The Spectrum Volume 60 Issue 58

The Independent Student Publication of the University at Buffalo MONDAY EDITION v February 28, 2011 Vol. 60 No. 58 v ubspectrum.com

Student who choose to run for office must meet a minimum GPA requirement of a cumulative 2.0 average or higher and be registered undergraduates.

SA elected officials serve a one-year term, leaving all seven executive positions, president, vice-president, treasurer and four delegate spots, up for grabs this year.

SA elected officials, unlike most SUNY schools, receive a monthly stipend and a host of other benefits for holding office, including first dibs for Spring and Fall Fest tickets, front row seats at the Comedy Series and Distinguished Speakers Series, and the opportunity to meet with UB administrators.

Students interested in running for office are encouraged to pick up a form as soon as possible.

Those running for president and vice-president must collect a minimum of 200 undergraduate signatures to run, and those running for treasurer or SA SUNY delegate need to collect at least 100 signatures.

Petitions are heavily scrutinized after being turned into the SA office, and the SA staff will verify that every signature and accompanying person number is authentic, that no duplicates appear on any sheet, and that individual students have not signed more than one form for the same office.

Illegible signatures, invalid or prank person numbers, and duplicate names will be crossed off, and stu-

Search for New CAS Dean Continues Dean Bruce McCombe prepares to step down MATTHEW MANFROContributing Writer President Simpson isn’t the only UB administrator who will be replaced in the near future.

At the end of this semester, the current dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Bruce McCombe, will step down from his position.

The College of Arts and Science (CAS) has already begun the process of searching for a new dean within the current faculty at UB. The process is conducted by the CAS Dean Search Committee. The committee consists of a variety of professors and faculty

INSIDE NEWS :: 2 OPINION :: 3, 10 ARTS & LIFE :: 5–7 DAILY DELIGHTS :: 8 CLASSIFIEDS :: 9 SPORTS :: 12–11

Students who successfully collect all necessary signatures and are approved by the elections and credentials chair as registered undergraduates in good standing must attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday March 8 at 5 p.m. that will discuss election rules and criteria.

While students can run for office independently – except for the president and the vice-president, who must run together – students are encouraged to form a party ticket.

In years past, students who have run alone have been unable to garner the votes necessary to beat a seven-person ticket.

Based on recent history, the SA Elections are usually composed of candidates currently holding positions in the SA office, including club coordinators, SA Senate chairs, SA SUNY delegates, and current presidents and vice-presidents. Also, while all undergraduate students are welcome to participate in the election, the number of candidates tends to be relatively low.

Most of this year’s executive board will be graduating in the spring, leaving only SUNY Delegates Amanda Horn and Franklin Ramirez, both juniors, as possible candidates.

In past years, SA Senate chairs have made bids for SA president and have successfully won, including Hassan Farah (2009) and current SA President Nischal Vasant (2010). Current Senate Chair and Homecoming King Yanco Escano, a junior, has not announced plans to run as of yet.

Interested students should stop by the SA office with any questions they have on eligibility or the election process. g

members and is chaired by Harvey Stenger, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The dean is required to supervise the associate deans, department chairs, and staff members, and report directly to the provost. The dean’s responsibilities range from ensuring curriculum quality to planning out the policies and procedures of the department that they supervise.

“This is a key position not only for [the College of Arts and Sciences], but for UB at large,” said David Castillo, a member of the search committee and chair and professor of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures. “The job of dean has become particularly ominous in the last couple of years due to the massive budget cuts that have been handed down from Albany.”

Despite the increased pressure to scale back spending and economize the school budget from New York State, Castillo remains positive about

WEATHER MON

Nomination forms for Student Association Executive Board positions are available in the SA Office, located in 350 Student Union. The completed forms are due in just over two weeks, on Tuesday, March 8 at noon.

TUES

Run for office and get paid to run the school.

dents will not be given additional time to gather more signatures after the due date. Petitions that are short a single signature can be determined invalid by SA staff members, so students are advised to collect as many extra signatures as possible.

WED

Nomination Forms Available for SA Elections

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H: 39 L: 19 H: 34 L: 28 H: 31 L: 13

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Courtesy of Rebecca Bratek

Junior theater major Jon Zelasko will be presenting his self-created play Horace on March 6 and 7.

Student Play Brings the Unexpected REBECCA BRATEKStaff Writer This is theater for people who don’t like theater.

According to Jon Zelasko, that is exactly what his production offers. Zelasko, a junior theater major, has written and directed his own play, Horace, which will be shown at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located in the Ellicott Complex.

The play is entirely student-run, with a six-student cast and production crew. Horace is the story of a man named Jeremy going through a difficult period in his life. His girlfriend has passed away, and he tries to cope with the loss while trying to move on in his life. Jeremy must learn how to balance his past with the present, a theme that many can relate to.

“This show is able to transcend to everyone,” said Joe Ferraro, a media study productions major who also stars in the show. “[It is relatable] without being ‘ham-fested’ and is relatable to the mindset of college students.”

Zelasko wanted to create a story that is unique and unlike the usual “happiness” that he has seen in musical theater productions that audiences are drawn to.

“Musical theater is nice, but it is happy all of the time,” Zelasko said. “I don’t see myself going around and singing all of the time. I wanted to push boundaries that you usually don’t see.”

Zelasko took a unique approach with his script and allowed his cast to improvise. After starting with a concrete script, Zelasko let the actors work in their own unique takes on the story. He filmed every rehearsal of the production and changed his script with which interactions worked and which didn’t.

In addition, the entire first scene is almost completely improvised, creating a different experience each time the play is acted out. According to Zelasko, this adds to the “realness” of the story and allows the audience members to view the cast as people they would normally meet. “[The audience can] expect to limbo, a little music, and stuff is going to break during this show and it the future of the CAS. “I believe that the colleagues working in the dean’s office are doing all they can to protect the core academic mission of the college in very difficult times,” Castillo said.

McCombe remains equally optimistic about the future and growth of the CAS in the upcoming years, as school administration continues its UB 2020 goals.

“In the next years, CAS will once again be on an upward trajectory with several signature departments, a more efficient and effective structure, and even higher-quality faculty and students,” McCombe said. “The goals of ‘right sizing’ our departments and a total ladder faculty size exceeding 500 will still be within reach.”

Nominations and applications for the position were due by Feb. 1, and open meetings to answer questions about the search were held during

ARTS RUMSEY ART SHOW PAGE 6

might be your heart,” said Kirk Stevens, a senior media studies major who stars as Jeremy.

Student productions are not uncommon in the theater department. Each semester, two or three student productions are shown with the help of the theater department in the Katharine Cornell Theatre.

Students interested in this opportunity must submit a proposal to the theater department season selection committee and must be enrolled in a major within the department.

Zelasko’s production is unique because it is entirely student-generated, while most selections are productions that are already written and produced. Zelasko chose a mentor within the theatre department who advised him through the entire production process.

Susan Anner, an adjunct instructor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, believes in Zelasko’s potential as a playwright and agreed to help with his experience.

“This is a workshop production, which is an important element in the development of new plays. In this, Jon is directing, as well as having written his play,” Anner said. “Through this process, he is seeing his script come to life and is able to make revisions throughout the rehearsal process. He and his cast are doing a great job and I believe UB students will enjoy seeing his play.”

Zelasko is thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to produce his own play. He believes that his ensemble is the best he’s ever seen, and, as a whole, they are all excited to be a part of such a “cool, new experience.”

“The beauty of the show is that it will hit every nerve that you have. [It’s] Toy Story 3 for adults,” said Curtis LoFaro, a sophomore theatre performance major who stars in the production.

Horace runs March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Katharine Cornell Theatre. The show is open to all students and is free.

For more information, contact Jon Zelasko at jzelasko@buffalo.edu. g

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

the month of January. After the CAS Dean Search Committee selects finalists, it will meet with both CAS faculty and students in a formal one-day interview process. Following these interviews, recommendations will be made to Provost Satish Tripathi, who will then select the new dean toward the end of the semester.

As the search for the new dean of the CAS progresses, McCombe will be remembered for his contributions toward the growth of the CAS. When discussing his legacy, McCombe stated that he was proud of “establishing a culture of integrity, cooperation, and mutual trust and respect.”

McCombe will be completing his fifth year as dean this June, after which he will resume his position as a distinguished professor of physics. Additionally, McCombe plans to leave on sabbatical to Europe during the Fall 2011 semester.

“I’ll be focusing on research, primarily on spin effects in semiconductor

nanostructures,” McCombe said.

“I will be spending several periods of two to four weeks each in Germany and Austria. [I will] mostly be in Berlin working on a Materials World Network collaboration supported by the NSF [National Science Foundation], my work at UB, and the Deutsche Forschungs Gemeinshaft, my counterpart’s work at the Humboldt University.”

McCombe remains content about his time as dean, offering his successor a piece of advice.

“With the caveat that advice is most often worth what you pay for it, my advice to the next dean is to be straightforward and sensible. Listen, and keep your sense of humor. If you don’t have one, get one,” McCombe said.

For more information on the search, visit http://www.buffalo.edu/cassearch/. g

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

Attention all undergraduates: The Spectrum is looking for its next editor in chief and it could be you. If you’re interested in the position, send Andrew Wiktor an e-mail by Monday at 3 p.m., indicating your intent to run. Members of The Spectrum’s editorial board will elect the next EIC the week before Spring Break.

For more information on the position, e-mail Andrew Wiktor at ajwiktor@buffalo.edu.

NEWS News Briefs 2/28

Former Drug Police Chief Arrested in Panama

Shyamalan Big Winner At The Razzie Awards

The former commander of Bolivia’s anti-narcotics police force was arrested and charged with drug trafficking in Panama. Rene Sanabria will now face trial in the U.S. Sanabria was arrested in Panama after it was suspected that he was going to be involved in organizing shipments of cocaine to the U.S. Officials say Sanabria was allegedly involved in a cocaine shipment to the U.S. last November, in which 317 pounds were smuggled into the country.

Today In UB History: Feb. 28, 2005

Courtesy of Matt Cascarino

Putting Life On Hold On this day in UB history, The Spectrum ran a story on Matt Cascarino, a senior geography major at UB, who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, many UB students like Cascarino were called overseas to fight.

