> Bruce Springsteen delivers another hit album. Page 4 ARTS
> A look at the Basketball season opener against Navy. Page 6 SPORTS
> The life desk revirews two seminars for graduating seniors. Page 6 LIFE
The independent student publication of the University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York www. ubspectrum .com
WEEKEND EDITION November 12, 2010 Volume 60 Issue 31
What The
Arts Community Protests Collins’ Budget Cuts
Frack?
DAVE JOHNSON
Environmentalists Debate Whether Hydraulic Fracturing is a Problem
Staff Writer
professor of pharmacy and associate dean for Clinical & Translational Research, will impart its clinical pharmacology expertise to multidisciplinary international teams in hopes of achieving the HIV/AIDS research goals in
Money, money, money. Erie County has a lot of it, and by year’s end, it should have approximately $88 million in a budget surplus. Notwithstanding, the proposed 2011 budget by County Executive Chris Collins is ripe with layoffs, cost cutting, and fund removals from the arts, theater and other cultural institutions. The budget includes a $4 million subtraction from the Erie County Public Libra r y system , sparking outrage from many in the region. As happens every year, on Wednesday, the County LegislaChris Collins ture held a meeting at 92 Franklin St. to hear citizens’ comments on the proposals. A protest made up of several hundred people of the cultural community preceded the meeting, which filled to capacity shortly after security began to let citizens into the conference room. “We vote! We vote,” the crowd chanted shortly before officers began screening people for entry. Mixed with young and old alike, the crowd’s message to the County Legislature and Collins was clear: don’t cut cultural funds. “We have every theater as a member of the organization, and not one receives any funding under the proposed budget,” said Edmund Cardoni, executive director of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center and member of the Greater Buffalo Cultural Alliance (GBCA). “Places like the Irish Classical Theater Company, which for one has been the anchor of the theater district, have their very existence threatened now.” Some citizens feel the primary motivation for Collins’ budget plans is his intention of not making the same mistake as his predecessor, Joel Giambra, whose budgets resulted in serious deficits. Others, however, are not as so convinced. “It certainly looks good for an election to say you maintained such a huge surplus,” said Rebecca Bley, president of the UB chapter of the American Library Association. “Yet that’s coming at the cost of the libraries and the people who depend on them.” The struggle for cultural funding will continue until the 2011 budget is finally approved by the Erie County Legislature, and many are determined to continue to make sure the fiscal imperatives of the Collins administration are not executed. “I think it’s arbitrary [and] myopic, and
• see HIV | page 2
• see COLLINS | page 2
BRITTANY CESAR Staff Writer
Courtesy of Central Asia Institute
Mortenson
Brings Message of Peace and Education JENNIFER HARB and ASAL NASSIR Senior Life Editor and Staff Writer
Greg Mortenson, co-author of Three Cups of Tea, spoke to UB students, faculty and members of the Western New York community at Alumni Arena Wednesday night. Three Cups of Tea has been a New York Times bestseller since 2007, selling over four million copies. Mortenson’s experience of building a school in Pakistan, chronicled in Three Cups of Tea, has essentially become required reading for the U.S. commanders and troops deployed to Afghanistan. As an unofficial adviser to the Pentagon, his story has become essential to understanding the culture and societal pulls of the region. His lecture highlighted his failed attempt to surmount K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, and his accidental encounter with the people of Korphe, Pakistan, where he was honored as a guest. When the children asked for a school to replace the sticks and mud that served as learning materials, Mortenson promised to return and build a school. “When you start something, try not to look at it in terms of, ‘oh, we have to buy 20 desks’ or, ‘we have to build a school,’” Mortenson said in an interview with The Spectrum. “Look at it from a human perspective – what’s the impact of an education for one young girl, how that is going to change her society. Look at solutions in generations.” In a world where women are frequently ignored or oppressed, educating women is • see MORTENSON | page 4
According to local anti-fracking activist Clifford Cawthorne, clean water is a human right. Local “anti-fracking” activists are concerned about the issue of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” as it is commonly called. Activists argue that fracking is extremely threatening to those who live in proximity to the operation because it leads to hazardous conditions. Fracking is a drilling technique used by gas companies to extract natural gas. The technique involves horizontally injecting millions of gallons of water, sand and proprietary chemicals into a drilled well. The fluid is then pushed through the drilled well, creating a high-pressure state that forces fractures into the
Tracy Bank shale, like a mini-earthquake. The result allows for natural gas extraction. Gas companies have adopted these techniques all over the world. From downstate New York all the way down to West Virginia, fracking is used to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale a couple of miles under the Earth’s surface. Samples of the Marcellus Shale have been a subject of research for Tracy Bank, an assistant professor of geology at UB who presented the research earlier this week to the Geological Society of America. Over the course of two weeks, Bank and her team of researchers studied fluid-rock interactions from samples of the Marcellus Shale from Pennsylvania and Western New York areas where fracking occurs. From these samples, uranium, a metal that is naturally • see FRACKING | page 2
Pharmacology Lab Receives $2.3 Million to Promote HIV Research in Africa DANNIELLE O’TOOLE Staff Writer
With some help from a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), UB is boosting its efforts for combating HIV/AIDS on an international scale. The NIH has awarded a total of $2.3 million to the UB HIV Clinical Pharmacology Research Program Laboratory, which has portions housed in both the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the New York State Center for Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. The award serves as recognition for the 10-plus years that the program has fought the global AIDS epidemic. The program has hosted visiting pharmaceutical scientists from countries like Zimbabwe and Nigeria in order to teach them how to conduct clinical trials and research on disease. The research team, led by Gene Morse,
Courtesy of Dr. Gene Morse
Gene Morse, professor of pharmacy and associate dean for Clinical & Translational Research, leads research at UB’s HIV Clinical Pharmacology laboratory.
Workshop helps students improve their chances in the job market AKILAH HAWKINS-LEWIS Staff Writer
The pressure of finding a job after graduating often brings students to the edge of the proverbial cliff. During his third “Don’t Jump! Improving your Job Hunting & Networking Odds” career session, UB alumnus Drew Kerr, CEO of Four Corners Communications, reminded students that it’s acceptable to freak out about the post-college job hunt. “The truth is, most students who go job hunting are mediocre,” Kerr said. “I’m not a guru… but I am
going to give you the skills you need to stand out against the rest.” Kerr began by stressing the importance of the resume and cover letter in the job-hunting process. He believes that the approach students are taking today in cover letter writing is purely outdated and boring. “Nobody knows how to sell themselves,” Kerr said. “The world of cover letters and resumes today take the same dinosaur approach, and it’s just boring.” Helping students stand out as individuals, Kerr suggests that cover letters display a list of the
applicants’ accomplishments and contain thorough research on both the company and job field being applied to. Visiting company websites and becoming familiar with the names of company officials can be great assets. Employers will respond better when they receive e-mails that are personalized. “Do not begin a letter with ‘I am a…’ because ironically, it says absolutely nothing about who you are,” Kerr said. “Always list accomplishments such as projects, internships, and volunteering you’ve done. That
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• see KERR | page 2 Inside:
Chiawei Lin /The Spectrum
Drew Kerr speaks to students about how to stand out to potential employers.
