Volume 35 Issue 8 by University Times

NIVERSITY TIMES

THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT PRESQUE ISLE’S STUDENT VOICE

Green, clean, and asbestos-free Volume 35, Issue 8

MARGARET SMITH Staff Writer

Charlie Bonin is clearly excited about the changes being made to Folsom Hall. The VicePresident for Administration and Finance buzzed around his office in Preble Hall, showing blueprints and documentation. Aside from cosmetic modifications—all of the classrooms will receive new paint jobs, new floors, new shades and new ceiling tiles—there will be some major internal changes to Folsom, affecting the overall functioning of the building and its impact on the environment. This “rehabilitation of Folsom,” as Manager of Physical Plant, David St. Peter calls it, will include new windows, a new heating system and a “new building envelope.” This includes new metal siding that will give Folsom the same exterior look as Gentile. The windows will be downsized and replaced with permanently shut windows. New fiberglass insulation, 35 inches thick, will be put in the walls. Does this live up to universal safety and envi-

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

ronmental standards? “It goes above the standards. Beyond,” assured St. Peter. The insulation will keep the building self-contained and prevent energy-consuming leaks of heat and cold. The biggest change will be to Folsom’s heating and cooling capabilities. The current boiler system, which runs on fossil fuels, only heats the building. The new system, an air-to-air heat pump, runs on electricity and converts chill water to cool air and hot water to heat. “This new system, augmented by the up-coming wind turbine system, will greatly reduce UMPI’s carbon footprint,” St. Peter declared. While no final conclusions have been arrived at in regards to the wind turbine system, a local consulting company has been hired and negotiations are in the works. Photo by Margaret Smith Another bonus: no more rattling ventilators. The heat and cool comes from the ceiling and each class Charlie Bonin,Vice President for Administration and Finance will have its own thermostat. Bonin’s ultimate goal ,looks over the plans for the Folsom Hall renovations. is to create a totally LEED certified campus, making it 100 percent green. For now, green renovations are

Cost of vandalism at UMPI higher than ever WILLIAM COPPOLA III Staff Writer

In the past two years over $2,000 worth of damage has been done to the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. It is an uncommon occurrence in small campuses for that much damage to be done in a short amount of time. It is an even more rare occurrence for that much damage to be done at a campus located “North of Ordinary.” In the fall of 2006 there was a fire in the dumpster at Merriman Hall. Trouble at Merriman did not stop there. In the spring of 2007, over $1,000 worth of damage was done to Merriman. That same spring, paint ball guns were used to deface campus. Emerson Hall was vandalized in the spring of 2008 when extensive spray paint damage was done.

See Green, page 6

At UMPI, an average cost of damage done to the campus per year is between $500-$600. The amount of damaged usually done is relatively minor. The staggering figure of $2,000 worth of damage done within the last two years seems to suggest that there is a crime wave going on North of Ordinary. “A lot of vandalism happens when anger and alcohol are mixed together,” Jim Stepp said. “Being drunk is not an excuse.” According to Jim Stepp, Director of Residence Life, vandalism is defined as “defacing or damaging private property.” Vandalism can be classified in two ways: intentional and unintentional. Unintentional vandalism consists of things like holes in walls or spills in the hall. They also have less or no sanctions. “A couple of students were rough housing and unintentionally broke a window,” Stepp exclaims, “they came forward and it was taken care of with not many problems.”

Intentional vandalism, on the other hand, is the purposeful destruction of someone else’s property. Intentional vandalism can consist of destroying or defacing anything on campus that’s not yours. The latest intentional vandalism done on campus was the Emerson Hall spray paint tagging. Between the times of 11 p.m. Feb. 18 and 4 a.m. Feb. 19, vandals used red and black spray paint to paint inappropriate pictures and profanities, as well as words in Japanese. This act of vandalism cost the school over $1,000 to clean up. “Police were immediately contacted and all information we receive is forwarded to them,” Stepp explained. There is a $250 reward for the person(s) who gives information to help authorities with the identities of the persons responsible for the Emerson Hall vandalism. If more than one person provides viable information, the $250 will be split accordingly. “In the past, we have offered rewards and it has coaxed people See Vandalism, page 4

UNIVERSITY TIMES

Thursday, March 13, 2008

UTimes staffers shoot hoops for a good cause

Photo by Amanda Moss

The UTimes staffers made up one of 12 teams at the third annual Ruel Parks Memorial 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 8. The event raised money for the Ruel Parks scholarship that will be awarded this spring to a sophomore or junior physical education or athletic training major. The event is sponsored by the P.E. majors club. Pictured on the left are UTimes staffers Harrison Kilpatrick, Lindsey Perry, Aha Blume, Jessica Mayne and Margaret Smith. They are joined by their fearless leader, Deb Parks. Try as they may and giving it their all, Team UTimes was elimanated in the second round. We congratulate the winning team, “Money in the Bank.” We hope your t-shirts fit well!

Chris’ Column

I write this month not to share any deep thoughts or funny experiences, but rather as a serious reminder of adhering to University policies and procedures. Sure, I agree (as I’ve been in your shoes) – some of these may seem rigid or unnecessary. Trust me, we don’t make rules just so we have something to do – there is always a reason behind the madness. We are approaching a significant deadline – April 7, 2008. What is so special about this date? Well, unless you’ve been living in a cave, you should know that this is the deadline for all enrolled students to comply with our immunization requirements. You are no doubt aware of the outbreak of mumps on college and university campuses across the country and here in Maine. Fortunately, UMPI has avoided an active outbreak, but the risk remains. Given the severity of this situation, the

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) implemented an emergency rule requiring post-secondary students have documentation of 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) immunization, unless there is documented immunity. This is an amendment to 10144 DHHS Maine CDC, Chapter 262 Rules and Regulations Post-Secondary School Immunizations Required. Given the confirmation of mumps cases and those suspected cases, these circumstances present an immediate public threat to health, safety or welfare. Because all students who are on campus are at risk of mumps disease we must strictly enforce the immunization requirements. There are MANY of you out there – over 400 – who are NON-compliant. On April 7th, those students who remain noncompliant will be banned from attending

classes, housing and all areas of campus. These requirements are in place to protect the safety and well-being of everyone. The University has taken multiple steps (since this ruling went into effect in November) to inform students of this requirement and notify those who are non-compliant – this is yet another attempt. PLEASE, if you have been notified that you are non-compliant, take action NOW and get immunized. Failure to meet the April 7th deadline will result in your removal from campus and no one wants this to happen. Health Services can order your vaccination and administer the shot – contact Linda Mastro, Director at 768-9586 to make arrangements. You may also contact your care provider, but do so now. STAY IN SCHOOL…PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW and get immunized!

