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Friday, April 16, 2010
Volume 59 Issue 74
An independent student publication of the University at Buffalo
UB Council Election, take two By ANDREW WIKTOR Editor-in-Chief
Clinton Hodnett/ The Spectrum
Democratic America preaches that every vote counts. Last week’s UB Council Student Representative election, pointed to the contrary. From April 6-8, 1,028 students voted online to select who would represent the student body on the UB Council. Although a clear majority was reached, none of the votes will count. The official results were supposed to be announced on Monday at 5 p.m., but the Council of Student Governments Election Committee reviewed the election and was unable to announce the winner on time. By Tuesday night, the committee determined that one of the candidates was ineligible for office and a re-election was necessary. Michael Lewis, student activities associate and student government liaison, released a vague statement regarding the issue clouding the original election. “The first run of the election was determined to be invalid by the election committee, according to the University Council Student Representative Election Rules and Regulations,” Lewis said. Due to student confidentiality policies, Student Life did not provide further information. According to Election Rules and Regulations, a candidate is eligible if they are “a registered student in good academic standing (as defined by the University Faculty Senate) at the University at Buffalo,” and must also be “in good disciplinary standing (through the office of Judicial Affairs) at the University at Buffalo.” Originally, there were four candidates on the ballot: Joshua Boston, Allen Bourdon, Maaz Memon and Jennifer Tuttle. Next week’s ballot, however, will list just
three: Boston, Bourdon and Tuttle. Maaz Memon, a senior accounting major, was removed from the election because he was found ineligible due to outstanding community service hours. Memon is upset with his expulsion and believes that he deserves to be the student representative. “I won by 410 votes,” Memon said. “It was a landslide victory which shows the student voice. I was elected to represent all of the students. It was their voice and they wanted me to be on the board.” According to Memon, he was originally accused of campaigning in restricted areas. “Both of the complaints [against me] were not valid,” Memon said. “Even if I was doing an illegal campaign, I would [have] 24 hours of community service. I wouldn’t be expelled from the election.” After accusations of illegal campaigning were filed, the election committee discovered that Memon was never eligible to run in the first place. They didn’t, however, find him guilty of campaigning in “polling places.” Memon is less concerned with the allegations brought against him and is more worried that the people running the election don’t want to see him in office. “When I submitted my petition, Student Life approved it,” Memon said. “Why didn’t they [discover this] before starting the election? It seems like they don’t want me to win the election.” The re-election is scheduled to take place next week on April 20 and 21. Memon has appealed his ineligibility and hopes to re-enter the election. This isn’t the first time that UB has had a problem with the UB Council Student Representative see COUNCIL page 4
ARTS & LIFE
SPORTS
Working towards a sustainable Buffalo By STEVE NEILANS Asst. Life Editor
Source: Facebook.com
Students can now serve alcohol at formal and semi-formal gatherings due to a new policy passed by the Student Association and UB administration on Tuesday.
New alcohol policy to take effect By JESSICA BRANT Senior Life Editor
see ALCOHOL page 8
STRENGTHQUEST THE FALL OF TROY THE ROCKET SUMMER
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see CARSHARE page 7
Spectrum File Photo
The Bulls’ offense tallied 33 runs in their last two games en route to key victories over local foes.
Bulls renew local rivalries By JACOB LAURENTI and CHRIS RAHN Sports Editor and Asst. Sports Editor
Coming off of threest ra ight losses aga inst conference-foe Toledo, the baseball team played three games in two days against a pair of local rivals. The Bulls (15-15, 3-6 MidAmerican Conference) hosted the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (5-18) in a non-conference, Big Four doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon at Amherst Audubon Field. A day later, the Niagara Purple Eagles (11-20) welcomed the Bulls
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to Sal Maglie Stadium for the Bulls’ sixth game in five days. But fatigue did not affect the Bulls’ bats. After dropping its first game to the Bonnies 5-4, the Bulls rebounded in the nightcap and salvaged the doubleheader with a 12-2 win. The Bulls’ offense continued its hot streak on Wednesday and posted its second-highest run total of the season with a 21-4 win against Niagara. Head coach Ron Torgalski was very pleased with how his team responded to the grueling stretch of games. “This was our sixth game see BASEBALL page 10
NBA PREVIEW SOFTBALL SWEEPS BLITZBALL
INSIDE
INSIDE
A new policy was passed by the Student Association Tuesday, allowing clubs on campus to serve alcohol at their events upon approval by the SA and UB administration. With growing concern among campus organizations regarding the previous alcohol ban that prohibited the serving of alcohol at any club event, SA decided that a new policy was necessary.
“As the number of underthe-table events with an open or cash bar rose, we decided to propose an alcohol policy with the university that would outline the regulations under which a club can serve alcohol,” said SA President Ernesto Alvarado. “Discussions went on during the year to determine a concrete plan. It will now be part of SA’s internal policy controls.” Under the new policy, alcohol can only be served at
Tuesday, UB Green held an event that focused on the way people get around Buffalo. The organization’s third and final event of the semester brought in a panel of local transportation experts to give their opinion on how Buffalo is taking steps towards a better transportation system. “Buffalo’s transportation system [will] help us rebuild our city and make it one of those destinations like … Minneapolis or Seattle where a lot of people [want] to move,” said Kelly Dixon, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Center for Transportation Excellence. Reframing transportation in Buffalo will require a collective effort. According to Jim Simon, Associate Environmental Director of UB Green, 40 percent of the trips Buffalonians make are within two miles of their homes. If people can start car-pooling, bicycling or even just walking those two miles, the city’s carbon footprint can decrease greatly. One program that has been helping reduce pollution in the city is Buffalo CarShare. Since its establishment in 2008, Buffalo CarShare has allowed people to use a vehicle when they need it, without having to purchase a car. According to Creighton
Randall, the Interim Executive Director for Buffalo CarShare, the average household spends a quarter of their income on transportation. This is a very cost effective alternative to owning a car. Randall explained how the car share program is gaining attention throughout the country. San Francisco, Chicago, and Cleveland are all cities that have their own car share programs. “If it can work here, it can work anywhere,” Randall said. A major talking point at the event was how the Queen City has been in decline for the past 40 years. The speakers felt that the amount of wasted space in downtown Buffalo exemplifies the city’s decline. As discussed at the event, 52 percent of the space in downtown is designated for parking. Justin Booth, the Program Director for Green Options Buffalo, believes that the focus needs to be taken away from building more roads and parking lots and geared more toward creating a better quality of life in Buffalo. “There’s no study that shows that driving a car increases economic activity,” Booth said. Booth argues that quality of life is the most important thing that Buffalo city officials can focus on. Some city leaders have seen economic
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Editorial Board Editor in Chief Andrew Wiktor Managing Editors Chris DiMatteo Joe Paterno David Sanchirico Amanda Woods Editorial Editor Luke Hammill News Editors Chelsie Hinckley Lauren Nostro Jessica Bennett, asst. Brendon Bochacki, asst. David Weidenborner, asst. Arts Editors James Twigg, senior Jameson Butler John Connelly, asst. Vanessa Frith, asst. John Hugar, asst. Nicolas Pino, asst. Mary Machajewski, asst. Life Editors Jennifer Harb Amanda Jonas, asst. Katherine Allen, asst. Steve Neilans, asst. Jeff Pelzek, asst. Sports Editors Matt Parrino, senior Jacob Laurenti Brian Josephs, asst. Chris Rahn, asst. Photo Editors Clinton Hodnett, senior Sam Zakalik Yingyi Huo Megan Kinsley, asst. Karen Larkin, asst. Copy Editors Forrest John Crawford Meghan Farrell Laura Neese
UB 2020 goes downtown University’s new privileges would come with new responsibility UB 2020 may be reeling, but it’s not dead yet. The State Legislature has the power to save President John B. Simpson’s ambitious plan despite the current budget crisis. To advance its goals, UB is not looking for funding but is instead asking for policy reforms to the state’s public university system. If passed, these policy reforms would give the university important new powers, including the ability to enter into partnerships with private sectors. UB would use this power to expand its three campuses, most notably its fledgling downtown campus. Plans are already in the works. UB has offered approximately $15 million to the St. John the Baptist Church Fruit Belt Community Development Corporation to buy a plot of land currently occupied by McCarley Gardens, a federally subsidized, low-income housing development. For years, families have lived safely in the tight-knit community, which is in an otherwise destitute part of the city. McCarley Gardens is conveniently located near the current Downtown Campus. Its proximity to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and a host of other medical institutions makes it an ideal candidate for the relocation of UB’s medical facilities from South Campus. Though the current residents of McCarley Gardens have a right to be worried about their futures, UB and the Fruit Belt’s development organization have promised to provide for them if they are forced out of their homes. Plus, the huge economic influx that an expanded Downtown Campus promises to provide would be extremely beneficial to the neighborhood and community at large. UB’s project would create 6,700 jobs at the school in addition to over 20,000 construction jobs, not to mention the estimated $2 billion that would be pumped into the area’s economy as a result of the expansion.
