According to Reuters, global ring tone revenues topped $3.5 billion dollars in 2003. $3.5 billion? That’s ten times greater than the gross national product of Bora Bora. You mean to tell me there are that many people shelling out their hard earned cash for “I’m Too Sexy” to play everytime someone calls?

To add to this insanity, Billboard, the music industry’s authoritative publication regarding music revenue, has started the “Hot Ring Tones Chart,” which will list the Top 20 polyphonic ring tones each week, starting in the Nov. 6 issue. This useful and highly pertinent information will be compiled by Consect, a U.S. mobile market analysis provider.

Thank the Lord, my prayers have been answered. Finally, I will be able to have the most popluar ring tones at my disposal. No more guessing and hoping that my ring tone is cool, because if it’s in the Top 20, it’s got to be bitchin’, right?

In the interest of hypocrisy, I will divulge the fact that I am guilty of having purchased a ring tone or two. But I can tell you there is nothing more badass than having “The Sopranos” theme song play every time you get a call. I just hope it makes it into the Top 20, otherwise, I will have to change it for something more socially acceptable. The new social taboo will be having a non Top-20 cell phone ring- shame on the nonconformists.

Perhaps the move by Billboard will open the door for ring tones to be fully accepted into the music community. Soon you may be able to buy CDs full of your favorite polyphonic tunes. You’ll turn on the Grammys and see some Swedish dude named Jorkus winning the award for Best Ring Tone Composition. His name will be engraved on the golden synthesizer, showing his ring tone wizardry. Oh, how glorious it will be.

I think I will start using ring tones as a way to find my soulmate and eventually my wife. If a girl has a classy, catchy ring tone, it will be indicative of her personalitity. Therefore, ladies, crank those phones up to loud and let Salt-N-Peppa’s “Whatta Man” blare, because you know what? I’m listening, and I’m a mighty good man.

In all actuality, the ring tone phenomenon is out of control. Some people already obssess over ring tones and how they are perceived. Billboard’s decision to rate and list ring tones based on their popularity is like throwing kerosene on a roaring fire – not a good idea. The invasive and abrasive nature of cell phone ring tones is indicative of our society’s infatuation with pop culure and involving it in every facet of our lives. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear the “The Soproanos” theme, and that means my cell is blowing up.

Mike Melochick is a senior journalism major who is looking for the “Charles in Charge” theme to download.

As much as this poster grosses me out, I’m concerned about the reputation of our university. How can UMaine allow for such a display on campus? With tours conducted regularly and important guests visiting constantly, I am embarrassed to walk by the Union and call myself a student. Young children are also present around campus. Imagine the topic of discussion at the dinner table that night. If word got out that UMaine allowed people to stand on campus holding up signs of dead babies, I wouldn’t have chosen this school. I want to attend a school with a good reputation – one without horrifying feelings of guilt, shame or regret from walking by the cafeteria.

It is disgusting and degrading to walk by and see those posters. Everyone knows that abortion exists. Our society has accepted the fact that abortion does happen. In 1973, the Supreme Court heard the case of Roe v. Wade and made the decision that partial-birth abortions were legal and available to women who wanted them. As time went on, it came to pass that women could choose of making for themselves: life or death. As more time passed, abortion has become a recurring issue in our society – a sick fad that hasn’t died out yet.

It is true that the First Amendment allows this poster to be displayed but has anyone considered the repercussions? Women who walk by this poster can have adverse reactions and emotions from this portrayal of life. Children will be confused and upset to find out that a dead baby’s picture was plastered onto a board. College students will continue to tilt their heads and wonder why a dead baby is looking at them right after dinner. Every year this man stands outside the Union holding his signs. What is he thinking?

Seeing the picture by the Union forces me to entertain the idea of abortion – dead children – at eight in the morning. I don’t want to think of abortion at anytime during the day. Catching people off-guard the Union is a horrible way of tricking people into considering and debating murdering babies for the rest of the day. Although it is encouraged to share opinions and openly talk about issues, people who feel the need to show posters of dead babies should find another place to do it. UMaine isn’t for the display of the dead but the showing of the love for life.

Jennifer L. Nelson is a sophmore chemistry major.

I am asking my fellow students, University of Maine faculty and employees to consider Bill Reed’s candidacy for the Maine House, District 19, on Nov. 2.

I have been honored to know Reed for 15 years. During that time, he has been a UMaine Senior Skull, a founder and the first curator of the Page Farm & Home Museum, which preserves our history on campus, an Alpha Phi Omega brother and a student representative to the UMaine System. He is currently the Alpha Phi Omega adviser, a member of the local Kiwanis and a small business owner.

