January 29, 2018

JANUARY 29, 2018 VOL. 49 ISSUE NO. 12

OFFSHORE DRILLING PROPOSED FOR MAINE’S COAST Julie Pike | page 4

2 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Happy Hour

Monday-Friday: 3-7pm Late Night Sun-Thurs: 9pm-Close

Queso, FREE BOWL OF WITH PURCHASE OF ENTRÉE

!*

South Portland

420 Maine Mall Road • Portland, ME 04106 207-774-3983 *Dine-in only. Limit one offer per table, per visit. Expires Dec. 31st, 2017.

Aloha: FREE QUESO W/PURCH

News

News

THE FREE PRESS | JANUARY 29, 2018 3

America is not THE FREE PRESS 9 2 B E D F O R D S T R E E T, P O RT L A N D , M A I N E 0 4 1 0 1 (207) 780-4084 w w w. u s m f re e p re s s . o rg

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sarah Tewksbury MANAGING EDITOR Johnna Ossie NEWS EDIOTR Julie Pike ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Mary Ellen Aldrich COMMUNITY EDITOR Dionne Smith SPORTS EDITOR River Plouffe Vogel WEB EDITOR Andrew Volkers STAFF WRITERS Maverick Lynes, Liz Trudel, Jessica Pike, Sarah O’Connor, Sam Margolin, Kate Rogers, Ben Theriault, Azalea Buch COPY EDITORS Katrina Leedberg, Ashley Pierce, Muna Adan EDITORIAL BOARD: Sarah Tewksbury, Johnna Ossie, Julie Pike and Mary Ellen Aldrich BUSINESS MANAGER Lucille Siegler

DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN DIRECTOR Orkhan Nadirli DESIGNERS Dakota Tibbetts, Eliza Bachkovsky DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Lauren Kennedy STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS James Fagan, Katelyn Rice

FACULTY FACULTY ADVISOR Dennis Gilbert

ADVERTISING To advertise, contact our Advertising Manager at 207.780.4080 x3 and look at out advertising rates on our website. We reserve the right to reject advertising. We will not accept discriminatory ads.

Interested in working with us?

Visit our website at www.usmfreepress.org for a listing of available positions or email editor@usmfreepress with a copy of your resume and cover letter to apply directly.

The Free Press is a weekly student–run newspaper paid for in part with the Student Activity Fee. One copy of The Free Press is available free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies are available for 25 cents each at the office of The Free Press, 92 Bedford St., Portland, Maine.

Cover Graphic:

Orkhan Nadirli / Design Director

embarrassed anymore Sarah Tewksbury Editor-in-Chief On Friday I read a fact check analysis by Linda Qiu printed in the New York Times. Qiu went through the speech President Trump delivered in Davos, Switzerland at the World Economic Forum and provided context, noted inaccuracies and corrected false claims. As I read the analysis, a dangerous thought crossed my mind-why wasn’t I immediately alerted and concerned that the president of my nation was sharing falsities with an international group of leaders and academics?

It has been almost fifteen months since Trump was elected president and just over one year since he was inaugurated. Apparently that is the requirement of time for educated Americans to completely stop being phased when their leader lies. It may shock you, but lying my politics aside, I have been watching Trump spew unintelligent statements since he began his campaign. Throughout his run for office, Trump showed the breadth of his vocabulary, as well as his comfort and ease with vulgarity. However, now Trump has been our president for literally one year. That is an entire calendar worth of days for Trump to become educated on his job, his nation, his predecessors and the economy.

Yet here we are. Some of the statements found in Trump’s speech in Davos included a quote where he said, “there’s never really been a businessman or businessperson elected president.” This statement is simply not true. Not because over two hundred years ago, one of the founding fathers owned a business (which by the way, some of them did), but because both George Bush and George W. Bush owned oil companies. George W. Bush left office only ten years ago.

The lack of education and preparation Trump holds in order to sit in the highest office in the U.S. has been well established.

My issue in this moment is how complacent and apathetic we have become to the fake president sitting in a very real position of leadership.

Throughout his term, most Americans have just gotten used to shaking their head and offering up a comment about the stupidity of whatever news coverage is being shared about their president. We’re at a historical moment where our president feels confident to walk into a crowded room filled with experts and wing it.

I’m no expert, but I’ve seen enough episodes of the West Wing to know that presidential speeches are supposed to be well executed. One cannot simply begin speaking and share information they do not know to be true. I’m concerned that Trump does not know the difference between truth and lies. Whether or not his speech writers are falsifying information

“...there’s never really been a businessman or businessperson elected president.”

- Donald Trump U.S. President purposefully or Trump is confidently speaking without thinking, the way in which the U.S. is being represented on the world stage is embarrassing and inappropriate.

We, as American citizens, voters and educated people, are nearing immunity to hearing absurdities come out of our president’s mouth. I often wonder how it got this way. There was a true moment in each of our lives that we decided it was okay to let this continue. How we all got there, I do not know. What I do know is that the common excuse among us all is that there is nothing we can do about the buffoon behind the oval desk. The act of convincing ourselves complacency is okay has been detrimental to the continuation of Trump’s actions. As a group, it is past due to speak out every single day about the unintelligent being spewed on behalf of this country. I acknowledge and admit my privileged ignorance. I was bred in a safe haven bubble in southern Maine--what little

I know of suffering is incomparable to that of others around the nation. How can I, a woman from rural New England, understand the ramifications that Trump administration policies and legislation have on the entire nation?

It is past due time for us to become active participants in our nation’s history. The damage has been duly done, Trump will sit president until someone is elected to office in three years or he is impeached. It is time to refuse to simply watch the news and mumble about the idiocy of the actions of the president. It is time to keep talking about what is happening and to keep writing about it. If we don’t form opinions, educate ourselves on the truth and look to the future, it is quite possible we could miss something big happening right before our eyes. At this moment, Americans are letting their pure exhaustion takeover their ability to continue the conversation that something isn’t working.

There was a time in my life where I would not have seen it fit to make this comparison, however, now is the time. When Hitler was rising to power, German citizens were complacent.

I’m not drawing a parallel from our complacency to Trump orchestrating a genocide. I’m simply saying that the more we stop caring and the more tired of the news coverage we get, the harder it is going to be to see when we are deeply too late.

So wake up. Keep talking. Watch the State of the Union and keep reading the newspapers. Share opinions with others in person and on social media. Hold discussions with peers and mentors, asking deep questions like, how did we get to the point we are at right now? Just do not stop caring, whatever you do. We cannot stop.

4 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

News

Trump’s offshore drilling proposal for U.S. waters Maine has over 3,000 miles of coastline that may be in jeopardy Julie Pike News Editor

A trip to the beach means a day in the sun, laying in the sand, and looking out into the never ending ocean. With the Trump administration’s recent proposal to allow offshore drilling, the people of Maine may be looking out at a big yellow oil rig two miles out in the ocean. The current plan is to open the entire coastline of the U.S. to allow offshore drilling, including the over 3,000 miles of Maine’s coastline.

The proposal includes a five year lease, beginning in 2019, and includes 90 percent of the outer continental shelf of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans surrounding the U.S. The outer continental shelf refers to the portion of the ocean directly surrounding the country that is outside of state jurisdiction.

Politicians in Maine have openly opposed the plan, including both Democratic U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin, and Senators Susan Collins and Angus King.

Governor Paul Lepage, however, has a different standpoint.

“We appear to have the only governor on the Atlantic seacoast that is in support of it,” said Robert Sanford, Head of the Environmental Science and Policy Department at USM. A quote from the Washington Post by Lepage’s spokeswoman Julie Rabinowitz stated that Lepage supports a balanced approach, one that places a priority on the environment and traditional industries, while also considering more jobs and lower energy costs.

In response to the public opposition that has been heard, the Portland Press Herald reported that Lepage would expect to exclude significant parts of the coastline from the plan.

Senators Collins and King reacted to the proposal by addressing a letter to the Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, expressing their discontent.

