The Spectrum, Volume 60, Issue 23

The independent student publication of the University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York www. ubspectrum .com

LIFE

NEWS

Zodiaque Explores Space and Emotion Through Dance

Violence Drives Students Out of University Heights

ANNIE SCHNEIDER

Editor in Chief and Asst. News Editor

Staff Writer

This weekend, 24 dancers showcased their technique, poise, musicality, and athleticism for the UB Zodiaque Dance Company’s “37th Season.”

Zodiaque, which consists of upper-class dance majors and some exceptional sophomores, assembles a fall and a spring performance each year.

This year, the dance department faculty worked with guest choreographers to create a wide variety of pieces. Although no particular common theme linked one piece to the next, the exploration of space, various mediums, and human emotion kept the audience focused.

Kerry Ring choreographed the opening piece, “Drop, Post and Beam,” which featured six dancers placed at different levels around a ballet barre.

Seeking to re-invent the way a ballet barre can be used, Ring had the dancers jump, perform • see ZODIAQUE | page 8

W EDN ESDAY EDI T ION October 27, 2010 Volume 60 Issue 24

Campus Fraternity Pushes For Change ANDREW WIKTOR and AMANDA JONAS

Early Saturday morning, five males were arrested and charged with various crimes in connection with assaults that happened on Lisbon Avenue. Five UB students were injured and taken to local hospitals. According to witnesses, the Buffalo Police Department took over 20 minutes to arrive on the scene. The Buffalo Police claim that the priority of the call was upgraded upon receiving reports of gunfire. Based on student testimonials, however, there were no gunshots fired at the scene.

The Scene

Last Friday night, and into early Saturday morning, Lisbon Avenue turned into a fight scene. A fraternity party turned sour after two uninvited individuals were denied entry into an Alpha Epsilon Pi home.

At around 11:45 p.m. Friday, two AfricanAmerican males approached the house at 211 Lisbon Ave. and asked to enter the party. A fraternity brother who was manning the door didn’t recognize the men and refused to let them in.

According to witnesses, one of the men proceeded to climb onto a car that was parked in the driveway and began to jump on the roof,

denting the vehicle.

An AEPi brother prompt ly ca l led the Buffalo Police Depa r t ment, but didn’t get through until 11:50 p.m. By then, the man who was jumping on the roof of the car had stomped through the back windshield and proceeded to throw bottles at people on the front porch.

A map highlighting crime in the Heights.

After the two individuals left, members of AEPi decided to THE LAST 30 DAYS IN THE end the party early on behalf of everyone’s safety.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS: “We didn’t want any trouble so we kicked everyone out of the party. [Close to] 100 kids 2 Theft of a Vehicle charges then started walking down the street,” said 4 Assault charges a sophomore fraternity brother who asked to 9 Robbery charges remain anonymous.

9 Breaking & Entering charges UB students headed down the block toward Main Street where several men wearing dark 23 Theft charges hoodies began attacking males.

Statistics and map from CrimeReports.com

• see LISBON | page 2

SPORTS

ARTS

The Horde Assembles in Anaheim NICOLAS PINO Asst. Arts Editor

victory for the Bulls. Sophomores Alex Swies and Logan Mason, along with seniors Jordan Deren and Catherine Scharf, finished just seconds behind their teammates with a time of 1:39.05.

The Bulls 200-yard medley relay team of Koltz, Simmons, Moore, and junior Alie Schirmers also finished first with an impressive time of 1:48:17.

Schirmers put forth an outstanding effort, winning three individual events to lead the Bulls.

She dominated in the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke and posted the best time in the 400yard individual medley as she grabbed another victory with a time of 4:31.09.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. – Nine times out of 10, yelling “For the Horde” as loud as possible is looked at as socially unacceptable. That 10th time, however, it will be met with a resounding “For the Alliance.” That’s when you know you’re in the nerd’s Mecca – BlizzCon. Screaming matches such as these were common last Saturday and Sunday evening as the Blizzard team, the game developers behind the Diablo, World of Warcraft and Starcraft franchises, held its annual get together in Anaheim, Calif.

Between Diablo 3 announcements, StarCraft II user-made minigames, and the highly sought after World of Warcraft: Cataclysm expansion pack beta, there was much joy for all nerds in the southern California region.

The real party began last Thursday evening as the developers from Blizzard hosted the Children’s Hospital of Orange County charity dinner, where fans met the faces behind the electronic masterpieces.

At the dinner, familiar faces included president and co-founder Michael Morheime, vice president of Creative Design Chris Metzen, and game producer Lee Sparks, all of whom wined and dined with the Blizzard community.

All three stayed tight-lipped about upcoming events in the WoW universe, but Metzen did hint that Horde faction leaders would experience a massive plot twist in the next expansion.

These minor hints were nothing compared to the massive news Morheime shared at BlizzCon’s opening ceremony Friday morning. Diablo 3’s last playable character class, the demon hunter, was unveiled along with the announcement that the game will feature intense action in the player versus player arena.

Also, he announced that lucky attendees would be given the opportunity to play both during the convention.

Morheime also announced that Cataclysm, the upcoming massive multiplayer online expansion, would be released through Blizzard’s website and will be available for download before Nicolas Pino /The Spectrum the release of the game. As soon BlizzCon 2010 served as the ideal summoning stone as the servers are up, players will for the World of Warcraft community. get the chance to dive into the new content.

StarCraft II players will be getting special custom maps from the people at

• see SWIMMING | page 9

• see BLIZZCON | page 7

Satsuki Aoi /The Spectrum

The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams topped Colgate on Saturday afternoon. The men are 2-0 and the women are 1-1.

Bulls Swimming Jets Past Colgate VINNY LEPORE Staff Reporter

The men’s and women’s swimming teams found themselves in unfamiliar waters on Saturday.

However, the swimmers had no problem making themselves feel right at home.

The women’s team (1-1) was determined to win and fought hard until the end, clinching a victory on its final race to defeat

Colgate (0-1) 152.5-144.5. The men’s team (2-0) swam well and dominated the Raiders, 165-104, to stay undefeated.

Trailing by a point heading into the last race of the match, the women’s team lined up for the 200-yard freestyle. The Bulls relay teams took first and third place in the race, giving them 13 more points, which was enough to lift them over Colgate.

The Bulls’ A squad consisted of freshman Marissa Murphy, senior Jessie Koltz, and sophomores Karly Moore and Caroline Simmons. The girls swam a great team race, finishing first in 1:35:96.

While the A squad put up notable numbers, the women’s B squad finished in third to secure the

Weather: wednesday: 68°/ 46° some clouds | thursday: 54°/ 37° rainy | friday: 46°/ 34° partly sunny

Inside:

opinion — 3

arts & life — 5

classifieds — 11

sports — 12

The Spectrum Wednesday , October 27 , 2010

2

the ub department of music presents

The Talich Quartet from prague...

the slee/beethoven string quartet cycle-concert ii

Friday, October 29, 2010 7:30pm lippes concert hall in slee hall

tickets/info: (716)645-2921 or www.slee.buffalo.edu

AND THE RACE IS ON! Dr. Joshua Dyck, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, spoke about the upcoming elections during our summer Bridge Series, but how things have changed! So he has graciously accepted an invitation to return to enlighten us about the polls, the candidates and all things election. Mark your calendar for

Thurs., Oct. 28 th, 7 PM at the Newman Center.

You won't be disappointed.

Join us at the UB Newman Center at

495 Skinnerville Rd. Amherst, NY 14228 (we are just across from the Creekside Apartments) Students can hop on the redline to reach us.

Free and all are welcome.

For more information visit us on the web at www.newman.buffalo.edu

lisbon | Expanded UPD jurisdiction may increase safety continued from page 1

“Over 20 [men] started randomly jumping [those who left the party]. They were stomping on them and punching them in the face,” the fraternity brother said.

The attackers used brass knuckles, beer bottles, and baseball bats, numerous witnesses said.

“This is the way they did it: if they hit you and you went to the ground they would jump on you,” said Matt Huberfeld, a sophomore communication major. “But if you didn’t go down they would leave you alone and go to the next person.”

Brothers in the fraternity rushed down the street to help those who were being attacked but didn’t get to the scene soon enough. Five UB students were sent to the hospital with injuries ranging from broken jaws to fractured eye sockets.