You may have seen Reed walking around campus events with our mascot, Bananas the Bear. Through his time and efforts, Bill has been a loyal advocate for UMaine. It is time for us as a community to select a person that will represent our area with a proven track record.

Ruth Dodge

UMaine Student

It has been over 20 years since the first public case of AIDS, and the disease still infects thousands of Americans each day. AIDS is a scourge in Africa, infecting over three million people on that continent alone last year. Worldwide, over 40 million people are estimated to be living with the virus. Here in the United States, despite public education programs, the rate of infection has been increasing rapidly in recent years, especially among teenagers and young adults.

This statistic is proof that there can be no such thing as too much education when it comes to a deadly disease like AIDS. Although strides have been made in the past two decades to reduce the stigma attached to AIDS, it clearly is a topic often avoided in discussion of STDs. Peer Education’s decision to again compile an AIDS quilt is admirable, but even more noteworthy is their intention to involve as many UMaine faculty members and students as possible. The Maine Campus commends Peer Ed’s efforts to encourage university involvement and especially notes the commitment the entire Deans of Students office has made to the quilt. We encourage students and faculty to become involved with this important project.

Voting is not enough; be informed

Exercising your right to vote is one of the most important things you can do as an adult in this country. But perhaps just as important as being a voter is being an informed voter. Wielding a pen in the voting booth is an enormous power, not to be taken lightly. Casting a yes or no vote for a candidate or an issue you know little to nothing about is not helping democracy. In fact, you may very well be impeding the process.

Almost everyone knows who is running for president of the United States and probably has a good idea of whom they will cast their vote for. People are probably not as educated as they should be about who will be representing them on the local level or what kind of citizen initiatives they are deciding on. Voting in elections you are not informed about is a hindrance and an insult to those who’ve spent months campaigning for or against a person or cause. We’re urging you to vote – but to vote intelligently. Ignorance is not bliss.

“Dead,” a remake of the 1978 original, tells the tale of a town hit with an unknown virus which turns citizens into zombies – but not your average zombies. These things can run way faster than the normal staggering, sluggish monsters. They crave warm flesh and will stop at absolutely nothing to get what they want. Ana (Sarah Polley) wakes up one morning to find not only her husband and child infected by the virus, but the entire neighborhood as well. Ana is able to escape into the town and meets up with the only known survivors, including Kenneth (Ving Rhames), a police officer, Michael (Jake Weber), a salesman and a husband (Mekhi Phifer) and his pregnant wife.

The group finds shelter in an abandoned mall and proceeds to spend day after day keeping out the zombies and plotting their escape. The army of monsters increases, and the only known way of killing them – as zombie-movie experts all know – is to shoot them in the head. Those who have seen the original already know the ending.

This 2004 remake is a poor man’s version of George Romero’s original. It’s got the gore and the action, but almost no intellect. The original screenplay was only used in parts, which doesn’t seem like a true remake. In his directorial debut, Zack Snyder left us with some plot inconsistencies. He doesn’t tell us much about the origins of this virus, nor do any of the characters try to find out. Small subplots, like the romantic tension between Polley and Weber’s characters, are not expanded upon. Because horror flick buffs do sometimes appreciate a little cheesiness, the dialogue in “Dead” is old-breed – dull and cliche. Also missing in this film were the classic “shock moments” where you get jolted out of your seat in surprise. The plot was very predictable, but scenes are not explained to the fullest. You’re left with a weird feeling after a main character gets killed off without any postexplanation or closure.

“Dead” does score points in the makeup category. The thousands of extras used as zombies looked pretty realistic. Snyder went out of his way to disgust us with shots of brain matter, blood, and raw flesh. Zombies usually get shot in slow motion with surreal, bullet-time-wannabe effects.

As for the DVD, it includes quite a few special features, including a fake home video made by a survivor, a news special bulletin from the beginning of the movie, two featurettes about the makeup artistry of the zombies, interviews with some of the cast and commentary from Snyder and producer Eric Newman.

Yes, this movie is cheesy and requires almost no thinking. But it’s October, and nothing says Halloween like a bad horror flick about zombies. Grab some of your friends and rent it this Halloween season, if you want some artificial scares and a lot of laughs.

Guides will escort small groups of four to six people throughout the house and backyard, as members of the fraternity play zombies and ghouls in an attempt to frighten the visitors.

This year will also include a tour through the fraternity’s backyard where brothers will perform skits, which is a new addition to the haunted house.

Phi Kap’s public relations chairman Ryan Lane was close-lipped about what exactly you can expect to see in the haunted house in terms of skits and ghosts because the fraternity wants to keep it a secret, but he said it will be different than last year as they change it up every Halloween.

