His protest against the use of Before Common Era (B.C.E.) as a replacement for Before Christ (B.C.), for instance, doesn’t consider for a moment that the birthdate of a Galillean magician named Jesus might be up for debate. To maintain accuracy in the terms our historians use, the simple and unobtrusive addition of the letter E is a tiny price to pay. Far from making our language more “vague,” as Hartwell suggests, such changes make it more specific.

Hartwell also credits his hang-up with terms, such as African-American to the fact that such phrases are “bulky” and that “racism has been wiped out about as much as it can be,” so why bother messing with the language? Well, to address his “bulky” argument, I do owe Hartwell an apology. I experimented with a number of options and had to settle on “African-American” because I thought it fairly represented people by both their heritage and their nationality, rather than a “vague” description of their skin color. How short-sighted: the term “African-American” is way too long, and highly inconsiderate to those with speech impediments. I’m going straight back to “nigger.” Two syllables and rolls right off the tongue. How much can one word matter, right?

As for Hartwell’s claim that “racism has been wiped out about as much as it can be,” I have to say, he should know. Being a European-American living in diverse Maine, he would be the one I’d ask. Point goes to Hartwell.

Finally, Hartwell’s message about the loss of “man” for the word “people” is vague itself. He confuses me. Hartwell seems to imply that in days of old, when men were civilized and walked around with swords, and there were 23 different spellings of the word “sword” – sworrd, swored, swwworeaised, to name a few – we founded a vast lexicon of non-verbal communication designed to express peaceful intentions. Therefore, when we talk about a whole lot of people who affect the world, we should refer to them as “man.” What? That’s basically what he seems to say. I find this strange, because when I refer to people, it’s understood that I mean a plurality, whereas when I refer to “man” as a plural, I’m opening the door to confusion, as man also refers to a single male person. As Hartwell condemns vaguery, I wonder about his objection to such changes.

Reading Hartwell’s column has left me confused, and as a spearhead-er of language evolution, I now have little choice but to read it once again. Perhaps he’s right, and the whole language is just getting too polite. And perhaps he’s right when he says that people whose language inadvertently smacks at racism are getting jumped on too quickly. But perhaps he’s wrong about an awful lot of things too, and should think a little longer before he commits them to paper.

Andrew McDonnell is a graduate student in the English department.

I am fully aware that Maine’s state law says, “Motorists are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.” I also understand that this law is supposed to protect these lemmings from harm. But do you know how many people opt to run out in front of cars, just feet from a crosswalk? There is also a law to protect motorists from these brainchildren: it’s called “jaywalking.”

I am also aware that in this tundra of a campus, the pedestrian role becomes more strained. You are undoubtedly cold, walking back from your class in Donald P. Corbett to your car, which is parked in the Alfond Lot, because you had class in Dunn earlier that morning. You just got an ass-load of work dumped on you by a professor who is parked a mere three feet from the building. The last thing you are thinking about is some maniac who has already stopped 10 times for freshmen running about to their various dorms.

Well, consider this your wake-up call. I just made that same hike, but I came from Nutting, so your little plight has no bearing on a man who can barely see through his hastily scraped windshield. At this point, you would probably be better off to find a crosswalk and wait, because with my eyes still welled up with tears from my frozen trek, I probably wouldn’t see you darting across the road anyway.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not some raving psycho with uncontrollable road rage. No, my road rage is mildly controllable. It’s not the physical actions of either random, non-crosswalk crossings or single morons running into traffic that drive me to insanity. It’s a matter of principle. These people show no respect for the already congested flow of traffic on the university’s two or three mainly traveled roads. If you are guilty of this social infraction, please come to terms with your actions and realize the full consequences of your ignorance before I start nailing people and marking my car with some sort of pedestrian decal – a la World War II style bombers and their “kills.”

Am I saying cops should start arresting everyone who doesn’t cross on a crosswalk? No. Am I suggesting that drivers start plowing people over in the interest of time? Maybe. What I am trying to get at is a basic understanding between motorists and pedestrians. If you cross in the designated areas, I’ll stop. If you cross when and where you are not supposed to, in a group of fewer than five, consider yourself fair game.

