The independent student publication of the University at Buffalo
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WEEKEND EDITION November 19, 2010 Volume 60 Issue 34
Four Loko of The Apocalypse Bell Tolls for the “Blackout in a Can” DAVE JOHNSON Staff Writer
Courtesy of Kyle James
Students and lawmakers are both going loco over Four Loko. The caffeinated alcoholic beverage is one of many that will be banned or reformatted according to state government regulations.
Save The Statler
continued on page 4
Student Leaders Meet to Discuss Presidential Search
BRITTANY CESAR Staff Writer
The Statler has been nominated by Preservation Buffalo Niagara to the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places. There has been a lot of attention concerning the recent bid made by Mark Croce and his business partner James Eagan of the Statler City LLC to take ownership of the Statler Towers, which has been in a state of financial limbo for the last 26 years. The Statler Towers is an abandoned, 77-year-old, 800,000-square-foot, art-deco-style building in Niagara Square. Its history has made it a monument in downtown Buffalo. Croce and Eagan have already announced their desire to invest in the building, which was originally an illustrious hotel at a time when Buffalo was at its economic peak. Croce and Eagan are now waiting to receive government aid to begin repairing the Statler Towers’ lower floors and start restoring the building from the ground up. The project will require at least $5.2 million just to stabilize the structure. Croce and Eagan are waiting for financial help from the city, which would include waiving unpaid property taxes, to start administering the renovation. “The building is in a state of disrepair,” Croce said. “We certainly don’t want to demolish this historic building. We’re going to install a long term plan to stabilize [the] iconic [Statler Towers], identify safety concerns to be dealt with, and start renovating, so [that] we can, someday soon, make it open for the public.” Croce, a local developer, restaurateur, and businessman, currently owns restaurants, nightclubs, and other properties throughout the city, including the Buffalo Chophouse, Darcy McGee’s, and Laughlin’s. Croce considers his business a “labor of love” because of the significant amount of energy he invests in keeping Buffalo’s historic restoration alive. The Statler Towers was built out of a vision of Ellsworth Milton Statler, a shrewd businessman and hotel chain owner. Statler had built several temporary hotels in the early 1900s, including one for Buffalo’s World Fair, the PanAmerican Exposition, in 1901. His endeavors yielded a small profit and provided keen business skills, inspiring
Students and lawmakers alike have been going loco for Four Loko, although for different reasons. “We are going to go crazy to protect our children from going crazy over Four Loko,” said New York Councilman James Sanders Jr. about the latest malt beverage mania sweeping the nation. Four Loko, following in the line of Sparks, Tilt and Bud Extra, is next in the hit list of caffeinated alcoholic beverages to be banned or reformatted according to state government regulations. Earlier this week, New York State Governor David Paterson and State Liquor Authority Commissioner Dennis Rosen announced an agreement with Phusion Products LLC, the manufacturer of Four Loko, to halt shipments to New York, effective Friday. Phusion agreed to eventually change the recipe of the beverage to remove the caffeine and other additives deemed harmful in combination with alcohol in order to meet government standards. Days after Four Loko was banned, a report issued by the Food and Drug Administration stated that beverages that are high in alcohol content and contain caffeine and other additives present a “public health concern.” Some analysts also suspect that a full ban on these types of beverages seems imminent. Four Loko, along with several of its competitors (including Joose, a flavored malt beverage with caffeine,
ANDREW WIKTOR Editor in Chief
Courtesy of flickr user amerune
The abandoned Statler Towers in Downtown Buffalo has gained the attention of Buffalo businessmen Mark Croce and James Eagan, who plan to renovate and restore the historic downtown landmark.
him to build his first permanent hotels that offered clean, comfortable and moderately-priced rooms to the standard traveler. His hotels were the first to provide running water, a private bathroom in every room, and Statler-brand stationary for each guest. Statler’s success inspired a chain of Statler hotels with the same intent of overnight luxury for the average traveler in other growing cities, including Los Angeles and Dallas. Buffalo’s Statler Towers was built in 1923 as one of E.W. Statler’s first permanent hotels, and it was then called the Buffalo Hotel Statler. It was the second hotel that he built in Buffalo after he sold his first hotel in the 1920s, and it was later re-named Hotel Buffalo. When the Hilton hotel chain bought the building in 1954, only part of it still housed the hotel rooms, as the rest of the structure had been converted into offices. It was later re-named the Statler Towers in 1984, when the hotel rooms were closed down and only three public
Weather: friday: 46°/ 34° sunny | saturday: 42°/ 28° sunny | sunday: 47°/ 41° sunny
The beginning of the semester is long gone but has not been forgotten. President John B. Simpson announced his retirement on the first day of classes and will officially be out of office come Jan. 15, leaving the university on a quest for a new leader. The search for UB’s 15th president is well underway, and Wednesday evening student leaders met with Vice Provost Scott Weber to weigh in on what they expect from their future leader. Members from the Graduate Student Association, Residence Halls, Athletics, and Greek Life were among some of the attendees. Weber headed the meeting, which was broken down into two sections: the first topic of discussion was the selection process, which was followed by an open forum consisting of questions and comments. Many of the groups in attendance were concerned with their constituencies but were collectively interested in selecting a president capable of addressing an array of issues, one of which is UB 2020. The meeting was put together by Undergraduate Student Association President Nischal Vasant, who is also the student representative on the search committee. He called the forum to hear about student concerns and to gain a general idea about what his peers are looking for in a university leader. Weber made it clear that he was present for the students and emphasized how much he respects student opinion. He also explained the selection process, talking about the level of expertise found on the selection committee, mentioning the hiring of search consultant Ilene Nagel, and highlighting the importance of the position profile, which is a detailed list of qualifications the committee will be looking for in its candidates. It was also explained that much of the search will remain confidential in order to ensure that the correct candidate is chosen for the position. Although there is no timetable on when the search will be completed, Weber remarked that the committee plans to work swiftly and diligently. The search committee is not responsible for appointing the new president but instead is in place to present a suggestion to SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, who has the ultimate say. Vasant urges students to come forward with any thoughts they may want to share regarding the search for UB’s 15th president. The entire search committee is dedicated to finding the best possible leader for the university and encourages both questions and comments. Stay with The Spectrum for continuous coverage on the search for our next president.
continued on page 2
Inside:
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com opinion — 3
arts & life — 5
classifieds — 7
sports — 8
The Spectrum Friday , November 19 , 2010
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Spanish Video Game Causes Outrage
Carolyn MacAvoy /The Spectrum
The office of Off-Campus Student Services, in collaboration with UB Green and the Honors College, spread the message of sustainability by bringing recycling bins to University Heights homes.