“Maine’s economic stability – and countless Mainer’s livelihoods – has always depended on the health of the ocean,” they wrote. They also mentioned that it would greatly hurt Maine’s lobster industry, which brings in 1.7 billion dollars annually.

In an attempt to save the coastal waters from oil drilling, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Representatives from New England, including Collins and King, proposed a bill called the

“If you’re drilling for oil, you’re going to be spilling oil.”

- Lisa Pohlman Executive Director of NRCM

New England Coastline Protection Act. This bill would ban oil and gas extraction from any of New England’s coastal states.

On Monday, Jan. 22, a public hearing was planned to take place at the Augusta Civic Center, but was postponed due to the government shutdown. At this hearing, organized by the Department of the Interior, Maine citizens would have the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns about offshore drilling.

Lisa Pohlmann, the Executive Director of Natural Resources of Maine (NRCM), the leading nonprofit environmental advocacy program in the state, had planned to be actively involved at that meeting.

“Our role is to help our citizens’, our members’ and our ad-

Lauren Kennedy / Director of Photography Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is one of Maine’s iconic coastline views.

vocates’ voices heard in whatever public policy debate that we think has something to do with protecting the environment,” Pohlmann said. Pohlmann and her team at NRCM are encouraging their members to attend the hearing in Augusta to weigh in on their opinions.

“We want to bring public attention to the amount of discontent that there is about this outlandish proposal to drill for oil off of the Maine coast,” she stated. The Department of the Interior has not released a new date for the meeting.

Sanford, who has been teaching environmental science at USM for the past 22 years, commented on the proposal to allow offshore drilling in Maine.

“There’s two big issues here, first is that there is not much around for offshore drilling in Maine, so there would need to be more exploration,” Sanford said. “Second, is that there is no where near the infrastructure [in Maine] to extract it, process it and distribute it. It would be a huge waste of energy and a horrible inefficiency.”

Sanford stated that on the Maine coast there are no big oil deposits, so there would need to be some exploration to figure out what kind of other mineral deposits or energy sources there are. In replace of offshore drilling, he recommends looking into offshore wind turbines.

“It would be far more feasible to put in offshore wind turbines to produce energy, as well as far less expensive” he said.

Although Sanford’s idea would have less environmental impacts than offshore drilling, Governor LePage has recently placed a temporary ban on new wind energy projects in Maine, as stated by the Portland Press Herald.

In order for Trump’s administration proposal to go through, Sanford stated that they would have pass the standards set by

the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. This policy requires federal agencies to examine the environmental effects of their proposed actions, which takes around 18 months to complete, a timeline which would not coincide with the 2019 start time.

The biggest risk factors to offshore drilling, Pohlmann stated, are the effects on offshore fisheries and the tourism industry, which relies on coastal properties.

“We think this would be a terrible danger to our tourism and fishery economy,” Pohlmann stated. “It would be terrible for our coast which we rely so much on. If you’re drilling for oil, you’re going to be spilling oil.” The NCRM is currently contacting thousands of citizens across the state to encourage them to go their website to make their comments about the proposal.

“If we don’t yell and have thousands of people responding then they will feel like they can do whatever they want,” Pohlmann said.

Aside from the political opposition, Sanford doesn’t believe offshore drilling is possible in the state of Maine.

“We don’t have the resources in Maine for oil drilling, unlike a state like Texas who has been drilling for oil for a hundred years. It works better in the southern states and in the caribbean because there are actual known deposits there, as well as the infrastructure to do it.”

For those who want to add their comments and opinion about offshore drilling in Maine, Pohlmann encourages people to visit their website at www.nrcm.org.

News

THE FREE PRESS | JANUARY 29, 2018 5

How prepared is USM for an emergency?

How students can be ready to face extreme situations at school Sarah O’Connor Staff Writer

On Jan. 13 in Hawaii, an Emergency Management Agency employee sent a false alert regarding an incoming ballistic missile from North Korea, according to Time’s Abigail Abrams. The message read, “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” This alert was sent to every person in Hawaii. In light of this recent event, USM Public Safety is in the spotlight for emergency situation protocols for missiles, school shootings and natural disasters.

Chief Ronald Saindon, Interim Director of Public Safety, urges both faculty and students to sign up for the E2Campus Alerts. Students can also familiarize themselves with the information on the USM Public Safety Emergency Info section on their website. The emergency info section explains who to call, directions of what to do, specifics on school shooter protocols and information on reporting a crime or suspicious activity anonymously.

Signing up for the E2Campus Alerts is not only important to get quick information, but it also provides directions of what students can do in case of an emergency.

“If an emergency unfolds that involves a threat to the faculty, staff or students of USM, a text and email will be sent to those who have signed up… to inform them of the emergency

and the immediate action to take,” Saindon said.

Questions about an active school shooter is common, Saindon added. Not only is there specific information about how to handle the situation on their website, they have also placed posters throughout the three campuses in reference to an active shooter scenario.

“We have found it is very important to put this information not only on the website, but also where people can see it on a continual basis,” Saindon said. “The hope is the more they look at it, the more they will remember it if an active shooter scenario unfolds on campus… then students can follow the directions of the text or email the Public Safety sends out.”

The main directions that the active school shooter protocol follows is flee, hide or fight.

Fleeing means safely escaping the campus and finding a safe place. Hiding is finding a room, closing and locking the door and barricading it if possible, especially if the whereabouts of the shooter is unknown. It is also important to silence cell phones and other devices. Lastly, fighting involves coming face to face with the assailant with imminent threat to life, where it is an option to incapacitate the shooter any way possible.

“Each emergency is unique,” Chief Saindon said. “They do not fall neatly into one type of situation that you can plan for.”

The Public Safety Department prepares

themselves for all types of emergency situations throughout the year. Chief Saindon explained that, “ongoing training for USM staff happens through drills, table top exercises, conferences and other training techniques.”

Every officer employed by Public Safety is trained by the State of Maine Police Academy, and they have help from outside agencies including the Gorham and Portland Police Departments. USM has many services and groups in contact to help handle emergency situations, including the local police departments, the office of Environmental Health & Safety, and the Department of Facilities Management. Additionally, the Emergency Response Team, a nationwide group, has trained personnel in the area to deal with emergencies, and they follow the National Incident Command System (NIMS) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“NIMS provides a common nationwide approach to enable the whole community to work together to manage all threats and hazards,” Chief Saindon said. “NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location or complexity.”

Business Insider ranks the most established emergency protocols at universities including Harvard, Corban University and Boston University. The success of these university emergency protocols is measured by clarity, timeliness and preparedness. USM’s Public Safety

Department shows evidence of all three with a clear website, up-to-date phone and email alerts and consistent officer training.

Lauren Kennedy / Director of Photography One of several emergency phone poles that are placed around campus for students

6 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

News

A short-lived government shutdown halts progress

The U.S. Capital spent three days at a standstill between parties Maverick Lynes Staff Writer The streets of Washington D.C. were quiet the morning of Saturday, Jan. 20 as the U.S. government entered it’s first shutdown in five years. This shutdown was minuscule lasting only three days, from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, compared to the most recent government shutdown, which lasted for 17 days in Oct. of 2013 The shutdown stemmed from the Senate not being able to get the majority vote in on passing a budget regarding various legislations before the midnight deadline on Jan. 19. Congress also could not figure out a compromise towards the issues on the table in time and therefore missed the deadline to pass the legislation.

“I believe they should be more focused on what is better for the people, not what is better for their specific party.”

- John Waghorn Senior Finance major Among the various bills that could not be agreed upon before the deadline, was the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. DACA is the program

that protects undocumented immigrants that were brought to US. as children. The Democrats are adamant on keeping DACA in place, while the Trump administration wants to end the program. If Trump were to have his immigration plan passed the way it is currently written, the DACA program will be abolished in February of 2018.

Essentially, a government shutdown is when congress does not agree upon a federal budget for the upcoming year. This affects all nonessential functions of the U.S. government until a budget can be approved. Some nonessential departments are education, environment protection agencies, health and human services and various other federal agencies. There are federal programs that are deemed essential that continue to run despite a government shutdown. Some essential departments are law enforcement, military and border patrols.

