The Spectrum, Volume 60, Issue 41

The Independent Student Publication of the University at Buffalo WEDNESDAY EDITION v January 19, 2011 Vol. 60 No. 41 v ubspectrum.com

UB Gives Students Best BA For Their Buck DANNIELLE O’TOOLEAsst. News Editor

CLINTON HODNETT /THE SPECTRUM

Simpson to Stay While Presidential Search Concludes LAUREN NOSTROSenior News Editor President John B. Simpson will remain in office beyond his expected retirement date of Jan. 15 while the search for UB’s 15th president continues.

Simpson announced his retirement on the first day of classes last semester during a press conference, citing cuts to the university and Albany’s general attitude toward UB as influential to his decision to retire. Additionally, Simpson noted that his plan to retire was motivated by his desire to be closer to his family on the West Coast.

Simpson has not given a specific timeline for continuing as president and has told local media that he is not receiving any financial incentives to remain in office.

Simpson sent university officials the following statement on Jan. 5:

Dear Colleagues: I was pleased to learn that the presidential search process is moving along well. Following discussions with SUNY officials and University Council Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, I have agreed to continue to serve as president for a limited period of time beyond January 15th while the search process moves toward a conclusion.

Sincerely,

John B. Simpson President

Immediately after Simpson’s retirement announcement, Scott Nostaja, UB’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, was named interim president by UB. The announcement, however, was never made official by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and Nostaja withdrew his name from consideration after his credentials were challenged by the Faculty Senate. Simpson’s decision to stay will not have to be made official

by SUNY, nor will he be named interim president for the time being.

Josh Boston, the UB Council student representative, said that Simpson’s agreement to stay in his role as president means that the process of finding the next president is going very well.

“A lot of universities our size would take a year or more to do this sort of process, but we’re moving quickly so we can keep pursuing the UB 2020 goals,” Boston said. “I think [Simpson] is staying because it is a short amount of time, but I think in large part it’s because of the reaction of trying to appoint any sort of interim [president]…avoiding that process altogether is in the best interest of faculty, students and staff. We want something a little more seamless and streamlined than that.”

row the pool to the candidates in whom it is especially interested.

Peiwen Chen, a senior chemical engineering major, is glad that President Simpson has made the decision to stay.

“I think that [Simpson staying] would be a better alternative than if he just left and there was no one in the position,” Chen said.

“I think [the search committee] should look for someone to continue the projects that UB has going on currently so that we don’t have an awkward power transition where all our projects, like the Ellicott building and the engineering extension buildings, don’t stagnate.”

Members of the presidential search committee were not permitted to speak on the matter and President Simpson was unavailable as of press time. Stay with The Spectrum for continued coverage on this story.

email: news@ubspectrum.com

According to a Jan. 4 update from Jeremy Jacobs, chairman of the UB Council and Presidential Search Committee, the search committee has “received nominations of exceptionally well-qualified candidates from some of the nation’s best universities.” Jacobs said that the committee continues to nar-

Many students have chosen to study at UB for a number of reasons, including the spectrum of degree programs and the school’s reputation for being a premier, research-intensive public university.

However, it is no surprise that for prospective students, the relatively low cost of in-state tuition was most likely an influential factor in choosing to attend UB. The university provides a quality education at an affordable price, and, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, experts agree.

On its 2011 list of the 100 Best Values in Public Colleges, the magazine ranked UB 18th in value for out-ofstate students and 46th for in-state students.

The list ranks best public colleges that deliver a first-rate education without breaking the bank. The 2011 list states, “Despite shrinking budgets, these 100 schools deliver a stellar education at an affordable price.”

The magazine evaluates schools based on criteria including SAT or ACT scores, admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratios, and 4- and 6-year graduation rates, as well as cost, financial aid and student debt at graduation.

Jane Bennett Clark, the senior associate editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, said that there is a multi-step process in the annual evaluation of the best-value colleges, which reflects a combination of quality and cost.

“We start with a list of about 500 public schools and sort them according to academic measures,” Clark said. “We then re-rank the

top 120 schools according to additional cost factors.…Our assessment of best value reflects that combination of quality and cost.”

For in-state students, tuition and fees for the 2010-11 academic year total about $7,136. Out-of-state students pay an annual total of about $15,546.

“It was a pretty easy decision between either a cheap SUNY education or loans for 46 grand a year for a private school,” said Paul Weingart, a senior media study major.

“I didn’t want to be in debt for the next 10 years, and if it weren’t for the low cost education SUNY provides, I would probably be working a blue collar job right now.”

Aside from UB, 11 other SUNY schools made the cut for the magazine’s in-state list. Binghamton came in at No. 6; Geneseo, No. 7; Stony Brook, No. 25; New Paltz, No. 36; Oneonta, No. 47; Brockport, No. 63; Plattsburgh, No. 64; Fredonia, No. 65; Cortland, No. 70; and Albany, No. 73.

“What this ranking says is that SUNY is a bargain,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “New Yorkers have an outstanding resource right in their backyard, and national publications are recognizing that quality and unsurpassed value.”

email: news@ubspectrum.com

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NEWS MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM PAGE 2

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Over time, mental illness has been classified with other medical conditions and approached in a more scientific manner. Since World War II, there has been an increase in reported mental illnesses, which have since become embedded in American society and culture.

NEWS

In more recent times, people with any form of mental illness have been able to connect with others and establish, in a sense, a movement dedicated to helping and advancing the cause.

New Course Program Addresses Mental Illness

“[The course] reveals the lives and experiences of people you wouldn’t normally consider,” Rembis said. “In fact, as people become more emotionally open, it is clear that a growing portion of people are impacted by mental illness.”

Pharmaceuticals like Thorazine and Valium have been prescribed to help with mental illnesses. These drugs, however, aren’t a cure for the illness but rather a way to subside symptoms, according to Rembis.

A glimpse into a new disability studies program offered next fall

“There is no cure for mental illness,” Rembis said. “We live in an era where we expect that everything can be easily fixed, but mental illness simply can’t be.”

In the future, “Madness in America” and the new master’s program may help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and disabilities in general.