Bettering the Environment, One Door at a Time JENNIFER HARB Senior Life Editor
UB’s campaign to reduce its environmental impact has been an ongoing movement in recent years. However, the office of Off-Campus Student Services, in collaboration with the Honors College and UB Green, took a very active stance by going door to door in University Heights last month to achieve its goals. The mission was not only to educate the residents surrounding UB’s South Campus about recycling but also to increase the number of individuals who recycle. The three collaborating organizations administered a survey to all residents from Bailey Avenue and Lasalle Avenue to Kenmore Avenue and Englewood Avenue. The survey evaluated residents’ level of participation in
the city’s recycling program. The results showed that only 488 recycling bins were used. Next, information was distributed to all residents about the City of Buffalo’s recycling program. This educational campaign sought to inform citizens on how to practice sustainable habits. “‘Operation Doorhanger’ circulated information around the neighborhood in University Heights to educate people as to when recycling days are, what kind of materials go in the bins, and [what goes in the] garbage,” said Dan Ryan, director of Off-Campus Student Services. At the UB Neighbors Block Party and Safety Fair in September, more than 200 recycling bins were distributed by the City of Buffalo. In October, UB Honors students went door to door, providing recycling instructions, asking residents to sign a recycling pledge, and
Save the Statler continued from page 1
rooms remained open. Those rooms were used for public events and banquets. During the 1920s, the Statler Towers was considered one of the most modern hotels. The building used automatic machine billing for patrons and boasted innovative indoor plumbing, with an interior reminiscent of a grand royal palace modeled after the Italian Renaissance. The main lobby of the hotel was opulently adorned with Botticino marble and 28-foot-high arched ceilings. The hallways were filled with tapestries, velvets, mohairs, large and striking chandeliers, and Ispahan-Persian rugs. Nick Musso, a junior art and art history major, attended his senior prom at the Statler Towers in 2008, two years before the lower floors were closed.
distributing an additional 150 bins. As compared to the initial survey, recycling bin use has increased by nearly 50 percent. The Off-Campus Student Services office still serves as a distribution center for the blue recycling bins. The goal is to increase participation to 100 percent in University Heights. “Students graduate and move on, but there will be new people [moving into University Heights], so this will be an ongoing challenge for us,” Ryan said. “We want to make sure as many people as possible know how to help the environment.” Efforts by UB’s Off-Campus Student Services will continue into the spring. At the end of this academic year, the office suggests that students leaving the area donate furniture and appliances to local charities. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
“I remember it was a really rich and enchanting atmosphere,” Musso said. “With soft lighting and big chandeliers, it easily romanticized the occasion.” Croce states that the renovations include trying to preserve the genuine vision of E.W. Statler. Croce would like to restore the building to its intended state and rejuvenate its former striking appeal. Morris Horwitz is the bankruptcy court trustee in the Statler’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. Horwitz is enthusiastic about the renovation and hopes the bankruptcy estate will be freed of the building’s tax liability. “What we’ve found through talking to people is that everyone has a connection to the Statler,” Horwitz said. “Whether they were married there or went to a dance there, everyone’s life has somehow touched the Statler. It’s our anchor to Buffalo.” E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
An online video game released by the conservative Popular Party of Spain has led to an uproar across the country. The game Rescue was part of the party’s campaign for regional elections in Catalonia. It has since been removed from the party’s website. The game featured Alicia Sanchez-Camacho, president of the Popular Party branch in Catalonia, riding a white seagull over the region. Users would earn points by dropping bombs on aircraft containing illegal immigrants or displaying symbols of Catalan nationalism. The Popular Party has said that the bomb targets were meant to be organized crime syndicates that take part in the trafficking of illegal immigrants. The ruling Socialist Worker’s Party has urged the Popular Party not to associate itself with xenophobic violence. Catalan parliament members have called the game unacceptable, as it generates hate and violence toward a group simply because it is different.
Film Festival Offers Reward For Help in Publicist Murder On Tuesday, Hollywood publicist Ronnie Chasen, 64, was shot and murdered as she drove home after a movie premiere party. Police have reported that there are no suspects or leads. Chasen was driving home from a party after the premiere of Burlesque, starring Christina Aquilera and Cher. On the way to her Los Angeles home, Chasen was shot several times in the chest while driving through Beverly Hills. Her car was found smashed against a lamppost. Police have found no motives, as friends of Chasen say she had no enemies. The killing could have been a random carjacking or a targeted attack, according to police. In response to Chasen’s death, the Palm Springs Film Festival has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the killer. Publicist Michael Levine has also started a $25,000 fund for anyone who helps to convict the murderer.
Attempted Purse Snatching on North Campus At 8:39 p.m. on Wednesday night, an attempted purse snatching was reported to University Police. The incident occurred when a student was returning to her car after leaving Capen Hall. The victim was pushed to the ground in the Jacobs A parking lot as two suspects attempted to take a purse containing her laptop. The suspects fled when the victim resisted giving up her bag. The suspects were described as two white males, both wearing dark clothing. One male was reportedly wearing jeans and a black sweatshirt. The other was wearing black sweatpants, black sneakers, and a black North Face fleece jacket. The suspects were last seen fleeing northeast from the Jacobs lot. UPD issued a statement reminding members of the campus community to remember to walk with a group and be alert to their surroundings. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call UPD at 645-2222.
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Opinion 716.645.8566
Editorial Board Editor in Chief Andrew Wiktor Managing Editors David Sanchirico, senior Luke Hammill Amanda Woods Editorial Editor Jeff Pelzek News Editors Lauren Nostro, senior. Brendon Bochacki, asst. Amanda Jonas, asst. David Weidenborner, asst. Arts Editors James Twigg, senior Jameson Butler Vanessa Frith, asst. John Hugar, asst. Nicolas Pino, asst. Life Editors Jennifer Harb, senior. Katie Allen, senior. John Connelly, asst. Steve Neilans, asst. Sports Editors Matt Parrino, senior Jacob Laurenti Chris Rahn Brian Josephs, asst. Photo Editors Clinton Hodnett, senior Renee Huo Megan Kinsley. Karen Larkin, asst. Sam Zakalik, asst. Web Editor Adam Cole Copy Editor Meghan Farrell Graphics Designer Aline Kobayashi
Professional Staff Business Manager Debbie Smith Administrative Assistant Helene Polley Advertising Manager Marissa Giarraputo Advertising Designer Christopher Lonzi Creative Director Jeannette Wiley
The views expressed — both written and graphic — in the Feedback, Opinion, and Perspectives sections of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or spectrum-editorial@buffalo.edu. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style or length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it clearly as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number and e-mail address.
