The Spectrum. Volume 59 Issue 31 by The Spectrum Student Periodical

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The Spectrum h t t p : / / w w w . u b s p e c t r u m . c o m

Monday, November 16, 2009

An independent student publication of the University at Buffalo

Volume 59 Issue 31

A CHANGED COMMUNITY Project gives hope to Buffalo family and neighborhood By ADRIAN FINCH Life Editor

On Saturday morning, under blue skies and a bright sun, thousands of volunteers, construction workers and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crewmembers gathered together in a frenzy to finish the rebuild of 228 Massachusetts Ave. for the Powell family. Only a week ago, after tear-

ing down a home deemed ready for demolition, host Ty Pennington, designers Michael Maloney, Paige Hemmis and Eduardo Xol, and local building company David Homes began their seven-day revamp of not only the Powell’s home, but countless homes in the West Side of Buffalo. Involving nearly 5,000 volunteers, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, David Homes, PUSH Buffalo, United Rentals and WNY AmeriCorps carried out Delores Powell’s wish for a more secure and clean community. Delores Powell, 49, and her four children Joel, 18, Gabrielle, 16, Deborah, 15, and Anschel, 10, spent five

Tim Ho / The Spectrum

Thousands of volunteers gathered together on the first day of the seven-day Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build for the Powell family.

see MAKEOVER page 4

Int’l students sacrifice for education By BREDNY RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

Many students head home during holidays to spend time with their families, but because of the stresses of school and rising travel costs, many international students spend their holidays in Buffalo. Indian students recently celebrated Diwali, one of the most important religious holidays in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. The fiveday festival began on Oct. 17, in the middle of midterms. “I was in one of my morning Tim Ho / The Spectrum

Left: International students have

to deal with the struggles of attending college thousands of miles away from home.

ASSAULT REPORTED ON SOUTH CAMPUS By STEPHEN MARTH Editor in Chief

Members of the community are urged to avoid walking alone following an assault that occurred on South Campus early Sunday morning, according to university officials. The victim was heading from Main Street to the Main Circle Bus Loop at 2 a.m. when the suspects, described as four white males, approached him in the Townsend Hall parking lot. The primary aggressor was said to be wearing a white T-shirt and Timberland boots. His hair was styled into a faux-hawk. Anyone who has information surrounding the incident is urged to call the University Police Department at 645-2222. E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

Inside: Arts and Life ........... 5 Classifieds ............ 11 Opinion .................. 3 Sports .................. 12

classes when I got the call from my family. I could hear everyone in the background enjoying themselves,” said Isha Dhote, a graduate student in the School of Architecture. “This is the second year in a row that I don’t spend Diwali with my family. It’s like Christmas for us.” Some international students find that they have problems with immigration officials. “[International students] face the challenges of the post-9/11 immigration environment, in which seemingly minor immigration violations can lead to severe consequences, such as arrest and detention,” said Ellen Dussourd, director of International Student and Scholar Services. “Since they are on a visa, many aspects of international

students’ lives, including their studies, employment, vacation and travel, are governed by immigration regulations.” To retain a student visa, an international student must register for at least 12 credits each semester and is limited to on-campus employment unless granted a special work authorization, according to Dussourd. “International students who face financial crises caused by a family emergency, economic crisis in the home country or natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis do not have the resources that U.S. students do,” Dussourd said. “They cannot, for example, study part-time, take a semester off or work off campus. In order to take time off, they would have to leave the U.S.”

International students pay the non-resident tuition rate, which is almost double the amount that New York State residents pay, according to current UB tuition rates. They also have the added trip costs, which usually exceed $1,000, according to Dhote. Some international students also opt to live in the University Heights neighborhood near South Campus to save money. “We pay tuition as nonresidents and have to work on campus. Every year [I] have to compete with many other students for the same job,” Dhote said. “Me and most of my friends live off South Campus because it is much cheaper than living in the dorms see INTERNATIONAL page 4

Forum discusses concerns with UB 2020 By CHELSIE HINCKLEY and JOHN HUGAR Asst. News Editor and Staff Writer

UB President John B. Simpson’s ambitious UB 2020 plan doesn’t have everyone convinced. Some have expressed serious concerns about certain parts of the plan. UB Students Against Sweatshops held a meeting at Allen Hall on Thursday to discuss the potential issues with UB 2020. The program offered an open forum for

COUNTRY LOVET T Lyle Lovett and his Large Band prove that everything is bigger from Texas. See Page 5

people to discuss potential problems with the plan. One of the primary concerns at the forum was that UB 2020 would lead to people at UB losing their jobs due to contracting with private companies. The first speaker, Edward Herman from United University Professions, discussed this at length during his speech. In addition to UB 2020, Herman also brought up several issues with Assembly and see UB2020 page 4

Megan Kinsely / The Spectrum

UB Students Against Sweatshops organized an open forum about UB2020.

OT THRILLER The Bulls 87-79 win over Niagara went into overtime. See Page 12

Weather: Mon: 52o high / 32o low Tue: 51o high / 32o low Wed: 52o high / 41o low

The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

2009 NOVEMBER 16-20

performances Percussion Performance: “Poongmul” Korean Folk Art Club Monday, November 16 • 11:45-12:00 Student Union Entrance (UB Commons)

Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Master Chong’s Tae Kwon Do Monday, November 16 • 12:00-12:30 Student Union Lobby

presentations History Without Borders “Remembered Pasts in South Asia” Prof. Ramya Sreenivasan, Department of History, UB Monday, November 16 • 2:00-3:00 Student Union 210

Public Health Without Borders “Health Care in Brazil” Prof. Mary Matteliano, School of Public Health & Health Professions; Rachel Acquard, Virginia Best, Catherine Hranek, Vanessa Gomez and Natalie Ramshai, UB Students Tuesday, November 17 • 3:30-4:30 Diefendorf Hall 148, South Campus

Tai Chi Demonstration

Middle Eastern Dance Performance

Tai Chi World Champion Bob Gott, Red Dragon School of Martial Arts Monday, November 16 • 12:30-1:00 Student Union Lobby

Nadia Ibrahim Dance Troupe Thursday, November 19 • 12:30-1:00 Student Union Lobby

Dance Performance: “Debka”

Filipino Student Association Friday, November 20 • 12:00-12:20 Student Union Lobby

Organization of Arab Students Monday, November 16 • 1:00-1:30 Student Union Lobby

Bachata/Salsa Dance Performance Alma Nanichi (Heart of the Soul) Thursday, November 19 • 12:00-12:10 Student Union Lobby

Buffalo Tango X Friday, November 20 • 1:00-1:20 Student Union Lobby

Filipino Cultural Dance Performance

The Dance of Formosa Taiwanese Student Association Friday, November 20 • 12:30-1:00 Student Union Lobby

“Holidays Around the World: China”

“Work Abroad 101”

Chinese Students at UB Wednesday, November 18 • 12:00-1:00 Capen Hall 31

Karen Nemeth, Career Services Wednesday, November 18 • 3:00-4:00 Capen Hall 259

“Jakarta: A Metropolis in the Exotic Archipelago of Indonesia”

“Understanding International Classroom Cultures: India”

PERMIAS (Indonesian Student Association) Wednesday, November 18 • 1:00-2:00 Student Union 145A

Indian Students at UB Friday, November 20 • 11:00-1:00 Clemens Hall 120

Social Work Without Borders “Investigating Gender Violence in Pakistan”

“Geography and Internationalization”

Prof. Filomena Critelli & Bina Ahmed, School of Social Work, UB Wednesday, November 18 • 2:00-3:00 Student Union 145A

Argentine Tango Performance

INTERNATIONAL EXPO Buffalo’s 10,000 Villages and El Buen Amigo Bazaar UB’s Asian Studies, Caribbean Studies, ELI Chat Room, Institute of Jewish Thought & Heritage, Intercultural & Diversity Center, Passport Office, Polish Studies, Department of Romance Languages, Study Abroad Programs Tuesday, November 17 • 11:00-2:00 Student Union Lobby

GLOBAL BEATS PARTY: LATIN NIGHT Live Music by the Latin Jazz Project Dance instruction to be provided Thursday, November 19 • 7:00 p.m. Harriman Hall, South Campus

SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

Dr. Kavita Pandit: Associate Provost of International Education for the University of Georgia Friday, November 20 • 1:00-3:00 Clemens Hall 120

“Employment in the U.S.: Tips from UB International Alumni” UB International Alumni Friday, November 20 • 3:00-4:00 Clemens Hall 120

films

exhibitions

“Gallipoli” (2005, Turkey)

“Origami Semba Zuru”, “Malaysia: Truly Asia”, “Introduction to Thai Cuisine”

Turkish Graduate Student Association Tuesday, November 17 • 7:15 p.m. Clemens Hall 120

keynote event

CULTURE IN MOTION FILM SERIES

KEYNOTE SPEECH

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WINNER

“What Next for Afghanistan?”