DAVID WEIDENBORNERNews Editor Mental illness is often considered a taboo topic, as it is remains personal to many individuals. Mental illnesses are shrouded by many misconceptions that make some individuals nervous to discuss the topic. In a class held at UB last semester, this couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Michael Rembis, a visiting scholar in the Department of History and the Center for Disability Studies, left no subject untouched when trying to raise students’ awareness about exactly what mental illness is and whom it affects. His course, “Madness in America,” outlines the history of diagnosis, treatments and stigmas associated with mental illness from the founding of America until modern times.

Courses like “Madness in America” and others exploring various disabilities will be offered next fall as part of the new disability studies master’s program. The program will focus on the social and historical aspects of numerous disabilities and will be run by the Center for Disability Studies.

According to Rembis, the program coursework involves 15 credit hours of core classes as well as an additional 15

The definition of disability is always changing.

- Michael Rembis

COURTESY OF ANDY POWELL

credits in elective courses.

Many already-established courses may be compatible with the new program, as course material is bound to overlap into different departments. On top of the program coursework, students need to complete a thesis or participate in an internship. “[The program] will change the way people look at disability by looking at historical aspects,” Rembis said.

“Different cultures view mental illness differently, and by humanizing these disabilities, it is easier to reduce stigmas about them.”

Rembis’ course showed that mental illness has been with Americans since the founding of the colonies.

People that showed any symptoms or peculiarities were said to be “distracted” or possessed by demons.

“The definition of disability is always changing,” Rembis said. “If dependence on pharmaceuticals is lessened and new approaches toward [disabilities] are implemented, stigmas may eventually change.”

The program is headed by Rembis and David A. Gerber, the director of the Center for Disability Studies.

email: news@ubspectrum.com

Today in UB History: January 19, 1976

Men Allowed To Register For All The WSC Courses Offered

termed its “core course,” influenced the final decision.

There were serious doubts among College members, she added, as to whether “the courses would be worth anything,” or would accomplish their academic objectives, if they were integrated.

sion of Instructor on 200 and 300 level courses.”

In defending the right to list PI, Tiger said students need to know about the College’s unique teaching methods, especially freshmen who are used to traditional classroom settings, before signing up for the course. Otherwise, she said, there is a lot of adding and dropping in the classes, and “they aren’t jelled until the third week of school.”

Additionally, it is often difficult to register for WSC 213, since it is “always oversubscribed,” she said. The opportunity to contact the instructor ahead of time to ensure a place in the class would be more efficient, Tiger claimed.

LAURA BARTLETTCampus Editor All Women’s Studies College (WSC) courses will now be open to men as well as women this semester. Faced with total elimination of five courses labeled “discriminatory” by the administration, WSC members decided to change the policy which formerly restricted enrollment in these classes to women only.

The five courses are – Women in Photography, Art Studio for Women, Women’s Automotives, and Women in Contemporary Society 213 and 214.

Upon directing Admissions and Records (A&R) to reinstate the courses into the computer, Executive Vice President Albert Somit instructed A&R Director Richard Dremek not to include a “Permission of Instructor” (PI) prerequisite.

Despite the changes, WSC representative Abbe Tiger stressed that the College’s position on all-women’s classes has not altered. “We still feel they are legal and justified,” she said.

Experimental “We’ve decided to be creative and try to find ways to continue to serve the needs of the women on this campus,” she added. One alternative being considered is the formation of an optional “Women’s Caucus” for female members of integrated classes to meet separately outside class. So far, however, Tiger said she knew of no classes with male members.

When plans and a syllabus are formed for next fall’s courses, some changes may be made in the reading material and subject matter covered to accommodate the male presence, she said.

“This semester will be very experimental.”

The WSC faculty was outraged, she said, at the removal of the PI listing from their courses, and labeled it “a violation of academic freedom.” She charged that Somit ordered the removal because he felt WSC would use it to keep men out of their classes.

Important courses “We had to make the decision of not having the courses at all, or of offering them to men. It took a real long time,” Tiger said. She indicated that the importance of the five courses to the College’s total program, especially Women in Contemporary Society, which she

Inadequate justification Somit denied this, stating that PI is designed for courses in which prerequisites are required, and is an instructor’s way of ensuring that they have been met. WSC, he said, “did not give adequate justification for having Permis-

Academic credentials Dremek said that WSC was given the opportunity to present written justification for PI, but WSC representatives claim that they were only given one night to get their faculty together to decide what to say.

Tiger said Dremek was appointed by Somit to decide whether or not WSC’s justification was adequate, and attacked Dremek’s lack of academic credentials to make such a decision. Dremek said Tiger’s remark “is not entirely accurate,” and stated that although he is not on the teaching faculty of this University, he has been elsewhere.

Tiger believes that the Division of Undergraduate Education curriculum committee should have made the decision.

“We think it is important to the University community, because it would happen elsewhere,” she said. Facing another 18-month charter review sometime this semester, Tiger predicted that the University “will just keep trying to take things away” from WSC. This is a new feature that will periodically appear in the News section. There are 60 years worth of interesting stories in the Spectrum archives, and we’ll be sharing them throughout the semester.

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News Briefs 12/8

Tunisian Interim Prime Minister Unveils National Coalition Government Tunisia’s interim prime minister on Monday unveiled a national coalition government that included three opposition leaders in an effort to bring stability to the North African nation in the aftermath of a popular uprising that ousted its autocratic ruler and sent shockwaves across the Middle East.

But it remains to be seen whether the limited changes will satisfy Tunisia’s discontented masses and prevent them from taking to the streets again. Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, a staunch ally of deposed president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, and several top ministers in the ruling party will retain their posts in the new government.

At a press conference Monday, Ghannouchi said the new government was serious about “bringing calm and peace to the hearts of all Tunisians.”

He vowed to usher in political and economic reforms, including releasing political prisoners, removing restrictions on human rights activists, and recognizing all nongovernmental organizations that seek to operate inside the country.

Ghannouchi also declared that the government would create commissions to investigate corruption and state-sponsored abuses committed during the months of protests.