opinion — 3
arts & life — 5
classifieds — 7
sports — 8
The Spectrum Friday , November 12 , 2010
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collins | Struggle for cultural funding continued from page 1
I think there’s some sort of hidden agenda,” said Constance McEwan, a member of the Theater Alliance of Buffalo. “I just don’t think he gets the big picture in providing social health to the area.” Responding to the focus of tourism and business, McEwan deemed the move as counterproductive and naïve. “Regarding tourism, it’s ultimately a quality of life issue,” McEwan said. “Who is going to want to visit if it’s not a great place to live to begin with?” Collins has been reluctant to delve into the reserve coffers of the county, despite $11 million in federal stimulus money. Erie County’s charter requires that a portion of the reserve fund, 5 percent of the annual budget, be kept at all times. Pertaining to this fiscal year, this translates to roughly $50 million of an approximately $1 billion plan.
With some of the money proposed to eliminate debt associated with the Erie County Medical Center – almost $16 million – $22 million remains unrestrained by charter constraints, which leaves much speculation on the county executive’s plans and leaves many in the arts worrisome about the future of the cultural community in Buffalo. “ I came today because the arts are a valuable part of the area,” said Brian Clark, a media study graduate in the master’s program, who traveled from Rochester to take part in the demonstration. “They were a big part of my life while I was here, and it would be awful to see things that make Buffalo stand out nationally be removed from the city.” Collins has indicated that he will not propose a budget that includes tax increases, keeping property taxes among the lowest of any county in New York State. E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
hiv | High hopes that grant will expand goals continued from page 1
countries where infection rates are highest. The information and methods that Morse and his team obtain from these interactions will then be introduced in different countries’ laboratories and clinics, aiming to positively impact both research and treatment in those countries. Morse’s colleagues believe that UB was chosen to receive this grant based on his team’s established track record in this area. “His team was previously awarded a seven year, $7.6 million contract that provided funds to train in-country laboratory specialists where HIV/AIDS infection rates are highest, test their proficiency, and conduct quality-control analysis of HIV/AIDS clinical trials,” said Alexander N. Cartwright, interim vice president for research. “This contract is ongoing and is producing
results on which the project team could make the case that these additional funds would accomplish additional important goals in HIV research in Africa.” The HIV Clinical Pharmacology laboratory, which Morse directs, has gained an international reputation for bioanalysis, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics. Morse has high hopes that the new grant will expand the goals of his ongoing research project. “The research programs are up and running,” Morse said. “The programs are being funded to support a continuing effort to build new research capacity in resourcelimited countries and to conduct new research in areas of the HIV epidemic that occur in southern African countries, such as how to provide optimal HIV treatment, along with treatment for tuberculosis, malaria, and hepatitis C.” Additionally, those battling AIDS
must ensure that counterfeit drugs are not being distributed. “Counterfeit drugs are common around the world,” said Wayne K. Anderson, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “An important goal of our program is to train scientists from African nations in chemical surveillance to insure that the drugs they are distributing are real, potent and will yield positive outcomes.” So far, UB has brought in seven pharmaceutical and clinical scientists from African nations for visits lasting several months. In addition to their pharmacology training in the lab, these scientists have also benefited by participating in the HIV Adherence Pharmacology program at the Erie County Medical Center, the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, and the Western New York AIDS Community Services Center. E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
kerr | Be honest and be human continued from page 1
will be your ammunition.” Kerr also expressed the significance of partaking in internships. Not only do they give students a competitive edge, but they can also help applicants stick their feet in the door, helping create important connections and networks. Kerr made his final point when stressing the importance of creating and maintaining connections in networking. Networking is the way to find jobs that aren’t necessarily advertised; they spread by word-ofmouth instead.
“The goal when you network is to make sure that it spreads as wide as possible,” Kerr said. “You never know who is sitting next to you and who they might know.” For those who are not sure where to start in creating a business network of connections, Kerr suggests the popular website LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a business-oriented social-networking site, specifically used to make professional connections and land jobs. Brianna Backus, a senior English major, thought that Kerr’s seminar was very helpful. “I am nervous about finding a job
in today’s market,” Backus said. “But I definitely think I’m better prepared… I think I’m going to be much more proactive about my networking.” Kerr, however, did not convince everyone in attendance. Stephanie Pinckney, a senior psychology and interdisciplinary early childhood education major, felt the workshop wasn’t really geared toward her field. “He spoke mostly about big businesses and corporations. I’m more interested in teaching in elementary schools,” Pinckney said. “And education is not a very open field if you don’t have good connections.” Kerr suggests that the best way
to preserve relationships is to be honest and human. He suggests that students send out e-mails every once in a while to show potential employers that they are active, are taking initiative, and are knowledgeable about the company. These e-mails will also keep the student’s name on
the radar when a position opens. “My advice is to start your network now. Once students have created their connections, the hardest part is maintaining them,” Kerr said. “You cannot win if you do not play.” E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
fracking | Fracking a concern continued from page 1
released from the rock, was found. Bank says that drilling to extract hydrocarbons could start mobilizing the metal uranium from fluid-rock interactions during fracking. There are environmental concerns about whether the occurrence of uranium solubilizing is hazardous and whether it could enter streams, lakes, riverbeds and drinking water. “[Uranium] is very weakly radioactive, but it is toxic even if not detected with a Geiger counter,” Bank said. A Geiger counter is a particle detector that measures objects for ionizing radiation. Bank would not comment on whether “fracking” is potentially dangerous, stating that more scientific research needs to be done on the dangers of these drilling operations. “[My research shows that] uranium is being mobilized by fluidrock interactions that occur very deep below the surface,” Bank said. “The fluids into which uranium is being solubilized are closely controlled and not likely to ‘leak’ into groundwater. I have not tested uranium in air or water samples.” The process of contamination as a result of fracking is already in effect, according to Lawrence Beahan, conservation chair of the Niagara Frontier Group of the Sierra Club. Beahan has completed writings on the political history and environmental dangers of fracking based on the research conducted by Chris Bruger, chairman of the Binghamton Sustainability Coalition. Beahan argues that “frack water” contains a number of substances, including diesel fuel, benzene, industrial solvents, and other unknown chemicals. A number of these chemicals are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. “[When the ‘frack water’ is pushed down], aquifers are penetrated and [the water running through the aquifers are] in danger of contamination,” Beahan argued in an Aug. 21 piece for The Buffalo News. “The fracking water that returns to the surface is contaminated further by radioactive saltwater from
