated in the American Indian Graduate Students Association, attending Tribal Learning Community & Educational Exchange events and researching UCLA’s American Indian Studies program climate. His professional and academic leadership qualities have contributed to him presenting three papers at national higher education conferences: From Macro-to-Micro (and Back Again): Campus Climate and American Indian Studies: “You Have to be a Warrior”: Campus Racial Climate: American Indian Studies and Native

Transformative Resistance: and Understanding the Climate for Native Americans at Four Year Colleges. Finally he’s a member of the National Institute for Native Leadership in Higher Education, Association for the Study of Higher Education, and American Educational Research Association.

Ruiz has served and worked for many years alongside and for the best interest of Native/Aboriginal peoples. His experience and knowledge in communications, publications, research and networking make him ideal for his new job. One of his goals, Ruiz said, is to “increase Native student’s retention and graduation rates.” Also, to create an inviting and hospitable environment for the Native communities, students and community members.”

What are his present goals as director?

Ruiz said “Developing a solid foundation between the tribes/bands and campus administration that is based on

shared power.”

How can Natives to become a further part of the school?

“Embrace differences and shared commonalities, foster intergroup dialogue and appreciation for Native cultures and obstruct the errors of previous educational endeavors that proved to be a detriment to tribal societies.”

By reaching out to the Native communities and keeping promises, students and tribal and non-Native communities can become advocates and ensure a welcoming and amicable environment for all students.

That leads to increased retention and graduation rates.

In the future, what Ruiz would like to achieve for the campus would be a building for Native students and community to learn about Wabanaki studies.

“It’s good to push people,” Ruiz said when referring to the possibility of a Native building to encourage both Natives to learn about themselves and

non-Natives to gain more knowledge about Native people.

“To break the stereotypical modes, talk across similarities and differences,” Ruiz said. He paraphrased Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt’s statement on Natives in education: “Revamp school systems to better fit Native Americans.”

One specific way to do this is through his goal of having a Native center for Native people to thrive both academically and culturally.

Ruiz said that his most important lesson in his line of work was to always “ask” Why is it so important? Why is it important to break the status quo? To be an advocate for communities of color and to seek social justice.

Ruiz combines curiosity with the courage to seek opportunity and find answers to the questions that make the educatoinal system such a journey.

11

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

Changes Backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail in the Class of 2010 Stephanie Jellett STAFF WRITER

Two thousand, six hundred and fifty some odd miles after they began, covered over a span of six- and- a -half months, Todd Russell and his wife, Kaye, completed the Pacific Crest Trail. They backpacked it over the summers of 2006 and 2007. With Kaye’s backpack weighing about 19 pounds and Todd’s weighing approximately 27, on May 9, 2006 the couple set out on an adventure.

The Pacific Crest Trail runs from Campo, Calif. (which is right on the U.S.-Mexican border) to E.C. Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. The PCT is a scenic trail that was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968. It was finished in 1993. It passes through such states as California, Oregon and Washington and only allows hikers and horseback riders.

Some of the major scenes on the PCT include Vasquez Rocks, South Sierra Wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park, John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Devil’s Peak Monument, Crater Lake National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Todd and Kaye met many different people along the way. They ran into Scott Williams, who was the first person to ever hike the PCT all the way to British Columbia and back before snowfall. Other people when they met include: Santa Cruz John, Bluebird, Munk and Mother Goose. They still keep in contact with a few and send them Christmas cards.

They also met an old guy named Voyager. Todd described him as “a male version of Mary Poppins.”

Sixty miles out of LA, there was a town that hosted hikers who passed through.

Todd and Kaye learned that a lot of the old Western movies were filmed in this town. After they left there, they traveled through the Mojave Desert and carried 11 liters of water with them because it was extremely

hot. They had to avoid hiking from 12-3p.m. because that was the hottest time of the day.

During that time, they’d lie low in the shade.

“Even animals like the shade,” Russell said as he showed a picture of a rabbit that was taking shade underneath a Joshua tree.

Kennedy Meadows General Stores is the 700 mile point. When they left there, they made it to the High Sierra Wilderness. There is snow there all year round. The highest pass in High Sierra is Forester, with an elevation of 13,200 feet.

They lost their way at Forester pass and were going the wrong direction, when someone yelled, “Your going the wrong way!”

They took the advice, turned around and found the right trial.

It’s difficult to find your way on most of the paths because if there’s more than one trail, there are no signs that say which way to go-you basically have to make a crucial decision.

“The worst thing that can happen is you get lost,” Russell said as he talks about losing his way a few more times throughout the journey. They also got lost around interstate 80, but found their way once more.

When going through fjords, which are long, narrow bodies of water that are bordered by steep cliffs, they were especially cautious when they were past their waists. They would lock their arms together so they were more buoyant.

One day there was a big snowstorm that made them lose a day of hiking. They slept in their tent and ate food that was high in carbs. Peanut butter, nutella, olive oil, root beer and ice cream are examples of foods that are high in carbs. Those are the best to bring.

“I ran into a guy on the Appalachian Trail that brought nothing but 40 Snickers Bars,” Russell said.

For 30 miles, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, they had no water, no shade and ran into a lot of bears. It was a very stressful time. Things got better for them as they made their way

Jessica Stepp

PRESQUE ISLE HIGH SCHOOL

to the Bridge of the Gods, which links Oregon and Washington.

They got plenty of rides into town from local people to get more supplies. Another way to get supplies was mail drops.

You could get specific addresses for places you would stop and ask friends/family members to send you supplies through USPS. Some of the downfalls to mail drops includes: the post office isn’t open 24/7 and it’s closed on Sunday and holidays.

Todd and Kaye made their way to Goat Rocks Wilderness, Wash. They found it very dangerous because it consists of the eroded remnant of a volcano and rugged peaks

that averaged 7,000feet in elevation.

“It was also very cold,” Russell said.

Stehekin, Wash. is an interesting place. There is no road access. It’s only accessible by the passenger ferry, private boat, hiking, horseback riding or by floatplane. All the vehicles in Stehekin are barged.

On Sept. 11, 2007, the finished their incredible journey.

They had a hassle at the border crossing into Canada at E.C. Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia. But they made it! Their adventure was over. But they’ll be remember, and share it for as long as they live.

Things change all the time. The weather changes, as do the seasons. Sometimes it hits harder when you don’t want to realize it. The class of 2010 is going to be faced with a lot of changes. As senior year goes on moving, there are many things that are about to happen. The seniors will be doing a lot of fundraisers to raise the money for prom night, which will happen June 5, 2010.

Seniors are starting the path to this long - awaited time by filling out college applications. This is a time that could see a lot of changes. It’s a time that could be sad if students don’t get to go where they wanted to go.

They’ll see how much a dollar is worth. But sooner or later everyone will find out what they are doing after high school.

A few weeks ago, we had a Pep rally. As always there was a lot of yelling. Every pep rally, there’s a jug awarded to the loudest class. At this rally, the class of 2012 came in fourth place. Third went the class of 2013. The class of 2010 took second. The class of 2011 took the lead by only a few points.

Students have been working hard to get “The Pajama Game” ready. Opening night is Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. The second showing is Nov. 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13 have shows at 7 p.m. The last showings are on Nov. 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. Seize the chance to see this musical. It’s supposed to be good.

Over time, things change.

It’s always meant to happen.

The way we accept it can change the way we act.

Changes can be good or bad.

Let’s hope that they can all be good for the class of 2010.

12

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

Kayla Ames

Forum on Faith

STAFF WRITER

The forum on Thursday, Oct. 22, addressed faith, God, evil and our individual take on each. Approximately 30 people took part in the discussion.

Some spoke, some questioned, some listened. Outside the Campus Center, snow was falling heavily. Inside the MultiPurpose Room, people voiced ideas passionately and defended beliefs with conviction.

Conversation before and after the forum remained stimulating yet casual. Thoughts flowed freely, at times disputed.

Nevertheless, all were appreciated.

Five panelists sat behind a table at the front of the room.

The group consisted of Raymond Rice, David Raymond, Robert GroveMarkwood, Donald Zillman and William Davidshofer. Rice was the first to speak.

His opening statement? “I’ll be blunt. I believe there is good and evil in the world.”

More specifically, he believes in the existence of good and evil acts. Rice spoke primarily of education. Religion, God, and the concept of evil may not be outrightly explored at a university outside of a philosophy class, but they are a part of campus. College helps us learn how to distinguish between good and evil, how to determine what acts qualify as good and what ones qualify as bad.

There are those out there who are more than willing to tell us the differences and determining factors.