Paula Newberg, Director Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Georgetown University Wednesday, November 18 • 7:00 p.m. O’Brian Hall 106

“Afghan Star” (2009, Afghanistan/UK) Monday, November 16 • 7:00 p.m. Student Union Theater

“Son of a Lion” (2007, Australia/Pakistan)

“Outsourced” (2006, U.S.) ASEAN Graduate Student Association Wednesday, November 18 • 5:00 p.m. Clemens Hall 120 “Suite Habana” (2003, Cuba) Caribbean Studies Program Thursday, November 19 • 5:30 p.m. Capen Hall 31

Japanese and Malaysian Student Associations, Thai International Graduate Student Association Friday, November 20 • 11:00-2:00 Student Union Lobby

“World View: Study Abroad Photo Contest & Exhibition” Study Abroad Programs Thursday, November 19 • 4:00-6:00 p.m. Social Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Union

Tuesday, November 17 • 5:30 p.m. Student Union Theater

SPONSORS: AT&T • Bank of America English Language Institute • Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. HSBC Bank • M&T Bank • UB Asian Studies Program UB Office of International Education

Office of International Student & Scholar Services (716) 645-2258 • intlservices@buffalo.edu www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/special_events.html

The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

O P I N I ON

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Stephen Marth Executive Editor Keeley Sheehan Managing Editors Ren LaForme, senior David Jarka Jennifer Lombardo News Editors Jennifer Good Caitlin Tremblay Chelsie Hinckley, asst. Ashley Hirt, asst. Amanda Woods, asst. Editorial Editor Jacob Shillman

The billons that led to a flop Federal stimulus provides a jobless recovery Main Street America actually has a better handle on the economic recovery than America’s leaders in Washington or the Wall Street “knowit-alls.” The October jobless reports don’t paint a pretty picture and certainly won’t generate feelings of relief. The United States economy has been contracting for a year and a half until this past September when it actually grew; mostly as a result from the $787 billion stimulus package finally is being spent.

Arts Editors John Ranic, senior Christopher DiMatteo Jameson Butler, asst. Eric Hilliker, asst. James Twigg, asst.

The government did a good job, for the most part, stabilizing the economic freefall. However, the stimulus lacked in a key area: creating new jobs. The federal government’s spending was large and necessary, but millions of Americans are hurting because of lack of work.

Life Editors Adrian Finch Matt Mosher Shane Fallon, asst. Rachel Lamb, asst.

Everything is connected. Americans don’t have jobs. Then consumer spending cannot increase and provide companies more revenue to expand their businesses and hire new workers. The unemployment rate has gushed from 9.8 percent in September to 10.2 percent in October, which is the highest rate the United States has seen since the recession of 1983.

Sports Editors David Sanchirico, senior Andrew Wiktor Matt Parrino, asst. Joe Paterno, asst. Photo Editors Katie Carlett, senior Samantha Hicks Tim Ho Clinton Hodnett, asst. Copy Editors Meghan Farrell Abbi Meade Graphics Designer Rafael Kobayashi

Professional Staff Business Manager Debbie Smith Administrative Assistant Helene Polley Advertising Manager David Vogt Advertising Designer Christopher Lonzi Web Editors Drew Brigham Andrew Muraco Creative Directors Christopher Caporlingua Katelynn Padowski 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 scariest part is that all the headlines don’t even bring the true scope of the situation to light. Investor’s Business Daily polled Americans on their views of how successful the stimulus package was on creating jobs. Two thirds of all Americans surveyed believe the stimulus has fallen short of their expectations on creating jobs. Average Americans can see the big picture better then the government. There was no real way to predict how the stimulus was going to take effect, but to completely miss the boat on the biggest tenet of the plan is reprehensible. Politicians are supposed to serve the entire population, not just a select few. The worst part is that without another government intervention, it will take many years of

booming growth to actually replace the numbers of jobs lost. These numbers are not for the faint of heart. The unemployment rate only considers jobless people who have looked for work in the past four weeks. That means additional jobs need to be created to employ not only those out of work, but the millions of Americans who just joined the work force as well. The end result is that the United States economy is short 10.1 million jobs. It doesn’t take a Nobel Prize-winning economist to read the signs. At no time in the post-Depression era of the United States has it been more difficult to find a job, plan for the future, or even just get by. President Barack Obama held summits at the White House with experts to discuss job creation. Americans need their leader to break ground on this issue quickly. Instead, Americans got “bold, innovative action” from its president, legislature and private sector. Some interesting ideas were discussed, such as a new program to employ teenagers ages 16 to 19 – an age group that has an unemployment rate of 27.6 percent according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The menacing issue with young adults being out of work is that the lack of a chance to develop skills in a work environment may handicap the potential earnings. The debates over more stimulus spending and government programs are a popular topic. But how does any American think that these problems will get solved? It’s not the magic of free markets. Americans need more stimulus and programs aimed specifically at job creation. Americans deserve it from the government. The only way to truly jumpstart an economy is by putting people back to work. Without that, it’s all for nothing.

Music industry versus illegal piracy For many Americans, the past decade of technological advances has brought instantaneous information to their fingertips. Open a single program and an endless music library is ripe for the listening. The dot-com era gave avid music listeners the ability to search a collection of music libraries. The file sharing craze has been growing ever since the rise of Napster and other file sharing services like it. Over the years, the Recording Industry Association of America has accused 18,000 Internet users of engaging in illegal file sharing. Most of the cases have been settled out of court. Quite frankly, there isn’t any way to stop illegal file sharing. The lawsuits continue to make the music industry look rather childish. It paints music industry executives as only concerned with making money instead of promoting their talent. The rise of the Internet has given users widespread access to music, and society is more focused around computers. The industry could have been the first to pioneer online transactions and get compensated for every download, but it chose not to. In two cases recently brought to court about file sharing, the defendants were a single mother and a student. Both lost and were ordered to pay damages of $1.92 million and $675,000, respectively.

NOVEMBER 16, 2009 VOLUME 59 NUMBER 31 CIRCULATION: 10,000

But the industry surely realizes that such cases give rise to embarrassing headlines more than they discourage illegal music downloading, which is the main aim of prosecuting. It actually winds up making the music industry look worse, mainly because file sharing is very prevalent in today’s world. Many within the industry, including artists, have voiced concerns over the issue of being compensated for their work. In 2001, CD sales were 762.8 million sold, compared to 2005, when sales were at 618.9 million sold. The difference is

All the cool kids are doing it I’m so happy texting has become such a huge influence on our lives. It’s fantastic. I can constantly be connected to all my friends. If I’m having a boring conversation with a friend I’m hanging out with, I can just text someone else to instantly start a more exciting one. Sometimes I zone out and completely stop listening to the person I’m with. Occasionally my friends complain about this, but they just have to learn to deal with the fact that I’m so incredibly popular. They also need to come to terms with the idea that they aren’t very interesting. Before texting, I might Jennifer Lombardo not have noticed too Managing Editor much, but now I see how mundane all my past conversations were. It’s weird to think that I never had the option to just blatantly ignore someone who was right in front of me. Another thing my friends complain about is the fact that I text while I drive. Again, they’re all just jealous that they have nothing better to do than look at the road while they’re driving. I’ve only been in two accidents, and neither one was all that serious. The paramedics tried to make me feel bad, but they were just blowing everything out of proportion. No one ever died from a broken leg and three fractured ribs. The second guy’s wife was pretty mad, too, but she didn’t even own a cell phone, so she obviously doesn’t get it. I really don’t understand why people get so upset at me for texting. One of my professors actually threatened to kick me out because I was texting during class. What professor doesn’t realize that classes are not the reason kids are in college? Why should I waste valuable minutes of my life listening to stuff I don’t care about when I could be reading all about Corey’s latest drunken adventure? I honestly think texting is the greatest invention see LOMBARDO page 8

Train wreck of a video

Fighting pirates

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evident. However, at the same time, digital music sales were 352.7 million in 2005. The digital category wasn’t even counted in 2001 and the avenue of digital sales could have opened new revenues per stream, given the amount of downloads. True, revenue from these services will be less than from CD sales, but it is much better than nothing. The music industry may have to get smaller. Right now, it is in a similar situation to the newspaper industry. Newspapers have long battled the question of whether to charge readers for online access. Now both are suffering due to a lack of action. The Internet could have been used to garner support for artists on tour, which is where a bulk of the record industry’s revenue is generated. File sharing allows for the best marketing tool: word of mouth. Such popularity for artists can bring more fans to concerts. A Fox News poll on the price of music downloads showed that 71 percent of Americans feel that a 99 cent download is a fair or bargain price for music. Apple has capitalized on this sentiment as it debuted its iTunes store in 2003, charging anywhere from 39 cents to $1.29. Apple has sold over 8.5 billion songs through legal file sharing. The music industry should have pushed harder for services such as Pandora and Spotify, which stream free tracks with minimal commercial interruptions, to charge for the music they provide. They missed a great opportunity to help continue and grow their business of the future. Sadly, the music industry has taken several hits because of file sharing. There is no way to ever kill illegal file sharing as it stands today. The best option would to be bringing about some form of regulation to sharing and not circumvent the music industry as a whole. But it might already be too late.