Mike Melochick is a junior journalism major and has nothing but love for the crossing guards of the world.

In regards to the article “Realizing the Dream,” I would like to clarify a statement that was made. Black history is something that is vital in our society. It allows recognition for African-Americans’ accomplishments that have been overlooked in American history. Ideally history should be beyond race, but also it should acknowledge the social context of the time. It is a fact that contributions made by African Americans have helped mold and develop America and should be recognized equally in history. Black history is a stepping stone toward an ideal (fair and balanced) outlook on history.

History is everyone’s history, regardless of color.

Paul Groce

President of the Black Student Union

*Getting rid of MTV

The seemingly untouched trails, rocky-foggy ocean shores and rivers that despite their polluted orange-like undertones reflect the greatness of the trees and ski. These scenes are merely visions of the rugged Maine landscape that perhaps drew us all here from our diverse origins. The snow is breathtaking and despite the freezing temperatures and gusty winds, it reminds us of an illusion like pureness we must protect in the midst of harsh obstacles.

Music is so relative to our visions; it parallels the artistic drama of our surroundings and lives by invigorating our spirits and soothing our souls. Bumstock is a calling for the hidden magic of music to surface at our campus. By drawing from an assortment of styles, this festival has the power to appeal to a wider audience from the local community and beyond. How about Native American tunes, folk, country, hip-hop, R&B and jazz. The possibilities are endless. No barriers of any kind for any person – just good, clean fun. I suggest we bring back the old Bumstock tradition and ditch MTV.

As a former “MTV phat house contestant” who was flown to Texas last spring for a silly contest and “concert,” I can speak firsthand of the flashy names, symbols, sex and money they throw at you for the sole purpose of advertising a product. Let’s tell MTV there is no market for them here in Maine.

The simple bareness of our habitat, like local musicians, needs to be re-examined and then supported and saved wholeheartedly. This can be done without Hoobastank, $15,000 or, more importantly, MTV. It can happen with an open mind and willingness to combat the political, corporate, mass media garbage that is slowly suffocating us as human beings. The earth and music we share is our power and an underrated tool we can put to use this spring on our campus.

Kate St. John

Junior history major

“Sometimes it is when we hear a voice that we disagree with that we are able to shape what we believe.”

Spoken by Casey Murphy, the Catholic Student Association’s adviser and campus minister, these words accurately reflect the importance of bringing speakers like Sarah Weddington to the University of Maine.

A lawyer for the pivotal 1971 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in this country, Weddington’s presence as part of the Guest Lecture Series will surely prove to be an interesting and dialogue-provoking discussion on one of America’s most controversial issues.

Already, Weddington’s visit to UMaine has sparked debate, which can only benefit the campus as a whole. Although Weddington is not coming to UMaine to speak directly about the case, it is still an opportunity to hear from someone who was instrumental in such a landmark event in America’s history.

Is the bar up to par?

The Class of 1944 should be applauded for its recent initiative to transform the dull and unattractive Stillwater Canal Co. into a visually appealing environment for students and faculty to hang out. The newly christened Bear’s Den provides a touch of old pub-style class and some much needed ambiance into an otherwise minimalist inspired room. But while a new floor and some decorative woodwork are nice additions, a decent amount of work is left to be done to achieve the desired effect.

Bars and pubs frequented by students have character – a department in which the Bear’s Den is definitely lacking. Granted, the room is said to be unfinished, but it is also said to be only about 85 percent finished.

Furthermore, the 8 p.m. opening time borders on ridiculous – it is far too late into the evening to attract the business the Bear’s Den so desperately needs. What about a beer with dinner? Forget it.

American Psalm

Sony of Songs Music

A fan of folk or old school country music? Then you might enjoy the recent release from University of Maine Professor Larry Milder. On American Psalm, he tackles the folk genre well, meanwhile adding some of the messages of Judaism through his lyrics. In addition, American Psalm, his fourth album, has the same humor fans of Milder have come to expect.