FULL STORY ONLINE

Bolivia is the world’s third largest producer of the coca plant, which is the raw material for producing cocaine. In recent years, Bolivia has been criticized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for not taking a strong stance in counternarcotic agreements.

President Evo Morales used to be a coca grower himself and maintains that the plant has medical uses, but his administration is doing all it can to stop the illegal production of cocaine.

Sanabria was in charge of Bolivia’s anti-narcotics force until 2009 and was still working in the intelligence department for the government when he was arrested. Three other senior police officers have also been implicated in the smuggling. g

With all of the movie industry buzz focused on Sunday night’s Oscars, it is easy to forget about Hollywood’s other award ceremony this past weekend. On Saturday night, the Razzie Awards were held, which honored the worst of the worst in movies this year.

The biggest winner, or loser, was M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender. The film netted Shyamalan worst director honors as well as worst film, worst supporting actor, worst screenplay, and a special award deemed “worst eyegouging misuse of 3-D.” Despite the poor critical reception, The Last Airbender made $320 million at the box office.

Worst actor was presented to Ashton Kutcher for his role in Valentine’s Day. Worst actress was awarded collectively to the co-stars of Sex and the City 2, which included Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon.

Awards were handed out based on voting from 657 people in 18 countries. Along with the ceremony were a number of sketches and spoofs of Oscar nominees, including 127 Hours and Black Swan. g

Union Supporters Rally At City Hall in Buffalo On Saturday afternoon, union members met at Buffalo’s City Hall to support the public workers facing budget cuts in Wisconsin. Demonstrators say this sign of solidarity shows their support of unions everywhere.

The situation in Wisconsin is the result of an attempted Republican bill that will severely limit bargaining rights for public workers.

Supporters of the bill say that the current system is not working, and is costing the state money. The new bill is intended to close the budget deficit. Others claim that the bill is solely in the interest of the wealthy and there are different ways to save the state money.

Union members across the country are demanding that workers’ rights are maintained and that they deserve a say in how wages, training, and safety regulations are determined.

Protests like this have been held across New York State and the country. More than 500 protestors attended the rally at City Hall and among them were teachers, police officers, and civil service workers. g

From Paris...

The Ysae string Quartet performing all - Beethoven Expires 5/12/11

Friday, March 4th, 2011 7:30pm Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall For tickets and info: (716) 645-2921 or www.slee.buffalo.edu Presented by the UB Department of Music

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NEWS MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

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 Dannielle O’Toole, asst.

Investigative Reporter

Amanda Jonas Arts Editors

James Twigg, senior Jameson Butler Vanessa Frith, asst.

Life Editors

Jennifer Harb, senior Mike Tyson, asst.

Sports Editors

Matt Parrino, senior Carey Beyer Brian Josephs, asst.

Photo Editors

Clinton Hodnett, senior Megan Kinsley Alex McCrossen WEB Editor

Adam Cole

PROFESSIONAL STAFF Business Manager

Debbie Smith

Administrative Assistant

Helene Polley

Advertising Manager

DADT Repeal Should Be a Gradual Process

From Apathy to Activism

Temporary uphold a good move for Obama, courts Last week, President Obama stated that he believed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which he had previously defended, was unconstitutional.

deny that ending segregation was a great thing, but had the process been eased into a bit more, there may have been a lot less violence.

This was an important move for Obama because it finally showed him moving to the left on the issue of gay rights. In the past, the LGBT community had been unsatisfied with Obama’s willingness to fully support them, and this move won him a lot of favor.

The counter-argument to this would be that allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the military is simply the right thing to do, just as ending segregation was the right thing to do, and therefore it should be implemented as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, Obama found himself dealing with another controversy later in the week, when he filed an appeal with Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, asking them to temporarily uphold the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, which was repealed by Congress in December.

While The Spectrum believes the repeal was the morally correct decision, we also understand that it takes time to create a gayfriendly military.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell prevents openly gay people from serving in the military, and many activists for LGBT rights had been trying to get it repealed. In the aftermath of Obama’s appeal, many wonder if his quote about DOMA was simply lip-service for the LGBT community, done purely for political purposes.

When looking at this, it’s important to realize that many homosexual troops would still be fearful of homophobia in the military, and even though they could serve openly without being kicked out, many would still choose not to reveal their sexual orientation.

AMANDA WOODS Managing Editor This is why waiting to implement the appeal is a good move.

It would give the military time to employ efforts such as sensitivity training, and create an atmosphere where there is a greater understanding of homosexuality. Also, straight troops would feel less uneasy about serving with gay troops.

To be clear, we are not accusing the military of being homophobic. We are simply saying that there may be some unease about allowing openly gay troops to serve, while many gay troops would be fearful of homophobia if they were to reveal their homosexuality. Taking that into consideration, having a transition period to work through that unease is logical.

We fully support the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and have no qualms with openly gay troops. With that said, there nothing wrong with taking some time to make sure the process is implemented correctly. g

At The Spectrum, we do not believe this is the case. Controversial or not, the best way to implement the repeal of DADT is through a slow, gradual process that will allow the military to adjust to the changing set of rules.

This will be the 10th column I’ve written for The Spectrum, and I’ve yet to take a stand.

That might be an exaggeration, as all columns are expected to make a point of some kind, but there is an obvious trend in the columns I’ve written. I’ve discussed competition in college, penalty fees for losing items at UB, music in schools, and the problems with gossip, among other topics.

Clearly, I do not have a beat topic or an isolated area of interest, but every time my words have graced the right-hand side of page three, I have never expressed my social, economic – and especially political – views.

It’s not that I’ve taken pains to make my Spectrum persona an apolitical one so as to avoid getting flamed by members of the opposite camp. The truth is, the managing editor of this newspaper, even outside of that role, tends to be largely apathetic when it comes to politics.

Don’t worry – I know that’s a problem. I won’t use this column to tell my fellow students that it’s OK to be apathetic and that they should turn their eyes and ears from what’s going on outside of their on-campus bubbles – in fact, my motive is quite the opposite.

As an aspiring journalist, I’ve realized that my lack of political interest puts me at a severe disadvantage.

Although journalists cannot insert

Consider what happened with the Civil Rights movement in the ’60s. Many parts of the act were implemented too quickly and, as a result, chaos and rioting ensued.

No one would

Continued on Page 10

The American Dream University Jesse Orshan Special to The Spectrum

Marissa Giarraputo

CREATIVE DIRECTOr

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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.

The Spectrum is provided free in part by the Undergraduate Mandatory Activity Fee

FEBRuary 28, 2011 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 58 CIRCULATION: 7,000

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The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100 Telephone: (716) 645-2468 Fax: (716) 645-2766 Copyright 2010 Buffalo, N.Y. The Spectrum is printed by The Buffalo News 1 News Plaza Buffalo, NY 14240

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Corrections: Friday’s Paper The current director of the Pro-Life Activities for the Diocese of Buffalo is Cheryl Calire. Dawn Iacono previously held the position from 2006 until 2009.

Wednesday’s Paper Stacey Watson served at the Executive Director of the South Buffalo Education Center from 2002 until 2011. She is currently the CEO of Drop-In Nation Education. She attended college at Radford University in Virginia and completed most of her graduate work at Buffalo State College. She was awarded Educator of the Year once. She was affiliated with a gang in her younger years, but was not considered a “gang member.”

Victim Blaming Appalling In Canadian Rape Case Ruling by judge was out of line Earlier this week, a judge in Canada made a controversial ruling in a rape case.

After 40-year-old Kenneth Rhodes was found guilty of raping a 26-year-old woman, Judge Robert Dewar gave him a twoyear conditional sentence that he will serve at his home.

This would already be considered a very lenient sentence for a rape case, but Dewar’s ruling was made even more problematic by the remarks he made at the sentencing.

When giving the sentence, Dewar stated that “sex was in the air” when the victim was raped and that she “wanted to party.”

In the aftermath of this, many have stated their outrage at Dewar for his statements, calling it a particularly egregious example of victim blaming.

The Spectrum firmly agrees with this sentiment. Dewar’s statements were appalling for many reasons. The most obvious one

is that he is implying that it was the victim’s fault.

This is never the case with rapes. No matter what situation leads to someone being raped, the fault should never lie with anyone other than the rapist.

Secondly, rulings like this create a culture in which women are afraid to come forward when they are raped. Many women are fearful of going to the police after they are raped because they believe they will be accused of lying or “asking for it.”

Rulings like this will only allow that problem to proliferate.

Admittedly, most people do not think the way this judge does.

While victim blaming does tend to occur both in the United States and Canada, few would be so callous as to make a statement as blatantly thoughtless as Dewar’s. His thoughts are hardly indicative of the majority opinion on this subject.

Still, it would be naïve to think

a culture of victim blaming doesn t exist to a certain degree. When a woman makes an accusation of rape, the first questions tend to be whether or not she was drunk, and whether or not she initially said yes, and changed her mind.

Neither of those issues should matter. Rape is still rape, regardless of the victim’s alcohol intake, and “no” still means no, even if it was preceded by a yes.

Even if Dewar’s views on the subject represent the extreme, there are people with misogynist beliefs who act as apologists for rapists, and are quick to believe women are to blame for the crimes they are victims of.

What makes Dewar’s ruling so troubling is that as a judge, he grants legitimacy to these beliefs. People who believe rape is less of a problem based on what the woman was wearing, or what kind of party she was at, will now have their beliefs validated. g

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I hate to say it and it probably sounds like blasphemy, but when you look at it objectively it is time to fire Reggie Witherspoon. I was there at UB in 03’ and 04’ when he started to turn the team around, it is one of my great sports memories and I will never forget it, but since then his underperformance cannot be understated or dismissed like it seems like it has been in every public publication and opinion. Let’s look at some facts over the last six years: · Mediocre at best recruiting, what happen to the momentum we should have had after those “glory days” seasons with people like Turner Battle, Idbihi, and Bortz? Having players at that high a level and making to the NIT tourna-

ment should have sparked some improvement in the recruiting results; instead I never think we had a season where we finished near the top of recruiting in the conference, and that isn’t saying much. · Second half collapses not just this year but in critical moments during his tenure. Reggie admitted that the team looked tense and uneasy at halftime vs. Kent this weekend, that was with a 10 point lead, why was that the case to begin with coach, and why could you not fix it as they look like a Division II team the entire second half to blow a game that would have put them back in the MAC East race?