The university has repeatedly maintained that the UB 2020 plan would not only be beneficial to the university but to the entire Buffalo-Niagara region. If the state legislature grants the school additional privileges, the school has a responsibility to use those privileges to better the city for which it is named. It remains to be seen whether the McCarley Gardens project will reflect that vision, or whether it will simply thrive on its own as the surrounding community continues to suffer. There is a way, however, for the university to prove once and for all that it actually cares about improving the city of Buffalo. The Statler Tower is one of the most historic buildings in Buffalo. Originating in 1907, the building’s success sparked a chain of similar Statler Hotels around the nation in cities such as New York, Detroit and St. Louis. The building was converted to office space in 1984 and continued to give the city character by playing host to many events and banquets. The building recently closed after going bankrupt, and now one of the city’s landmarks is being boarded up. However, Congressman Brian Higgins has proposed a way in which UB can solve the problem. Higgins suggested that the university move its law school into the Statler, where it would be extremely close to the city’s legal establishments including the federal court building. The same logic of putting the medical campus near Roswell Park applies here. The university, law students, the Statler and the downtown economy in general would all greatly benefit from Higgins’ proposal. If the state passes the legislation that UB needs to proceed with UB 2020, the school needs to prove—whether by moving into the Statler or in some other way—that it does want to improve the city of Buffalo in addition to pursuing its specific interests.
Professional Staff Business Manager Debbie Smith Administrative Assistant Helene Polley Advertising Manager David Vogt Advertising Designer Christopher Lonzi Creative Directors Daniel Tcharnyi Adam Cole
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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APRIL 16, 2010 VOLUME 59 NUMBER 74 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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Revitalizing the East Side Multiple plans being considered to re-work Kensington Expressway Many long-time Buffalo residents will tell you that decision makers for the city made three enormous mistakes in the 20th century: They put Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, UB’s North campus in Amherst and they built the Kensington Expressway, more colloquially known as the “33.” It doesn’t look like much can be done about those first two mistakes, but plans are in the works to do something about the third. The Kensington Expressway conveniently allows drivers to get from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (near Interstate 90 in Cheektowaga) to the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus in downtown Buffalo in about 10 minutes or less on a day without a lot of traffic. East Side businesses and neighborhoods have suffered greatly since the expressway’s construction. Commuters have stopped driving through the city’s old business strips, leaving local establishments unattended. Perhaps even worse is the expressway’s design. The high-speed road is in a deep trench far below the original street’s gridline, tearing a hole in Humboldt Parkway, which was originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted – the man responsible for designing Delaware Park and New York City’s Central Park. The good news is that plans have been proposed to fix the once-thriving East Side parkway. Three plans currently exist for remodeling the system. Two of these plans are both very similar and very expensive. In essence, they propose to convert a large portion of the Kensington Expressway into a tunnel. Humboldt would retain two lanes of traffic on each side and a park
would be built on top of the tunnel. The third plan, while a lot more drastic, is a lot less expensive and holds the most promise. Mayor Byron Brown has proposed completely burying the expressway and converting Humboldt Parkway into a modern, eight-lane urban boulevard with a lower speed. The new road would both restore Olmsted’s vision and bring commuters back to the East Side. This would hopefully revitalize an area in desperate need of some help. If the city is going to pursue this project at all, it might as well go big – and cheap – and decide on the third option. While the first two would keep commuters happy in the short-term, the third would make the East Side both visually and economically appealing. If the expressway were simply converted into a tunnel, the big problem wouldn’t be solved as commuters would still bypass the area. The fix is not so simple, however. Though urban boulevards like Brooklyn’s Ocean Parkway – upon which Brown’s proposal is modeled – have been extremely successful in other cities, things aren’t going to improve overnight. If this project were undertaken, local planners and businesses would have to join in the efforts and invest in the area surrounding Humboldt Parkway. An improved public transportation system along the route would also quiet the potential complaints of commuters. Other cities have proven that urban expressways do more to hurt local economies than they do to improve traffic congestion. Buffalo needs to learn from such mistakes. Better late than never.
Correction: In Wednesday’s edition of The Spectrum we inaccurately stated that Jason Kidd is in his 21st season in the NBA. He is really in his 15th.
Dignity on the streets A homeless man in New York City once told me that he’d rather sleep on trash-littered cement sidewalks than in a homeless shelter where he would be forced to sleep in a folding chair all night. From that moment on, I’ve never regarded homelessness in the same light. Clearly, this man wasn’t receiving the basic respect he deserved. He explained that if he moved from the folding chair, he would be asked to leave the Amanda Woods shelter so someone else Managing Editor could take his spot. I understand that there are crowding issues in shelters, but what gives someone the right to treat less fortunate humans like they are worthless? I met this man, along with many other homeless people, when I was on an alternative spring break trip with the Newman Center. We gave out sandwiches, coffee and clothing in front of a homeless shelter in the middle of the night while many of the dispossessed searched for a place to get some rest. Our campus ministers helped us realize something that should’ve been obvious – although these people are homeless, they have no less dignity than well-todo businessmen who carry their briefcases around the city. It’s not their fault, as difficult financial times and personal crises can befall anyone. Homelessness is not always caused by laziness or unwillingness to find a job. The proof is in the statistics. In Western New York, 18.3 percent of the homeless population indicated that family problems were the cause for their homelessness, with an additional 7.4 percent citing domestic violence as the primary reason. Eviction see WOODS page 4
Television’s stalwarts are showing their age In my nearly 20 years on this planet, I have watched a lot of television. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find the next great sitcom when I should have been focusing on my homework. When I was younger, needless to say, it caused some arguments with my mother. That being said, there are only two shows I’ve ever been obsessed with: “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live.” This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. After all, these are two of the longest-running, most critically acclaimed shows in history. It’s quite easy to get John Hugar sucked in by their splendor. Asst. Arts Editor “The Simpsons” came first. I started watching the show when I was six years old, but the obsession didn’t take over until I was about 11. This was when I discovered a large Internet community dedicated to the show. I fell in love with countless Web sites and quickly sucked up every bit of info I could about the show. After melting my mind with episode titles, production numbers and obscure sight gags, I was quickly becoming very annoying. Luckily, it didn’t last. In the magical summer of 2002, my life was taken over by Comedy Central’s daily reruns of SNL. Whenever I hung out with my friends, I always brought up a reference to segments such as Wayne’s World or Celebrity Jeopardy. Thankfully, they put up with my nonsense. These shows mean a lot to me. They were an essential part of my formative years and I still watch both on a regular basis. For this reason, it saddens me to think about their respective states today. see HUGAR page 8
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April 16, 2010
There is no supervision at the polls COUNCIL from page 1 election. In 2007, Ilia Nossov and Creighton Randall were each accused of violating election policies. Nossov campaigned in “polling places,” and Randall illegally hung posters on walls. Although there is no supervision at the polls and candidates can’t be strictly watched, many students still prefer voting online. “I think the online [election] was better [than an in-person ballot],” said Safia Musse, a senior health and human services major. “There wasn’t all of the pressure of people around you, it’s just you [voting on your own].” But maybe the online election wasn’t completely pressure-free. “I wasn’t even aware that there was an election going on,” Musse said. “I was sitting at a computer in the library and one of the candidates came over and told me to vote for him.” The rules and regulations vaguely define where a candidate can and cannot campaign. The official document states that no candidate may “campaign within the area designated as the polling place.” Since
the election is run online, however, there is no distinct polling area. Re-voting may be a nuisance for some, but others are glad the committee is trying to correct its mistake. “Since they are redoing [the election] because they found a problem with the original integrity of the election, this strengthened [the process] because [the committee] shows that they take it seriously,” said Chloe Lake, a sophomore communication and psychology major. Lake, however, wasn’t surprised that the committee ran into a problem and isn’t entirely impressed with the process. “Because this was [an] online [election], this may have been predicted,” Lake said. “Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to have it online in the first place just to prevent these types of situations.” Think the election processes at UB work? Think they are completely flawed? Let us know.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Clinton Hodnett/ The Spectrum
The Council of Student Governments Election Committee determined that the winning candidate was ineligible for office.