On Jan. 22, the Senate approved of a compromise that will expire at midnight on Feb. 8. The bill was signed by Trump and passed through the House of Representatives. Both Democrats and Republicans came to an agreement for the compromise.

In order to get the Democrats’ votes, the Republicans agreed to be more open to conversation regarding DACA. A disagreement came when it was proposed that more funding should be put towards the Mexico-U.S. border wall, a focal point in Trump’s presidential campaign.

The shutdown came when the Senate was unable to overturn the filibuster held by the Democrats. Then the shutdown ended because the Democrats agreed to put an

end to the filibuster.

A common misconception may be that when the government shuts down, that means all federal duties are on hold. Although, that is not true. Only the operations that are deemed nonessential are shutdown.

Jobs that are considered essential continue

A disagreement came when it was proposed that more funding should be put towards the Mexico-U.S. border wall, a focal point in Trump’s presidential campaign. to operate.

On Twitter, Trump stated that a government shutdown would be “devastating for our military,” Even though the military is considered an essential operation. However, there is a bill from the 2013 shutdown that would have to be re-approved in order for military personnel to continue to receive their paychecks.

For the U.S government and its people, this shutdown did not last long. If it had continued longer than two weeks it could have had a very serious impact on the economic growth of the country.

The government shutdown in 2013, under the Obama administration, had a signif-

icant impact on the economy. During this time it was reported from the Obama Administration that the U.S. economic growth slowed by 0.6 percent. It also caused 120,000 jobs to be lost. A total of 850,000 federal employees were furloughed each day, which means they do not go into work and are docked pay.

While some may question the necessity of the shutdown, Trump is considering the short lived shutdown a win for the Republicans. The President is insisting that the Democrats caved and lost on their gamble of not wavering on the effects of DACA. On the other hand, there are many immigrants right’s activists who are disappointed with the short shutdown. Activists are saying that the Democrats gave in and did not fight hard enough for DACA. With there being so few federal institutions and employees in the Maine area, it is likely that a majority of Maine residents did not even notice the government shutdown.

USM was ensured via email from Bob Stein, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Marketing, that despite the possibility of a government shutdown, the university will be operating regardless.

John Waghorn, a senior finance major at USM said that he didn’t notice the shutdown. He added that he believes the shutdown was unnecessary, saying, “I believe they should be more focused on what is better for the people, not what is better for their specific party.”

Orkhan Nadirli / Design Director

News

THE FREE PRESS | JANUARY 29, 2018 7

New roundabout hopes to ease flow on campus The six-way intersection to begin construction next year Sam Margolin Staff Writer The city of Portland is nearing the construction of a new roundabout to replace the intersection of Brighton Avenue, Deering Avenue, and Falmouth Street near USM’s Portland campus. The Portland City Council approved the new roundabout plan in 2013 after an analysis organized by the city of Portland and Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS), which oversees transportation planning in the Portland area and helps secure federal funding for various projects. According to the city of Portland, the new construction is scheduled to begin in 2019 and will cost just under three million dollars. 75 percent of that cost will be paid for by PACTS with the remaining 25 percent being paid for by the city of Portland.

In addition to the new roundabout, the construction plan includes new underground utilities. This will make for complicated and noticeable construction impacts next year. As with any new major project, the costs are significant but the long-term maintenance of a roundabout will be lower than the existing intersection due to the Lauren Kennedy / Director of Photography lack of traffic lights and improved vehicle and pedestrian flow.

The six way intersection between Brighton Avenue, Deering Avenue and Falmouth Street is centrally located beside the USM Portland

“It’s the worst intersection in Portland. I’ve been dealing with it regularly for eight years.”

- Tucker Derstine USM Graduate and Maine Law Student The project’s creation was prompted not so much by safety concerns, but by traffic and flow restrictions. According to the Maine Department of Transportation, the intersection’s danger is low to medium with only eight collisions last year and only one of those resulting in injury. The problem with the existing intersection is in part due to the lack of flow of traffic and the complicated lights. Long delays for vehicles during peak hours are the main complaint heard from motorists. Pedestrians and cyclists claim that the intersection is difficult to cross and ride through. The aging and inefficient signal equipment also

campus.

cause traffic speeds to rise to a dangerous level.

For students trying to make it to class on time both in vehicles and on foot, the intersection has become a place of frustration and anger. As USM’s Portland campus is already the site of parking, traffic and flow problems, the need to ease the tension is more important than ever. Tucker Derstine, a USM graduate and a Maine Law student, is especially affected due to his need to walk from the Portland campus to the Law School on a daily basis.

“Traffic gets backed up in every direction, lights are poorly timed, and people don’t know how to correctly navigate the lanes. Plus the road surface is patched and full of potholes, it’s the worst,” Derstine said. “It is the worst intersection in Portland. I’ve been dealing with it regularly for eight years, sometimes multiple times in a day if I have to come and go from the law school.”

Derstine went on to say that Portland’s traffic problem is growing and must be solved. The intersection is now a nuisance that is too obvious to ignore. As for spending the large amount of money it will take

to get the job done, Derstine said, “I don’t see any alternative. It needs to happen. I fully support this plan.”

Proponents and creators of the proposal have been investigating the best way to solve this problem for over five years now.

Jeremiah Bartlett, a Transportation Systems Engineer for the Portland Department of Public Works, has been the project manager from the beginning of the design effort up until just recently. Conrad Welzel is the current project manager but Bartlett is still very much involved. Bartlett outlined some of the benefits that could be achieved through the new roundabout.

“There will be shorter crossing distances for pedestrians, and they will only have to cross one direction of traffic at a time.”

Bartlett said. “Vehicles will move slowly and steadily through the intersection, so even though they aren’t going as fast, they won’t get held up at a red light for a long time.”

Bartlett also stated that because vehicles will be moving at about 15 miles per hour, cyclists can ride right in the roundabout with motorists very safely. Students will also likely find it quicker and easier

to walk between the main campus and the Law School. Commuters will spend less time waiting at the intersection and walkers can easily move around the intersection without waiting a long time for pedestrian lights. This will impact not just students, but locals as well, who can do all of these things plus enjoy the improved landscaping, signage and lighting. This will make the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood more appealing and attractive.

The six-year-long journey seems arduous but has moved rather quickly compared to other large civil construction projects.

The city of Portland’s proposal to extend Somerset Street, starting later this year, has been in plans for the last 20 years. Bartlett says that the challenges with significant projects like these are almost always funding, as it tends to be limited both locally and at the state and federal level.

The new roundabout has significant benefits to both USM students and the city of Portland itself. Beginning next year, commuters should expect to see improved flow at the once chaotic six-way intersection.

8 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

News

Here’s what happened

Police Beat

Selections from the USM Department of Public Safety police log Dec. 2 to Dec. 14

The top news stories from over Winter break Sarah Tewksbury Editor-in-Chief Republican tax bill passes The GOP’s $1.5 trillion tax bill was passed into law by Congress on Dec. 20 after hitting the floor in both the Senate and the House. There were no Democrats that backed the bill. A permanent tax reduction rate for the corporate tax rate was a key factor that garnered support among Republican leaders, who argue that this aspect of the bill will make corporations more competitive on a global stage. Opposers to the bill argued that little to no cuts were built into the legislation to aid middle and lower class families.

UN does not support a Jerusalem capital In late December, the United Nations voted against President Trump’s open recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Making his declaration on Dec. 6 that the U.S. would consider the capital Jerusalem and relocate the U.S. embassy, Trump made an open political statement that the U.S. would no longer wait for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal before choosing a position.

128 voting members of the UN cast their vote against Trump’s position, nine members voted against and 35 abstained from the vote.

Wildfires in California At the close of December, California was plagued with six significant wildfires that swept over the southern half of the state. The intensity of the fires led Governor Jerry Brown and President Trump to declare California to be in a state of emergency. An unusually dry rain season, combined with dry vegetation caused the wildfires to spread rapidly. One civilian death and one firefighter death were reported during the height of California’s 2017 wildfire season.