Songs like “If I Were A Moose” and “Cowboy Pesach” have a light-hearted feel to them, and can bring a silly smile to your face. The true jewels of the album are definitely the ballads, “Stars in the Sky” and “When the Land & They Were Young.” The title track tugs at the heart strings, singing of never seeing the one you love again, but trying to hang on without them. Thought-provoking lyrics accompanied by a beautiful acoustic guitar make these songs and the rest of the album worth a listen.

Written and produced by Milder and Eric Kilburn, American Psalm is entertaining as well as informational. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of folk and country music, as well as some humor and interesting information about Judaism, this album will be exactly what you’re looking for.

-Aerin Raymond

Ryan Adams

Love is Hell, Pt. 1 & 2

Universal

When Ryan Adams announces half-way through the first Love is Hell disc that he could be “anything, anything but sticking around,” it seems the most idle of threats – if there is one thing self-described rock n’ roller Adams is not doing, it’s leaving without a long, noisy and preferably depressing as f*ck fight. Head of the now defunct alt-country sensation, Whiskeytown, Adams, a 29-year-old New Yorker, has strummed, screamed and sometimes dragged himself through a large handful of solo efforts – including the recent and overrated Rock and Roll, – and Love is Hell sounds much less like a departure from the musical scene that made him famous than a return.

The CDs were released separately late last year over a span of a month and together form something of a mostly heart-wrenching tribute to all things Adams – a somewhat misleading moniker, of course, since Adams is never really musically anything, at least not for long (he sings, reportedly, everything from heavy metal to country). But Love is Hell is moody and dark like Heartbreaker, without being twangy and over-the-top like Rock and Roll; it is heart-felt and occasionally happily self-effacing without getting heavy, or worse, sappy.

The highlights here, interestingly, are mostly on the second CD. A sad, lilting-track titled “I See Monsters,” has an introduction in G-Major piercing enough to raise your hackles – and once Adams begins singing, the jig is up: Only the author of “My Sweet Carolina” can make you cry like this.

“English Girls Approximately” would sound perfectly at home with the Grammy-nominated “Gold”; the country-twang is there, the lyrics of love, loss and sex are there, and so is Adams, perfectly in his element. There are low-points of course (for instance, you’re better off just jumping to the third track on the first disc) but they are overwhelmed by tracks like a soft, orchestrated version of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” that will make you wonder why, like some anonymous reviewer on Amazon.com did this week, you didn’t catch on to this Ryan Adams guy sooner.

- Matt Shaer

The only element missing from “The Butterfly Effect” is a more effective soundtrack. Bearing that in mind, this film is a phenomenal journey through the lives of this group of friends and even with that minor flaw, it remains a gleaming treasure. While “The Butterfly Effect” is an incredibly impressive film, Smart’s performance is particularly noteworthy as it really brings the raw emotional feeling of regret that permeates the film’s style and story. Her character’s dramatic tragedy is portrayed by Smart brilliantly. This film has successfully brought Smart out of her supporting-role shell and into her fuller potential as a great lead actress. One might expect Ashton Kutcher to be a limiting factor in the overall quality of this film, but he is surprisingly competent in a more serious role and, while his performance doesn’t compare with Smart’s, he is able to hold his own. The most important aspect of this film is definitely the direction. The same raw emotional tension that was infused into the trailer is present throughout “The Butterfly Effect,” which only serves to draw the viewer ever deeper into the storyline. Bress and Gruber’s directorial contributions combine a solid script, several great performance, and an emotional style of filming, skilled direction and special effects that nicely compliment the story. If you see only one movie this semester, make it “The Butterfly Effect,” and experience truly exceptional film making.

WARNING: This film includes some disturbing content depicting child abuse.

“The Butterfly Effect” is playing at Hoyt’s in Bangor at noon, 2:50 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 9:35 p.m.

“This is just to increase the publicity and the word on CAB,” Kristin Rand, co-chair of CAB, said.

If students want to know more about a certain event, they can send an instant message for information.