My world was my world & their world was their world WOODS from page 3 was the main factor for 9.8 percent and an additional 7.2 percent spoke of losing their jobs, according to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York. I apologize for the depressing thought, but I wonder how many current UB students will fall into these statistics in a few years. We’re all getting an education and presumably care about our careers, but who knows what struggles the future may hold for us. The same man who I spoke to that night used to be a hairstylist for Raven Simone of That’s So Raven. Personal difficulties got in his way and now he’s forced to roam the streets of Manhattan with nowhere to call home. Despite his circumstances, he remains determined, positive and faith-filled. My attitude toward the homeless wasn’t always this understanding. Growing up in Brooklyn, I encountered people in ragged clothes begging on street corners daily. I’m ashamed to say that I often turned away in disgust, refusing to give them a second glance, much less money. My world was my world and their world was their world. I considered myself fortunate and distant from the poverty-stricken lifestyle. Little did I know how selfish I was. Maybe even more so than food and clothing, the homeless just want someone to talk to. Sometimes they want to tell their life story to someone who will look them in the eyes
and genuinely care about what they have to say. They are often generous and compassionate people who put their friends first. I witnessed one man help another search through our boxes to pick out a hat that would keep him warm. I smiled as another asked me if he could take a few extra pairs of underwear for his friend who doesn’t have enough. When I interned at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services two years ago, we took a day trip to a homeless family intake center. As a single mother and her children passed through the hallway, I clearly remember a young boy asking, “Are we taking a trip, mommy?” The mother gently replied, “Yes, we are.” I was amazed that she didn’t let her concerns show and comforted her child even though no one was around to comfort her. I no longer see the homeless as lower than me; rather, I see them as role models of selflessness and humility. Their lives aren’t that far removed from mine either – they simply have faced more challenges. I can’t predict whether I’ll deal with the same crises one day. Here in Buffalo and back home in Brooklyn, I’ll no longer avoid the “beggars” on the street. Instead, I’ll take the time to stop and learn their stories. They have a voice that the public has muffled with their misconceptions and ignorance. E-mail: amanda.woods@ubspectrum.com
The Spectrum
April 16, 2010
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AR T S & LI F E Better times
The Fall of Troy earns a sensational sendoff
By VANESSA FRITH Asst. Arts Editor
Even on a bad day, Bryce Avary of The Rocket Summer still lives up to his reputation as the good guy of rock. Touring for his latest album Of Men and Angels, Avary has broken his two-year silence and thrown his creative genius into high gear. Traveling with the Goo Goo Dolls, The Rocket Summer chose to spend their day off entertaining the dedicated fans of Buffalo at Club Infinity Wednesday night. Although opening acts, The Reign of Kindo and City Under Siege, were talented, they were local and rather unknown, failing to get the crowed truly pumped for the headliner. But once the lights went out and the multitalented Avary took the stage, concertgoers had no trouble getting into the show. Although a band backs him on stage, Avary is a virtual one-man band. He is the sole performer on his album, commanding drums, keys, guitar, and bass. Avary took the time to let his fans experience his true sound in this show, as he systematically went through each instrument, playing and then looping them until it was only him singing and playing the guitar. “I just loved the idea of making something from scratch, and when I was young I put out a CD, and I just played all the instruments, and it slowly just became my life. I didn’t think that was what I was going to do forever; it was weird. I don’t know. I enjoy it; I’m kind of like a mad scientist when I get into the studio,’” Avary said. It’s lucky for his fans that he did. Peppered with a cross section of his work, the show hearkened back to the lighter songs of the past while highlighting his more serious, though upbeat, tracks from Of Men and Angels. “I think it was just where I was,” Avary said. “I still think it is a really optimistic record. I think a very helpful record … It’s not, ‘let’s just skip around and sing about [anything].’ I love it though … I was sort of going through some things in my life. To me it’s that good of a record because it’s so real.” Known for his friendly, down-to-earth demeanor, Avary takes the time to relate to his fans on a level not usually seen in his performances. With a planned trip into the audience, Avary bounded into the crowd and sung among
By JAMES TWIGG Senior Arts Editor
Vanessa Frith/ The Spectrum
Lead singer Bryce Avary and The Rocket Summer packed Club Infinity in Clarence on Wednesday night.
them, letting them crowd surf him back to stage. Yet, when his guitar malfunctioned in the next song, he threw himself back into the fray. “When life gives you lemons, jump into the crowd,” Avary said. The singer kicked out song after song. Tried and true favorites, “Do You Feel,” “Save,” “Brat Pack” and “Break It Out” were punctuated with “I Need a Break … but I’d Rather Have a Break Through,” “I Want Something to Live For” and “Walls.” After an hour of playing, fans were still enthralled in the show. Sending the band away, the Texan native took requests from the audience, playing bits and pieces of everyone’s favorite songs, including the full length of “Nothing Matters,” never before played live. Half an hour later, the band was beckoned back to the stage to wind down the night with the beloved single “So Much Love” and the closing track of Men and Angels, “Light.” Although he may be coming off of hard times, Avary has a talent and dedication that is never lacking, giving his fans something to cheer for.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Self-assessment through StrengthsQuest By JESSICA SHEEHAN Staff Writer
Finding a job has never been easier, according to UB Career Services, which is now offering the StrengthsQuest service to students. StrengthsQuest is an online personal assessment, which is designed to discover a person’s key strengths and highlight skill sets leading students to various majors, classes and careers. “A lot of times, in education, we concentrate on what’s wrong, and we fix it, as opposed to focusing on our strengths and helping to develop them more,” said Edward Brodka, a staff associate for Career Services. One of the features of StrengthsQuest is its Strengths Finder 2.0, which looks for an individual’s top five themes of talent based on responses to a series of questions. Each question has two choices, and the examinee ranks which answer most closely resembles him or her. There is a time limit to each question to prevent the subject from over-thinking. “We call it an assessment, not a test. A test has right and wrong answers. This measures a person’s talent,” Brodka said. After completing the assessment, the individual’s top
strengths are picked out, and the program creates a list of five keywords that best describe the individual’s talents. There are 34 themes that provide detailed descriptions of the person’s words. “These strengths could be helpful for job interviews,” Brodka said. “Job interviewers are always going to ask you what your strengths are. Most people say ‘I’m organized, hardworking, or creative’ typical answers. How does your interview stand out? Instead of saying you’re just good at those things, now people can say what their talent is and really describe what they are good at.” The StrengthsQuest assessment is much different than the other tests, like the “Strong Test,” which specifically lists occupations that would best suit a person based on personality matches. The StrengthsQuest can help guide a student with various choices for life decisions, whether it is for a class, club, or career. “It will give you some ideas of the types of occupations you would be good [at] and happy [with],” Brodka said. “If you’re doing what you’re good at, you will be much more engaged in your work.”