Police Reaction

Several students interviewed felt that the police response time was too slow.

“The police didn’t get there until after 12:15 a.m.,” Huberfeld said.

“The response time was ridiculous, and we told them. They responded that there was another stabbing off South [Campus] and they were understaffed.”

Buffalo Police Spokesman Mike DeGeorge explained that the priority of the call changed three times over the course of 20 minutes, ultimately prompting officers to respond quickly.

“Over the course of the night, the call priority changed a number of times,” DeGeorge said. “Originally, it was reported as a priority three, meaning that a fight broke out and that everything was OK. After that, it was reported as a priority two, meaning that it was a larger fight and different addresses were given as to where the location was. After it was reported that shots were fired, it was

reported as a priority one, and police were at the scene within three minutes.”

Brett Berman, a senior business and psycholog y major and president of AEPi, was not at the party. However, part of his responsibility is to report such incidents to the national chapter. To do so, he interviewed many of his fraternity brothers who attended the Clinton Hodnett /The Spectrum party to get a general feel for what trans- Lisbon Avenue turned violent Friday night as numerous men pired late Friday jumped UB students, sending five students to the hospital. night. we went through this weekend is No one recounted gunshots. something that no frat should have Campus police records indicate to go through.” that a call alerting them to the matter Berman has proposed a solution was received at 12:07 a.m., over 20 minutes after the initial emergency that would place a part of the Univercall was placed to BPD. According to sity Heights under UB supervision, John Woods, the University Police eliminating the jurisdictional line Department Assistant Chief of Police, that UPD is unable to cross.

“For the safety of our students, UPD is limited by its jurisdiction.

There are only three ways that given the history of crime in the campus police can respond to an University Heights, the school should off-campus incident: if it falls within set up [an] on-campus Greek housing a block of North or South Campus; system so students can stay safe on if they are working in collaboration student grounds,” Berman said.

DeGeorge feels that efforts have with BPD; or if they witness a crime been made in the past and plans to in action.

Friday night fell under none of continue to work at making students these criteria, so all that UPD could and community members feel at ease.

“There are many police initiatives do was hope for the best. in [the University Heights] with Buffalo Police and UB. I think that the The Future community is brought in well and I Police ordered the students who think that things have improved in lived at 211 Lisbon Ave. to gather the last couple of years,” DeGeorge clothes and personal belongings said. “There will be incidents from and leave their home immediately time to time not only in the Uniafter the fight. UB Judicial Affairs versity District but in the city as a provided temporary housing for the whole. But I think overall things have students at a local hotel, but according improved and as I said, I’m starting to Berman, this was short-lived. to see a change for the better in that Eight UB students are now dis- neighborhood.” placed from their home, entangled There is a Facebook group called in complications with their landlord, “University Heights Community and forced to find alternative housing. Meeting,” which outlines the inforMembers of AEPi are reaching mation about Thursday’s meeting. out to the UB community to increase Despite the difficult night, all awareness and hopefully push for changes that will increase safety off five UB students have been released from the hospital and seem to be of South Campus.

A forum will be held at the Gloria recovering well. Berman was adaJ. Parks Community Center located mant, however, that the university at 3242 Main St., on Thursday at 6:30 should no longer turn a blind eye to p.m., and students hope that commu- the Heights. nity efforts like this will help prevent “It’s time for things to change,” future violence. he said.

According to AEPi members, various on-campus fraternities and Buffalo Police arrested DeAndre Smith, sororities have reached out to help by 18, of East Amherst Street; Brennen L. providing moral support and places Bryant, 18, of LaSalle Avenue; and Edmund to stay for the displaced students.

L. Allen, 16, of Germaine Street on charges “Mostly all of on-campus Greek of first-degree burglary, first-degree gang Life has reached out to us and said assault and fourth-degree criminal posof a weapon. Two juveniles also that if we needed anything they session were charged. would be there for us,” said an anonymous fraternity member. “But what E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

IN REMEMBRANCE

HUMAN RIGHTS IN PERSPECTIVE

The Woman Behind the Scholar-Activist: Perspectives on the Life of Alison Des Forges

A TRIBUTE TO ALISON DES FORGES

NOVEMBER

Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Fund Committee Thursday, November 18 • 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Student Union 210

15 -19

KEYNOTE LECTURES Monday, November 15 • 3:30 p.m. • Student Union Theater

Rwanda, Darfur and Guantanamo: The Struggle for Human Rights and Justice

Challenges of Justice in Central Africa

Richard Dicker, Director

Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Contemporary African Politics, Hampshire College

International Justice Program, Human Rights Watch

FILM SERIES Pray the Devil Back to Hell Tuesday, November 16 • 7:00 p.m.

Student Union Theater

Susan Thomson

The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court Wednesday, November 17 • 4:00 p.m.

Natural Sciences Complex 220

716-645-2258 • intlservices@buffalo.edu

buffalo.edu/intlservices/special_events.html

2010

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 John Connelly, asst.

Vanessa Frith, asst.

John Hugar, asst.

Nicolas Pino, asst.

Life Editors Jennifer Harb, senior.

Katie Allen, senior.

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 Directors 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.

The Spectrum is provided free by the Undergraduate Mandatory Activity Fee

OCTOBER 27, 2010 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 24 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.

www.ubspectrum.com/opinion

Good American Help is Hard to Find Humanitarian aid can be more of a political issue Over the past few years, few countries have suffered as much as Haiti. Last year’s earthquake ruptured what little stability the United Nations restored, and the island country continues to be the poorest nation in the Americas. A cholera epidemic currently afflicts the already trifling population.

Some may argue that we have suffered on the home front as well and that problems overseas are beyond the reach of our humanitarian obligations.

Agreed: Hurricane Katrina certainly humbled the city of New Orleans and the rest of the country as well.

When the earthquake hit, a period of enthusiastic philanthropy and donation ensued for as long as the media circus could stay in town. But much of that aid has yet to reach its intended receivers, and looking back on the aftermath of the quake, it seems like just a hiccup of American altruism.

But despite our inabilities to lead in practical help overseas, how shortsighted is our sympathy?

Indeed, celebrities like Wyclef Jean and countless popular publications gave attention to the catastrophe. The tremor turned into the newest concern in the American world, and to us it seemed like the only problem west of the Congo.

Campaigns to “help Haiti” spawned overnight.

T-shirts and generous activism made the quake an issue that would not get out of your face.

But the 2010 Pakistan floods received so much less press and public attention that many thought it to be less of a natural disaster. Au contraire: the floods affected 20 million people, almost twice the population of Haiti.

It is odd to us that humanitarian aid can be so political. The aversion toward Pakistani media coverage during the flood seems to point to a mild chauvinism toward the Middle East and human beings in need of help from our vast stockpile of emergency resources.

We have a stable government that can take care of its homeland, and we have trained professional emergency personnel who are paid by the state.

When Katrina hit the coast of Louisiana, our selfsustaining government could tackle the problem.

Haiti is unable to do the same.

Individually, unless people can volunteer travel expenses and their presence at ground zero, there is not much to do in terms of practical help.

Unfortunately, many of the so-called non-profit organizations created to help with disaster relief are corrupt and opportunistic facades that pocket the money or spend it frivolously. Some have heard that only a handful of pennies out of every dollar donated actually go to the cause.

Though almost powerless in our ability to provide practical help, the least that each American can do is help lubricate the flow of information that the media refuses to provide Americans who are still concerned for their country’s more lackluster allies.

French Protests are Justified Government pension overhaul is a cause for strike Nicolas Sarkozy, the current president of France, has continued to advocate for pension overhaul reform amid overwhelming public opposition and nationwide frenzy.

Comprised mostly of young and college-aged French people, mobs of protestors have taken to the streets in every corner of France, as the concomitant effects of numerous union strikes are beginning to mound up, sometimes quite literally.

Union workers, who are usually able to retire and collect a pension at age 60, are now being forced to wait another two years, as French parliament plans to pass an act that extends the retirement age. Two more years of federal income tax from each worker, along with the money saved from deferring subsidized pensions, will win the French government a little more spending cash.

