The Spectrum, Volume 60, Issue 25

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

WEEKEND EDITION October   29, 2010 Volume   60     Issue   25

Buffalo, New York www. ubspectrum .com

ARTS

Oleanna Gives Audiences Something to Talk About COLLIN SCHWEIGER Staff Writer

The crowd shuffled in one by one as The Center for the Arts Black Box Theater began to fill up. Students, parents, faculty and other members of the UB community were all anxiously awaiting the start of the show. The excitement and anticipation of an opening night performance was palpable, as the actors ran around backstage making last minute preparations. As the doors began to close and the last few members of the audience trickled in to take their seats, the lights went down and the curtain went up as UB’s theater and dance department kicked off its four-day run of Oleanna, an unflinching commentary on gender issues in contemporary society written by

NEWS

UB Study Examines Alcohol and Aggression

Focuses on the College Male Perspective DAVID WEIDENBORNER Asst. News Editor

Indulging in alcohol is an accepted, and almost expected, pastime of college students. College males welcome this fact wholeheartedly. But when one too many drinks turns into four too many, priorities get confused. Another college pastime, sex, takes center stage. A UB research project will focus on the impact of men’s alcohol consumption and their perpetration of sexual aggression. This study is unique in that research and information will be coming from the college male perspective. In previous studies regarding alcohol and aggression, the accounts of female victims were the only perspectives considered. “ T h e male perspective p r o vides us with a different

interpretation of the same action or behavior [witnessed by females],” said Maria Testa, lead investigator on the study and senior research scientist at UB’s Research Institute on Addictions. The study will involve 1,850 college freshman males from local colleges and will cover their first five semesters. The first part of the research will be gathered via web surveys that will question whether heavy drinking directly leads to sexual aggression. “Both alcohol and individual factors may play a role in sexual

aggression,” Testa said. “[For those exhibiting] hyper masculinity, we are speculating that those men may be predisposed to act aggressively with or without alcohol.” The second part of the study will have a subsample of 324 college males report their drinking and sexual behavior over an eightweek span. They will make their observations using interactive voice response technology. A previous project by Kenneth Leonard, RIA senior research scientist, may offer some insight into the effect alcohol has on aggression and violence. His research focused on the prevalence and predictors of alcohol-related violence in young adults, whether in college or not. “Drinking and violence are seen predominantly in young

adults,” said Leonard, who is also a research professor and vice chair for research in the UB Department of Psychiatry and a research professor in the Department of Psychology. “But determining the context of the two is important. Alcohol being present with aggression or violence doesn’t necessarily mean the alcohol caused them to happen.” Among many findings, Leonard observed that 33 percent of college males and 22 percent of college females either initiated or were victims of violence. In the end, the research found that drinking doesn’t predict the occurrence of aggression but does predict the severity of the aggression and • see ALCOHOL | page 2

• see OLEANNA | page 2

SPORTS

The start of a new era MEGAN LEACH Staff Writer

There is one rivalry, however, that the Blades are anticipating. Hendrickson expects that Montreal will blossom into a rival, just like in the NHL. “I do expect a special rivalry with Montreal,” Hendrickson said. “There’s nothing like Boston versus Montreal in the NHL, and I’m expecting that we see a similar type of rivalry on the women’s side.” Hendrickson explained that NHL fans would find excitement in the fast pace and flow of the game. Without the physical aspect of clutching and grabbing by players, fans will experience a game with precise passing and quick puck movement from each end of the ice. Boston’s induction into the league comes at a scary time for women’s hockey. In less than a month, the International Olympic Committee will decide the fate of women’s hockey in the Olympics. The event’s continued inclusion in the Winter Games will come before a panel at the International Hockey Summit in Toronto.

Excitement for the league’s expansion reaches much farther than eastern Massachusetts. Senior Shoshana Levine, captain of the University at Buffalo Lady Ice Bulls, has been playing hockey for much of her life. “I think [women’s hockey coming to the U.S.] is great,” Levine said. “Very few Americans know it even exists. I hope Boston gets enough publicity to expand teams to other cities. If it could someday lead to a WNHL that is as widespread as the WNBA, then that would be huge for the sport.”

AMBER GERRITY Staff Writer

It’s October and the ghosts and goblins are officially back in Buffalo. Whether you’re looking to get the you-know-what scared out of you at haunted houses or just to have some good, old-fashioned, Halloweenthemed fun, Western New York is the place to be. For those who aren’t satisfied unless they’re scared out of their minds, Fright World at 3060 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville is arguably the best haunted house in the area. Consisting of five haunted houses, Fright World has something for everyone – except the faint of heart. The $25 ticket includes one admission into each of the five houses. Additionally, a $3 off coupon can be found at any NOCO Express location or online at

hauntedbuffalo.com. Fright World opens every night at 6:30 p.m. and has full-time security to keep things safe. For those who have had their fill of haunted houses and are looking for a change, Haunted Cave: Mysteries of the Erie Canal and the Lockport Underground put a new, slightly educational twist on the usual scare. Pa r t icipa nts a re g iven a 75-minute guided mystery tour of the Erie Canal and the haunted Lockport cave for $12. It doesn’t stop there, however; those who take the tour can also take part in storytelling around a campfire. At the cost of an additional $5, a 15-minute underground boat ride is also offered, which runs every half hour. The Haunted Cave takes place through Saturday and departs from the old city hall in downtown Lockport. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as the walk tends to sell out quickly. Go to lockportcave.com for specific dates and times. Although a bit of a hike, Nightmare Hayride on Sommerville Street in Ellicottville is well worth the drive. This venue boasts everything • see HAUNTED | page 4

Even as an expansion team, the Blades are confident that they will be able to compete with the Burlington squad this weekend. “We’re looking for a challenging weekend, but we’re very confident in the skills and team play,” Hendrickson said. “We’re looking to come out on top, but we’ll be happy just being out on the ice.”