According to Brodka, when an individual focuses on their strengths daily, they are six times more likely to be engaged in their job and three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life. “[StrengthsQuest] could be used as a way to find a major that best utilizes your abilities,” Brodka said. Career Services provides students with their access code, which allows students to take the assessment at a discounted price of $15. Groups, classes, and various clubs are encouraged to participate, and there is a special group rate of $12 per person. Students can also purchase the StrengthsQuest book at the bookstore and take the assessment from there. After purchasing the code, an online copy of the book can be accessed. Interested students can stop by the Career Services’ office. “We would like [students] to come by our office, and talk to someone so [they] understand what it’s about, just briefly,” Brodka said. “We can tell students what’s most helpful for them specifically. It helps knowing how you will want to use this information to help you.” Email: features@ubspectrum.com
In February, The Fall of Troy announced that their spring tour would end the band’s eight-year run. In response, music lovers of all shapes, genders, sizes and fashions flocked to Mohawk Place in Buffalo on Wednesday to give the group a truly memorable send off. The band repaid the favor by giving the crowd one of the best shows to pass through the 716 in quite some time. After the opening acts had finished, the crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, heavy with anticipation, waiting for what everyone knew would be the last time they would see The Fall of Troy. When the band finally took to the stage and strummed the first chord to “Mouths Like Sidewinder Missiles,” the crowd erupted into a moshing frenzy that didn’t end until the final note of the set. From start to finish, the boys of The Fall of Troy gave an energetic set that translated directly to the fans. Not to mention they sounded just as good, if not better, than they do on the album. Switching masterfully between his harsh screams and smooth vocals, front man Thomas Erak sang the lyrics with a level of passion and energy unmatched by any other lead singer that night. Even more impressive than the vocals were the polyrhythmic instrumentals that the band has become synonymous with over the years. The incredibly fast-paced guitar riffs and drumbeats eliminated any hope of a quick respite from the restless sea of fans that threatened to drown some of the smaller attendees. Further adding to the high energy generated that night were the times when Erak utilized his guitar to show off his tapping skills with some impressive solos. Almost immediately after The Fall of Troy’s departure from the stage, chants of “one more song” began to radiate throughout the crowd. It wasn’t long before they returned to the stage
with a full-force encore. As soon as the first note rang out, the crowd knew they were in for something special. Despite the fatigue the fans had to be feeling, “F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.” managed to be the most memorable and rowdy song of the night. The Fall of Troy’s final Buffalo performance was one that won’t be forgotten. Before The Fall of Troy graced the stage with their presence, the crowd was treated to a set by Envy on the Coast, a band hailing from Long Island. Surprisingly enough, lead singer Rya n Hunter ’s newly formed dreads weren’t the most impressive part of their set. Envy gave the show all it had. The band played songs from both Lucy Gray and their latest heavier release, Lowcountry. Some of the songs played during Envy’s set included “Sugar Skulls,” “Death March On Two, Ready?” the ever catchy “Head First In The River,” and an amazing cover of the infamous “House of the Rising Sun.” Despite the intense performances given by every member of the band, only a select few in the crowd chose to participate in the fun. Envy deserved more than they got. Starting off the night was Twin Atlantic, all the way from Scotland. The band put on a solid performance
showcasing several songs from its first full-length album, Vivarium, which at the moment still remains a secret within the music community. “I have no idea if anyone’s even heard it,” Ross McNae, Twin Atlantic’s bassist said. However, those who have heard it have had little to no complaints. “It seems to be pretty much positive, and all the crowds we’ve played to have seemed to really like us, and no one’s booed us or anything,” said Craig Kneale, Twin Atlantic’s drummer. But to the Scottish boys who make up Twin Atlantic, it’s not about the image or fame. For them it’s all about the music. “We’re all really passionate about music and we want to be in a band because we love music, not because we want to be cool,” McNae said. If you’re a fan of either Scotland or good music, make sure to give Twin Atlantic a listen. You won’t be disappointed. When the show came to a close and the fans spilled out into the Buffalo night and streams of sweat and grins alike were found on their faces. Still, a tinge of despair hung in the air as everyone realized that from here on out The Fall of Troy would be nothing but a memory. E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Courtesy of Nicky Fenton
Thomas Erak and the rest of The Fall of Troy bid farewell to the Buffalo audience forever.
WEEKEND IN BUFFALO Who: John Connelly What: The Chefs of Buffalo “Taste of Culinary” When: Sunday, Noon-3:30 p.m. Where: Erie Community College City Atrium Why: It’s $25 and benefits the Chef and Child Foundation. Get free samples of food and wine with your entry fee.
Who: John Hugar What: NHL Playoffs When: All weekend Where: Your couch Why: The Sabres are actually in it this year and it’s not like there are any good concerts this weekend.
Who: Jameson Butler What: Kick-Ass When: Friday after class Where: A dark movie theater Why: This movie has been compared to The Dark Knight as the best comic book movie ever made. Now that may not be true, but it is still going to be a kick-ass time.
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UB stampedes to 15 million passengers By CHELSIE HINCKLEY News Editor
Sam Zakalik/ The Spectrum
Jim Simon, associate environmental director of UB Green, discusses green initiatives in transportation with UB students.
We have to destigmatize bicycling CARSHARE from page 1 success by focusing their attention towards beautifying the city. Adobe, a Seattle-based business, is one company that the panel brought up because it has taken steps towards promoting sustainable transportation. Adobe’s front door faces a dirt-ridden bike path instead of the road, which encourages employees to bike into work instead of driving. “We have to de-stigmatize [the idea that] bicycling is for the poor man,” Booth said. “It’s for everybody.” The experts stressed that in order
to change opinions, there have to be people in power who hold key roles in improving Buffalo. For this reason, now might be the best time to work towards reducing Buffalo’s carbon footprint. “When our priority in our city is people and not automobiles; when our priority in the city is encouraging people to be in the city and to enjoy the city – not to get out of here as quickly as possible. I think we’re going to see a change in the city,” Booth said. E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
The UB Stampede, the University at Buffalo’s intercampus bus service, celebrated its 15 millionth passenger on Wednesday. The 15 millionth rider was calculated based off of the number of buses used in a day, taking into consideration the average number of passengers on board. As a token of appreciation for utilizing the university transportation, all passengers on the winning bus received prizes. Many received T-shirts and UB campus dining and shops mugs. One random mug had a plastic bicycle replica inside and the student who received the mug containing it won a new bike. “We are very pleased with the event,” said Chris Austin, assistant director of parking and transportation services. “[We are also] pleased to highlight all the students and staff who utilize our public transportation.” This celebration was meant to showcase the benefits public transportation has on the environment as well as to commend those who take advantage of it. “The UB Stampede has an enormous impact on the environment,” said Maria Wallace, the director of parking and transportation services, in a press release. “It transports more than 20,000 passengers daily, saving 8,800 personal vehicle trips each weekday and eliminating more than 49 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually. The 15 millionth passenger campaign showcases UB’s progress toward fulfilling our commitment to sustainability and climate neutrality.” E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Clinton Hodnett/ The Spectrum
The 15 millionth passenger celebration showcased the benefits of public transportation.