“But that is not your knowledge,” Rice said.

Rather than rely on others to lend us their faith and beliefs, we should develop our own.

Universities can give us the tools to help us do that.

Raymond gave the popular definition of God: all good, all knowing and all powerful.

Humans continually ask them-

selves, if God is so good, so knowing, so powerful, how can he allow evil to exist? As a result of this question, we tend to lose faith in God. The important thing, though, is to consider a world in which someone always keeps us from making mistakes.

We would lose our free will, our ability to make our own choices, even if they’re the wrong ones. Raymond found support for his argument in Startrek.

“My pain is part of who I am,” Raymond said.

In all honesty, humans are flawed creatures. Some of our complaints, the very acts for which we blame God, can be traced back to us, to our choices. Good or bad, however, we must be allowed to make them.

Should evil and tragedy result, we have only to remember that they are the price we pay for that beautiful thing called freedom.

Grove-Markwood agreed

with Raymond in his belief that natural evil, or rather natural disaster, is not as great a concern as moral, or human, evil.

He does not necessarily see evil as a problem. In opposition to Raymond’s statement, GroveMarkwood isn’t sure of education’s relevance. Different religions address the issue of evil in different ways. According to his faith, humans do not possess the capacity to deal with or understand it. We try to explain, but it is beyond us.

We are not helpless, though.

Humans can exercise some power by not allowing evil to thrive. In other words, we must not be silent. No amount of evil can stand against compassion, mercy and love. GroveMarkwood incorporated a quote by Henry David Thoreau, reminding us that even on the darkest night, the stars still shine. In such a way, humans can help in the fight

against evil. With the help of community and God, we can triumph.

Zillman was the next to speak. He addressed our tendency to characterize things as either good or evil, with no in between. That tendency begs many questions, according to him. Is our government good or evil? Do we define people who don’t agree with us as evil? Do those who agree with gay marriage consider those who don’t evil, and vice versa? Zillman tied in the issue of our obligation to God. Are good human beings the ones who spend their life worshiping their God, or do the truly good people dedicate all their time to helping their fellows? When considering the topic of good and evil, these are questions we all must ask ourselves.

The last panelist to speak was Davidshofer, professor of political science. He provided

glimpses into the past, describing political theory and the philosophers of old. Using a quote by Hans J. Morgenthau, he implied that the fight for power and understanding alike know no limits.

“The struggle for power is universal in time and space and is an undeniable fact of experience...”

Our ancestors, including the Greeks, have attempted time and again to establish as well as maintain moral order. Our need for power, our inability to accept a higher being, prevents it. If we require proof, we need only to look at Adam. We need only to remember his sin. Like Adam, we cannot settle for what we have. War is the result.

As for the question or problem of evil, Davidshofer said “It’s not outside of us. It’s inside of us.”

After the panelists spoke, audience members were encouraged to ask questions and request elaboration on any point previously mentioned.

The root of morality, the definition of God and the standard of good and evil were explored.

Others covered the glamorization of God by television personalities, the ability of supposedly religious people to practice negative deeds and the features of faith. Before the group broke into an informal setting, members dealt with the topics of science and nature and their relation to religion as well as morality. We were left with a hopeful message as the discussion on the reality of God drew to a close.

“Humanity has a sick heart.”

There is, however, a remedy.

Some will say that we must strive to understand evil and faith. Others will insist that faith means we must live with not knowing. Either way, there’s one point with which most, if not all, agree: by trying hard and opening ourselves to change, we just might be able to make the world good again.

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

13

Research, Recreation, and DNA Replication Stephanie Corriveau STAFF WRITER

Mount Desert Island is wellknown for its beautiful oceanic landscapes and picturesque gift shops and restaurants. It offers adventurous and exciting experiences to its visitors. During October break, students from Dr. Bonnie Wood and Dr. Kim Borges’ (professor at the University of Maine at Fort Kent) genetics classes went to Mount Desert Island for one of these exciting experiences. But their experience happened to take place at a whole other level…a molecular level, in fact.

The group—which included Wood, 10 of her students and eight UMFK students—attended a molecular biology research techniques course at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratories. Funding from the Maine IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) grant paid for students to take the weeklong course.

Because of the grant, undergraduates from various universities across the state get the chance to work in a laboratory setting and learn about different research techniques. The grant also gives one student from each university the opportunity to have a summer internship at MDIBL (this takes place through an application process).

On the night of the students’ arrival at MDIBL, Dr. Marcus Davis, a guest instructor from Kennesaw State University, gave a presentation that included background information about the experiment that would take place during the week. He discussed how limbs have developed through time and noted that certain genes that control limb growth—called Homeobox or Hox genes—have similar DNA sequences in organisms that are evolutionarily related. Davis told the group that its research would examine the Hox genes of skates (a cartilaginous marine fish) and compare them to Hox genes from chickens.

This research included multiple steps and the students went through the process with the help of Dr. Randy Dahn and Dr. Denry Sato. Both men have done important work in the area

From of molecular biology. Dahn has worked at MDIBL for a year and has studied limb growth. Sato, a former investigator who worked at MDIBL for seven years, has done cancer research. They were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and well-trained in the techniques and technologies used in the research experiment.

The laboratories at MDIBL were well-equipped with some of these latest technologies. Kim Labbe, a biology/pre-med major from UMPI said, “The facilities are gorgeous.”

The students were able to work with relatively new equipment. During the experiment, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine, made copies of DNA segments from the Hox genes.

The process also required the use of a DNA sequencing machine and gel electrophoresis (a method of separating large and small DNA pieces). The students used technology to perform the main goal of the experiment, which was in-situ hybridization. In-situ hybridization involved locating where the Hox genes were active in the developing chicken and skate embryos. Basically, students used DNA segments called probes that they knew corresponded to the DNA segments in the Hox genes. They exposed

left: Charles Michaud, Julie Trundel and Jessica Kinney running test chicken and skate embryos to the lab skills and reinforced what own will…It’s a lot of fun seeing students understand,” said Dr. probes—and with the assistance they learned in class.

Jonathan Stormer, an UMPI Sato. of additional solutions and the Both instructors think that stureactions of different chemi- biology/pre-med major, said, “I cals—certain parts of the feel overall more confident in lab dents should take the course embryos fluoresced purple. The and in using laboratory tech- because of the positive benefits that they could get from it. students could then conclude that niques effectively.”

“Everybody should get a Nathalie Dupuis, Emily the sections of the embryos’ bodies that turned purple were con- Bartlett (both UMPI biolo- chance to see science in practice gy/pre-med majors) and Andrew instead of science in theory. It’s trolled by Hox genes.

(UMFK biology important if you’re going into the Wood felt that it was a great Albert experience for her students to be major/education minor) agreed medical field or biomedical able to use these techniques and that the hands-on lab experience research just to understand if you will be beneficial in future course- enjoy that work,” said Dr. Dahn. technologies.

The students who attended the “Today, so much of biology is work.

“It helped me understand short course during October molecular biology. So many different fields use these techniques. information we’ve covered [in break would most likely agree.

For one student, it was his third It’s important to understand class],” Dupuis said.

The students weren’t the only visit to MDIBL. Dan Sheffield, these procedures and to have an UMPI Professional biology experience performing them,” ones who enjoyed the course.

Wood said, “This [INBRE] major, thinks that other students Wood said.

Although the course involved grant goes on for five years. I def- should also take advantage of the a lot of work—sometimes the initely want to take my genetics research experiences at MDIBL. Sheffield recommended, “See group worked in the lab until class in two years. I’m impressed after 7 p.m.—there was still some at how competent my students how science really works and that time for recreational activities. are. They asked questions that you don’t succeed right away.”

If you’re interested in taking a For instance, on one afternoon show they understand. I’m so the group went to Acadia proud of my students. They real- short course at MDIBL, you should check out National Park with Dahn and ly know what they’re doing.”

Dahn and Sato had fun with http://www.mdibl.org/ or conSato. They got to explore the area and chat with one another. the course, too. They both tact Wood or Borges for more It was a wonderful opportunity agreed that the students had a information. It truly is a great for students from UMPI and good understanding of the sub- opportunity that could provide UMFK to get to know one ject. Although putting the course you with knowledge and experitogether was a lot of work, they ence that may be valuable in your another. future.

Overall, the course at MDIBL enjoyed instructing the group.

“It helps us out if we know stuwas successful and the students felt that it helped improve their dents came over vacation on their

14

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

UMPI Graduate to Address United Nations Robert Butcher STAFF WRITER

Thomas Wire, a recent UMPI graduate, provides data to save the world’s environment. His study evaluated projected emissions control and reduction between 2010 and 2050.