What about the second half collapse to Ohio at home two weeks ago and the inex-

cusable loss to lowly Eastern Michigan? And of course I have to bring up the 20 point blown lead to Ohio in the MAC Title game in 05’.

Do I look a stupid, bitter, jerk for bringing up something from six years ago?

Maybe, but the magnitude of that loss is so great I don’t think it should ever be lived down, who knows if we will ever have a chance like that to go to the NCAA tourney again, and that game was essentially a home game in the midst of the best fan support UB Basketball has ever had. · Consistent underachieving during the last six years. After the MAC Title game loss to Ohio, not counting the season where we lost to Akron in the MAC Title game (another game which we

The United States used to be the powerhouse of the world. However, for the first time, American students are being forced to compete with the up-and-coming educated classes of other countries.

There is a flaw in the current educational system in the United States. As almost all Americans know, attending a university in the U.S. – even a public one – can cost thousands of dollars. In fact, the price is increasing annually.

For the impoverished youth, the reality of going to a university is nothing but a fantasy. What, then, is the motivation to stay in high school?

We see our young minds dropping out, getting affiliated with gangs, going to prison, and having no real chance of bettering their lives. This is a perpetuating cycle that is almost impossible to escape.

The truth is, we need to compete; young minds need to be educated, and when they aren’t, young Americans end up in prison. They do not contribute to society, help advance the United States, and end up being a burden on taxpayers who already deal with crowded prison systems.

Up to this point, there has been no successful answer for young Americans trapped in a vicious cycle of lack of education and poverty. I believe that I have found a solution to this problem: The American Dream University.

The online university system that already exists in this country with schools like The University of Phoenix, have already created the basis of what we need. The reality is that many Americans cannot afford to even receive this education.

Continued on Page 10

were favored in and should have won), the UB teams have simply not been good, and there is no reason for it in an average conference coming off the momentum they should have had after 04’-05’ where the program turned around. This year looked to be different and it almost changed my opinion on Reggie. But look at where we are at now, the coldest team in the MAC where just three weeks ago we were the hottest.

It looks like this season will end disappointing too, probably beating a weak MAC West team in round one of the conference tourney, then bowing out to the first MAC East team we play in round two. I know some analysts picked UB to finish last in the MAC overall

in the offseason so some might say this year is a good surprise, but how the hell do things get so bad that UB was picked to finish last in the first place? That just reinforces how bad Reggie’s recruiting and player development has been.

This as well all the other underachievement in listed above leads me to believe it is certainly time to make a change at head coach, but since Buffalo professional and even college sports often seem to glorify and reward underachievement and mediocrity, so congratulations on the upcoming 4 year extension, coach!

Steve Flowers Recent UB graduate Letters to the Editor are not edited by The Spectrum.

OPINION MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

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UB Residence Halls On-campus • Convenient • Connections

l l a H e c n e Resid n o i t a c i l p p A Collection – 1 y r a u r b e F March 2

Get a room for next year by submitting a $300 deposit

Students interested in Ellicott, Governors, South Campus Halls, and Greiner Hall must submit this deposit.

Students who are eligible for Greiner Hall will be contacted by UB email with additional instructions (approx. March 7). Greiner offers will be emailed the week of March 14.

s I h t s D En ! y A D s e n D e W _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Room Reservation begins March 28.

University Residence Halls & Apartments • 106 Spaulding Quadrangle • (716) 645-2171 • Web: housing.buffalo.edu

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Current residence hall students will receive Fall 2011 sign up/application information in their UB Email account.

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February 1 - March 2

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Rumsey Scholarship Competition Heats Up AKARI IBURIStaff Writer The Visual Studies Gallery buzzed with admiration last Thursday as the opening of the Rumsey Scholarship Competition Gallery welcomed the competing works of seven talented UB art students.

The annual competition occurs during the early months of the spring semester, giving ambitious art students in their junior year a chance to apply for the opportunity to earn funding for a travel of their choice the summer preceding their senior year.

Students are required to submit their work with a proposal describing the overarching concepts behind their entries, along with a brief explanation of their desired destination. The visual studies faculty will consider the submissions and select the winners of the $2,000 award, which will fund the trip to expand and develop their artistic endeavors.

The works of this year’s participants represent a wide range of skills, varying from printmaking to sculpture, charcoal sketches to collages, and acrylic painting to photography.

The entrance of the exhibit displays the works of fine art major Anthony Pismarov, whose submissions expose his mastering of India ink and graphite. If Pismarov wins, he plans to use the Rumsey scholarship to finance a trip to Florence, Italy to investigate Renaissance art. “[My work] can be described as Tim Burton-esque and steampunk,” Pismarov said.

Adjacent to Pismarov are the works of art history and fine art major Andrea Zlotowitz. Her works combine printmaking with the ideas of an alternative universe. An image titled “Squid Fingers” demonstrates the cross between a familiar human world and that of a strange space, as she represents this with an image of a hand with tentacles instead of fingers. A collection of earthy prints sandwiched between her science-fiction imagery reflects her ambitions of traveling to Greece this summer to participate in an excavation of a buried world.

Caitlin McLeod, a fine art and theater design major, integrates paintings and installations for her collection. Her interest in the human relationship to the environment is threaded throughout her various pieces. She plans to use the scholarship to travel to New York City this summer to study public art and research the value of graffiti.

“I want to see where people draw the line [between] fine arts and vandalism,” McLeod said.

The works of Nicholas Butlak, a studio art major, attracted many eyes, as his 8-feet-by-4-feet canvas titled “I Almost Died But it Felt Great” stretched from ceiling to floor, possessing rich and flavorful colors.

“Through the colors and imagery, I want people to feel an emotional sensation,” Butlak said. “There is a gray area, and with my artwork I expose the truth; the ego is stripped from the person.”

His work heavily investigates and exposes the effects of mainstream media and its embedded influence on individuals in American culture.

Bonnie Wan, a fine art major, uses her experiences growing up in the large commercialized cities of Hong Kong and New York City to sculpt her multimedia artistic creations.

ARTS & LIFE

“I am interested in how people perceive information through media evolution,” Wan said. “I [examine] how they are affected by the media through their characteristics and personalities.”

Genevieve Van Dussen, a studio art major, uses her work to represent her struggles of self-identity as an adopted Korean girl growing up in a predominantly Caucasian community. A delicate red thread is curiously placed around her mounted images.

“The string represents my solidarity, the journey of being on my own” Van Dussen said.

Dara Gildner, a fine art major, displays her progression as an artist. Her desire to progress her art toward a collaborative study with engineers and scientists is reflected in her piece titled “Vector Butterfly,” in which half of the butterfly is complete and the other half represents a formula for its creation.

The winners of this year’s competition will display their summer projects in the fall of 2011. Three students received an award in last year’s competition, but it is more common for two to be selected.

With the exceptional beauty, talent, and diligent labor exposed in this year’s competition, all seven of the participants are good candidates to be winners. g

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

Courtesy of Bayside

Anthony Raneri of Bayside performs live for enthusiastic fans.

Bayside Wastes No Time Killing Time VILONA TRACHTENBERGStaff Writer

The metaphorical references throughout the album provide the poetic basis that articulates teen anguish in a mature way.

This appeals to a variety of audiences, as shown in the song “Mona Lisa.”

MO MOVIE VIE

“You’re the black ice on my road to wholesome,” sings Anthony Raneri.

Artist: Bayside Album: Killing Time Release: Feb. 22 Label: Wind-up Records Grade: A The punk rockers of Bayside are back with their signature mix of aggression and melodious musicality.

“Already Gone” provides an energetic, upbeat start to their fifth studio album, Killing Time. It begins with a musical introduction and an up-front jolt of emotion, percussion, and strong instrumentals that are prevalent throughout the rest of the album.

Bayside has returned with their consistent lyrical and musical persona, staying true to the sound they have become known for. Killing Time presents itself to be their most versatile and innovative album yet, taking elements from their preceding albums and evolving both instrumentally and lyrically. The album offers up a fair balance of musicality, providing upbeat as well as slower songs.

“Seeing Sound” sums up this lyrical message, reassuring that everyone has pent-up anger that they want to get out of their systems, and that it is not necessary to always be optimistic and realistic when life presents obstacles.

“On Love, On Life” is more melodic compared to the fast pace of the rest of the CD and reveals piano and string instruments layered over hopeful lyrics.

“When history fades we identify the problems, but they may not be problems after all,” Raneri sings.

The album signs off with “Killing Time.” This provides the perfect ending to the CD with lyrics that show the journey of life mirroring the ups and downs people face in their daily lives.

It is guaranteed that no matter how many times you listen to this album, you won’t get “Sick, Sick, Sick” of it, and will turn to it constantly for its repertoire of musicality and emotional escape. g

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

Kill with skill in Epic Games’ latest, Bulletstorm.

Gore, Obscenities, and Generally a Good Time NICOLAS PINOVideo Game Correspondent It’s brash, it’s lewd and, most likely, it’s not appropriate for nearly any age. EPIC Games’ latest work, Bulletstorm, truly gives the ‘Mature’ rating a new meaning.

With it’s over-the-top violence and extremity related mutilations that designers artfully slipped in to every level, Bulletstorm raises the bar on how graphic a first-person shooter can be, but, overall, it does little to improve on the genre.

The story follows a group of renegade space pirates named ‘Dead Echo,’ a once-upon-a-time group of confederate soldiers now seeking revenge on a general who has wronged them. Pirate captain Grayson Hunt, voiced by the incredibly talented Steve Blum, leads his compatriots on a mission that will ultimately lead to salvation or utter annihilation.

Early in the first act of the game, Hunt locates an energy leash, a confederate-sanctioned weapon that has the ability to rope, mangle and wreck nearly anything in its path. This devastating weapon is also equipped with an overhead heads-up display that rates the user’s skill in the game, as well as their utilization of “Skillshots.”

Skillshots are truly the bread and butter of the game.

As the player traverses the cityscape of Elysium, the city’s ruinous shell will provide ample space to interact with the world’s jagged and deadly buildings.

Skillshots include, but are not limited to, blowing off torsos of gang members, shooting opponents in the groin and then kicking their head-in, and shooting an armored enemy in the chest with a drill then kicking it in leading to explosive amounts of blood.