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April 16, 2010
Common ground was reached by UB administration and the SA ALCOHOL from page 1 formal and semi-formal receptions, where additional security and transportation is to be provided. With the exception of Holiday Gala, Spring Gala and Commencement Celebration, all alcohol is to be served from a cash bar. “Our major concern was that clubs were going to find ulterior ways to get past the alcohol policy and serve alcohol without the knowledge of the administration or SA,” Alvarado said. In addition to the policy, SA will work with Student Affairs to develop a list of approved banquet facilities for clubs to choose from because clubs that desire to hold after parties at bars or nightclubs will not be approved by SA. The new policy will require clubs that desire to serve alcohol to submit a proposal by the second week of October which will then be reviewed by the SA and the UB administration for approval. According to the previous ban, alcohol was prohibited at every SA and club event, with the exception of Holiday and Spring Gala. This greatly affected clubs that held fundraisers at bars. “I know a lot of clubs were really upset about [the ban] because [events
with alcohol] brought in a lot of money, and it also dropped interest levels in their clubs,” said Elyse Brown, a junior history major. Brown does not understand the point of allowing alcohol at some events, such as semi-formal and formal gatherings, but not others. “They’re cutting an entire group of people from doing [bar] fundraisers,” Brown said. “Either remove alcohol from being … allowed or allow it.” Some organizations have encountered financial difficulties since the ban was put into effect this past year, so many club leaders are thankful to hear that the complete ban on alcohol has been removed. “We, as a club, can be responsible when it comes to alcohol … and I’m sure there are other clubs that feel the same way about this,” said Aurora Abousaid, secretary of the Organization of Arab Students. “I’m glad the alcohol policy got passed, because this will help us a lot for the upcoming year, in terms of being able to fundraise and perhaps increase our club’s budget … We were not able to have as many events or do as much as we wanted because it was financially difficult [with the ban].” A junior member of the SA Environmental Network who asked to remain anonymous is
part of an organization that does not participate in formal or semiformal gatherings, so she remains unaffected. “I know it stunk when they [put the ban] into effect…[Our club] did bar fundraisers a couple times a year and we made decent money from that, ” the member said . “It won’t affect [our club] now because we still can’t fundraise [that way].” The junior member understands that safety is a major concern, which is another reason why alcohol is being limited to cash bars at large events. However, in her experience, formal and semi-formal events pose a more serious safety threat when it comes to drinking and driving. Alvarado believes the policy will increase club participation and strengthen the relationship with alumni, who contribute donations and invest in the school. He also believes the policy will establish a better relationship with UB officials. “I think this is a great common ground that was reached by the UB administration and the Student Association,” Alvarado said. Additional reporting by Jennifer Harb, Life Editor E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com
Things aren’t much better off on the SNL front HUGAR from page 3 Don’t get me wrong, “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live” are still watchable and continue to crack me up on a regular basis. It seems, however, that neither show is trying that hard anymore. They have little left in the tank and seem content to rest on their laurels. People have been decrying the decline of “The Simpsons” for years and I finally have conceded to join the bandwagon of unsatisfied fans. The show is still funny, but it has lost its classical and crucial edge. Rather than relying on witty dialogue and intelligent characterization, “The Simpsons” attempts to claim relevance by making lame references to modern technology. If they make one more joke about Twitter, I just might lose it. In addition, many episodes are blatantly recycled from past seasons. A recent episode featured Bart dating the “bad girl” daughter of upstanding parents, but producers had already done this in 1994. I couldn’t believe how dry the idea had become. Unfortunately, things aren’t much better on the SNL front. NBC’s Saturday night sitcom has a similar problem with staleness. Not because they recycle ideas, but because the show is overdue for a change. Many of the cast members have
simply been there too long. Seth Meyers is already in his ninth season. Fred Armisen and Will Forte are in the midst of their eighth seasons, while Kenan Thompson is in his seventh. In past years, almost no cast members lasted that long. Part of the reason why the show stayed fresh for so many years was because Lorne Michaels shuffled his cast and made changes. These days, Michaels seems content to have the same cast do the same bits over and over again. As a result, I’ve watched Kristen Wiig play the Target Lady too many times to count. If SNL wants to return to its glory days, it needs some fresh blood in the
cast. Otherwise, viewers are doomed to watch more of the same old skits and hear the same washed up jokes. At this point, Matt Groening (the creator of “The Simpsons”) and Michaels don’t have to worry about the legacies their shows will leave; each one is guaranteed to go down as one of the greatest TV shows ever. As a result, they might not have much incentive to worry about the current quality of their show. Still, I wish they would. If these shows could go out with the same bang they came in with, it would be marvelous. If not, it would be a crushing disappointment. E-mail: jhugar@buffalo.edu
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Cavs favored to take title NBA from page 12 Western Conference #1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #8 Oklahoma City Thunder This is going to be a fun series to watch. Kevin Durant, this season’s scoring champion, has been incredible in his third year as a pro. With a core of young, talented teammates accompanying Durant, the Thunder have the assets to give the perennial Western Conference champs a run for their money. While the Lakers took three of four in the regular season from Oklahoma City, there are some serious question marks surrounding Los Angeles. Injuries have hurt the yellow and purple, and they will need a healthy Andrew Bynum if they want to win another title. Kobe Bryant will be the focus of the series, but watch for Jeff Green of the Thunder to be a key player. If he provides scoring and solid rebounding, the Lakers are going to have their hands full. As good as Durant is, and as bright of a future
he may have in store, it’s not his time to shine yet. Lakers in six #2 Dallas Mavericks vs. #7 San Antonio Spurs The Mavericks have one of the most talented teams in the league from top to bottom and the Spurs pose little threat to Dirk and company. Long-time all-star Tim Duncan has showed a bit of wear and tear this season and Tony Parker is less than 100 percent. With a less than stellar supporting cast and little depth, Manu Ginobili will not be able to take out the Mavs single handedly. Jason Kidd doesn’t have much time left and will be motivated to grab his first ring. Mavs in five #3 Phoenix Suns vs. #6 Portland Blazers If Brandon Roy were healthy, this would be the best Western Conference quarterfinals series. Roy is so dynamic and his play makes everyone around him better. Roy’s is out for the playoffs so Steve Nash and Amare Stoudamire
should be able to handle the Blazers and move on to the conference semifinals. Suns in five #4 Denver Nuggets vs. #5 Utah Jazz The Nuggets really hurt themselves down the stretch with poor play. The bad stretch dropped the team to fourth in the West and cemented their spot in a slugfest with the Jazz. Both teams feature great point guards and if the Nuggets can shake off the cobwebs, they should be able to take out the Jazz. Carmelo Anthony is an assassin and knows how to win. If Denver can get out of the series, head coach George Karl will return to the bench for round two – just in time for the Lakers. The Nuggets could ride a wave of emotion to the NBA Finals, but they have to be willing to pay the price against a gritty Utah squad. Nuggets in seven Predictions East Final: Cavaliers over Magic West Final: Mavericks over Lakers NBA FINALS: Cavaliers over Mavericks in seven games E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
UB students inspire junior urban planners By BRENDON BOCHACKI
the kids proposed a strategy for improving a local park, including the addition of a community garden. At Frank A. Sedita Academy, the kids wanted to work on bettering Eight graduate students and one undergraduate stu- the conditions of nearby housing. dent in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning “The students are a smart bunch,” Moore said. “They were recently awarded for their efforts in a public service knew the types of things they wanted without too much project involving two Buffalo public schools. input from us.” The nine students, all members of the Graduate PlanIn addition to motivating the kids to get involved in ning Student Association (GPSA), received an award from their community, the project also sought to inspire the the American Planning Association for Outstanding children to consider careers in urban planning. Planning Student Organization for their “Buffalo Urban The American Planning Association (APA) award Planners” project. (in the category of Community Outreach) was given to The mission of the the GPSA based on an evaluation of student-conceived project a formal write-up of their efforts. was to inform younger BufAccording to Alfred Price, a profalo public school students fessor of urban and regional planning about the relationship and the director of the students’ between a school and its internship program, the report was surrounding neighborhood originally written as a formality. and environment. “I told them, ‘I think you all Led by president Kimberought to conclude this effort with ley Moore, GPSA students some kind of formal write-up of the encouraged seventh and project, if for no better reason than eighth graders of P.S. 74 to keep a record of what you did at Hamlin Park School and the university,’” Price said. P.S. 30 Frank A. Sedita The APA judged the GPSA’s writeAcademy to become up against the urban planning involved in their comprojects of 70 other schools across munity and fight for the North America. changes they want to see. The GPSA was presented with the “[Our] goal was to illusaward and a $1,000 cash prize on trate the links between Tuesday at a national APA confera healthy school and a ence in New Orleans. healthy neighborhood,” The “Buffalo Urban Planners” Moore said. “We wanted project will continue into next year Courtesy of Kimberly Moore students to become active Students in the GPSA were presented the American as part of a larger regional effort to stakeholders in their com- Planning Association award at a national conference revitalize more than 60 kindergarten munities and become in New Orleans this past Tuesday. through 12th grade public schools in focused on a revitalization the city of Buffalo. project, as well as become Known as the Buffalo Public more aware of the history and community around them.” Schools Program, the district-wide project is managed Under the direction of the GPSA project team, students by LP Ciminelli, a local contracting company, that calls were urged to come up with their own ideas and projects for nearly $1.4 billion in improvements to the schools for their neighborhoods in areas they thought were most and their surrounding communities. in need of improvement. “This is an ongoing process,” Price said. “We real“We really left it up to the students,” Moore said. ized going in that teaching [students] urban planning “Being able to give them a voice and an outlet is very and expecting a finished project was too much for one important in encouraging them to believe in their project. semester. So we’re going to continue to work with LP I think if we would have given them the outcomes or the Ciminelli and the Buffalo Public Schools to help them projects it would have been inorganic. They live there, implement the projects and programs the children want they know what’s best and what’s most necessary.” to see in their communities.” With little instruction from the UB students, the kids at both schools came up with practical plans for E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com community improvement. At the Hamlin Park School, Asst. News Editor
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Doubleheader this weekend SOFTBALL from page 12 praise for how her young team came together. “St. Bonaventure definitely left some bases open for us and we took full advantage,“ Jones said. “The girls are starting to focus on playing UB softball as opposed to just focusing on their opponents. These wins are definitely a confidence booster.” Diaz took the mound for the second game as well in relief of senior pitcher Sharon Barr, who gave up three earned runs on three hits and four walks in four and onethird innings. With Buffalo sitting on a comfortable 10-1 lead, Diaz struck out four batters to preserve the win in two and two-third innings pitched.