Weather: friday: 50°/ 36° rain  |  saturday: 53°/ 39° rain  |  sunday: 50°/ 40° sun

Jeanette Wiley / The Spectrum

For the past 100 years, Boston has been a special place in the world of sports. It was where hockey was introduced to America, as the Bruins were the first National Hockey League franchise in the United States with their inauguration in 1924. In 2010, hockey history strikes Beantown once more. On Saturday, the United States’ first professional women’s hockey team will hit the ice. The puck drops at noon, as the Boston Blades will face off against the Burlington Barracudas from Harvard University’s Bright Hockey Center. Opening in 2007, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League is still in its infancy. The league’s original four teams include three teams from the province of Ontario (Burlington, Toronto and Brampton) and one from Quebec (Montreal). Now, the league has dropped below the border, and Boston is the beneficiary. Coming to life after the National Women’s Hockey League dissolved, the CWHL supports itself through donations rather than support from the NHL. The WNBA, on the other hand, is still supported by the NBA despite its lack of self-generated revenue. The WNBA would not be around if it weren’t for the support from the men. Funding isn’t as much of an issue for the CWHL. The players do not get paid, and in Boston’s case, they have no home arena. The women take to the ice and compete purely for the love of the game. The rosters are filled to the brim with talent from international play.

Boston will be the new home for five U.S. Oly mpia ns, including the alternate captain for the 2010 Va ncouver Oly mpic squad, Angela Ruggiero. With the harsh rivalry between the U.S. and Canadian Courtesy of Peter Wayne Photography nat iona l tea m s, Boston Blades defenseman Angela Ruggiero (waving) hopes to many have won- help catapult the Canadian Women’s Hockey League in Beantown. dered if there will be any bad blood. Dominance by Canadian and “It’s not completely U.S. versus American squads has threatened the Canada,” said Boston general man- sport. With the CWHL coming into ager Paul Hendrickson. “We do have place, European hockey players are a bit of a mix of Canadian and Ameri- invited to play with these high caliber cans on all teams in the league. So I athletes to ensure that the sport is don’t think that will be the focus of safe from removal from the Winter Olympics. the rivalry.”

A True Buffalo Haunting

LIFE

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com Inside:

opinion — 3

arts & life — 5

classifieds — 7

sports — 8


The Spectrum Friday , October 29 , 2010

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What Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us Stronger Psychology professor explores impact of adversity on quality of life MARIELA ESTEVEZ Staff Writer

Common sense would say that when adversity in one’s life increases, negative effects on one’s mental health often follow. But as it turns out, the old cliché, If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger,” might actually have some truth to it. Dr. Mark Seery, assistant professor of psychology, is working on a project that opposes previous research indicating that exposure to adversity typically predicts negative effects on mental health and well-being. “There is an intuitive appeal to the idea that if people go through some sort of difficulty in life, it’s easy to assume that they are just forever damaged by that in some way,” Seery said. Recently, Seery explored the idea that adversity can actually play a positive role in people’s mental health in his study, “Whatever Does Not Kill Us: Cumulative Lifetime Adversity, Vulnerability and Resilience.” University of California-Irvine professors E. Alison Holman, assistant professor of nursing sciences, and Roxane Cohen Silver, professor of psychology and social behavior and medicine, also authored the study. According to Seery, the purpose of the study was to test if experiencing some negative events in life can actually contribute to subsequent resilience in one’s life so that one

would function better when faced with future adversity and be able to deal with the issue effectively. Resilience, in psychology, is the positive capacity of people to cope with stress and adversity – for example, a death in the family or home foreclosure. The idea of resilience allows for adaptability to the sudden unfortunate change of events. “In the face of all this existing evidence, it is possible for some truth to this additional idea that in the right circumstances, when having to deal with and manage difficulties, there could actually be some positive experience associated with that,” Seery said. “Just knowing this kind of potential contradiction is out there made [the study] interesting.” The study examined a national sample of individuals who reported their lifetime history of adverse experience and several measures of current mental health and well-being. Knowledge Networks Inc. surveyed a panel of 2,398 subjects, ranging in age from 18 to 101, who were assessed repeatedly from 2001 to 2004. The surveys were distributed online and in person. “There are a wide variety of people from different income levels and educational backgrounds,” Seery said. “The statistics ended up being somewhat complicated to work with, so just getting used to working with the data set was the single most [challenging aspect] for me.” The findings of the study revealed that a history of some lifetime adversity, relative to no adversity or high adversity, predicted lower global distress, lower functional impairment, lower posttraumatic stress symptoms, and higher life satisfaction. Seery and his co-authors also found that people with a history of some lifetime adversity appeared

A news survey demonstrates that adversity is not always negative

less negatively affected by recent adverse events in comparison with other individuals. “Experiencing life difficulties may contribute to the development of future resilience,” Seery said. “Ultimately, the point is to understand how resilience works, and by doing that, it may eventually help inform researchers how to develop interventions to help people develop resilience.” While this data cannot establish any causation between resilience and lifetime adversity, Seery states that the evidence is consistent with the idea that in moderation, experiencing adversity in one’s lifetime can contribute to development of resilience.

The American Psychological Association suggests that building and keeping close relationships with family members and friends can help build resilience. Another suggestion is acceptance of adverse events and learning to adapt to these situations. Students can also benefit from the advances of Seery’s study, as many struggle to adapt to coursework and the overall college experience. “A lot of people tend to [experience] a bad event in life and feel worthless,” said Christina Townsend, a junior psychology major. “And that’s what sometimes leads them to [alcohol] and drugs.” Others believe that leaving home for the first time strongly affects

Alexander McCrossen /The Spectrum

the mental health and well-being of students. “A lot of people have been cushioned in their life by their parents,” said Melissa Magris, a junior psychology major. “Their parents do everything for them, so they don’t know how to deal with their own issues when they happen in the future.” “Whatever Does Not Kill Us: Cumulative Lifetime Adversity, Vulnerability and Resilience” will be published in the forthcoming issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

alcohol |   Aggression goes hand-in-hand with alcohol continued from page 1

likelihood of injury when an incident does happen. “We found that for young adults, men experienced the most severe violence in a bar setting and women experienced this at home,” Leonard said. A factor to consider in both studies is the acceptance of aggression as going hand-in-hand with alcohol. If people believe alcohol leads to violence and sexual aggression, they

may act accordingly, to some extent. “The evidence doesn’t support a placebo effect for alcohol, but those that believe [alcohol leads to aggression] can act differently,” Leonard said. “Those that are more tuned to aggression or pick up threats easily may demonstrate this.” Leonard and Kathleen A. Parks, RIA senior research scientist, are collaborating with Testa on the upcoming study. Brian M. Quigley,