[underground].” Frack Action, a non-profit antifracking activist organization, also states that without a doubt, fracking is extremely hazardous and that there have been over a thousand cases of groundwater contamination near fracking sites. “Of the fluid pumped into areas where fracking occurs, only half is removed by the gas companies, and the rest [is left in the earth],” said Rita Yelda, organizer of the Buffalo chapter of Frack Action. According to Frack Action, 596 different kinds of chemicals have been identified in “frack fluids.” Gas companies will not release the names of these chemicals, but independent researchers have identified many of them. Along with the issues regarding chemical fluids, environmentalists are concerned with the millions of gallons of water needed each time the fracking procedure is performed in any of the 10,000 wells deep in the Marcellus Shale. Environmentalists are also concerned about the traffic of heavy drilling machinery, which leaves a large footprint in the environment after the grand-scale operation of fracking is performed. The issue of fracking has recently sparked interest in the media because of the film Gasland, directed by Josh Fox, recently awarded at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Gasland won the Special Jury Prize for Best U.S. Documentary Feature. The film highlights the environmental concerns of the externalities of fracking through striking clips of firsthand accounts of dejected U.S. citizens showing contaminated water and flammable gases being released from their faucets. Yelda encourages anyone advocating for safe environmental conditions to act against fracking. “Buffalo could be at risk for [hydraulic fracturing], as it is located on Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale,” Yelda said. “ I encourage anyone to pressure the [New York] Assembly… and [Buffalo City Council] to put a ban on hydraulic fracturing.” E-mail: news@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 Vanessa Frith, asst. John Hugar, asst. Nicolas Pino, asst. Life Editors Jennifer Harb, senior. Katie Allen, senior. John Connelly, asst. Steve Neilans, asst. Sports Editors Matt Parrino, senior Jacob Laurenti Chris Rahn Brian Josephs, asst. Photo Editors Clinton Hodnett, senior Renee Huo Megan Kinsley. Karen Larkin, asst. Sam Zakalik, asst. Web Editor Adam Cole Copy Editor Meghan Farrell Graphics Designer Aline Kobayashi
Professional Staff Business Manager Debbie Smith Administrative Assistant Helene Polley Advertising Manager Marissa Giarraputo Advertising Designer Christopher Lonzi Creative Directors Jeannette Wiley Chris Caporlingua, interim The views expressed — both written and graphic — in the Feedback, Opinion, and Perspectives sections of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or spectrum-editorial@buffalo.edu. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style or length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it clearly as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number and e-mail address.
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NOVEMBER 12, 2010 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 31 CIRCULATION: 10,000 The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by 360 Youth. The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100. Telephone: (716) 645-2468. Fax: (716) 645-2766. Copyright 2010 Buffalo, N.Y. The Spectrum is printed by Buffalo Newspress PO Box 648, Buffalo, NY 14240-0648.
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www.ubspectrum.com/opinion
Anti-smoking Pictures on Packs are a Good Idea
JOHN HUGAR
Asst. Arts Editor
Discomfort is a sign of progress Last year, a law enabled the United States Food and Drug Administration to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products. Its latest project concerns including graphic images of cancer patients and corpses on cigarette packs in hopes that the revolting prospect of death will avert smokers from lighting up. Several of the proposed 36 images depict postchemo cancer patients in the throes of death or smoke curling out of a stoma-hole on a smoker’s neck. Others portray dead bodies given to livor mortis in caskets and morgues. It sounds much like an excerpt from the 2005 film Thank You For Smoking, in which a Vermont senator lobbies for a law that would require tobacco products to carry the image of a skull and crossbones. The idea was presented seriously by the inept congressman but rendered a joke in the film’s context. Indeed, it seems ridiculous to assume that people, especially smokers, do not know the risks of smoking cigarettes and/or that the surgeon general’s warning is an insufficient red flag against the habit. Most people can read, and a picture seems like overkill to some. But the American precautionary disclaimer is in tiny print on the side of the pack, where it can be easily overlooked and where it is well out of the way of the tobacco company’s marketing. It only passively suggests that smoking may cause lung cancer or complications with childbirth.
For years, in Europe, the health code warnings have outsized the brand name on packs of cigarettes. It is not unusual, in a place like France, to see a pack of Marlboro Reds that sports a big sticker that says, in large black print, “Smoking Kills.” But these words seldom spook the average smoker, who heeds the same warning and dismisses it as old news. Pictures of the dire consequences from tobacco use are like miniature “Truth” commercials printed directly on the weapon of self-destruction. The ethics of such a ploy are questionable, as many would not want an image of their dead or dying bodies to make a point on thousands of cigarette packs. But then again, many lung cancer patients want only to help others to stray from the decisions that lead to such a fate. Though usually far from such a malignant end, children will understand sooner the dangers and long-term effects of cigarette smoking. Perhaps these pictures will lead the younger crowd of prospective smokers away from the trap of nicotine addiction despite peer pressure and the invincible aspect of “cool” involved with smoking. It is problematic that non-smokers should have to bear witness to the same gruesome signs, but their comfort comes second to eliminating a health risk that contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Perhaps their discomfort will serve as an additional moral incentive for smokers to quit: to rid their coffee tables and key baskets of the terrible boxes.
British Student Protests are Legitimate Causes, Not Cheap Complaints Education is a more sensitive issue in the UK University students clashed with riot police Wednesday when Conservative Party offices in the British Parliament announced that Her Majesty’s government would cut state spending on education and consequently raise college tuition, in some cases, by threefold.
To put it into perspective, we get bent out of shape when SUNY decides to raise tuition 2 percent; imagine if Albany chose to increase it by 300 percent. Less belligerent protests broke out in California when the University of California decided to raise its tuition by 30 percent.
Until the 1990s, a college education in Britain was essentially free of charge. Still, last year, each student paid a laughable amount per semester for higher education by U.S. standards. Students would pay, at most, $23,000 per year in Britain with the new increase, which is nothing when compared to many American private colleges.
We admire that European students are taking a stand and making noise for their cause. Though violence is never the answer, making a statement, instead of passively accepting the status quo, is a natural right and a heroic stride toward fairness and a balance of power.
But higher education in Britain is far more competitive than that of the United States, and students over the pond participate in a more rigorous primary school curriculum. We pay more for a 300-person lecture hall than they do for a three-person seminar because British students work harder for their college degrees. The reason, it seems, is that Americans wait up for their less-educated populace, while Britain cuts off the slack. To be painfully honest, the SAT would be much more difficult if the United States did not have to make it easier for less-educated students. It seems that the students’ anger is justified; after having worked so hard to get into college, they are suddenly charged an unprecedented sum for education. One protester put it aptly, saying that current British students should not have to foot the bill if policymakers got the same education for free.
With the protests in France and now in England, it feels more like change is becoming a product of the people’s actions, and the people are less a product of uncontrollable change. It seems that we are beginning to remember the power of numbers and how to garner a collective voice against unfavorable government decisions. In the United States, it seems unlikely that any similar action against government spending cuts would ever come to fruition. Over here, the loudest voices are against government spending. But if education spending is on deck for the cutting board, as it seems to be with the newly red Congress, perhaps we will experience a similar revival in active disobedience and public protest.