Kim Jong Un’s Nuclear Threats Late in the evening on Jan. 2, President Trump tweeted in response to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s boasts about the country’s nuclear capabilities being at the ready to be fired with a button. Trump responded with a

tweet declaring, “Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” The impact of the boastful match between the nation’s two leaders caused public outcry.

In late January, a town manager from Jackman, Maine was fired for openly displaying views about white identity.

Former town manager Thomas Kawczynski expressed his views online that “voluntary segregation would improve happiness for all.” Kawczynski’s comments were not limited to the topic of white nationalism. He also included anNorth Korea to participate in ti-Islamic statements to his rhetoric. To Winter Olympics date, Kawczynski has been effectively North Korea has agreed to send a removed from office and has been paid team of athletes to the PyeongChang a $30,000 settlement by the town of Winter Olympics in South Korea. Hop- Jackman in order to avoid legal action. ing to promote peace and inspire more positive relations between the two naFormer U.S. Olympic Gymnastics tions, North Korean leader Kim Jong doctor sentenced for sexual abuse Un openly urged delegates at negotiaAfter a seven day hearing that intion talks to in the beginning of Janu- cluded over 150 speakers, Larry Nassar ary to allow collaboration between the was sentenced to 175 years in prison countries, in the spirit of the Olympic for sexually assaulting, harassing and games. abusing women and girls, including members of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. Nassar was the doctor for the Tide pod challenge sweeps across gymnastics team and a faculty member U.S. at Michigan State University. To date, A new social media inspired chal- he has been sentenced for child pornoglenge has garnered support among raphy charges and sexual assault chargmiddle school and high school aged es. This is reportedly one of the largest students. The fad encourages partici- sexual abuse cases in athletic history. pants with popping a Tide pod, a water soluble pouch filled with condensed Cape Town faces water shutoff laundry detergent, between their teeth For months, Cape Town, South Afand either spitting out or consuming rica has been dealing with a decline the contents. Since the challenge be- in water supply. Water restrictions came popular, there have been over imposed by government officials have forty cases reported to the American scheduled out the shutoff of the water Association of Poison Control Centers supply. As time passes between now where participants were severely or and April 12, the day being called “Day significantly medically impacted by the Zero” when the water will be turned consumption of the Tide pod. off, the government will decrease the allowed liters of water to be used by Thirteen children found captive in residents daily until it reaches zero. On their own home Feb. 1, residents will be charged with A couple from California was decreasing water consumption from 87 charged with torture and child endan- liters a day to 50 liters a day. germent after their thirteen children were found emaciated and being held High school shooting leaves two in captivity. Living in inhumane condead ditions, the children were rescued and Western Kentucky saw a fatal high removed from their situation after a school shooting on Jan. 24 where two 17-year old sibling was able to escape students were killed and eighteen stuand seek help. The children have been dents and faculty were injured. The taken to Corona Regional Medical fifteen year old shooter whose name Center where they are being treated for has not been released was arrested and malnutrition. will face a grand jury Feb. 13. The male shooter will be charged as an adult.

Maine town manager fired for views on white supremacy

12/02/2017

Get out of my house!

Early morning disruption reported, handled

by Gorham PD. Case closed.

12/03/2017

Ice breakers

Disturbance reported at Sullivan ice area.

Maybe they just really wanted to skate.

Issue resolved by responding officer, case closed.

12/04/2017

Don’t hit your baby one more time

Person arrested in late night domestic violence assault in Anderson Hall. Officer arrived on scene quickly after, case closed.

12/09/2017

No paradise in this parking lot

Unknown vandal made their mark in Gorham parking lot GS1. No empty paint cans at this one. Case under investigation.

12/12/2017

No high speed chases for this officer

Person caught in the act using illegal drugs in Gorham parking lot G12. Summons was issued, case closed.

12/14/2017

Who stole the beat?

Theft reported at Corthell Hall. Officer arrived on the scene just after the occurrence. Still under investigation.

Police Beats are edited for grammar and style.

Arts&Culture 9 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Superficial Reality / Page 10 Movie Talks / Page 11

An oil on canvas painting titled “Dean Moss” (2017) by Angela Dufresne is displayed at PMA as part of the Biennial exhibit which features work by Maine artists and others with ties to Maine.

Photo courtesy of Luc Demers

Local artists, diverse representation at PMA

Biennial event features work by Maine talent and powerful meaning Ben Theriault Staff Writer The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) has an eclectic array of art from all over the world. The museum boasts a collection housing 18,000 individual works, with artists featured such as Edward Hopper, Rene Magritte, Edvard Munch and Andy Warhol; PMA has a prestigious variety. Despite having countless pivotal pieces, PMA places great importance on having a rotation of fresh art and promoting up-and-coming artists. A terrific way to do this is through their biennial event.

The 10th PMA Biennial was opened last Friday, January 26 and will be on display until June 3. The compilation of work is a way to display the works of Maine-connected artists. This year there were about 60 individual pieces created by 25 artists.

Nat May, the curator for the exhibit, wrote that the biennial is about showcasing the work of deserving artists as well as displaying Maine’s connection to the world.

The art featured comes in a plethora of forms ranging from photos to quilts and everything in between. Many pieces blend various art platforms together to create beautiful hybrids. For example, Daniel Minter’s work “A Distant Holla” combines sculpting, wood carving, and painting to-

gether to create an intricate layout. The piece is a large, meticulously carved slab of wood. Parts of this are carved into faces and painted, allowing some of his characters to become even more vivid. Paintings seemingly inspired by African spirituality are layered amongst the carvings, seemingly blending the two art forms together.

Many of the works displayed deal with weighty topics such as sexism, racism, and mental illness in contemporary society. Anne Buckwalter’s mural “The Republic of Hysteria” features a collection of women all dressed in hyena skins. The women are randomly dispersed throughout the piece in a way semblent of evolution.

At the top of the mural the women almost appear neolithic, as they are around a basic fire with very basic tools.

As the mural descends towards the bottom the setting becomes more distinctly urban. There is a basic brick building coated with graffiti. Near the building women are surrounding multiple banners. One says “A believed story” and the other says “A shared burden.” This is perhaps a statement regarding sexual assault throughout humanity: the treatment of women in today’s society is not far from barbarism.

Buckwalter stated that the women were dressed in hyena skins as a way to reclaim the hyena as a symbol. She notes that hy-

enas have been historically demonized.

Spotted hyenas maintain a matriarchal society—the women are frequently larger, more aggressive and more sexually promiscuous while the men are submissive.

She believes that rather than condemning these traits, the hyena clad women should be celebrated.

Race is dealt with explicitly in two charcoal sets by Shaun Leonardo. The first set of two drawings progressively depicts the murder of 12 year old Tamir Rice. As a companion piece, there is a set which displays the killing of Laquan Mcdonald, a victim of police brutality in Chicago as in 2014. The scenes are drawn vaguely with blurred lines. The drawings serve as a testament to those who have lost their lives to police brutality and fall within his thematic cluster of art that confronts hypermasculinity. Leonardo has stated that he wishes to portray men as unfeasible caricatures of society’s expectations. Through these depictions he is able to illustrate ways men have internalized these expectations and in the case of the sketched police officers— the dire consequences that accompany that internalization.

Artist Becca Albee exercises minimalism in her physical analysis of the book Radical Feminist Therapy: Working in the Context of Violence. This piece is a compilation of

notes she had taken while analyzing and critiquing the book. She condensed every page of notes taken into one letterhead to represent each chapter. The result is a series of 15 pieces of paper with inscrutable lines and scattered phrases. Albee was interested in capturing the process of active learning and wanted to find a way physical way to present this idea.

Other notable art consists of work by David Driskell, who creates African art through a combination of painting and collaging; Jonathan Mess, who constructs sculptures from shards of rock; Elise Ansel, who uses oil paints to create large works of abstract art; DM Witman, an artist who has compiled satellite images of geographical features and lastly Gina Adams, who created quilts articulating the negligence of Native American treaties.