Each Skillshot achieved nets points to use on ammo, new weaponry and each weapon’s alternative firing mode. On its hardest difficulty, Bulletstorm players will need to master such feats in order to have enough ammo to survive.

Engineers Week Electrifies Students JAMES BOWEStaff Writer Spacecraft building, fighting robots, and launching space shuttles might at first glance sound like an old episode of Star Trek, but last week it was all about the engineer at the University at Buffalo.

Engineers Week (E-week) is an annual event coordinated throughout the major engineering clubs at UB. Every day last week, the union hosted engineering students taking part in competitions and events that ranged from a circuitbuilding challenge to the event’s popular attraction: the annual Botwars battle.

“Everything: smart phones, computer programs, all the things that make modern life great, we owe to engineering,” said Gregory Maloney, a senior electrical engineering major and vice president of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). “Engineering is a massively important field.”

The week started with Winterfest and ended with the Academic Engineering Ball, a casinothemed bash that drew in hundreds of students.

Each partygoer was given faux money to play

Courtesy of Epic Games

Each weapon in Bulletstorm’s elegant arsenal feels both unique, in that no two guns work similarly, and powerful, so that perfectly executed headshots feel empowering each and every time. Up to three of these wicked killing machines can be equipped at once, along with the energy leash, which, when used in combination, unlock some of the game’s more challenging Skillshot combinations.

Game developers EPIC Games and People Can Fly created a game that is easy to pick up and enjoy, but is near impossible to master. This gruesome package can be completed in ideally six-and-a-half hours, though time spent on the game’s Echoes mode will vary drastically. “Echoes” is essentially Modern Warfare 2’s Special Ops mode, which is a brief mission, similar to that of the campaign setting.

Adversely, Anarchy mode is more similar to Epic Game’s previous hit, Gears of War staple, Horde mode. This run-of-the-mill enemy latent setting pits players against one another to see who is at the top of the murdering totem pole.

Bulletstorm’s biggest pitfall is its online multiplayer mode. In a move that will have radical impacts throughout the gaming community, only new copies of the game will have an included multiplayer key.

This means those who capitalize on a used game price, will be required to buy an online pass from the game’s developer.

This move, while understandable from the developer’s standpoint, is truly a disservice to those who want to buy games without their $60 price tag. The multiplayer, while strong, lacks content to keep players interested, and would easily make its additional price-tag a hang up for those interested in indulging in Bulletstorm’s gory goodness.

Overall, the gameplay is entertaining at the most shallow of levels. Little to no depth invested in the game’s multiplayer put the game’s shelf life a little over the length of its campaign. With its impressive array of fatalities, hilariously scripted dialogue and perfect utilization of the classic “bullet-time” system, the game is good, but it still feels like it’s shooting blanks in a world of high-powered warfare. g

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

various casino games such as blackjack. Although the event was billed as an engineering ball, it was open to any and all students who wished to attend. Soft drinks and dinner were provided by the venue, but alcoholic drinks were on a cash-bar basis. “[It was] a great time” said Jack Weinerth, a junior geology major. “I would definitely go back next year.”

The ball gave high-profile exposure to UB’s engineering community, which has a stereotype of being the Steve-Urkel-clad-awkward-genius type, and underscored E-week’s overarching goal of educating the public not only on the importance of engineering, but of the interesting aspects of engineering as well.

“This event gives us a professional image,” said Christopher Owen, a senior chemical engineering major and treasurer of AICHE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers). “If someone was to look at all this, they could think it’s a business party.”

The other events, however, while not as formal as the ball, gathered just as much exposure for engineers. Botwars has become a campus tradition, drawing huge crowds to the Student Union every year. The rules are simple. Make the opponent’s robot stop working, and you win. Robots must weigh in at 45 pounds or under, and projectiles are not allowed.

Three basic types of robots entered the box of

Courtesy of Ad Hominem

Cedar Rapids is just barely less boring than the real Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids Lives Up to the Mediocrity JENNIFER HARBSenior Life Editor Grade: BEveryone gets stuck in a rut once in a while. Unfortunately for viewers, so did the movie Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids plays upon the seemingly unexciting lives of insurance agents, taking the audience through the middle-class existence of a core group of characters as they all compete for the Two Diamonds award.

The scenery dictates a similar sentiment; most scenes take place in an average hotel or a hole-in-the-wall bar in the overwhelmingly blue-collar Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Although the plotline offers few surprises and, at times, extremely predictable outcomes, the movie could be saved by an exceptional cast and witty dialogue. However, Cedar Rapids seems to have taken the entire “average” idea a little too far, as even the characters lack any true dimension.

Granted, Cedar Rapids is understandably a light-hearted comedy; many roles are severely underdeveloped and lack a real purpose. Characters such a Bree, a prostitute played by Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development),

could have been completely omitted with little consequence.

Ed Helms, perhaps more commonly known as Andy Bernard from The Office, plays Lippe, the moral, but naïve, insurance agent trying to win it big for his insurance agency. Lippe left the audience wanting more; the simple, well-intentioned character that many have seen time and time again as Andy Bernard failed to take Helms’ career to new heights.

An excess of bathroom humor and sexual innuendos supplemented the lack of witty dialogue. The sexual relationships depicted throughout the film seemed like an empty effort to create a more adult-feel to the conference amid the immaturity, but appreciably added a slight amount of depth to the characters and situation.

In a last-ditch effort to distinguish Cedar Rapids from the horde of other movies depicting simple characters with a linear plotline, the film quickly turns to a party and drug scene, which seems to have little purpose.

Despite uninspired humor and expected situations, the movie did encourage acting morally even when it may be easier to lie and cheat.

Overall, the film supplies audiences with a light-hearted comedy and a feel-good ending, but lacks depth and complexity that would separate Cedar Rapids from the mass of comedies. g

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

battle. Certain bots were equipped with some sort of weapon, like the one fielded by UB Robotics, which had a rotating metal bar on top.

Others were shaped like a wedge, designed to flip the opponent’s bot over by ramming it, thus incapacitating it. One was named Quidditch Bot, and was just an RC car with a piece of a broom attached to it. Another was an RC car with a cake on top; the cake smashed in spectacular fashion when it was beat with an iron bar.

Students crammed themselves around the massive plexiglass box, craning their necks to see the robots get torn to scrap. In the final bout, UB Robotics’ bot named “10 PM” took victory after an impressive run. The event showed engineering at its finest: solving mechanical problems on the fly, even with limited resources. In the final rounds, some bots made their way into the ring with significant amounts of duct tape repairs.

Many of UB’s engineering clubs and groups had their hand in Botwars, and in E-week in general.

“It made me happy to see all the engineering groups working together” said Dan Pastuf, engineering coordinator for the Student Association.

While the creativity of engineering was on display at Botwars, the epic scale of engineering shined on Thursday when UB-SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) hosted a viewing of the STS-133 launch, the last launch for the space shuttle Discov-

Nyeri Moulterie /// The Spectrum

Engineers Week brought engineers and nonengineers together with a plethora of activities, ranging from the popular Botwars to the casino-themed Academic-Engineering Ball.

ery. As many children are drawn to engineering through NASA and the space program, the wide-reaching awareness it brings is important to many engineers.

“The main idea of E-week is to bring into focus the importance of engineering,” Maloney said.

“We need to reach out not only to college students, but to high school and grade school students as well.” g

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com ARTS & LIFE MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

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Jhumpa Lahiri to Speak at UB MICHAEL TYSONAsst. Life Editor

Courtesy of Elena Seibert

Just about everyone has experienced a situation where he or she feels totally out of place. Whether it’s as simple as starting at a new school without many friends or it involves moving to another country, most can relate to the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land.

Jhumpa Lahiri is an author who has captured that feeling on the pages of her books, including Interpreter of Maladies, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000. She has received many other honors for her writing, including the PEN/Hemingway Award, an O. Henry Prize, and the Addison Metcalf Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

On Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in the Center for the Arts, Lahiri will be joining the prominent group of people that have participated in UB’s Distinguished Speaker Series. Some people may know her through her book Namesake, which was turned

into a movie of the same name and directed by Mira Nair and starring Kal Penn.

Lahiri was born in London to Bengali Indian immigrants and later became an immigrant to the U.S. when she was three. Much of her writing is taken from her and her parents’ experiences as outsiders.

In addition to all of her literary honors, Lahiri was appointed to President Barack Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities last year.

to this event in the Student Association office at 350 Student Union, and GSA-represented grad students can get their free tickets at the SBI Ticket Office at 221 SU while supplies last.

As UB has one of the highest rates of international students at a public university, Lahiri’s visit may help to bring a new perspective to all students, foreign and domestic. g

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

With UB ID, undergraduate students are eligible for free tickets

Jhumpa Lahiri

One World Against Cancer KEREN BARUCHStaff Writer Cancer never sleeps, so the fight against it shouldn’t either. At the University at Buffalo, students will congregate to battle against cancer at Relay For Life.

In 1985, Dr. Gotdy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Since then, Relay has grown into something that more than 3.5 million people attend; it is the world’s largest movement to end the disease.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Stationed in Atlanta, Georgia, there are 12 chartered divisions and more than 900 local offices. More than 5,100 communities are involved with the ACS. According to its website, “the ACS saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.”

Each year in Alumni Arena on North Campus, different organizations form teams for the Relay. This year, the event will take place from March 26-27. The schedule is still under construction; however, the tentative schedule states that at 6 p.m. there will be opening ceremonies and the survivor’s lap.

At 10 p.m. there will be a luminaria ceremony, where participants gather and remember those that have fallen to cancer, and at 6 a.m. there is a fight back, followed by the closing ceremonies.

A $10 fee is required for registration in advance and a $20 fee if one registers at the door. Donations can be made at the door

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ARTS & LIFE MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

and upon registering on the Internet. Luminarias, which are bags that are decorated in remembrance of someone who lost his or her battle against cancer or are used to symbolize and honor someone who survived, are sold for $5.

Luminarias are lined up in the center of the gym in the shape of a track, and participants can walk through the luminarias to see the other booths and to partake in the other teams’ activities. All of the proceeds go to ACS. The theme for this year’s Relay is “One World Against Cancer!” Due to the fact that cancer is a worldwide issue and it affects every corner of our globe, each team will choose a different country to symbolize.

There are approximately 150 teams currently registered for the Relay, and each team will create games and fundraising activities, which relate to its country.