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NOVEMBER 19 , 2010 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 34 CIRCULATION: 10,000 The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by 360 Youth. 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 Buffalo Newspress PO Box 648, Buffalo, NY 14240-0648.
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www.ubspectrum.com/opinion
In Controversial Screening, U.S. Marshals Break Promises Airport security will still come before individual rights to privacy The Transportation Security Administration has had to defend its new screening procedures, now in use in 60 major United States airports, from civil liberties groups that say the new passenger screening tests are too invasive. The new policies give airplane passengers a choice: walk through a full body scan or submit to a pat down. Obviously, more airport security will not be met with much opposition in a post-9/11 aviophobic United States. Indeed, most people will probably feel more assured knowing that the TSA is taking extensive measures to ensure the utmost safety on all domestic airplanes. It seems even more obvious that people’s privacy comes second to airborne safety, as one would probably rather go through a few moments of discomfort and embarrassment than to go down over the Atlantic Ocean in a heap of steel and flame. Nobody denies the importance of protection from terrorist plots, but what changed that now we need an entirely new and invasive system to prevent terror? It has been over nine years since the last major terrorist plot succeeded on a United States airline. That, at least, is what we have heard. Perhaps there were setbacks in airport security or terrorist scares of which American travelers were not informed. It feels weird that, nine years after the last attack, we are only now beginning to use extensive, perhaps excessive, means of assuring complete airport safety without apparent cause. To be sure, no terrorist attempts have had success for almost the past decade, using the same system. This includes the recent bomb shipment from Yemen
and the infamous underwear bomber, who has helped to inspire these more thorough screening tests. It is also easy for us to say, fully clothed and in the prime of our unblemished youth, that people should not be embarrassed by naked-scans; and if a pat down is the appropriate alternative to a full body scan, you can probably guess that it is far more meddlesome than the pockets-legs-coat frisk that one might receive at the local concert venue. To ensure privacy, the TSA assures that all photographic images and videos of checked passengers will be deleted immediately. We should be able to assume that the TSA would keep its word in order maintain its integrity and to ensure a policy that respects its customers. But the website Gizmodo, a gadgets guide website sponsored by Sony, digitally published 100 of the 35,000 saved images and videos that U.S. Marshals had promised to discard. Though not from the nakedscan machines that the Department of Homeland Security is currently pushing for at 28 U.S. airports, the images are unflattering, showing the passenger under his or her clothing. If we cannot trust these credible institutions to respect our individual right to privacy, and if they have no justifiable pretext for implementing these new safety policies in the first place, then we should not allow such an intrusive policy pass for “improvements” in airport security. But indeed, we also cannot wait for the next horrifying act of terrorism to occur before we try hard to prevent it.
Nutria Fur is Pitched As Environmentally Friendly Swamp Rats Are Still Animals Nutria are more commonly known as swamp rats; until recently, they were valued only for their absence from homes and backyards. Fashion designer Micha Michelle Melancon has tapped the growing number of nutria in Louisiana swamps, and she has thus created with their pelts what many consider to be a more socially-acceptable and environmentally-friendly fur. Typically only viewed as pets, nutria are actually native animals of South America; they were shipped North centuries ago in order to feed the American consumers’ demand for fur. They only gained their status as pests, and thus their noble distinction of “swamp rats,” when they escaped into the Louisiana swamps and began to feed and breed independently. The state of Louisiana now pays trappers and small-game hunters $5 for every nutria that they remove from the swamps, so that the plant life that nutria consumes might be saved.
From the state’s standpoint, its objective is an environmental initiative that will save the swamp’s indigenous flora from the foreign pest, as Louisiana’s swamps cannot regrow their plants as quickly as nutria can reproduce. But it seems hardly marketable that a fashion company would begin selling “rat” fur for designer prices, even though a mink and most other animals that produce marketable fur are within, or at least resemble, the rodent family. It seems even less likely that you could remotely claim that skinning pelts for apparel is in any way environmentally friendly, even if it is an unpopular animal. Granted, people will act to destroy or remove a pestilence that contributes to environmental erosion, and it seems only practical to remove the rodents, whose bodies would normally fester in the swamp, and make something useful out of their pelts. But it seems a bit contradictory to think that it is suitable to
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I am writing in response to an anonymous editorial that appeared on Page 3 of this Wednesday’s Spectrum. In my opinion, the knee-jerk, anti-gun rhetoric espoused in the article was every bit as irresponsible as the creative Florida truck salesman offering a free AK-47 with the purchase of every new vehicle. As the writer points out, would-be buyers must comply with all pertinent State and Federal regulations in order to actually claim their complimentary firearms, and they must do so through normal channels, by taking a voucher to a licensed dealership. The writer then goes on to complain about how “gun laws in Florida are obviously too lenient” and to lament the fact that “taking on any constitutional amendment, especially any of the first 10, is a daunting task and one that almost never changes anything.” I was puzzled by that sentiment. Does the writer actually think that “taking on” the Bill of Rights would be desirable, let alone a reasonable response to a promotion that has not, in fact, actually resulted in any wrongdoing? The writer gives twin hypothetical scenarios of a sniper and a wayward bullet killing a child, but mere hypothetical possibilities can hardly justify doing away with rights that have been enumerated in this country for more than two centuries, largely without incident.
kill an animal, in order to save an area with equally disgusting geologic features. One could even argue that the preceding modifier “swamp” only works to further sully the connotations surrounding “rat.” One can only argue that it is only a rat, and that it less of an animal, when one has not skinned the animal in question, to see that it bleeds just like any other game mammal. Many people only feel guilty about killing lobsters when they are holding the struggling crustacean over the steaming water. Without exception, we as an editorial board would not buy a rat-skin fur coat simply because it is a swamp rat’s skin. We are no exception to the far-reaching stigma. But we cannot bring ourselves to agree that it is environmentally friendly to kill any animal because of its diet, and it seems to some of us that the marketing pitch is a bit out of line in its reasoning.