Wire studied the cost of family planning versus the cost of other low carbon technologies.

Wire, originally from Watford, UK, graduated from UMPI with a B.S. in mathematics and a minor in business. He then obtained his masters in operational research from the London School of Economics.

Wire used the analytical skills he obtained to really try to make a difference in the world.

The path was not any easy one.

Wire reflected on his educational hurdles when he said, “The only difficulty I sometimes had at UMPI was fitting everything in.”

Wire played basketball,

Marie Mazerolle STAFF WRITER

Northern Maine doesn’t always get a lot of attention.

Granted, we do have the best potatoes around. But there’s so much more than that. We have our beautiful foliage in the fall that pulls people from quite far just to see. Still, for many, Northern Maine is just another blip on the radar. It’s there, but hardly readable.

Snowmobile season is coming up, as we all know. We’re about to bring out our winter boots, along with our mittens. There are those who think that winter is what Maine is all about.

Almost five months out of the year we have snow. But what about the other seven months?

What do we do then? Well, the answer to that is four wheeling.

The only problem with that is that for a couple years now, our

UMPI graduate, Thomas Wire

worked on campus and tutored several subjects. So how did he make it?

“I learned to plan and prioritize,” Wire said.

When asked what inspired him to really dig into this endeavor, Wire said, “Roger Martin, the chair of the Optimum Population Trust, OPT asked for the project.

My goal was to serve as an effective consultant. I respect the work of OPT, but I hoped to conduct the research completely impartially.”

Wire’s finding will be presented to the UN in a climate change conference located in Copenhagen from Dec. 7 to 18.

How does UMPI feel about its graduate’s success and contributions? The coordinator of media relations, Rachel Rice, said, “The university is very proud of a graduate who receives international attention.”

So what’s next for Wire?

Wire presented a well put together presentation at

UMPI on Oct. 29. Those lucky enough to attend got a sneak peak at his international presentation Wire said, “This presentation is very similar to the one I’ll be presenting in Uganda.” Wire will be doing a presentation in Uganda on Nov. 19 at the African Network for Strategic Communication in Health and Development, AfriComNet for short.

What advice would this proud alumni give to current UMPI students?“Take advantage of the UMPI faculty,” Wire said. He found that the faculty love their subjects and are very willing to help.

Wire also said, “Take advantage of the opportunities at UMPI. If you’re considering attending graduate school in the future, talk to people and find out what skills will be most helpful.”

Wire is a fine representative of UMPI. He received knowledge in northern Maine and is now aiming to make a difference in the world.

Beautiful Scenery Being Unseen

trails haven’t been marked all that well. So business for four wheeling has gone down. The state advertises and advertises.

But with the economy nowadays, let’s face it business has fallen dramatically. But there’s still that one person that never gives up. In this case, that’s Bob Murray, a business professor here at UMPI. Next semester, Murray will be teaching a course as an independent study.

Aroostook County tourism is a nonprofit organization. It gets a budget of about $100,000 per year. Murray believes that tourism has an enormous growth potential for the area.

The ATV sport is just getting started. The main trails aren’t exactly well mapped. So the GPS lab on campus here redid them all to help others figure out where the trails are and where they end up. It’s not very hard to

get lost on the trails in Northern Maine. They apply for grant money to help better the economic growth here and attract “more money” to the area.

Research assistants go out and conduct multiple interviews.

One question that they ask the interviewees is “What can be the best way to improve tourism here?” But everyone has different opinions about the matter.

Murray has done about half a dozen interviews already and most of them agreed that we needed better mapping. The committee is crushing one obstacle at a time. It can be done.

Businesses around the area have a lot to say, whether it’s a hotel or restaurant to commercial landowners and private property owners. Everyone is included.

Area Businesses are already trying different strategies to attract tourists. Some Businesses

have discounts for just ATVers or snowmobilers.

What Murray’s trying to do, along with other people from the County is attracting many others from all over to come up here, spend some money and enjoy the time. The tourism

group here has a minimum of 20 members.

“We’re trying to all come together” Murray said.

It only takes one to make a difference. But it takes a lot more to make a region more efficient and successful.

15

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

Kaitlyn McLaughlin STAFF WRITER

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., a large group gathered on the UMPI tennis courts. Many were sporting blue “Fields of Faith” T-shirts. What was the commotion all about? The group members had gathered for a worship service to come out with a better idea of what it means to make God a part of their everyday lives. People of all ages, including many UMPI students, attended. The UMPI Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Team GPS (God Powered Servants) sponsored the event, The service started out with a scripture reading. The wind that night made reading the Bible difficult. Pages kept turning without notice, but the speaker, a man who introduced himself as “Andy,” read on.

The people who attended filled up half of a tennis court and were huddled together to keep warm.

After the scripture reading, Andy introduced three students, including one from UMPI, and they shared their testimonies. The first student was Mikey Michaud, a seventh grader at Presque Isle Middle School. He started his testimony by reading scripture John 1:1. Michaud then proceeded to compare his dependence on the Lord to skydiving, “Strap on the Lord like you would a parachute when you’re jumping out of a plane.”

Michaud challenged the crowd to match their time spent on the computer to time read-

Want to Travel?

Fields of Faith

Curtis Thompson WASHBURN HIGH SCHOOL

ing the Bible. Then Michaud read another scripture, Ephesians 6:17.

The crowd broke into applause as Michaud handed the microphone to the next student, Alecia DaCruz. DaCruz is a sophomore at Presque Isle High School.

DaCruz said that when her mother stopped going to church, she didn’t. But church wasn’t the same without her mother. She said she became busy and felt herself slowly slip away from God, until September of her eighth grade year, when she tried going to another church. She thought it was going to be like any other service and was surprised when the message made a huge impact on her. Ever since that weekend, she feels back on track with God and has been attending that church ever since. After sharing her story and receiving cheers and

What is Gay Blue Jeans Day?

applause, she turned the microphone over to Megan Korhonen.

Korhonen is a junior at UMPI. She plays basketball and volleyball. She began her testimony by saying she worships God through the sports that she plays.

“My sweat is my sacrifice,” Korhonen said.

Korhonen recalled a particular instance, when she felt tired during a basketball game and wanted to give up. Her coach pulled her aside and asked her who she was playing for. That was all she needed for a reminder.

“If I was playing for myself, I would have given up,” Korhonen said. “But I didn’t.”

She continued with her testimony by reading Colossians 3:23. How does she make her games and practices about God? “Downtime is his time”

Korhonen said.

In closing her speech, Korhonen read I Timothy 4:12.

She gave the crowd a challenge, as well.

“Let God take control of your life completely” Korhonen said.

The crowd applauded her as she handed the microphone to a man who introduced himself as Dean Lawrence. Lawrence then read the famous scripture John 3:16. As he was reading, many people from the crowd recited the verse from memory along with him. The final challenge offered to the crowd was to read their Bibles daily. To help them with this challenge, 98 Bibles were available for people who wanted one to take home. After they were distributed, the crowd mingled, and then dispersed, with the hopes of spreading the word of God along the way.

Mika Ouellette

homosexual equality. This has recently become a very controversial topic because of the gay marriage question in this year’s election.

The controversy of gay rights and the event of Gay Blue Jeans Day itself, although new to UMPI, is not new. Gay Blue Jeans Day supposedly originated in 1974 at Rutgers University in New Jersey. The event proved to be successful.

Since then, many universities—even Ivy League schools

STAFF WRITER

On Oct. 28, 2009, the University of Maine at Presque Isle joined many other college campuses in recognizing its first annual “Gay Blue Jeans Day.” On Gay Blue Jeans Day all students and faculty were asked to wear blue jeans to support gay rights. They didn’t need to be homosexual to participate. The Gay-Straight Alliance on campus planned this event in order to support

Always wanted to go to some faraway land and have an adventure worth writing home about?

Well, here’s your chance!

Explorica, a company that manages great trips such as this, with the assistance of guidance counselor Andrea Hallett, is setting up a trip for students to see Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The tour will expose students to several exiting lands, many different cultures and leaves during spring break, April 2011.

The trip lasts for one week…and one week only! You end up spending five days overall overseas. The first stop on the journey is Rothenberg where you’ll meet the tour director of the rest of the trip. After spending some time in Rothenberg, you head to Munich, the third largest city in Germany. The last stop is Innsbruck. You’ll get to see many sites, including the infamous concentration camps of World War II Germany.