After weeks of street protests, Ben Ali and his family fled to Saudi Arabia last week, effectively ending his 23-year rule. It marked the first time that such demonstrations had toppled an Arab despot and raised hopes across the region that Tunisia could not only become the first real Arab democracy but also inspire transformation in other autocratic regimes across the Arab world.

Since the fall of Ben Ali, Tunisia has had two leaders. Ghannouchi was the first to take over, but he then abruptly surrendered to Fouad Mebazaa, the parliamentary speaker, complying with rules set by Tunisia’s constitution. Mebazaa is now the interim president until new elections are held, which is expected within two months.

Monday’s appointment of the three opposition leaders was a major breakthrough in a nation ruled with a tight fist and a strong security apparatus for

more than two decades.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets Monday, demanding that the entire ruling party be wiped away from the government, according to news reports. As the protesters surged to the Interior Ministry, security forces unleashed tear gas.

On Monday, the European Union said it would offer economic aid to Tunisia and help it transform into a democracy. Washington is worried that radical Islamic groups such as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb could capitalize on Tunisia’s chaos and deepen a foothold in the region, among other concerns.

Starbucks To Roll Out New 31 Oz. ‘Trenta’ Size Starbucks Corporation will release its biggest drink size yet in all of its U.S. coffee shops by May 3, the company said on Sunday. The new 31-ounce ‘Trenta’ size will only be available for iced coffee, iced tea and iced tea lemonade drinks in the U.S. The size is 7 ounces larger than the ‘Venti’ cup for iced drinks and will cost 50 cents more than the similar-sized iced drinks, the company said. At 916 mL, the Trenta is actually larger than the average 900 mL capacity of the adult human stomach.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR USER MYLIFESTORY

One Trenta will more than fill the average human stomach.

The Trenta size debuted in 14 states, including Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and Arizona on Tuesday, and in California on Feb. 1. Starbucks said that unsweetned drinks in the Trenta size will have fewer than 90 calories and that sweetened versions will have less than 230 calories.

Arizona Statute Could Endanger Giffords’ Hold on Seat Even as Representative Gabrielle Giffords shows signs of a near-miraculous recovery, with doctors on Sunday upgrading her condition from critical to serious, a little-known statutory provision in Arizona state law could endanger the Democratic congresswoman’s hold on her seat through what doctors say will be a protracted medical struggle.

A statute buried in Arizona law states that if a public officeholder ceases to “discharge the duties of office for the period of three consecutive months,” the office shall be deemed vacant. At such a time, a special election could be called to fill the vacancy.

The law does not specify what those duties entail – it does not state, for instance, that a vacancy is declared if a member of Congress does not cast votes in Washington during a threemonth period. And it could not be determined what Giffords’ legal recourse might be should she be incapacitated for more than 90 days.

Still, the discovery of the statute has created an unforeseen legal complication for Giffords and state officials nine days after a gunman attempted to assassinate the congresswoman out-

side a Tucson supermarket, killing six people and wounding Giffords and 12 others.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R) was made aware of the statute on Monday.

Brewer’s deputy chief of staff, Paul Senseman, wrote in an e-mail, “With Rep. Giffords’ tremendous progress, an answer to many prayers, we’ve deemed it to be far too early and entirely inappropriate to speculate, analyze, consider.”

Senior aides to Giffords did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

An informal adviser to Brewer said it was “unimaginable” that the governor would call for a special election to fill Giffords’ 8th District seat if it is legally deemed vacant after 90 days. He said the most likely course of action would be calling for a special session of the state legislature to amend the law in such a way as to allow Giffords a longer period for recovery.

Although the state legislature is controlled by a Republican super-majority in both chambers, there are no indications that lawmakers would pursue any action that would deny Giffords her seat.

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OPINION EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Wiktor MANAGING EDITORS Luke Hammill, senior Amanda Woods EDITORIAL EDITOR John Hugar NEWS EDITORS Lauren Nostro, senior David Weidenborner Danielle O’Toole, asst.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Amanda Jonas ARTS EDITORS James Twigg, senior Jameson Butler Vanessa Frith, asst.

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Shooter’s actions were premeditated The shooting in Arizona on Jan. 8 was one of the most shocking events in recent American history. With six dead, including a federal judge (John Roll) and a 9-yearold girl (Christina-Taylor Green), and Representative Gabrielle Giffords left severely wounded, the public couldn’t help but wonder how anyone could commit such a heinous act.

Now, with shooter Jared Lee Loughner in custody and awaiting trial, the question of his mental stability is being raised.

Due to Loughner’s severe mental troubles, some suggest that he could be found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The argument is that Loughner’s mental disorder prevented him from being able to properly make moral decisions, and, as a result, it would be unfair to charge him with murder.

It is worth noting that in Arizona, murdering a federal judge warrants an automatic death penalty, so there is far more at stake here than in a state like New York, where capital punishment has been outlawed.

That incident would suggest that the attack was premeditated. A crime cannot be defended on the basis of insanity if it was thought out ahead of time. In this case, the evidence strongly suggests that it was.

Unfortunately for Loughner, the insanity defense doesn’t hold much weight in this case.

Beyond that, a run through Loughner’s YouTube page shows many videos with political themes, and his list of favorite books includes several titles that promote extremist ideologies, including Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf.

In order for someone to be found criminally insane, the defense has to prove that the defendant did not know that his or her actions were wrong as a result of mental instability.

Loughner’s past would suggest this is not the case. For one, it is plausible that he held a grudge against Giffords well before the shooting. At a 2007 “Congress in Your Corner” event, he asked Giffords a question about government, and the politician’s answer did not satisfy the then18-year-old Loughner.

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Luckily, UB’s collective nerves were thoroughly calmed when it was announced that Simpson would remain in office until Jan. 15.

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Admittedly, Loughner does have a history of unstable behavior. He was kicked out of his community college after acting out on several occasions, and many students who attended class with him say they felt uncomfortable in his presence.

While we at The Spectrum understand that Loughner had a troubled past, and he could certainly be considered mentally unstable, we do not believe he fits the requirements for criminal insanity. He may not be the healthiest person in the world, but he clearly knew what he was doing.