The esteemed men who founded our Republic made our Constitution difficult to change for a reason, and the rhetorical blustering in the article is a perfect example of why they did this. Just because there is a risk of someone doing something irresponsible doesn’t justify massive governmental intrusion into the business of those who aren’t, or don’t plan to. Granted, the issue of firearms and the Second Amendment tends to arouse strong emotions on account of the particular danger presented. But the underlying issue is the same, regardless of the right in question. There will always be bad actors, those who would abuse the rights we enjoy as Americans. And I would be the first to tell you that they should face the consequences of doing so. But why should the vast majority of Americans who are law-abiding citizens give up their rights because of the misdeeds of the few, or worse, because of the mere possibility of misdeeds? Too much of our domestic policy today is motivated by fear; from electronic strip-searches at airports, to the banning of alcoholic energy drinks, to overzealous gun regulations that punish those who have done, and in all likelihood, will do nothing wrong. Indeed, it is imperative that we exercise our rights responsibly,taking care to respect those
CHRIS RAHN
Sports Editor
Never Date a Girl Who Can Read When I was younger, one of my family members, after a long night of drinking, told me to never date a girl who could read. I wasn’t quite sure how to take the advice. Well into my last year of college, I’m still trying to determine what he meant. This is as far as I’ve gotten. If there’s one thing in this world that can make men powerless it’s women. Come on, I know we may not all be that smart, but we’re better than that. So why not date a dumb girl who doesn’t quite know how to take advantage of you? I’ve had experiences with both smart and notso-smart girls, and there are benefits to both. If you see a pretty girl with a pile of books in front of her in the library, trust me, she’s smarter than you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, just know that she will be impossible to manipulate, and she will always get what she wants. However, she will be able to hold a conversation, which is always a plus. But there are negatives to this situation. Take Tiger Woods, for example. Around this time last year, Woods was probably the greatest human on planet Earth. He was a multi-billionaire, was the most dominant athlete in his sport, had a whole country in love with him, and had a beautiful wife. There was only one problem: his wife was smart enough to know something was going on. If he had received the great advice I had, he would still be on top of the world. Instead, his wife read his text messages and found out that he was indeed cheating on her. She proceeded to go crazy on him with a golf club and Woods crashed his SUV and eventually his life. This is an easily avoidable situation for Woods. And I know what you’re thinking; he shouldn’t have cheated on his wife. Yeah, this is probably true. He shouldn’t have left his text messages open for her to read, too. Again, a mistake on Woods’ part. But that is all beyond the point. The real mistake was marrying someone who was able to sniff out his extramarital activities. Oh, and she took $110 million from him. I’m not saying find a girl that you can get away with lying to, or cheat on. What I’m really saying is, make sure that you don’t get taken advantage of. This is for your own protection. As a man, you want to be in control, and you can achieve this by dating a dumb girl. For example, a girl from Long Island. Personally, I would prefer a smart girl. I think I’m able to hold my own in a situation like that, but a lot of us men can’t. Don’t take the title literally, I don’t actually mean “never date a girl who can read.” It would just be ludicrous to limit your options like that. And obviously, it would be really dumb for anyone to take dating advice from me. I mean, I did just severely reduce the number of girls in this school that will talk to me by writing this. What I’m trying to say is, guys, just be careful about the situations you get yourselves into. E-mail: chris.rahn@ubspectrum.com
of others. (After all, my rights end where yours begin.) Personal responsibility is undoubtedly more difficult than simply letting the government decide what is and is not acceptable conduct, but it is one of the surest safeguards against tyranny. If the Bill of Rights is to mean anything at all, every citizen must take responsibility for their exercise of it, and not abrogate that responsibility to someone who claims they know what’s best for you, better than you do. Paul T. Fusco-Gessick J.D. Candidate ‘11 Buffalo Law School The State Univ. of N.Y. Letters to the Editor are not edited by The Spectrum. They are run as-is.
Correction:
P. 2: The Graduate Indian Student Association is not the
group collecting funds for the victims of the fire at 37 Merrimac St. Instead it is the Electrical Engineering Student Association that is coordinating the fundraising. Also, the money will not go directly to the EESA, but instead will be funneled to the students who lived at 37 Merrimac.
The Spectrum Friday , November 19 , 2010
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Four Loko of the Apocalypse continued from page 1
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Local stores such as Tops Markets and Wegmans have preemptively stopped selling Four Loko. Some UB students support the ban of Four Loko. “I drank about a quarter of a can, and it was disgusting…[it tasted] like sugary battery acid,” said Brian Kane, a graduate student in education. European countries with less-strict alcohol restrictions faced similar dilemmas concerning “alcopops,” a portmanteau of “alcohol” and “pop” flavored alcoholic beverages. Alcopops have existed in various forms since the 1980s. “We had a huge increase of drunk underage people, and a lot of women were affected likely due to the sweeter taste masking the alcohol,” said Matthias Schmid, a doctorate student in aerospace engineering. Schmid referenced his homeland of Germany and how the ban of “alcopops” had beneficial effects on underage drinking. “When realizing that underage drinkers had limited income to spend, they raised taxes on the drinks, making them less attractive to people without much money,” Schmid said. “Of course, if they had just [asked] everyone [for proof of identification] like they should have, it probably wouldn’t have been that big of a problem.” According to Schmid, the increase in taxes also cut down on instances of underage alcohol abuse or “coma drinking.” While some people object to the scrutiny and enjoy the drink in its current form, companies like Phusion have already agreed to change the drinks to appease lawmakers, regulators and concerned citizens. Expect to see a decaffeinated version of Four Loko and other variants sometime in the near future. E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
BRRR!
Kickin’ Butts, One Smoker at a Time
Illustration by Aline Kobayashi
ginseng and taurine), was singled out in the report. Phusion Products and United Brands Company, the maker of Joose, both responded in statements promising to compromise with regulators and disagreeing with the FDA’s findings. “While we don’t agree with the notion that mixing caffeine and alcohol is inherently unsafe, we do agree with the goal of keeping adults of legal age who choose to drink responsibly as safe and as informed as possible,” Phusion stated in an open letter issued to the public. The FDA notified other manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages last year that it had never specifically approved of the addition of caffeine, taurine, and guarana (a plant similar to caffeine) and would study the effects of those additions. The findings of these studies, released on Wednesday, alerted the makers of seven caffeinated alcoholic beverages that their products cannot stay on the market in their current forms. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the FDA’s principal deputy commissioner, stated that caffeine and additional supplements mask the high alcohol content that the drinks possess. The FDA’s report gave the companies 15 days to modify the drinks’ contents or risk a possible seizure of products under federal law. Some officials are also concerned that the taste of these drinks makes them appealing to underage drinkers, who are more likely to consume alcohol in this sugary, fruit-flavored form. “Let these rulings serve as a warning to anyone who tried to peddle dangerous and toxic brews to our children,” said New York Senator Charles Schumer at a press conference. “Do it and we will shut you down.” Schumer, who has urged the Obama administration to outlaw the beverages, called the FDA ruling “the nail in the coffin of these dangerous and toxic drinks.”