Lane said he expects this year to be even better than last year, in terms of both decorations and money raised.

“It gets better each year… Over the years we’ve built up a ton of [decorations] and each year more businesses contribute because it gets more popular,” said Lane.

Last year the haunted house was only put on for one night, but this year the fraternity decided to expand to two nights and expects to raise more money than last year as a result.

“We try to better our total from the previous year… Last year we raised around $2,000… This year we’re doing it two nights so we’re hoping to theoretically double it; if not, make at least a third more than $2,000,” said Lane.

Throughout the week, the Phi Kap house was in disarray as they began preparing for the haunted house because it takes a few days to get the decorations set up.

All brothers contribute to the project, between setting it up and actually scaring visitors while the haunted house is open. Some brothers have put in 30 to 40 hours of work on setting up decorations this week, according to Lane.

“Everyone’s doing something. Most of the guys are in the house doing skits and scaring people… there’s a couple of people selling tickets at the door, there’s tour guides going through the house,” said Lane, “We try to rotate because it tiring doing the same thing over and over for four hours.”

Lane said that he hopes UMaine students will visit the house this weekend to enjoy the atmosphere and possibly donate any money they might be able to.

“I’ve talked to people who come every year they’ve heard of it and they said they enjoy it,” said Lane.

Offering more than 175 colleges and universities, the program is a great opportunity to experience different cultures and a new environment, according to Lisa Liberatore, NSE coordinator. Liberatore was an exchange student in 2001 and described the experience as “the time of your life.”

The program offers students the choice to take classes not offered at UMaine, expose themselves to different majors, and to explore career and graduate school options. Liberatore described the NSE as “an amazing program” because of all it offers to students.

Two common myths about the NSE program are that it is more expensive than standard tuition and that it will set a student back in their curriculum. However, this is not the case, as students can pay either the in-state tuition at their host school or what they pay at UMaine, whichever is less. Financial aid is also still available to students who travel.

With proper planning and communication with advisers, students will not fall behind schedule and will know how many credits they will be returning to UMaine with, according to Liberatore. And as long as a student receives a C or better in their courses, the credits come back with no effect on their grade point average.

Students can leave for either one semester or a year, but they cannot be away from UMaine for more than one calendar year. There is also the option of attending two schools, one each semester. Top choices among students are California, Florida and Hawaii, mostly due to their climates. In early March, NSE coordinators place students at an annual conference. In recent years, 97 percent of students have received placement at one of their top choices. To help students decide where they might like to go, there are several resources available in the NSE office, including a catalog that breaks down each school according to cost, size, ethnic diversity and other characteristics.

There are some requirements involved in participating in the NSE program. A student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have a sophomore standing or higher, have two letters of recommendation and be in good standing with the university. Students are eligible until the beginning of their senior year.

Students who have participated in the NSE have come back with a greater appreciation for UMaine, more self-confidence and many great memories, according to Liberatore. The program is also an excellent resume builder and will allow a student to stand out from other job applicants, she said.

To learn about the NSE program, visit the office at 100 Winslow, or attend an information session. Lisa Liberatore is available on FirstClass or at 581-3433 if you have questions about the program.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, with the rise of Nazi Germany, the Jews were not the only ones who were imprisoned, beaten and killed. Homosexuals were also taken from their homes and sent to those same concentration camps, as the play shows the audience. “Bent” is the story of Max, a man from Berlin who is captured along with his flat-mate and lover, Rudy. The two are thrown onto a train bound for the Dachau concentration camp. Max quickly learns the way to survive with some advice from another passenger. He makes a deal with the officers on the train to have a yellow star, the symbol of a Jew, instead of a pink triangle, the symbol of a homosexual, so that he might be treated better at Dachau. Once at the camp, Max meets Horst, and finds love when he never thought he would, in a most unlikely place.

Outstanding performances were given by all, but most notable were the performances of Dominick Varney, Allen Adams, Jason Poisson and Christopher Franklin. Each of these gentlemen convinced the audience that they were gay men from Berlin or an officer at Dachau. Varney and Adams’ relationship felt very close, though their characters could not physically touch for fear of being beaten or killed. Poisson brought out Rudy’s dancer spirit in everything he did – a perfect casting for the role. Franklin gave the audience goose bumps with his nonchalant orders towards the Jews and homosexuals to hurt or kill themselves.

Costumes and lighting were also very well done. It was perfect for the time period and very believable from the audience perspective.

Director Sandra Hardy should be commended for being so brave as to put on a show with such a controversial topic. From looking at the size of the Saturday evening crowd, her efforts were not in vain.