We understand that the death penalty is never an easy thing to decide on, which is why it is relevant to bring up the question of Loughner’s sanity.

With that said, Loughner’s clear political motivations and general ability to function in society prevent the insanity defense from working here. Trying him for murder is simply the only sensible option.

Best option for UB right now

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From this, the most logical conclusion is that Loughner’s actions were politically motivated.

Still, that hardly qualifies as being criminally insane.

Simpson’s Postponed Retirement a Good Move When University at Buffalo President John B. Simpson announced his retirement on the first day of classes last August, his decision sent a shockwave throughout the school. After all, a president resigning on the first day of classes isn’t exactly a common occurrence.

The views expressed — both written and graphic — in the Feedback, Opinion, and Perspectives sections of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or spectrum-editorial@buffalo.edu.

The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style or length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it clearly as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number and e-mail address.

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Insanity Argument Doesn’t Hold Water in Arizona Shootings

We here at The Spectrum believe this was the best way for the situation to play out.

“brb i gotta drive”

MICHAEL TYSON Asst. Life Editor Forget seatbelts, let the kids fly free in the back seat, and chug that beer while you barrel down the road; just don’t touch that cell phone in your pocket.

This is the light in which a recent USA Today article seemed to depict Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood’s most recent year in keeping American drivers safe. This is not quite the way that Lahood sees things.

In USA Today, the reporter criticized Lahood for spending more money on raising awareness of distracted driving – usually driving while texting or talking on a cell phone – rather than spending federal dollars on the tired old story of drunk driving, seatbelts, and child restraints.

They even go so far as to say that distracted driving really isn’t that big of a

Winter Break Last year it was far too short, but this year it was about a week too long. It was great to relax at home, and I spent a long weekend snowboarding, which was awesome especially after the New York City blizzard, but the freedom afforded to me by the Queen City was certainly missed.

Maybe it’s because it’s my last semester, or maybe it’s because I want you all to love the new look of the paper, but I was actually excited to get back to Buffalo and return to work.

The Jets There’s only one football team really from New York, and yes, it’s the Bills. Still, my “New York” football team is the Giants. But, at 10-6, Tuck and crew missed the playoffs forcing me to watch the loudest team in the league and the last squad left representing New York. Home-state allegiance aside, it’s always great to see a team from Boston, especially the Patriots, lose.

Has New England won a playoff game since the “Spygate” season when the G-men beat them in the Super Bowl? I think not…

President Simpson

Simpson would later state the Jan. 15 deadline was arbitrary and that he had little qualms going against it. It was more of a theoretical resignation date than a strict ultimatum.

Granted, selecting a president isn’t the same thing as selecting a provost, but still, UB’s administrators have a track record of working fast in these situa-

Here are some random thoughts about some random things that have happened locally, nationally, and throughout the world while we were away from school.

The horrible news that broke on Jan. 8 really put a damper on the new year, but hopefully our country will take a step forward from the incident.

Political parties have divided our nation and crippled our legislators, which isn’t all bad, considering that our Constitution was designed to change slowly. But when a congresswoman is shot in the head and a 9-year-old girl is murdered, it’s probably time to re-evaluate how strongly we lean right or left.

Unfortunately, there was one problem: Jan.15 was fast approaching, and there wouldn’t be enough time to choose a new president before the deadline. At this point, the administration asked Simpson to postpone his retirement temporarily until a replacement could be chosen, and Simpson accepted.

Furthermore, it appears as though the search for the next university president, led by Vice Provost Scott Weber, may be over soon enough. Based on the fivemonth period that it took for another Weber-led committee to select Dr. Satish K. Tripathi as provost, it is reasonable to believe that it won’t take long for a new president to be named.

ANDREW WIKTOR Editor in Chief

Arizona Shooting

This meant that UB would maintain stability at the top office while going on the long search for a new president. For the time being, everything seemed OK.

Admittedly, it may be frustrating to have UB’s next president up in the air, and it feels a bit strange not knowing how long our current president will be in office. Still, we believe keeping Simpson in office for the time being is a lot better than not having a president or going with an unproven interim choice.

QUICK HITS

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DOUGLAS LEVERE

tions, and there is ample reason to believe they will work quickly here as well.

The main point here is that while Simpson remaining president for an undetermined amount of time may seem unorthodox, at this present time, it just makes sense.

Much like the initial Jan. 15 scenario, Simpson’s decision to postpone his retirement will stabilize UB during the interim period as its next president is selected and make for a much smoother transition into the next administration when that date arrives.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Spectrum editorial board.

problem and that Lahood is making a mountain out of a molehill.

Lahood contends that, while he did indeed spend more on the distracted driving, the Department of Transportation (DOT) still poured plenty of funds into the other major automotive killers.

Both sources cite a major problem in gathering evidence one way or another. After an accident occurs, it is rather unlikely that many people will admit that they were using their cell phone at the time of impact. Because of this, the rate of accidents caused by distracted driving is a seemingly small 16 percent.

I have to say I’m with Lahood. While some of the data may not add up, it’s understandable that people lie as to why they got into their accident in the first place, and with no lasting proof such as the presence of drugs or alcohol, authorities and statisticians are powerless against these untruths.

I admit that a lack of seatbelts and child restraints is still a problem, as is driving while intoxicated. These is-

sues, however, have also been in the national discussion for many years.

The issue of distracted driving, especially texting while driving, is quite new.

It is also important to note that distracted driver accidents went up in states that enacted no-cell laws. This is because people did not stop using their cell phones while driving, they simply held the phone out of sight and were staring into their laps as they hit the car in front of them.

I know I’ve been tempted to read that latest text or e-mail that comes over my phone while I’m on the road, but I’ve had one very close call myself and I do not intend to get any closer to slamming my car into something else when I can wait five minutes to read the text at a standstill.

Be smart out there; I know it seems like you have it under control when driving and texting, but it only takes one miniscule mistake to result in catastrophe. email: michael.tyson@ubspectrum.com

President Favre? Not quite, but anyone who returns from retirement is sure to draw that laughable comparison, especially since the veteran quarterback finally filed his retirement papers this week, again. Although I have a feeling Simpson’s extended stay at UB will be short-lived, and that the Presidential Search Committee must be close to selecting a new leader, I strongly support this move and think it says a lot about how our president feels about our university. Classy move, Mr. Simpson.