Unions continue to strike, as garbage lines the streets and oil refineries are forced to halt production, making it virtually impossible to fill an automobile’s gas tank, even if it is a Peugeot.

The editorial board thinks that the French government, though well within its right to gain money as it sees fit, is falling backwards into an easy method that may turn to be a bad call.

From over here across the drink, it looks like a pseudo pump priming initiative that pacifies the French upper class by avoiding the topic of taxes. The government is well equipped to handle the situation by other means, including feeding the hungry state with a progressive income tax.

It seems unfair that the working class should have to toil for two more years, receiving no more benefit for the bodily wear.

We think that the strikes represent an admirable cause for which the French people should be proud. Many of the nation’s youth are protesting for their parents’ honor, as college-aged adults have elder parents closer to the retirement age. Showing passive resistance to unfairness and active participation against stubborn governmental policy is an exciting undertaking; it seems that many have forgotten the power of such an act.

Though founded on resista nce to a gover n ment ’s oppression, the United States would probably never participate in a similar protest. Indeed, there are transit strikes for which you might mark your biannual calendar, and the “blue flu” will go around every so often, when police call in sick on the same day.

But a collective nationwide resistance seems far beyond the means of a country of the United States’ size. The southern states can barely get along with their northern neighbors, let alone form a uniform ideology with which they would march together.

But France is only roughly the size of Alaska; proximity and nationalism seem to be what keeps this party so tightly knit. It would be a stretch to expect the U.S. to consider such a consolidation.

Still, our hats are off to them, and we hope that the country’s people can get what they want or reach a viable compromise with the French government.

So to the French, from The Spectrum: Bonne chance, et vive la revolution.

THE WORD AROUND CAMPUS Although not quite as raunchy as Generation’s personals once were, these are voices of UB students who have something to say. If you want to be heard, too, write us a blurb online at ubspectrum.com.

Some of the wittiest remarks will appear in the paper in no particular order. (Edited for grammar.)

> Ya know, guys always talk about how bad looking the girls at UB are. Have they looked in the mirror? Or showered lately? Or worn anything but sweatpants? Just sayin’.

3

> If you are wondering why, check your empathy. It’s dry and empty. I’m sick of feeling small thanks to you, so I’m no longer talking to you. Goodbye, former friend.

JOHN HUGAR

Asst. Arts Editor

Don’t Take Education For Granted It’s easy to complain about what goes on at UB. Whether it’s the poor quality of the bathrooms or the infrequent appearance of Stampede buses, it’s easy to make a list of beefs about this university.

But really, we’re pretty lucky to get to go here.

After all, for all its faults, UB is a reasonably prestigious university. Ranked among the top 150 colleges in the country, we can be sure we’re getting a quality education.

Many kids are not afforded this luxury. There are lots of young children who will never get to go to a decent college because they are not getting a decent education in their youth.

They go to terrible elementary schools and equally bad high schools, where a fair amount of them drop out. Even the ones who graduate do not have an adequate education to survive in college.

The much-talked-about documentary Waiting For “Superman” discusses this problem in great detail, showcasing the struggle many inner-city youths go through just to get a real education.

Admittedly, the film exaggerates things a little bit. The movie makes it look as though all public schools are terrible, and it suggests that the only way to receive a quality education is to attend either an expensive private school or a charter school with limited openings.

I happen to know this isn’t entirely true from personal experience. I attended a public school for all of childhood, and I received a quality education that more than prepared me for the rigors of attending college.

Still, while the film is not entirely accurate, its overall message rang true. Even if I was lucky enough to receive a quality education in a public school system, there are many kids who aren’t as lucky.

For all the complaints we have about UB, in reality, we are all very lucky to attend a university of its caliber. Sure, we earned it by studying and getting good grades, but there are many students who don’t really get a fair chance to earn it.

That’s why we shouldn’t take our education for granted. Let’s be honest — the vast majority of students here do it on a fairly regular basis.

Think of how many times you’ve skipped a • see HUGAR | page 8

STEVE NEILANS

Asst. Life Editor

The High Life The smartest person at UB might just be sitting in a pile of his own vomit with penises drawn on his forehead in a gutter this Friday night.

Research has now shown that smart kids are more likely to drink alcohol than their less intelligent peers. If that fact doesn’t put a smile on your face, then I really don’t know what will.

In 1958, two studies (the National Childhood Development Study and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health) were conducted to find out the differences between the lives of smart kids and the lives of dull kids. Researchers determined which kids were smart, waited for the kids to get older, and interviewed them as adults. Shockingly, the kids who were labeled as smart kids drank more alcohol than the kids who were labeled as dull.

Drinking in college isn’t only some sort of natural passage into adulthood, but is also a collection of intelligent kids succumbing to their primal instincts of drinking more than dull kids. That old Keystone Ice sitting in the back of your fridge isn’t a symbol of how much of an alcoholic you are, it’s just a symbol of how naturally smart you are!

(Just don’t go around bragging about that fact to your parents; they probably won’t share your same enthusiasm.)

Many different theories have been popping up to find the reason why alcohol usage is linked to intelligence. Some have pointed to the fact that intelligent people have higher paying jobs with more • see NEILANS | page 8

The Spectrum Wednesday , October 27 , 2010

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Even Matt Damon’s strong performance couldn’t save Hereafter, a rare miss from director Clint Eastwood.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Eastwood Attempts to Delve Into the Hereafter ANGELA VIZZI Staff Writer

Movie: Hereafter

Release Date: Oct. 22 Grade: C

The afterlife is a subject that human beings have speculated about for thousands of years. Like many of life’s mysteries, it fascinates and baffles the mind, and people are constantly in search of what happens when a person dies.

One would think that such an elusive and fascinating topic would lend itself wonderfully to the big screen. However, Hereafter, the newest film from renowned director Clint Eastwood (Invictus), shows promise but ultimately falls flat.

The film centers on three characters from different parts of the

world. The opposing characters’ stories seem unrelated until they are hurriedly and forcibly interconnected by a series of events.

The film begins promisingly with an amazing sequence of a tsunami devastating an Indonesian town. French TV journalist Marie Lelay (Cecile de France, Gardiens de l’ordre) is nearly drowned in the catastrophe and subsequently has a near-death experience in which she has fuzzy visions of the beyond.

Eastwood does a good job of including this visually astonishing CGI intro in a realistic and logical manner that could easily seem ridiculous in the otherwise serious and dramatic film.

George (Matt Damon, Green

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Zone) is a reluctant psychic who has left a career as a medium, despite the urging by his persistent brother (Jay Mohr, Gary Unmarried) to make use of his otherworldly gifts in order to pursue a more normal life.

The third and best story is centered around a young English boy named Marcus (Frankie and George McLaren) who loses his twin brother and then embarks on a journey to find a way to communicate with his brother in the afterlife.

Eastwood seems to be navigating his way through foreign territory with this film. He deviates from his simplistic style of linear storytelling and replaces it with a messy, overdone and lifeless plot.

The characters, while well portrayed, lack fully developed storylines and fail to successfully connect with the audience. The Frenchwoman, Marie, fails to engage the viewers emotionally; George, while engaging, lacks an appealing storyline; and Marcus, whose story is the most interesting, remains frustratingly inaccessible and emotionless until the very end of the film.

The tone of the film quickly moves from promising — the stunning opening sequence — to depressingly slow and unexciting.

Damon makes his best effort to revive the film and accomplishes the difficult task of realistically portraying the psychological toll that psychic abilities have had on his character. His understated acting style actually works well in this format, and his character breathes some life into the otherwise dead plot.

Unfortunately, even he cannot save the film.

Hereafter is essentially a film that promises but doesn’t deliver.

Audiences will find themselves sitting through 90 depressingly slow minutes of character-driven plot only to find that the story goes nowhere.

Screenwriter Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon) attempts to connect the stories of the three characters in the last 30 minutes, but it seems as if he was trying too hard to force some kind of unity within the film.

It doesn’t work.

The film’s ending is just as anticlimactic as the rest of the film and leaves the viewers with more questions than they originally started with.

Hereafter is a film with too much fluff and not enough substance. It wants to be deep but instead comes off as contrived and not terribly insightful. Viewers can only hope that this is merely a stumbling block on Eastwood’s otherwise promising directorial “hereafter.”