Compiled from staff reports

The concert is being put on by the School of Performing Arts, and will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, in Minsky Recital Hall. It is free for students and open to the public. Tickets are $6 for all non-students.

Compiled from staff reports

Quarter Crisis and Rob Roy were judged to be the top two acts of the night by the four-judge panel and will advance to the contest’s semi-finals on March 20. The judges gave scores out of 10 to each of the four acts on vocals, music, crowd participation and style.

The Project is a talent-show for acoustic acts, both bands and soloists, spanning three months with a total of six shows. Tuesday night’s show was the first of four knock-out rounds, with the top two acts from each night advancing to the semi-finals. Four acts will then advance to the finals where each act will be given 20 minutes to impress the judging board.

The Project was created by the Campus Activities Board in the hopes of rekindling interest in Java Jive, the weekly acoustic show on campus.

“Java Jive attendance had really started to fall off. We’re trying to bring it back,” Joe Mollo, director of Campus Activities and Events, said.

The first night of The Project turned out to be a success, as a crowd of more than 75 watched for more than a hour.

“I think the turnout was great. The place was, for the most part, full,” Sean Walsh, Java Jive chair, said.

“I thought it was awesome. It went really well,” Kyle Wheaton, a band member for Quarter Crisis, said.

Quarter Crisis, a Portland-based group, made the drive up for the show and was the only full band in the competition.

The two other acts were Leland Barker Jr. and Teddison, a two-man group composed of UMaine students Burt McDonald and Jeff Cutler.

“We just found out about the competition about three hours ago during dinner,” Cutler said, attributing this as a reason for the duo’s third-place finish.

The winner of The Project is given a day in a recording studio, 100 free CDs and 10 hours of consulting services from Jeff Hyman of the Auburn Moon Agency.

“It’s a very nice prize for whoever wins,” Mollo said. “This is how a lot of acts have started their career.”

Mollo said that while there have been talent shows on campus before, The Project promises to be a different experience.

“There was no real criteria for other talent shows. Basically whoever was running the talent show that night decided who won and we’re looking to change that with a large-scale show,” Mollo said.

Bands are selected based on a points system assigned to them by a four-person panel of judges. There are three sets of judges: one for the preliminary rounds, one for the semi-finals and one for the final round.

“The Project” features bands and soloists and is not limited to just student acts. Non-student acts are required to pay a non-refundable $50 entry fee.

“Basically whoever wants to perform can, whether they’re students or not… we even have a couple of non-student bands managed by students,” Mollo said.

The next night of The Project is Tuesday Feb. 5 and will feature Steven Padgett, Adrian Wingard and the band Acoustic Conspiracy, Andrew Matson and Mary Holt.

Acts are still being accepted for the later dates. To sign up, e-mail Jessica J. Shaw on FirstClass.

The Black Bears led at half-time 38-26. To start off the game Maine took a 14-0 lead. Northeastern did not get a basket until nearly six minutes had gone by in the first half. It was Maine’s fast start that did in the Huskies. The lead would prove to be too much for them to overcome. At one point the Black Bears had a lead of 19 points, 25-6, which was their largest lead of the half. The Huskies went on a 10-2 run at one point in the first half. They were able to cut the Maine lead to 12 by the break.

Early on in the second half the Huskies cut Maine’s lead to nine on a three-pointer by Melissa Kowalski. It was 38-29. Senior forward Julie Veilleux had 12 points on the game and helped the Black Bears down the stretch by hitting seven of her eight free throws. She was the third Black Bear to score in double figures during the night. At one point in the second half Maine’s lead grew to 20 points. With 3:35 to play in the game a Missy Traversi lay-up made the score 63-43. Maine would go on for the 72-55 win on the road.

The game for Maine improved their record overall to 12-5 and 7-0 in conference play. With the loss the Huskies fell to 9-7 overall and 3-4 against conference opponents.

The Black Bears will face Stony Brook on Sunday, Feb. 1. The game will start at 1:00 p.m. at Alfond Arena in Orono. Stony Brook is 1-6 and near the bottom of the America East, while Maine sits on top with their 7-0 conference record.