Jersey Shore Sure, it’s still enjoyable, but it’s nowhere near what it used to be and I have one word that sums up why.

No, it’s not “Angelina”, but instead it’s “scripted.” The episodes seem to fit together way too tightly this season and based on the extended previews that MTV shows leading up to episodes, I felt like I had already seen Monday night’s action before it unfolded. MTV has a situation: the Shore is getting old.

Apple Makes $6 Billion It’s not really a shocker when you consider how inyour-face Apple products have been as of late, but it’s slightly upsetting. Don’t get me wrong, Macs are great machines with an aesthetic appeal, however, they’re extremely overpriced and five months after buying a product there always seems to be a newer version hitting the market. Coincidence? I think not.

email: andrew.wiktor@ ubspectrum.com

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MO MOVIE VIE

ARTS & LIFE Sidekick Carries Superhero Flick JAMES TWIGGSenior Arts Editor Grade: BIn a time filled with movies like Iron Man 2 and The Dark Knight, The Green Hornet is one superhero flick that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it work.

Based on the radio show and TV series of the same name, The Green Hornet follows the life of billionaire playboy Britt Reid (Seth Rogen, Funny People) and his transformation into a vigilante after his father passes away due to a fatal bee sting. Under the guise of the Green Hornet, Reid, along with his expert martial artist partner Kato (Jay Chou, True Legend), sets out to clean up the streets of Los COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES Angeles.

Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) and Kato (Jay Chou) take on the scum of LA as masked vigilantes in The Green Hornet

While this may sound like a rather clichéd storyline for a superhero movie, The Green Hornet manages to distinguish itself by breaking many of the traditional hero stereotypes.

First of all, the Green Hornet and Kato don’t try to pass themselves off as superheroes; in fact, they do just the opposite. Whereas most heroes make their intentions clear, this crime-fighting duo makes itself out to be criminals so enemies don’t harm innocents.

It’s a concept rarely seen in this genre, but it’s a welcomed addition that works perfectly for this film, as is The Green Hornet’s take on the hero-sidekick relationship.

From Batman’s Robin to Obama’s Biden, it’s a widely accepted fact that sidekicks never quite live up to the legacy of their mentors. Kato, however, manages to surpass the Hornet in nearly every way imaginable. He builds the weapons, makes the costumes,

and is the source for the vast majority of action that takes place throughout the film.

Even the cinematography surrounding Kato is an impressive aspect of the film. During his fight scenes, the camera work is clearly at its best. The fight will start from a firstperson perspective in which Kato identifies the threats, followed by slow-motion rotating shots of him executing a series of lethal blows to his opponents with perfect precision.

What really sells Kato as a character, though, is Chou’s performance. He’s able to be serious and dramatic while also being a great source of comic relief throughout the movie.

Unfortunately for the film, the other characters in The Green Hornet don’t quite live up to their potential.

Rogen’s portrayal of Reid is exactly what moviegoers have come to expect. His character, while funny, comes off as dimwitted and feeble without the help of his supporting cast. Standing on his own, Rogen would be unable to carry the film and, needless to say, The Green Hornet isn’t a big step in his acting career.

Though the writing for the film is surprisingly impressive and capable of drawing more than just a few laughs, the villain of the movie, Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds), feels severely underdeveloped.

Due to his limited screen time, the character lacks the motivation and backstory necessary for creating an authentic feel. Ultimately, there’s just not enough there to make him an iconic adversary.

While Chudnofsky is missing in development, Waltz more than makes up for it with his delivery. Each scene featuring him is just as hilarious as the last, and his awkward yet frustrated presentation makes him one of the most likeable bad guys in recent movie history.

Poorly developed characters aside, The Green Hornet isn’t a half-bad adaptation as far as remakes go. The cast and crew manage to stay loyal to source material while also being able to put their own spin on it.

All in all, The Green Hornet is a superhero film that opts for more comedy and less drama when compared to others in its genre.

It’s entertaining enough to hold the viewer’s attention but at the same time doesn’t make any big strides as a comic book film.

CLINTON HODNETT /THE SPECTRUM

Children of refugees celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Student Union on Monday afternoon.

A Day of Service, A Dream Continued JENNIFER HARBSenior Life Editor The University at Buffalo welcomed approximately 30 children from Journey’s End Refugee Services Monday afternoon for the 2nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The event, sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement (CSLCE), was held at Buffalo ReUse last year. “[Journey’s End] brought a group of their students to campus so they can have an afternoon of fun and games. We hope that they’re able to realize the legacy that MLK left,” said Tim Leonard, a community engagement graduate assistant for CSLCE. “All around the country, people are doing service and volunteering their time, so this is our way at UB to realize that.”

Journey’s End is a Christian community-based organization that welcomes refugees regardless of ethnicity or creed and assists them in becoming independent, contributing members of the community. The organization offers resettlement, employment, immigration and interpreting services.

“For many of them, English isn’t their first language,” said Ashley Otto, an Americorps member and co-sponsor liaison for Journey’s End. “We want to provide them with a warm environment for them to learn and have fun.”

fers a program called “Let’s Go to the Library,” which brings children of refugee clients to the Niagara Branch library, as well as to local community spots such as the Buffalo Historical Museum and Delaware Park. The MLK Day of Service was meant to be an extension of the program’s usual activities.

“We want the kids to have some exposure to some place outside the library, the university, to work with other members of the community,” Otto said.

A number of UB students were on hand at the event to work with the children. Dan Padgett, a senior math major, first became involved with Let’s Go to the Library through the UB Circle K International (CKI) club. Padgett is president of the club, which works to build leadership and serve the community.

“The kids can have a chance to get together and hang out,” Padgett said. “They definitely make friends and it’s nice for them to have someone older to look up to.”