RIA senior research scientist, and R. Lorraine Collins, associate dean for research for the School of Public Health and Health Professions were co-investigators on Leonard’s previous study. Funding for both studies came from grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

oleanna |   ‘A play like this really makes you think’ continued from page 1

David Mamet. “[Oleanna is] a play about something,” said Kazimierz Braun, director of the show. “It is intellectually provocative, [and it] debates important issues of political correctness and sexual harassment.” Oleanna is the story of John, a university professor, and Carol, one of John’s students. As the action of the play unfolds, the audience witnesses a moment of transgression on John’s part, a complaint filed by Carol regarding John’s apparent sin and John’s discharge from his position. The climax of the play comes in the second act, in which Carol walks out into the audience and delivers a powerful monologue regarding social and moral responsibility. This monologue epitomizes the central theme presented throughout the duration of the performance. The play is clearly meant to provoke thought and discussion due to the fact that the circumstances of John’s transgression are unclear, and it is debatable whether or not

John is wrongly accused of sexual harassment. In the end, it is up to the viewer to decide the boundaries of certain gender relations. “A play like this really makes you think,” said Laura Lonski, a sophomore legal studies major. “You walk out of it thinking, ‘Where is the line?’” The circumstances of this play hit especially close to home because the issues that are addressed are situations that people in the world must deal with every day. One of the most interesting facets of the production was the usage of different actors for every scene. Scene one features Matthew Nerber and Katie Osborn playing John and Carol, respectively, whereas scene two features Joe Siejack and Kelsey Mogensen. Scene three features John Jacoby and Sarah Blewett. While this use of different actors and actresses for every scene was most likely to increase the number of roles available, it was a great decision, as it helped to greatly facilitate the continually shifting circumstances of the play. In terms of overall production

quality, the stage crew did an incredible job worthy of the utmost praise. The lighting effects for the play were subtle and intimate, using bright, white lights to accent the action and cool blues to mirror the melancholy and dejection of John. The scenery for the play was simple yet tasteful, allowing the audience members to engage in the events unfolding before them. Overall, UB theater and dance department’s production of Oleanna is a performance that would make David Mamet proud. From lighting to scenery to individual performances, every aspect was carried out in an impressive fashion. The social and moral issues at stake in the play are ones that every member of the UB community should address. Oleanna is playing at The Center for the Arts Black Box Theater on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $18 for general admission.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com


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 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.

Incentives try to protect people from themselves

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.

to sit down and eat some hummus. The main attractions at each of these establishments are the tall smoking devices that are illegal in other indoor venues. So it seems unreasonable to enact policy that would make it difficult for hookah bars to stay in business. Everyone that goes there is expecting to do something unhealthy. It is the same for soda and alcohol. People take responsibility for their choice to drink something that they know their body does not need. Keeping alcohol away from younger people is an understated goal, but the idea of taking it away entirely lacks realistic worth, and it counterproductively sparks more of an interest in the proud youth of America who will try anything that they are not supposed to. It seems to be an odd mix of the conservative notion that vices are immoral and the progressive argument that vices are a health issue. Both sides wish that they could shout reason into the ears of a “jonesing” population, while they decide (and attempt to press) what is best for people. Both sides overlook the power of choice. Even if all three – hookah, soda and alcohol – were banned from public use or from the market, people would find new ways to get a fix. It is belittling that these incentives attempt to protect people from themselves. Stopping the sale or proliferation of accessories of vice will not stop people from doing bad things to their bodies.

Gentrification Only Good for Some

Working for the benefit of the whole proves difficult Buffalo is a city that truly needs an urban facelift. Many parts of the city are in abominable disrepair, as people passing through run red lights to avoid an awkward vulnerability, stopped in the middle of the bad part of town. Residents from environing suburbs can imagine what terrible crimes can occur in one of the abandoned Bailey Avenue buildings. Gentrifying the dirty parts of Buffalo seems to be the obvious answer. Investing in a project that would bring more attention to a dangerous blind spot sounds like the only way to make Buffalo a more attractive, cosmopolitan city. Central Park in New York City was built on the strength of eminent domain, its planners having booted out the Native Americans that lived within the park’s property. Today, the park is a cardinal attraction for citygoers and tourists, and it is a staple of New York City culture. But the most recent example of the flipside concerns UB and its multi billion-dollar incentive to build its medical campus in Buffalo’s Fruit Belt area. It was intended to buy up inhabited land and to displace its residents to a different part of town. Though planners claimed that the new subsidized housing units would be upgraded in size and quality and that the area offered more public amenities, the plans were met with loud public recoil. Fruit Belt residents did not want to leave their homes because they had established a comfortable sense of community at their current location.

Narrow-minded business and real estate administrators look at an available Buffalo lot and see what the property could be without the elements of its current plight, including the current residents. Many of us, in this case, forget what it is to have a sense of home because the issue is too far across town, beyond the shortsightedness of our perspective. We cannot feel good about moving people from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom penthouse if the resident in question preferred his or her smaller abode. It is a patronizing means of claiming to know what others want and a presumptuous notion of what is better for people in general. But Buffalo is struggling mightily, having suffered an economic and commercial decline since American industrialism took a steep dive decades ago. It is easy to say “Fix it” and spit-shine the spotty parts of a potentially beautiful town. But for every beautifying initiative, there are consequential side effects that do not always share in the benefits of the project’s aim. It is also easy to say that people should be sensitive to the blunt end of the deal, because people are unwilling to deal with the eyesore that is East Buffalo. It is even easier, though, to say that we cannot do anything about the displacement of the Native Americans from Central Park. The difference now is that we have a choice.