Post-game coaches’ meltdowns, retarded Batman and loose cannons wrestling giant pencils are just some of many gems you can find on YouTube. However, the highly popular video sharing Web site also has its share of duds. One night, I was sitting idly on my computer and decided to search my hometown, Lancaster, N.Y., just to see what would come up. Beside videos from the local speedway and the annual Fourth of July parade, I was a bit disturbed to see a collection of some of the most brainless videos of my life. They are of trains. Not of train crashes, near misses, any kind of train bloopers or anything that would be even mildly interesting. These clips are just of trains going down David Jarka tracks at crossings in my Managing Editor town. Nothing else. I could understand if a railroad company such as CSX, Amtrack or Union Pacific had uploaded the videos for some kind of informational reason or something to promote rail safety, but they didn’t. Train enthusiasts post these clips on YouTube so other railroad lovers can comment on how cool the horn sounds or that they think the engine pulling the cars is amazing. I couldn’t make this stuff up. The pathetic nature of these videos had me enthralled for a good half hour of my life that I will never get back. It just amazed me that people would not only be so enamored with capturing such a dull moment on video, but that these clips are getting view counts in the thousands and five star ratings. The only real riveting thing was an argument unraveling in the comments of one of the videos about whether it was safe to ride dirt bikes on a trail near one of the lines. One user threatened to call the train police for trespassing, prompting another user to call him an “a** f***.” So who are these people? Who are railmogul2, Cchrisbud813 and these other users? Are these the kind of people who spend all day in their basements playing with model trains, shouting “choo-choo” and wearing conductor hats? Maybe I am just overreacting about the fact that see JARKA page 9

The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

‘Trying to resurrect a community’ MAKEOVER from page 1

have been amazing. They come out and continue to give,” Lazzara said. “We went into [a house] and provided water to a family that hasn’t ever had hot water … no one wants to live without hot water, and no one wants to freeze.” Lazzara and his volunteers are constantly trying to improve communities in Western New York, he said. WNY AmeriCorps urges others to reach out to those in need to sustain the changes that volunteers have brought to the community. “We want to make a difference in this city … by the power of volunteers and commitment and love,” Lazzara said.

and a half years pouring money into repairs for their barely livable home as it slowly crumbled around them. After hearing the family’s story and Delores’s dedication to transforming the community with the non-profit organization People United for Sustainable Housing, Extreme Makeover arrived with a sense of hope and the purpose for a better tomorrow.

Revealing hope Thousands crowded on Massachusetts Avenue early in the morning to witness the last-minute scramble and greet the Powell family. The street filled quickly and left no standing room so people began to sit on balconies, porches, steps and rooftops, holding up signs of encouraging messages and cheering for the family’s arrival. Amid the crowd was popular singer Ashanti, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and members of the Buffalo Jills, all gathering together to support the family and the community. As the Powells arrived by limousine and Pennington stepped out to greet the five, the crowd erupted in clapping and screams as they said, “Move that bus.” A contemporary, dark green twostory house with tall windows, a small porch and blooming landscaping replaced the yellow, battered siding and collapsing foundation of the old house. The Powell family appeared overcome with emotion and gratitude and they ran to their new front door, hugging those in their path and crying to the crowd and volunteers. “This project has been way more influential [than I ever thought],” Lazzara said. “I’ve been calling it Extreme Makeover: Neighborhood Edition.” Delores was at a loss with the geneorisity showed by everyone involved in the project. “I cannot tell you how my heart is feeling right now,” Delores said. “I realize that a human heart is stronger than we ever believe,”

Going green David Stapleton, president of David Homes, has been building environmentally friendly and energy efficient homes for over 14 years. Stapleton donated his time, employees’ labor and some of the materials and resources used for the build, and worked with thousands of eager volunteers throughout the week to finish the home in seven days. Jim McGinnis, chief of staff for The Tabernacle Church in Orchard Park, was a part of David Homes’

Financial challenges INTERNATIONAL from page 1 or UB’s student apartments.” It is often difficult for international students to finance a U.S. education, because the cost of living in the U.S. is higher than in the student’s home country, according to Dussourd. “In addition, there is also the cost of international flights, international phone calls, etc.,” Dussourd said. “When they face a financial emergency, it is often caused by events that we, as Americans, have not experienced at all or to the same degree.” E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

A united community

Tim Ho / The Spectrum

Members of the Buffalo community arrived early on Saturday to welcome home the Powell family.

team for five years and was an active member in the rebuild of the Powell family’s house. According to McGinnis, members of Extreme Makeover and David Homes were at the site virtually 24 hours a day. McGinnis said that this build is one of two certified green homes in New York and is Extreme Makeover’s greenest project yet. Powell’s home includes a special environmentally friendly driveway, specifically dug at 4 feet deep to capture rainwater underground. This water is stored and can be used to water their grass naturally without using public water. Four tanks on the side of the

house act as a rain capturing system. When it rains, the tanks collect water and store it for the family’s use, eliminating the cost, need and waste of city water.

A call to service With the sheer mass of volunteer power, Extreme Makeover was able to reach out to the community, some say changing it forever. “The story is about the family, but more importantly, Western New York saw an area become revitalized with teamwork,” McGinnis said. The community has benefitted

from new paint jobs for three houses on Normal Avenue, a cleaning of four vacant lots and a new park on Plymouth Avenue, McGinnis said. Mark Lazzara, CEO of WNY AmeriCorps, helped to manage the 5,000 volunteers. “I have amazing staff who have continued to add projects and projects … we have done about 55 projects, including new roofs, porches and siding that were about $25,000 in labor [this week,]” Lazzara said. Lazzara said that many families in the community have shared heartwarming stories about the generosity and support of the volunteers. “Western New York volunteers

Reverends Al and Deb Warner have lived in Tonawanda for 20 years and were among the volunteers in blue shirts and white hardhats from The Tabernacle. “[We’re] actively involved in trying to resurrect a community that has had some hard times … it’s going to take a lot of motivation [to keep this up],” Al said. Discussing the improvements the volunteers have made, including planting over 120 trees and adding new siding and paint to houses, the couple felt that compassion was a motivating factor for thousands to come together and help. “I think there’s a cry that this is our city,” Al said. With the help of David Homes, volunteers were provided the materials to fix and improve houses in the area. In addition to the generosity shown by volunteers and crew members, local businesses have also stepped in to help the Powell family. West Herr Ford provided Delores with a 2010 Ford Fusion, while Tops Markets and Rich Products donated a year’s worth of food to the family. Canisius College also provided paid, four-year scholarships for each of the Powell children. “I will make sure that all my children do not take for granted this opportunity that has been given to them,” Delores said. “I am going to stay on top of them as I always do.” Herminia Gonzalez, 47, lives directly across the street from the Powells and has known the family for almost six years. Volunteers tore down her sinking front porch and built new steps, providing a safer entryway for her and her family, in an effort to offer the family a small sense of security. “Before, it was a bad neighborhood,” Gonzalez said. “But we all helped each other … now we’re going to keep it up. We’re not going to let anyone destroy this.” E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

