In 1982, Bruce Springsteen released “Nebraska,” a bleak and unforgiving album that drove his tales of backwoods suburban romanticism deeper into the psyche. To this day, the album is still considered one of his best in a career full of exceptional releases, for not only continuing Springsteen’s narratives of blue-collar America but also by embracing…
Author: USM
Pleau: My own private project runway
Amanda Pleau is hitting the runway for WMPG’s annual charity fashion show. But first, she’ll be hitting the gym and watching her calories.
The Free Press Summer Festival Guide 2011
During the three long months of the Maine winter, it might be hard to remember what exactly summer feels like in Vacationland, yet here we are again. The temperature has already reached the low 70s, and summer doesn’t officially start for another two months. But we know you’re already looking for something to do in…
The Free Press’ Sports Year in Review
Along with the ebbs and flows of a college athletic season, there are performances and accomplishments that stand out among others. In honor of The Free Press’ last issue of the academic year, the Sports staff has compiled the top ten USM sports performances of the 2010-2011 year. Sit back and enjoy.
Local Top Five: Bagels
1.) Rosemont Market and Bakery, Sea Salt Bagel: These are not New York bagels. But baked fresh every day, they are fluffier and lighter, softer on the outside and every bit as satisfying. For only 95 cents, these tasty morsels are just about perfect. Staff writer Amanda Pleau reports that patrons have been known to…
Female student confronted by a group of males in car near USM
A USM student was approached by a car full of men who attempted to detain her as she walked towards campus in Gorham early Friday morning, according to a campus safety alert released by the USM Department of Public Safety.
USM students taking over drive-in theater this summer
As the school year comes to a close, many college students are joining a mad rush to find summer employment in a stalled job market. But a few USM students are employing themselves instead.
Juniors marketing majors Ry Russell, Patrick Brophy and Tyler Wells are taking over management of the Saco Drive-in theater, opening for business May 27.
Students march in Gorham against sexual violence
The USM Campus Safety Project organized a week of events to call attention to domestic violence and sexual assault, including a Take Back the Night march on the Gorham campus Wednesday and a display of people’s experiences and feelings about domestic and sexualized violence on t-shirts hung in Gorham. About thirty people gathered in Hastings…
With progression, Atmosphere flourishes
The underground hip-hop community has many shining stars, and for the last decade Atmosphere has been a front runner in the scene. MC Slug and producer Ant have consistently provided hard hitting hip-hop for their fans, and their new album, “The Family Sign,” is no exception. The album differs greatly from its 2008 predecessor “When…
What’s in a name? A history of Franklin (Arterial) Street
The recent restoration of street signs along Franklin Arterial to its original name, Franklin Street, may not seem like a big change.
But Franklin, the four lane road in Portland leading from Interstate 295 to the waterfront, has quite a story behind it. And the name change is just a part of the wider effort to revitalize the wide swath of road and median that cuts the peninsula in two.
Student group committed to building ties between USM and Gorham
A new student group at USM is committed to building bridges between students and their neighbors in Gorham by working on projects aimed at creating community.
The Transitionaries were founded in December by senior sociology major Travis Bonpietro, who said the group is committed to promoting mutual aid and support to the town of Gorham.
Students react to the possible tobacco ban [video]
Andrew Ballantyne interviews students on the Gorham campus about their opinions on the possible tobacco ban at USM.
Women’s track takes third at Aloha Relays
The USM women’s outdoor track and field walked away from Bowdoin College with a third place overall finish at the Aloha Relays on Saturday after several tremendous individual performances.
Softball earns split with LEC second seeded Keene State
After a tough week of four straight losses, the USM softball team took one of two from the Little East Conference second place Keene State Owls in an LEC doubleheader on Friday afternoon at Towers Field in Gorham.
Viva la Resurgam! Words & Images 2011
On Friday night, the real test will arrive for the 2011 staff of Words & Images at the journal’s release party starting at 6 p.m. It will not only be the first opportunity for the public to purchase the journal, but will also feature an exclusive reading from “Townie: A Memoir” by bestselling author Andre Dubus III, as well as readings and award presentations by Adrian Blevins, USM President Selma Botman and Kate Cheney Chappell, and a special musical performance by Olas.
Reorganization recommendations delayed
Provost John Wright’s recommendations to President Botman for the restructuring of academic departments within USM’s three new colleges, which Wright said were expected this week, have been delayed until early May.
The recommendations from Wright will be made with consultation from the deans of USM’s three new colleges
New bat standard yet to hamper USM baseball’s plate production
The NCAA’s new BBCOR bat standard was implemented in college baseball this spring, but it hasn’t taken long for programs to get used to the new bats, with USM being one of them.
Generation trap: why gen-y is doing okay
Elijah Miller refutes those who feel his generation, gen-y or “digital natives,” are any worse than what came before.
USM celebrates Earth Day with week of activities
USM hosted several events surrounding the environment and sustainability last week, leading up to Earth Day on Friday.
From a bike safety and tire check to a full moon hike, to seed planting, students kept busy participating in environmentally friendly activities while also learning new tips on ways to do their part in keeping the planet healthy. Events were held Monday through Friday on both the Portland and Gorham campuses.
Kobe Bryant’s actions question veteran integrity
Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the best NBA shooting guards of all-time, but his actions and attitude show hints of immaturity.
USM men’s lacrosse wins nail biter over Plymouth State
The USM men’s lacrosse team hosted their conference rivals Plymouth State on a cold and misty day on Wednesday in Gorham, and the Huskies did not disappoint as they scored five unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to defeat the Panthers 9-8. USM freshman Dylan Bousquet-Smith (Bowdoinham) scored with 17.1 seconds remaining in the game…
‘No Devolución’ has Thursday evolving once again
In Spanish, the phrase “No Devolución” means “no returns.” As the title of Thursday’s newest album, that is exactly what they promise. Since the release of their first album, the post-hardcore classic “Waiting,” Thursday have evolved musically into what feels like an entirely different band, though the majority of members have stayed intact. Over the…
Ricker sparks Huskies’ win against cross-town rival St. Joe’s
Since returning to the USM lineup after missing the season’s first ten games, USM junior outfielder David Ricker (Winthrop) has showcased consistent hitting, with some of it coming in crucial situations. Ricker exhibited this on Wednesday, as he hit a game-winning RBI single to right field in the bottom of the 12th inning with the…
USM senior to lead panel discussion on LGBT youth in Maine
Senior women and gender studies and sociology major Emily Paine will moderate a panel discussion on the gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender youth in Maine April 28.