THE WORD AROUND CAMPUS

The Spectrum is provided free by the Undergraduate Mandatory Activity Fee

OCTOBER 29, 2010 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 25 CIRCULATION: 10,000

www.ubspectrum.com/opinion

Substance Bans and Vice-Tax Incentives Are Belittling Banning substances and habits is a national pastime. The United States has abolished almost every drug, including alcohol, at one time in history. So it should come as no surprise that soda, hookah and Four Loko could end up on the cutting room floor in the coming years. Laws pertaining to hookah establishments are becoming stricter, as indoor smoking policies earn decent ground with the non-smoking constituencies of lawmakers. At UB, it is against the rules to even own a hookah in the dorms. Sugary soft drinks are also becoming more of an issue, as nationwide obesity continues to broaden, especially for American children. Proposed soda taxes would hike the prices of the liquid treat as a monetary deterrent to the disadvantageous consumable. Citing that the marketing of caffeinated alcoholic drinks targets underage drinkers, the U.S. attorney general’s office has launched an investigation, planting the seed for their possible removal from the market. Lawmakers fear that the substances contain too much alcohol for their target customers. But when will policymakers give credit to a customer’s free will? It seems like many campaigns against the vice market forget that it is the people’s choice to buy and consume unhealthy foods, drugs and drinks. Hookah bars are not typically attractive because of their menu. A customer does not go into the hookah bar

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.)

> Dear UB, Why are you cutting jobs, departments and financial aid yet wasting our money building a worthless pond on South Campus? Sincerely, Student who learned important life skills from Methods of Inquiry… just kidding, that program was cut P.S. We can’t even swim in the damn pond :-(

> New York Knicks > Miami Heat

3

> Oh, all of a sudden some UB girls

are gonna say that UB guys need to get hotter. Well, guys don’t need to be. We make the money and take you on vacations and skiing in Vermont, so fall back ma and get your diet on

> So whose idea was it to replace

the floor in busy hallways DURING the semester? These slow walkers are bad enough as it is!

> Dear kid in front of me,

Please stop hawking/coughing/ snorting up phlegm. It’s straight up nasty. You have been doing this for like three weeks. Go see a doctor. Oh, and stop playing your stupid video game on your laptop. You complain about getting a bad exam grade...hmm I wonder why. Trust me, everyone wants you to leave class so we don’t have to be grossed out for the entire hour and 20 minute class.

ANDREW WIKTOR

Editor in Chief

The Little Decisions Not every decision warrants an hourlong television program, but every choice matters. No action, regardless of how minute it may seem, occurs without consequence. Consider waking up. The alarm goes off and you’re forced to make an early decision: should you get out of bed, snooze for five minutes, or turn the alarm off entirely? It’s a minor choice, but it has spiraling effects. It’s the difference between having time to make breakfast, being well-rested or missing your first class of the day. Now think about lunchtime. Choosing between Rachel’s and Jonny C’s seems insignificant; your gut says Mediterranean, but your pallet says Pittsburgh. You stroll into the deli and stand in line to order. In walks the professor whose class you inconveniently slept through this morning. In retrospect, you may wish you went with the souvlaki wrap. Think about the events that transpired last weekend in the University Heights. I doubt the five kids who ended up in the hospital anticipated how their nights would unfold when they hopped out of the shower, threw on a button down and lathered up in cologne. In fact, I bet they probably foresaw themselves waking up next to a cute girl, not with a black eye. What makes life so interesting is what makes life so complicated; you never know what’s about to happen next, and it’s impossible to predict exactly how one decision will impact the rest of your life. Should any of those kids have stayed in that night to study? Should any of them have called a cab to pick them up from the party? Should any of them be responsible for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Shouldacouldawouldas only get you so far in life. The decisions you make, regardless of how minor or major they may be, have a huge impact on the rest of your life. Reflecting on past decisions is a difficult task and it’s often hard to be completely honest with yourself about why you made certain choices. Sometimes we can’t even pinpoint the choices that led us to where we are now, so any attempt to decrypt the past may be futile. Plus, contemplating the whys and what-ifs doesn’t change your current circumstance. Uncovering how you got to where you are now is only as valuable as you make it. Evaluating past mistakes doesn’t necessarily prevent future errors, and it certainly doesn’t alter the present. You alter your present and control your future with the decisions you make – both big and small. Awkwardly running into the professor whose class you skipped may seem horrible on the surface. But the next time your alarm goes off, you’ll probably get out of bed and make sure you’re in class on time. One small mistake could possibly have a large (and positive) effect on your future. Today I turned 21, and I definitely don’t have it all figured out yet. I do know, however, that the little things in life can, do and will matter - even the most minute decisions. You’re not always going to be dealt aces in life, and even when you are, you still have to decide how to play them. Sometimes, you may have to take your seven-deuce and shove all-in. Either way, it’s your choice.

E-mail: andrew.wiktor@ubspectrum.com


The Spectrum Friday , October 29 , 2010

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haunted |   Giving back to the community continued from page 1

from a haunted maze and barn to a tractor-pulled hayride and a “cook shack” for refreshments. Nightmare Hayride runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The cost of admission is $15. For students who are swamped with schoolwork this Halloween, there will be a haunted house on campus. The Haunted Union is happening Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. “We will be providing a map of the Union so that students know where they can go to see decorated offices, participate in events, and get free candy,” said Kerry Spicer, associate director of student unions and activities.

The UB Department of Music presents

Tara Helen O’Connor, flute

In addition, the Student Association’s film series will be featuring Ghostbusters on Friday, with multiple showings between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. “The Student Programming Board and all of the Student Life staff works tirelessly to make this one of the scariest and fun experiences for UB students, faculty and staff,” Spicer said. “We give any area haunted house a run for their money…and ours is free.” If students want to give back to their community this Halloween, the Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement is hosting its third annual Trick or Eat event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the evening of Halloween to help raise awareness for hunger in the Western New York area. “UB students have the chance to

Jeanette Wiley / The Spectrum

UB students have many options when it comes to haunted houses this weekend

see and be a part of [the reason] why Buffalo is referred to as the city of good neighbors,” said Terri Budek, community engagement coordinator for the Center for Student Life and Community Engagement. Students who participate will dress up in costumes and walk streets throughout the Amherst community, asking for nonperishable food donations. “In previous years, the number of student participants has increased from 50 the first year to 115 last year. This year we are hoping for 125-150

students. The amount of food collected has increased as well – from approximately 800 items to almost 2,000 items last year,” Budek said. “This year we are hoping to collect 7,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western New York. The Food Bank will then distribute the food to the food pantries in the area that have the most need for food/ donations.” To register, visit trickoreat.ca, click on the “U.S. School” link, and choose “UB.” E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