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

Arts & Life

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Arsonist’s Guide Author Visits Buffalo MICHAEL TYSON Staff Writer

It turns out that good things can happen in the basement of a church.

Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, located in the basement of the former Asbury Delaware Methodist Church, hosted author Brock Clarke Monday night in collaboration with UB’s English department and Talking Leaves bookstore.

Clarke, known for his 2007 novel An Arsonist’s Guide to Writers’ Homes in New England, presented his works as part of the Exhibit X Fiction Series.

Clarke has also published one other novel, The Ordinary White Boy, and several short stories, in addition to teaching creative writing at the University of Cincinnati.

Since 2003, Exhibit X has presented the city of Buffalo and UB students with a personal look into the world of innovative and experimental fiction. Assistant English professors Christina Milletti and Dimitri Anastasopoulos are the series’ curators.

“We started in order to showcase UB’s interest in innovative and avant-garde fiction, and there is a very interesting list of writers that have been nurtured here,” Milletti said. “The idea was to bring those writers back to Buffalo and give them a Source: hallwalls.org platform to showcase the Clarke’s self-deprecating humor entertained UB students experiments they’ve been at Monday’s Exhibit X series presentation. working on.”

Clarke read several interesting excerpts from his new book in a surprisingly self-deprecating manner.

At one point, Clarke showed that the editing process is never over by crossing out three words in his already-printed novel.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Xicong Tracy Chen, a sophomore pharmacology and toxicology major. “The last one [featuring Davis Schneiderman] was more of a performance piece; this one was more about the literature. This one makes me want to buy the book.”

However, Chen was slightly more hesitant to recommend the exhibit to students.

“I don’t know,” Chen said. “Some of this stuff is really experimental and may turn people off, but tonight’s was a delight.”

Milletti said that Exhibit X’s original intent was to showcase authors, but the event also attempts to expose audiences to a wide range of literature.

Matthew Kotula, a senior English and history major, supports Exhibit X’s mission.

“This is not only an exposure to contemporary literature, but it tends to be contemporary Buffalo literature,” Kotula said. “[Exhibit X] is great for Buffalo culture.”

The next Exhibit X event will take place on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. with Ted Pelton, author of Malcolm and Jack (and other Famous American Criminals).

Dave Kress, author of Counting Zero, will present Mar. 7, and Jessica Anthony, author of The Convalescent, will read from her new book on Apr. 12.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the Exhibit X website at wings.buffalo.edu/ english/exhibitx .

Email: features@ubspectrum.com

HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST

Halloween is Sunday, giving a chance for guys to pretend to be someone they are not and for girls to dress like streetwalkers and not be judged. Here are 10 songs that will get everyone’s rump shaking at all of the costume parties happening this weekend.

“Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett “Always” – Erasure “The Ghost of Tom Joad” – Bruce Springsteen “Slaughterama” – Gwar “Cemetery Drive” – My Chemical Romance “We’rewolf” – Every Time I Die “Nightmare on my Street” – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince “Pet Cemetery” – The Ramones “Zombie” – The Cranberries “Halloween” – The Dead Kennedys listen online at ubspectrum.com/arts

There are many travel options available to students, some of which more expensive than others.

Power of a Dollar KATIE MERTENS Staff Writer

Traveling doesn’t have to leave a dent in college students’ meager wallets. By doing research ahead of time and knowing where to look, travel expenses can be drastically decreased.

Chris Bragdon, an advisor from International Student and Scholar Services, joined with current UB students on Oct. 20 to present safe and financially savvy ways for students to travel to all 50 states.

Bragdon stressed the importance of doing research about one’s travel destination, local accommodations, and modes of transportation. It is vital for a traveler to ensure that both car and medical insurance will cover any accident or condition throughout the trip.

Students were also cautioned to be “street smart,” carry a padlock, keep some cash in their pockets, and stay in touch with friends or family so that others are aware of their whereabouts.

Additionally, Bragdon advised students to make photocopies of important documents and guard them, along with credit cards, by carrying a money belt under their clothes. Travelers should also e-mail themselves credit card information and important numbers in case something gets stolen or lost, Bragdon said.

Aside from taking caution and doing research, Bragdon emphasized that traveling is well worth the money and time.

“There [are] approximately 65,000 miles of highway in this country,” Bragdon said. “Every state has something unique and different to offer. Each state is like its own little world, different from all the others.

It’s definitely worth seeing them all.”

Gurkishan Chadha, a pharmacy Ph.D. student, shared his traveling experiences and his preference of flying from destination to destination.

“I love to travel with Southwest Airlines. I get to check in both of my bags for free, whereas with JetBlue, only one bag is free to check in,” Chadha said. “Also, if you buy a ticket three months ahead, you could find one for as cheap as $65.”

Chadha gave helpful hints about places to look for money-saving traveling deals.

Booking a flight is less expensive if one does so midweek instead of during the weekend, when prices are extremely high. Also, it is smarter to book both a flight and a rental car from the same website because most sites will provide special discounts.

Another time to save money is around peak season, when flights tend to overbook passengers. When this happens, some airlines will ask for “volunteers” to give up their seats and take the next flight. Airlines often apologize by offering to pay for the ticket, and

Courtesy of Pontus Edenberg

if the flight is not until the next day, they will pay for a hotel, taxi and breakfast.

Aside from flying to destinations, going by train or bus is also another viable option. Madeeha Shams, a student working on her master’s degree in physics, discussed the benefits of traveling by bus or train.

“Going by train is more scenic, flexible, comfortable and food is provided. However, it is more expensive than going by bus,” Shams said.

Amtrak is also less convenient because it is usually located outside of large towns, so one would have to take a taxi or another mode of transportation to get there. However, Amtrak offers a Student Advantage Account, which provides students with discounts of 15-50 percent off tickets for a $20 yearly fee.

When taking a bus, Shams advises students to choose the Greyhound or Megabus services.

“I took the Megabus from Buffalo to New York City for one dollar, all because I scheduled my ticket three months ahead of time,” Shams said. “Sometimes the tickets will go for $10 if one schedules two months in advance.”

Like Amtrak, Greyhound also offers students a 15-20 percent discount, and it can be more convenient because of its downtown locations. However, Greyhound tends to overbook.

China Bus is another service that transports individuals from New York City to Washington D.C. for around $20, while the California Shuttle takes people up and down the West Coast.

Students can also opt to travel by car, which can involve renting. Banu Ozel, an English Ph.D. student, tells students to always take renter’s insurance when renting a car, although many claim it is unnecessary.

She also discussed ways students can find deals on rental cars.

“When I bid on a rental car, I got a base price for $11 per day, which saved me a lot of money,” Ozel said.

“I also find it more convenient to pick up and drop off at airport locations because they are open 24 hours.”

Ozel also stressed using Internet search engines to find deals and discounts.

“I do a quick Google search and find 10-20 percentoff coupons or free extra days renting a car if I buy a week,” Ozel said. “I also think it is wiser to buy your own GPS instead of buying one from the rental service.

You will save yourself a lot more money.”

When staying in hotels, one can find a room on a Tuesday or Thursday for almost half the price of one that would be available on the weekend.

Hostels, which are like dorm rooms ranging in size from one to 20 beds, are also an option when choosing where to sleep. Hostel International is a trustworthy and reputable source available for students who are seeking an overnight place to stay.

A free option called “couch surfing” allows travelers to stay for free with another person who may have an extra bed or room. For more information, go to www.couchsurfing.org and become a member.

Some other helpful travel websites include: www.TripAdvisor.com, www.hihostels.com, www.kayak.com and www.LastMinute.com.

Email: features@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum Wednesday , October 27 , 2010

6

Nintendo’s King of Cute Returns

Kirby charms his way back into players’ hearts JESSE MCGIRR

Special to The Spectrum

Grade: AVideo gaming’s favorite platform-hopping marshmallow is back in his first starring role on a home console since 2003 and, boy, was it worth the wait.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn is the first Wii outing for Nintendo’s lovable pink protagonist, and it takes Kirby in a direction that is both familiar in its 2-D platforming gameplay and refreshingly original in its fabric-inspired art style.

As always, players find Kirby on a quest to save his peaceful home world of Dream Land.