The trip’s total fee is $2,453, with many payment options, including the chance for students to raise some money through school sponsored fundraisers. The trip begins at the Bangor International Airport on April 16, 2011. After your fun-filled week of travel and adventure, you’ll return April 24. If you’d like more information on the trip, you can go to www.explorica.com/hallet-950.

Act fast! The deadline for jumping on board is Jan. 7, 2011. Bon Voyage! such as Yale and Cornell— have begun recognizing this event.

As for why blue jeans are the article of clothing of choice for this event, it’s simple. It’s because most people own at least one pair of jeans, which makes it easy for many people to participate in this event.

Also, it gives people the freedom of choice to recognize this event or not by simply making a decision that they make in their daily lives: what to wear.

16

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

Call For Entries! University Day

Art Contest $75 Prize! $75 prize!

Create a design for the cover of the

2010 University Day Booklet

Theme: “Winds of Change: Propelling Progress and Sustainability” The booklet includes the schedule of events and descriptions of each session.

The winning cover art may also be used ton posters, advertisments, and other related UDay items, so information including theme, dates, and localtions may or may not be part of the cover design, then spave must be allowed for that information.

PARAMETERS:

-Overall cover size is 7” wide x 8.5” high

If these 5 items are not included in the design, then

-The image must fit within a space no larger

enough space must be available for the information.

than 6” wide x 7.5” high -Design must address University Day 2010’s theme, - Space on the cover for the UMPI compass logo, minimum .5” diameter “Winds of Change: Propelling Progress and Sustainability.”

If copy is included as part of the design, then these 5 items must appear:

Art should be submitted as a PDF. A hard copy print-out must accompany the digital file submission (saved to a CD of a “thumb” or “jump” drive)

1.

9th annual University Day

2.

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Submission deadlineis Friday, February 12, 2010.

3.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Bring submissions (and any questions) to Dick Harrison in

4.

Schedule of Events

the Media Relations Office (Preble Hall, 2nd floor oppo-

5.

“Winds of Change: Propelling Progress

site the elevator). dick.harrison2@umpi.edu, 768.9604.

and Sustainability”

University Times COMMUNITY November 13, 2009

UMPI Hot Shot Shoot Out

Monday, Nov. 23 Gentile Hall Gym at UMPI Registration begins at 7 p.m.

Free T-shirt for the first 50 Adult Participants and first 50 17 and under Participants

17

University Times

18 Landon York STAFF WRITER

Wieden Gymnasium had that feel that it was made for once again on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Basketball players shot around and joked with one another. Spirit squad members practiced, laughed and took pictures. The stage was set for a night of fun. And the second annual UMPI Midnight Madness provided just that.

The doors opened at 8:30 p.m. The gymnasium was filled by 8:45, with both people and a partylike atmosphere. The beginning of something is always the most exciting part, and UMPI’s basketball season is no different. The building seemed electrified.

Before the fun and games started, athletic director Bill Casavant had some news for the crowd that had gathered.

Last year was UMPI’s first year in the Sunrise Conference. The hierarchy point system it uses awards a certain number of points for each place finish in the respective sports. First place gets the highest number of points and so on down the line. UMPI ended up being the school that had the most points at the end of the year. There’s now a banner hanging in the gymnasium to commemorate that achievement.

After that good news, the festivities began. Dean of students Chris Corsello drew tickets from a bucket and four students came out for a free throw shooting contest. The winner received an UMPI shoulder bag, and the runners up received foam yellow owls.

SportS

Let The Madness Begin

There were three other contests the throughout night: a three-pointshooting contest, a relay race and a half court shot opportunity. All the winners got the same type of shoulder bag, with the other contenders getting yellow owls.

When the Spirit Squad took the floor in between these competitions, the crowd came alive.

The members performed their routine for an excited crowd and when they left, it was to the loudest applause of the night.

Justin the Juggler made his way to center court with the tools of his trade.

First he used three balls, then four.

Justin “The Juggler” Fereshetian Finally he amazed people using five at Center Court balls and throwing in got the ball first. The first bit of the occasional spin move and trickery and fun happened behind the back trick. He then when women’s coach Tracy broke out four rings and ended Guerrette gave a faculty memup hanging them around his ber the ball and told her to neck. Finally, he used three turn around and go the oppojuggling pins. The crowd hung site way from where the stuon every toss and followed dents’ defense had set up. every item up and down.

“Honorary staff member” When Justin left the floor, his Erica Davis scored the first ovation rivaled that of the points for the faculty. But the Spirit Squad. students wouldn’t let that burry The next, and possibly the them. Aaron Hutchins ran the most anticipated, event of the point for the students and used evening was the faculty and a devastating crossover dribble staff versus student game. to knock John Harrington on Twelve minutes went on the his backside. clock and the faculty and staff

President Zillman showed up big for the faculty with some fancy passing and one big rejection that instantly brought the crowd to its feet.

The game’s fast pace favored the student team, but when Zillman took the ball, he slowed things down for his team. Davis, however, proved to be the heart of the faculty team, carrying them with both moral support and exciting scoring contributions.

The last 30 seconds of the game were pure pandemonium. Every member of both teams stormed the court, but no points were scored. The students held strong and won the game 20-16. A relay race followed the game, and then the main event of the night.

The gym was showered in darkness. The spotlight came up, and Guerrette took the microphone to introduce her squad. The excitement inside the gym reached its highest point of the night. After the introduction, the woman split into two teams and hit the floor to warm up for a scrimmage. The fast pace that Guerrete loves was evident.

Both teams played quickly and intensely. The excitement on the floor was matched by the excitement in the crowd.

“It was a great way to kick off our season. It seems like people were more excited than last year,” Guerrete said.

After the women were through with their scrimmage, darkness again filled the gym and men’s coach Terry Cummings introduced his team. The gym exploded with applause and all around noise

What’s On UMPI’s Radio Station

November 13, 2009

once more. The men’s scrimmage picked up the intensity right where the women left off.

The crowd never had a second to relax, and they never wanted to. The best example of this intensity was shown when a member from each team dove for a ball on the end line.

Everyone in the building held their breath as the players went down and came close to hitting the wall. There was a collective exhale when they both got up and ran back to set up.

“We accomplished what we wanted to, generated a lot of excitement. We’ve got work to do, obviously, but it’s going to be exciting,” Cummings said.

The end of the scrimmage marked the end of the night: a great night on all accounts.

“It went well. I was really happy to see the students so energetic. We had about the same number as last year, but with more activities for them.

We kept them more involved.

We hope to have this kind of turnout for everything: especially sports and pride events,” Corsello said.

Dean Corsello’s comments were echoed by Casavant, “Everybody enjoyed the contests and after the teams were introduced, it seemed like you could feel the electricity. We hope it carries over to the season.”

As everyone left Wieden, the buzz and energy were apparent. The athletic department and UMPI in general hope that the students and the greater community will keep this intensity up throughout the basketball season.

Monday 5 p.m. - 7p.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sports Frenzy with Chris Cosenze Radio Babel Thursday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Ben Pinette’s Music Mix Thursday 8 p.m. - 12 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Gerry’s A-rock-alypse Dan’s Country Show

Tu ne 92 .1 I n To FM

19

University Times SPORTS November 13, 2009

Ice Hockey Gets Heated Landon York STAFF WRITER

The UMPI hockey club team played its opening game against NMCC on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Presque Isle Forum. They had played NM in the championship game last year, losing by a score of 6-2.

“I definitely thought about redeeming myself,” UMPI goaltender Paul Rucci said.

Rucci definitely got the chance he was looking for. He was tested early and proved to be ready. Defender Chris Moore helped Rucci greatly in the first period, breaking up what looked to be a great scoring chance for NM. UMPI held strong and scored first. A loose puck behind the net turned into a goal for Josh Stahl. NM answered back with almost the same play. One man gathered the puck behind the net while another cut in front of the net.

One stick to stick pass later, and the score was tied. NM scored again within two minutes off a deflected slap shot from the point.

Josh MacKinnon

answered back with a laser the ice. There is no checking beam of a slap shot for UMPI. allowed in the club rules, but Rucci remained very strong in the teams found their way goal, making acrobatic saves around that. The refs handed left and right. The score was out generously. UMPI added two goals in the period. tied at 2 after first period.

After the first period, and Freshman Stephen Thorne through the rest of the game, notched one when he kept the the UMPI Owls broke out their secret weapon. A large crowd of students gathered to watch the game and they came prepared.