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


Arts & Life

716.645.8564

www.ubspectrum.com/arts

716.645.8567

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www.ubspectrum.com/life

On the Same Page ZACHARY BOURQUE Staff Writer

As the album opener “A New Shore” might suggest, Steven Page, former lead singer of the popular adult contemporary group Barenaked Ladies, searches for a new mode in his debut solo album Page One. Although Page’s solo album includes a more personal focus than his albums with Barenaked Ladies, the general production and song craft reuse the same tired methods exploited by his previous band over the past decade. On the plus side, any fans of BNL will be right at home

Artist: Steven Page Album: Page One Release date: Oct. 19 Label: Rounder Records Grade: D

with Page One. Simplistic pop chord progressions and peppy energy come in abundance, and the sense of humor ingrained in Page’s vocal style will have BNL fans reminiscing about past albums.

Admittedly, Page One is just a bit more serious and mellow than most of BNL’s output, but to say that Page has calmed down would be splitting hairs. The f irst noticeable difference occurs in the aforementioned “A New Shore,” which includes a string section to create a subtle shift in mood. This sound, t hough usually confined to the background, appears continuously throughout the record. If anything, it provides an intellectual feel to Page’s first solo statement. When observed closer, • see PAGE | page 6

Swift Speaks MEGHAN HOUSTON Staff Writer

Courtesy of flickr user VersusLiveQuizShow

Taylor Swift makes apologies but not for her latest album Speak Now

Taylor Swift addresses many topics on her new album, Speak Now. However, she does one thing that she didn’t do on her previous albums: instead of bashing an ex, she admits she was wrong. The song “Back to December” is an apology for the way she treated Twilight star Taylor Lautner. Her lyrics are relatable, sincere and honest. “So this is me swallowing my pride/ Standing in front of

Courtesy of flickr user Tsar Kasim

Steven Page’s recent release Page One may be a solo effort, but that doesn’t men the Barenaked Ladies are behind him.

you saying I’m sorry for that night,” Swift sings. The album starts off with the first single, “Mine.” From there it eases into her new diary-based song, “Sparks Fly.” The electric guitar mixed with Swift’s romantic lyrics will have 17-year-olds dancing at their proms. With several tracks about her past lovers, Swift calls out recording stars during songs like “Dear John,” in which she refers to John Mayer. Swift takes over six minutes to address the 33-year-old performer. The song is heartfelt and probably one of the best of the album. Her emotional connection is apparent, and her truthful approach will please fans. Swift also addresses Kanye West on the track “Innocent.” While the lyrics are honest, the arrangement is boring. The track loses appeal after three minutes but continues

to serenade the listener to sleep for another two minutes. Swift’s rebuttal to West’s attack at the 2009 Video Music Awards was highly anticipated by the music world, but it fell flat. The slower-paced song “Never Grow Up” has an easygoing rhythm and lyrics that remind the listener of simpler days. This track is comparable to the song “The Best Day” from Swift’s previous album, Fearless. It’s slow-paced and fits the sincere lyrics. Swift takes more chances on this album, which is apparent in the song “Better than Revenge.” It’s snappy, catchy and emotional. Swift shows through her songs that she has grown as a person as well as an artist. The vocals have improved, and while Swift still doesn’t have the range of other country superstars like Carrie Underwood, she has the courage to

Bublé’s Surviving Halloween Expanded Croon KATIE ALLEN

Senior Life Editor

ZACHARY BOURQUE Staff Writer

Canadian crooner Michael Bublé released an expanded edition of his fourth studio album, Crazy Love, on Monday. Subtitled Hollywood Edition, this expanded package isn’t much more of a glitzy Hollywood party than the original. Hollywood Edition adds a slew of bonus tracks, including live cuts of songs off of Crazy Love, the original album. The album’s original tracks don’t offer much to the typical college student, but the music, deeply rooted in swing, jazz and big band, suits Bublé’s voice. As he serenades the listener, he faithfully recreates the sound from an era of music in which stars were viewed as “entertainers” rather than musicians. Songs like opener “Cry Me a River” and Eagles cover “Heartache Tonight” burst with swelling string sections and rousing vocals. Scattered across the lengthy tracklist are tender piano ballads, lively “ain’t that a kick in the head” moments and songs that weave between both

Artist: Michael Bublé Album: Crazy Love: Hollywood Edition Release Date: Oct. 25 Label: Reprise Grade: C

emotions. Fans of Sinatra and his contemporaries will not be disappointed. The songs don’t deviate from timeless themes of love and loss. Like the swinging entertainers before him, virtually every word is directed to a woman. “ You’re Nobody ‘t il Somebody” may be the sole exception. The song employs a cruel form of consolation through its lyrics. “You’re nobody ‘til somebody loves you/ So go out and find somebody to love,” Bublé sings. • see BUBLÉ | page 6

Reese’s, Snickers, and Kit Kats galore. With Halloween right around the corner, candy is at a constant overflow. It can be ever-so-tempting to gorge all weekend, happily opening many bright colored funsized items, but stomachs will revolt and waistlines will grow if precautions aren’t taken. When consuming delicious candies, keep in mind a few interesting facts. According to Men’s Health Magazine, half a pack of Skittles contains more sugar than just one scoop of Häagan Dazs cookies and cream ice cream. A Wendy’s Double Stack burger has fewer calories than nine

Twizzlers, and three miniature Reese’s cups have more sugar than a glazed donut. Janice Cochran, UB’s nutritionist and physical activity promotion coordinator, offers many helpful hints to keep in mind during the frenzy of candy overload this weekend. “Eat what you love. Don’t waste your taste buds on candy you don’t really enjoy. Choose the few you really like, savor them mindfully, and give the rest away,” Cochran said. Cochran also stresses that students should not skip regular

Artist: Taylor Swift Album: Speak Now Release Date: Oct. 25 Label: Big Machine Records Grade: A-

show her true self. Overall, the album flows very well. It has the emotional connection that so many of today’s leading artists don’t have. Even as she gets older, Swift’s songs still feel like diary entries, which lend this album a personal touch. Fans will not be let down by her tell-all tracks. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

meals and include fiber, protein, and some fats when eating. A balanced meal will curb cravings for sweets and reduce the possibility of binging on candy. The National American Chemical Society reports that drinking 16 ounces of water before eating will fill the stomach, suppressing hunger, and can actually aid • see SWEETS | page 6

YouTube v ideos of the w eek

Man vs. Dog Watch out, Joey Chestnut.