That being said, Epic Yarn spins this tale with an alluring twist.

While out searching for his favorite food, tomatoes, Kirby accidentally eats a magic tomato belonging to the evil sorcerer Yin-Yarn.

Enraged at Kirby’s impromptu snacking, Yin-Yarn transports the game’s fluffy protago- Kirby’s Epic Yarn brings a colorful and original art style to the Kirby series. nist to Patch Land, a world where everything (including the trees, the water and even the relevant humor that will make more mature Players will also use the lasso in platformclouds in the sky) is made out of yarn and fabric. players chuckle. ing to help Kirby swing across big jumps, yank Upon his arrival in Patch Land, Kirby saves That being said, gamers don’t keep coming platforms closer together, pull zippers to open Fluff, the land’s prince, named Fluff, by using back to Kirby for deep narrative storytelling; new areas, and engage in other fabric-inspired his newfound powers from the magic tomato. they play to make Kirby eat his enemies, steal commotion.

Kirby and Fluff then team up to save Patch Land their powers, and use said powers against them.

A Kirby game just wouldn’t feel right without from Yin-Yarn’s evil minions and find a way Players looking to continue Kirby’s glutton- some kind of transformative powers. Thankback to Dream Land to stop the evil sorcerer ous ways won’t find that opportunity in Epic fully, this is an area where Kirby’s Epic Yarn from taking it over.

Yarn. As stated earlier, everything in Patch Land truly shines.

This partnership translates into multiplayer is made of yarn and fabric, including Kirby and While navigating through the game’s seven gameplay, as a second player can join in and take his enemies. worlds, players will use Kirby’s abilities to control of Fluff to help Kirby discover hard-toWhile his ability to inhale enemies is ham- morph into a number of forms, ranging from a reach treasures and defeat tougher enemies. pered by his new yarn body, Kirby instead uses fire truck to a dolphin to the Kirby-tank that is While Epic Yarn’s story isn’t going to blow powers more befitting of a hero made of string. likely to be a favorite among players. what players away with its cutesy, Ostrich quarter pagenarrative ad_Layoutdepth, 1 8/27/10 10:55 AMUsing Page 1 can best be described as a yarn lasso, Each of the forms has different uses within children’s book-like atmosphere presents itself Kirby can literally tear foes apart at the seams levels, and all are a blast to play. or bundle them up in balls to throw at other in a way that seems geared toward younger Even with so much to offer, Kirby’s Epic players. However, it is still loaded with socially enemies and breakable objects.

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At CV you will find... > Roommate Matching > Financial Aid Payment Plans > Shuttles to UB North, South, Shopping and More!

Source: ign.com

Yarn is not a game for everyone. The lack of difficulty in the game’s main story is particularly disappointing.

While getting hit by enemies and falling off ledges will cause the player to lose points and be dragged back to solid ground, there are no lives to lose and no checkpoints to be sent back to. The real challenge in Epic Yarn comes in exploring levels for treasure, which unlocks more difficult mini-games.

While gamers seeking a challenge or a more mature narrative may want to look elsewhere, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is a complete package, offering an amazingly tight 2-D platforming experience, a gorgeous and charmingly original art style, and some fun multiplayer to boot.

New Vegas

Hits the Jackpot JAMES TWIGG

Senior Arts Editor

Grade: B+ Hot off the heels of Fallout 3, the 2008 game of the year, Fallout: New Vegas, boasts a new and exciting setting, new reputations, and down-the-scope sights for all the first-person shooter fans out there.

From the very beginning, New Vegas tosses fans neck-deep into a post-apocalyptic world of chaos ravaged by nuclear warfare, where they must struggle to stay afloat.

Gamers assume the role of a courier for the Mojave Express. During the opening cinematic, the player is shot in the head and dumped in a shallow grave. Shortly after, the character is rescued by a robot and nursed back to health by the town’s local doctor.

From there, the player embarks on a journey to discover the circumstances behind his mysterious attempted murder.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

In true role-playing game fashion, New Vegas gives players complete control over their character’s appearance and skills. Players can improve their talents in categories such as weapons, explosives, lock picking and sneakiness to drastically alter the gameplay.

New Vegas’ in-depth customizability doesn’t end there. Just like Fallout 3, this rendition of the game gives players access to an abundance of dialogue options, allowing gamers to be as caring or as intimidating as they desire.

As in real life, however, your choices have consequences. With every town and gang encountered throughout the game, the player has the potential to either win its favor or ire. True to the proverb, though, you can’t please everyone in this game.

One decision may lead to your character being idolized by an entire town, gaining you discounts, free rooms and other perks. The same decision may also result in the contempt of an opposing faction, however. Should you earn the scorn of bandits, be sure to keep an eye out, as they will attack you on sight.

• see NEW VEGAS | page 9

716-833-3700 • www.CVWNY.com Source: ign.com

Fallout: New Vegas includes in-depth customizability, leaving the player more control over their character.

The Spectrum Wednesday, October 27, 2010

7

Event concluded with BLIZZCON | Tenacious D performance continued from page 1

Blizzard in the upcoming months.

Minigames like “Blizzard Defense of the Ancients,” “Starjeweled,” and “Aiur Chef” will provide alternate gameplay from the standard realtime strategy hit.

Over the course of Friday and Saturday, a multitude of game panels were held to spell out the fate of Blizzard’s long-standing franchises over the coming year.

For WoW players, this was huge since some of the lesser-played character classes such as Paladins, Hunters, Druids and Death Knights will be entirely different after the release of the expansion. This means changing the resource system,

Nick Pino /The Spectrum

Blizzard’s iconic Dwarf-Hunter takes center stage at BlizzCon 2010.

changing major abilities, or even revamping the character class as a whole.

In a brief interview, Sparks had high hopes for the updated character classes.

“The whole leveling system has been changed. It will be a lot of fun from start to finish, making players want to reroll [a character] time and time again,” Sparks said.

At the “Dungeons and Raids” panel, Metzen hyped the new and

improved dungeons for Cataclysm, claiming that the dungeons will be “less confusing, less time consuming, and overall more enjoyable than their 5-year-old predecessors.”

All 50 states and more than 27 countries were represented at one of the largest BlizzCons ever. The event saw more than 27,000 attendees ranging diversely in age, time spent in game, and time spent traveling to California.

For some, however, like Raymond Beckner, a 29-year-old San Mateo, Calif. native, the commute was considerably shorter.

Known to many as his online alias Shaihulud, the level 80 Priest, Beckner has spent many hours keeping Azeroth safe. In his three-and-ahalf years playing, Shaihulud has logged close to one year in game time, although it is not uncommon for hardcore players to accumulate this kind of experience.

BlizzCon provides players with an annual place to meet up and converse away from the keyboard (AFK), cementing friendships that begin in the game. Members of the guild ‘Affliction’ find it the perfect place to meet up. Marlo Ramirez, a 28-yearold Anaheim resident, plays the senior Warrior class in all the guild’s raiding.

While Ramirez enjoyed catching up with his comrades, he, among many others, was not impressed with this year’s event. “[BlizzCon] wasn’t as exciting this year as it was the past two years.

They had nothing to announce on the games I care about,” Ramirez said.

The event concluded Saturday evening with a performance by Tenacious D. Providing an excellent ending to the event, the band followed last year’s Ozzy Osbourne show exceptionally well.

Overall, the majority of attendees enjoyed the event, even if long lines hindered many from getting the full experience.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

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The Spectrum Wednesday , October 27 , 2010

8

University at Buffalo’s

ZODIAQUE | Lighting complimented dancers’ movements

Graduate School of Education Meet faculty, staff and students to discuss Graduate Programs offered by:  Counseling,

School and Educational

Psychology  Educational Leadership and Policy  Learning and Instruction  Library and Information Studies  Teacher Education Institute

Thursday, November 4, 5-7pm Student Union Lobby GSE Office of Graduate Admissions 716-645-2110, gse.buffalo.edu

Open House

Courtesy of Jim Blush Photography

Dancers in the UB Zodiaque Dance Company’s “37th Season” combined contemporary and classical movements to produce a wellexecuted performance. continued from page 1

handstands, and create unique formations above the four-foot iron structure. Dancers filled the negative space around the barre, creating the appearance of rounder shapes and appealing patterns. “[Ring] used the barre to create an ambiance that you would never think a barre could create,” said Tiffini DeNinis, a senior dance major.