No matter your religion or sexual preference, anyone can relate to losing a loved one, gaining of a new friend or learning how to love someone with all you have. “Bent” offers these things and so much more, including an eye-opening experience of how you look at the homosexual community.

“Bent” will play at Hauck Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free with a MaineCard.

The game served as a disappointing homecoming for Andy Halligan, Eric Petersen and Jimmy Velas as they returned to play in front of family and friends at Falmouth High.

In the last three minutes of the first half, the ball was played into UMaine’s defensive area, where a defender attempted to clear the ball. However, the Crusader’s Marsalis Beckford was able to attain possesion and sneak a shot past Chad Mongeon for the eventual game-winner.

In the second half, UMaine was able to set the tempo and dominate the play. The Black Bears were able to outshoot the Crusaders 7-1 in the match. One of the best chances for UMaine came when Halligan streaked down the right wing and played a ball that reached Velas on the far side. Velas hit a volley that sailed past the net.

On Sunday the Black Bears’ loss to Binghamton University garnered the ninth place position in the America East conference standings. In order for the team to make the playoffs, the Black Bears would have to win the remainder of their games against Stony Brook and conference leader Boston University. The game against the Terriers will not only be the last game of the season, but it will also be held at Alumni Field on Nov. 3.

“One thing we’d want to work on is more intensity out of the start,” said senior captain Matt Bernal. “On Sunday, we had a hard time with everything, such as completing passes and talking, and I would say those are things we’d also want to improve on.”

Besides winning the remainder of their games, UMaine would also need teams such as Albany and New Hampshire to lose the remainder of their games.

As for Sunday’s match, the Black Bears suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Bearcats, who came in as the No. 24 team in the nation. Besides their playoff chances suffering a blow, the team saw left back Adam Chenault leave the game after he was hit by a Bearcat shot just two minutes into the game.

Before Tuesday, the Black Bears had compiled a 2-1-2 confrence record. The mark inlcuded their first conference win against Hartford a week ago.

“The last couple of games have been hard since we have been up and down, which has kind of been a metaphor for the whole season,” said midfielder Kyle McMorrow. “Going into Tuesday, we just want go out and take the mentality that we are going to win.”

“At this point in the year, I can speak for most people in saying that everyone is tired,” said Velas. “I think everyone needs a break, and we are doing all we can for the final push to come away with three wins in these last three games.”

“I’m picking New England this week, because I want them to be undefeated next week when we play them. We want to end their streak,” said Bettis, who was appearing on the show because Pittsburgh had a bye week. He got his wish, which might not be such a great thing for the Steelers.

The Patriots likely can’t help but think back to the 2002 AFC championship game and the total lack of respect the Steelers showed for their team. Pittsburgh was a heavy favorite, having already booked their hotels for Super Bowl XXXVI. Of course New England won the game on their way to their first Super Bowl win, and when the two teams met to open the next season on Monday Night Football, the Steelers mouths still running their mouths.

The consensus among the Steelers was that the best team had not won the AFC title game, and that they would prove it. The Patriots embarrassed them in that game 30-14, a rout that effectively ended Kordell Stewart’s career in Pittsburgh. Given that history, you’ve got to wonder why Bettis would open the door for more embarrassment.

Not that the Steelers don’t have a good team. They lead the AFC South, Duce Staley is on pace to rush for 1,500 yards and Bettis has added seven touchdowns of his own. They have one of the most talented receiving corps in the league in Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El. They play in front of a rookie quarterback who’s been compared to Dan Marino – Ben Roethlisberger.

This isn’t anything new to the Patriots, though. Their last two games, with Seattle and the Jets, have come against teams with good records and near the top of the league statistically. Still, they’ve found a way to win.

The Pats won’t respond to Bettis’ challenge in the media because it’s not their way. Coach Bill Belichik doesn’t like to talk about his own team’s accomplishments, never mind what another team has to say. But you can bet that every member of the defense has it fresh in his mind, and that Belichik and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel are staying up late designing schemes that rookie Roethlisberger has never dreamed of seeing. Defensive backs Ty Law and Rodney Harrison always pick up their game a notch against marquee receivers, so it’ll be interesting to see how their battle with Ward, Burress and Randle El goes.

The Patriots mirror their coach in that they are proud but quiet; the classic speak softly and carry a big stick squad. On the surface, they’re treating this as a road game against a very solid, potential playoff team. But on the inside, they know it’s a chance to silence more critics and extend their league-record winning streak to 22. It’s a chance they’ll likely take full advantage of, especially with the added bonus of making Jerome Bettis eat some more crow.