Cat vs. Printer – The Translation Spoiler alert: Printer wins.

“fall on me” the shultzie shuffle This video gives a whole new meaning to the term “break” dancing.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis Bruce Willis from Bruce Willis.flv This interview takes awkward to a whole new level.

Cannon Fires Shoe Directly Into Guy’s Face Look on the bright side kid, at least that shoe wasn’t attached to Chuck Norris’ leg.


The Spectrum Friday , October 29 , 2010

6

football |  “We can’t panic because that’d be our downfall” continued from page 8

Thermilus has not made a significant impact on the field for the Bulls this season after fumbling on his first two carries of the year. The play of redshirt-freshman running back Branden Oliver and sophomore running back Jeffvon Gill forced Thermilus to the bench for the most of this season. One area of weakness for the RedHawks at times this season has

been their poor protection of Dysert. Through the first eight games, Miami has allowed 23 sacks. The Bulls will have a chance to unleash sophomore defensive end Steven Means and company on the RedHawks offense in hopes of forcing mistakes. Senior linebacker Justin Winters ranks second on the team in tackles with 46, and his leadership ability throughout the season has impressed Quinn. Winters admits that the season has been tough but

understands the importance of keeping the rest of the guys motivated to compete. “We can’t panic because that’d be our downfall,” Winters said. “We have to stick together and play hard and with enthusiasm.” Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at UB Stadium.

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

candy out of sweets |   Keep constant sight continued from page 5

in weight loss. This can be a great strategy to fight cravings as well. Cochran cautions that after the initial taste, the novelty may diminish. “We’re more likely to enjoy treats when we eat them in smaller quantities,” Cochran said. “Does that fourth fun-size Snickers bar taste as good as the first? I doubt it. Is gorging on candy what we really want to do? Fill up on real food and add a treat when you really feel like it. Trust your body. Let it tell you when you’ve had enough.” The American Heart Association recommends that the average American woman should intake no more than 100 calories of added sugar per day, while the average American man should consume no more than 150 calories. The biggest survival tip of the weekend is to have candy out of constant sight. “A candy dish that’s closer will

prompt us to eat more candy,” Cochran said. “Place foods so you have a treat now and then rather than every 10 minutes.” Researchers from the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab have been researching “How Visibility and Convenience Influence Candy Consumption.” When candy is readily available in abundance, one is more likely to eat it simply because they can, not because he or she is hungry, leading to unhealthy habits. Keeping these survival tips in mind this weekend may help both stomachs and waistlines to be happy on Monday. “I think what’s more helpful is focusing less on black and white rules and focusing more on good core eating habits that can help us through holidays and other stressors – eating regular meals that include a variety of foods…can serve students well,” Cochran said. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

PREDICTIONS

The game will come down to which quarterback plays better. The Bulls defense has the ability to keep the team in the game, but if Zordich can’t find a way to get Buffalo into the end zone, Buffalo has no chance.

This will be an even matchup between two young teams that are both coming off of a loss. The Bulls have won the last two meetings between the teams and will have an added home field advantage.

I think Quinn will find a way to get something going early because of how unsuccessful he has recently been at the beginning of games. I don’t think it will be enough, however, and I think Miami will be too much for the Bulls in a close game.

However, I don’t think the offense will be able to operate successfully against a defense that looks to create turnovers. This will lead to the defense wearing out toward the end of the game.

RedHawks – 21 | Bulls – 17 Matthew Parrino | Senior Sports Editor

W o r l d Obama Waiver Allows U.S. Aid To 4 Countries Using Child Soldiers

President Barack Obama has granted a waiver allowing four countries to continue receiving U.S. military aid even though they use child soldiers, officials said Wednesday. Human rights groups reacted with surprise and concern, saying the decision would send the wrong message. Administration officials said cutting off aid would cause more damage than good in countries where the U.S. military is trying to fight terrorism and reform abusive armies. Obama sent a memo to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, dated Monday, saying that it was “in the national interest” to waive a cut off of military assistance for Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Yemen. Those countries would have been penalized under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush shortly before he left office. The law took effect this year, after the State Department identified six countries that used child soldiers – including Somalia and Burma. Senior U.S. officials said Wednesday that Yemen was exempted because ending military aid would jeopardize the country’s ability to fight al-Qaida. In Sudan, U.S. military assistance will be critical in helping the unstable southern part of the country build military institutions if it votes to secede in a January referendum, as expected, officials said. Congo was exempted because U.S.funded programs there are aimed at helping the military become more professional and less abusive, officials said. Chad got a pass because of its role in fighting terrorism and assistance with the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan. In addition, U.S. aid goes toward helping that country’s military end its practice of using child soldiers, officials said.

N e w s

Net Cost of College Tuition And Fees Lower Than In 2005 A new report from the College Board might prompt a different sort of sticker shock: the net price of college tuition and fees, after factoring in student aid and inflation, is actually lower now than five years ago. Tuition and fees rose 7.9 percent between 2009 and 2010 at public universities for in-state students and 4.5 percent for private four-year nonprofit colleges, according to the annual report Trends in College Pricing, released Thursday. But the past year also saw a massive investment in public and private aid, enough to erase most of the increase in the sticker price of college – at least for students who receive aid. The average yearly net price of public four-year universities in tuition and fees, after discounting grant aid and tax benefits, declined from $2,080 to $1,540 in inflation-adjusted dollars between 2005-06 and 2010-11, according to data from a national College Board survey. The net price for private colleges declined in those years from $12,750 to $11,320. Add the cost of room and board, and the average public university student pays about $10,000 a year, a few hundred dollars more than five years ago. Private university students pay a little over $20,000, a bit less than in 2005-06. Total grant aid to undergraduate students rose a remarkable 22 percent in 2009-10, or $1,100 per student, fueled by a historic increase in federal Pell grants. Pell funding, earmarked for students of modest means, rose from $18 billion to $28 billion in a single year; the Obama administration has championed the Pell grant. Institutional grant aid from colleges increased as well, from $30 billion to $33 billion. The outpouring of aid might not be

pop feel bublé |   Modern to certain tracks continued from page 5

Interestingly, the album finds time to apply a modern pop feel to certain tracks. “Whatever it Takes” features Ron Sexsmith and works with newfangled guitar leads in small doses. “Crazy Love” comes closest to a pop radio sound. The track’s melody is quite similar to John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change” and moves along at a comparable, yet slowed pace. It is in these isolated moments that Bublé displays a potential to gain younger fans.