Registering for the Rest of Us If only I had tried a little harder in high school, then I’d be able to take the classes I wanted. That was the thought that ran through my head this week as I went through another round of class registration. Normally, I get excited about registering for classes. I get to fantasize about all the wonderful things I’ll get to learn and all the cool new people I will meet. This time, however, all I got was a serious dose of reality. It took me much longer than usual to register for classes because a lot of the ones I was interested in were already taken. Presumably, the people in these classes were the Honors College kids who get to register before I do. The computer said to me, “Sorry John, someone else wants to take that class, and they didn’t get a 52 on their Physics Regents exam.” Okay, it didn’t actually say that, but it might as well have. The implication was clear: these people are smarter, better people than me, so they get to decide what classes to take first, and as a result, working toward a diploma is much easier for them. The people who aren’t in the Honors College get the short end of the stick, as they are forced to take what classes are available rather than the ones they want (and in many cases need). Admittedly, this is fair in a lot of ways. After all, it makes perfect sense to reward the best and brightest students with a chance to register first. I just think that the school takes things a little too far. I have no problem with allowing Honors College students who are in the same grade as I am or higher to pick first. That makes perfect sense, but what about freshmen? How is it logical to allow first-year students to register before third and forth-year students? Quite simply, it isn’t. The fact is, juniors and seniors need to take certain classes a lot more than freshmen do. Freshmen have several years to work on their diplomas, while students further along don’t have quite as much time on their hands. They need to take their 300 and 400 level classes now. Not allowing them to do so because a freshman that put up big numbers in high school gets first priority just doesn’t make any sense. Give the classes to the people who need them. It’s entirely possible to reward Honors College students for their hard work, while still giving juniors and seniors a better shot at taking the classes they need. Let Honors College seniors register first, then let everyone else in the senior class register. Then it would be Honors juniors and regular juniors, and so on. This system would work much better because it would allow the Honors College to maintain its prestige, while making it easier for the less academically impressive students to graduate when they want to. It would be a win-win situation. In the meantime, I was still able to come up with a class schedule that I think works pretty well. I’m still taking some classes that I need and that I’m looking forward to. Still, as I stared at the registration screen, I couldn’t help feeling that the people in charge of class registration didn’t really care about when I graduated or not. That was a bitter pill to swallow. E-mail: john.hugar@ubspectrum.com
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.)
> You talked about the issue in this week’s Spectrum, but please raise
awareness of how awful the language department is here. I took Italian 101 in my second semester freshman year to find out that they no longer offer [Italian 102] in the fall. So I waited to register for Spring 2011, but the classes were full, meaning I have to wait until Spring 2012, two years later. What was the point in me taking 101? There is no way I’ll remember any of it! Offer more classes or drop the general education requirement, instead of screwing your students over, UB.
> For those writing Generation who appear
not to know, “bluts” is an inside joke amongst students at UB. Your blut ignorance is appalling. Shape up and act like the Generation.
> If every hall throughout UB could blast “Down
Under” and “Electric Avenue,” the school would be a much more cheerful place. Oh, and while we’re at it, throw in a zombie apocalypse simulator, k thnx bye.
> Heterosexuality is traditional.
Even if you don’t believe in the Bible and what God has to say on the issue, don’t go throwing traditions out the window. Most nations that have ever fallen have fallen because of a lack of internal structure, and there is no foundation more fundamental than the traditional family.
The Spectrum Friday , November 12 , 2010
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mortenson | Literacy is key to educating women continued from page 1
revolutionary and can change a society. For instance, women are legally allowed to own land in Pakistan but are frequently illiterate and are thus unable to manage the contracts, effectively forfeiting their right. “Education reduces infant mortality. Education reduced the population explosion. When women or societies are illiterate, they tend to have 10 or 15 babies,” Mortenson said. “A literate woman with a 10th grade education tends to have three or four babies, so a lot can happen with education.” However, this promise was much easier said than done. Mortenson’s f irst funding came, ironically, from children in elementary school, who raised 65,000 pennies to help the children of Korphe. Inspired by their donation, Mortenson founded “Pennies for Peace,” an international servicelearning program meant to empower Pakistani and Afghani communities through education. The organization has grown to tens of thousands of participants and was the group that Stay Up UB, the annual UB dance party, chose to support this year. After sending 580 letters, Mortenson finally received a $12,000 check from Dr. Jean Hoerni, a Swissborn physicist and fellow mountain climber, which was crucial in making his dream a reality.
ELANA LEHRHAUPT Staff Writer
Clinton Hodnett /The Spectrum
Campus was packed Wednesday night as many gathered to listen to Greg Mortenson.
“I get criticized for that a lot, but we go to extreme lengths to embrace the culture. Our schools are entirely run by community committees. We also teach five languages by fifth grade… and we [also] have the elders come in twice a week and do storytelling,” Mortenson said. “I really think it’s important that their heritage, folklore and culture is preserved…You have to be very considerate of cultural and faith issues.” Mortenson mentioned his childhood in Tanzania. He and his family moved to the U.S. when he was 15, which was when he first experienced racism. “[As a child], I went to school with children from two dozen countries. I used to go into mosques and synagogues and churches and
However, Mortenson’s school is different than schools in the U.S. “Any school [in Pakistan and surrounding countries] should be thought of as more of a community center than just a school. In our schools, we teach hygiene, sanitation [and] nutrition, starting in first grade. Also, with birthing, there’s some things that can be taught,” Mortenson said. “In some areas of the world, women go into birth without any training and they don’t even have a skilled person [nearby.]” Unfortunately, in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, many Americans have criticized Mortenson for attempting to help Muslims. However, he asserts that there is no military solution in Afghanistan and that when children are trained to kill and hate, they cannot distinguish the difference between life and death. Mortenson has also faced opposition from those who think he shouldn’t encroach on Middle Eastern cultures.
The Boss is Back
“It’s not about changing the world; it’s about doing one good deed a day and it becomes a habit.” -Greg Mortenson
Buddhist temples and we’d celebrate Diwali and Hanukkah and Christmas,” Mortenson said. “My first day in high school at St. Paul, Minnesota, I got beat up because I said I was African… That was the first time I learned what the word ‘racism’ meant. It wasn’t in Africa; it was here in the U.S.” Perhaps change is occurring in the U.S., though. Mortenson cited a U.S. News and World Report study that showed that in 1990, 18 percent of college graduates wanted to “go out and make the community or world a better place.” Today, the same statistic is at 50 percent, and Mortenson believes the percentage is even higher in high school, junior high and elementary schools. “I have a quote that I’ve had in my bathroom mirror for 25 years: ‘When your heart speaks, take good notes.’ …This kind of revolution [has been] going on in the last two decades in this country; it’s community service, service learning, civic engagement,” Mortenson said. “It’s not about changing the world; it’s about doing one good deed a day and it becomes a habit. It’s important to look at what has worked and what hasn’t worked. We can learn as much from our failures as we can from our successes.” Mortenson concluded his lecture by stressing the importance of not only obtaining an education but also of learning another language because it makes you think about other people and cultures. Mortenson closed his lecture with a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quotation, which many feel relates to not only his accomplishments but also to his message to the community: “Even if the world ends tomorrow, I will plant my seeds today.” E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
Don’t brave the snow and cold this winter break!
