Free Press

USM surveys strengths at Convocation

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

What began as a frank discussion about USM's strengths as a university ended with skits, the Brady Bunch theme song, and a limerick.

Roughly 500 people - mainly staff, faculty and administration - attended a day-long convocation at the Sullivan Fitness Complex on the Portland campus last Friday to discuss USM's strengths and assets as administrators and faculty begin drafting a restructuring plan to guide the university toward fiscal sustainability.

Aramark looks locally for better bean

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A survey this week will give students a chance weigh in on the future of USM's coffee offerings, as dining services seeks to switch to a local supplier in a push for a 'greener' bean.

Botman changes tune

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

President Selma Botman last Wednesday invited three faculty senators to serve on the restructuring committee, reversing her previous avowal that no faculty would be involved in drafting the plan to reorganize the university.

"This is an exciting, encouraging development," said Senate Chair Jerry Lasala in a letter to faculty.

Student with dark past now serves as mentor

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Someone once convinced Ben Skillings to improve his life and enroll at USM. He now repays the favor to anyone who approaches him, looking for help moving their life forward.

Skillings, 28, is a communications major and the President of the Phoenix Network at USM, an organization consisting of a network of mentors and advocates who support those currently or formerly in foster care and anyone homeless, incarcerated, or recently resettled.

Police increase liquor patrols

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

While underage drinking has been a perennial problem on campus, USM Police recently increased their efforts to curb drinking with liquor patrols and undercover details on the Gorham campus.

"We have been actively involved in extra details on liquor enforcement," said Lieutenant Ronald Saindon.

Is the iPad the future of personal computing?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Last Wednesday in San Francisco, Steve Jobs got onto a stage and revealed the iPad, Apple's new tablet PC. With its 9-inch multi-touch screen, the iPad may just be a larger version of the iPhone-in fact, it's running the iPhone operating system (OS) with access to all of the iPhone apps.

Campus news and upcoming events

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Muskie dean steps down, Hughes named as director of development of USM, business school reaccreditted, Gubernatorial hopeful to speak at USM, and WMPG holding Fat Tuesday Celebration.

Spicing up Thursday Nights

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

On a recent Thursday night, a woman in light-colored jeans and spiky high heels floated across the wooden floor of the Multi-Purpose Room of the Sullivan Gym in Portland. Her agile movements were carefully syncopated with the fast rhythmic beat emanating from the small boombox, and the twenty-four students watching her were struck, clearly amazed.

Book Reviews

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Originally a novella written by Neil Gaiman in 2002, Coraline was adapted into the graphic novel format in 2008 and into a stop-motion animated film the same year. This is an urban fantasy featuring 10-year-old Coraline, whose family has just moved into a mysterious old house in the English countryside. With only her elderly neighbors and busy parents for company, Coraline is often alone and bored. One rainy day, she explores the house and discovers a bricked up door that becomes a portal to a parallel world. It is the home of her "other mother" a spirit who will do anything to keep Coraline with her.

Movie Review: The Book of Eli

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Have you ever gotten deja vu while sitting in a movie theater? If you haven't, go see "The Book of Eli," and you may find yourself wondering why this particular film makes you feel like you've seen it before. Then it will come to you: it's "Mad Max" with religious overtones.

The Flaming Lips to head Maine Festival

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

To the surprise of many music fans last Friday, The Flaming Lips was announced as one of the featured bands for the first annual Nateva Music & Camping Festival happening from July 2nd to the 4th in Oxford, Maine.

Heard and Seen

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Local independent record label Eternal Otter hosted their vinyl release party at Space Gallery on Friday night. The event was held to promote the release of the label's three new series of 7-inch singles, titled "Death, Rebirth and Transformation.

UMass Boston downs USM

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

UMass Boston had four players in double figures as they rolled to a 70-48 win over USM in Little East Conference men's basketball action at Hill Gymnasium last Tuesday.

Husky Highlights

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The nationally-ranked Manhattanville women's hockey team shut out USM 3-0 at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye, N.Y. on Saturday.

Women's basketball rolls to win over UMass Boston

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Sophmore Renee Nicholas (Sebago) recorded a double-double that included a single-game school record 13 steals to help lead the Huskies to a 55-31 win over conference foe UMass Boston at Hill Gymnasium last Tuesday.

Crushin' it with the Red Claws

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

About a year ago when the Maine Red Claws found out they were going to make Portland their home as the NBA Development League affiliate of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats, the city began to buzz with excitement and anticipation. The enthusiasm extended beyond the city public and into the area's colleges and universities, including students like Matt McLaughlin.

Women and men's Indoor Track place second in USM Co-Ed Invitational

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The USM women's track team had a good showing and placed third on Saturday's meet at Costello Sports Complex in Gorham.

Hannaford donates $250,000 for new multi-purpose field

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The USM soccer field has taken some serious wear and tear over the years. This isn't going to be a concern for Athletic Director Al Bean and the USM athletics department for much longer. The Hannaford Charitable Foundation recently awarded a $250,000 donation to the USM athletics department to help build a new multi-purpose synthetic field with lights, to replace the existing grass surface.

Letter from the Editor

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

I'm the first to admit I spend way too much time on Twitter. I use it constantly to find and share news stories, post irreverent haiku, and stalk professional journalists. To many, the social networking sight seems pointless. But as a journalist, Twitter is invaluable.

The Time Is Now

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

During his State of the Union speech, President Obama focused on the American economy. Successfully pinpointing its plight, he proposed a jobs bill to help get Americans back to work and stimulate the economy. The President also proposed increasing exports through trade agreements, investing in the skills and education of Americans, reforming health care and bringing down budget deficits.