The University Times welcomes your submissions (letters to the editor, poetry, articles). We reserve the right to edit all submissions for grammar, clarity, language, length and libel. Submissions must be received no later than Noon on the Thursday before publication, and must include your name, address and telephone number. Upon submission, all material becomes the property of the University Times. Submissions may be sent on a CD or written in letter form and dropped in the UTimes mailbox (426 in the Campus Center). Material also can be left in the mail slot on the office door or be e-mailed to utimes@umpi.maine.edu. The University Times does not impose length restrictions on letters to the editor, but advises “the shorter, the better.”

The University Times Lindsey Perry Editor

Deanna Jordan Assistant Editor Aha Blume Copy Editor

Larry French Art Editor

William Coppola III Web Manager Lisa Rockwell Business Manager

Staff Writers Aha Blume William Coppola III Cassandra Gildert Deanna Jordan Harrison Kilpatrick Johnny Lynch Laura Mooney Al Patrick Margaret Smith Shane Smith Regular Contributors Patric Edward Jeff Lovejoy Jessica Mayne Ray Rice Jim Stepp Adviser Deborah Parks

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 in the Campus Center 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.

Be the change you want to see in the world UNIVERSITY TIMES

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Spotlight on Student Volunteers Jessica Barnes and Isaac Raymond LAURA MOONEY Staff Writer

Martha & Mary’s Soup Kitchen helps to feed people in the Presque Isle are who might not otherwise have food to eat. Hot meals are served on weekdays and they fills boxes of food for families to take home. Two UMPI students, Jessica Barnes and Isaac Raymond, volunteer regularly at Martha & Mary’s. For the past five years, Barnes has given her time, just a few hours a week, here. The need for volunteers was presented to her while in high school and she thought that volunteer work would help with obtaining scholarships for college. Although Barnes left Aroostook County to go to college for a semester, when she returned to Presque Isle, she returned to Martha & Mary’s.

“I’ve continued working at the soup kitchen, too, because I love working with the people here-the volunteers and the people who come to eat,” she said. Religious convictions were a big influencing factor for Raymond to volunteer at Martha & Mary’s. “If I’m going to go deeper in Christianity, I should do something around town,” he said. So, for the past two years, Raymond has given back to the community. Both Barnes and Raymond work on Friday afternoons from approximately 1-5:30 p.m. Within that time period, there is much to do, including handing out box orders, washing dishes and serving food. Someone usually reads and discusses a passage from the Bible. Raymond explained that there

were usually other random things that need to be done. One time, an organ was donated, but the Soup Kitchen could not keep it. Raymond had to take it to the junk yard. Working at Martha and Mary’s Soup Kitchen has given the two volunteers many memorable moments. For Barnes, one in particular stands out in her memory. One night when she was working, a man came in with his children, explaining that it was his son’s birthday. He asked the staff if they had a cake to give to him, and the staff was happy to report they that they did. “It definitely made him happy,” Barnes recalled. Raymond did not specify a certain moment that really touched him. Rather, he just enjoys “connecting” with the people.

Barnes and Raymond encouraged other students to step out and volunteer, whether at the Soup Kitchen or other places in the community. “It’s rewarding, feels like you’re doing something good,” Raymond said. Students interested in lending a hand at Martha & Mary’s should call Sue Forbes 207-764-0758 on either Mondays or Fridays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Editor’s note: If you know of an UMPI student who volunteers either locally or at home, please let us know so we can recognize them. Send your suggestions to: laura.k.mooney3@maine.edu.

Braden Theater offers new movie experience LINDSEY PERRY Editor

The Braden Theater on Main Street is now open for business. An immediate smell of fresh paint will fill your nose when you step into the newly renovated building. Owners Chris and Arlen Dow have spent many months getting ready for their grand opening earlier in the month. The Braden opened on March 1 with the movies “There Will Be Blood”, “Sweeny Todd,” and “The Spiderwick Chronicles.” Due to northern Maine’s famous weather patterns the grand opening’s attendance didn’t have the outcome the Dow’s anticipated, but they are hoping that as the weather shows mercy in weeks to come the crowd will grow. According to Chris Dow, “Sweeny Todd” and “The Spiderwick Chronicles” were the movies that brought the most people in from the cold. One of Dow’s main goals for opening the theater was to introduce some culture into the town. “I wanted to show ‘There Will Be Blood’ because I wanted to show some of the less mainstream films,” Dow said. As some of you may know there were

plans to have the Braden open much sooner than it finally did. Christmas was the ultimate goal for opening but there were a few obstructions in the way. “There were many new codes that had to be met. One of the biggest obstacles was the installation of new sprinkler systems. We had to dig under the roads to install the pipes, which nobody seems to know where the pipes are in this town,” Dow explained. The Braden Theater has been vacant for quite some time now. Arlen Dow had an itch to invest in a new business. Chris Dow, the former 12 year assistant manager for FYE, was getting tired of waiting for a movie theater to open up in town. With Arlen’s drive for something new, and Chris’s drive to introduce some culture into Aroostook County, Presque Isle became blessed with a brand spankin’ new theater. The Braden has three classicallySee Braden, page 8

Photo by Lindsay Perry

The Braden Theater is now re-open for business on Main St.

UNIVERSITY TIMES

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Student Senate welcomes new members HARRISON KILPATRICK

Communications Director Student Senate

Week ending March 1 It seems as if the second half of the semester is upon us. The student senate has been meeting on a byweekly basis at around 11:15 a.m., with the next meeting next Friday, March 14. The senate is looking for a new advisor. If any faculty reading this are interested (or if you happen to start talking about it amongst your peers), I compel you to come to the student senate office and make us aware of this interest. We have filled our ranks since the last article. Ravi Munukutla,

Aha Blume, and Zack Smith have become members of your beloved senate, all passing with good majority. In the near future you can look for an updated senate bulletin board (you know, the one on the bottom floor of Folsom/Pullen near the stairs closest to the campus center) with pictures of your senators. To compliment this effort to make your student senate more visible, the website will be updated with senator biographies, giving you an idea of who represents you. The issue of senator compensation has been discussed with a diverse range of radically different ideas, this being a ‘hot button’ issue in last semester’s elections. Another result of last week’s meeting is the decision to require WUPI’s station manager, or a good sub-

stitute, to give a monthly report. It was also decided that there will be a History of UMPI’s Student Senate posted on the website for you to immerse yourself in your only true joy, the student senate! Again, we are always looking for students that are interested in being more participative in campus activities. If you are interested in joining the senate, or working on a senate committee (which will be posted on the senate website), come down to the office and holla’. If you find that the senate office is staffed in unpredictable patterns, send us an e-mail at umpi.ssenate@maine.edu