Two departments in danger UB2020 from page 1 Senate Bill 2020, which passed the senate vote, but is currently still in committee at the assembly. “[AS 2020] will contract out jobs [and] nullify labor agreements with the various labor unions on campus,” Herman said. UB students also showcased their concerns about Simpson’s plan. Christopher Buckman of UB SAS isn’t happy with the way UB 2020 is being funded and expressed concerns about the distribution of money. “All development is being focused in certain areas,” Buckman said. “Other departments will wither.” Buckman expressed a great deal

of concern over budget cuts to some of the smaller departments, including African Studies and Global Gender Studies, programs that some other universities do not offer. Buckman also said he was wary of a part of the AS 2020 legislation, which would allow UB to raise tuition rates while other SUNY schools would remain the same. Beth Delecki-Earns, a professor from the Global Gender Studies department, echoed Buckman’s concerns programs being cut. She said that the university plans to dissolve the Global Gender Studies and African Studies programs and put them under the banner of American Studies. According to Delecki-Earns, this

move would oblige the three programs to share an office, as well as force the programs, which have a generally friendly relationship, to compete with each other. Delecki-Earns also stated that this is not the first time the Global Gender Studies department has gone up against the administration. “We’ve had a long struggle with administration,” Delecki-Earns said. “A lot of pressure convinced the administration to create these programs. We hope the same pressure will convince them to keep them.” Buffalo Class Action, a local interest group, spoke about the problems with raising tuition. Colin O’Malley, a UB alumnus and spokesman for

the group, talked about his own experiences with tuition hikes. O’Malley stated that he faced numerous tuition increases during seven years at UB, and that he feared the situation would get worse for students if UB 2020 were implemented. Though many in attendance were critical of just UB 2020 and the future of UB, Herman also voiced his dissatisfaction with SUNY as a whole and spoke against Gov. David Paterson’s budget cuts, which are set to top $90 million. “The problem is not with UB, the problem is with SUNY,” Herman said. “It needs a lot of fixing.” E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

AR T S & LI F E Pajama dance party By JESSICA BRANT Staff Writer

Shane Fallon Asst. Life Editor

The wonderful mayor of Seven Hills Talk about doing something meaningful with your life. In an age where graduation equals moving back into your parents’ house and becoming a professional waiter/couch potato until further notice, it is a comfort to know there are still overachievers striving to make the world a better place. David Bentkowski has made it his personal mission in life to give back to his hometown. Bentkowski, of Seven Hills, Ohio, has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments at a very young age. After graduating from the University of Toledo in three years, Bentknowski went on to law school. He not only became a practicing attorney, but also the youngest councilman in Ohio when he was elected in 1994 at age 23. He was then elected mayor of Seven Hills in 2003. In addition to going above and beyond in his mayoral duties, which is definitely not just a job, Bentkowski has made it his goal to bring his beloved town into the national spotlight. How, you may ask. The answer borders on genius. Bentkowski uses his title to issue proclamations, or keys to the city, to famous movie stars, athletes and other celebrities across the country. As can be imagined, a variety of experiences and memorable stories have emerged from such a practice. Bentkowski chronicles his successes and failures with issuing said proclamations to over 100 celebrities in his recent book “The Power of the Proclamation: Meet Mayor David Bentkowski.” The book is a lighthearted, fun romp through one ordinary guy’s encounters with the rich and famous. “The premise [of the book] is to poke fun at celebrities’ vanity by giving them these proclamations,” Bentkowski said. The stories that ensue are both touching and hilarious. I had the pleasure of meeting the Honorable Mayor when he personally made The Spectrum office the second stop on his nationwide book tour. A former life editor himself, he understood the job I have, and the daily ups and downs that

The beats were booming, the people were grooving and no one was snoozing during the third annual Stay-Up UB Dance Marathon in the Student Union on Friday. Students, Greek Life and athletes filled the union-turneddance floor that was fully equipped with a DJ, a video screen and people ready to dance for charity from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. If participants needed a break from “shakin’ it,” they could relax with board games, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, a variety of crafts, and poker. Because the event was organized to build UB pride, StayUp UB staffers gave groups and individuals Monopoly money throughout the night to honor their spirit. “We gave out prizes for the most spirited individual and the most spirited group,” said Leah Doctor, a senior communication major and head of the sponsorship committee. “It was motivation for the students to stay longer and dance or participate in games.”

Andy Lin / The Spectrum

Students danced into the night at the third annual Stay-Up UB dance party on Friday.

According to Doctor, students who started dance party circles or participated in and won games were given spirit points. The group or individual that had the most spirit points at the end of the night won the spirit award. “The first place winners were given trophies and the

By ADAM DANISHFESKY Staff Writer

Courtesy of Lyle Lovett

Because we are counting down the days until the premier of Steven Segal’s new show, Steven Segal: Lawman, here are some movies to get you in the mumbling, squinty eyed, karate-chopping mood.

Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1977) A train, terrorists and a topnotch karate expert. That is all you need to know about this mid-’90s classic.

Exit Wounds (2001) Between Segal’s mumbling and DMX’s bark, it will be surprising if you understand anything that is said in this movie. Luckily, Tom Arnold’s performance goes above and beyond to deliver the audience distinguishable sentences.

pleased with the turnout. “[Students] don’t have to come to this, but they know it’s for a good cause, so they choose to come to it,” Magee said. “We’ve been planning [Stay-Up UB] since September ... seeing it see DANCE page 6

Country done right

see FALLON page 7

SPECTRUM WATCHLIST

second and third place winners were given gift certificates to Rachel’s [Mediterranean Food],” Doctor said. Almost 500 students and community members registered for the event. Brian Magee, a coordinator and graduate assistant for student activities, was

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band played to an enthusiastic crowd at the Center for the Arts’ Mainstage Theater.

Country is certainly not the most popular genre of music on college campuses, but this did not stop Lyle Lovett and His Large Band from delivering an energetic set of alternative country tunes Thursday night in the Center for the Arts Mainstage Theater. Lovett mixed songs from his latest album, Natural Forces, with fan favorites from his illustrious career. The mostly adult crowd applauded his new efforts almost as much as they did his classics. Lovett is known for his hilarious stage banter. While there was nary a UB student in sight, Lovett did not shy away from discussing his experience at the school, where he walked in on a dress rehearsal for a student production of Rent. “We tried them on,” Lovett said, referring to the dresses that will be used for the performance. “The students were nice about it.”

New fangs, same bite By JAMESON BUTLER Asst. Arts Editor

in with a tantalizing rhythm. Homme gives the song a strong shot of Queens of the Stone Age with both the guitar and the lyrics. “So I told her I was trash/ she wait til after and said ‘I already know… I’ve got a beautiful place to put your face’/ and she was right,” Homme cries.

One of the best songs on the Them Crooked Vultures debut is the second song, “Mind Eraser, No Chaser.” As soon as Homme strikes the first chords, the listener’s feet can’t help but start moving. Not only does “Mind Eraser, No Chaser” take a jab at current society, it

Vultures are disgusting creatures. Them Crooked Vultures, on the other hand, is a disgustingly gifted flock of musicians. Them Crooked Vultures have swooped down and grasped as many drug-loving minds as humanly possible. The band consists of see VULTURES page 6 three masters the rock music trade. Joshua Homme, from Queens of the Stone Age, rocks the guitar. John Paul Jones, of Led Zeppelin fame, lays down the bass and Dave Grohl returns to beating the drums as he did in Nirvana. Them Crooked Vultures starts off with the dark Courtest of Interscope “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I,” on which What happens when Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones Grohl brings the listener get together? Them Crooked Vultures and one great album happen.

Lovett’s band, which at some points of the night contained over 10 members, worked together in perfect harmony. While Lovett was the star of the show, he made sure to share the spotlight. He introduced each band member multiple times throughout the night, and the band seemed inspired by the audience’s enthusiasm. While the band produced a loud sound, the Center for Arts was the perfect venue to make Lovett’s concert feel intimate. The band showcased the variety found on Natural Forces. From the hilarious “Farmer Brown/Chicken Reel” (complete with chicken sounds provided by the band), to more traditional country songs like the album’s title track, the new songs were a pleasure. “Here I Am” featured hilarious spoken sections between the choruses, and the crowd seemed so eager to laugh that they almost started before Lovett delivered see LOVETT page 7

Indie in a nutshell By JAMES TWIGG Asst. Arts Editor

Thank You is the second full-length album from indie rockers The Little Heroes. Unfortunately for fans of the band’s first album, Cinematic Americana, the band does not live up to the reputation they created for themselves this time around. The album is crafted straight from the mold of mediocrity. Thank You boasts no standout singles and tends to blend together after listening to just a few of the songs back to back. Throughout the duration of the album, the band fails to create its own unique style and sound. Instead, Thank You comes off as a collection of several instru-

The Little Heroes Thank You

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mentals from other bands thrown together. In a sense, The Little Heroes have managed to produce a record that epitomizes indie rock, without living up to the genre’s standards set by bands like Death Cab for Cutie or The White Stripes. For instance, the opening track of the album, “Say I’ll Be see HEROES page 7