To get involved with CKI, visit wings.buffalo.edu/sa/circlek to gain more information about this semester’s meetings.

email: features@ubspectrum.com

Most weekends, Journey’s End of-

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NICOLAS PINO Comics Correspondent Superman No. 707

Daredevil Reborn No. 1

The Man of Steel has always stood for three things: truth, justice and the American way. Recently, though, those paragons of ideals have not made as much sense to Superman. The world, he is slowly discovering, is not black and white but rather many shades of gray.

In the wake of the Shadowland events that nearly tore apart his soul, Matt Murdock is left to wander the American West in search of the man who used to fear nothing. As Murdock roams the Dust Bowl, he finds more than tumbleweeds and jackrabbits as he uncovers a town’s dirty little secret.

When vile supervillains are taken out of the equation and replaced by modern-day issues, Superman’s plethora of abilities are not enough to fight the corrupt capitalist underbelly of America. This moral ambiguity isn’t the only problem that has his iconic underpants in a knot as his relationship with Lois Lane has also taken a turn for the worst.

The shell of the man has hit an all time low, and as any superhero from the Marvel universe would say, redemption is not easy to come by. The first stop on Murdock’s journey is a small backwater town that is currently experiencing a crime problem.

Daredevil, too emotionally damaged by recent events, is quick to walk away until he meets a child who, like Murdock, has lost his sight. The blind vigilante finds his inner strength as he begins to unravel the town’s sinister conspiracy.

This stark realism in comics is a welcome change to the rather uninspired challenges that usually occupy a hero’s agenda. While Supes isn’t taking down Luthor or Grundy in these issues, he sheds light on the dilemmas of corporate America.

For a real-life Man of Steel, look no further than DC’s current plotline for its most beloved superhero.

Marijuana Legalization: The NORML Perspective TAHSIN CHOWDHURY & LUSANA MASRUR Staff Writers Last year, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 16.7 million Americans aged 12 or older used marijuana at least once in the month prior to being surveyed.

Despite the frequent use of the drug, it remains a Schedule I illegal drug in America.

The UB chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) works to dispel the propaganda and misinformation regarding marijuana and hemp.

In addition, UB NORML also takes a stance on the legalization of the drug. “[Legalization] could be very different depending on what your definition of legalization is,” said Matthew Kopalek, a senior in the School of Management and president of the UB chapter of NORML. “It could entail very strict regulation… most people [think legalization of marijuana] means no rules or structure.”

COURTESY OF DC COMICS

Superman has turned from a force of unstoppable might to a mere civil service member overnight, and these real-world problems are DC’s way to talk about issues facing everyday people.

While all of the Shadowland series was an incredible adventure, full of brutal battles and atrocious murders, Rebirth brings back the Daredevil the world once knew.

His interactions with the afflicted child are heartwarming, and his way of dealing with the small town’s laws is admirable. This is the inspirational Matt Murdock the Marvel community has come to love.

Andy Diggle has written an outstanding comeback for “the man without fear,” and it is well worth its $3.99 price tag.

However, legalization has numerous benefits and drawbacks, many of which center around financial issues. According to statistics, more than 870,000 U.S. citizens were arrested in 2007 on cannabis-related charges, amounting to more than $17 billion tax dollars per year toward indicting and trying mostly non-violent marijuana users.

The most commonly cited drawback is the public image of our country having legalized marijuana, according to Kopalek.

“The benefits, though, are proper education of our youth on the dangers of marijuana, the societal impact, not arresting the non-violent users of the drug,” Kopalek said. “Those are the people who choose a safer alternative to alcohol.”

Marijuana has proven to be less toxic and addictive than alcohol, as long-term marijuana use is far less damaging and lethal than longterm alcohol consumption. The consumption of alcohol leads to aggressive behavior and violence, whereas marijuana reduces the likelihood of both.

Due to the designation of marijuana as illegal, the growing and selling of the plant is largely unregulated. This leads to the “lacing” of marijuana with other substances, which could include other drugs, toxins, or impuri-

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COURTESY OF MARVEL COMICS

A WEEK IN INK: Issue No. 12

online now at UBspectrum.com/arts

COURTESY OF IMAGE COMICS

|1| Welcome Home Coheed and Cambira |2| Another Brick in the Wall Pink Floyd |3| ABC Jackson 5 |4| Welcome Back Young Jeezy |5|College Kids Relient K |6| Going Away to College Blink 182 |7| Teacher Teacher .38 Special |8| Hot for Teacher Van Halen |9| Welcome Back John Sebastian |10| I Am Here Now Billy Ray Cyrus

Spawn No. 200 For the 200th issue of Todd McFarlane’s original masterwork, the toymaker has put forth an issue worthy of bringing the series into a new era.

While a new Hellspawn takes center stage in McFarlane’s universe, McFarlane breaks new ground by resurrecting old arch-nemesis Malebolgia to shake the foundations of heaven and hell.

Even though the series has seen hundreds of issues and offshoots, the artwork in this goliath comic is still phenomenal. McFarlane’s hellish and rather morbid take on the underworld has never looked better, and the team at Image does well to model the undead defender on a multitude of eye-catching splash pages.

For those who haven’t followed the underworld crusader since his terrible 1997 feature-length film, a lot has happened to Al Simmons in the past 18 years. Between dying, coming back, and committing suicide, Spawn knows a thing or two about death. His battles between street crime, demons and hell are almost as legendary as the children’s toys that made him famous.

As Jim Downey ventures down the rabbit hole as the new Hellspawn, he has a lot of work to do to make things right. However, with a creative team like McFarlane’s behind him, everything doesn’t look so bleak.

email: arts@ubspectrum.com

ties. If marijuana were legalized, though, the federal government could potentially have more influence over the purity of the substance and thus, fully investigate its potential medicinal uses.

“There’s so much good that could come out of the very simple act of legalizing. You get medical cases, you get studies [showing] it can help people who are going through chemotherapy who want to eat and survive,” said Elyse Brown, a senior history major and UB NORML member. “It’s a shame that we don’t allow it to be used for the good it can be used for.”