Comedian delivers through rain, sleet and snow

JOHNNY LYNCH Staff Writer

Despite a heavy sleet-storm, many students at UMPI ventured to Wieden Auditorium in hopes of catching Ronnie Jordan’s show. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on March 8, the upand-coming comedian from Atlanta, Georgia delivered a show which kept his audience laughing. Being a heavy-set man himself, Jordan showed no fear in finding fun with this fact. The highlights of his show were his “Reuben-face” and the segment when the sight of a simple pastry reduced Jordan to lip-synching emotional songs. Before the show, Sam White, chairperson of Owl Productions, speculated a good show was to come. “I youtubed him,” said White. “Lots of laughs and entertainment and something really fun to see on a Saturday night.” This was Jordan’s first time performing at UMPI,

but not his first show in Maine. “I was in Auburn and this is like 240 miles from there. I thought it was Canada up here! Are we off the map?” The audience turnout for the night was approximately 32 people in all. “Considering the weather was bad out, I am quite impressed.” said White. Jordan, who has been in the comedy business for nearly seven years, was also pleased with the numbers. “It went alright. Most comedians just quit when they see a big crowd, and I’ll do the same show if it’s twothousand or if it’s twenty people. Same thing to me.” Jordan spoke also of his fondness for his audience. “I just like it when people come out and they respond to me, because it’s kind of a toss-up when they’ve never seen you before.” said Jordan. “I like it when the people are laughing at anything. I appreciate it!” A slight hitch was the obvious fact that a leak had sprung from the auditorium roof which, as it happens, dripped very close to where Jordan would perform.

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Jordan saw the drip prior to the performance and a towel was placed in the general falling-point. But just before the show began, someone mistakenly moved the towel and Jordan once again fell victim to the drip as it came down in front of him in the opening act. This did not deter the comedian, who instead showed versatility and adaptation in his comedy as he took the slow drip and played it into his act, telling his audience how desperately he hoped to not come out electrocuted. “If I had to stand on the floor and do it with no mic, I still would’ve had a good time,” said Jordan. Jacqueline Gagnon, a student at UMPI, was quite pleased with Jordan’s comedy. “He almost made me pee my pants!” said Gagnon. “Especially when he sang to his little pastry.” Jordan is nominated for the “Comedian of the Year” award in Campus Activities Magazine. The comedian encourages his viewers to visit his website at any time at: www.ronniejordan.net.

Vandalism

continued from page 1 into giving information more freely,” Jim Stepp said. “Also, if people come forward and admit to the crime, lesser sanctions are possible.” As of yet, no one has come forward as the culprit. Viable information has been provided, but not enough to prove the responsibility of any particular individual(s). If you have any information on

this crime, or any other crime on campus, see either Jim Stepp in the Emerson Annex or go directly to police. Your help will be appreciated.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Distinguished Lecturer shares ‘Americans That Tell the Truth’ LAURA MOONEY Staff Writer

“I’ve always thought an artists responsibility was to tell some sort of truth,” Robert Shetterly told the audience seated before him on Feb. 27, 2008. Shetterly, the first speaker in UMPI’s Distinguished Lecturer Series of 2008, is an artist and an activist. His paintings portray political activists. Not all are famous. Some of them are deceased. All of them tell the truth, and it is this virtue that provided Shetterly with a title for his collection: “Americans That Tell the Truth.” Shetterly is a Maine citizen and has been making some type of art for most of his life.. At the onset of the second Iraq War, he found himself angry and bitter. However, he did not want to allow these feelings to fester within himself, so he decided to paint an inspirational portrait of Walt Whitman, even including a quote from the nineteenth century writer as part of the work. Shetterly recalled thinking, “I’m going to paint his picture, and then I’m going to go back to being the person I was who paints surrealistic pictures that people love to hate.” But after painting Whitman’s portrait, and

observing people’s strong positive reaction, he realized he could not simply return to the person he was, and thus, the series dedicated to Americans who have changed history was born. Within this series, Shetterly has painted over one hundred portraits. He tries to include people from a variety of races, ethnicities and backgrounds. For Shetterly, it is their courage to speak out on issues, not the exact issues themselves that is important. “So many of the important changes have been made by people willing to go to jail to change a bad law,” he said. UMPI Assistant Professor of Sociology Lynn Eldershaw was looking for a Maine resident to talk for the Distinguished Lecturer Series, when she came across Shetterly. She declared him to be the “perfect person” to start the year off. “His portraits remind us that individuals can make a difference,” Eldershaw said. For further information on Shetterly portraits, there is a website available at www.americanswhotellthetruth.org It includes digital images of all of the paintings in the series, brief biographies of the people he has painted and even a lesson plan to be used in schools. Browse the website and let Shetterly’s portraits inspire you, too.

Photo by Laura Mooney

Artist and activist Robert Shetterly discusses his work with UMPI student Shane Smith.

UMPI has ‘disco fever’ for Spring Ball,2008 DEANNA JORDAN Assistant Editor

Although the snow banks are taller than your house and all the walkways around campus are buried under a few layers of snow and ice, there seems to be a light at the end of the dark, snowy tunnel. The plans are already underway, putting together the Spring Ball of 2008! The ball has been an UMPI tradition for the past 12 years, and has been a complete sell out in the past five or six years, last year being the largest turnout in the ball’s history. It’s not just a dance, as

the ball starts out with a dinner buffet at 7 p.m., followed by an entertainment program including campus and local talent, and finally ending with the dance itself. The committee chose the theme of “Disco” for this year’s ball. Keith Madore, Director of Alumni Relations, and member of the ball’s planning committee says that, “the purpose of the ball is to bring students, faculty and staff together in a social environment.” It’s a great way for students and professors to have a chance to see each other and talk in an environment other than the classroom. “If you haven’t gone you should go at least once.” Madore says.

He insisted that those who intended to go once ended up going again and again. Invitations will be sent out to everyone in the last week of March and tickets will be available starting the first week of April, in time for the ball which is on April 18th. Tickets are limited so be sure to get yours early. You’ll be able to get them in the Campus Center, Preble Hall, or from Student Activities director, Alyson Gibbs, whose office is located in Emerson Annex.