RedHawks – 28 | Bulls - 7 Jacob Laurenti |Sports Editor

The album is unapologetically formulaic and fixated on antiquated ideals of showmanship, Hollywood and fame. This does not come as an unpleasant shock to Bublé fans. The loud and energetic finale, “Hollywood,” expresses Bublé’s sentiments toward the world of glitz and glam. “Hollywood is dead/ you can find it in yourself,” Bublé sings. Hollywood might be dead, but Bublé shows he doesn’t need it to produce a mediocre album. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

felt by affluent families with children in $50,000-a-year universities, many of whom saw tuition bills continue to rise. But those students are not the norm. Two-thirds of U.S. colleges charge tuition and fees of $15,000 or less. The average total cost of a year at college in 201011, including living expenses, reached $36,993 at private colleges and $16,140 at public colleges.

Buffalo Public School Employees Spend $9 million on Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic surgery bills for Buffalo Public Schools employees have grown from less than $1 million in 2004 to nearly $9 million last year. The number of cosmetic surgery procedures has more than tripled during the last five years, with more than 8,000 procedures performed in 2009. The majority of these procedures, nine out of 10 of them, were chemical peels, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and other skin treatments. According to officials, all procedures require a doctor’s approval. District officials confirmed that taxpayers cover the entire cost directly because the district is self-insured for its cosmetic surgery rider. Board of Education member Christopher Jacobs began researching the use of the rider by employees of the school district as well as the city. The district spent $922,621 for procedures in 2004, which increased to $8.96 million last year. Barbara J. Smith, the district chief financial officer, stated that the benefit is used by a small number of around 500 employees or two percent of those with health insurance.

parrino

What would you 3 continued from page 8

Allen teamed with Paul Pierce to form the original “Big Three,” nobody had any of the gripes that people now have with the Miami trio. So, the question remains, what do you want LeBron to be? You are entitled to your opinion, but he ultimately gets to make that decision for himself. I think he’s done a pretty good job. E-mail: matthew.parrino@ubspectrum.com

page |   Performing in Buffalo Nov. 6 continued from page 5

the album does have its share of oddities and experiments. These eccentricities can be mildly interesting, but they aren’t enough to take this album out of predictable, sub-par pop territory. “Queen of America” works with an electronic beat and has an overall techno vibe, and “If You Love Me” bursts with a danceable, yet annoying, computer rhythm. “Overjoy”

features distorted vocals, but the change is so minor that listeners may not even notice. The little surprises seem intended to avoid asserting themselves, a feeling that characterizes the album as a whole. Stephen Page’s solo debut contains accounts of love and heartbreak, and the album comes without any inspiration to distinguish itself. Diehard fans probably won’t be

bothered by this album’s lack of originality, but people looking for something fresh are advised to look elsewhere. However, if you count yourself as one of Page’s fans, be sure to check out his performance at the Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda on Nov. 6. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com


The Spectrum Friday, October 29, 2010

7

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Last Gasp To Save Season MATTHEW PARRINO Senior Sports Editor

Scouting Miami (Ohio)

4-4 (3-1 Mid-American Conference) 2009 Record: 1-11 (1-7 MAC)

for receiving yards in a game with 219 yards on 11 catches. He gives sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert another weapon in an already potent offensive attack.

Nov. 18, 2009 Buffalo 42, Miami 17

LT Brandon Brooks No. 56 – Brooks is

2010 Record:

Last Meeting:

All-Time Series:

Miami leads Buffalo, 10-2 THREE REDHAWKS TO WATCH: LB Evan Harris No. 30 – Harris has

done a little bit of everything this season for the RedHawks. He leads the team in tackles with 54 (four-anda-half for a loss). He has scored two defensive touchdowns and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions on the year. Harris is a big-time playmaker and will be a major focus for Buffalo offensive coordinator Greg Forest. WR Nick Harwell No. 8 – Most

defenses will focus on senior wide receiver Armand Robinson, and for good reason. He leads the team in receiving yards (614) and touchdowns (four) this season. But Harwell, a freshman, busted onto the scene last week against Ohio. He broke the RedHawks’ single-game record

making only his second career start for the RedHawks on Saturday. He was a part of an offensive effort that gained 332 yards against Ohio last week. He may be matched up against Bulls defensive end Steven Means and this will be a key matchup to keep an eye on throughout the game. THE BULLS WILL WIN IF…

They find a way to move the ball. Alex Zordich must work to sustain drives and get his receivers involved in the game early and often. The Bulls have only scored three points in the first quarter of games this season. Getting off to a quick start against Miami will be important for the Bulls to start building some confidence. THE REDHAWKS WILL WIN IF…

The Bulls continue to make mistakes offensively. Dysert is too good to be given extra opportunities. If the Bulls have to defend Miami repeatedly on a short field, expect this game to look a lot like last week’s game against Temple.