The cheers for UMPI and jeers for NM echoed throughout the Forum, visibly getting into the heads of the NM players. UMPI junior Corey Fournier spent Paul Rucci stands guard in net for the most of his night behind the NM goaltender, puck in a two on one break and chatting him up. The rest of deposited it in the corner of the the UMPI fans did the same net. Mackinnon found his way with the rest of the NM squad. onto the score sheet again The second period was when he gave up the puck to when physical play began on Will Cole, who put it into the

net. Rucci stayed solid in net, making every save his defense asked him to make. He mixed the acrobatic butterfly style with the more traditional stand-up, keeping his team in the game. The score was UMPI 4, NMCC 2 after two periods.

In the third, NM added another goal on yet another two on one opportunity against Rucci and Moore.

Rucci made the initial save but was unable to control the rebound. An NM player got to the puck and stuck it in the net. NM also added another goal, but it was called off.

“The puck went around behind the Owls. net. I heard a whistle and slowed down. But they brought it back out and I thought ‘Oh, jeeze, there’s no way I’m getting back to that’ and it went in. But they kept blowing the whistle. It was off-

sides,” Rucci said.

That was when the game started to get tenser. UMPI’s Josh Stahl was ejected from the game after receiving his third penalty of the night. And later, with 52 seconds left in the game, a scrum started over Rucci in net and the game was called. Referees ordered the players off the ice and UMPI got the win 4-3.

“I made a save and stopped the rebound. Someone from NM came in and sprayed me.

A couple of our guys started pushing and got punched. The refs just called the game. There would have been too many penalties, so they called it,” Rucci, who ended up with 21 saves in the game, said.

“I saw it getting rough, but I wasn’t expecting it to get end,” Moore said after the game.

The UMPI crowd left the Forum electrified and ready for more hockey. This season should be exciting for the team, keep an eye out for their schedule and make sure to get to as many of the games as you can.

reception. them, our program is now poised for great things,” Zillman said.

After Zillman was finished with his remarks, Sotskov stood before the donors and talked about his ideas for the future of the program. But he focused on

the community as a whole.

“Community makes a huge difference. I feel so good about being here. I feel the strength of the students. They want it. This is paradise for a coach,” Sotskov said. “We’ll compete against skiers from around the country and around the world.

I won’t be satisfied with mediocre results.”

Sotskov ended his piece with words that showed just how well he’ll fit in here at UMPI, and how excited he is.

“Follow us! Look at the Web site…. call me! I’d love to chat,” he said.

After Sotskov wrapped up what he had to say, and introduced the skiers who could make it to the event, all in attendance mingled and talked about the excitement for the upcoming season.

So make sure you do what Coach Sotskov instructed.

Follow the UMPI Nordic ski team. It should be a great year for them.

Nordic Skiing Gets a Boost Landon York STAFF WRITER

“We are gathered here to celebrate and anticipate,” Don Zillman, UMPI president, said.

“To celebrate the saga of our ski team and to anticipate the start of the season and all of its adventures.”

A small group of very important people met in the multipurpose room in the Campus Center at UMPI on Oct. 29. They were there to do just what Zillman talked about in his opening remarks: celebrate.

The UMPI Nordic ski team was in dire straits last year. It had only three people on the team, and was very close to being cut from the school.

Instead, Zillman and the local winter sports community banded together and got much

UMPI President Don Zillman speaks at the needed funds. The Maine of becoming an NCAA Community Foundation and Division I Ski program, and to local donors have pledged introduce new coach, Alexei upwards of $50,000 to support Sotskov.

“With a nationally recogthe program over the next two nized coach leading these outyears.

The celebration was also to standing athletes, and the suprecognize UMPI’s achievement port of our community behind

20

University Times SPORTS November 13, 2009

Landon York STAFF WRITER

A week after a tense game against NMCC, the UMPI club hockey team welcomed the Houlton Red Moose into the Forum. Going into the game, Houlton was regularly referred to as the best team in the league.

After the game, the team’s light had dimmed.

The floodgates opened a mere two minutes into the game when D a n i e l Rosebush beat the Houlton goalie top shelf.

UMPI didn’t get comfortable though, Josh MacKinnon added two goals of his own. He made one after he picked up a loose puck and artfully made his way past a Houlton defender.

“The first one was lucky. It was a nice pass from Chris (Landry),” MacKinnon said.

“The second one was a loose puck. I got by the defender and beat the goalie with a backhand.”

Houlton would not go down quietly. Grady Anderson scored a tricky goal, beating UMPI goaltender Paul Rucci narrowly.

Minutes later, Anderson was breaking toward Rucci again, when he was dragged down by an UMPI defender. The referees gave Anderson a penalty shot.

UMPI Trounces Houlton

The gathering of UMPI students rose to its feet and got louder as Anderson got closer.

“He was coming down on my right. He didn’t use a lot of stick movement, and once he got deep, he lost the angle on me. He was using his back-

onslaught of saves by Rucci he had 34 in the game - the UMPI offense caught fire.

Craig Moody passed the puck from the right wing to Stephen Thorne in the middle, who found Josh Stahl for the goal.

Not even a minute later

head of steam and tore his way into the zone. The Houlton goalie was about to pass the puck off. MacKinnon slid and poked his stick, trying to get to the puck.

“I didn’t mean for it to look as flashy as it did,”

hand, which is pretty common. And once he got deep he had nowhere else to go. He kept going and I just flicked a pad down. I’ve seen enough penalty shots. That’s an easy save,” Rucci said after the game.

Anderson didn’t rest for long, though. He came back minutes after and sneaked past Rucci for his second goal of the game. After his goal, he skated around the back of the net and jumped into the boards in front the UMPI fans, which only made them louder.

The score after one period was 3-2. A close game seemed to be in the works.

The Owls didn’t see it that way, though. After an

“Johnny Boy” JD Haddad quickly added a goal of his own. Rosebush got back in on the action as well, making the most of a breakaway and beating the Houlton goalie.

The ensuing face-off just gave UMPI another chance.

Chad Phillips took the puck off the right wing, went into the offensive zone and scored.

Landry notched a goal for himself as well.

The oddest play of the night happened minutes later.

Houlton had the puck in its offensive zone, but UMPI cleared it out. The puck was headed straight for the Houlton goalie. He came out of the net to get to it.

MacKinnon built up a full

MacKinnon said. “I just knew I needed to sprawl out to get to the puck. I got to it and just ended up cruising in on my knees.”

MacKinnon took the puck right off the goalie’s stick and slid past him and knocked it into the net for his third goal of the game: a hat trick. The crowd rose to its feet again and cheered the loudest it would all night. “After the second goal, the hat trick crossed my mind,” MacKinnon said.

MacKinnon didn’t settle for three. He brought the puck down on the right side and centered it. A crowd of players tried to get to it, but and UMPI player kicked it out to Tyler Delaney who had skated

just a little too far. Delaney regrouped behind the net and got the puck back to MacKinnon, who put a perfect shot on it. The second period ended with a score of 10-2.

In the third, Thorne made his presence known, scoring a goal and assisting on Rosebush’s hat trick.

Later in the t h i r d , Houlton had the puck on offense.

Rucci made t h r e e incredible saves and ended up tripping over a stick.

Houlton got the puck and brought it back out to the point.

“I made the initial saves and I tripped. I saw the puck go back to the point, and I knew the guy was going to be nonchalant about it, because he couldn’t see me.

I got to my feet and made a dive. It felt like it was going to be a baseball catch. I thought I had it. I was just thinking that the place would go crazy if I made the save. And it deflected off my glove,” Rucci said.

Before coming to UMPI, the Houlton Red Moose won a game 17-0. UMPI beat Houlton 12-3. UMPI seems to be ready to assert itself as the best team in its league. The Owls are ready to face any challengers.

University Times SPORTS November 13, 2009

Landon York

Tommies Invade UMPI

STAFF WRITER

The UMPI men played an informal scrimmage against the St. Thomas University Tommies of Fredericton, New Brunswick on Saturday, Oct. 24. A respectable crowd gathered to watch, most of them students: a promising sign for the season to come.

The scrimmage was broken up into five 10-minute periods of running time. But within the last two minutes of each period, the clock would be stopped at appropriate times so that both teams could work on endof-the-game situations.

Ray Mitchell won the tip for UMPI, but after a short scramble, the Tommies ended up with the ball. The Owls came out in a full court pressure defense, but it didn’t help them avoid going down 7-0. The Tommies had a full court press of their own and played comfortably in a very quick tempo that UMPI seemed unprepared for. The Owls soon settled down, though, with freshman James Bates running the offense well. St. Thomas won the first 10-minute interval.