UNIVERSITY TIMES

Green

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incorporated where it’s possible and feasible. With the new heating system, this means almost 40,000 gallons of fuel saved a year. Plus, all classroom lights will be on sensors; every joule of energy saved counts. Funding for the project, which costs $2 million, came from the University of Maine System and from a bond donated by the city of Presque Isle. Voters in Presque Isle gave their support, 61% yes to 39% no. Over the course of January and February, President Zillman and Media Relations Coordinator, Rachel Rice, presented at various service clubs around the county, vying for funds. According to President Zillman and Charlie Bonin, the priorities considered when making any renovation decisions are: -To make all building handicap accessible (meeting ADA requirements) -The renovation of essential classroom buildings -Utilization of significant energy-saving opportunities -Creation of jobs for Aroostook County Most priorities seem to have been well met, with the exception of Folsom’s science labs. They are the same labs that were installed in the 1960s. President Zillman hopes that further funding, through private donations or another bond, will enable the University to update labs one at a time. The first priority, bringing all buildings up to existing American Disability Act requirements, is always the top concern whenever renovations are taking place. This has resulted in two more wheelchair-accessible bathrooms being installed in Folsom. The first is on the second floor, where the office of Dr. Knopp is located. The second is located directly above this, on the third floor. This will certainly benefit Natalie St. Pierre, a student who uses a wheelchair and motorized scooter. “By the time I go down to use the bathroom on the first floor and come back up to class on the second or third floor, I’ve missed fifteen minutes of class,” St. Pierre explained.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

She also lists a need for the school to update the elevator and to put an automatic door opener on the door that leads from the C3 lobby to the first floor of Folsom. Bonin has confirmed that improvements upon or replacement of the elevator in Pullen will take precedence when they get to renovating Pullen, in another four or five years. He’s also made note of the need for an automatic door opener on the above-mentioned door. “We’ll see what we can do about that this summer,” he mused. Another addition to Folsom will be a commuter student’s lounge, located in F101A, where one of the computer labs used to be. “Most commuters don’t leave Folsom, so the lounge is a good thing for us,” said Ryan Butler, a mmber of the Commuter Student Club. “We don’t need it to be very fancy. So long as the computers have internet access and Microsoft Office, commuter students will be pleased.” Steve Callioras, a commuting student who is not part of the Commuter Student Club, begs to differ. “Why do we need a lounge? There are plenty of places around campus to eat and do work. I would prefer the resources go towards maintaining the jobs of professors who make a difference.” The space, near food services, is for offcampus students to spend their in-between hours. When will the renovations be complete? “My hope is for a mid-October ribbon cutting,” says President

Zillman. Asbestos Angst Asbestos floor tiles, installed around the campus in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, is being removed from Folsom in this renovation. “Asbestos floor tile poses no danger. It’s only a problem when it becomes friable, when it breaks up and goes into the air,” St. Peter explained. “The stuff that could pose a danger, around boilers and spray-on insulation, was removed years ago when the legislation came out,” Bonin confirmed. This is why, in accordance with State Legislation (which can be found at www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/asbestos/asbfact.htm), the school has hired a contractor to remove the tiles. County Abatement, Inc., out of Caribou, is responsible for safely removing, transporting and storing all of the asbestos tile that is removed from the building. Air samples were taken before and after the tile was removed from the first floor at the end of February. They will be taken again over the upcoming spring break, when the tiles from the second and third floors are removed. Asbestos tiles still remain on campus, in parts of Emerson Hall and Wieden, but they are in excellent shape and pose no threat of air contamination.

Folsom Hall is undergoing renovations and will soon have a brand new look.

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Six men vie for title of Ms. UMPI AHA BLUME Staff Review

When you first saw the posters advertising “Ms. UMPI” what did you think? Well if you’re like me, you might have first thought this was a typical pageant with female contestants, except Ms. instead of Miss, so perhaps it was making a feminist statement? Then I found out that wasn’t it at all, but that the contestants were all men - dressed up as women. Interesting, right? Well in fairness to the Senior Class, who worked hard to put this together as one of their fundraisers this year, I decided to put my journalistic skills to work, and give it a shot. I have to admit the night had its moments. The two co-hosts, Keith and Jennifer, were extremely funny. And Brandon and Frank who performed while competitors changed for different competitions were very talented. The contestants participated in various categories, like in real pageants. Six “women” c o m p e t e d . And props go to the judges for keeping straight faces, and judging this as though it were a real p a g e a n t . The categories were: sportswear, talent, evening wear and interview questions. The sportswear competition was interesting, although some of the men clearly didn’t shave their legs before transforming into women. As my friend who I dragged to the pageant with me put it, it was both, “hilarious and frightening.” In the talent competition, some of them were

talented. I thought the first competitor Rhianna, who performed a dramatic monologue as Cinderella’s ugly step-sister, was by far the best. However, others, such as the sixth competitor, “Zenobia,” were clearly just working for the laughs, as “she” was supposed to see how many hot dogs she could eat in a minute, but ended up just playing to the audience. For the evening wear, contestants were accompanied by their “male” escorts. I suppose since the men were dressing as women, might as well have women dressing as men. After each “woman” came out they had to answer a question from Keith and Jennifer that they pulled out of a hat. This was a highlight of the evening. Clearly some of these contestants are closet pageant watchers as no matter what question they were asked they worked “world peace” into the answer. For example one was, “If you could have one superhero power, what would it be and why?” Answer: “X-Ray vision so I could work for world peace.” At the end of the competition, the crowd was entertained by Brandon and Frank again while the judges deliberated. Finally the end was in sight! If you weren’t there, and are still reading my article, you probably want to know who won. Okay, so all the contestants were given chocolate for participatSee Ms. UMPI, page 8

Photo by Aha Blume

Matt Petrie, aka Mary Lou Rotten, struts “her” stuff for the judges during the Ms. UMPI pageant.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Who’s your favorite teacher? WILLIAM COPPOLA III Staff Writer

Attention Students: Is there a professor you feel has done a phenomenal job here at the University of Maine at Presque Isle? Someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty? A professor that has inspired you to achieve your full potential, and you’re wondering how you can thank them for this? Stop by

the Student Senate office and grab a nomination form for the Distinguished Teaching Award. Nominations for the Distinguished Teaching Award are currently underway for the 2007-08 academic year. This award is presented by the Student Senate, but the candidates are nominated by the students. To nominate a professor, you only need to fill out a form. The form consists of three questions: reason for nominating, what you like about the way they teach, and how they help students like yourself. The professor you

nominate can be from any department on campus. After filling the form out, they can be turned in at the Student Senate office or box 427 at the Campus Mailroom. For more information, you can call 768-9561 or e-mail the Student Senate at umpi.ssenate@maine.edu

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CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT

The University of Southern Maine School of Music Chamber Singers are gearing up for another European Tour. This 28 member select group from Portland will be traveling to the County to perform a night concert before they leave the United States. On March 27 at 7 p.m., this amazing vocal ensemble will give a concert at the Ashland Community High School Gym. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Russell, the group will perform vocal works ranging from classical to popular tunes, spirituals to folk songs. This concert is made possible by a generous grant from the Maine Community Foundation to support high quality musical performances in rural areas of Maine. All donations from this concert will go to support the MSAD #32 Music Program in Ashland.