There must be a member from each team on the track at all times throughout the night.

The gym is always filled with people either making their lap around the track, playing games at other stations in order to help raise money, and/or speaking with survivors.

According to Emma Starkman, a junior business major and a captain for the past two years of the team titled Alpha Phi, thinking of creative ways to fundraise money was the most difficult part of the entire process. Her team ended up raffling off perfumes and setting up a water pong tournament, which costed $1 to play.

Although coming up with a plan to raise money was difficult, Alpha Phi raised around $500 for the ACS, as well as winning an award for being the first team to register.

They started raising money several months before the Relay took place and are looking forward to raising even more this year.

“Relay For Life is such an inspiring event.

I didn’t hear about it before I came to UB,” said Rebecca Phelan, a senior international business and world trade major. “When my sorority told me about it freshman year, I didn’t realize how incredible it would be.

Ka Shing Chu /// The Spectrum

UB will be participating in this year’s Relay for Life, held March 26 and 27.

This year’s theme is “One World Against Cancer!”

This is going to be my third year going to the Relay, and I hope to continue attending the Relay after I graduate.”

Each Relay is different; however, there are some traditional aspects that occur no matter where you are. The three most important aspects of every Relay are to celebrate, remember, and fight back.

The Relay always begins with a Survivors Lap. Every survivor is invited to circle the track together in order to celebrate the victory in the war against cancer. Once the sun goes down, there is a luminaria ceremony, where people can discuss how they felt when they lost a loved one to cancer, and everyone takes a moment to remember all of those who were lost to the disease. Finally, the fight-back portion of the night consists of each participant making a personal promise to be committed to the fight against cancer.

Phi Sigma Sigma also took a stand against cancer. The members of the philanthropy committee were the team captains, and they

worked hard to create a fun table with tattoos and face painting in order to make money, according to Amanda Katz, the current president of Phi Sigma Sigma and a business major.

“Dance teams put on shows, everyone watches a slideshow commemorating all those who lost the fight to cancer, and there are some relaxation activities,” Katz said.

“It’s a celebration for every survivor as well.”

Teams are hoping that this year’s Relay is better than last year’s. Everyone has already begun fundraising and working hard, and teams are filling up quickly. UB’s ultimate fight against cancer will be held from March 26-27, when students will get together under one world, in order to raise money and help find a cure.

For further information about the Relay, email Stacie.waddel@cancer.org. g

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

Benefit to be Held for Mason Gechell JENNIFER HARBSenior Life Editor Jump back to high school for a minute; imagine you’re two months into your freshman year and about to celebrate Halloween with all your friends. Then, you get news that no one should have to hear; you have a rare, potentially life-threatening, genetic disease and need immediate care.

For Mason Gechell, a 14-year-old freshman at Frontier High School, this is a reality. Mason was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disease that may have lifelong or fatal effects, especially the loss of liver function and detrimental effects on the nervous system. When the disease is not fatal, the symptoms may be disabling. The disease is characterized by a buildup of copper in the body. Failure to expel the excess copper

can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, eyes and brain.

“He had come home from school and he asked me if I needed the grass cut… He cut it, and when he came in the house, he said, ‘I need to show you something,’” said Mason’s mother, Charlene Gechell. “He lifted up his pants and showed me his legs and feet. They were so swollen that he couldn’t get his shoes back on. So he had come home from school that way. He had been like that for a few days, and he didn’t tell me until it had gotten so bad that he couldn’t put his shoes on. But he came home and cut the lawn without asking me to do it.”

Charlene Gechell took Mason to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease. Soon after the diagnosis, his health declined quickly. According to Heather Keefe, a close friend of the family, Mason was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh because his blood wouldn’t clot, among other complications. The doctors determined that Mason would need a liver transplant because, unfortunately, the disease had already damaged his beyond repair.

Mason’s father Nick was a match, and he agreed to be a living donor for his son. The operation, which occurred on Jan. 27, exactly

three months after Mason revealed his swollen legs and feet, transferred 40 percent of his father’s liver to his son.

“He’s a very determined, smart son. He has become very independent, and he’s had to grow up a lot beyond his years. I honestly want to give to my son for what he’s going through,” Charlene Gechell said. “It’s been so hard. You went from a healthy kid, and three months to the day, he’s in the hospital with his transplant.”

Mason hopes that his diagnosis will spur others in his family to get tested, as the disease is genetic, and receive treatment if necessary.

In addition to the emotional and physical hardships through which the family must suffer, the medical fees for the Gechell family will be extremely expensive. In order to help lift the burden from the family, Keefe will be hosting a benefit for Mason. All of the proceeds will go toward the family.

The benefit, to be held on Saturday, March 5, will take place at the Lake Erie Italian Club at 3200 South Park Ave. in Lackawanna, N.Y. from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include food, drinks, live entertainment, a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle, and more.

Student tickets cost $15.

Bertram Encourages Changing Mental Health Stigmas

“He’s very determined to get better and get back to doing the things he wants to do, and that’s really motivating him, to get back on his skateboard and snowboard and do the regular things he’s always been able to do and hang out with his friends,” Keefe said.

In addition to skateboarding and snowboarding, Mason has played the guitar since he was seven years old and has dreams of teaching guitar to others one day. He started a band that played at the Buffalo Powder Keg Festival in 2010 and is very passionate about his music. Mason also loves to cook, which has proven to be another difficult setback throughout this disease. “[Mason] loves to cook. He’ll cook for hours in a day,” Keefe said. “That was a hard thing with the disease because he has food restrictions… but he has so many friends that are backing him through this.”

For more information about the benefit, visit the event titled “Benefit for Mason Gechell” on Facebook. g

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which included educational workshops about eating disorders and healthy eating, yoga demonstrations, guest speakers, and movie showings in the Student Union.

Bertram spoke about her experience in group therapy when speaking about her eating disorder.

“I found [that] not only were there people like me, there were people from all different backgrounds,” Bertram said. “For the first time, I realized that this wasn’t just my problem; this was a problem for all of us.”

STEVEN WROBELStaff Writer Among all the issues facing college students, mental health issues are some of the most prevalent and, also, some of the least discussed.

Bertram’s message was touching to those in attendance.

Many people took the opportunity to take pictures and talk to her after the event.

Active Minds speaker Margaret Bertram came to UB last Wednesday to discuss and dispel the stigmas, and answer the questions, surrounding mental health issues. Bertram also shared how mental health issues affected her life.

“I started to build up this façade of what it would look like to be what everybody expected me to be,” Bertram said. “I was afraid that starting to [be who I really was] would really mean that I had failed at keeping up this perfect façade… [my friends] thought I was ‘the together one,’ that I had everything figured out. It’s hard not to be when you let everybody else make your decisions for you.”

Bertram spoke of her experiences facing depression, anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and how these issues tied in with her discovering her lesbian identity.

Bertram, at the age of 22, was faced with all of these issues and, at the suggestion of her doctor and therapist, entered inpatient treatment to get on a path to recovery. This decision, she said, was not easy to make, but one she made to save herself.

“I decided that if I was going to do all the things that I wanted to do, if I was going to be an educator, if I was going to work with students for the rest of my life, I needed to make sure I had [a choice],” Bertram said. “Something about being empowered to make a choice for my choice, something I hadn’t

Margaret Bertram

Clinton Hodnett /// The Spectrum

done in so long, made it mine. I was going to do this.”

Bertram shared her message to a crowd of 80 students, faculty, and guests, and concluded her speech with a questionand-answer session from the audience.

“I thought Margaret’s speech was incredibly moving,” said Rachel Gaydosh, a sophomore psychology and theater major, and vice president of Active Minds UB. “She was a wonderful speaker, so genuine, and I admire her courage to stand up and tell her story. Her story is one that will be able to change the conversation on mental health. I appreciated the message she conveyed about full expression of who you truly are and embracing your authentic self.”

The event was held with the support of a grant awarded to Active Minds UB, which collaborated with UB’s LGBTA to host the event. These groups, along with the Student Wellness Team and Student Counseling Services, offered information in the foyer of Slee Hall, advocating positive mental health, acceptance of all people, and making students aware that there are resources available.

Bertram encouraged people to be open, both about the issues of mental health and about personal mental well-being. She said that when people keep quiet about their problems, their issues begin to grow.

“[Bertram] really shows people that there is help. I just don’t think that a lot of students here at UB know that there is help,” said Jason Rosenberg, a freshman psychology major.

“If you ever feel that you’re not feeling 100 percent with yourself and you know you need help, you should get help because its very easy to fall.”

The discussion about mental health issues is one that is slowly catching on around college campuses due to the efforts of Margaret Bertram. Her message for those who are suffering is to seek help and remember that they are not alone. g

“Secrets are what hurt us. They can poison or relationships; they can poison our communities,” Bertram said. “We can [either] choose the stigma or we can choose to change it.”

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

The event was hosted as part of the Student Wellness Team’s

ARTS & LIFE MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

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DAILY

DELIGHTS

SPONSORED BY The Undergraduate Student Association

Visit ubspectrum.com/games for our online game of the week Also see the crossword and Sudoku answers from last issue

Crossword ACROSS 1 Bribe, informally 7 Tach reading 10 Rum-soaked cake 14 Conference 15 Ja, to Jacques 16 Mellowed 17 Pagoda or stupa 18 Add- — (extras) 19 Ms. Teasdale 20 Snug garment (2 wds.)

23 Seat with a back 26 — a date!

27 Ms. Zellweger 28 Lab denizens 29 CD predecessors 30 Lunar new year 31 Is, to Fritz 32 Clothing defect 33 Horrifying 37 Depot (abbr.)

38 Lunched 39 Tax agcy.

40 Gloating cry 41 Upscale wheels 43 Mild expletive 44 A little bit 45 Banjo kin 46 Size above med.

47 — majeste 48 Library fixture 51 Earth’s star 52 Type of pool 53 Young corn (2 wds.)

56 Debate side 57 “— -Pan” 58 Nixed 62 — off (miffed) 63 Barely get by 64 Bite off too much 65 Ocean flier 66 Cousteau’s domain 67 Skylight

DOWN 1 Family docs 2 Super Bowl roar 3 Use poor judgment 4 Excuses 5 Hombre’s address 6 Watched 7 Perches 8 Drop-kicks 9 Sushi-bar soup 10 Scores in the NBA 11 Repeatedly 12 European capital 13 Proverb 21 Shout of glee 22 Trouser feature 23 Crunchy 24 Must (2 wds.)