New Jersey’s hometown hero is back for his 17th studio album, The Promise. For this record, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band promised to delight fans with unreleased songs from the Darkness on the Edge of Town recording sessions. Springsteen has had a remarkable career that has spanned three decades and 20 Grammy awards. He has influenced countless generations of musicians with his incredible energy, rhythm, voice, and bluecollar appeal. From the legendary albums Born to Run and Born in the USA to Springsteen’s most recent release, fans have stayed true to their working-class hero. The Promise features 21 tracks full of classic rock, soul and pop. Regardless of musical taste, many will find it hard to argue the intensity and passion that this album delivers. The opening track, “Racing in the Street,” sets the listener up for a truly mesmerizing experience. The energy is palpable with every tap of a piano key and each strum of every guitar. Springsteen also slows down the album’s mood. Songs such as “One Way Street” show a heartfelt side of the singer as his bleeding-heart lyrics drip with emotion and showcase his ability to connect with the audience. The title track is a powerful song with a message, which has been Springsteen’s motif throughout his career. The lyrics convey the same ideals that have connected with his audiences throughout the years. “All my life I fought this fight/ the fight that no man can ever win/ everyday it just gets harder to live,” Springsteen sings.
Artist: Bruce Springsteen Album: The Promise Release Date: Nov. 16, 2010 Label: Columbia Grade: A
Springsteen, at his core, is a great musician with a message that has captivated audiences for decades. The Promise captures the essence and delivers a mix of great songs straight to the listener’s ears. This is classic rock that any fan will appreciate. The emotion from Springsteen’s voice is undeniably powerful. The E Street Band is electrifying and serves as a perfect companion to such an amazing singer. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Week en d i n Bu f fa l o Who: Nicolas Pino What: Call of Duty: Black Ops When: All weekend Where: Xbox Live Why: Assassinating Cuban political leaders, while never success-
ful, is always worth the shot. That, and it’s a group effort to eliminate the zombie threat. Who: John Hugar What: Ben Folds When: Friday 7 p.m. Where: Town Ballroom Why: If you want to know what it’s like bein’ male, middle class
and white, he’s your man.
Who: James Twigg What: LIGHTS When: Saturday 7 p.m. Where: Mohawk Place Why: Well put together, bouncy, and sleek LIGHTS’ show is guaran-
teed to be a good time for all. And her music ain’t half bad either.
CROW’S NEST TAVERN
Get ahead with FLCC’s Online Learning. No matter where you plan to spend your break, you can get ahead with online classes at FLCC this winter. With nearly 30 courses to choose from, it’s easy to get a few electives out of the way. FLCC’s Online Winter Session classes start December 13. Learn more! Visit www.flcc.edu/winter for details.
Courtesy of flickr user CaBLe27
The Boss returns triumphantly with an album of previously unreleased tracks.
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Arts & Life
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www.ubspectrum.com/life
Shaken, But n.ot Quite Stirred
JAMES TWIGG
Senior Arts Editor
NICOLAS PINO Asst. Arts Editor
Don’t Tread On My Games
Grade: C+
007: Blood Stone has some of the most precise driving a James Bond title has ever possessed. Unfortunately, the rest of the game isn’t as precise as its three five-minute, action-packed vehicle sequences. There’s a lot to hate about this game. Between one of the worst AI structures, a story mode that takes three hours to play through, a horrific attempt at an online multiplayer, and a sub-par plot that would make Ian Fleming roll over in his grave, this is the worst excuse for a video game to ever include the international man of mystery. Factually, it should be that way. This game should in no way be fun, but somehow, like a new Green Day song, it will be played over and over again, even if it’s not that great. The story is short, but thankfully so, as this secret agent shooter quickly falls into a monotonous rhythm. While each individual level feels unique, the level design begins to blend together as each mission will consist of finding a piece of evidence and a large firefight, followed by a thrilling driving sequence. It seems as though before the game really gets
YouTube Videos of the Week
On Tuesday, Nov. 2, oral arguments regarding the case of Schwarzenegger vs. Entertainment Merchants Association were held in the Supreme Court. The argument was focused upon whether or not it is a violation of the First Amendment to ban the sale of violent video games to minors.
007: Bloodstone has some decent action, but can’t compare with the stronger titles in the Bond franchise.
started, the credits begin to roll and the British super agent has unveiled another sinister plot. What makes this game mildly acceptable is that the gameplay is so addicting. Bond’s combination of stealth takedowns, precision aiming, and hand-to-hand fisticuffs make 007: Blood Stone worthy of any gamer’s weekend.
While the mechanics are not perfect in Blood Stone, there are a few spectacular features, the first of which is the “Focus Kill” meter. After Bond executes a stealth takedown or beats an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, the player is given the opportunity to have Bond do the work and automatically target an enemy’s head for a quick
Courtesy of Activision
drop. This feature is comparable to Splinter Cell: Conviction’s “Mark and Execute” game mechanic. The cover system the game employs works nearly perfectly, as Bond runs from pillar to pillar taking time to blind fire with any of the game’s 16 weapon choices. • see 007 | page 6
Dark Side of the Man on the Moon JAMESON BUTLER Arts Editor
5. Bob Marley Chills Baby The new face of Prop. 19. Kids these days, huh?
4. Alexis courage Perseverance is the key to victory, don’t let the hurdles in life stop you from winning.
3. OMG Cat OMG Cat learns about iPhone4 and Skyline.
2. Drunken mad hatter Johnny Depp look-a-like plays America’s favorite game, and ruins it in one fell swoop. That’s not tea they’re drinking.
1. Sneaky Middle School
Football Trick Play
Cause sometimes, “Hey look, there’s a Power Ranger” doesn’t work.