Offensively, Waldron, Griffin, Ward and junior Alex Bejarano all hit home runs as the Bulls scored in all but the fifth inning. The Bonnies scored a majority of their runs between the fourth and sixth innings to give UB a late scare, but could not complete the comeback. “When your opponent falls behind, they start to play like they have nothing to lose, so they just start swinging,” Jones said. “We didn’t worry and it wouldn’t rattle our girls too much.” UB will host co-MAC leaders Ball State and Miami this weekend. The weekend will begin with a doubleheader against Ball State at 1 p.m. on Friday. E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
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Give me wood RAHN from page 12 are strong enough to hit the ball far without the help of an aluminum weapon. I’ve been playing in a wooden bat summer of baseball league for the past couple years and even I can turn on a fastball and hit it over the fence with maple. Most young players today have experience using wood bats. There are many summer leagues that prepare players for professional baseball. The Cape Cod League is the most prestigious collegiate level summer baseball league and has produced
a number of MLB stars. They have never let their players use aluminum. As someone who has been around the game of baseball my entire life, America’s favorite pastime feels more natural and pure with wooden bats. Aluminum is great for younger players, but it gets to a point where the game starts to seem artificial when metal bats are used. If safety isn’t enough of a reason to make the switch, let’s do it for the purity of the game.
E-mail: cdrahn@buffalo.edu
April 16, 2010
Not your ordinary wiffleball BLITZBALL from page 12 prototype looked something like a rounded cube. It didn’t work very well and then I just made a series of improvements since then.” Wiffleballs are notorious for the intense spin that can be applied to a pitch and the Blitzball takes this feature to another level. The Blitzball mimics the actual mechanics of a real baseball, which allows pitchers to throw the ball just like they would a normal baseball. Hitters are able to swing freely, as well, as the ball travels farther than a normal wiffleball. Kim and other Blitzball users agree that the distance factor is huge when deciding which product to use. “I think that baseball novices will prefer the Blitzball over traditional wiffleballs because of the substantially improved distance you get when you hit it,” Kim said. Although Blitzball seems to be a solid new product, whether or not it can make a dent in the wiffleball
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market remains to be seen. Kim has been a lifelong fan of the wiffleball and doesn’t know for sure if his product will be able to replace the American classic. With that said, he does think that people who sample his product will have a tough decision to make. “I think that people who try the Blitzball for the first time will be quite surprised by the improved action that you get,” Kim said. “In another 50 years, who knows?” Another impressive feature in the Blitzball is its noticeable durability. After seeing it batted around the diamond, it is safe to say that the ball can take some punishment. Kim explained that the Blitzball is made with the highest quality materials and if a customer finds any defects in the ball, a full refund will be issued. An interesting incentive to trying out the Blitzball is a contest the company started last year. Anyone who has purchased the product can film a home video of the Blitzball in
action and submit it for a chance to win $1,200. The company uses their Facebook following as judges and the top three videos win a prize. Kim feels this customer interaction goes a long way towards building a fan base for the Blitzball. “Since we have such a tiny advertising budget compared to other guys like Wiffle, we have to be more creative with our marketing ideas,” Kim said. Anyone interested in a Blitzball can visit the website at collegehillgames.com. The current promotion lets customers purchase four Blitzballs for $11.99. Whether or not the Blitzball will catch on remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure — testers will have a lot of fun in trying the product out. And in the end, that is what the game is all about.
E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
Bulls explode for 21 runs BASEBALL from page 1 in five days and I thought they might be tired,” Torgalski said. “However, the energy was there and we played a good all-around game.” In the first game against the Bonnies, senior pitcher Brian Pullyblank made his third start of the season and went six innings in a 5-4 defeat. Senior second baseman Brad Agustin played well in the loss. He went 2-for-2 at the plate with a double, two walks and one run scored. After the tough loss in the first game, the Bulls turned to sophomore pitcher Kevin Crumb. Crumb came out throwing strikes and retired the first nine batters he faced. “We tell our guys if you come out and throw strikes, we got a chance to make plays behind you,” Torgalski said. “Kevin came out, threw strikes, and was pounding the zone.” The Bull’s offense came out aggressive and gained an early 2-0 advantage, to put pressure on the St. Bonaventure defense. Buffalo stole four bases in the first inning alone. “That’s the way we want to play. We want to be aggressive,” Torgalski said. “We got some guys in the front of the line up that run well, that do a great job of reading pitchers and getting jumps. I think we rattled them.” Buffalo’s early surge snowballed and the game was never close. The Bulls pounded out 17 hits en route to a 12-2 victory. Eight of the nine players in the starting lineup scored at least one run and the only player who didn’t record a run was thrown out on a close play at home. In the fourth inning, the Bulls batted around as the team sent all nine hitters to the plate at least once on their way to a six-run inning. Pizzuto went 3-for-3 in the second game with a walk. He finished with two RBIs, two stolen bases and two runs scored. The Bulls’ offense wasn’t the only bright spot. Crumb combined with junior pitcher Jeff Thompson to allow only three hits in the game. Thompson earned the win, striking out four batters in three and one-third innings without allowing a run. Agustin reached base 7-of-9 times on the day while batting in the leadoff spot. Agustin set the record for runs scored in a career for the Bulls with 137 after his first inning score.