Attendance at the PMA Biennial resulted in a full house; hardly any pieces were vacant. The Biennial proved to be a wonderful way to bring the community together to bond over a mutual love and appreciation of local art. The PMA Biennial is a great opportunity to connect with Portland residents while appreciating art that would otherwise potentially go unnoticed.

10 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Arts & Culture

Superficial reality and fabricated perfection How the ever-growing culture of Instagram impacts self-image Liz Trudel Staff Writer Society is persistently revolving itself around the premises of social media platforms. Instagram is one of the most prized platforms of all. The website allows individuals to capture their lives through photographs and videos by posting them to their profile where followers can like and comment on the content. To many, Instagram is an enjoyable way of expression or manner of communication, and to others, Instagram is their livelihood.

Every day, millions of people post on Instagram, whether it be a selfie or a scenicview. Almost every person who posts relies on the number of likes or comments for the direct validation of what they posted being good enough or socially acceptable. There are so many kids, teenagers, and young adults, who are in the most influential

points of growth, being exposed to the social normative being that in order to be “popular” or even be remotely accepted by peers, they must obtain the maximum number of likes on a photo or have more followers than their rivals. This social normative has created a fierce virtual competition of physical appearance, appraisal and popularity among millennials and generation Z. While millions of individuals spend countless hours surfing the app, some may argue that Instagram is profoundly toxic and detrimental to young people’s health and wellbeing. A recent survey administered in the United Kingdom by the Royal Society for Public Health polled almost 1,500 young people ranging from age 14 to 24 on how specific social media platforms affect their health and happiness on matters of anxiety, depression, selfidentity, and body image. Instagram was

reported to exert the most negative impact on young individuals-prominently females.

Fifty percent of the sample size affirmed that Instagram exacerbated feelings of anxiety, while seven out of ten people reported that engaging in the app made them feel worse about their body image.

Matt Keracher, the author of the published report stated, “Instagram attracts young women to compare themselves against unrealistic, largely curated, filtered and photoshopped versions of reality.” An anonymous female respondent in the report also stated, “Instagram easily makes girls and women feel as if their bodies aren’t good enough as people add filters and edit their pictures for them to look perfect.

The ultimate goal of the Royal Society for Public Health is to seek justice for young individuals who feel inadequate against the digitally manipulated photographs that bombard their newsfeed.

The purpose of the conduction of the survey is to promote awareness of the harmful effects of Instagram and other social platforms and to educate the public on mental health issues arising in young individuals. The organization has called upon Instagram as well as all other social media websites to rectify these issues by implementing indications on photographs that have been altered and distorted from reality. The organization would like young individuals to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to be able to navigate social media in a positive manner that promotes strong mental health.

Lauren Kennedy / Director of Photography The social media platform, Instagram, is vastly popular among teens and young adults, creating a sense of culture around how it is used. The frequent application of filters and other editing on photos creates a false perception of perfection that, when compared to people’s unfiltered reality, can create issues with self-worth and image.

Arts & Culture

Phantom of the Paradise

He sold his soul for rock ‘n’ roll, twice Eliza Bachkovsky Graphic Designer A forgotten cult classic called Phantom of the Paradise (1974) can be equally appreciated by both those looking for a timeless, clever, sophisticated classic or by more casual moviegoers looking for an immersive, funny, action and drama packed storyline.

Phantom of the Paradise draws the general shape of its emotionally gripping storyline from gothic horror and opera while also holding similarities to campy cult classics such as Rocky Horror Picture Show. Phantom of the Paradise is a rock opera within a rock opera that’s a bright, fast-paced and funny live-action comic book, a satire of the music business and a combination of Phantom of the Opera, Faust, and early ‘70s glam.

The plot follows a talented composer named Winslow Leach, who is passionate about producing beautiful music, rendering his version of Faust as a rock opera. He insists it is for his muse, Phoenix, who he believes is the only person who can perform his music. In order to work with her, he signs a contract in blood with a highly successful, but satanic, record producer named Swan who builds and crushes careers as he pleases. In line with his usual, Swan eventually betrays Winslow.

Before Winslow can confront Swan, Swan has Winslow beaten up and framed for drug dealing. After enduring six months of a life sentence in prison, Winslow hears that The Juicy Fruits, a popular doo-wop band, have made a hit record of his music with Swan’s backing.

After a breakdown, Winslow escapes prison and breaks into the Swan’s Death Records building. A guard startles Winslow as he is destroying the records Swan stole, causing Winslow to slip into a record press, mutilating and burning his face and vocal chords. A crazed and now deformed Winslow sneaks into the Paradise costume department and transforms into the Phantom of the Paradise, adopting a black cape

THE FREE PRESS | JANUARY 29, 2018 11

A&C Listings Monday, January 29 Spencer Keeton Cunningham Film Screening and Meet and Greet SPACE Gallery 538 Congress Street Starts: 6:00 p.m. / Ends: 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 30 Queer Speaks Series CSGD, Woodbury USM Portland Campus Starts: 1:00 p.m. / Ends: 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 31 Babette’s Feast Portland stage 25a Forest Avenue Starts: 7:30 p.m. / Ends: 9:00 p.m. and a silver, owl-like mask to cover his deformities. He terrorizes Swan and his musicians and nearly kills The Beach Bums, formerly The Juicy Fruits, who are now making surf music instead of doo-wop. The frequent genre changes of the bands music serves as a running joke throughout the film. Winslow’s reign of terror ensues upon The Paradise theater. However, he is tormented by his inability to do anything about it while he’s still bound by the blood contract to work for Swan.

The film focuses on the effects of this tragic battle for control between the artistic genius and the satanic producer with a godlike force of unmeasurable power. It’s a romantic story of love, devotion, betrayal and the thwarting of artistic brilliance by enslavement to the immortal producer. This movie will leaves the audience laughing at well observed satire, horrified and saddened by how this ambitious artist’s work is violated, how the Phantom is changed by what this satanic producer inflicts upon him, and reflecting on timeless issues such as the media industry’s power over what the public thinks and the crushing reality of its need to commercialize and mutilate art for financial gain.

Many may relate to Winslow’s defiant

Photo courtesy of Harbor Productions

struggle against the industry in pursuit of achieving his dreams, connecting it to their own ideas and originality being ignored. The loss Winslow experiences in having his work stolen, changed and valued by none causes him to lose his identity and enthusiasm. He instead becomes depressed and obsessed with revenge, taking on the form of a phantom of the man he once used to be, terrorizing the music hall that stole his music.

This film has found the perfect balance between darker themes of the individual man versus the industry and goofy humor, with stunningly detailed, showy and extravagant sets that really set the mood for the 70’s rock opera vibe.

Catchy, funny and emotional musical numbers that encapsulate music styles ranging from 50’s doo-wop to 70’s glam rock music, and hilarious and complex characters all representing dramaticized facets of the music industry build the setting of this film. The Phantom of the Paradise proves itself to be an impressively abstract blend of genres to support a powerfully timeless theme that many different types of people can enjoy.

Thursday, February 1 Stolen Dreams, Plundered Memories USM Art Gallery USM Gorham Campus Starts: 6:00 p.m. / Ends: 8:00 p.m.

Friday, February 2 Rodgers + Hammersein’s Cinderella Merrill Auditorium 20 Myrtle Street Starts: 7:00 p.m. / 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 3 Focus Printmaking Opening Reception Greenhut Galleries 146 Middle Street Starts: 1:00 p.m. / Ends: 3:00 p.m.

Want to submit an event? maryellen@usmfreepress.org

12 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

WIN PRIZES

First place wins a $30 On The Border gift card, second place a $20 one!

Arts & Culture

COLORING CONTEST!

DEADLINE is FEBRUARY 6

Enter the Free Press Coloring Contest today! Color this page as creatively and beautifully as possible and mail it to 96 Bedford Street, Portland, ME, 04101 or drop it off at our office located on the Portland campus by February 6 to be entered for a chance to win an On The Border gift card! First prize is $30 and second prize is $20! Make sure to include your name and email so we can contact you. Disclaimer: No Free Press members are eligible to enter the contest.