25 Rose-petal extract 29 Graceful 30 Mid-afternoon 32 Dishonest scheme 33 Snicker 34 Hauled along 35 Tibet’s capital 36 Matterhorn echo

42 Dwindle 46 More sluggish 47 Pay attention 48 Fuel holder 49 Solitude enjoyer 50 Like Cheerios 51 Wind around 52 Fountain in Rome

54 Particular 55 State with conviction 59 Law (abbr.)

60 Tokyo, once 61 Wall Street figure

Sudoku – Difficulty 2/5

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Call Hyunja (owner/ cell): 807-5696 for interview.

APARTMENT FOR RENT SO WHERE THE bloody hell are you? www. luxuryaptswny.com/UB. UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS. 3-4 bedroom apartments available. $645 - $800 a month.

Call 716-884-8213 Today!

4,5,6 & 8 BEDROOM REMODELED apartments to choose from. Located at University at Buffalo Main Street Campus off Englewood. Beginning June 2011. 32 apts. to choose from $275/ bed plus utilities. Washers & dryers included. Contact Bradengel37@ gmail.com 301-785-3773, or Shawn 716-984-7813. Check out our web-site: www.bufapt.com.

MERRIMAC 3 & 4 BEDROOM updated kitchen, bath, dishwasher, laundry & off-street parking, $275 per person. Available June 1st, 716-308-5215.

2 TO 8 BEDROOM APARTMENTS and houses now showing for next academic year. Northrup, Winspear, Merrimac, Englewood, Tyler, Highgate and more! Hardwood floors, laundry, off-street parking, so much more! Call, Text, or email Jeremy Dunn to take a tour.

(585) 261-6609, jgdunn2@msn.com.

5-BDRM, 2 LEVEL upper apartment! Walk to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st, (716) 568-1600.

4-BDRM, WALK to south campus/ bus. Large rooms, new carpet, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st, (716) 568-1600.

3-BDRM, WALK to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st, (716) 568-1600.

2-BDRM MAIN ST. South campus. Appliances, carpet $500 month + utilities & security deposit. Call 884-7900.

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!

Please call: Andy to schedule a showing.

716-308-4881.

SOUTH CAMPUS 4-bdrm apartment updated.

Laundry, parking, walking distance. $250+/ person & security deposit. Available June 1st, 716-830-3226.

6 & 7 BEDROOM APARTMENTS. 2 houses from south campus. 2 baths, kitchen, living room, dining room, new furnaces, dishwasher, laundry facilities & wall-to-wall carpeting. June 1st or Aug. 1st. Call: 688-6497.

AMHERST, 3 BEDROOM apartments. Kitchen, 1 ½ baths, living room, dining room & finished basement. June 1st. Call: 688-6497.

3 & 4 BEDROOM apartments near south campus. 1 bath, kitchen with dishwasher/ disposal, laundry & carpeting. June 1st or August 1st. Call: 688-6497.

4-BDRM 3-BATH @ Alexander & Beckingham Estates. North Campus Available June thru August. 716-688-2526, www.wyseproperties. com.

LISBON/ BAILEY: 2-3 bedroom upper. Newer carpeting, living room, dining room, kitchen, appliances, laundry, off-street parking, furnished, $180+, 440-5133 or 636-1656.

Available June 1st.

HOUSE FOR RENT SOUTH CAMPUS housing 14 properties to choose from. 1,3,4,5,6,7 & 8 bedroom homes.

Available June 1st 2011. Call Dave 716-445-2514 or go to daveburnette.net to view all properties.

HEATH, WINSPEAR 3,4,5,6,8 bedroom houses and apartments $275/ pp, 716-870-8100.

2 TO 8 BEDROOM APARTMENTS and houses now showing for next academic year. Northrup, Winspear, Merrimac, Englewood, Tyler, Highgate and more! Hardwood floors, laundry, off-street parking, so much more! Call, Text, or email Jeremy Dunn to take a tour.

(585) 261-6609, jgdunn2@msn.com.

5-6 BEDROOMS – Big and beautiful, free laundry, energy star windows, furnace and water heater, updated kitchen & bath, stainless steel appliances, internet & cable connection in every room, off-street parking, huge yard, 3 ½ blocks to UB, Minnesota Ave., $200 - $220/ per, (716) 446-1213.

7, 8, 9 BEDROOM houses. Walk to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st, (716) 568-1600.

4 OR 5-BDRM, absolutely gorgeous, w/w carpeting, 1 + ½ baths, new windows, furnace, security system, stainless steel stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/ dryer, off-street parking 4-cars. Must see! $335/ person + utilities. Gino 830-1413.

5 BEDROOM HOUSE for rent. Prestigious Highgate. One block from Main Street campus. Nice quiet family neighborhood. Excellent condition. Updated electric and heating. Offstreet parking, 2 full baths, living room & family room, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer & dryer. $1500 per month, $300 per tenant, water included. June 1st – May 31st lease.

Must have references. Call for appointment at 716-491-9105. Showings begin February 27th.

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!

Please call: Andy to schedule a showing.

716-308-4881.

SOUTH CAMPUS 4-bdrm house updated.

Hardwood floors, new furnace, free laundry, parking, walking distance. $295+/ person & security deposit. Available June 1st, 716-239-5244.

Find us on facebook facebook.com/ubspectrum

ENGLEWOOD 5-BDRM, off-street parking, updated kitchen/ w dishwasher, 1 ½ baths, washer/ dryer, insulated windows & doors.

Great front porch. June 1st, (716) 799-9605.

CLEAN 3-BEDROOM house, laundry, off-street parking, no pets $325 per room + utilities & security, 830-3226.

UPDATED 6-BEDROOM house, laundry, 2 baths, no pets $300 per room + utilities & security, 830-3226.

SPACIOUS 6-BEDROOM house, 2 kitchens, 2 baths, laundry, no pets $285 per room + utilities & security, 830-3226.

ROOM FOR RENT FANTASTIC LOCATION across the street from UB south at Main & NF Blvd. Rent for completely furnished room starts at $325.00/ mo including all utilities and Internet.

630-300-4228. Immediate occupancy.

ROOMMATE WANTED 2-BDRM TONAWANDA NY. $400/ month w/ deposit. Free heat. DSL & cable. email: davidbel@buffalo.edu, 716-799-9211.

2 BEDROOMS AVAIL in 5 bedroom house – June 1, 2011. Main/ Heath, 716-432-7125.

AMHERST – SOUTH Campus/ safe side of Main. Quiet Junior Architect students looking for serious male roommates. Excellent condition, private bedrooms, big closets, laundry, parking & dishwasher. Available now & May. 5 minute walk to Crosby Hall. $295.00+ share of utilities, 716-400-9663.

SERVICES

movie nights

CITY A1 drivingschool.com. Beginners & brush-up driving lessons. 5 hr. class $30.00, 716-875-4662.

LEGAL SERVICES: Located just minutes from UB’s North Campus, Hogan Willig focuses in personal injury, criminal & traffic, real estate, estate planning, matrimonial & family law, bankruptcy & more. Call 716-636-7600 or visit Hogan Willig at 2410 N. Forest Rd., Amherst, NY.

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ADVERTISE WITH THE SPECTRUM call 716.645.2152

To see what events are happening at CV, visit

www.CVwny.com 716-833-3700

student apartments

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Come on out * meet new friends * exercise and enjoy the game of badminton!

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For registration and pricing visit us at rallyniagarabadminton.com or call 716-381-4571

Fairway Apartments Two bedrooms one bath apartments.

5 miles from UB North campus. Wall to wall carpet, appliances, central air, laundry facilities, and free parking. Free heat, water &Cable TV. One year leases.

Forest Village Two and three bedroom apartments. Wall to wall carpeting, appliance, central air, laundry facilities, and free parking. 1.5 miles from UB NorthCampus.

Free heat and water.

Triad Apartments Large two bedroom two bath apartments available. Located directly outside UB Norht Flint entrance. Secure building with appliances, wall to wall carpet, air conditioning, laundry facilities, and free parking. Leases include heat, water, & cable TV.

Williamsville Commons 3 bedrooms 1 1/2 bath town houses. Located 3 miles from UB North Campus. Hardwood floors, wall to wall carpeting, appliances, central air, garages and free parking & free water.

University Court One bedroom & studio apartments available.

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CLASSIFIEDS MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

9

From Apathy to Activism Continued from Page 3 their opinions in a story they are covering, it helps to understand the issue at hand and the rhetoric behind each side. Sometimes, I am embarrassed during Spectrum editorial meetings because I do not know enough about the subject to voice my opinion.

Over winter break, I challenged myself to read The New York Times – at least the top stories – every day, a routine that I still uphold. The transformation was slow, but dayby-day, I started to become more interested in political and socio-economic issues.

I began to bring up my views on the news with my family, and although I was able to carry on these conversations easily, my parents, with little interest in these issues, were not able to offer me much debate.

However, when I returned to UB, where many students were informed enough to engage me in animated debate, I froze up and chose to remain silent, afraid that I would not be able to hold my own in the argument. One day, though, I am confident that I will be able to handle this challenge.

I would not identify apathy as a widespread problem at UB, as many students here openly express their views in class and in conversations with each other. However, in a recent social justice-related conversation I had with some fellow students, several of them struggled to think of an issue that they cared about enough to openly protest or demonstrate about. Herein lies the problem.

Today, UB leaves few traces of the protest campus it was in the ’60s and ’70s. Over the past couple of weeks, while sifting through The Spectrum’s archives for a project, I’ve discovered that UB students unashamedly protested issues such as the Vietnam War, the ROTC presence on campus, and racial bias in athletics.

They did not let anything pass, and they demonstrated until they drew attention to their causes.

I’m embarrassed to say that I have not made the slightest effort to continue this legacy.

During the time I’ve attended UB, I’ve seen only a few protests taking place on campus.

With some exceptions, even people who are passionate about an issue make little effort to advocate for that at UB. I should be the last one to judge when it comes to student activism. But my goal as I grow in my understanding of world, national, and local issues will not only be to care for the sake of caring, or for the opportunity to debate with others. I will discover issues that I care about enough to act upon. Anyone who reads this column can hold me to that promise.