In the mere 14 months since Man on the Moon: End of the Day was released, Kid Cudi has blown up significantly. Somewhere between touring relentlessly and being featured in a Vitamin Water ad, Cudi had time to make a sequel to his story. Cudi picked up right where the story left off. The Legend of Mr. Rager further proves that he is one of the most dynamic hip-hop artists today. The Legend of Mr. Rager continues to display Cudi’s ability to transcend genres. What made End of the Day such a great album was Cudi’s capability to make a connection with such a broad spectrum of people. The album starts off with the first of five acts, “The World I’m Ruling.” While this act is only two songs long, it is one of the better acts on the album. The opening track, “Scott Mescudi Vs. The World,” begins the journey through Cudi’s mind. The ominous feeling that the beat produces is perfectly complimented by the tormented lyrics Cudi and Cee-Lo Green present to the audience. “Revofev” is the other song that gets the listener’s feet tapping in the first act. Both songs in the act show the progression Cudi has had in the past year. As the album matures, so does the depth of Cudi’s music. While the second act, “A Stronger Trip,” does not have any songs that really stick out, every pothead will appreciate the trippy anthem “Marijuana.” During the third act, “Party On,” Cudi lightens the mood a little bit. As the title implies, all of the songs during this section are very danceable. This is the act where the first single of the album resides. “Erase Me” is the perfect single for The Legend of Mr. Rager. It
What proponents of this ban do not realize is that, like films, there is a universal rating system designed to prevent minors from purchasing these games in the first place. The Entertainment Software Rating Board, or ESRB, has ratings that range from EC, “Early Childhood,” all the way up to AO, “Adults Only.” Games rated M for “Mature” or higher are prohibited from being sold to anyone under the age of 17. It’s not the video game industry’s fault if young children play violent and inappropriate games; it’s the parents’. People are so quick to pass the blame that it’s no surprise parents don’t accept responsibility for their children being exposed to violent media. If parents are going to allow their kids to own a video game console, they should take the time to learn all of its services before condemning it after they catch little Billy beating a prostitute in Grand Theft Auto. First off, if you discover your child with a game rated M, take it from them. You’re the adult in this situation and need to act as such. Explain to the children that it’s inappropriate for someone their age to be playing it. Besides, if you’re not buying it for them, they shouldn’t be able to pick it up anyway.
Artist: Kid Cudi Album: Man on the Moon 2: The Legend of Mr. Rager Label: Universal Motown, GOOD Music, Dream On Grade: B+ Release: Nov. 9
Meg Kinsley /The Spectrum
Cleveland-based rapper Kid Cudi’s sophomore album is solid, but fails to reach the heights of his debut.
embodies the progression Cudi has seen. The song is more pop-punk than hip-hop, with Cudi taking the reigns of lead guitar on the song. The pinnacle of the album is the fourth act, “The Transformation.” Cudi opens up more than he ever has in this act, making it incredibly easy for people to connect with the music. The best song on the album is during the fourth act. “These Worries” has Cudi rapping about life kicking you while you’re down
during the verses, and then Mary J. Blige’s soulful voice sooths the listener’s aching heart during the chorus. The fifth and final act, “You Live & You Learn,” shows off Cudi’s singing ability. All three songs have him singing rather than rapping. Luckily for Cudi, he can sing as well as he can rap. While The Legend of Mr. Rager does show off Cudi’s ability to progress the genre, he also seems nervous deviating from his formula. There are several songs that sound very similar both in the beats and the lyrics. On End of the Day, many of the beats were drastically different, which gave each song its own personality. While the beats on The Legend of Mr. Rager are still some of the best being produced, many sound similar to one another. Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager might not be as dynamic as its predecessor, but it is still one of the best hip-hop albums of the year. This is one album that will grow on you the more you listen to it. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Second, parents need to familiarize themselves with the parental controls offered by each console. Every console out there has them, and they require minimal effort to set up. The Xbox 360’s parental controls alone are so in-depth that not only can parents restrict what their children can play, but they can also regulate how long they can play it. By using this feature, owners could set a limit on the highest rating allowed. For instance, if the rating limit was set to T for teen, no titles above that rating would even be able to be played on the system. It doesn’t stop there. The same controls also allow owners to set a timer so that games could only be played for X amount of hours in one day. The best part about this feature is that it takes less than 10 minutes to set up. So what do these parents really have to complain about? All the tools necessary for protecting children from obscene and graphic images are at their fingertips, literally. Maybe it’s not the fragile minds of children exposed to violent video games that people should be worried about. Maybe it’s the complete lack of effort parents show in attempting to protect their kids.
E-mail: james.twigg@ubspectrum.com
6
The Spectrum Friday , November 12 , 2010
How to Land a Job KATIE MERTENS Staff Writer
On Wednesday night, top employees from different local companies shared experiences and input on how to earn money after college at the “Show Me the Money” seminar. One of the first things on a graduate’s mind is making a lot of money and paying off debt accumulated from college. However, the business professionals present were stressing that companies want to know that a prospective candidate is really passionate about the company and not just the money. “Love what you do, find where you fit and the money will come,” said Joe Kuchera, a human resources manager at Unifrax. Michelle Plesh, a huma n resources manager at Goodyear Dunlop, talked about the interviewing process and the etiquette to follow if one wants a job at her company. “All of the applications come from online, and if you don’t have one of the job requirements, we won’t even look at you,” Plesh said. “Regarding salary, we are up front about it, and you should be confident and state firmly that you want a competitive salary that you want to negotiate.” Every company has its own unique way of interviewing and hiring people. Susan Stamp, the vice president
of human resources at IIMAK, stated her take on how to successfully land a job. “Be easy to do business with. Be as honest and open as you can, willing to negotiate your salary. You shouldn’t be afraid to price yourself out of the job, so be ready to state your expectations,” Stamp said. “Additionally, make sure to show up to the interview with three professional references and transcripts so you look prepared.” Students were advised to not put a grade point average on a resume if it is below a 3.0 and to not have unprofessional e-mail addresses or voicemail greetings. Rather, students should think about creating an e-mail address for professional matters only. It will make organization and communication easy tasks. Additionally, candidates should dress professionally, rehearse before the interview, make sure body posture is upright, and avoid falsifying a resume. Susan Was, a talent acquisition manager at Curbell Inc., stressed the importance of maintaining ties with a company, even if one is not ready to work for it just yet. “We have a pipeline system where we encourage candidates to stay in touch with our contacts and keep the relationship strong, so when one finally builds up a resume enough, we will highly consider them,” Was said. “It’s all about timing. Eventually, someone is going to want your skill set.”