Perspectives 13 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Letters to the Editor / 14 Let’s Talk About It / 15 Puzzles Page / 16

Our Opinion

One-year anniversary of the Women’s March Editorial Board Free Press Staff

Saturday Jan. 20 marked the one-year anniversary of the Women’s March, one of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history. The protests came just a day after President Trump was elected into office. One year later and the effort of the resistance is still going strong.

Last weekend massive demonstrations took place in cities worldwide. March On, a political organization that was created after the first Women’s March, stated that this year approximately 1.5 million people participated in 486 marches and rallies.

While this year’s turnout nationwide was not nearly as high as last year, the fact that these demonstrations are continuing a year later shows the endurance of each activist. In fact there were approximately 8,700 marches, rallies and demonstrations across the U.S. this past year that were specifically protesting Trump. These U.S. citizens who are against Trump are resilient, and are not going to stop fighting for what they believe in.

These marches began as a way to celebrate women and show women’s discontent with their sexist president, but several other issues and topics became part of the protests. Everything from reproductive rights, freedom

of religion, racial equality, healthcare reform and immigration rights were included in their efforts. The initial protests last year stemmed largely in part due to comments Trump made in an interview with Access Hollywood, where he made incredibly lewd comments about women and how he treats them. While Trump’s views on women remain the same today, there are other important issues that cannot be ignored as well.

The #MeToo movement, a hashtag campaign that gained popularity after women began sharing their Harvey Weinstein stories, as well as the Time’s Up initiative, was prevalent throughout this years’ marches. Many of the signs held up by protesters used those slogans to show their support. The timing of the Women’s March this year came just after Larry Nassar’s court hearings had begun, where 150 women and their families spoke up about his sexual abuse against young women. These major issues facing the country only spurred the passion of Women’s March protesters.

Many prominent celebrities joined forces during the marches, including ones who made memorable speeches, such as Whoopi Goldberg, who commented, “I love the fact that I cannot see the end of this,” in reference to the sheer size of the crowd. Jane Fonda spoke about the Time’s Up initiative in Park City,

Lauren Kennedy / Director of Photography Though it has been one year since the Women’s March, thousands are still fighting for the same rights and principles they were in 2017.

Utah. Singer Halsey delivered an emotional speech in New York City. Her speech ended up being a five-minute poem, and while it may have been quickly delivered, the impact of her words will have an everlasting effect.

She opens up about her experiences supporting her friend who was sexually assaulted,

as well as her own harrowing experiences. If there’s one thing to take away from the 2018 Women’s Marches, it’s Halsey’s performance.

Her story is one that is all too common in this day and age, and shows exactly why to this day women will continue to march. Time is up and there needs to be a change.

Student Perspective

With friends like these, finding a community at USM Katie Muriel Contributor I don’t know if it was the smell of sage, the taste of a Holy Donut on a nervewracking day or a rose-scented hug that first convinced me these people were going to be my friends for the rest of my life.

It might just as well have been the tearful tarot reading in a cramped bathroom, the shaky hand-in-hand group meditation in a hot greenhouse of an apartment (no hippie), or the constant overabundance of hummus. It may have been the joy of a surprise birthday party in the WGS conference room, the never-ending group chat, or the sheer enthusiasm with which every seem-

ingly outrageous suggestion is greeted. It was likely all of these things.

I can still remember the loneliness I felt back in the spring semester of 2017.

It was something real and tangible, and if I look hard enough, I can still feel it like an old scar. I had myself, I had Netflix, I had books, and I had a handful of people from class that I would talk and hang out with on a irregular basis. One year later, I have a dozen close friends I talk to and see nearly every single day. It’s hard to express how much I didn’t realize I was lacking a community until suddenly, I had one. I felt it like a missing tooth; I dealt with the empty space until one day it wasn’t empty anymore.

College can be frustrating. Each of us

knows this beyond any shadow of a doubt.

To feel like you are alone when you are struggling to keep your head above water – in class, in your relationships, with your family – is nearly unbearable. Even as an introverted bibliophile and Netflix addict, I can tell you that seeking out a fictional world won’t always cut it. It’s for that reason, dear reader, that I urge you to find your community during your time here at USM. Acknowledge your needs, acknowledge your passions, and seek out the activities and groups USM has to offer that meet those things for you. If I hadn’t joined QSA and Huskies for Reproductive Health, I wouldn’t have found all of these incredible people whom I love so much. I want friends like this for each of you.

To my Goddesses: I am so proud of you.

I am so proud to know you and be your friend. All of you have so much strength and courage. Each of you is so talented and brilliant and a shining light in an increasingly dark world. I’m so thankful for your unconditional love and lack of judgment and tight hugs and ceaseless encouragement. You are going to change the world and wow, what wild glory and incredible grace I get to witness. Thank you for being such pure forces for good. Thank you for standing for those who cannot, and using your voices to always speak up. I love you to all the moons and all the way back.

14 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Perspectives

Letter to the Editor

Access codes are a scam

Extra charges for supplies are unfair Hawraa Rikan Contributor It is January, which means it is the start of the spring semester for students. Students are preparing to begin classes, which means doing their least favorite thing: buying books.

Now before I dig deeper into this article, I am certain that some baby boomers will read this article and call me a whiny millennial. Keep in mind that I am whining because the cost of college and books have gone up drastically since you were my age.

After multiple attempts by college students to decrease the cost of books, companies have figured a way to make it impossible for students to resell their books. They introduced ac-

cess codes, which come with their own advantages, such as; access to an e-book, practice exam questions, online videos to help students understand concepts, and course assignments.

These access codes, unlike books, can only be used once. Hey baby boomers, remember when you did all of that by paper and pens?

Well, here is something to be thankful for: you did not have to pay hundreds of dollars to do your homework.

When I was a freshman in college, I took a math course where the professor required us to purchase a MyMathLab course code. I was able to do my math problems and get them corrected online. If I was stuck on a problem and needed help, there was an online demonstration to help me solve the problem. Now, I

am sure you are asking yourself, what was the purpose of the professor who got paid thousands of dollars to “teach” the course? Well, her job was to get on MyMathLab and access

would love to see their reactions. You also cannot use the argument that they are saving trees by going digital, because these companies that produce the access codes also offer

“These access codes, unlike books, can only be used once. Hey baby boomers, remember when you did all of that by paper and pens? Well, here is something to be thankful for: you did not have to pay hundreds of dollars to do your homework.”

students’ scores, and put these scores in her grading book. Wouldn’t you love to get paid thousands of dollars just to do that? I know I do!

Numerous research suggests that doing homework and taking notes by hand help students learn, focus, and memorize concepts better. Unfortunately, professors want to make their job easier by making technology do their work. We sure are technologically advancing, but morally retrogressing. Maybe we should require professors to pay a fee for the online system that allows them to put grades in. I

the physical books at an extra charge to students.

What should be the next step? Perhaps moving away from the scam that is called access codes would be a great way to ensure students learn better and get some profit back by reselling their used books to other struggling college students. Also, not everyone has the technological means to do their homework online. Go back to paper and pens, for God’s sake.

Letter to the Editor

2018 Doomsday Clock Andrew Volkers Web Editor

Tick tock. On Thursday, Jan. 25, the “2018 Doomsday Clock Statement” was released. The Doomsday Clock is used to symbolically measure how close the human race is to a self-induced apocalypse.

If the clock strikes midnight, the apocalypse is inevitable or already occurring.

The Doomsday Clock was created in 1947 by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. They release the report based on nuclear and climate change threats. The clock was originally set to seven minutes until midnight, in the genesis of the Cold War. It crept to two minutes until midnight in 1953 after Russia and the United States both successfully tested the Hydrogen Bomb. Due to the flux of civilization, the clock is also allowed to move forwards or backward. In 1991, after many fluctuations, the time was seventeen minutes to midnight, the farthest away from the apocalypse we have been since the creation of the Doomsday Clock.

This year’s report put the clock two minutes to midnight, the closest since the events of 1953. The report, which can be found at thebulletin.org, states, “To call

the world nuclear situation dire is to understate the danger—and its immediacy,”.