However, influential pharmaceutical corporations may also oppose the legalization of marijuana. There are issues patenting a plant, as it isn’t a substance manufactured by the company. If the company were to attempt to create a marijuana substitute, the innumerable number of chemicals found in the plant would likely lead to difficulties in creating a medicine that accurately replicates its effects.

“Why would leading pharmaceutical companies want people to grow a plant in their backyard that could replace the drugs that they’re selling?” Kopalek asked.

However, for many other club members, the issue is much larger than legislation or phar-

maceutical patent issues. The problems stem from a widespread misunderstanding about marijuana and the media’s ploy to sway public opinion.

“There is a major problem with the war on drugs and drugs in general,” said Colin Knoer, a sophomore political science major and UB NORML treasurer. “When the government talks about the war on drugs, many people don’t listen anymore because it’s just ‘Above the Influence’ commercials on TV telling you you’re going to smoke pot, sink into your couch and never talk to your [family or friends] ever again in your life.”

During this upcoming semester, UB NORML plans to bring in a lawyer who has been focusing on marijuana laws in New York State for over 30 years to discuss what a transition period into legalization would look like for the U.S. and New York. On April 20, the club also plans on holding a cannabis cultural celebration at Baird Point with live music, food, and education materials.

For more information, attend a weekly club meeting, held every Friday at 6 p.m. in 250 Student Union.

email: features@ubspectrum.com

Have an opinion about marijuana?

Comment on our article online at facebook/UBSpectrum.

WELLNESS GRANTS for Student Organizations

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The UB Music Department presents compelling and persuasive pianist…

Jeremy Denk in Ligeti's Etudes, Books I & II and Bach's Goldberg Variations

Friday, January 21, 2011 7:30pm Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall

Does your student group have a program or idea to promote healthy lifestyles?

Photo by Dennis Callahan For tickets and info: (716) 645-2921 or www.slee.buffalo.edu

The Student Wellness Team is comprised of Counseling Services, Health Services, & Wellness Education Services. We would like to help financially support your campus programs!

By applying for this grant you will also support the Student Wellness Team’s goals of promoting healthy lifestyles, maintaining good mental health, and reducing other harmful behaviors such as high-risk drinking.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED for the 2011 academic year. Great 1 to 8 bedroom houses & apartments. Near south campus. Off-street parking, laundry, dishwashers & much more!

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Javon McCrea

SPORTS

Points Per Game: 10.1 Rebounds Per Game: 7.1 Field Goal Percentage: 66 percent Blocks Per Game: 1.9 McCrea has been one of the best things to happen to UB athletics in a long time. The youngster has dropped a bomb on the Mid-American Conference this season with his strong start in his freshman year.

MEG KINSLEY /THE SPECTRUM

Bulls head coach Reggie Witherspoon finally got what he’s been looking for out of his junior-forward tandem.

Bulls Walk-On Too Much For Akron MATTHEW PARRINOSenior Sports Editor While most students were off avoiding reality during winter break, the men’s basketball team was hit with a harsh reality check – Mid-American Conference play.

The Bulls dropped their first two games in the MAC after a surprising start in non-conference play. Buffalo (9-6, 1-2 MAC) faced a 10-point deficit with about 10 minutes remaining against archrival Akron (10-7, 1-2 MAC) on Sunday afternoon. The Bulls stood toe-to-toe with the Zips and made enough plays down the stretch to win the 73-70 thriller at Alumni Arena.

The Bulls and Zips have played each other tough historically and Sunday’s grueling battle proved to be no different. The tone was set early in the game by both teams on the defensive end of the floor, as each team only managed six points apiece in the opening six minutes of the game.

Akron took the lead at the 11:20 mark of the first half and wouldn’t relinquish it again until late in the second.

With just under five minutes remaining in the game, junior forward Mitchell Watt gave the Bulls the lead at 65-64 with one of his three field goals in the game.

Junior forward Dave Barnett then took matters into his own hands with 1:22 remaining and the shot clock running down. The former walk-on drained a clutch 3-pointer from right in front of the Bulls bench to put them up for good at 71-69.

According to Barnett – who put up career highs in points (15), rebounds (7), and assists (4) –he

never had a doubt that the rim rattling three-ball would drop.

“I knew it was going down,” Barnett said. “I caught it with my shooting foot back, my elbow was straight, I released it with a good follow through, and I knew it was down.”

Witherspoon thinks that the best is still to come in regard to Barnett.

“Today [Barnett] didn’t play with worries, he just competed,” Witherspoon said. “[When he can say] whatever happens, happens; then he’ll start to grow and develop… then we’ll really see him blossom.”

It is customary for a basketball team to bring in defensive specialists late in games to help hold off an opponent. Against Akron, Witherspoon turned to true freshman guard Jarod Oldham and he delivered in a big way.

Akron had the ball with the clock under 20 seconds left and was looking to win on a l a s t- s e c o n d shot attempt.

But Oldham threw a wrench in those plans when he stole a swing pass near center court and was fouled on a layup attempt that put him at the line.

Oldham sank both shots to put the dagger in the Zips. He relished the chance to shut down the opposition.

“Coach subbed me in on defense and I pride myself on [my] defense,” Oldham said. “Staying composed and trying to get a stop

is the biggest thing.”

The Bulls entered the matchup with the Zips struggling through their first losing streak of the season. Since losing 90-82 against No. 9 nationally-ranked Brigham Young (17-1, 3-0 Mountain West Conference) on Dec. 30, the Bulls have lost 3-of-4 games. The team that was predicted as a MAC bottom feeder was an energetic nightmare for opposing teams in the first month and a half of the season.

In the previous three games the Bulls seemed to lack a sense of urgency and it was beginning to show in their on-court demeanor.

Sunday’s victory could serve as a rejuvenator for the team and head coach Reggie Witherspoon.

He explained after the game to expect more of the same intensity from MAC games all season long.

“Every night is a dogfight,” With-

Every night is a dogfight.

- Coach Witherspoon

erspoon said. “You have to embrace it. You have to sign up for it and say ‘Hey listen, let’s go with it.’ It might be a little easier for us to do that now because we’re such a young team. You just have to keep going.”