The final score was 24-13, however.

UMPI came out for the second period running different defenses and experimenting with set plays on offense. Their quick cuts and movement under the basket created some problems for St. Thomas.

UMPI team members also began to play very physically when they were on defense.

Head coach Terry Cummings moved frantically on the sideline, telling them to keep their hands up.

Sophomore Kyle Corrigan ran the offense very effectively.

His quick ball handling and deadly accuracy from three point range made him a constant threat. UMPI combined that with Bates playing the other guard position, his quick cuts and mid range jump shot.

They are hoping that mixed attack can remain a constant threat. However, St. Thomas held its own and took the second period as well, 15-14.

In the third period, the Owls slowed things down, passing the ball around the outside while the big men moved and set screens for each other underneath. Throughout the scrimmage, free throw shooting and holes in their defense plagued the Owls.

They won the third period, although narrowly, 15-14.

UMPI came back out in the third with the quick offense that it wanted to play. And St. Thomas played it right with

them. Mitchell and Ben Rosser teamed up for the most exciting play of the night. Mitchell dribbled the ball down court with Rosser flanking him in a two on one situation. Mitchell threw the ball in the air behind his back. Rosser acrobatically grabbed it and laid it in.

The Owls’ defensive intensity also picked up after the halftime break between the third and fourth periods. But it still showed holes. As the period wore on, the holes got big-

ger and the quickness of St. Thomas exploited those holes.

On the offensive end, Mitchell proved that he wasn’t just about style. He played physical basketball in the post for the Owls and showed that he’ll be a valuable piece to the puzzle during the season. But St. Thomas was too much and won yet another period, 19-17.

The last period proved to be the most exciting. The fast break worked better than it had all night for the Owls,

21

partly because the defense picked up and got a lot of turnovers.

With the Owls down 21-18, sophomore Ryan Hill stole the ball when St. Thomas was trying to inbound after an UMPI score. He passed to Bates for an easy bucket, drawing the Owls within one point.

On the next inbound, freshman Manny Martinez stole the inbounds pass and passed to Hill, who found Bates again.

Bates went in for a layup but was fouled. He made one of his two foul shots: tie game, 2121.

St. Thomas held the ball and worked it around the outside until a man was wide open underneath. He was fouled on his shot and made one of his two foul shots.

UMPI called a time out.

Coach Cummings told his team this was the kind of situation they wanted, what they were ready for. The Owls inbounded the ball with 3.7 seconds left on the clock.

Mitchell got the ball underneath and put up a heavily contested layup but missed.

Sophomore Loren Fawthrop attempted an even harder put back, but was unsuccessful as well. Final score: 22-21.

“We had a great effort.

They were a good, physical team, fundamentally sound.

They’re just like every team we’re going to play. We need our guards to adjust to the physical play. As a team, we need to keep up the intensity.

But our chemistry looks great,” Coach Cummings said.

Let’s hope the UMPI men continue to build and have a successful season. GO OWLS!

VOICE

University Times

22

November 13, 2009

I Didn’t Wear Jeans

Bertram Goldman CONTRIBUTOR

I didn’t wear jeans on Gay Jeans Day. I did not think that I should admit or deny whether I am gay or I am not.

The day seemed to me to cause division. The campus was divided.

Maybe not everyone participated, but I overheard a lot of angry conversations.

This day was also about supporting gay rights. The intention of the day, hopefully, was to bring a community together. But did it? Isn’t there a way of bringing a community together without separating them first?

There were two other important days in October, two days that got much less attention. The whole month, not just one day of it, was domestic violence awareness month. In our last issue, we reported on a remembrance ceremony.

The Battered Women’s Project brought the

Denim insulation

Presque Isle community together to heal, to remember the dead who died because of

The other day was Make a Difference Day. People in a community go out and help

hand.

Job Corps and Aroostook Agency on Aging have helped in the past.

abuse in the home. The ceremony did not put women and men on different sides of the room. It was about bringing people into greater awareness of one another’s needs.

others. Sometimes groups help winterize homes of the elderly. Sometimes people volunteer at the food pantry or the animal shelter. This year, no one in Presque Isle lent a

UMPI has, too. But this year, not one of the three groups organized anything for that day. Presque Isle’s saving grace was St. Mary’s Church.

It had organized a large event

Winterize homes

Different approaches to supporting community.

but canceled due to the weather. Organizers are planning to reschedule.

Community seems like such an important thing. We don’t think about it as much as we could. It builds a community when members - everyday people - go out and help people who might not have money to heat their house this winter.

It helps a community when people provide food for the hungry.

“Forty percent of Maine kids under 12 show signs of hunger,” the Good Shepherd Food Bank said. “And 19, 375 children are hungry.”

And that’s just kids.

What does all this mean?

Shouldn’t we celebrate the differences in our community?

Of course we should. But what if all the people who participated in Gay Jeans Day went out and helped old people who could not help themselves? That wouldn’t divide us: it would enhance our community.

Food Pantry

University Times

Lifestyle

Get Involved!

Club of the week: Bible Blitz Pamela Perkins STAFF WRITER

Life’s lessons for each of us are not always easy for us to learn. Some are tough and can leave scars-both psysical and emotional- on our bodies.

Some can make us tougher and grow wiser. Others can leave us questioning about what life is all about. Still others can make us enjoy the simple things in life. know there’s no other place to be than sitting down to a home cooked meal with our loved ones or driving around on a dirt country road with the music blaring and singing out of tune along with the radio. Luckily for us here at UMPI, we have been through a lot of these lessons.

The scary part is, some of our younger youths have been through them as well.

Some of them live in broken homes, fighting families and might be part of a family that faces the problem of purchasing food or heating oil every winter. Then on the other hand, we know children who come from well- to- do homes, yet feel ignored and invisible in their family. Several of these

The Reel Deal: ‘The Proposal’ PG-13 108 minutes You probably saw the previews for “The Proposal” and thought it would have a pretty predictable storyline.

After all, how many movies have been made about a man and a woman who enter into a fake relationship just to end up actually falling in love? If these thoughts crossed your

youths feel lost and confused, and we all know that’s no way to grow up.

But there is help for these children who feel lost- as well as for those who don’t. This type of help comes through a mentoring program called “Bible Blitz,” which is an outreach through UMPI’s Campus Crusades for Christ. The program is open to children ages 4 to 12. Bible Blitz is a group made up of volunteer students, who take their Tuesday nights off from school work to go to the Lighthouse for one hour, starting at 6 p.m. They pick up children who need transportation on the way.

They play games like basketball, twister, tag, red rover or jump rope with the kids. They sing songs with the children and read them a Bible story.

These students teach the children Christian values such as kindness, gentleness, self-control, sharing, patience and faithfulness. They do this by getting to know the children, letting the children help out preparing snacks or by playing mind about “The Proposal,” you were right. It can’t be denied that the characters end up in love. In fact, you don’t even have to watch the movie to know that they’re going to get married (even though you’re hoping and praying throughout the film that this won’t happen, so that the movie can distinguish itself from other chick flicks).

But you should be advised that the way they get to the marriage part is somewhat different from other films.

And this is exactly why you may want to watch the movie.

when we serve and work together.”

When asked why someone would want to join Bible Blitz, Carlton Sanders had this to say, “I joined BB (Bible Blitz) because I enjoyed seeing the smile on each child’s face as each of the peer leaders would play a game of basket ball, tag and football. Plus the fact that when we would read a story about God, the excitement and enthusiasm of the children wanting to learn, ask questions and give their advice, inspires me to return and invite others to get the same joy I do

Though not all the children who go to the program are from bad homes, some are. Bible Blitz gives them a chance to not only learn about the Bible and God, but a chance to interact with their peers where they can be just children. It gives them a chance to open up to someone who is not biased, to talk about their personal problems if it comes to that. It gives them a chance to learn about God where they might not have the option to anywhere else. It gives them the chance to learn other ways to take out their anger in nonabusive ways. It gives them a chance to see other role models and how they can interact with people in a civil and positive manner. It gives them a chance to ask questions and feel wanted or loved. It can even give them excitement and hope.

“The Proposal” focuses on a relationship that develops between Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) and Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds). Paxton works for Tate and is expected to respond to her every beck and call…that is, if he wants to keep his position. Early in the film, Tate discovers that she’ll lose her job and be deported because her visa has expired.

In a moment of panic, she tells her bosses that she plans to marry Paxton. Since Tate knows Paxton needs the job, she feels that she can manipu-

late him into her plans and that he’s at her mercy. Funnily enough, the opposite occurs.