The Spectrum

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Drag show capped the night DANCE from page 5 all come together is the best part.” The event, organized by the Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement, raised money for the Pajama Program, a charity that provides pajamas and books for children in homeless shelters. This year, registrants had the option of donating a new pair of children’s pajamas in lieu of paying the $10 registration fee. Tiffany Onorato, another coordinator and graduate assistant for student activities, felt that the Pajama Program was a great choice. “It’s a nationwide charity, but they have a Buffalo chapter,” Onorato said. “It’s only run by a few people, so when they found out that we wanted to help out, they were really excited about it.” Allie Funk, a sophomore film studies and psychology major, par-

ticipates in Stay-Up UB with her sorority Phi Sigma Sigma every year and enjoys seeing all of the various groups performing. She thinks that the true purpose of the event is to unite the UB community, and she believes it succeeds in doing so. “It’s something that [the sorority does] every year and it’s something that we really get into,” Funk said. “Bonding reminds us that we are all one student body.” Victor E. Bull danced his tail off and posed with students for photos, which were displayed on the walls of the Student Union. Students got a taste of every style of dance, from jazz and hip-hop to swing and break dance. The dance party gave student groups the chance to show off their skills. Though all of the performances had the crowds going, the showstopper of the evening came in the form of absurdly high heels and

heavy stage make up. Natasha Michaels’s drag performance to “Dollhouse” by Priscilla Renea was the final act of the evening. Her provocative choreography and sassy attitude left the crowd wanting more. Michaels, who hosted the event last year, was asked to host again by popular demand. She said she takes any opportunity to perform at UB because she appreciates the school unity. “UB is amazing … the crowd participation is great. I like being somewhere that enjoys the art of drag,” Michaels said. “I know I’m doing my job right if they’re clapping and having a good time.” Asst. Life Editor Rachel Lamb also contributed to this article.

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

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VULTURES from page 5 with Ludes.” Not only do the instrushows off all three super stars’ mentals mess with the listener’s strengths. head, but Homme makes sure you The third song on this self-titled can completely visualize what he is masterpiece is the first single, “New envisioning. Fang.” Sounding like a B-side to “By the skin of my teeth/ That’s Queens of the Stone Age’s latest cre- how I’m gonna drive you/ On the YAZ_Spectrum:W&L ation, Era Vulgaris, 11/2/09 the song entices 12:19 PMgood Page ship 1 Lollygag/ LSD and a listeners with a gnarly drum intro- bloody pile of rags/ I hate to be the duction that leads right into a beau- bearer of bad news/ But I am, but tifully placed slide guitar section. I am, I am…” Homme bellows in a The song “Elephants” shows haunting manner. the band’s members mixing their Them Crooked Vultures shows a sounds. The track blends Jones’s lot of Queens of the Stone Age influLed Zeppelin roots and the ever- ence, but Jones and Grohl add their apparent Queens influence that own stylings to it to make it one of Homme brings to the table, and the the best albums of the year. result is brilliant. The award for the creepiest song on the album goes to “Interlude E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

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Forged friendship with Apprentice star FALLON from page 5 come with working in a newsroom. “I love to visit colleges,” Bentkowski confessed. “One of my fondest memories [as a newspaper staff member] was the Gulf War breaking out after a long day of production. We stayed up all night creating a completely new issue, and wound up being the first paper in Ohio to cover it.” The book centers on Bentkowski’s adventures meeting various celebrities, including, but not limited to, Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Justin Timberlake, O.A.R., Nick Lachey and Norah Jones. The encounters range from civil to completely absurd, completely exposing both the unexpected kindness and overwhelming rudeness of famous people. “[My book] doesn’t sugarcoat who is cool and who’s a jerk,” Bentkowski said. One of the most interesting connections Bentkowski describes is the unexpected friendship

he forged with The Apprentice reality star Omarosa ManigaultStallworth. The pair, who met unexpectedly at a Cleveland charity function, have since become an odd couple and lifelong friends. Throughout the narrative, Bentkowski is sure to remind us that his reason for seeking out these people is purely professional – he always kept the best interests for his city in mind. Each chapter describes how the individual character helped shape his life, both as a man and as mayor. Throughout the book, readers feel his devotion to his family, his political and charity work, and the state of Ohio. Bentkowski’s Midwestern upbringing and all-American values also make up a large part of the narrative, and his old-school notions of patriotism and respect for one’s elders are refreshing. “[My book] is written for a younger audience; those age 18 to 40 will love it. It’s a light read for anyone who loves pop culture. I

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want people to see how my stories parlayed into me becoming mayor,” he said. “The Power of the Proclamation: Meet Mayor David Bentkowski” is available exclusively via www.poweroftheproclamation. com. If ordered before Dec. 4, the mayor will sign it personally. “It’s a great gift for anyone who loves celebs,” Bentkowski said.

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E-mail: shane.fallon@ubspectrum.com

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Brought feel of Texas to CFA LOVETT from page 5 the punch lines. Lovett performed the old favorites “If I had a Boat” and “I’ve Been to Memphis” with such charisma that they seemed fresh. Even though Buffalo is hundreds and hundreds of miles away from Texas, Lovett was able to bring some southern warmth to the town as winter approaches. During “That’s Right (You’re Not from Texas),” Lovett proclaimed, “That’s right, you’re not from Texas, but Texas wants you anyway.” Out of Lovett’s mouth, it sounded like it might be true.

Lovett went on to wish Buffalo good luck with Terrell Owens, who is currently playing his first season with the Buffalo Bills. While it is easy to only think of Lovett in terms of his funny personality, there were many heartfelt moments throughout the night. Lovett gave a genuinely emotional speech about the troops fighting overseas. The crowd could not get enough of Lovett’s performance. The audience was in unanimous silence during most of the songs so that everyone could hear Lovett’s words. “I’ve never seen such a wonderful concert,” said Donna Monczynski of

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East Aurora. “It was like candy for the senses.” Ron Kasprzak, 50, of Grand Island, has been to several Lovett concerts and said he’s been surprised every time. “You always get more than you expect, and you always leave wanting more,” he said. Email: arts@ubspectrum.com

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Sounds like John Mayer HEROES from page 5 Gone,” contains piano tunes and lyrics reminiscent of Coldplay. It is also comprised of the drums and vocalized “Baa bahs” of Death Cab for Cutie, without being able to hold its own with either. The second track of the album, “We All Get To an End,” is one of the best songs on the album. The only downside to it is the guitar. The similarity between it and the guitar from “Lazy Eye” by Silversun Pickups is striking. “Common Ground” is yet another song that sounds as if it were written and performed by another band. Both lyrically and instrumentally, “Common Ground” would not be

out of place on a John Mayer album. Though respectable in his own right, John Mayer is not generally what you expect to hear while listening to an indie rock band. The last half of the album is filled with slow and soothing numbers such as “What You Wanted” and “Postcards Sent West.” While these songs may be good at lulling you to sleep, there’s no aspect to them that is overly impressive. Thank You is average at best. Their instrumentals are lackluster and their lyrics are bland. In the end, Thank You is just another album in the extensive library of acoustic indie rock. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

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By JOSH Q. NEWMAN Staff Reporter

Sexual organs aren’t known to talk, but that hasn’t stopped women of UB from going very public with their privates. The upcoming production of The Vagina Monologues is not affiliated with UB’s Theater Department. It is comprised of female students from a variety of fields who are interested in the play’s controversial content and underlying message. Jane Fischer, the director of SubBoard I, Inc. Health Education and one of the organizers of the play, was ecstatic about the production. “The Vagina Monologues fits with everything we do,” Fischer said. “It shines a light on women’s violence, locally and globally.” The play, written in 1996 by activist Eve Ensler, primarily concerns itself with the violence committed against women around the world. It raises awareness of crimes such as rape, incest and domestic abuse,

while encouraging women to embrace their sexuality. It is structured as a series of monologues representing women across different ages, from a 13-year-old girl (which was later changed to 16) to an elderly woman. The monologues, based on 200 actual interviews Ensler conducted, are very frank about sexual issues and revolve, emphatically, around the female sexual organ. The monologues, famous for their vulgar language and sense of humor, often personify the vagina to better represent female sexuality. Among the issues described in The Vagina Monologues are masturbation, lesbian sex and the female orgasm. The graphic nature of the play has garnered a considerable amount of controversy. However, proponents of the play argue that the language used is enlightening and even necessary for the play’s effectiveness. “It brings awareness for things not discussed in society,” said

student director Kayla Maryles, a senior health and human services major. “It’s important for women to be open with their sexuality and be comfortable with saying ‘vagina.’” Fischer believes even the title of the production pushes conventional beliefs of society. “Saying the title itself is not a social norm,” Fischer said. “But the subject is talked about to have a full understanding of it.” The Vagina Monologues is part of a larger campaign known as V-Day. Its stated purpose is to stop violence and discrimination against women around the world. V-Day has had many famous activists over the years, including Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg and Selma Hayek. “V-Day inspires and connects with people,” Fischer said. “It activates individuals and calls women to reclaim their sexuality.” Those that auditioned generally see VAGINAS page 9

‘They looked like veteran players’ Hey University at Buffalo!