Older adults often say that we, as young adults, are the future of this nation – and as we know, that’s true. Some look at that prospect with fear, and others look forward to it with hope and anticipation.

My years of apathy are – albeit slowly – coming to a close. It’s our time now, and our generation will not disappoint. g

E-mail: amanda.woods@ ubspectrum.com

The American Dream University Continued from Page 3 Keep in mind there are people who need to work two or three jobs just to make enough money to survive. The American Dream University will help solve this problem.

American Dream University will be a free online university system for any American citizen who graduates high school. Now, there are already free online universities such as The University of People, but they have an inherent flaw. Universities such as these rely on educated volunteers to grade work. I have come to believe that, although philanthropy is effective, incentive works better. So I propose the following: Graduate school in the United States can be incredibly expensive. Most students are required to take out loans or get financial aid. These can be very hard to pay off, especially in times where job loss is so high in the United States.

The American Dream University will create a system in which graduate students receive large cuts from graduate school tuition/expenses in return for grading the work of newly enrolled undergraduates at American Dream University. This will create a system where the only federal or private money will be invested in students working toward graduate degrees.

So what are we getting? We now have a system where you can attend college for free, and then attend graduate school at a lesser cost by staying in the system and

SPECIAL EVENT PARKING NOTICE Jhumpa Lahiri DSS Lecture Wednesday March 2, 2011

grading the work of. Yes, grading work will be difficult for people going through the graduate process, but students currently do that already, and the idea of the American Dream is that with hard work one can truly better his circumstances.

As well, young impoverished Americans tend to get criminal records. I believe this is more due to circumstance than lack of character. So I propose this: if a young student with misdemeanors or non-violent crimes gets through The American Dream University, they will have those charges removed from their records.

So what do you get? A new body of young educated students with the real ability to better their circumstances, and a whole new body of workers that would normally just have been a burden on taxpayers.

Those are some extraordinary implications. As well, the only funds that would be required would be for the initial curriculum, and for helping graduate students who will easily be able to contribute and re-stimulate the economy upon graduation.

It will become a self-sustaining system of the educated helping to lift the non-educated.

With this system, I will have the ability to walk into a Detroit classroom and tell students for the first time in their lives that, if they graduate high school, I will give them a legitimate shot at bettering their circumstances.

This is something that nobody has been able to say on as grand of a scale as I am, and will be the first real motivation to keep kids off the streets and out of gangs.

Students will need to follow certain requirements such as holding a job while in the undergrad

program, as well as being required to talk to local high school students about the program; then, they will not only receive a college degree for free, but will also make money. This job will require monthly drug testing, and any arrests will result in immediate expulsion.

It will take hard work, but hope and motivation, when the rewards actually seem reachable, can be very powerful. This will be the first truly reachable goal for thousands. As well, students who successfully complete the programs will now be giving their children a much better starting place in middle class America. This is not meant to discredit the American university system, which is the best in the world. It is meant to give American citizens who cannot afford to enter this system a real chance.

Think of the implications of such a change: a whole new body of young educated workers who can contribute to rebuilding the United States. This is a very big undertaking, but I believe we could have a whole new body of educated young people within 15 years.

Some of the most important changes in American history were very radical at the time, and I believe this could be a real step in helping to fix the selfperpetuating system of poverty in the United States. The technology already exists, but with the right funding, this could be implemented across the country. I am talking about the first real shot at returning the idea of “The American Dream” to thousands of impoverished Americans. Anybody inspired or interested in contributing to this idea, please contact me directly. g

E-mail: jesseors@buffalo.edu

Soma Sushi Inc.

Tel: (716)712-7812 Fax: (716)565-3111 www.1somasushi.com email: info@1SomaSushi.com

How healthy is sushi?

Beginning at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday March 2, 2011, the following North Campus parking lots will be closed and reserved (through 8 P.M.) for patrons of the DSS lecture: Baird B Lot, Slee B Lot, and Lake La Salle Lot At 8:00 P.M. the parking lots will reopen for the university community

Traditional sushi, exceptionally low in fat and calories and packed with vitamins, minerals and protein, can be very wholesome indeed. Also many types of sushi are a good source of Omega 3s.

These arrangements conform with the Special Events Parking Plan approved by the Offices of the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, and the campus negotiating units.

challenge us to please your taste buds.

But beware: if you include fried or high-fat ingredients or if you super-size your portions, sushi can lose its healthy edge

So stop in at the Soma Sushi Bar in Putnam and

U B ’ s C o m p r e h e n s i v e Fe e Consultation Process Mon. February 21 — Fri. March 4, 2011

w w w. c o m p f e e . b u f f a l o. e d u We N e e d Yo u r F e e d b a c k UB’s Comprehensive Fee is a consolidation of campus-required fees that supports several university services.

UB students pay the fee each year, unless you qualify for fee waivers.

Every year, UB asks students for feedback about the coming year’s plans for the Comprehensive Fee.

10

OPINION MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM



Learn about the fee, how it is allocated, proposed increases, programs and initiatives, etc.



Hear what your peers think



Join the CompFee Listserv to send us your feedback or questions

For more info: src@buffalo.edu

Our goal is to get as much feedback from students as possible before the fee is finalized.

Any time during the Consultation Process (2/213/4/11), visit the website above to leave your feedback or learn more.

More Bulls Run Their Way Into History MEG LEACHStaff Writer The men’s and women’s track team brought its pens to Ohio this weekend and rewrote the record books.

Ohio Pool Record Goes Down, but Bulls Finish in Middle of the Pack

Juniors Becky O’Brien and Rob Golabek, along with senior Russell Cameron, all claimed titles in this weekend’s Mid-American Conference Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio.

O’Brien stunned the competition in shot put with two far-reaching throws. Despite losing most of her attempts, her second two throws reached far beyond all other competitors’ tosses – the winning throw of 549.23 broke the meet record of 54-4.50.

Kent State’s Leslie Vidmar had previously set the meet record in 1998.

Head coach Vicki Mitchell expected the stellar performance from O’Brien, knowing that she is always ready when she walks into a meet.

“Becky is a fierce competitor,” Mitchell said. “And she always rises to the occasion. She threw wonderfully today and took the meet record. And, although it is not a huge surprise, it is a massive accomplishment and very well-earned. “ Golabek also claimed his first indoor title in the shot put, throwing a 61-0.

His throw eclipsed the next-closest attempt, by Central Michigan’s Alex Rose, by nearly three feet.

Cameron won his first MAC heptathlon title on Saturday, breaking a record previously held by Steve Esler, set in 2003, with a 5,362-point total for the seven events. He achieved a personal-best in the pole vault on Saturday, clearing 15-5 in a tie for first place. In the 60-meter hurdles, he achieved a season-best of 8.44 seconds to finish third.

Mitchell thought that the performances seen over the weekend were just as she expected to see, and that the school performed well with the added pressure of championship competition.

“I thought we came out about how we had expected,” Mitchell said. “You know you always hope for the breakthroughs at the big meets, but that’s really tough to do because there’s so much riding on the line. I don’t think there was an area that we were disap-

ERIN McCORMACKStaff Writer Spectrum File Photo

The men’s track and field team finished in ninth place at the MAC championships, while the women’s team finished in fourth. pointed in, and any areas that we really shocked anyone in. I think we just did what we were on par to do.”

The women faced a truly difficult struggle when it came to Friday’s races. The advanced competition was just too much for many of the girls competing. One of the Bulls was sophomore hurdler Jamiee McClary, who tied the school record in the women’s 60-meters, but she came in 10th in the qualifying round.

Mitchell thought that the shortfalls were an interesting aspect of advanced competition that one would see in this kind of tournament, but did not think that her athletes should look upon their shortcomings in a negative light.

“It was a day of just near-misses, and what we need to do is not get discouraged,” Mitchell said. “[We need to] come back and look at what we’re doing, and as we approach our outdoor season, we’re really going to step it up and take it up another notch.”

For now, the team will rest its bodies and its minds in preparation for its next event only a week away. Despite the packed schedule, the Bulls need time to heal after competing so ruggedly over the weekend.

The team has its sights set on the Alex Wilson Invitational on March 5, followed by the NCAA Championship on March 11. g

The future of the women’s swimming and diving program looks bright despite a disappointing end to the 2011 season at the Mid-American Conference Championships.

The women’s swimming and diving team (7-2, 2-1 MAC) broke five school records and earned NCAA B Cuts in several events. While the women only placed fifth out of eight teams last Wednesday through Saturday, they have a lot to be proud of, including a MAC title for Caroline Simmons in the 100-yard freestyle.

“We wanted to get in the top four and sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way,” said head coach Andy Bashor.

“There are a lot of factors going into a meet like this. It’s four days long, we got fifth, and I’m really proud of how the women raced and competed.”

The Bulls wrapped up the first day with strong performances in the 200yard medley and 800-yard freestyle relays. The 800-yard relay consisted of freshman Tracy Vogel, sophomore Logan Mason, junior Alie Schirmers, and senior Jordan Deren. The team took 2.72 seconds off the school record with a time of 7:27.67. The women only trailed two teams after Wednesday night’s session.

Two more school records were broken on Thursday, but the team only scored 83.5 points, knocking it down to sixth place, where it would remain until Saturday. In the 50-freestyle championship race, Simmons missed first place by .01 seconds but managed to break her own school record with a time of 22.79. The 200-yard freestyle relay took .45 seconds off the school record, coming in at 1:32.47. The women earned

NCAA B cuts in both races.

Day four may have brought in two more NCAA B cuts, but it also brought a disqualification in the 400-yard medley relay due to a false start.

“We didn’t have a great finish off the butterfly leg and went a little early on the freestyle relay,” Bashor said. “That stuff happens. We just have to do a better job as coaches for preparing them in those spots. I’m very pleased that they didn’t let that part get them down.

They fought through it and did really well.”

Spectrum File Photo

Sophomore Brynn Marecki earned a B-cut mark during prelims of the 100yard breaststroke with 102.70 seconds.

Marecki went on to finish fifth in the championship race for that event.

On Saturday, sophomore Dani Adank contributed to the record-breaking meet as well. In the 200-yard butterfly, Adank broke a six-year old school record, clocking in at 2:02.53 seconds.

Simmons won the 100-yard freestyle and another B cut with a time of 49.67, setting a new pool record at the Ohio University Aquatic Center.