Against Niagara, Buffalo led 5-3 after four innings of baseball. Buffalo’s offense erupted and scored nine runs in the top of the fifth— the most the team has scored in an inning this season. Senior designated hitter Brad Cochrane and shortstop Jacob Rosenbeck got it started with back-to-back RBI. Freshman third baseman Alex Baldock followed with a two-RBI base hit as the Bulls extended their lead to 10-3. The Purple Eagles were forced to change pitchers, but it was to no avail. Freshman catcher Tom Murphy doubled to left in the first at bat against Niagara reliever Brett Sabourin. Cochrane then recorded his third RBI of the inning with a two-run home run to centerfield. The Bulls finished up their scoring for the inning with an RBI single by senior right fielder Charlie Karstedt. Buffalo scored their last two runs of the day in the ninth inning to bring the team’s scoring total to 21. “Offensively, we were very aggressive,” Torgalski said. “We had a great approach at the plate with two strikes and it showed as we were able to record 19 hits. We were also aggressive on the base paths and had a good amount of stolen bases.” Agustin and Lawler led the way with three hits apiece, while four other players had two hits each. Cochrane, Baldock and Karstedt each recorded three RBIs on the day as well. Hitting wasn’t the only area the Bulls excelled in on Wednesday. As Buffalo only committed one error, compared to six by Niagara. Junior pitcher Mike Klaus earned his first career victory after striking out three batters over four innings. Torgalski was especially pleased with the pitching performance. “Most of our pitching staff was tired after this past stretch of games,” Torgalski said. “The three guys who pitched today hadn’t been getting a lot of time and only gave up four runs over nine innings.” The Bulls will not get very much time to celebrate the win as they hit the road for a weekend series with Ball State (14-18, 5-1 MAC). The first pitch on Friday is scheduled for 3 p.m. E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com
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April 16, 2010
CLAS S I F I E DS HELP WANTED EXOTIC DANCERS: unique opportunity full and part-time. Work at a professional upscale club and earn big $$$$. 18+ call today and start earning tomorrow, 716-681-2280. LIFEGUARDS NEEDED for Sturbridge Village Apts. May 31 thru season. Must be CPR/ AED certified. Please call 688-2757 to apply. ATTENTION YOUNG WOMEN ages 18-19 years! The University at Buffalo Research Institute is looking for young women ages 18-19 to volunteer for a study of teen alcohol use and social behavior. Earn up to $50 for answering questionnaires and participating in an interview. Confidential. Please call 887-3344 for more information. LANDSCAPE POSITIONS available. Must have transportation. Experienced or will train, 894-0099. LOOKING FOR A SUMMER Job? Part-time & full time for full service paint store. Need good attitude & willingness to learn. Flexible hours during school year & summer. Four WNY locations. Apply Schuele Paint 1405 Niagara Falls Blvd.
836- 3871. SPRING-SUMMER JOB Openings. LASERTRON Entertainment Center is currently hiring for Go-Kart operators, servers, referees & general customer service. Candidates should be available this spring, summer & possibly beyond. Working at a fast, detail oriented pace & having excellent customer service skills is a must. Starting at approximately $10.25/hr, must be available nights & weekends. Stop in & complete an application at LASERTRON, 5101 North Bailey Avenue, Amherst, NY. CO L L EG E P RO PA I N T E R S i s now hiring. Full time summer job working outdoors. Earn 3k – 5k, 1.800.32 PAINT, www.collegepro. com.
NOTICES THE AAUW (American Association of University Women) Buffalo Branch, Inc. announces its Grassroots Grants program for women and girls for 2010. The goal of the Grants program is the promotion of equity, gender awareness and lifelong learning. Grants of up to $1500 are available in three categories: Individual Awards, High School Leadership and non-profit Community Organizations. The deadline for completed applications is April 30, 2010. Details and an application can be found at www.aauw.buffalo.edu, click on Educational Funds/ Scholarships.
APARTMENT FOR RENT FREE FITNESS center – No contract! www.luxuryaptswny.com/ub. DARTMOUTH/ 2, 3 bedroom -***Great condition!*** Free laundry, all new kitchen/ bathroom, steel appliances, dishwasher, whirlpool tub, well-insulated, off-street parking, June 1/ yr lease, #432-9052. MERRIMAC 3,4,6,8 bedroom updated kitchen, bath, dishwasher & laundry. $270 per person. Available June 1st, 716-308-5215. 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM apartments. Walking distance UB South Campus. Tom – 716-570-4776.
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4 BEDROOM, WALK to south campus/ bus. Large rooms, new carpet, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st (716) 568-1600. 3 BEDROOM, WALK to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking, June 1 st , (716) 568-1600. ENGLEWOOD 7-BDRM 2 story apartment, 2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen, wall-towall rugs, dishwasher & laundry, 716-688-6497. ENGLEWOOD 6-BDRM, 2 story apartment, 2 baths, carpeting, living room, dining room, spiral stair case & kitchen with 2 refrigerators & dishwasher, 716-688-6497. ENGLEWOOD 4-BDRM, bath, kitchen with dishwasher, carpeting, living room & dining room, 716-688-6497. LISBON NEAR MAIN, large wellkept 3-bdrm upper & lower with all appliances, including dishwasher, laundry & o/s parking, WDMSC, available June 1 st , $750 includes water & garbage, 716-864-4696. 3 & 4 BEDROOMS. Newly renovated near UB South & North, 510-5517, 884-1727. 9 OF 32 REMODELED APARTMENTS to choose from: 3,4,5,8 bedroom apartments located at University Buffalo Main Street Campus – off Englewood beginning June ’10. $250 to $275 per bedroom plus utilities. Washer & dryers included. Contact brad@bufapt.com, 3 0 1 -7 8 5 - 3 7 7 3 o r S h a w n 716-984-7813. Check out our web site: www.bufapt.com. 4 & 5 BDRM, 3 BATH @ Alexander Estates Sweet Home Road North Campus, June 1st, 716-688-2526, www.wyseproperties.com. CLEAN SPACIOUS 3/ 4 bdrm duplex, 1 mile from N. Campus. Newer appliances including dishwasher, microwave, washer/ dryer & plenty of off-street parking. Rent includes cable; high speed Internet, water & garbage. $1000/ month 1 yr. lease. Begins 6/1/10. Call Tony 510-3527. UNIVERSITY SOUTH – 2-bdrm lower. Appliances, basement, yard & parking. $525.00, 716-479-5211. 4-BDRM OWNER p ays u t i l i ties. Large rooms, off-street parking, appliances & carpeted, 716-984-6970. QUALITY 3-BDRM in Tonawanda, $600+ utilities. Plus, 2-bdrm on
LaSalle $450+ utilities, for photos – www.buffaloinvestment.com, Dan 716-400-1921. 2-BDRM APPLIANCES, carpet, $495+ walking distance to South Campus. 884-7900. UNIV. NORTH, quick commute. Clean condo 2bd/ 1 bath, pool, tennis, playground. Ground level, convenient laundry, parking. Avail 5/1, $850/ + utilities, security, lease, 807-2436. 1,3,4,5,6,7 & 8 BEDROOM homes available. Go to daveburnette.net or call Dave @ 716-445-2514. HEATH & MINNESOTA. Totally renovated 3-4 large bedrooms, 1.5 baths & off-street parking. Appliances included, stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer. Available June 1st, 716-570-6062. 4-BDRM. GREAT layout, large rooms, hardwood floors, parking, laundry & security system, $250/ person + security, 716-578-5296. 4-BDRM. GREAT layout, large rooms, hardwood floors, laundry & security system, $265/ person + security, 716-830-3226. 5-BDRM CLOSE to S. Campus. Large rooms, 2-bathrooms. Laundry & appliances. Includes dishwasher & utilities. Must see! $440/ person + security. Available June 1st, 716-602-5425. S. CAMPUS AREA. W. Northrup, 3-bdrm with appliances, free laundry, off-street parking & insulated house. Responsible landlord. $660/ mo, no pets, 585-243-3375. 2-BDRM NEAR UB South, Layton near Eggert. Appliances included. $650+, 716-866-8619.
HOUSE FOR RENT RonYoung.com. HOUSES, apartments, pictures, room sizes. Ron1812@aol.com, 833-6322. 6 & 7 BEDROOM houses, walk to south campus/ bus, appliances, laundry, security, parking. June 1st, (716) 568-1600. QUALITY 3-BDRM in Tonawanda, 3-minutes from both campuses. $900+ utilities. Also, 3-bdrm in Riverside $800+ utilities. Dan 716400-1921. Photos – www.buffaloinvestment.com. 1,3,4,5,6,7 & 8 BEDROOM homes available. Go to daveburnette.net or call Dave @ 716-445-2514.