WBBALL from page 12 a workhorse inside for us. She gets position, and she maintains position. Her teammates did a good job of getting her the ball.” Of Brown’s 22 rebounds, 11 came off of the offensive glass, creating a lot more scoring opportunities. “She scored off of a lot of putbacks on her 11 offensive rebounds,” Hill-MacDonald said. “When she’s not working to get position, she’s working to get the board.” Brown, a preseason All-MAC selection and early-season candidate for MAC Player of the Year, was clearly the star for the Bulls, but she also got a lot of help from her teammates. Sophomore guard Brittany Hedderson netted 19 points – eight of which came in the overtime period – and shot 4-for-7 from beyond the 3-point arc. Buffalo’s freshmen stepped up as well, proving right away that they are ready for Division I basketball. At one point in the first-half, the Bulls had four freshmen out on the floor. In her first career game, guard Nicki Hopkins scored 14 points in 26 minutes played and shot 4-for-8 from 3-point range. Abby Dowd, another freshman guard, played significant minutes. She tallied four assists and two

steals in 30 minutes of playing time. Most importantly, she nailed two clutch free throws with 54 seconds left in overtime to extend Buffalo’s lead to 83-78. “I was really proud of the way the freshmen played,” Hill-MacDonald said. “They played with good poise and a lot of composure.” The coach also noted that the youngsters looked as though they’ve been playing college ball for years. “They didn’t look like freshmen out on the floor,” Hill-MacDonald said. “They looked like veteran players, and that’s always a good sign, particularly since it was their first official game of the season. I’m really pleased with the effort and performance of the freshmen.” Buffalo’s first win did not come with ease. The Purple Eagles led by two points at halftime after Buffalo committed 16 turnovers in the first half. Niagara came out strong to begin the second half and extended its lead to nine points with 15:15 remaining in the game. At that point, Brown took the game into her own hands. The Bulls went on a 12-1 run, sparked by 11 points from Brown, to take their first lead of the second half. The game remained close until the end of regulation. With 1:16 remaining, Niagara’s Jennifer

McNamee hit a deep trifecta for three of her 22 points to give the Purple Eagles a 71-70 lead. Buffalo responded with a Dowd free throw to tie the score at 71, sending the game into overtime. The Bulls opened the overtime period strong as Hedderson sank a 3-pointer to give Buffalo the lead. The Bulls never looked back and didn’t trail during overtime. After the game, Hill-MacDonald was very pleased with the team’s hard-fought performance. “Every time you step on the floor, you hope to get a win, but a win to start the season is always a bonus,” Hill-MacDonald said. “Niagara gave us everything they could. They threw everything at us and didn’t make it easy for us. We were able to do the right things at the right time to get that win. I’m really proud of the effort of this team.” The Bulls have another road contest Monday as they travel to Long Island for a matchup with Hofstra. The game begins at 7 p.m. Buffalo will return to Alumni Arena for its home-opener against Temple on Saturday at 2 p.m.

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

Staying connected to friends LOMBARDO from page 3 ever. It’s helped my multitasking skills so much. I’m thinking about learning how to knit so I can do that while I drive, too. It might be a challenge to text and knit at the same time, but I like challenges. I’m not worried about the driving part. That’s what my knees are for. The only thing that’s kind of upsetting to me is the fact that it’s been about two months since I’ve had a conversation with my roommate. She doesn’t have texting, so we never really get a chance to talk anymore. She’s pretty busy, and when she is actually home, I’m always in the middle of texting three or four of my other friends. Staying connected to friends I rarely get to see is important to me, so I make sure I put their texts ahead of any real-life conversations. I can see my roommate any

time I feel like it, but I can’t see Jamie in Illinois every day. I’m very fair about it – when I visited Jamie, I made sure to constantly text my Buffalo friends to keep them updated on everything we did. I’m perfectly capable of talking to my roommate while I text, but for some reason she doesn’t like that. I think she said something about not liking to be ignored. I don’t really know what she was talking about. I got an important text halfway through whatever she was saying. Really, though, I don’t feel too bad. A texting plan doesn’t cost that much. It’s her own fault if she doesn’t care enough to make the effort. Thankfully, my boyfriend doesn’t feel the same way she does. Of course, I have to text him every 27 seconds because he’s my everything and I couldn’t live without him. Once he didn’t text me what he had for lunch that day, so I thought

he didn’t love me anymore. But half an hour later he texted to tell me that he’d just fallen asleep because we’d been up all night texting each other, so I graciously forgave him. If everyone had a texting plan, maybe some of my friends would stop bugging me to go places where I can’t text. A few of them have stopped hanging out with me because I don’t want to go swimming, rock climbing, skiing or jogging anymore. I’d happily go for a leisurely walk with them, at a pace that allows me to check my phone every few seconds, but only one or two of my friends are up for that. I’m thinking about starting a Student Association club for people who are discriminated against because of texting. We can all hang out and meet new people and to text. It’ll be tons of fun. E-mail: jennifer.lombardo@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

‘Rushed shots became poor shots’ MBBALL from page 12 trailing by one. It was a gritty game that was nearly statistically even and came down to the last shot. But Buffalo never had a shot, literally. They were unable to put up an attempt on their final trip down court and lost the game in heartbreak fashion. There’s an old adage; you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. This statement hit home hard at Alumni Arena after sophomore forward Mitchell Watt turned the ball over and watched the Catamounts steal not only the ball, but also a road victory right out of the Bulls’ hands. As Watt described the final possession of the game, Witherspoon grimly closed his eyes and recalled the mishap that ended the night. “The ball was advanced to me,” Watt said. “My man and John Boyer’s left me so I dribbled in and tried a hand off [pass] to Rodney [Pierce]

and there was some confusion and Vermont came up with the ball.” Nick Vier was credited with the steal and ran out the clock to seal the victory. He ended the game with 12 points and three rebounds, but the real star for the Catamounts was Blakely. “I thought [Buffalo] really did a good job of taking the ball out of [Blakely’s] hands,” said Vermont head coach Mike Lonergan. “He’s a heck of a player but they made every one of his 17 points very hard for him to get.” When the Bulls double-teamed him down low, Blakely was able to find the open shooters behind the 3-point line for some open looks. In the second half he found the likes of Vier, Marsalis Simeon and Maurice Joseph, who each spotted up and hit crucial trifectas down the stretch. Aside from senior guard John Boyer’s six assists, most of Buffalo’s buckets came from either the free-throw line or from sophomore forward Titus Robinson. The Bulls

shot 20-26 from the charity stripe and Robinson scored a career-high 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, recording his first ever double-double. He was the only Buffalo player in double digits and did so in just 24 minutes of play. Senior guard Rodney Pierce and sophomore guard Zach Filzen were standouts in the exhibition win against Daemen, but both had rough shooting nights. Together they went 3-for-24 from the field and forced too many contested shots. They each ended the game with just five points and two rebounds. “Rushed shots became poor shots,” Witherspoon said. “And then once we didn’t establish any rhythm, we weren’t able to hit good shots.” The Bulls will look to bounce back Thursday night as they visit the Navy Midshipmen and try to level out their record. Game time is set for 7 p.m. E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

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Meant to open minds of both sexes VAGINAS from page 8 agreed and were enthusiastic about the campaign. “The message it gives to people is about violence against women,” said Hilary Berbach, a senior communication major, who auditioned for a part. “It’s not about sexuality. It’s about women’s empowerment.” Other students who auditioned shared the same feelings. “I auditioned because it’s a good cause to support,” said Christina Galea, a senior psychology major. The Vagina Monologues adheres to strict rules as dictated by Ensler. The play can only be performed during the V-Day campaign and must be done in full. Selling tickets is mandatory. Also, and perhaps most important, only women are allowed to recite the monologues. Among the criticisms of the The Vagina Monologues is that it paints men in a negative light. Critics have stated that when mentioning men it mostly focuses on the crimes men commit. Maryles insists that the play is meant for everyone, not just women. “Men are not attacked in the show,” Maryles said. “I understand why men feel uncomfortable, but it

