Friday, March 27, 2009

The Maine Campus: a little piece of University entertainment


Started in 1875, The Maine Campus newspaper is put out every Monday and Thursday by young writers across campus. This periodical focuses around the latest news, trends, performances, entertainment, and sports reports happening at the University of Maine at Orono.
As a student newspaper, The Campus gives students in the fields of Journalism and Communication the opportunity to get hands-on experience before going out into the workforce. Some students who are not even in this major write opinion pieces for the paper to get their voices heard. The newspaper lets students on campus express their writing and gives them the chance to have others read it.
I am a journalism major and have written for the school newspaper a few times. It's rewarding to see your name in print and get paid for it. Writing for The Maine Campus is not only a resume builder, but also helps students grow as writers with help from their editors, who are also students. To contact the newspaper, call (207) 581-1271, or stop by their office on the first floor of the Memorial Union on campus.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Studying Abroad



Italy, Spain, China, South Africa, Australia, Ireland, Germany, the list goes on. Maybe you've thought a little bit about studying abroad for a semester or maybe even a whole year. Either way, travelling and living in another country is an opportunity to take advantage of.
Each year, several students choose to study abroad in many different countries around the world. Some do it for the education, but almost all do it for the cultural experience along with the education. I have begun thinking about studying in Italy for a semester my junior year as I become more fluent in the italian language over the next couple years.
Learning the traditions of a new culture, celebrating their holidays, tasting their foods, and experiencing their lifestyle is what studying abroad is all about. Recently, there was a study abroad fair in the atrium of the Donald P. Corbett building. On site were many representatives from foreign exchange programs, encouraging students to take advantage of the incredible opportunity. No matter where you choose to study, take in the culture, and bring back something you can teach to those who couldn't experience it first hand for themselves.

Ben Folds Coming Soon!!


You've probably heard songs including, "The Frown Song," "Hiroshima," and "You Don't Know Me" (featuring Regina Spektor), but now you can see them performed live by Ben Folds on his Spring 2009 Tour. He will be coming to the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine on April 28th.

Born in North Carolina, Ben Folds has been showing off his unique style of piano mixed with punk for the past 15 years. His music has a different sound than most pianists and his lyrics seem to have quite literal meaning to his life. This spring, he will be debuting his new album, "Way to Normal." Songs featured on this album are ones similar to those of his platinum-selling band, Ben Folds Five, a style that hasn't been heard since they were together.

Ben Folds will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 28th, the day before Maine Day, at the Collins Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at the box office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. monday through friday, or by calling 1-800-CCA-TIXX. Student rate tickets are at $16.00 and $22.00 for the general public.

My Life...In a Nutshell


By this point you're probably wondering what my story is. Although I may have only lived for 18 years thus far, I have quite an interesting background. My life has been different from others in many ways, some I may care to forget about, but most I am proud of.

I was born and raised in the heart of Aroostook County. I have lived in the same log cabin my mother and father built in the '80s my whole life. When I was 13, my passion for running accrued. Following in the footsteps of my father and two older sisters, cross-country skiing and distance running paved my way throughout my teen years. I have also been playing the piano for about five years and love learning to bake from the best chef I know, my mother.

Currently, my mind is set on pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism. Dream job: working as an anchor on NBC's Today Show. For now though, I'm busy enough being a student and hoping to be chosen to be an Resident Assistant next year. My family has grown larger over the past year, as my oldest sister was just married in December, and my brother became the father of identical twin girls in January.

So, the future looks bright so far. I'm keeping my goals in perspective and chugging along through the rough patches, because I know it will all be worth it in the end.

Bob Marley: Maine Comedy at its Finest


Born in Bangor, Maine, Robert "Bob" Marley's father claims he had no idea that his son shared the same name as a famous singer. Bob graduated from Deering High School in 1985 and went onto to the University of Farmington earning a degree in Community Health. However, the entire time he knew that being a comedian was his dream profession.

Marley first appeared on the TV station, Comedy Central, and also starred in Boondock Saints. His comedy acts center around life in Maine and are expressed in his thick Maine accent. He also talks in his radio show "The World According to Bob," as well he can be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 103.

In a couple of weeks, Marley will be coming to the University of Maine to put on a show for students as well as the general public. Another stop on his tour included Houlton, Maine, just two hours North on March 14th. Tickets at the University of Maine show are available to students, faculty and staff for $5.00. Come see Bob Marley live Saturday April 11th at 8:oo p.m!


Collins Center for the Arts


The newly refurbished Collins Center for the Arts, formerly known as the Maine Center for the Arts, is home to many performances. These include, but are not limited to, theater and dance, as well as orchestral and concert performances. This seasons schedule includes shows such as "Hairspray," "The Way We Get By," and "Lord of the Dance." All of which express a wide array of talent and representation of the cultural arts.

With shows almost every weekend, it is no wonder why the ticket office is almost as busy as the performers themselves. Tickets are available to general public, varying in price and depending on seating. University of Maine students who are registered at least half time are allowed two free tickets to any CCA event each semester. Also, these students are entitled to two $5.00 tickets on the day of or the friday before a weekend show per semester.

The Collins Center for the Arts is located behind the Memorial Union on the University of Maine campus in 1944 Hall. For more information, the box office can be reached at 207-581-1755 or through email at CCATIX@maine.maine.edu


Kickin' Flicks


Two nights a week, with two shows each week, the Campus Activities Board presents Kickin' Flicks. This gives students the opportunity to view movies that were recently in theaters. Wednesday night showings are in the Donald P. Corbett building at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. While Fridays times are the same but movies came be seen in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union.

Last night, Kickin' Flicks premiered "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." With a full house, the DPC building was the place to be at 10 o'clock at night. Many of the students who attended had never seen the movie and were in for a long sit, as the running time was 2 hours, 40 minutes. Overall the audience seemed to be please with the movie, as reviews deemed true of its quality.

Kickin' Flicks has featured many movies popular with the crowd of college students. Just a month ago "Zach and Miri Make a Porno" was shown to a packed room full of students. Prior to, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," as well as the hit-comedy, "Role Models" were also shown.
So, if you're bored and looking for something to do on a Wednesday or Friday night, check out Kickin' Flicks to see what is showing on campus.