Ms. UMPI

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ing. I feel sorry for co-host Keith Madore, who had to endure being hugged, kissed, picked up and swung around by the various contestants. Then they announced Miss Congeniality, contestant three, Mary Lou Findlay. First runner up went to contestant one, Rhianna. Then the last “Ms. UMPI” of 1952 (back before UMPI was even UMPI but was just Aroostook Normal School) came out to give up her crown to Ms. UMPI 2008. Apparently back in

Braden

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styled viewing rooms. One holds 144 springy red cushioned seats, the other 161, and the largest holds 171. The theater has radiant heating. “Having the floors heated makes it very comfortable in here. The floors are warm, so the seats are warm, and it saves on energy costs, too,” Dows said. The Braden offers a fully stocked, lowpriced concession stand, and low-priced theater tickets. The Dow’s hope that this will keep customers satisfied and entice them to return again and again. Currently, The Braden has six employees on the payroll. This has left them a little short-handed, leaving Dow to take on many of the crucial roles of the theater, but he refused to over hire. “I’d rather be stressed out for a while, than have to hire a bunch of people in and then have to let them go,” Dow vented. One of the lucky employees is UMPI

1952, they understood what “Ms.” actually meant, for Ms. UMPI 1952 was actually a woman, not a man dressed as a woman. She gave the crown to Mary Lou. I have to admit I did have more fun that I originally thought I would. There were lots of moments where I found myself laughing, no matter how hard I tried not too. However, I would like my five dollars back so I can go see Sweeney Todd at the Braden again.

student Jasmine Shaw. Shaw is excited about her new job at The Braden. She currently is doing whatever needs to be done on the floor such as selling concessions, and tickets. “I take care of whatever needs doing out here, but eventually I hope to be working with the mechanical aspects of the theater,” Shaw explains. Shaw expects the theater to bring good things to the community. “Caribou has most of the mainstream movies covered, so I’m hoping we’ll have some alternative films,” Shaw said. The Braden Theater currently has a website under construction. To hear what’s playing and what time you can pop on by, call the theaters hotline. You’ll get to hear Ms. Shaw’s soothing voice give the details. To contact the Braden Theater call (207) 768-5500. All shows are $5, and there are matinees on weekends. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Dean Corsello and the UMPI Pride Committee announce “The Winter Survival Celebration”

When: Thursday, March 27, 3 p.m. Where: Between snow mounds (Location TBA) Who: Entire UMPI community of snowFLAKES What: Games, competitions, and surprises! Refreshments too!

To submit ideas, volunteer, participte in a snow sculpture contest or for more information, contact Bonnie DeVaney at 768-9750, Barbara.devaney@umpi.edu

UMPI galleries host openings UNIVERSITY TIMES

AHA BLUME Staff Review

On Sunday, March 2, two very different art shows held receptions on campus. The first, “Attaining Womanliness and The Vagina Studies,” a joint show by Heather Nunez and Shelby Wilcox, has been hanging in the Pullen Gallery since January. The show was only supposed to be there until the end of January, but due to the success of the show, the pieces have remained in the Pullen gallery. Soon the shows will come down to make way for some senior shows. But fans of Nunez never fear, for her senior show, “Pink Nudes,” will soon be in that space. The two women’s works compliment each other. Nunez’s show is about shaking unrealistic expectations about being a woman, and Wilcock’s is about being proud of being a woman. In her artist statement, Wilcock explained that, “while many words for the male anatomy are in frequent use in our society, words to describe female anatomy are not.” Both shows reflect the artists feminist values. Wilcock’s statement also explains, “I don’t want to be a man.” Wilcock explained to a captive audience, who had braved the weather to attend the opening, about how she had created her vagina paintings.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

“It started out as an experiment, I used finger paints to paint my vagina,” Wilcock explained. “I did not set out to create a show.” But she was encouraged to turn her experiment into paintings, so “The Vagina Studies” was born. The second reception was for “Unknown, Untitled, Unframed: Paintings from the David Hitchcock Collection.” This was a completely different experience. UMPI has about 350 pieces from the Hitchcock collection, however many of these pieces had never been displayed. Sandra Huck, curator of the gallery, explained that she wanted to give an idea of the diversity of the university’s holdings. She sees it as a reflection on the collection as well as the collector. The show got it’s name as the pieces are not framed, most are unsigned and many of the artists unknown. Included in this collection are artists such as Robert Shetterly. All the artists are Maine artists. Before this there had not been a full show of the Hitchcock collection, although many other pieces Photo by Aha Blume hang in various spots in the university. Heather Nunez poses next to one of her pieces in “Attaining Hitchcock’s brother Steve, on hand for the recepWomanliness.” tion, explained that his brother had collected most of the work between 1975 and 1990. Hitchcock would actually meet artists, and had an art gallery See Art Shows, page 10

Photo by Aha Blume

Attendees at the reception for the David Hitchcock Collection listen animatedly to Steve Hitchcock talk about his brother’s collection.

Photo by Aha Blume

Shelby Wilcock stands next to one of her vagina paintings in her show, “The Vagina Study.”

Players penalized for unauthorized trip 10

UNIVERSITY TIMES

LINDSEY PERRY Editor

“To clear the record we did take the van, but we didn’t do all these crazy things they’re saying we did with it,” Dwayne Mitchell explained. Mitchell is the captain of the men’s basketball team. On Saturday, Feb. 2 a group of students, primarily consisting of team members from the men’s basketball team, took an UMPI van to Bangor. This excursion was unauthorized and held consequences for the students playing a role in this incident. “We were supposed to be going to the coach’s house for a family party, basically a super bowl party. The party got cancelled and we still had the van signed out. I was the driver, we took it to Bangor,” Mitchell explained. According to Mitchell, the men’s basketball coach, Michael Carlos, was unaware that the students had planned on taking the van to Bangor. Mitchell and the rest of the student-athletes involved in this incident were reported to campus officials by a faculty member. According to Dean Corsello, the students came forward and apologized for taking the van to an unauthorized location before they were confronted about it. Mitchell explained that they had purchased gas for the van with a school credit card, but insisted that it was not used for anything else. “When the school administration found out, they were really upset with us. We were penalized three

Art Show

continued from page 9

in Portland. He would bring homeless people into his gallery and encourage them to paint art. Some of the pieces hanging in the gallery may even be by those artists. Steve Hitchcock explained, “David did not draw or paint himself, but appreciated art, the artist and the life of the artist.” As people expressed interest in works he’d collected, he would get them in touch with the artists, and encouraged collectors to buy directly from the artists. “He attempted to give exposure to the artist,” Steve explained. He said that he was impressed with his brother’s keen edge in selecting the art. “David trusted his own instincts, picked the pieces he liked,” Steve explained.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

games,” he said. The three games they were penalized were the final three games of the season. Thier record overall was 3-15 prior to the penalty. The students paid back the school immediately for usage of the van and for the gas purchased. “We paid the money out of our own pockets within the hour of talking to the campus officials,” Mitchell said. The van was initially scheduled for authorized use the following day. The van was signed out for an advisor and the keys were handed over to the captain, Dwayne Mitchell, for safe keeping. “We simply didn’t authorize this trip,” Dean Corsello e x p l a i n s . “Everything happened according to procedure, the difference was that one person opted to function outside of that procedure.” The students were still allowed to use the van the following day for their scheduled authorized event. “Our concern is for the safety of the people in that van. The passengers. The students,” Corsello said.