JOHN CONNELLY Asst. Life Editor
For once, yesterday morning was a good time to be a smoker at UB. The American Cancer Society, in conjunction with UB Against Cancer, hosted The Great American Smokeout in the Student Union Lobby. At the event, students learned techniques to quit smoking and received free nicotine patches and gum. Students were given a “Passport to Being Smoke Free” when the event started. This passport, if marked at four of the six event tables, garnered students a free T-shirt. Stations included a UBreathe Free initiative, a tobacco Plinko (a Price is Right game) table, a stress management table with supplies to color and paint, a consultation table, two healthscreening tables, and a nutrition table. The volunteers at the event realize that quitting smoking is not easy and that people who have the desire to quit need help and guidance along the way. “Everyone is affected by cancer in some way, and that is why UB Against Cancer is putting on these events. We want to raise as much awareness as we can, and we want to do what we can to help out everyone who… is currently smoking and does want to make the difficult decision. We’re here as a support network to try to encourage people,” said Matthew Tibaldi, a second year business student at UB and a coordinator for The Great American Smokeout. “[We want to] to try to make this transition easier for those who want to quit.” At the game of Plinko, there were more chances to win free prizes. Students were asked three true or false questions. Depending on the number of questions that were answered correctly, students could drop up to three balls onto the Plinko board and win pajama pants or a lunch box. In contrast to some anti-smoking strategies, the volunteers at The Great American Smokeout weren’t trying to get in people’s faces about quitting. Students could easily check out the event without being intimidated or overwhelmed. The tables all had a laid-back atmosphere. Some offered candy to help students quit, and some had bubbles donning the message, “Blow Bubbles, Not Smoke.” Other tables offered information about how tobacco companies market, about UBreathe Free, and about other universities’ initiatives toward smoke-free campuses. A unique aspect of the event was the presence of lung capacity and blood pressure tests. Smokers could get tested to see the physical effect that smoking has had on their bodies, making the advertised effects of smoking a personal reality. “We’re trying to avoid telling people things that they’ve heard before,” Tibaldi said. All of the information provided, along with the student testimonials about their experiences with quitting smoking, made for a pretty comprehensive anti-smoking event that put students on the right path to quitting. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
Weekend in Buffalo
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Who: Jameson Butler | What: Brian McKnight When: Sunday, 8 p.m. | Where: CFA Why: One, you’re like a dream come true. Two, just wanna be with you. Three, girl it’s plain to see, that you’re the only one for me. Four, repeat steps one through three. Five, make you fall in love with me. If ever I believe my work is done... then I start Back at One. Who: John Hugar | What: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 When: All weekend | Where: Movie theaters everywhere Why: If you loved the books, it’s a must see. If you never read the books, well, Emma Watson is pretty hot. Who: Vanessa Frith | What: AP Tour: Bring Me the Horizon, August Burns Red, Emarosa, Polar Bear Club, This is Hell When: Saturday, 6 p.m. | Where: Club Infinity Why: Because about half the bands are worth the money. Just make sure you leave before Bring Me the Horizon takes the stage.
Arts & Life
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Burlesque Show in Buffalo
Photograph by Jim Bush
A delightful version of Cabaret was performed in the Center For The Arts on Wednesday and will run through Sunday.
YouTube Videos of the Week
Ecologically Excellent LUSANA MASRUR Staff Writer
Danny MacAskill - “Way Back Home” - NEW street trials riding short film Someone should tell this guy a bike is not a pogo stick.
Ohio Edison tower demo fails, falls wrong way “Timber!” doesn’t quite cover this one.
Bundaberg Rum - Favourable Lie That croc had a little C4 in him.
UB’s environmental network is fighting for a greener future. Students exposed international and local ecological issues on Tuesday during an Environmental Extravaganza. Covering a vast range of topics – such as sustainable farming, overfishing, shark de-finning, hydraulic fracturing in New York State, and offshore wind energy – students were well informed on current green efforts. “We’re trying to raise awareness about a number of different environmental issues that are both local and globally related,” said Kristina Blank, a junior environmental studies major and president of the Environmental Network (EN). Blank was eager to comment on the controversial issue of hydraulic fracturing, which is currently banned in New York. “One of the things we are showcasing is hydrofracking, a method of extracting natural gas from the grounds,” Blank said. “Studies have shown that in over a thousand cases it has led to groundwater contamination. The chemicals that they use often end up leaking into the aquifer, and in some cases in Pennsylvania, people can actually light their tap
Call of Duty Moves Forward by Taking a Step Back NICOLAS PINO Asst. Arts Editor
Grade: B+ Drunk Santa Caught On Surveillance Cam!!!!!!!! Apparently Santa deals with Christmas music the same way all of us do.
Throwing the puppy in the leaves This was a lot more fun for the owners than the dog.