For Bulls fans, it’s been tough to watch the product on the field at times this season. But the good news may be that things can only get better as the season winds down. Or can they? In an effort to get his offense going, head coach Jeff Quinn is starting over with his team after last week’s 42-0 shutout loss at the hands of the Temple Owls (6-2, 3-1 Mid-American Conference). “The focus now is to get back to the basics,” Quinn said. “We’re going to continue working and taking it one day at a time… A lot of people don’t realize, but this is a good team that just has not played very well over the past few weeks.” Quinn has accepted responsibility for his part in the Bulls’ (2-5, 1-2 MAC) inability to get anything going on the offensive side of the football. With that said, he is exhausting every effort to figure things out in time for Saturday’s game against Miami (Ohio) (4-4, 3-1 MAC). The RedHawks have one of the most prolific passing attacks in the MAC this season. They will attempt to use this strength and outplay the Buffalo pass defense, which is ranked first in the MAC. The Bulls only allow 183 yards per game through the air and have intercepted the opposing quarterback 10 times this season. “I like the matchup of our defense against their offense,” Quinn said. “They have a very good quarterback. [Sophomore quarterback] Zac Dysert has a very strong arm. The passing game can get you beat. We’re going to continue playing good, sound, structural defense.” Dysert has torched opposing

Senior Sports Editor

Give him a break

defenses this season, recording 10 touchdowns and 1,954 yards passing. During one stretch this season, he completed 156 passes without an interception. In his last two games, Dysert has averaged 366 yards per game. When evaluating the quarterback play for both teams, the differences are astounding. Freshman quarterback Alex Zordich will make his second career start on Saturday afternoon. In limited action so far this season, Zordich has only completed 44 percent of his passes for 117 yards and no touchdowns. The young signal caller has thrown three interceptions and continues to learn the nuances of the spread offense. Quinn likes what he’s seen from

It’s played out – the debate over whether or not LeBron James made the right decision or if that decision ruined his image.

“The focus now is to get back to the basics”

The media and NBA franchises built this storyline up for the better part of three years, and fans around the world became enamored with finding out where James would decide to go. Every sports talk show host theorized what was going on in James’ head at every moment leading up to his special on ESPN.

- Coach Jeff Quinn

Zordich in spite of the poor production and believes it’s only a matter of time before things click for him on the field. “I like the way Alex Zordich competed on Saturday against a very challenging defense,” Quinn said. “He continues to get better, and he’s a very determined and passionate young man.” The Bulls received some bad news this week, learning that senior running back Brandon Thermilus will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. • see FOOTBALL | page 6

Bulls Come Up Short

I get it. I wouldn’t even revisit the topic, but Nike released a commercial coinciding with the start of the NBA season earlier this week, so I have some thoughts. The commercial is basically one big middle finger by James to his critics, and I, for one, love it. “Should I be who you want me to be?” was the question James posed at the end of the commercial, and it brings up a great point. Who are we to tell someone what he can do or how he can do it? People may not have liked “The Decision” and the way James went about announcing it, but if you look a little deeper, was it really his fault?

Can you really blame the guy for getting a big head about the whole thing? Every person in James’ life had probably been asking him about where he was going to go. Every time he turned on ESPN he must have seen countless people discussing his future. I think it’s important to put things into perspective. James is one of the good guys in sports. He has never been in trouble with the law, he is a good father, and he has been a mainstay in the Akron community and in charity work in general. But all that is forgotten because of one night and one decision. People didn’t like the way that James spurned his former team. I even agree with that part of it. I wasn’t thrilled with the way he did it, but I also honestly believe that he truly was torn on where he would go. Growing up in a small media market, I can empathize with the Cavaliers fan base that feels abandoned by James. With that said, Cleveland should be glad that it got a player of LeBron’s caliber for as long as it did.

TROY HAIMOWITZ Staff Writer

Fans at UB Stadium knew they were in for a wild night once the men’s soccer game was pushed up to 5:30 p.m. due to inclement weather. Within the first five minutes of the game, the storms picked up and the rain started pouring down, making it that much more difficult for both sides. Even though the Bulls (6-8-1, 2-2-0 Mid-American Conference) controlled the second half against the Detroit Titans (7-6-2, 4-2-0 Horizon League), it wasn’t enough to pull out the victory. The only goal of the game came from a miscommunication between a Bulls defender and goalkeeper Ryan Aubrey, and it turned out to be the deciding factor in a dreadful 1-0 loss. The goal came in the 31st minute and was scored by junior forward Sam Seppo and assisted by senior midfielder Jacob Munchiando. “ We knew it was going to be one of those games that came down to the finish,” said Bulls head coach John Astudillo. “That mistake is obviously

MATTHEW PARRINO

Seven years is a long time in today’s era of free agency. He gave that city something it hasn’t had in over a decade before he arrived – a competitive team. The fans should just be thankful.

Alexa Strudler /The Spectrum

one we would like to have back.” Astudillo was mainly concerned with his team’s patience with the ball and the choices that his players were making in the final third of the field. “We lost patience with what we do best,” Astudillo said. “Our team is based on possession, and we didn’t keep it, and that was detrimental to our game.” The Bulls controlled the ball well in the backfield, but when it came down to making smart, precise passes in Titan territory, the Bulls could not seem to execute. The midfielders could have used both sides of the field a little more, which would

have opened up the pitch. The Bulls dominated the box score in every category except the one that mattered most. They outshot the Titans 20-8 and forced Titan goalkeeper Brandon Waterstradt to make 11 saves, compared to Aubrey’s one. Astudillo was especially dissatisfied with the game’s results because he feels this was one where the Bulls should have come out on top. “When you have a game like tonight and that is your outcome, you just have to scratch your head and move on,” Astudillo said. The men in white and blue have

the pieces they need to put together a winning squad, but they just need the poise and control on the field in tight decisions. Soccer games often come down to one or two opportunities, and when those arrive, it is crucial to make the right choices. This loss was the first time the Bulls were defeated on their own field this season, which brings their home record to 3-1-1. The Bulls’ next match is at home. They will take on Florida Atlantic, a MAC rival that shares the Bulls’ conference record of 2-2. The game is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

To the argument that players shouldn’t be able to collaborate on where they want to play, I ask, what difference does it make? It’s the player’s decision where he or she wants to play. Nobody tells you what bank to work at or which cab company to drive for. James made the decision based on the desire to win a championship. He feels that Miami is where he has the best shot. Teamed with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on the gold medal-winning Olympic team in 2008, James showed how good they could be out on the court together. It would then make sense that they would have some interest to reunite to achieve another common goal – an NBA title. When Kevin Garnett and Ray • see PARRINO | page 6


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