Brittany Sprung, a senior dance major, climbed uphill as one end of the barre was raised off of the floor by the male dancers. Zosha Giacomara, a junior dance major, stood on top of the barre with her legs split 180 degrees apart.

“I really enjoyed [Ring’s] piece, [‘Drop, Post and Beam’]. It was a great way to open the show,” said Joseph Thomas, a senior biomedical sciences major. “I loved how the dancers were so committed to the piece that it made the barre look like not a prop at all, but like another dancer – almost a living part of the piece.”

Tressa Gorman Crehan’s piece, “And When I Turned Around (I was Gone),” explored the sense of the individual by incorporating many of the dancers’ own movements into the number. Each dancer had approximately 30 seconds to create a movement that related to the fear

of disappearance.

“I always like to work with things that the dancers bring in,” Crehan said. “I was the overseer.

They made it easy for me. It was superb.”

A single lightbulb hung above each of the nine female dancers, which illuminated each during their short, gestural, intimate solos.

Although the focal point was the dancer beneath her lightbulb, the stage was dimly lit so the audience could see the other dancers’ shadows residually moving in the background.

“The integration of lightbulbs added an emotional level to the piece. It was as if they were filling a void,” said Kerri Leonard, a senior dance major.

Students of many academic disciplines appeared to appreciate Crehan’s efforts.

“The lighting caused you to focus on different areas of the stage,” said Adam Korus, a junior biomedical sciences major. “You could focus on the dancer under the light or the dancers in the background while watching two very contrasting styles of dance.”

Elliot Keller, a senior dance major, offered a dancer’s point of view on the piece. “[Crehan’s] piece blended

contemporary movement with classical modern movement,” Keller said. “The design elements, including the costumes, lighting concept, and music, enhanced the overall experience.”

John Lehrer’s “Iambus” and Matt Pardo’s “This is Why” also exhibited the intensity and athleticism of the cast.

In “Iambus,” six female dancers flipped Angela Siler, a junior dance major, above their heads while she performed a back layout with her legs split in the air. The dancers, dressed in bright green and blue long-sleeve body suits, glided across the stage, jumping in double attitude with their backs arched.

During “This is Why,” five male dancers lifted five female dancers and tilted them into second positions. The lighting complemented the dancers’ movements, amplifying the mood set by the see-through black mesh shirts and tight black shorts.

“The pieces in the show this year were all well-made and wellexecuted,” Siler said There were high expectations for this semester’s performance, but the skills and variety of “37th Season” made this show even more enticing than the last.

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

HUGAR | Appreciate quality schooling continued from page 3

particularly boring class because you just didn’t feel like going. Hey, it’s understandable; it’s not easy to be motivated all the time. Just remember, there’s a student at a lesser college (or maybe a dropout) who would love to occupy that empty seat of yours.

This probably sounds like a lecture, but I’ve been guilty of this, too. For much of my first three semesters at UB, I blew off classes on a fairly regular basis. Only after receiving a particularly disappointing GPA did I realize how foolish I was being.

It’s easy to make fun of all the bookworms here – the kids who study all the time and have no social life to speak of. In reality, though, they might be the only people here who really have their heads on straight.

They are aware of the quality schooling they are receiving, and they make the most of it.

E-mail: john.hugar@ubspectrum.com

NEILANS | Level playing field between smart and stupid people continued from page 3

stress, and alcohol serves as a crutch to deal with that stress. Others have hypothesized that intelligent people drink because they spent so much of their childhood studying and are compensating for it in adulthood (the Michael Jackson effect).

Perhaps the best theory I’ve come across is that smart people feel alienated living in a world full of stupid people. We live in a world that elected Bush: enough said. Alcohol levels the playing field between smart people and stupid people. It takes years of studying, hard work and a little bit of luck to become smart, while it only takes a 12-pack of Natty Light to get stupid.

A couple of months ago, I went to Buckin’ Buffalo with some friends.

We had been drinking for a couple of hours when an older gentleman

wearing a cowboy hat stumbled into the now-empty bar. He wanted people to talk to, so he started buying drinks for my friends and me. We gladly obliged.

He went on to tell us that he was the first African-American to graduate from Yale and that he was being paid close to $100,000 to consult with HSBC on some business plan. I also distinctly remember him telling us how stupid the world we live in is and that we should drink until we burn a hole into our liver.

At the time, we all laughed it off and thought he was crazy, but perhaps he actually was a genius. He may have been the smartest person I ever met, or the craziest person I ever met. Either way, drinking alcohol made him seem like a completely different person.

Drinking doesn’t cause someone

to become smarter, but it’s scientifically proven that there’s a correlation between intelligence and getting crunk. Kids don’t drink to become smart, they drink because they are smart.

So the next time you’re at the Steer and see some scraggly old dude, don’t jump the gun and just assume he’s some bum living his life vicariously through drunken college students.

He might be the chair of some random department at UB. Either way, buy him a drink (or let him buy you a drink).

He’ll probably be a fun guy to get drunk with.

E-mail: steve.neilans@ubspectrum.com

The Spectrum Wednesday, October 27, 2010

SWIMMING

Men continue early season dominance continued from page 1

Rounding out the individual races for the women’s squad was Simmons, who won the 100-yard freestyle in 52.34 seconds. Murphy took the 50-yard freestyle in 24.30.

The men’s team continued its early season dominance, as each of its four swimmers grabbed two first-place finishes at the meet.

Freshman Andrew Tanzey swam in the 1,000-yard freestyle and the 200-yard breaststroke, crossing the finish line first in both races with times of 9:48.23 and 2:13.63.

The Bulls sophomores followed suit, as Matt Schwippert swept both of his races. He finished first in both the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle.

Fellow sophomore Cory Zorsch won the 100-yard backstroke in 59.33 and the 100-yard freestyle in 48.19.

Sophomore Josh Meints swept both of his races in the 50-yard freestyle and the 200-yard backstroke.

Freshman Phil Aronica won the 200-yard butterfly in 1:54.93, while junior diver Colin Patrican placed first in the three-meter diving event.

The Bulls 200-yard medley relay team included Zorsch, Aronica, sophomore Christian Muller, and freshman Mike Dugan. Buffalo won the race with a combined time of 1:35.13.

The women get back in the pool on Saturday at home to host Miami (Ohio) at 1 p.m. The men will have some time off before they travel to Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 6 for their next meet.

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

NEW VEGAS |

9

Deserving of the Vegas name

continued from page 6

Thankfully, throughout the course of the game, players are given access to an arsenal of deadly weapons to defend themselves with. With threats ranging from mutated scorpions to crazed and bloodthirsty bandits, players will need to use all of the arms at their disposal to survive.

In the virtual Mojave wasteland, the game often fails to keep your heart pumping. For seasoned FPS fans, things are a bit easier than they were in the ruins of Washington D.C. This time around, the developers have provided the choice to aim down the sights of the weapons, putting all control in the player’s nimble thumbs.

This isn’t to say that the beloved Vault-Tek Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) is absent from the game. For fans of the freeze frame aiming that allows players to target individual body parts of their opponents for added cinematic effect, there’s no need to fret. The trademark feature is back and just as fun as ever.

Don’t be misled; New Vegas isn’t all about running and gunning.

The game evokes a deep sense of exploration. Its landscape is massive, and it would take hours to discover every location dispersed across its map.

Because of the seemingly endless number of side quests and a

high level of replayability due to its vast customization, New Vegas is one game capable of entertaining its players for a long time to come.

As fun as the game is, it’s not without its faults. Most problematic is the large amount of bugs throughout.

At times, New Vegas feels as though its production was rushed.

Enemies find themselves trapped below the level with a mere limb or two exposed, and the frame rate will drop, causing the gameplay to become a choppy and frustrating experience.

In addition to the numerous glitches that plague the game, the developers failed to update their engine. In comparison to Fallout 3, the graphics of New Vegas received little to no polish. Characters come off as interchangeable between the two titles and fail to leave a lasting impression upon the player.

The only time that the visuals truly come off as stunning is within the city limits of New Vegas itself.