He himself would not pick the same pieces. Steve said that anybody can start collecting art, “you just find out who you like and begin to collect them or include them in your collection.” He encouraged those present to start or continue collecting art they like. The show is just small snapshot of the university’s collection and he hopes there will be more shows from the Hitchcock collection in the future. Steve explained that David is still collecting, “but now he collects on the internet.” When you have a free moment, check out the show in the Reed Gallery. Although it would be hard to find connections between the two shows, both prove that art is alive and well on the UMPI campus.

“People make mistakes, and use bad judgment. That’s what this is.” Mitchell claimed that they just wanted to “get out of town for a while.” They made a stop at the mall to walk around for a bit. “It was just a spur of the moment thing,” Mitchell said. “We didn’t do anything bad.” No other penalties have been given to the students at this time, and the students involved feel that this issue has been put to rest. “ We d o n ’ t want the UMPI administration to look at us differently now, even though they are. We’re good guys, we’re not destructive or anything. We’re here to get an education, and to advance ourselves. This is just something that happens, but it doesn’t mean that’s who we are. We’ve gotten better collectively as a team and become a family.” Mitchell concludes.

SENATE ANNOUNCEMENT Student President Williams Resigns

Due to personal reasons Student Government President Darick Williams will be stepping down as President effective noon Wednesday March 12. Further details will be forthcoming, but as of noon Wednesday the powers of the President will be exercised by the Student Senate Executive Board. New elections for Student Government President will be held March 26 and 27, details will be posted around campus. If you have questions or want further information about how the process works feel free to contact the Student Senate. Ext: 9561, email Commissioner Clark at jonathandavid.clark@maine.edu, or visit the Student Senate black board or web page (www.umpi.maine.edu/~ssenate).

UNIVERSITY TIMES

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Blood in, blood out: A review of Sweeney Todd JOHNNY LYNCH Staff Review

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Rated R Runtime: 116 minutes Starring: Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter Rating: 10 skittles out of 10 When it comes to the newly released film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, be warned; there will be blood, and much of it, before the movie is over. But don’t be discouraged from seeing this film! The blood and death, while certainly gruesome, is but a metaphor in terms of the central character. Helmed by director Tim Burton, this film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s stage musical of the same name tells a very unique tale. It begins in London, a very long time ago; when Charles Dickens would have thrived writing about the filthy conditions of both the city and its people. The main character is a formerly successful barber named Benjamin Barker (played by Johnny Depp), who has just returned after a fifteen year-long false imprisonment in Australia. His very appearance, what we can see of the city, and even Barker’s own outlook reflects the world around him:

dirty, colorless, without any sense of life. Barker, now going by the alias “Sweeney Todd”, is accompanied by a young man, a sailor named Antony. Antony’s fondness of London prompts the newlynamed Todd to reflect on his own past and the very events just before he was arrested. Todd once had a beautiful wife and child, a thriving trade, generally the perfect life. But this quickly changed when Judge Turpin (played by Alan Rickman), a truly vile and lecherous man, lays his eyes on Todd’s wife and, deciding he must have her, arranges to have the barber locked away. It is when Todd returns to his old flat that Mrs. Lovett (played by Helena Bonham Carter), a woman who runs a meat-pie shop beneath it, gives him the rest of the sad story; his wife was lured to a party held by Judge Turpin and after a few drinks was raped before a jeering mass of partygoers. Soon after, she poisoned herself. And Todd’s daughter, Johanna, is now Turpin’s ward. After this news and so many years of false imprisonment, much of life’s color would indeed seem drained. So too shall be those who land in Todd’s barber chair for a shave as he vows revenge on the judge and all men like him. But the question that soon comes is what to do with the bodies of Todd’s victims? Luckily, Mrs. Lovett knows how to attend to the meat of Todd’s

problems. On the whole, I really enjoyed this movie. It was a unique tale of revenge and the blackness of the human soul when truly crossed. You won’t feel him justified in his actions, but you will identify with his pain of love and loss. Where this was strongly a musical, and I am a man who enjoys a good musical, I have nothing but praise for the vocal work of its actors. Johnny Depp is a man of many acting talents, but his singing is soulful to hear. I could feel his turmoil as I listened to his first few musical numbers. As with most films by Tim Burton, there are many familiar visuals based from his past works: the uses of black and white clothing, another Johnny Depp character with a wacky hairstyle akin to Tim Burton’s own, a stylistically grim world, and the title character living on a top floor with a wide-open space (in this case, a window) to gaze out of. If you have the chance to see Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, I highly recommend you head to your local theater. It isn’t a film for kids, to be sure. I implore that you ignore the blood and look more to the story itself. Before the end, there will be such irony in Todd’s actions that it will deliver an important pause for thought; can vengeance so blind us in our passion?

lungs empty and through the night, so it seems, I’m not breathing, and now my dreams are nothing like they were meant to be, and I’m breaking down, I think I’m breaking down.” Dallas Green has an insatiable ability to imprint his heart on his music. It is difficult not to feel how he feels when you hear him singing. There’s so much emotion there, and there’s a tendency for the lyrics to bring out emotions within those who listen. The material is very relevant and relatable. Everyone knows what it’s like to lose someone you love, or feel as though the light no longer shines upon you. On “Sleeping Sickness,” Gord Downie’s verse: “I’ve become a simple souvenir of someone’s kill. Like the sea I’m constantly changing from calm to ill, madness fills my heart and soul as if the great divide could swallow me whole.” Damn, that be some deep s**t!! If you enjoy songs of depth and meaning, this album is one you should listen to. Dallas Green has a voice that will calm you, and make you stop and reflect on what he is saying through his music. After listening to this album a few times, I wanted to call him up and ask him if he’s all right. Another song of note is “Body in a Box.” It’s about

a man who passed away and it describes the day of his funeral. “We celebrate the lives of the dead, it’s like a man’s best party, it only happens when he dies. We gather around to pay our respects, while their souls are still searching for the light.” The tempo of this song is upbeat, and does not reflect the subject matter of the song. This creates a more celebratory feel about the passing of a friend. Funerals are celebrations of someone’s life after all. This song reminds me of that, and gives perspective on the world in which we live. Each life is fragile and minute-a small piece of the larger whole. This album has a much fuller sound than the 2005 release, Sometimes. City and Color added more instruments to accompany the resonance of Dallas’ velvet smooth guitar playing and vocals. For those of you who enjoy City and Color, and want to listen to similar music I recommend: Damian Rice, Brett Dennen, Iron and Wine or Paolo Nutini. Get behind that computer and check out these artists on www.youtube.com. There is a world of music out there at your fingertips.