b a sk e t b a l l p r e v i e w
Kuchera was highlighting some helpful tips for when the interview is actually taking place. “Don’t try to negotiate your benefits and wait until the end of the interviewing process to talk about it. For entry-level employees, it’s very unlikely that that a benefits package will be flexible, except for maybe vacation time,” Kuchera said. Nick McClure, a senior computer science major, found the seminar boring in the beginning but insightful at the end. “I was a little less interested in how the employees got hired. To be honest, if I was in a lecture hall, I probably would’ve left after the first 10 minutes, but after the presentation got going I found it very helpful,” McClure said. Some students also benefited solely from general tips rather than the in-depth negotiation processes. “It was helpful, but I benefited more from discussion about the general interview process instead of how to negotiate salary,” said Adam Soom, a senior computer science major. The one thing that was stressed above all was the fact that money is not everything when it comes to looking for a job. One has to make sure the job is a perfect fit, and with that, the money will easily come. It is better to be happy with the job than the money it produces. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
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Scouting Navy 2010 Record: 0-1 2009 Record:
13-17 (7-7 Patriot League) Last Meeting:
Nov. 19, 2009 Buffalo 63, Navy 53 All-time series:
Buffalo leads Navy, 2-1 THREE MIDSHIPMEN TO WATCH: PG O.J. Avworo – The senior is entering
his fourth year as a starting point guard and is the clear leader of the Navy squad. He is not only one of the top point guards in the Patriot League, but in the nation as well. Avworo led the Patriot League and was 14th in the nation last season with 5.8 assists per game. More impressive was his ability to limit turnovers; his assist-to-turnover ratio was 2.28. Avworo will present a formidable challenge to Buffalo point guards Byron Mulkey and Tony Watson III. SG Jordan Sugars – Though there are
many options at shooting guard for Navy, the Bulls defense should focus on slowing down Sugars. The junior was the only player in the conference to average at least 15 points and eight rebounds a game last season. He also made 78 3-pointers on the year, solidifying himself as a dual threat. Sugars is the type of player who can tear apart a zone defense, so Buffalo must be aware of where he is on the court. C Mark Veazey – Veazey will be a wild
card for the Midshipmen all season. When healthy, he has proven that he can be an outstanding center. After injuring his foot last season, however, Veazey only mustered 3.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. Veazey is determined to stay healthy for his senior season and got off to a good start with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks in Navy’s season opener against Texas. The Bulls frontcourt should prevent Veazey from getting involved early and limit Navy’s attack to outside shooting.
THE BULLS WILL WIN IF…
Their defense can slow down the potent and experienced Navy scoring attack. Buffalo should capitalize on the Midshipmen’s lack of momentum after Navy was crushed by Texas in their season opener. THE MIDSHIPMEN WILL WIN IF
Their experienced players set the tone early and the younger players feed off the energy. Navy must establish an inside-out offensive attack in order to get Veazey involved and breakdown the Bulls zone. PREDICTION:
The season opener is very important for any young sports team. This is especially true for the Bulls, who are trying to set a winning tone for the rest of the season. Home court advantage will be critical, and Buffalo should feed off the crowd and build its confidence early. Navy’s season opening loss shouldn’t be taken at face value, as it came on the road against a ranked opponent in Texas. However, I think the loss will affect the Midshipmen, especially since they are on the road again. Buffalo should get off to a quick start and use its defense to hold on to the lead and win its season opener. Bulls 63 | Navy 55
007 | GoldenEye 007 came out on the same day continued from page 5
The in-game weapons are nothing new to the shooting genre, consisting of classic Bond silenced pistols to deafening shotguns, even incorporating a stun gun to help Bond run amok in Bangkok. Sadly, these in-game powerhouses don’t translate well into Blood Stone’s online play. Multiplayer on Xbox Live is less than ideal, as system lag destroys any chance the game had at being
fun. Players will take down an enemy and seconds later find themselves on the ground, as the game just cannot keep up with the multitude of MI6 agents on the map. As far as third person shooters go, Blood Stone is quite forgettable, a mere paragraph in the tome that is the James Bond franchise. Bizarre Creations, the game’s developer, is the team behind the Project Gotham Racing series, which undoubtedly gives players one of the
best racing experiences on the Xbox 360. Using a similar driving scheme in Blood Stone, Bizarre Creations creates the debonair driving experience fans of the Bond games have always wanted. The release date of the company’s introduction to the Bond realm has come at an inopportune time, as developer Eurocom put out the long awaited GoldenEye 007 on the same exact date. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
football | Zordich’s play has improved since he took over continued from page 8
The play of true freshman quarterback Alex Zordich has steadily improved weekly since he took over the starting quarterback position. His play last week kept the Bulls in the game against Ohio (7-3, 5-1 MAC). Zordich threw for only 84 yards, and though he wasn’t prolific, he helped move the chains and keep the Bulls in the game. “He’s getting better [because] he works at it,” Quinn said. “You can see it every day…He’s a tremendous competitor. Putting the ball in the right spots is something we haven’t had, and he’s putting it where it needs to be. He is improving and that’s why we’re going to stay with him.” A major concern for Buffalo last week was the wide receivers’ inability to hold on to the football. Junior wideouts Marcus Rivers and Terrell Jackson dropped several balls that severely cost the Bulls during the
game. Quinn talked to his receivers after the game and during the week about eliminating those mistakes. “We had three [missed] touchdown passes that could have certainly impacted the outcome of the game [against Ohio],” Quinn said. “Those are things that as a coach, you’re disappointed in. I keep telling the team, ‘We have no margin for error.’” Rivers has been the best receiver this year for the Bulls and has stepped into the number one role for the team. He leads the receiving corps in every statistical category and has a chance to accumulate 1,000 yards this season. Ball State and Buffalo are virtually in the same position this season. Both teams have struggled to win games, and both teams are starting freshman quarterbacks. Cardinals freshman quarterback Keith Wenning has been great at
times this season but has also had his difficulties. He has thrown for 1,175 yards, 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The Bulls must take advantage of Wenning’s inexperience and force the underclassmen into making mistakes on Friday night. Notching its first win in over a month will go a long way to maintain spirits in the Buffalo locker room, according to Brey. “We need to get a win and everybody moving in the right direction,” Brey said. “I think coach has done an unbelievable job at making sure the message, throughout the season, regardless of circumstance, has been clear and consistent.” Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at UB Stadium. The game can be seen on ESPNU.
E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
The Spectrum Friday, November 12 , 2010
CLASSI FI EDS
7
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Sports
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Bulls Lament Title Season on Eve of Rematch MATTHEW PARRINO
Scouting Ball State
Senior Sports Editor
Getting to the top is great. The journey provides memories that last a lifetime. But, as the football team can attest, climbing back up the mountain can be more grueling than the initial ascent. Toiling at the bottom of the MidAmerican Conference this season, the Bulls (2-7, 1-4 MAC) have a chance to turn back the clock this week. With Ball State (3-7, 2-4 MAC) visiting Buffalo on Friday night, players that played for the Bulls in 2008 have been able to remember what it was like to play on a winning team. Senior tight end Kyle Brey was a member of the Bulls when they upset Ball State to capture the program’s first-ever MAC Championship. He hasn’t been surprised by the dropoff since that season; Brey even expected it. “I know Ball State has struggled since [the 2008 MAC Championship game] and I know we’ve struggled too,” Brey said. “The MAC is an upand-down conference. It’s the kind of conference where competition is very equal year in and year out. We’re getting back on track with where we need to be with [Bulls head] coach [Jeff] Quinn.” The competitive nature of the
2010 Record:
3-7 (2-4 Mid-American Conference) 2009 Record:
2-10 (2-6 MAC) Last Meeting:
Buffalo 42, No. 12 Ball State 24 (2008 MAC Championship game) All-time Series:
Ball State leads Buffalo, 6-1 THREE CARDINALS TO WATCH: LB Travis Freeman – With 93 total
Alex McCrossen /The Spectrum
Junior wide receiver Terrell Jackson (5) and the Bulls will face Ball State Friday night at UB Stadium for the first time since the 2008 MAC Championship game.