The neon lights and interior of the casinos showcase a level of radiance unseen in Fallout 3.

Even with the abundance of glitches and lack of impressive imagery, the game is solid. New Vegas is a worthy addition to the series and will provide anyone who picks it up with a payoff deserving of the Vegas name.

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The UB Department of Music presents

Tara Helen O’Connor, flute with Roman Rabinovich, piano and Barry Crawford, flute Friday, November 5, 2010 7:30 pm Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall A mostly contemporary program, to also include the music of Bach and Widor

Tickets: $12/$9/$5 in advance; $20/$15/$8 at the door Info: (716) 645-2921 or www.slee.buffalo.edu

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

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Strides for Stewart LAUREN NOSTRO Senior News Editor

This Saturday marks the second annual “Strides for Stewart 2 Benefit ECMC” race at Veterans Park in Grand Island, N.Y. On Mar. 7, 2009, Amy Stewart, a 22-year-old UB graduate student in the department of education, suffered serious head trauma when struck by a car in a hit-and-run incident while crossing Main Street near Daemen College.

Stewart was in a coma in the trauma unit of Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and was hospitalized for 75 days.

Last year, there was a benefit race held for Stewart called “Strides for Stewart.” This year, Stewart’s goal is to raise money for the rehabilitation department at ECMC. “My reason for wanting to [donate to ECMC] is that they’ve been such a huge help to me with getting me back to where I was before my injuries,” Stewart said. “I just remember all the help they gave me. So I thought that this year, instead of [the fundraiser] being for me, it would be for another organization, for the rehabilitation department to just say thank you and that I appreciate what [they] did.”

According to Stewart, ECMC will be able to use the donations in the way it thinks best, but she hopes that donations will be used toward technology that will help patients in conditions similar to what she faced last year.

The event will take place on Saturday at Veterans Park at 1717 Bedell Rd. in Grand Island, N.Y. Registration and check-in on site will start at 7:30 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine.

Awards will be given to top overall male and female as well as to the top male and female in age groups 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-35, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 and above.

For more information, contact 716-773-9143 or stridesforstewart@yahoo. com. The registration form is provided on www.ubspectrum.com.

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

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The Spectrum Wednesday , October 27 , 2010

10

SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS OFF CAMPUS From Off-Campus Student Services

• Do not entertain crowds of people.

Large parties can attract unwanted attention from criminals and may be a nuisance for your neighbors.

• Most importantly, report any crime or any suspicious activities or persons, by calling 911 or the E District Buffalo Police at 851-4416.

Living off-campus? Life safe and live smart! For more information contact Off-Campus Student Services at 829-3541 for help.

Meg Kinsley /The Spectrum

More Than Me will help raise breast cancer awareness at the Pinktober Living Ribbon event.

Niagara Falls to Illuminate in Pink KATIE ALLEN

Senior Life Editor

The Canadian and American cities of Niagara Falls will turn pink this Thursday for the first-ever International Pinktober Living Ribbon event, which will span across the Rainbow Bridge.

The Hard Rock Café and the American & Canadian Societies are joining hands with American and Canadian breast cancer survivors to find a cure for breast cancer. Downtown Niagara Falls, N.Y. will illuminate in pink at the waterfall itself, the Hard Rock Café, Old Falls Street, and the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.

Sue Swiatkowski, the sales and marketing manager for the U.S. Niagara Falls Hard Rock Café, is hoping for

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at least 500 people to participate in the event.

“About 200 people have pre-registered, but we are hoping for a big increase in registration on the day of the event. Anyone with an interest in the cause can register and will receive a pink Hard Rock t-shirt that will form the actual living ribbon on the Rainbow Bridge,” Swiatkowski said.

After the Living Ribbon Assembly, a free outdoor concert will be held in Niagara Falls, N.Y. on Old Falls Street at 8 p.m. The concert will feature Five for Fighting with special guests Tone Damli and More Than Me. The Kings will play at 10 p.m. on the Canadian side after the concert on the American side is finished.

Ribbon registration costs $20 and is open to everyone. Participants may register online at www.hardrockcafe. com or in person before the event. The official living ribbon formation will be at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

6) In what year did the Chicago Bulls set an NBA record with 72 wins in a season?

3) Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are tied for the most consecutive seasons leading the league in scoring. How many consecutive seasons did they do so?

4) Who is the longest tenured coach in the NBA? 5) Who scored the most points on last year’s opening night?

7) In which county did the NBA play a game for the first time in history during the 2009-10 season?

8) Who was the first Tanzanian player in the NBA? 9) What was the original league name of the NBA? 10) Who is the youngest player in league history to reach the 10,000 career point mark?

Kobe Bryant

2) Who was the last rookie to average 20+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists for a season?

Jerry Sloan. This is his 23rd season.

LeBron James, 38

Lock doors and windows and leave

There is no way to remove all risks of danger, but these guidelines can certainly be a start. You can also lower your risk by the choices you make. For example, many incidents that have occurred have involved alcohol or other substances.

Choosing substance-free activities like those sponsored by UB, including the free midnight movies at the Amherst Theaters on Saturday, can be a great alternative. latenight.buffalo.edu

BAA (Basketball Association of America)

•

• If going to a party or out, go with friends and come home with friends.

Seven

Know who to call in an emergency.

Finally, not all threats to safety come from criminals. If your housing is unsafe, (missing or malfunctioning smoke detectors, faulty wiring, etc.), contact Buffalo Public Services at 311 www.ci.buffalo.ny.us

Hasheem Thabeet

•

• Do not travel alone, especially at night. If you can’t find a walking partner, make use of the Safety Shuttle, which departs from Goodyear Hall, Main Loop, and Health Services Library and will drop you off anywhere within 1.5 miles of the South Campus.

Tyreke Evans, 2009-10

University Police (UPD) patrols of

• UPD response to Buffalo Police calls on an as needed basis, as requested by BPD

To live well and safer in the communit y, consider some of these recommendations;

an outside light on.

Taipei

•

• The installation of city security cameras at five off-campus locations · Joint UB and Buffalo Police Department (BPD) and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) patrols of Main Street in key time periods with segways and bikes purchased by UB

• On-going safety education efforts including opening weekend events, Operation Door Hanger information, the Yalem Safety Run, and on-campus safety fairs

1972 Buffalo Braves, 58 points

In recent years, UB has taken many steps to help students who choose to live off campus live better and live safer.

These include:

the campus perimeter

1995-96

As you may know, students off-campus near the UB South Campus and near Buffalo State College faced violence this weekend. Both campuses are working to support the victims and to promote safety in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Spectrum Wednesday, October 27, 2010

11

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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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www.ubspectrum.com/sports

Women’s Soccer Loses on Last-Second Goal

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Page 10

CHRIS RAHN

Sports Editor

Who is Number Four?

Losing Streak to 14

VINNY LEPORE and STEVE CARR Staff Reporter and Staff Writer

When nothing seems to be going right on the field, it can be difficult to find motivation to compete. The women’s soccer team hasn’t recorded a win since Sept.

3, but it continues to fight.

The Bulls (1-15-2, 0-8-2 Mid-American Conference) dropped two more matches over the weekend to extend their winless streak to 14. Ohio (6-7-4, 3-4-3 MAC) outlasted Buffalo in double overtime, 1-0. Akron (6-10-1, Alex McCrossen /The Spectrum 4-5-1 MAC) dominated the Bulls in the second game, 3-0. Sophomore Katie Kerr and the Bulls played their final home game on Friday.

The Bulls battled Ohio on senior night and showed how much heart they had left. For 90 minutes, Buffalo overtime loss on Friday. hung in against the Bobcats and forced the game into overtime.

The Zips, coming off their third win in a row, had the The Bulls defense shined throughout the match, led by a momentum going into the game and fought hard against Bufstrong back line and great play from sophomore goalkeeper falo to earn a spot in the upcoming MAC tournament.

Danielle Quigley. It was only her second start of the season.

Buffalo, like it has done all season long, gave a valiant effort Ohio forced 13 corner kicks in the match, and Quigley made in the loss but couldn’t finish scoring opportunities as it fell to 11 saves to keep the Bulls in the match.

Akron.