Tate is forced to be nicer to Paxton so that he won’t tell anyone her plans. Of course, Tate despises being in this position and Paxton, who knows this, therefore milks it for all its worth.

The “happy couple” travels to Alaska for Paxton’s grandmother’s birthday party, where they announce the engagement to his very surprised family. You can probably imagine the hilarious and sometimes awkward situations

games with them.

November 13, 2009

23 For a peer leader, not only is this program considered volunteer work, but it also gives the peer leader a chance to work with children. It gives them the chance to teach children the word of God, while making relationships with the children that could change those children’s lives. It gives them a chance to be a kid again while playing tag or football. It can give them meaning and guidance within their own religious outlook. It can give them the chance of knowing that they might be making a difference within the community and within someone else’s life.

If you’d like to join Bible Blitz you can contact Mary Lawrence at 768-9502 or Dean Lawrence, who is the guy with the white bread who can be found in the Owl’s Nest in the Campus Center on Tuesday nights around 5p.m.

The Lighthouse is located at 65 Carmichael Street. All children, no matter what their race, gender or socioeconomic status, who are ages 4 to 12 are welcome.

that take place, like wedding dress fittings or even bachelorette parties with Grandma.

(No other actress could’ve done a better job in this role than Betty White. She’s perfect as sly Grandma Annie, who’s anything but innocent.)

As mentioned earlier, “The Proposal” does have its stereotypical moments, but it also has scenes that you may not expect and comedy that you may thoroughly enjoy. It’s one of those movies that you just can’t resist watching…even if you have an idea of what’s going to happen.

24

University Times LIFESTYLE November 13, 2009

The Blerd Report

Jonathan-David Clark STAFF WRITER

You’re sitting in a quiet room, when all of a sudden you hear “DROID!” in a robotic voice…. No it’s not Sci-Fi, it’s the new Motorola Droid. It’s what‘s new with the world of tech and it drops Nov. 6 in a Verizon Wireless near you.

I’m the Blerd and I’m here to bring you the skinny on the hippest, hottest tech and consumer products out there. This week, we’ll be looking into the top tech story on the Web and seeing how it (imagine a 1040’s radio announcer voice) WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!!

What is the Droid and more important… will this be “The iPhone Killa” (my rapper name in the mid-nineties; my CD never sold)?

First, if you don’t know anything about this phone, it’s the newest phone with Android 2.0, the operating system created by Google. If you love your Google, like I love my

Google, and you use it to check your mail, keep your calendar, contacts, maps, and to name your first bornchild with, then you’ll love this phone. The synergy between all the Google apps is perfect, since Google powers it.

And the app that gives all the techie’s happy dreams at night is the brand new Google Nav. Using Google’s awesome mapping system (which we have all used at one point or another), you get turn-byturn navigation for the whopping price of — $0.00. That’s right: free navigation. Oh, and the hottest thing, voice to nav: you speak and it tells you where to go and how to get there. It almost makes you feel bad for Tom-Tom and Garmin... almost.

But an iPhone killer this is not. Although the Droid has some unique and cool hard-

Motorola Droid

Apple iPhone

ware, including a full QWERTY keyboard, 5 megapixel camera and touch screen, it lacks the smoothness and sweetness of the iPhone. It fails

to have a multitouch touch screen, with nowhere near the number of apps or the overall user-friendliness you get from the iPhone. And even though it has a hardware keyboard, it is neither offset nor raised, making it a bit clunky. Plus the open source means little compared with the already 80k+ apps that are out for the iPhone. And if you don’t even know what an SDK, is you probably won’t even care.

With all those things aside,

Something for Everyone

Bert Goldman STAFF WRITER

Merchants on the Corner is a shop that has everything.

It sits on the corner in downtown Presque Isle, waiting to accept you into its bright, sunlit coziness. The owner, Angie Graves, offers merchandise that is made right here in Maine — or close by.

Graves wants to give her customers “Variety.”

The store has walls of yarn.

There are adventurous colors and subtle natural tones in real wool. Merchants on the Corner also hosts a knitting circle on Thursday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. Anyone can come, from beginners to experts. Graves can fit you out with all the knitting sup-

plies you need. She has bamboo and metal knitting needles and all sorts of buttons.

And if you aren’t a knitter, there are cross-stitching supplies, as well as materials for tatting and hooking.

“Just drop in,” said Pam, one of the cheerful helpers at the store.

There’s more to the store than balls of yarn. Graves sells many Maine products.

There’s local maple syrup from Salmon Brook Valley.

Sadie’s the Lady soaps look as if they would be great to use during the dry harsh winters.

Merchants on the Corner also sells products from the Presque Isle Historical Society.

More local items include North Country Jams, Jellies and More. This store deals old-time goodness.

Local craftsman Paul Carter sells handmade cribbage boards.

Merchants on the Corner also sells estate jewelry.

Another section of the store is filled with antique books. Many of the books are leather bound. Besides

looking stately, most of the books are classics. Milton’s Poetical Works are there, and novels, such as The Brothers Karamozov, and Ivanhoe.

The store feels like a second home. Graves sells everything you could want to have when you sit by a warm fire.

There’s tea from Heidi’s Tea Shop, good books and all that

however, it’s a solid phone. If you are a Verizon Wireless customer and are looking to buy a new phone, this is the one for you. If you already have the iPhone, you won’t be switching... because you love your iPhone.

Thanks to engadget for its spec/hardware review of the Droid… My full review of the Droid will be on our blog starting next week: www.theblerdreport.blogspot.c om. Till next time, stay nerdy.

yarn. There are maps to decorate your walls and handmade wooden toys for your kids. Local painters hang their works for sale in the store.

Merchants on the Corner may not look like your home.

But Graves can help your home look like home to you.

University Times LIFESTYLE November 13, 2009

Marie Mazerolle

Weʼre Talkinʼ Business

STAFF WRITER

What is Business actually defined as? Is it a certain program? What does it include?

Can you make the big bucks?

And can you make a major without using business? Some of us ask ourselves this daily.

The definition of business states this: The economic system in which goods and services are exchanged for one another or money, on the basis of their perceived worth. Every business requires some form of investment and a sufficient number of customers to whom its output can be sold at profit on a consistent basis. Business is not just one program: there are so many sub-branches of

the major. You’re better off finding a business program that you want a concentration in, such as business management or business hospitality.

With every major, you ALWAYS use business. You’ve got customer service, HR. Yes, even athletic training is a branch of business. You serve the people, you take their money and report back to your boss (unless you own your own practice).

Here at the University of Maine at Presque Isle we have the large program, business administration. It has three active branches: accounting, business management and management information systems (MIS). All have pretty

much the same course material, even though they differ in specialization. Students take a wide range of classes, ranging from accounting to calculus.

With these majors/ minors, there are some classes that are required for all three. It’s when you’re an upperclassmen that you start focusing more on your desired major. Also, if you’re looking for another major not offered at UMPI but you still need the required classes and GPA, talk to your professor about independent studies. With a bachelor’s degree in any business program here, students who wish to complete more than one concentration cannot doublecount the courses. Each con-

centration must consist of 21 credits.

UMPI’s business program gives so many opportunities, job-wise for the area. Classes here get you prepared for meetings and interaction with co-workers whom you’re going to spend time with for your duration of time there.

Accounting is taught mostly by CPAs. You are most likely get a decent internship at DFAS out at Loring Air Force Base.

Business management is an activity- based learning with community research opportunities. Management information systems (MIS) is definitely hands-on learning. And you’d most likely get a job with community Organizations.

Getting The the Movies With the Weather?

Weather Channel aired movies for the first time.

Ben Pinette

STAFF WRITER

There comes a certain point when you know something is in desperate trouble. You’d think one of the last places to find a feature, full length movie would be the famous Weather Channel, which is known for more than 25 years of providing up to the minute weather forecasts and severe weather information (including extensive hurricane coverage).

Recently, it showed “The Perfect Storm,” starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg.

It showed the remembrance of the 18th anniversary of the actual storm. Network executives had been thinking about adding movies.

“The timing proved too good to pass up,” Geoffrey Darby, the network’s chief programmer said.

The network in recent years has gradually slipped in longer programming, including a morning show hosted by Al Roker, to complement its constantly rotating forecasts.

“The Perfect Storm” begins a four-week period in which

The Weather Channel will try some Friday night movies.

Other movies include the documentary “March of the Penguins,” the thriller “Deep Blue Sea” and “Misery,” for which Kathy Bates won an Academy Award.