Call of Duty, which has brought thousands into the realm of online console gaming, has struck digital gold once again in this iteration of the gun-toting, highly explosive, and oddly familiar series. Call of Duty: Black Ops begins its systematic path of destruction with the attempted elimination of the Cuban commander in chief, the one and only Fidel Castro. The invasion is a success, but the leader of the land of cigars doesn’t go down easily, as the Americans are quickly discovered and the assassination attempt is shut down. The player soon discovers that the communist island doesn’t take kindly to attempted murders. Before he knows it, the player finds himself in the barren wastes of the Russian mainland. As players traverse continents,
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COLLIN SCHWEIGER Staff Writer
Wednesday night marked the opening performance of Cabaret at UB’s Center for the Arts, and the show’s cast and crew brought down the house. From the minute the curtain went up, audience members were grabbed out of their seats and sucked into the performance, and by the time all was said and done, they were on their feet cheering raucously for more. Originally premiering in November of 1966 at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City, Cabaret is the story of a young American novelist named Cliff Bradshaw who comes to Berlin in 1930 looking for “something to write about.” Upon his arrival, Cliff is befriended by a local man and invited to a local nightclub called the Kit Kat Klub. It is here that Cliff meets a young cabaret dancer named Sally with whom he falls deeply in love. As Cliff and Sally enjoy the decadent and wild nightlife of Weimar Germany, they continue to remain oblivious to the growing power of the Nazi party and its sympathizers, until everything falls apart. Overseeing the action of the play is one of the most entertaining characters of the show – the Kit Kat Klub’s master of ceremonies, played by music theatre major Taylor Frisina. The flamboyant yet intuitive nature of the emcee is the source of much comedic relief in the show, allowing him to observe the action of the show from the outside. Despite the dark undertones of a growing Nazi threat, the show is quite funny. Dance numbers like “If You Could See Her,” during which the emcee and a gorilla dressed in a tutu and high heels dance around the stage, left audience members holding their sides with laughter. Other notable numbers include “So What,” performed by Fraulein Schneider, and “The Money Song,” performed by the emcee and company. In terms of production quality, the production crew hit one out of the park. The music for the show was incredibly well done, and the choreography was
water on fire because of the methane that is in there. We’re trying to spread the message and get people to take action against it by closing the loophole which says that the process does not have to be regulated by the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.” Jason Mazurowski, a senior environmental studies and geology and major, explains why students need to have a heightened awareness on this growing concern. “I think it’s really important to get the word out about hydraulic fracturing, mostly because a significant portion of the student population is from the New York City watershed,” Mazurowski said. “That’s the area that’s “The Bag Monster” going to be directly affected and those kids don’t know a whole lot about what’s going on, especially being in this area when the political heat is going on down in that area.” The “Bag Monster” was popular with students at the event. EN members took turns wearing the ecocostume and walking around the SU. The display of over 500 bags represented the number of plastic bags used by an average American in a given year, making a dramatic statement to students and advocating for immediate action. Casey Gordon, a sophomore environmental studies
discovering American undercover involvement in foreign affairs, more and more of the United States’ underhanded policies are brought to light. Levels in this game are as diverse as they come; players are constantly fighting their way through the multitude of challenges that each environment offers. From Russian launch sites to dense jungle combat and battles on the high seas, this game’s levels will definitely keep the player on his toes. The single player is a fun way to get new players into the fray, but as any veteran of the series knows, it’s all about the online play, and Black Ops doesn’t disappoint. The game takes a step back from Infinity Ward’s design to truly assess what players wanted in the online experience. Some players felt that the developer offered the more hardcore gamers an unfair advantage by giving them the superior weaponry and more useful equipment. This time around, developer Treyarch leveled the playing field by using a point system. As players win matches online, they can spend their hard-earned points on equipment and perks that best suit them at any given moment. The leveling system still has its restrictions,
5
quite impressive. Scene transitions were handled with the utmost speed and efficiency, allowing for a seamless and cohesive theater experience. The most remarkable aspect of the show was the sheer vocal talent of those involved in the production. The actors did an absolutely incredible job harmonizing with one another, and the musicians in the pit gave the show a very richly textured sound. Standout performances include Eva Tashjian’s portrayal of Fraulein Schneider, Cliff’s landlady, and Michael J. Barattini’s portrayal of Herr Schultz, one of Schneider’s tenants. The interactions between these two characters are wonderfully endearing and are one of the highlights of the show. The on-stage chemistry between Tashjian and Barattini is real and palpable. However, Frisina steals the show with his portrayal of the club emcee, bringing the leering and flamboyant character to life. His song and dance numbers are among some of the best in the show, and his footwork in high heels is truly impressive. “The best part about these kids is their work ethic. They come in here every day for rehearsals to work hard and support each other. Who gets what role doesn’t matter; they just want to work together to make a great show,” said Music Director Nathan Matthews. This work ethic is visible in the high quality of the show. UB’s School of Drama and Theatre gave a truly laudable performance of Cabaret on Wednesday night. The cast and crew did a marvelous job working together to create a rich and entertaining experience for those in the audience. Cabaret is playing in the Center for the Arts Drama Theatre through Sunday. Tickets are $18 for general admission and only $10 for students.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
major and a participant of the “Bag Monster,” felt that students really saw the big picture and need for change. “It really gets the message out there,” Gordon said. “For the most part, I’m gaining looks and smiles. But every time I’ll go talk to a person, they’ll listen to what I have to say. I had one person asking me if I was going to win the Guinness Book of World Records for the most amounts of bags worn. But I think most people are interested to see what it’s all about.” Jessie Dresch, a senior Spanish major and the creator of the “Bag Monster,” shares her passion for green initiatives. “We really wanted to have a day where we could just inform students about all sorts of initiatives going on, not only at UB but throughout the Buffalo area,” Dresch said. “We have things that all of our members are passionate about. We also have a huge ‘Save Our Hemlocks Day’ on Dec. 7, so this is almost like a test-run for that. We’re selling bracelets here to save money for this cause.” While browsing through booths of information and environmental facts, students also had the opportunity to make free trail mix, try out the new Rock Band 3, and win a free T-shirt while making hemp bracelets for a dollar. “The Environmental Network is great, but honestly, I didn’t know they were doing anything today,” said Ashley Wiehl, a senior biology major. “Just from coming by and reading up on everything, I have learned a lot of stuff today – ways that our environment is kind of going to hell, but also ways that we can actively change it.”
however, as guns become available to purchase only after reaching certain levels. Plus, the forever-tedious “prestige” option that allows players to start from scratch is still available to players looking to prove their mettle. The best addition to the online play is that guests can sign in and join the battle, as split-screen multiplayer is brought to life in Black Ops. Putting glory and honor on the line, players can now compete in Black Ops Wager matches. In this mode, players set initial bets, and the top-slot players receive big prizes while the losers walk away with nothing. Coming in a close second as the best addition are the new Nazi Zombie levels, one of which includes a certain government building with some rather humorous dialogue between two nations’ great leaders. As random chests spew out a plethora of weapons for players to use in the fight for survival, a few surprising gadgets make their way into the standard first-person shooter arsenal. A crossbow, reminiscent of Turok’s golden days as a dinosaur hunter, tops the list as the best weapon in the game. The ray gun takes second place, as its one-shot, one-kill ratio is absolutely
E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com vital in the later rounds of zombie conflict. Sadly, some weapons have received the preferential treatment from their developer, as Treyarch’s soon-to-be iconic RC-XD remote-controlled explosive seems to devastate the landscape in most online matches. Online weapons are divided into their usual sub-categories. One shotgun may be pump action, while the next gets a semi-automatic function. They’re both shotguns, and both play relatively similarly. Also, something feels amiss in the weapons department. A lack of firearms makes the purchasing of every weapon almost a walk in the park compared to Modern Warfare 2’s seemingly neverending choice of rifles. The game, while it only brings a few new additions to the table, is a pure joy to play. Guns feel like they should, and dropping enemies has never been more satisfying. While Black Ops falls short of its Infinity Ward counterpart in terms of online players and overall gameplay, it still makes a worthy addition to the Call of Duty series. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
The Spectrum Friday , November 19 , 2010
6 attack and defense. Fritsche saw limited action early in the season, but she has been a vital part of the attack. In the Bulls win over the Bobcats the freshman finished the match with 14 digs, seven kills, and two service aces.