“Quigley stepped in after not having played for a while and Despite the loss, the Bulls came out playing hard, and in the did a great job,” said head coach Michael Thomas. “Since about 16th minute, sophomore midfielder Shannon Fisher almost put mid-season, the defense has done really well and has really one home from the six-yard box. Akron goalkeeper Michelle turned [itself ] into the backbone of this team.”

Smith, who played well in net for Akron, turned Fisher’s shot The final second of the second overtime period produced the away. difference. Ohio lined up a corner kick with seconds remaining “I thought our girls started off very strong through the and converted on the ensuing kick as time expired. first half,” Thomas said. “We had some great opportunities It was a heartbreaking loss for Thomas and even more so on shots and corner kicks to tuck one away, but [we] couldn’t for the senior women. capitalize.”

“Senior leadership on this team has been great and has Senior midfielder Jordan Clark secured the victory for the kept the team together through a tough year,” Thomas said. Zips in the 79th minute, as she scored her second goal of the “Everybody wanted to go out and give a great effort for the game to make it 3-0. The Bulls tried to prevent the goal but seniors.” were penalized for their aggressive defense. The infraction It was a sad ending for the six seniors as the clock hit zero. It gave Clark a free kick from 28 yards away, and she capitalized was the last home game for Lindsey Bailey, Kristen Bailey, Nina on the opportunity.

Connell, Julie Dale, Courtney McHale and Martina Pettenuzzo.

Freshman forward Karen McMahon had another great Thomas refused to give up on his girls and vowed to improve game with three shots, and she gave some legitimate offensive down the team’s final stretch and in the upcoming offseason. firepower. “[McMahon] is a very skilled player who played great “We’ve been trying to get better every game and more times than not we’ve done that,” Thomas said. “We’ve played some today, as she’s done all season for us, and seems to get better good soccer, but we’ve struggled to close out games. We’re every game,” Thomas said. “Obviously no one likes to lose, but hoping that we can learn some lessons on how to close out the you have to stay positive and continue to get better as a team, 90 minutes, or in this case 110 minute game, before the season especially when you’re creating as many chances as we are.” ends.”

The Bulls will get ready to travel to Kent State for their The Bulls were prepared to give a strong effort against season finale on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Akron on Sunday afternoon after their heartbreaking double E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

Brett Favre.

He’s overcome so much in his career to keep his consecutive starts streak alive. His wife battled cancer and his father passed away right before a Monday Night Football game, not to mention the countless injuries.

Recently, Favre has had his share of off the field issues, centered on the scandal involving a former New York Jets employee.

I’ve noticed recently that the distractions in Favre’s life are blowing up on the 41-year old. Whether it’s a possible league suspension for the sexting scandal or a body that’s starting to fail him, it seems as though Favre’s consecutive starts streak will soon come to an end.

It could be as soon as this Sunday, due to the two fractures in his ankle. This would end his streak at 291 games (315 if you include playoff games).

I’ve got some advice for the old man: take a break.

The fact that he is playing right now makes me respect him that much more, but how can he possibly play football with so much going on around him?

Everyone needs to take time off. Just ask Tiger Woods.

Favre may feel healthy enough to play, but there is no way his body can recover the same way it did when he was young.

That ankle is just not right, and it’s showing in his play.

Favre has been inconsistent, for the most part, this season, but he has shown flashes of his old gun-slinging self. His team is sitting at 2-4, and he’s taking a lot of the heat from the media.

What might be worse than the scrutiny he’s received from the media for his play is the public revelation of his personal life.

No athlete will ever have as much about his personal life revealed as Tiger did, but Favre’s only a couple of strokes back.

It has to be mentally draining to have your secrets become public knowledge, and if it doesn’t bother him, he has some serious issues.

Even if he could play through it all you would think it would be desirable for Brett to take a game off. Just one game. If you’re not able to perform at your best, you’re only hurting the team.

So why play at all?

In life, it’s healthy to take a day off every now and then. I’m never sick, but I’ve taken days off from work if I don’t feel that I can perform my job properly. That’s life. We all need to get away at some point.

Sure, it’s impressive that Favre has been able to play that many football games in a row. But it’s really unnecessary.

Give Favre a week to rest his ankle and his mind. The pressure of the streak will be over, and he will be better for it. Trust me, Brett, we all know you’re a tough guy. You don’t need to prove it anymore.

Like his coach Brad Childress said, “We’ve got to protect him from himself.”

When he comes back with Randy Moss and Percy Harvin to throw to, I’m confident he’ll regain his swagger.

We won’t think less of you, Brett. Just sit one out.

E-mail: chris.rahn@ubspectrum.com

NBA Preview: Southwest Division CHRIS RAHN | Sports Editor

Dallas Mavericks

San Antonio Spurs

Memphis Grizzlies

New Orleans Hornets

Houston Rockets

Additions: Domonique Jones, Tyson Chandler Losses: Erick Dampier

Additions: James Anderson, Tiago Splitter Losses: Roger Mason, Keith Bogans

Additions: Xavier Henry, Tony Allen, Greivis Vasquez Losses: Ronnie Brewer

Additions: Jerryd Bayless, Trevor Ariza Losses: Darren Collison, Morris Peterson, James Posey

Additions: Brad Miller, Courtney Lee, Patrick Patterson Losses: Trevor Ariza

After acquiring Caron Butler at the trade deadline last season, the Mavericks were considered a threat to knock off the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference playoffs. They finished the season with a record of 55-27, which was good for the two seed in the postseason, but their in-state rival, the San Antonio Spurs, knocked them out in the first round.

They re-signed their star Dirk Nowitzki to a max contract and brought back Caron Butler, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. They also added big man Tyson Chandler.

The defensive effort of the Mavs, coupled with the disappearance of Butler in the playoffs last season, is a major question mark for Dallas. Nowitzki should realize the window is rapidly closing and motivate his team to finish first in the division.

Prediction: First Place in Southwest (57-25)

The Spurs have been the most consistent team of the past decade, but they are on the decline. They finished second in the division but seventh in the Western Conference last season. They knocked off Dallas in a first-round upset but then got swept by the Phoenix Suns.

This team has the veteran talent to win tough games, but it is in the process of overturning its roster. Tony Parker is on his way out of town, and Manu Ginobili is on his last legs. With all this, there is still a lot to look forward to this season for the Spurs.

George Hill has shown he can be a future star in the NBA, and DeJuan Blair has been a pleasant surprise since falling to the second round on draft day. Look for Hill and Blair to play big roles this season and the Spurs to make yet another playoff run behind their rock, Tim Duncan.

Prediction: Second Place in Southwest (51-31)

The Grizzlies surprised many early last season with a good start, but midseason trouble caused them to miss the playoffs. They made a 16-win improvement last season from the previous year and finished just below .500, at 40-42.

The Grizzlies have loads of young talent with Rudy Gay, sharpshooter O.J. Mayo, and rookie Xavier Henry. Throw in Marc Gasol, who is one of the most underappreciated big men in the league, with Zach Randolph, and this team can be dangerous on the blocks.

Look for the Grizzlies to improve once again and make the playoffs this season.

Prediction: Third Place in Southwest (50-32)

The Hornets are an interesting team this season. Two years ago, the same nucleus of Chris Paul and David West led the Hornets into the playoffs. Last season, they dropped off considerably and finished the season with a record of 37-45, mainly due to injury problems for Paul.

With the arrival of Trevor Ariza and Jerryd Bayless, the Hornets have added weapons to surround CP3. Paul is the best point guard in the league and is the type of player who will make everyone around him better.

Paul expressed his concerns with the franchise this offseason, at one point asking for a trade. But with Paul back and healthy, the Hornets can make a serious run at the playoffs this season.

Prediction: Fourth Place in Southwest (42-40)

The status of Yao Ming will be the determining factor of the season for the Rockets. Last season, Yao went down for the season with an injury, and the team missed the playoffs.

During the offseason, the Rockets made nice moves that went virtually unnoticed by the rest of the league. They picked up a productive guard in Courtney Lee and got some Yao insurance by adding Brad Miller.

Even with the additions, the Rockets will go nowhere this season without their big man. Since Yao will only play minimal minutes the Rockets have no shot at the playoffs.

Prediction: Fifth Place in Southwest (38-44)