MAC, as intense as it is, provides no comfort for Quinn as he and his team continue to struggle. After a win to kick off their conference schedule, the Bulls have now dropped four straight games. On top of this losing streak, Buffalo has
Getting The Job Done
MATTHEW PARRINO
Senior Sports Editor
I’m sick of hearing people bust on Reggie Witherspoon. And before you say it, I’m not a homer and I’m not writing this because I go to UB. I just think it’s unwarranted. Ever since I started covering the Bulls and the men’s basketball team I have heard countless arguments from fans that Witherspoon can’t win the big game. Last time I checked, players play the game. Is it really Witherspoon’s fault that Akron played one of the best defensive games of the season in shutting down Rodney Pierce and company in 2009? Former Bulls guard Turner Battle all but delivered a Mid-American
Conference Championship in 2005 before former Ohio forward Leon Williams tipped in the game-winning bucket to beat the Bulls by one point. Let me guess: that was Reggie’s fault. Listen, I get it. At first glance it seems as if Witherspoon-coached teams struggle under the bright lights, but can you really make that conclusion from just two games? What about 17 wins in five of the last seven seasons? Doesn’t that matter? Isn’t that what Buffalo sports fans clamor for in every other sport, a team that wins consistently? Considering the state of Bulls basketball when Witherspoon took over, fans should be thankful for the teams they’ve been able to cheer for
one of the worst offenses in college football. Quinn is trying to keep his players focused on the future while trying to right the ship for the final three games this season. “We need to move our program
since he arrived. Last season the Bulls not only won 18 games, they posted the best road non-conference record in the MAC and swept MAC East teams at home for the first time in school history. The MAC is a tough conference to win. In 1999, Miami (Ohio) made it all the way to the Sweet 16, and they didn’t even win the MAC tournament. Witherspoon is a Buffalo guy. He is a huge figure in the community and genuinely cares about the city and the university. The development of players is one of the most important jobs a head coach has, and Witherspoon continues to make the most out of the players he has to work with. With another promising recruiting class, Witherspoon has brought in quality players and young men, making a concerted effort to develop them into better people when they leave.
forward,” Quinn said. “To do that you can’t dwell on the past. You have to look forward to [future] opportunities. That’s the way I’m going to continue coaching this football team.” • see FOOTBALL | page 6
In sports, coaches generally focus on winning above all else, even though most will tell you otherwise. Witherspoon wants to win and deals with the MAC Championship losses on a daily basis. He thinks about what could have happened and what things might have been like if they’d won just one. Witherspoon wants to win but he also wants his players to graduate, and he doesn’t want to take away from the success of a season simply because the end result wasn’t what the team was aiming for. Witherspoon is Buffalo basketball and as long as he continues to win and recruit great young players, he can stay for as long as he wants if it were up to me. Trust me, the alternative will leave you wanting him back!
E-mail: matthew.parrino@ubspectrum.com
T h e S p e c t r u m S p o r t s P u l s e WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND
New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns Sunday 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Friday 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls
Saturday 8:00 p.m.
tackles, the sophomore leads the Cardinals and ranks fifth in the MAC this season. Freeman has made his mark all over the field, proving to be a playmaker. He has also recorded 4.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception, and a pass break-up. Look for lots of big hits when freshman quarterback Alex Zordich runs the football, as both he and Freeman seek contact. DE Robert Eddins – The fifth-year
senior leads the team in sacks with six and tackles for a loss with 11, showing his ability to get in the backfield. A visit from Eddins isn’t what the doctor ordered for the struggling Bulls offensive line. It will have to step up Friday to give Zordich enough time to make a play. RB Eric Williams – The versatile
sophomore is a scary playmaker who needs extra attention. He has scored six touchdowns this season in three different ways: three rushing, two receiving and one on a kick return. He leads the team in rushing yards with 441 and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The Bulls will need to focus on Williams when he’s on the field. THE BULLS WILL WIN IF…
Zordich continues to improve. The true freshman has steadily improved each start. If this trend continues, the Bulls will be looking at a win on Friday night. The Bulls are 2-0 this season when completing more than 55 percent of their passes and 0-7 when they don’t hit that mark. The defense will also need to help Zordich and company with field position early, as the Bulls have struggled to gain early leads. THE CARDINALS WILL WIN IF…
They can force the Bulls offense into mistakes, which has not been a difficult task for opposing defenses this season. The Buffalo defense is good, but it tends to break down when they are on the field for a long time, so maintaining time of possession will be key for the Cardinals. PREDICTION:
Friday ! WT
UB Wrestling vs. Oklahoma Sooners ! WT UB Football vs. Ball State Cardinals ! WT UB Women’s Basketball vs. Washington Capitals howard Bison vs. Saturday Buffalo Sabres ! WT UB men’s Basketball Saturday 7:00 p.m. (MSG-B) vs. Navy Midshipmen ! WT UB Swimming and Diving vs. Niagara Purple Eagles Monday ! WT UB Women’s Basketball vs. Cleveland State Vikings
The Bulls have a veteran group in the secondary that has had success against Ball State before. The last time these teams met in the 2008 MAC Championship, senior cornerback Sherrod Lott and senior safety Domonic Cook both came up with turnovers for a Buffalo defense that forced five turnovers en route to the MAC title. This is Buffalo’s first game against a team with a record below .500 since early October against Bowling Green. Seeing a weaker conference opponent will be good for the struggling Bulls, who have lost four straight games. Bulls 24 | Cardinals 17 Chris Rahn | Sports Editor
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foR a chancE to wIn onE of thESE
PRIZES
Semester of Tuition Semester of Books 2 Tickets to Lady Gaga
on 3/3/10 at HSBC Arena
$100 Campus Cash
attEnd at lEaSt 1 2 3 4 5 6
4 out of 6 of thESE event
Fri., Nov. 12 (3pm) Wrestling vs #8 Oklahoma Fri., Nov. 12 (6pm) Football vs Ball St. (on ESPNU) Fri., Nov. 12 (7pm) Women’s Basketball vs Howard Sat., Nov. 13 (12pm) Men’s Basketball vs Navy Sat., Nov. 13 (2pm) Swimming & Diving vs Niagara Mon., Nov. 15 (7pm) Women’s Basketball vs Cleveland St.
s
Pizza for a Semester 1st 500 students to complete the Crawl get a UB Fall Crawl Mug 1011hoops-20101110-spec.indd 1
Start the Crawl at
Buffalobulls.com/ubfallcrawl 11/8/10 4:28:49 PM