Increased tensions in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East, and the clash between Russia and the United states have brought us to the brink. As we saw last week in Hawaii, there can be no forewarning to the end of the world. It is on the people of the world to push back against leaders and call for disarmament.

Americans have to ask the government, what benefit comes out of their imperialist agenda?

The grim nuclear outlook is made worse by the threat of climate change and the rapid intensification of climate events. 2017 marked wildfires in the west, hurricanes in the Caribbean, death inducing heat waves in Asia, Australia, and elsewhere, and the third consecutive year in which the ice caps shrunk at record levels. These events show that not only are we losing the race against climate change, but we are being beaten badly. Planet Earth cannot endure many more 2017s, it is imperative that change is sought out. If we continue on this path, we will be ushering in midnight from bunkers, wastelands, and shallow graves.

Perspectives

THE FREE PRESS | JANUARY 29, 2018 15

During the first week of classes, one of my professors introduced themselves and said they did not believe in trigger warnings. The subject matter of the course is very intense and has the potential to genuinely upset and trigger students. The professor said that since we are all adults, they don’t feel like it is necessary to alert students before triggering content crosses our paths. I’m nervous that I’m going to have a bad reaction to course content and my professor will be unsympathetic. What should I do?

Johnna Ossie Managing Editor Since we are all adults, I don’t feel it’s necessary to censor my language when I say that your professor’s lack of caring for people in the class who may have experienced trauma makes them an asshole. Or maybe, if I can give them the benefit of the doubt, they don’t understand what a trigger actually is. A trigger doesn’t mean “this makes me uncomfortable.” Discomfort is an emotion that most people can sit with, and often have to sit with when learning about hard things. Discomfort does not a trigger make.

Why are trigger warnings important?

Well, let’s talk about it! When someone experiences a trigger it is usually a result of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A lot of events can cause PTSD. It’s often talked about in terms of veterans, but any one who has experienced a traumatic event can be diagnosed with PTSD. Symptoms can include reliving the event, depression, nightmares, panic attacks, debilitating anxiety and suicidal ideation, among others. For some people, PTSD can be debilitating.

Often, with time, people learn to cope and go about their lives, but that doesn’t mean the trauma has gone away, it hasn’t disappeared into the ether never to rear it’s head again. It doesn’t mean your professor can sit in class and ramble on about something deeply upsetting with no prior warning for those they may be affecting.

Unfortunately, my dear friend with an Ray Pitcher / Graphic Designer asshole professor, I’ve had a lot of experi-

ences at USM where professors have failed to provide trigger warnings. As a result, I have spent the rest of those class periods shaking in a bathroom stall, or sitting outside trying not to hyperventilate in a way that’s too obvious, or dissociating and not remembering the entire chunk of time after the trigger. Is that a helpful learning environment? Nope. Did I get anything out of class that day other than reliving some of the most horrific memories I have? Not really. Did I learn that I can’t trust my professor to foster a healthy learning environment? Sure did. Did I somehow become “tougher,” more capable, or become suddenly relieved of my PTSD by reliving my trauma and sobbing in a public bathroom?

Definitely not.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a real and serious condition. Your professor’s failure to care for students’ well being is alarming on a lot of levels. If they aren’t receptive to discussing why trigger warnings are absolutely, 100%, seriously, hugely necessary, you will probably have to go around or above them to get support. You could try talking to someone in the counseling center or talking to Sarah Holmes (Assistant Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator) as they may be able to approach your professor as well and reinforce why trigger warnings are important.

Or you could cut this out and give it to your professor - feel free to send them my way.

16 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Perspectives

Crossword

The solution to last issue’s crossword

Sudoku Level of difficulty: Easy The object of a sudoku is to fill in the remaining squares so that every row, every column, and every 3 × 3 box contains each of the numbers from 1 to 9 exactly once.

Word Search Theme: 80s Sitcoms

Cryptogram Every letter in a cryptogram stands for another letter. Use the hint to crack the code.

MRK YKJBCXMXBF YKSGZ XL DBXFD LJBBMRCZ. QEFL WECC XM E LJELRXFD LTWWKLL. And here is your hint: K=E

Search for the list of words in the grid of letters.

Grab a pen and circle each word as you find them.

Alf Alice Benson Cheers Cosby Facts Of Life Family Ties Full House Golden Girls Happy Days MASH My Two Dads Newhart Night Court Roseanne Taxi Webster Wonder Years

USM Community Page 17 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Making magic happen

Peter Boie enlightens USM students with tricks James Fagan Staff Photographer Peter Boie is a magician who was invited to perform here at the University of Southern Maine on Friday, January twenty-sixth.

Boie’s magic tricks ranged from something as simple as a “is this your card” trick at the beginning of the show, to a grand finale of escaping a straitjacket. Although some of his tricks were fairly common tricks, the level of audience participation was very high and it was a fairly interesting show.

Peter first became interested in magic at the age of eleven when he found a magic book at his local library. He now travels around the country performing his show.

Peter’s show is about two things, surprising the audience with magic, and making sure the audience has a good time watching the show. Boie has recently done his show on national television, where he performed his act on the show “Penn and Teller Fool Us.” He has also performed for celebrities such as Neil Young, Tom Brady, and the whole of the Patriots football team.

Several hours before the actual magic show started Boie went to the Brooks din-

ing hall and did a promo for his show that was happening later. His promo involved transferring a stick figure he had drawn on a piece of paper to an audience members hand. This promo left several people talking about it for the rest of the night almost as much as the actual show did, showing the extent of Boie’s talent and ability to astonish.

The title of Peter’s show “Magic for Non-Believers” is a reference to the fact that magic is not real. One of the first magic tricks that he performed was a trick where he makes it look like he’s turned a handkerchief into an egg. Boie then goes on to explain that the egg was in fact a fake, plastic egg, which had a hole in the back for the handkerchief.

One of Boie’s tricks started close to the beginning of the Though Boie’s show was magical in nature, it also had a twist of comedy throughout. The magician made sure to involve as many audience members as possible.

Peter did a trick where he cut a rope into smaller parts, and then put it back together into one whole rope, eventually he had an audience member come up and try to blow

three knots off of the rope. The first two knots the volunteer blew off of the rest of the rope on their first try, however when the volunteer tried to blow off the third knot, it wouldn’t budge, it was only then the Boie asked the volunteer if they were asthmatic, prompting laughter from the audience

James Fagan / Staff Photographer

show will bring to life several old legends and haunted stories to amaze the audience.

Peter Boie’s show was very fun to watch, though he performed many classic tricks that are commonly done, he made it interesting by explaining how he did several of his tricks, combatting the idea that “a

“Peter first became interested in magic at the age of eleven when he found a magic book at his local library.

He now travels around the country performing his show. Peter’s show is about two things, surprising the audience with magic, and making sure the audience has a good time watching the show.” when they said that in fact, they were.

This upcoming October Peter is planning on coming back to the University of Southern Maine to perform his second original show “Summoning Spirits” which is a cross between a Seance and a magic show meant to get your heart pumping. This

good magician never reveals their secrets.”

Learning how several of his tricks were done actually managed to make the show more interesting in some ways, sticking to the theme of “Magic for Non-Believers.”

18 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Community Events ■■ Monday, January 29 Mindful Mondays USM Portland campus ROCC--Top floor of Sullivan Starts: 1 p.m. / Ends: 2 p.m.

■■ Tuesday, January 30 Involvement Fair USM Gorham campus Brooks Student Center Starts: 8 p.m. / Ends: 10 p.m.

■■ Wednesday, January 31

Community engagement through comedy at USM Azalea Buch Staff Writer

In order to welcome both new and previous students commencing into the second semester here at USM, the Student Activities Board presented a Live Comedy night by hosting renowned comedian Hailey Boyle as a

formed at prestigious Just For Laughs Festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Festival. Hailey appeared on “Stand Up In Stilettos” and “About Last Night” starring Kevin Hart. She was honored to be named on TBS’ list of 101 funniest working comics in the world! Hailey was also honored to

“Hailey was also honored to entertain American soldiers on active duty in Greenland, The Bahamas, and Central America. In print, she’s been featured in The New York Daily News as well as the UK’s The List. The comedian can be seen in a multitude of performance videos which have been uploaded to social media platforms such as youtube and Facebook.” part of the “Weeks of Welcome” student activities.