Canuck Music Chuck: Dallas Brings his Love on this Album

AL PATRICK Staff Review

It’s a Saturday afternoon and City and Color’s latest album Bring Me Your Love plays in the background. This is the follow-up album to Sometimes which was released in 2005. For those of you who are unfamiliar with City and Color, here is a history lesson. City and Color is Dallas Green’s solo project. He is a singer and guitarist for the Canadian band Alexisonfire. City and Color is a departure from Alexisonfire’s heavy guitar, and Emo-like (hell I guess it’s Emo…I never liked to categorize music by genre, instead by how it makes me feel) music. I digress, back to the album. Bring Me Your Love has twelve songs that evoke deep emotions even for the most hardened soul. Green’s voice lingers between the beautiful melodies on his guitar. One song that stands out for me is called “Sleeping Sickness.” Gord Downie, lead singer of the Tragically Hip, sings on the track. The song begins with: “I awoke only to find my

UNIVERSITY TIMES

Letter to the editor: Lovejoy made my day

Dear Editor: I have just finished reading Jeff Lovejoy’s lesson for Mr. Edward. It is one of the wittiest and most cogent ripostes in response to one of the clumsiest and most poorly argued articles I have ever read, either in a college newspaper or in the “professional” media. I’m not a member of the U. of Maine [Presque Isle] community, but after reading his excellent explanation of how politics actually works, I am moved to congratulate Mr. Lovejoy...and I thank him for making my day. Regards, Bill Tower

Thursday, March 13, 2008

UMPI PRIDE Are you an UMPI enthusiast? Dean Corsello has initiated a new UMPI Pride Committee to help pep up UMPI. The Committee wants to hear from YOU. How would you generate school spirit? Send your suggestions to Barbara.DeVaney@umpi.edu or contact other committee members: Adam Bickford, Aha Blume, Ravi Munukutla, Charles Weiss, Jessica Blackstone, Patric Edward, or Amanda Morin. Contests to Acknowledge Exceptional Students The newly formed UMPI Pride Committee will sponsor several events this semester. The first event, “Outstanding Student Recognition”, students and staff will nominate, select and acknowledge high achievers in: academics, leadership, contribution to campus, community service. The second event, UMPI’s “Creative Spirit” contest will give students the opportunity to submit their own original creative works in the form of short stories/poems or photographs that is in some way connected to the University. Students and staff will select the winners in each category. To see competition categories, contest rules, nominees and voting procedures, click on http://www.umpi.maine.edu/pride-contest Nominee submissions deadline for Outstanding Student is April 8th Student submission of their creative work deadline is April 8th at 4pm. Creative works will be displayed April 10th-18th Voting for each slate of nominees and creative works will take place April 14th -18th Winning students of each competition will be recognized in campus media and at the “Student Appreciation Day” picnic at the end of the semester.

Contact Randy Deabay at: randy.deabay@maine.edu Senior Class All You Can Eat Spaghetti Supper and Auction Fundraiser

When: Saturday, March 22 – 4:30 p.m. Where: UMPI Campus Center – Multi Purpose Room Why: Help the 2008 Senior Class raise money for their Graduation Banquet $5.00 per person - $3.00 for kids under 10 If you would like to purchase tickets, see Laurie Boucher (Financial Aid Office – Preble Hall) or Keith Madore (Alumni Relations – Preble Hall) We will also have a lot of door prizes too. Hope you can help support the Senior Class of 2008!!

Truthiness is everywhere UNIVERSITY TIMES

PATRIC EDWARD Faculty Commentary

Normally you don’t get to make someone happy by criticizing their writing. When I criticized an article by my colleague Jeff Lovejoy, I seem to have managed to do just that, and I am thrilled. That I guess is one of the perks of working in academia. Unfortunately I am a “Number Nazi” and I take my job seriously. So I begin my job by responding to the question Jeff posed in the previous issue of this publication. Let me first set the context in which Jeff posed the question. I used numbers from General Electric’s audited financial statements to refute Jeff’s allegation that GE makes most of its money from defense related activities. Though he agreed to certain parts of my article Jeff raised the following issue: “But how does one then explain Defense News, a leading international news weekly covering the global defense

JIM STEPP

Thursday, March 13, 2008

industry, ranking GE as 14th in its top 100 military contractors for 2006? I will admit that Lockheed Martin (which Mr. Edward mentioned) getting a cool 91% of their revenues from “defense” spending pretty much dwarfs GE’s shade under 30%, or $4.6 million.” First let me correct a glaring mistake. GE’s revenue from defense sector is $4.6 billion, not $4.6 million. Now back to the question. The problem here is that Jeff did not notice the notes to the table (in the Defense News report). The notes explain that the $4.6 billion in defense related revenue came from GE’s ‘Aerospace Engines’ subsidiary. GE has several divisions like that, and when taken together, the $4.6 billion revenue from the defense sector turns out to be just 2.8% of GE’s revenue (GE’s net revenue for 2006 was $163 billion). There is another issue that Jeff has missed. Revenue and Income are two different things. Income is the bottom line, and that is what drives most business decisions. It is safe to assume that Jeff, being an English professor, does not have the accounting background to understand such subtle differences. The same goes for artists, even

the well read ones. A case in point was the recent distinguished lecture by Robert Shetterly. During an otherwise interesting presentation he asserted that weapons were United States largest export [category]. He was wrong. Here are the facts: U.S. exports of weapons were worth about $8 billion in 2006 (and about $7 billion in 2005). That pales in comparison to America’s exports of goods, which totaled over $800 billion (and $1.1trillion if you include services) in 2006. As a category, hi-tech goods that account for about a quarter of the nations exports are the largest export category for the nation. This might come as a surprise to many of you, the data on exports shows that the value of U.S. exports of agricultural commodities (soybean, corn etc) are more than the value of its weapons export – by a large margin I should add. In 2006, the agricultural exports were about $65 billion! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts. Mr. Shetterly’s assertion about U.S. weapons export came from his heart, not from the books. I guess truthiness is all around us.