Scouting Ohio Bobcats CHRIS RAHN Sports Editor
The volleyball team won their first game in the Mid-American Conference tournament, setting up a match-up with the Ohio Bobcats on Friday night in the quarterfinals, in Toledo, Ohio. The Bobcats were the MAC East regular season champions, and are the number two seed in the tournament.
Bulls 2010 Record: 18-15 (5-11, MAC) Bobcats 2010 Record: 18-11 (10-6, MAC) Season series: The two teams split the season series, each winning on their home floor. The first meeting on Ohio’s home court was a disappointment for the Bulls. The Bobcats swept an uncompetitive Buffalo squad (25-14, 25-19, 25-16) on the Bulls first conference road trip of the season. The second meeting at Alumni Arena was an emotional victory for the Bulls and it was possibly their most important of the regular season. The Bulls topped the Bobcats in a five-set thriller (20-25, 25-15, 26-24, 20-25, 15-12).
Key Bulls: Kelly Svoboda- The freshman
defensive specialist is coming off of two consecutive MAC East Defensive Player of the Week awards. In the Bulls victory over Ohio this season, Svoboda tallied 25 digs, which is a significant improvement over the four she totaled in the loss to the Bobcats.
UFC 123 Preview continued from page 8
Harris looks to improve on his undefeated record in the UFC against a relative unknown in Falcao. Falcao reportedly has some power and looks to be ready to burst onto the MMA scene. Look for a knockout in this fight unless Harris can get the newcomer to the ground.
Key Bobcats: Sue Jacobi- The senior outside hitter is
the most important member of the Bobcats. She does it all. In the last meeting with the Bulls, Jacobi had 53 total kill attempts, but only converted on 16. Despite the low hitting percentage, she contributed elsewhere with 15 digs, two block-assists, and a service ace.
Katie Post- The Bulls found that
stopping the junior outside hitter can be difficult in their last meeting. Post converted 21 kills on just 34 attempts and only four errors, good for a .500 hitting percentage. She also was important in stopping the Bulls attack s she compiled one solo-block and five block-assists.
Prediction: The Bulls have struggled on the road in conference play this season, dropping six out of eight matches. However, the freshmen have had a whole season to adapt to the college level, and the team is hitting its stride at the right time. With an upset win in the first round of the conference tournament earlier this week, and topping Ohio in their last meeting, the Bulls confidence heading into this difficult match should be at a season-high. Look for the Bulls to step up in their most difficult match of the season thus far. Winning the conference tournament in an underdog role will prove difficult for such a young team, but a win like this will go a long way for the future of the program.
Bulls in five sets E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
ALSO: Gerald Harris vs. Maiquel Falcao
PREDICTION: FALCAO by Knockout (Parrino and Carr) Co-MAIN EVENT: Matt Hughes vs. B.J. Penn This deciding match in a historic trilogy is a great secondary main event. Penn, labeled the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world before two straight loses to current lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, is in desperate need for something positive. The last time Penn met Hughes, he got crucifixed and punched in the face until “Big” Jon McCarthy stepped in to stop the fight. Hughes has won three straight fights, but the competition has been somewhat of a joke. His last two challenges came against Thiago Alves and UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre. Both of those fights were losses for Hughes. Penn is going to test Hughes, and we will all find out if Hughes can still be a factor at 170 pounds.
PREDICTION: Hughes obviously poses a threat to Penn in this fight. Penn has struggled with bigger fighters historically, but this, in my opinion, is a different B.J. Penn. He is coming off of two embarrassing losses and he is motivated to send a message to the MMA world. He will find a way, on the ground or standing, to finish this fight.
PENN by Submission (Parrino)
Hughes’ age will be exposed by a motivated B.J. Penn. Penn is fresh off of two losses to Frankie Edgar and will come out ready to take the fight to the ground. Hughes, while very skilled and physical on the ground, will fall into one of Penn’s “traps” and will end up tapping the mat.
PENN by Submission (Carr)
Christine Fritsche- The freshman
Phil Davis vs. Tim Boetsch Davis is 7-0 in his career and 3-0 in the UFC, and he has been a nightmare for opponents on the ground. Boetsch has won four straight fights, but this will be a step up in competition. Look for Times Weekly Davis to get this fight to the ground and finish Boetsch via punches.
THREE
PREDICTION: DAVIS by TKO (Parrino TEN THOUSAND and Carr)
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This battle of former Ultimate Fighter participants could win fight-of-the-night honors. The winner willTo elevate his name into the top Students contenders at 155. Sotiropoulos has won seven straight fights and hasn’t lost ... you dosince theleaving math the show. If he takes Lauzon lightly, he’ll be in big trouble Saturday night.
10,000 copies per issue PREDICTION: LAUZON by TKO (Parrino) SOTIROPOULOS by Knockout (Carr) 30,000 prospective readers
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The Spectrum Friday, November 19 , 2010
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Sports
Volleyball Preview > Page 6
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Volleyball Reaches MAC Quarterfinals for Second Straight Year ANDREW BELLAFLORES Staff Reporter
Benny Higo /The Spectrum
The volleyball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament with a win over Akron on Tuesday night, setting up a meeting with the MAC East regular season champion Ohio Bobcats on Friday night.