You have to wonder if these intentions are for financial issues or just a genuine sense that no weather occurs late Friday nights? If I remember correctly, severe weather, including tornadoes, does occur in the night. Instead of getting the latest information on the track of a tornado, we’ll be left with movies such as “The Perfect Storm?” You might figure to just find another source (for example, weather.com). But what if a computer isn’t readily available?

What if your Internet is down? It’s a small, yet questionable problem that could be avoided.

Jazzed About Spoke

25

Lanette Virtanen STAFF WRITER

Live Friday night, Spoke was in the house. If you weren’t in Weiden Hall on Oct. 30, then you missed a great jazz performance. Justin Wood brought his group back to UMPI - which he calls one of his favorite places to share their blended style of storytelling with us here on campus. This group of four gifted players played a wide range of emotional music. Members showcased most of their own creations from their self-titled album “Spoke,” which they were giving away for donations after their performance.

This quartet hails from all over - as far away as Australia.

They came to us from Brooklyn, New York where they have all settled. Justin, of course, is from here in Presque Isle and with him he brought Australian Danny Fischer on drums, Dan Loomis, from St. Louis, on bass and from Michigan, Andy Hunter on trombone.

The music was captivating against a stunning backdrop of white rims from bicycles that were there to emphasize the group’s name. “Spoke”. Andy Giles’ special problems art class 492, did the backdrop. It’s a group project that Carol Ayoob documented.

When asked about where the name Spoke came from, Wood replied, “The name Spoke represents two things. The first is that we are all equal parts of the group and not one of us is more or less than the other. It takes equal parts to keep from falling in on itself. Two is that ‘spoke’ is the opposite of ‘speak’ and that’s what we are doing with our music… speaking to the audience with our instruments.”

The audience gave them rave reviews, saying that they were awesome, fantastic, hope they come back again next fall.

As Ms. Roe, an audience member, put it, “Live music at its best!”

Spoke was very entertaining.

After the show, group members hung around to talk to people and share in the refreshments.

Spoke members have left us with not only their CD that they wanted everyone to take home, but also with a better understanding of jazz. By listening to them speak in between songs, you could tell how much they love what they do. If they come back next fall, you should make sure to put it on your calendar.

26

University Times LIFESTYLE November 13, 2009

Will the World Be Destroyed on 12/21/12? Part 2 Jim Stepp

CONTRIBUTOR

Many of you may have heard that the Earth will be destroyed on Dec. 21, 2012. Why this date and do you have to worry? On Nov.13, 2009 the movie “2012” will open in theaters. This article is part two of a four part series on the predictions surrounding this date and shown in the movie.

One of the predictions from the 2012 end of the world scenario is that a galactic alignment will occur. This alignment is predicted to somehow create a combined gravitational effect between the sun and the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole, also known as Sagittarius A, thus creating havoc on Earth. The theory states the extra gravitational pull will cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and an increase in comet activity.

One of the problems with this scenario is that the supposed galactic alignment predicted already happened in 1998. The sun’s apparent path through the zodiac, as seen from Earth, does not take it near the true galactic center, but rather several degrees above it. Even if this were not the case, Sagittarius A is 30,000 light years from Earth. It would have to be more than six million times closer to cause any gravitational disruption to our solar system Do we have to worry about these events? We see increases in volcanic eruptions and earthquakes when the moon is full.

What causes this? The alignment of the sun, earth, and moon does cause a slight increase in the gravitational stresses on the Earth. So areas along fault lines that are stressed create earthquakes and magma close to the surface of the Earth pushes its way to the surface, causing volcanoes to erupt. If the sun- earth- moon alignment causes increased earthquake and volcanic activity, shouldn’t a galactic alignment be even worse? The galaxy is much larger than the sun or the moon.

If the galactic alignment causes an increase in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and an increase in comet activity, shouldn’t we be able to see this in the fossil record? The answer

is, we don’t. Large die offs do occur and can be seen in the fossil record, but they seem to have no connection with the alignment of the galactic center, the sun and the earth.

So it doesn’t appear we have to worry about the alignment causing problems. Next time, we’ll look at the predictions surrounding the mysterious planet X or Nibiru.

THE NIGHT SKY The ISS is visible in the morning skies until Nov. 1.

The ISS is visible in the evening skies after Nov. 8.

Go to www.heavensabove.com for exact times and locations.

You’ll need to register at this site and load your location to be able to get exact times.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is located at 68d00m7.8s west longitude and 46d40m45.6s north latitude.

To get a free sky chart, go to www.skymaps.com.

Sun and Planet Rising and Setting 11/14

other side of the Sun – Superior Conjunction.

11/07 02:34 Moon at Perigee – Closest to the Moon - 229,255 miles or 368,871 km.

11/08 22:06 Moon degrees south of Mars.

3.5

11/09 75th Birthday.

Carl

Sagan’s

Last

Quarter

Sunrise

06:33

11/09 10:55 Moon.

Sunset

16:00

11/12 1980 Voyager 1 makes its closest approach to Saturn http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/.

Mercury 07:07 – 16:09 Venus

05:15 – 15:28

Mars

21:30 – 12:28

Jupiter

12:31 – 10:14

Saturn

01:58 – 14:14

Uranus

13:43 – 01:21

11/12 22:12 – 05:18 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 4 meteors per hour http://meteorshowersonline.com/ leonids.html.

11/12 05:54 Moon degrees south of Saturn.

Neptune12:39 – 22:42 11/02 2000 The first crew arrives at the International Space Station 11/02

14:13

Full Moon.

11/03 22:54 Moon begins to come close to or eclipse several stars in the Pleiades Star Cluster.

11/04 01:21 Moon ends close pass or eclipsing several stars in the Pleiades Star Cluster.

11/05

03:00

Mercury

on

8.2

11/13 22:18 – 05:24 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 5 meteors per hour.

11/14 1969 Apollo 12 Launched to the Moon. The second manned trip to the Moon http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planet ary/lunar/apollo12info.html.

11/15 17:06 – 05:28 N o v.

Iota-Aurigids – 5 meteors per hour.

11/19 22:18 – 05:30 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 19 meteors per hour.

11/15 22:18 – 05:28 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 15 meteors per hour.

11/20 born in 1889.

11/15 06:00 Moon degrees south of Venus.

11:15 19:00 Nov. Aurigids Maximum.

6.8 Iota-

11/16 17:06 – 05:28 N o v.

Iota-Aurigids – 5 meteors per hour.

11/16 22:18 – 05:28 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 28 meteors per hour.

11/16

14:14

New Moon.

11/17 17:06 – 05:28 N o v.

Iota-Aurigids – 4 meteors per hour.

11/17 22:18 – 05:28 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 46 meteors per hour.

Edwin Hubble

11/19 22:18 – 05:30 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 19 meteors per hour.

11/20 22:18 – 05:30 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 10 meteors per hour.

11/21 22:18 – 05:30 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 6 meteors per hour.

11/22 22:18 – 05:30 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 4 meteors per hour.

11/22 15:10 Moon at Apogee – Farthest from the Earth.

11/23 16:24 Moon degrees north of Jupiter.

11/24 16:39 Moon.

First

2.9 Quarter

11/17 07:18 Mercury at Aphelion – furthest from the Sun 43,391,364 miles or 69,816,706 km.

11/29 1963 The Launch Operation Center at Cape Canaveral is renamed the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

11/18 10:00 Leonid Meteor Shower Maximum.

11/30 1954 Sylacauga Meteorite falls - The first known modern case of a human hit by a space rock http://legacy.decaturdaily.com/de c a t u r d a i ly/news/061130/meteorite.shtml.

11/14 17:12 – 05:28 N o v.

Iota-Aurigids – 4 meteors per hour

11/18 17:06 – 05:30 N o v.

Iota-Aurigids – 4 meteors per hour.

11/14 22:18 – 05:28 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 4 meteors per hour

11/18 22:18 – 05:30 Leonid Meteor Shower visible – 36 meteors per hour.

University Times LIFESTYLE November 13, 2009

27

Callie Foster

Bhava Albert

2010-2011 Academic Year Applications for scholarships to be awarded for the new Academic Year are now available in the Financial Aid Office – 232 Preble Hall (top floor) or online at: http://www.umpi.edu/files/current-students/financialaid/finaid-scholarship-app.pdf Students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater are urged to apply.

If you filled out an application last year, please stop by the Financial Aid Office to request reactivation of this application.

Application deadline is: February 12, 2010 *Late applications will not be accepted*

Honor Those Who Serve.

Thank You.