The Bulls finished the MAC Championships strong, setting yet another school record. Freshman Marissa Murphy, senior Jessie Koltz, sophomores Karly Moore and Simmons finished third in the 400-freestyle relay. The foursome took 1.01 seconds off of the time the team set at the championships last year. Bashor was pleased with the women’s performances and is already looking ahead to next season.

“I’m very proud of the women and the way they competed and raced,” Bashor said. “It’s not where we want to be. We have a lot of work ahead of us. And that’s the fun part about this is to take it to another level and keep improving.”

The men’s team will have its shot at the MAC Championships this Thursday through Saturday in Carbondale, Ill. g

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

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SPORTS MONday, FEBRuary 28, 2011 v THE SPECTRUM

11

Knickerbocker Blues

SPORTS

Brian Josephs Asst. Sports Editor Amar’e Stoudemire’s talent has been crucial for the New York Knicks all season long. With the addition of Carmelo Anthony, some fans have been extremely quick to say that the Knicks already have a shot at the title.

However, people like me still remain somewhat apathetic about the lackluster franchise.

Basketball interest has been revived in the city, and even though I hail from Brooklyn, I’m not that thrilled.

Maybe part of the reason is that I’m an Orlando Magic fan. Go figure, right?

Yes, getting Anthony in a trade in addition to having Stoudemire is huge.

But claiming that the Knicks are a serious threat in a tough Eastern Conference is ridiculous.

Bulls Break Records and Bobcats on Senior Day ANDREIUS COLEMANStaff Writer The women’s basketball team took an opportunity to honor its seniors and beat down a conference rival all in the same night.

Saying that this game was exciting would be an understatement, as Buffalo (15-13, 8-7 MidAmerican Conference) overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Ohio (7-21, 3-12 MAC) by the score of 70-65.

The Bulls’ secret weapon, senior forward Bridgette Kendricks, showed why she is just that as she came out scoring Buffalo’s first five points and collecting the team’s first four rebounds. Sophomore guard Nicki Hopkins put on a sharpshooting display with three consecutive 3-pointers.

Dissatisfied with the large margin, the Bobcats closed out the half on a 31-10 run to lead at intermission, 35-26. Ohio’s defense was relentless as it forced seven Buffalo turnovers and held senior forward Kourtney Brown scoreless, allowing her to grab only two rebounds.

Brown was able to compensate for her lack of offense by swatting five Ohio shots in the first half en route to a career-high nine blocks. Not to let the team’s production suffer, Kendricks managed to grab the rebounds that Ohio did not let Brown get to.

Head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald was proud of the senior’s performance and acknowledged Kendricks’ development.

The highlight of the Bulls’ team this season has been its extraordinary chemistry, and Hopkins epitomized that Saturday. She knew she had to step up and make her shots count for her upperclassmen.

“We were struggling in the first half,” Hopkins said. “I knew that when I went in I just had to knock down those shots to keep us in the game, and I really wanted to get a win for the seniors.”

The Bulls started the second half with eight unanswered points to come within one point of the Bobcats. Ohio guard Tenishia Benson, who was the leading scorer for the game with 23, ended the drought with a jump shot from the wing, but that would be the last time Ohio led for the rest of the game.

The Bobcats could not maintain the pressure they applied to Brown in the first half. She exploded for 15 points and five rebounds in the second, while continuing her dominating defensive performance. The Bulls also outrebounded Ohio by 14 in the second half, with senior guard Ashley Zuber contributing a career-high of eight.

Of the 26 made field goals in the contest for the Bulls, 20 were assisted. Zuber and senior forward Jessica Fortman each contributed seven assists, which marked a season-high for Fortman.

Troi Williams /// The Spectrum

The Bulls sent out their four seniors in style with a big win over Ohio on Saturday.

Brown’s 15 points brought her within 17 of the Buffalo record amongst men and women for most points scored all-time, and her nine swats brought her within one of the MAC record for career blocks. Hopkins was the Bulls’ points leader with 17, and Kendricks would finish with an impressive 11 points and gameand career-highs of 12 rebounds.

Kendricks knew what she was capable of going into the contest and took the opportunity on Saturday to let everybody else know.

“I wanted to show people that I can go out there and rebound,” Kendricks said. “That’s my job when I get out there on the court.”

The Bulls head to Bowling Green (24-4, 12-3 MAC) for their last game of the season on Wednesday, before returning to Buffalo for the first round of the MAC Tournament next Saturday. g

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

former on the night, with his final stat line reading 23 points, three rebounds, a steal, and the Bulls’ only blocked shot. Freshman guard Jarod Oldham came off the bench for 20 minutes to hit both of his shots, as well as a free throw.

CAREY BEYERSports Editor

Witherspoon also commented on sophomore forward Mike Clifford for his performance in the contest. Clifford played the majority of his time at the end of the game, relieving some players who began to get in foul trouble.

With the clock to the Mid-American Conference tournament winding down, the men’s basketball team seems to be in a rut.

The Bulls (16-11, 7-7 MAC) traveled to Ohio to meet conference rival Akron (19-10, 9-5 MAC) on Saturday night. The team could not top the Zips and dropped its second straight on the road, 69-60.

“[Clifford] is starting to show things that we have talked about, that we figured that he had in terms of mobility,” Witherspoon said. “You come out and get some guys in foul trouble and it’s nice to be able to go to the bench and contribute with good energy. He’s still feeling his way through it. In other words, he’s still got more ability than he’s comfortable having in these situations.”

The contest marks the Bulls’ fourth consecutive loss to a conference opponent. Head coach Reggie Witherspoon believes, however, that the team has been performing far above what its record shows, especially in the game against Akron.

With the positives from the bench, it would seem that there would be something more at work to prevent Buffalo from leaving Ohio with a victory. There are some instances where luck, however, becomes too much of a factor to overcome.

“I told the team, we played better in [this game] than in some of the games that we won,” Witherspoon said. “If you’re here you can see it, but if you’re not, you can look at the stat sheet and kind of tell. We come in and outrebound them. We played the second half with four turnovers in a physical game.”

“A couple times there were leaks in what we were doing and they had a spot up shooter and he hits a shot,” Witherspoon said. “A couple times the guy shooting was not the guy they wanted shooting on that particular play, and he knocks it down. We ran a couple plays that we normally run that are draw plays that were incredibly open and we got nothing.”

Although the team did perform well on the boards (outrebounding the Zips 32-26, including 10 offensive rebounds), it could not match that success in other areas of its play, most notably in its free-throw shooting.

The Bulls finished the matchup having only made half of their attempted shots from the line. The Zips did a good job of sending some of Buffalo’s least experienced shooters to the charity stripe, with freshman forward Javon Spectrum File Photo McCrea spending the most time there.

The men’s basketball team currently sits in “[We] struggled at the line,” Witherspoon said. last place in the MAC East Division at 7-7. “[Junior guard Zach Filzen] missed one, but those are guys who are trying to become bet- his shots. The performance was not without ter free throw shooters for the most part.” its milestones, as Filzen recorded his 95th 3-pointer of the season, breaking the Bulls’ Senior guard Byron Mulkey, normally one of single-season record. the team’s top scorers, was held to just five points, shooting 2-of-11 from the field. Fil- Although the veterans on the squad struggled, zen contributed 14 points for the Bulls but the younger members of the team stepped up was inconsistent, making only 38 percent of in a big way. McCrea was the Bulls’ top per-

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What’s blocking the Knicks from becoming an upper-echelon team goes beyond just talent. Mike D’Antoni’s lackadaisical approach to playing defense is a serious problem.

You can’t go very far while ranking third-to-last in the league in pointsallowed per game.

Kendricks grabbed nine boards and recorded seven points in the first half. Hopkins was the leading scorer with 15 points coming via five 3-pointers, which tied her career-high for triples hit in a game.

Bulls Bounced in the Rubber City

SWEET TWEET @JIM Bulls 25, Owls 34 (loss; again)

One trade doesn’t negate the existence of Miami, Boston, or Chicago.

Plus, there’s no guarantee that the Stoudemire and Anthony combination will actually work.

“Bridgette has just grown as a player,” HillMacDonald said. “It is unbelievable to me how much she has grown. Her performance today is something we have been waiting to see on a consistent basis, and today she showed what she is really made of.”

The Bulls will need to find a way to turn things around quickly, as there are only two more games before the MAC tournament starts in Cleveland. Buffalo lost its previous matches against its final two opponents, but both contests were decided by three points.

The team will come home to Alumni Arena for its senior night to face off against Miami (Ohio) (15-14, 10-4 MAC) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. g

New York recently let the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers score 115 points against them, which is inexcusable for any self-respecting team. Its second-place ranked offense certainly didn’t help them there.

Defense, not talent, wins championships.

Secondly, the Knicks live and die off of their starting five, since they are almost talentless from the bench.

One thing that the dominant Eastern Conference opponents have that New York doesn’t is depth. New York is overly dependent on its starting five and, the last time I checked, a basketball team consists of 12 players.

This is dangerous because the large workload is going to wear down the starting five. Ronny Turiaf has already shown signs of this, and Stoudemire has a history of knee problems. At this rate, the starters (Melo included) won’t have enough to give in the upcoming games to beat bigtime teams like Orlando and Atlanta.

Also, I’m pretty sure that the Knicks’ fans have experienced the type of hype Anthony has brought before.

I’m guessing they should remember the subsequent letdown, too.

Remember when the Knicks signed Hall-of-Fame coach Larry Brown for mega-millions in 2005? The change in coaching was supposed to send the team back to its winning ways after a mediocre couple of seasons. Instead, the fans got more of the same when Brown lasted only one disappointing year.

I’d definitely be remiss if I didn’t mention the former superstar Stephon Marbury. The point guard was touted to become essential to the Knicks’ success in the mid-2000s. But by the time he got traded away to Boston, he became known as merely a nuisance.

Knicks fans should be used to such disappointment by now. They had stars like Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and John Starks in the ’90s, yet New York still lost both of the times it went to the NBA Finals in the Ewing era. The average Knicks fan can’t remember the last time his team won a championship, because he most likely wasn’t born when it happened (1972-73).

New York does have more of a chance to be successful since it acquired one of the league’s best players.

But please don’t forget: heartbreak can come just as easy as hope. g E-mail: brian.josephs@ubspectrum.com

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