MATTHEW PARRINO and STEVE CARR Senior Sports Editor and Staff Writer
@UB Spec Sports
www.ubspectrum.com/sports
Despite a rough travel week, the volleyball team picked up a much-needed victory with its season on the line. The Bulls (18-15, 5-11 Mid-American Conference) traveled to Akron (15-14, 7-9 MAC) for the first round of the 2010 MAC Tournament. The 10th-seeded Bulls blanked the Zips, 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-23), on Akron’s home court. Buffalo seized the match by recording a .231 hitting percentage, giving the team an edge over Akron’s .126 percentage. Buffalo’s victory is its second-straight win over Akron at Rhodes Arena in the past five days. With the victory, the Bulls claimed their first 18-win season since 1996. “Getting a win on the road in the tournament took a huge team effort,” said head coach Todd Kress. “We were faced with adversity in the first and third set. At the critical point, key people stepped up.” Akron came storming out of the gates, taking a 12-7 lead in the first set. Buffalo responded with a six-point run to take a 13-12 lead. The Zips reclaimed the lead and went up 23-20. With Akron two points away from taking the first set, the Bulls answered with a kill from freshman blocker Carissa Mckenna and a service ace from senior Marisa Hornbaker to make the score 23-22. Akron’s costly errors down the stretch opened the door for senior setter Lindsey Schlegel to close the set with a service ace, clinching the set 27-25 for the Bulls. The Bulls carried the momentum into the second set and took a 6-2 lead before Akron answered with an 11-6 run to take a 13-12 lead. Buffalo regrouped and went on a 13-4 run to
UFC 123 Preview
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take the second set of the match. In the third set, freshman outside hitter Dana Musil and junior blocker Abby Niekamp led the Bulls defensively. Throughout the set, Niekamp repeatedly stepped up with crucial kills to keep Buffalo in the lead. Hornbaker added a kill of her own to make the score 24-23 in favor of Buffalo. An Akron hitting error cost the Zips the set and the match. “Lindsey [Schlegel] ran the show very well offensively and gave us the opportunity to win,” Kress said. “We served the ball well. Serving was a big part of the match.” Schlegel finished the match with 31 assists, eight digs, and four kills on five attempts. Niekamp led the Bulls with 15 kills on 32 attempts on the night. Hornbaker finished off her night with eight kills, only one error, and a .333 hitting percentage. Freshman libero Kelly Svoboda, the reigning MAC East Defensive Player of the Week, added 21 digs to lead the team. Buffalo now faces the MAC East regular season champs, the second-seed Ohio Bobcats (18-11, 10-6 MAC). The rivals split their season series, with the Bulls winning in dramatic fashion in the most recent matchup at Alumni Arena. The Bulls will travel to Toledo, Ohio, where the rest of the tournament is taking place. Quarterfinal action gets underway Friday with Buffalo’s match scheduled for 7 p.m. See Page 6 for a preview of next round’s matchup against Ohio. E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
MAIN EVENT: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Lyoto Machida This matchup pits two former champions in the light-heavyweight division against each other. Both fighters are desperately in need of a win, and it just so happens that the winner should be in line for the next shot at the title. Machida is coming off of an embarrassing knockout loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The dominant performance by Rua earned him the light-heavyweight title and gave Machida his first loss, causing Machida to contemplate retirement. Rampage is 5-2 in the UFC, but his two losses came at the worst possible time. He lost to Forrest Griffin at UFC 86, thus dropping his 205-pound title, and he then lost to archrival Rashad Evans after a lengthy buildup and years of trash talk.
PREDICTION: Rampage has knockout power, but I don’t see him being quick enough to locate Machida’s head with his fist on a consistent basis. Machida’s takedown defense is amazing and will neutralize Jackson’s wrestling skills. I do, however, think the fight will go to the judges.
MACHIDA by Decision (Parrino)
Rampage is not what he was in his prime and Machida will take control of the fight from the opening bell. Jackson will have his outbursts in the stand-up game, but he will eventually succumb to Machida on the mat.
MACHIDA by Submission (Carr)
continued on page 6
THE SPECTRUM SPORTS PULSE
NFL
NBA
> New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
> Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks Friday 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
> Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings 1 p.m. (FOX)
> Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers Saturday 10 p.m.
> Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers 1 p.m. (CBS)Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
NCAA
FOOTBALL
> No. 8 Nebraska at No. 19 Texas A&M Saturday 8 p.m. (ABC) > Fresno State at No. 4 Boise State Friday 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
BULLS
> Volleyball @ Ohio Friday 7 p.m. > Women’s Basketball @ Temple Saturday 7 p.m. > Football vs. Eastern Michigan Saturday 2 p.m. > Men’s Basketball vs. Towson Saturday 7 p.m. > Women’s Basketball @ Bucknell Sunday 2 p.m.
John Hugar
Asst. Arts Editor
The NFL’s Elephant In the Room JOHN HUGAR
Asst. Arts Editor
We’re officially past the halfway point in the NFL season, and we still have no idea who the best team in the league is. We have, however, seen a lot of teams with a legitimate chance to make the Super Bowl. Two of them are the Steelers and the Eagles. This is a very important development, and not just because both teams are from Pennsylvania. If the two teams were to meet each other in the big game, we would have a starting quarterback matchup of Michael Vick and Ben Roethlisberger. Think about that for a second. A man who was convicted of running a dogfighting ring and served 23 months in prison would be facing a man who was accused of sexual assault twice in the past two years. In the Super Bowl. Wow. Admittedly, the two men have both done a lot to reform their old ways. I don’t doubt that Michael Vick genuinely regrets what he did, and I believe he is fully entitled to a second chance. Furthermore, I’ve actually been rooting for him the past few weeks. After all, it has been fun to see him sprinting around the field again. As for Roethlisberger, well, he was never charged with anything other than acting like a jerk. The two sexual assault accusations definitely raised some questions, but he does deserve the benefit of the doubt. Still, when you combine the two together and put them in the Super Bowl, you have to wonder how it will look. Many people have a negative view of the NFL because they look at it as nothing more than a league of criminals. If this were to happen, that sentiment would only strengthen. Think about the week leading up to a theoretical Eagles-Steelers Super Bowl. Both quarterbacks would be asked a myriad of questions about their transgressions. Questions they might not have the answer to. It might not be all bad. It would depend on how the media frames it. A less cynical person would just view it as a matchup of two people who made mistakes and who were now looking to find redemption on the ultimate stage. In addition, the matchup would be alluring when considering the two quarterbacks’ place in NFL history. Roethlisberger would be going for his third ring and a chance to solidify himself as a one of the all-time greats. Vick would be going for his first ring, which would surely start a conversation about the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, that’s not what most people will be thinking. Vick and Roethlisberger have both been judged very harshly in the public eye. Many people believe that Vick should not have been allowed to re-enter the league upon his release from prison. I disagree with these people, but it is a very common position. In addition, many people believe Roethlisberger was guilty of the alleged sexual assaults in question and that his fame was the main reason he was never charged. Most people are already well aware of what these two men did and already have their opinions about it. With that said, if the two men were to play against each other in the most watched television event of the year, it would call a great deal of attention to their histories. Effectively, it would bring all of the cynics out of the woodwork. Personally, I’m not rooting for an Eagles-Steelers Super Bowl, but that’s just because I’m a Pats fan. Roger Goodell has a much better reason to pray it doesn’t happen; his league’s reputation could take a huge hit. E-mail: john.hugar@ubspectrum.com