The show took place on January 25th, in Lower Brooks on the Gorham campus at 9 pm. The comedian, originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, was named one of New York’s top 10 funniest comics at The New York Comedy Festival. Boyle has also per-

entertain American soldiers on active duty in Greenland, The Bahamas, and Central America. In print, she’s been featured in The New York Daily News as well as the UK’s The List. The comedian can be seen in a multitude of performance videos which have been uploaded to social media platforms such as youtube and Facebook.

The 6’2’ comedian appeared versatile and tenacious, attracting a sizeable crowd to overflow the tables of Lower Brooks,at the Gorham campus. Boyle’s performance was teeming with intrigued students, faculty, and community members that flowed into the building. She cracked jokes at herself as well as at students in the crowd. She held nothing back with these college students, she hit all the stops when it comes to the content of her jokes. Boyle’s act primarily consisted of crude, uncensored jokes containing heavy sexual content, as well as controversial racial remarks; which lead to the opinion of her performance tendentious. While speaking to a multitude of students, the judgement of her show widely differed; some thought her jokes were extremely hilarious, which was highly expected when considering the age group she was attempting to appeal to. While other reviews of her show were quite the opposite, consisting of students expressing that her jokes were far too crude, and that she took it too far with the sexual innuendos, especially the ones about herself.

Overall, the event as a whole appeared as a success and enjoyable to kick off the second semester here at USM!

Battle of the Buildings USM Gorham campus Costello Sports Complex Starts: 7 p.m. / Ends: 9 p.m.

■■ Thursday, February 1 Resource Fair USM Portland campus Woodbury Campus Center Starts: 11 a.m. / Ends: 2 p.m.

■■ Friday, February 2 Headphone Disco Dance USM Gorham campus Brooks Student Center Starts: 9 p.m. / Ends: 1 a.m.

■■ Saturday, February 3 Fan Experience Day with Athletics USM Gorham campus Costello Sports Complex Starts: 12 p.m. / Ends: 10 p.m.

■■ Sunday, February 4 Superbowl Party USM Gorham campus Brooks Student Center Starts: 6 p.m. / Ends: 11 p.m.

Want us to include your event? dionne.smith@usmfreepress.org

Sports 19 JANUARY 29, 2018 | THE FREE PRESS

Tuesday

Tuesday

Friday

Friday

Saturday

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Women’s Indoor Track & Field

Women’s Hockey

Wrestling

@ UMass. Boston 4:00 p.m.

Western New England Conference

vs. Colby College 5:30 p.m.

vs. Colby College 7:30 p.m.

@ Bates College 6:00 p.m.

University winter sports are well underway

Wrestling and track on the rise, hockey and basketball not giving up River Plouffe Vogel Sports Editor

icantly. Early in the season their opponents were scoring an average of four goals, that number has dropped to two. This team is young as well, with a huge freshman and sophomore class. Expect nothing but improvement for this team through the remainder of the year. This season the Men’s Ice Hockey is 3-11-4 overall and 3-6-3 in conference play.

Winter break is over and school is back in session. While many students continue their education with winter courses, or have a full work schedule to maintain, the break still offers a short pause on the stress of classes. However there is an even smaller pause for USM’s student athletes, Women’s Ice Hockey who continue their practice and play for the majority of the winter vacation. So time to The Women’s Ice Hockey team have had breakdown what our teams have accoman up and down season thus far. They have plished over the past month. struggled with consistency and had some big losses, but the team’s roster is deep and Men’s Ice Hockey they’ve had some really bright moments as It’s been a tough season for the Men’s well throughout the season. In the past four Ice Hockey team, but there is certainly lots games they have two wins, one tie and one to be excited about. After securing only loss, which has been the hottest streak of one win in the months of November and the season. However they have rough finDecember, the team has really stepped up ish to the season, with the next six games their play. In January they have tailed two against teams they have gone two and four win, two loses and one tie. Most notably against. Those same opponents outscored they took down # 6 rated Umass Boston. USM twenty-four goals to ten. This season On top of that the point differential be- Women’s Ice Hockey is 6-12-1 overall and tween their losses has also shrunken signif- 2-5-1 in conference play.

Men’s Basketball The men’s basketball team have had a dismal season. There have been few bright moments for a team that graduated most of its starting lineup from last year and only has four seniors this year. The team’s leading scorer has been senior Christian McCue, who is the lone returning starter, but have struggled to find steady offense from the rest of the team. However freshman guard DJ Anderson has started to come alive in the past several games, leading the team in scoring, rebounding at a high level and getting to the line in high volume, all whiling being very efficient from the field.

If the team can find ways to generate more offensive over the rest of the season they could give their remaining opponents lots of trouble. The Men’s basketball team is 2-16 overall and 1-7 in conference play.

Women’s Basketball The Women’s basketball team has had an average season on overall on paper, but have been fantastic in conference play.

However the team started the season with six straight losses but won nine of their last twelve games. A huge part of that success is freshman Kritsan Curley, who leads the team in scoring at just over seventeen points a game. Curley has been nominated LEC Rookie of the week three times now and has anchored this squad through their successful run. It should be really exciting to see how this team finishes their year and they should be expecting to play, and play well in the LEC playoffs. It’s hard to ignore what the Women’s team have been able to accomplish after starting 0-6 on the year.

The Women’s basketball team is 9-9 overall and 6-2 in conference play.

getting warmed up and finding its groove, and should be expected to compete at a high level for the rest of the indoor season, including sending some of its athletes to nationals. The team includes Seniors like Ron Helderman, who has the USM’s Pole Vault record. This team is deep and full of talent, expect to see them on the podium for the LEC’s conference championships this year.

Women’s Indoor Track and Field The Women’s Indoor Track team has won an incredible seventeen consecutive LEC indoor championships and this year should be no different. The team has some dominating seniors like All-American Neka Dias, as well as some fantastic incoming talent. The team had eleven win’s in the USM open and also won the Reggie Poyau Memorial Invitational earlier this month. As the season continues this team should also continue their winning ways, and it’s already seen so many of it’s athletes continue to improve and get PR’s (Personal Records) as the season goes.

For s team with such great experience and depth, the sky’s the limit for them this outdoor season.

Wrestling

Wrestling has had a great season so far, and are consistently top ranked competitor at any meet they go too. This season’s biggest success story so far is sophomore Peter Del Gallo, who is currently undefeated an ranked in the top five nationally for this weight class. Del Gallo has been stunning.

The Huskies, ranked sixth in the NEWA Poll as a team, have six grapplers, including Del Gallo, ranked in their region. Division III wrestling is especially competitive and the Men’s Wrestling team have been Men’s Indoor Track and Field extraordinary over the past several seasons.

This success should continue throughout The Men’s Track team is coming off of the last half of the year and several mema fantastic Cross Country season, taking bers of the team will undoubtedly go on to first in LEC’s. Although the sprint team is nationals.

Lauren Kennedy / Director of Photography just getting started, they’ve performed very well so far in the year, especially the team’s Senior Brett Norman from Dawson Creek, British Columbia skates against Bowdoin 4x400 team which has put down some of College Tuesday night. the best time’s nationally. This team’s just

Graduate Programs Open House Monday, February 5, 2018 (Snow date: Tuesday, February 6) 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland

Considering graduate study? USM offers 21 degree programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, as well as graduate certificate programs, in Business, Education, Leadership, Creative Writing, Music, Policy, Planning and Management–as well as Public Health, Social Work, Counseling, Biology, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy, among many others.

Take this opportunity to meet our renowned faculty who are leading researchers, scholars, and practitioners in their fields. Plus: program and admissions break-out sessions, financial aid information, and refreshments.

Register at: usm.maine.edu/gradopenhouse Call us at 1-800-800-4USM or (207) 780-5670 or email admitusm@maine.edu 2018-083