Senior point guard Byron Mulkey was sort of lost in the shuffle because of the crazy finish, but he turned in an impressive performance nevertheless. The floor

Against Miami (Ohio), McCrea scored a teamhigh for the season (26 points) and was ranked number 15th in the country on the basketballprospectus. com list of best freshmen.

He currently ranks fourth in the nation in field goal percentage and has only gotten better as the season has progressed.

Your next chance to see the young phenom is Wednesday night, when the Bulls battle Kent State. general scored a game-high 17 points, had five assists, and added three steals to his nation-leading total.

Mulkey’s shooting really kept the Bulls in the game when it looked like Akron was going to start pulling away. He hit 5-of-6 from 3-point range, one of which came as the buzzer sounded at the end of the first half from area-code distance.

Freshman forward Javon McCrea was fresh off a season high in points with 26 against Miami (Ohio) (7-10, 2-1 MAC), but he struggled from the field in this game. He went 1-of-7, dropping him to the number four spot on the national ranking for field goal percentage with a 66 percent clip for the season.

The staple of a good player is the ability to help the team win even when you struggle to score and McCrea did just that.

The youngster only scored five points but grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists.

The Bulls are back at it on Wednesday night when they host first-place Kent State (116, 2-1 MAC), and the game is sure to be another slugfest.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

email: sports@ubspectrum.com

Bulls Strike Out Against Bowling Green BRIAN JOSEPHSAsst. Sports Editor

beyond the arc. Prochaska shot a perfect 10-for-10 at the foul line.

After going 5-5 over the winter recess, the women’s basketball team sought to open up the new semester with an upset over its conference rival. With the score at 18-11 in favor of the Bulls midway through the first half, that outcome seemed like a strong probability.

“[Prochaska] is a great player,” Hill-MacDonald said. “She found her groove in the second half. We lost awareness of where she was on the floor [at times].”

However, things went downhill from there.

The Bulls (9-9, 2-3 Mid-American Conference) ended up losing the welcome back game 72-61 against a solid Bowling Green (16-2, 4-1 MAC) team.

After the promising start, the Bulls attempted to continue capitalizing off of Falcons turnovers. Still, the 15 points off turnovers Buffalo earned could not overcome Bowling Green’s outstanding performance at the free throw line. The team shot 92.9 percent from the free throw line, compared to Buffalo’s 54.5 percentage.

“We need to be more productive from the foul line,” said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. “The deciding factor of that game was that they were [13-for-14] at the free throw line.”

Buffalo also couldn’t find an answer for Bowling Green forward Lauren Prochaska.

The conference’s second-place scorer recorded 30 points and was 50 percent from

Before break, I wrote a column in an attempt to generate excitement around the men’s basketball team.

Two things occurred to me after the article went to print. First, it may not have been the best time to get students to attend games, considering everyone was going home for a month. And second, I focused too much on the Buffalo community and not enough on the people right here at UB. The basketball season is in full swing. Now that students are back on campus, there are no excuses as to why the student section shouldn’t be overflowing with True Blue maniacs at Alumni Arena on game day.

While we’re on the subject of student involvement, are there any fraternities left at UB? I can’t imagine going to a Syracuse game and not seeing every fraternity at the school fighting to be the largest and loudest group cheering on the Orange.

But it’s not any one group that needs to step up; it’s the entire school. You know how they say you never really know what you have until it’s gone? Well this team is good and has a bunch of young players that are exciting to watch. But they won’t be around forever.

So not everyone is a basketball fan. Believe me, I get that. I live in a city of hockey nuts and I can barely make it through a period before I turn the channel. But it’s about more than just the game on the court.

The experience of attending a sporting event is like no other.

A large group of people comes together for one common goal.

Along the way, you make friends and get a chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Most diehard Bulls fans will tell you there is nothing like the journey to Cleveland, Ohio, where the Mid-American Conference tournament is played. You get to go through all the ups and downs with the person sitting next to you whether or not you actually know them.

Being a part of a school community makes the dedication and success even sweeter when the team finally does something great.

If you look at your chest right now while you’re reading this article and you’re donning a UB hoodie or T-shirt, than you’re halfway there. You already feel connected to this school and you want people to know about it. The Bulls are an extension of the school and provide that unique opportunity to be a part of something on campus.

If you watched either of the Green Bay Packers playoff games this season, you may have seen a player that looked familiar.

That’s right, I’m talking about former Bulls running back James Starks, who burst onto the scene against the Philadelphia Eagles.

He ran for 123 yards in the game – the most ever by any Green Bay rookie in the postseason – and put Bulls football on the map.

Well, I have good news: you have that chance to watch a guy who could be the next Bulls player to make it big. Freshman forward Javon McCrea is featured in today’s issue, and he alone is worth the price of admission.

Senior forward Kourtney Brown dominated the boards with 10 offensive rebounds, but Bowling Green limited Brown’s usually-high scoring to 15 points.

Oh wait, you get in for free.

The Bulls have been great this season, but they can be even better and they need your help. You can make the difference and maybe finally help the school make it to the NCAA tournament for the first time.

Brown saw the situation as an opportunity to allow her teammates to shine.

“They just focused a lot of their defense [on] double- and triple-teaming me,” Brown said. “So it was a lot easier to [pass the ball] out and let my teammates shoot.”

Tonight [Wednesday] is the time to make your presence felt and help the Bulls battle the Golden Flashes.

Despite the loss, Hill-MacDonald believes that the Bulls are in good shape in the MAC.

email: sports@ubspectrum.com

MATTHEW PARRINO Senior Sports Editor

Just think, if you had been at UB Stadium on Saturdays when Starks ran wild for the Bulls, you could have taken a part in that celebration.

Defensively, the Falcons were able to curb the performances of Buffalo’s lethal offensive weapons. Senior guard Ashley Zuber scored a modest six points, though she added eight assists.

The Bulls continue conference play on the road against Toledo on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:20 p.m.

DIRECTIONS TO ALUMNI

CLINTON HODNETT /// THE SPECTRUM

Despite a promising start, the Bulls fell on Tuesday night to the Bowling Green Falcons.

UB the difference.

email: matthew.parrino@ ubspectrum.com

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