Train dorks JARKA from page 3 there are people in this world who are this mundane. I guess they could be out doing worse things, like breaking into cars to steal GPS units to track where they are at each railroad crossing or spray painting “Burlington Northern Santa Fe Sucks” on my town’s railroad signals. Although I could name an endless amount of activities someone could do besides filming trains, these railroad dorks aren’t doing anything to truly harm our society. Just like the geeks that spend all day playing Dungeons & Dragons or World of Warcraft, these aficionados are just doing what they love to do. So after discovering these videos, maybe it was poetic justice when I left the house later that night and had to wait 10 minutes for a train to go by. E-mail: david.jarka@ubspectrum.com

is not anti-men. It opens up a lot of things in order for men to be comfortable with female sexuality.” This production is meant to open the minds of both sexes on the topic of women’s sexuality. “Men aren’t always familiar with women’s sexuality,” said Nofa Abdallah, a freshman musical theater and psychology major who auditioned for a part. “Women are more vulnerable to sexual violence than men and must have a stronger voice.” The play may center on women, but its supporters ultimately suggest that the monologues are meant for everyone. Having a conversation about these issues is more important than the edgy nature of the content. “We respect the wishes of the audience and non-audience,” Fischer said. “We hope that the play results in a healthy argument – a questioning of things. Any responsible action is a good one.” The Vagina Monologues is set to open on March 24. For more information about the production, students can contact Kayla Maryles at kmaryles@buffalo.edu or Jane Fischer at jef3@buffalo.edu. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

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PROFILE from page 12

once we got on this stage, it was like, ‘OK, we’re here, it’s time to get things right and produce to help the team out.’” Watt echoed his teammate’s sentiments. “It was exciting to get thrown in there right away,” Watt said. “Like [Robinson] said, your dream is always to play right away. It was challenging, and I think it was good for us because we grew a lot last year, and we got an opportunity to see the entire conference firsthand.” In a way, the team needs the sophomores to mature sooner rather than later. Even with seven seniors returning for the Bulls this year, the team took a hit in the leadership department with the departure of guards Greg Gamble and Andy Robinson. Watt explained how leadership shouldn’t be underestimated. “Last year we had great leaders. Greg Gamble was obviously a phenomenal leader,” Watt said. “But this year, I think it’s caused everybody to step up as a team. It’s been really good for us and we’ve really

we’re excited to get on the court.” Watt, like Robinson, was also thrown into the fire a year ago, starting 30 games for the Bulls but averaging just 12 minutes per game. Despite the lack of playing time, Watt displayed flashes of greatness. One of Watt’s highlights last season came with an impressive dunk over former Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet in Buffalo’s fourpoint loss to the Huskies. The 6-foot-10-inch forward knows the experience gained last season will be important for the sophomore duo. “As freshmen last year, we really worked out some kinks,” Watt said. “This year we’re excited to get out there and put a full year’s worth of work in on the court.” Some people would struggle with the transition from high school to college basketball, but regarding how fast everything happened, Robinson thinks it benefited them both. “Coming in as a freshman, you want to play,” Robinson said. “But

come together this year.” The two young players have very high expectations for themselves, but neither is at the point he wants to be at. Head coach Reggie Witherspoon thinks both players have to be more aggressive and not think as much. “I think they just need more assertiveness,” Witherspoon said. “They’re still, at times, tiptoeing around a little bit, and I think they have tremendous potential, and we are certainly trying to accelerate their development.” Both players know they will play bigger roles this year, but Watt explained that he isn’t worried about the pressure that will come along with the increase in playing time. “There’s always pressure,” Watt said. “We don’t have any respect in this conference yet, so I think that is where the most pressure comes from. Not from our team or the people here in Buffalo, but from other teams. [However], we have the ability to handle it and really shoulder anything thrown our way.” A big part in growing as a player

is learning as you go. Robinson feels that last season was a good lesson for the team. “Last year we came off a losing season and turned things around with a winning season,” Robinson said. “We learned how to cope with continuously winning and then going through that little stretch where we dropped one or two games. We know how to shake it off and look to the next game because that is what you have to do in MAC play.” Witherspoon hopes his team will take those lessons and apply them this year by being tougher mentally down the stretch. “I think with all of our guys, we’re just talking about, psychologically, how we prepare to compete,” Witherspoon said. “We’re really zeroing in on that more this year than we have in the past, and it’s our hope that it will accelerate everyone’s development, but specifically Mitch and Titus.” E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

‘Everyone has got a chance’ VBALL from page 12 defeating their MAC rival at Alumni Arena last month, the Bulls were shut out in three straight games, 3-0 (29-27, 25-16, 25-21). Buffalo (15-15, 5-11 MAC) could not dwell on the loss for long, as the team returned home Saturday afternoon for a Senior Night contest against Toledo (17-11, 8-8 MAC). Despite an evenly matched game, the Rockets defeated the Bulls, 3-1 (25-20, 25-16, 19-25, 25-18). Against Akron, junior middle blocker Kristin Bignell led the Bulls and had a game-high 13 kills. On the other side, the Zips had four players reach double-digits in kills to carry their team to victory. Junior setter Lindsey Schlegel led the Bulls with 32 assists, but was bested by Akron’s Kara Smith, who had 43. Freshman libero Tori Beckman led the game with 20 digs, yet was followed closely by Chelsea Harvey of Akron, who recorded 19. Buffalo came into Saturday’s contest motivated to send its five seniors off with victory. While the team implemented a game plan for the Rockets, head coach Todd Kress noted that the Bulls did not execute it for much of the match. “We actually had a game plan in place tonight that if we would have executed, we could have done well,”

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Kress said. “We were successful [during] parts of the match [in] executing our game plan, there is no doubt about it. We just didn’t execute enough throughout the match. We executed probably 30 percent of the match, and that’s not going to be enough to win.” It was apparent that the Bulls could not penetrate the Toledo defense as three Rockets finished with double-digit digs. Beckman again led Buffalo with 20 digs and senior outside hitter Dani Silvers led the team with 12 kills. Schlegel continued her solid season, topping the Bulls with 36 assists. Silvers attributes the loss to the lack of aggression displayed by the Bulls. “We don’t accept losing,” Silvers said. “We have had these loses because we haven’t fine-tuned things to execute our game plan, which is our ultimate goal. We have had some issues with fighting. Fighting for every point, fighting for every ball, and that just has to change. Tonight we had a really good fight, we just didn’t execute for the whole time. As seniors, we didn’t want to lose our last one at home.” With the defeat, the Bulls lost the chance to host a first-round home game in the MAC Tournament. According to Kress, the loss of

home-court advantage has created a new challenge for his team. “We have got a week of volleyball left,” Kress said. “We have got to have a good couple of days of practice. We realize that [with] not hosting and going on the road, there are challenges. But we just have got to get past that first round, and anything can happen.” Kress and the Bulls recognize that the MAC Tournament starts a clean slate. With the regular season behind it, Buffalo will begin preparations knowing that the conference championship is up for grabs. “I don’t think it takes a whole lot to get a team ready for a tournament,” Kress said. “We have lost six in a row, but it’s a fresh start. Everyone has got a chance. We are going to work on the next couple of days at practice and hopefully something clicks, and we are ready to go Tuesday.” Buffalo begins MAC Tournament play on Tuesday night as the team travels to Kent State. Buffalo defeated the Golden Flashes at Alumni Arena in early October but fell at Kent two weeks ago. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

Are they really worth the money? PATERNO from page 12

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made a name for themselves and proved they have what it takes to be a professional athlete? Athletes signed some of the biggest contracts in sports history this year. From CC Sabathia’s $161 million contract with the New York Yankees to Albert Haynesworth’s $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins, money in the major leagues has flown as freely as leaves on a windy autumn day. Heck, even Urban Meyer was given $24 million to coach the Florida Gators’ collegiate football team. To put these contracts into a clearer perspective, ESPN created “Salary Crunch” – a simulated calculator that compares a person’s yearly salary to an athlete’s contract based on their season statistics.

To give you an idea of the magnitude of these contracts, I used an average annual salary of $50,000 as the base of the simulator. The results are astonishing. It takes Sabathia half a strikeout, half an inning pitched, and fourhundredths of a win to make the average person’s income. It takes Haynesworth half a game, threehundredths of a sack and a fifth of a tackle. For someone making $50,000 a year, it would take 460 years to make Sabathia’s annual salary and 286 years to make Haynesworth’s. I won’t even try to make comparisons to Tiger Woods. The world’s richest athlete is on pace to pass $1 billion in earnings come 2010. Those statistics could cause someone to go into immediate cardiac arrest.