The Calendar and the Moon

Regular Contributor Have you ever wondered how our calendar came about? Did you know that some of the calendars used today are determined by the sighting of the Moon? Did you know that this year’s Easter Sunday will be the earliest Easter in the next 152 years? The Hijri calendar or Islamic calendar is a pure lunar calendar. All of its 12 months begin on the earliest date that the moon can be seen following the New Moon. It is important to note that this is determined by the first human sighting and not a fixed time after a New Moon. Since the average number of days between one new moon and the next is 29.53 days, this calendar is only 354.36 days long. Since the year is 365.24 days long, the Hijri calendar can not be used for the purpose of showing when the seasons will begin. Also because of the 11 day difference in the number of days in the year, the Hijra has gone through 1423 years since its inception in 622 A.D. while the Gregorian calendar has gone through 1381 years.

The Jewish calendar began in approximately 359 A.D. The Jewish calendar is a combined solar/lunar calendar. This is true because it takes in to account the 11 day found in 12 lunar months and adds a leap month once every three years to correct for the difference. This “intercalary month” keeps the calendar in tune with the seasons. Unlike the Hijri, the Jewish calendar uses a calculated new moon to begin its months as compared to the first sighted moon. Christians use the Gregorian calendar, but they also use the moon to determine when Easter will occur. Easter Sunday is defined as the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the spring equinox. This year the Full Moon will occur 25 hours after the spring equinox. The Sunday following these events will be March 23. This year’s Easter Sunday will be the earliest since 1913, the next time Easter falls on March 23 will be in 2160. The earliest possible Easter Sunday is March 22, the last time this occurred was 1818, the next time will be in 2285. For more information about various current and ancient calendars please go to: http://webexhibits.org/calendars/index.html The Night Sky: The International Space Station (ISS) will be visible in the morning sky through March 23, 2008. The ISS will be visible in the night sky beginning March 25, 2008. Go to www.heavens-above.com to check on exact times and to print off a sky chart of the appearance.

03/14 Sunrise 06:46 a.m., Sunset 06:36 p.m. 03/14 06:46 a.m. First Quarter Moon 03/14 10:00 p.m. Mars 1.7 degrees south of Moon 03/15 07:00 p.m. The Francis Malcolm Science Center presents a program called “A Ride on the Space Shuttle.” Call (207) 488-5451 for reservations. 03/17 50th Anniversary (1958), Vanguard 1 Launch, please go to www.nrl.navy.mil/content.php?P=VANGUARD for more information about the Vanguard Program. 03/19 11:00 a.m. Saturn 2.6 degrees north of Moon 03/20 01:48 a.m. Spring Equinox 03/21 Sunrise 6:32 a.m., Sunset 6:47 p.m. 03/21 11:06 a.m. Venus at aphelion – farthest from Sun 67,706,577 miles or 108,939,882 km 03/21 02:40 p.m. Full Moon 03/21 07:00 p.m. Observing Night at UMPI (weather permitting) – Learn how to use a sky chart. Meet in the Tennis Court Lot 03/23 Earliest Easter Sunday until 2160 03/23 05:13 a.m. Mercury 1.0 degree south of Venus 03/26 04:07 p.m. Moon at apogee – farthest from the Sun 251,745 miles or 405,058 km 03/28 Sunrise 6:18 a.m., Sunset 6:57 p.m. For a free sky chart please go to www.skymaps.com

Graduate School Workshop

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Room 118, Campus Center. Are you thinking about going to graduate school, law school or medical school?

UNIVERSITY TIMES

Then this is the workshop for you! Students, staff and community members are welcome to attend. Robin Audesse, Associate Director, University of Southern Maine, and Scott Delcourt, Associate Dean, University of Maine will speak on the following topics and be happy to answer any questions.

HAVE YOUR SAY! If you would like to contribute anything -- articles, drawings, a poem, or an entertainment review -- please e-mail your submission to us (utimes@umpi.maine.edu), drop it off at Box 426 in the mail room, or leave it at the UTimes office in the Campus Center. All submissions must be received by Noon the Friday before the issue is released.

Submission deadlines:

Thursday, March 20 (March 27 issue) Thursday, April 10 (April 17 issue) Thursday, April 24 (May 1 issue)

For more information, please call Editor Lindsey Perry at 768-9565.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

You will get information on: choosing the right graduate program, taking the GRE or other professional tests, the application process- essay, letters of reference, interview, etc., what admission committees look for, how grad school is different from UMPI, graduate programs and expectations, managing finances, grants and scholarships.

Dinner from the café will be available so please RSVP or to get more information, contact Bonnie DeVaney, Director of Career Services, 768-9750, 205 South Hall, Barbara.Devaney@umpi.edu

UMPI’s ANNUAL JOB & CAREER FAIR Wednesday, March 26, 2008, the University of Maine at Presque Isle will host its Annual Job & Career Fair in the Multi-purpose Room, Campus Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Employers will have the opportunity to meet with University students as prospective employees. Thirty or more businesses from the area and downstate are expected to participate. The Fair is free and open to all students, faculty, staff and public so mark your calendar and tell your students and friends. The Job Fair is a great opportunity for students to do some career exploration and to network with employers. Students will be able to learn more about full time and summer employment possibilities. Some employers will provide the opportunity for on-site preliminary interviews. While the primary purpose of the UMPI Job & Career Fair is to promote employment opportunities, and facilitate the screening and eventual hiring of qualified employees, an additional benefit for employers is the opportunity to promote their products and/or services. There will be many great door prizes and “give-aways”. The Job Fair is sponsored by the senior class and Career Services. For more information, contact Career Services at 768-9750 or barbara.devaney@umpi.edu

University of Maine at Presque Isle Collegiate FFA invites you to join us for a campus and community leadership series with National Vice President, Tyler Tenbarge University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center

Monday, March 24, 2008 6:30 p.m. Come learn why you should become apart of the Maine FFA friends, family and alumni

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7 p.m. Come let Tyler inspire you to be a leader in your school, your community, your profession

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HOCKEY WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

Thursday, March 13, 2008

ARENA ASSIST BLUE LINE BOARDING BOARDS BOY CHECK BREAKAWAY CENTER CHARGING CONTACT CREASE DEFENSEMEN DEKE EJECTION ELBOWING ENFORCER FACE MASK FACE-OFF FOREWARD FOUL GAME GLOVES GOALPOST GOALTENDER HAT TRICK HELMET HOLDING HOOKING ICE RINK ICING JERSEY KNEEING LEAGUE LINE CHANGE LINESMAN

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Scavenger Hunt If you can answer the following five questions, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $10.00 gift certificate for Big Cheese Pizza! The winner for the 2/28 issue was: Pamela Perkins