As fans in the stands, we seem to forget that we are watching multimillionaires at a day on the job. Behind the home runs, hat-tricks, slam dunks and touchdown are obscene amounts of money in an economy stuck in recession. Adding insult to injury is the fact that we spend our hard-earned money to see these athletes in action. Like any other profession, professional athletes are the best in the world at what they do, and I respect that. But are they really worth hundreds of millions of dollars to swing a bat, shoot a ball or throw a pigskin? I don’t think so. But then again, what would the world be like without professional sports? E-mail: joe.paterno@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

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CLASSIFIED ads may be placed at The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union, Amherst Campus. Office hours are from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Deadlines are Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 12:00 for display and 2:00 p.m. for classifieds for the next edition. Weekly rates are $10.00 for the first ten words and 75¢ for each additional word. All ads must be paid in advance. The ad must be placed in person or send a legible copy of the ad with a check or money order for full payment. No ads will be taken over the phone. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit any copy. No refunds will be given on classified ads. Please make sure copy is legible. The Spectrum does not assume responsibility for any errors except to reproduce any ad (or equivalent), free of charge, that is rendered valueless due to typographical errors. Please call 645-2152 for any additional information.

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The Spectrum

November 16, 2009

SP O R T S Time to shine Joe Paterno Asst. Sports Editor

Million dollar men Reader beware: The following content contains statistics that may cause severe headaches and/or nausea. Those with previous health issues should proceed with caution. For much of this 21st century, I have picked my jaw up off the floor as breaking news scrolls across the television on ESPN’s BottomLine. With every new contract signing in professional major league sports, the hairs on the back of my neck go stiff as I shake my head in disbelief. Today’s contracts in sports are at an all-time high. Whether it is the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB, breaking into the major leagues will guarantee an athlete a lifetime of financial stability. It doesn’t matter if you’re a 40-year-old veteran or a 21-year-old rookie, the money you are granted upon signing the dotted line is unfathomable. Just ask Matthew Stafford, the NFL’s first overall draft pick in 2009. The Detroit Lions guaranteed him $41.75 million just three months after he took his first legal sip of alcohol. In addition to his yearly base salary and performance incentives, Stafford’s record-breaking contract can pocket him up to $70 million over six years. It’s too bad that money has the Lions sitting at 1-8 on the season. Even the last pick of this year’s draft, Ryan Succop, is pocketing $310,000 this season. On top of a $25,000 signing bonus, Succop can make $1.21 million if he plays out his three-year contract. And all he does is kick a football through two field goal posts. At least NBA and NHL owners have a little control with their checkbooks. Blake Griffin will only bank about $5 million this season with the Los Angeles Clippers, and John Tavares makes $900,000 on top of a $2.850 million signing bonus in Long Island. Unfortunately, that money has landed Griffin on the bench after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. At least Tavares is showing promise. I bust my butt working two part-time jobs just to have enough money to party on the weekend. In the meantime, professional athletes younger than me are having a hard time deciding which private jet to take to their next vacation spot. Maybe I should’ve spent a little bit more time focusing on athletics during my childhood. How about the veterans? How about the guys who see PATERNO page 10

By MATTHEW PARRINO Asst. Sports Editor

The statistics don’t always tell the whole story. One look at the numerical contributions from sophomore forwards Titus Robinson and Mitchell Watt last year may not explain why the men’s basketball team is counting so heavily on the youngsters this season. As the Bulls attempt to erase yet another Mid-American Conference Championship game blunder from their memory, the two forwards look to step up their game

and have a bigger impact on the team this season. Robinson is a 6-foot-7-inch forward known for his athleticism. He started 24 games last season as a freshman, but averaged only 11.6 minutes per game. Along with the rest of the team, Robinson is excited by the progress that he made in the offseason. “It’s going to be a good season,” Robinson said. “We’ve been working hard all summer and all through the pre-season and see PROFILE page 10

SIDELINES Fetterman, Marecki named Athletes of the Week

Tim Ho / The Spectrum

After playing limited time last season, sophomores Titus Robinson (right) and Mitchell Watt (left) are expected to grow into consistent playmakers this year.

Failure in final seconds By ANDREW WIKTOR Sports Editor

A good player knows how to take what the defense gives him. A great player takes what he wants from the defense. Despite being double teamed for most of the game, Vermont forward Marqus Blakely fell just three assists short of recording a triple double and proved why he’s a great player. He finished the night with 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and hit the game-winning free-throw with just over nine seconds to play to lead the Catamounts (1-1) to a 58-57 victory. “We were jittery coming into this game,” said Buffalo head coach Reggie Witherspoon. “We weren’t very good offensively. We took some rushed shots and that got us completely out of sorts offensively. We turned the ball over too many times in the first half and they played well enough to win, so credit to them.” Last year, Buffalo (0-1) battled hard all game long with UConn but turned the ball over on their last possession and ended up falling to the

First-year Bull honored by MAC

Roshini Sanghui/The Spectrum

Senior guard John Boyer scored three points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists in the Bulls’ 58-57 loss to Vermont.

Huskies by four. Sunday night: deja-vu. After trailing by 10 in the second half, Buffalo tied the score at 57 with 41 seconds to play and needed just one

Brown beasts in Bulls victory

defensive stop. Instead, as the shot clock was winding down, senior forward Max Boudreau committed his fifth and final foul, bailing out Blakely by

see MBBALL page 9

By MATT WEBER Staff Reporter

Staff Writer

It is often said that first impressions go a long way. On Friday night, junior forward Kourtney Brown and the women’s basketball team made sure that theirs was a lasting one. Behind Brown’s career-defining performance, the Bulls (1-0) won their season opener, defeating local rival Niagara (0-1) 87-79 in overtime in front of a crowd of 548 fans at Niagara’s Gallagher Center. Brown finished the game with 33 points, 22 rebounds and six steals – all careerhighs. Her 33 points tied were the fifthmost per game in school history, and her 22 rebounds set a school record. “Honestly, I didn’t realize that she had scored that much until the end of the game,” said Buffalo’s fifth-year head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. “She’s just

sending him to the line with 9.6 seconds to play. He sank 1-of-2 free throws and gave the Bulls one last possession

Late season woes

By LUKE HAMMILL

see WBBALL page 8

Sophomore goalkeeper Nick Fetterman and sophomore Brynn Marecki of the swimming & diving team have been named the Athletes of the Week by the university for their standout performances this past week. In the season finale of the men’s soccer season, Fetterman set a career-high with 10 saves and assisted on the game-winning overtime goal in Buffalo’s 2-1 win against Western Michigan. The assist was the first by a Buffalo goalkeeper since 2005. In his first full season as the Bulls’ starting goalkeeper, the North Tonawanda native recorded 52 saves and a 1.39 goals against average in 13 games. The women’s swimming & diving team got their first two Mid-American Conference wins of the year with the help of Marecki. Against Eastern Michigan, Marecki set seasonbest times in both the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke with times of 1:04.66 and 2:20.03, respectively. The Missouri product was also a member of two winning relay squads. The 400-yard medley team finished in a time of 3:52.78 against Eastern Michigan, while the 200-yard relay timed in at 1:47.92 against Ball State.

Megan Kinsley / The Spectrum

Despite setting a program record in wins this year, the volleyball team concluded its regular season this past weekend on a six-game losing streak.

It has been an up and down season for the volleyball team. Entering the final weekend of the season, the Bulls were in the midst of a four-game losing streak and losers of seven of the last 10 contests. With the Mid-American Conference tournament on the horizon, the Bulls hoped to regain confidence and momentum during a regular season-ending duo of games. Instead, Buffalo dug itself into a deeper hole. The losing streak reached five games on Thursday night after the team traveled to Akron to take on the Zips (14-16, 5-10 MAC). Despite see VBALL page 10

In his first season in the blue and white, junior forward Mike Unwin was named to the AllMAC First Team on Friday. A transfer from North Iowa Community College, Unwin finished the 2009 season as the Bulls’ leading scorer with nine goals. Starting in 16 of the team’s 17 contests, Unwin also led the team in shots with 46 and total points with 19. Unwin’s 46 shots placed him second in the conference behind the MAC Player of the Year, Teal Bunbury. The 6-foot3-inch forward was fourth in the MAC in goal scoring and finished in a three-way tie for fourth in total points. The England native was also selected to the Marquette Invitational All-Tournament Team in September.

Scoreboard Friday

Women’s Basketball Buffalo 87 (OT) Niagara 79

Saturday

Cross-country at NCAA East Regionals Men: 13 of 36 Women: 25 of 35

Sunday

Men’s Basketball Buffalo Vermont

57 58

Upcoming Events Monday Women’s Basketball at Hofstra, 7 p.m.

Tuesday Volleyball MAC Tournament . First Round at Kent State, 7 p.m.