HEATH, ENGLEWOOD, Minnesota – steps from Main St., 3,4,5 & 6 master bdrms, 2 full baths, free stove & fridge, washer & dryer, offstreet parking, $225 - $275. Available June 1st. Hurry the good ones go first! 716-570-6062. 4 OR 5 BDRM. Absolutely gorgeous, w/w carpeting, 1 + ½ baths, new windows, furnace, security system, stainless steel stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/ dryer, off-street parking 4-cars. Must see! $335 person + utilities, Gino 830-1413. BEAUTIFUL CLEAN 4 bedroom house. Totally renovated. Large rooms. Cable lines all rooms. Completely furnished. Dishwasher, AC. Quiet, safe street. Must see! $800.00, 716-310-2469. 5/6 HUGE BEDROOMS!! Mature students to share beautiful house. Washer/ dryer, parking & security. Must see!! 716-873-2059.
ROOM FOR RENT 4-BDRM OWNER PAYS utilities. Large rooms. Off-street parking, appliances & carpeted, 716-984-6970. 1,2,3 & 4 ROOMS. Absolutely gorgeous, w/w carpeting, 1 + ½ baths, new windows, furnace, security system, stainless steel stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/ dryer, off-street parking 4-cars. Must see! $335 person + utilities, Gino 830-1413.
PERSONAL ADOPTION * WE ARE a caring couple wishing to adopt newborn baby. Happy, stable home for your baby, much love. Expenses paid, Walt/ Gina. Info: 1-800-315-6957.
SERVICES CityA1DrivingSchool.com. Beginners & brush-up driving lessons. 5 hrs class, $30.00, 716-875-4662.
The Spectrum
12
April 16, 2010
SP O R T S By MATTHEW PARRINO
will be no match for either of them. Magic in four
Senior Sports Editor
Chris Rahn Asst. Sports Editor
Time for
some wood The 6-foot 5-inch pitcher winds up and delivers a 90 mph fastball right down the pipe. The 6-foot 3-inch batter times the pitch and makes contact with the ball to send a line drive directly back towards the mound where the helpless pitcher stands. No matter how good the pitcher’s reaction time is, he has no chance of avoiding a baseball that is coming directly toward his face at speeds exceeding 105 mph. If the pitcher is lucky, he’ll get a glove on the ball or he’ll be struck in a spot where the pain will be somewhat tolerable. But this time, the ball hits the pitcher in the face. Unfortunately, accidents like this happen occasionally in baseball. There is no way of preventing them, but there is a way to reduce their frequency. The wooden bat. With recent technologies, aluminum bats have undergone a vast transformation. Baseball’s latest bats are more like weapons than pieces of sporting equipment that can take the ball yard on any given swing. When aluminum bats were first introduced, they were considered to be a cheaper alternative for players because wood bats tended to break easily during games. From the little leagues to collegiate ball, it can be very costly for a player to replace a bat multiple times during a season. An aluminum bat can cost a player anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on the bat’s capabilities. Player’s can expect to get at least a couple of seasons out of their aluminum bat. Wooden bats average around $50 each. For a stronger, longer lasting wood such as maple, it’ll cost upwards of $80. It makes more sense to go with aluminum because with a wood bat, players always need to have a back-up bat in case one breaks. But is making the game less expensive for college players worth subjecting them to the dangers of aluminum bats? Major League Baseball has never allowed their players to pack this kind of heat, but aluminum has been prevalent in college and high school level baseball since the late 1970’s. Don’t get me wrong, wood bats aren’t perfectly safe. The MLB still has their fair share of incidents, but they are considerably safer than aluminum. Players today are bigger and stronger. Putting an aluminum bat in the hands of a 6-foot-plus 21-year-old is just as dangerous as putting a 12-year-old behind the steering wheel of a car. College baseball players see RAHN page 10
The NBA playoffs begin this Saturday and the matchups are set. After 40 games in 40 nights, we’ll have several questions answered after a long NBA season. Will “King James” finally take a seat on his throne? Would a championship ring be enough to keep LeBron in Cleveland? Can Kobe Bryant return to the top of the mountain once again and inch closer to the legacy that Michael Jordan left behind? Can Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki capitalize on a key mid-season trade to win their first ever NBA Title? Here at The Spectrum, we’ll take a look at the first round matchups and look forward to the NBA Finals. Eastern Conference #1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #8 Chicago Bulls Typically, the No. 1 versus No. 8 matchup is an afterthought. This series may be no different, but there are a few interesting storylines. Chicago and Cleveland split the season series and the Bulls took the last meeting against a Lebron-less Cavalier team, 109-108. Derrick Rose is a force and showed in last year’s playoffs that he can lead a team when the Bulls fell just short of beating the No. 2-seed Celtics, 4-games-to-3. If the Bulls can
Courtesy of Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers look to defend their title, but LeBron James and the Cavaliers pose a serious threat.
NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW steal a game in Cleveland, this could be an interesting series. But Cleveland has too much firepower to suffer an upset. Cavs in five #2 Orlando Magic vs. #7 Charlotte Bobcats Charlotte is a young team on the rise and has a great
coach in Larry Brown. With that being said, they have no chance in this series. Vince Carter looks like he found a time machine this season and is playing like the all-star he once was. Dwight Howard is as dominating a force as any other player in the league, and the Bobcats
#3 Atlanta Hawks vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks About three weeks ago, this series would have been an early favorite for best first-round matchup. Unfortunately, Bucks’ star center Andrew Bogut went out for the season with an injury, thus rendering the Bucks helpless. Brandon Jennings and John Salmons are good players, but they will not be enough to take out Joe Johnson and the Hawks. If Josh Smith plays well in this series, it could build some confidence and help the Hawks advance in later rounds. Hawks in five #4 Boston Celtics vs. #5 Miami Heat This will be the most interesting series in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Dwayne Wade is an elite talent in the league and has shown on a consistent basis that he has what it takes to lead his team deep into the playoffs. Kevin Garnett and company aren’t getting any younger, but if they play with a chip on their shoulder, the Celtics will be tough to beat. The series will come down to who wants it more and whether or not the Heat can get enough production from their role players. Boston in seven
see NBA page 9
Wiffleball evolved
Against St. Bonaventure, the softball team used solid pitching and explosive hitting to sweep the doubleheader on Wednesday.
By MATT McGUCKIN Staff Writer
Sophomore pitcher Terese Diaz and the softball team showed little mercy against rival St. Bonaventure in Wednesday af ternoon’s doubleheader, outscoring the Bonnies 19-7 to take both games on the day. In their home opener, Buffalo (13-21, 3-3 Mid-American Conference) followed a 7-0 shutout victory with a 12-7 win over St. Bonaventure (7-16) to give home fans something to smile about at Nan Harvey Field. In the first game, Diaz recorded the first no-hitter of her career. In striking out 16 batters, Diaz set a new Buffalo single game school record, breaking the previous record of 12.
The Bulls’ offense supported Diaz with a solid offensive performance. Buffalo scored two early runs in the bottom of the first off key RBI singles from freshmen infielders Alyssa Ward and Jessica Griffin. In the bottom of the third, Griffin hit a home run off opposing pitcher Sherri Thompson with freshman infielder Kristin Waldron on base to increase the Buffalo lead to 4-0. Griffin led the team at the plate, finishing the day with five hits, six RBIs and two home runs. Buffalo took full advantage of St. Bonaventure’s mistakes, turning the Bonnies’ errors in the third inning into runs on the scoreboard. Assistant coach Jessica Jones had much see SOFTBALL page 9
Boyer named to Academic All-MAC team The Mid-American Conference named senior point guard John Boyer to the Academic All-MAC men’s basketball team on Wednesday. The award signifies great performance in the classroom as well as on the court, and is voted on by the league’s faculty athletic representatives. Boyer is a physical therapy major with a 3.5 grade point average. He is currently in his first year of graduate school as part of Buffalo’s six-year doctoral program. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.2 GPA and have participated in at least half of the games for their given sport. On the court, Boyer had a breakout season for the Bulls. In his first year as the starting point guard, Boyer led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.70), averaged 7.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Boyer’s 159 assists set the record for most assists by a Bulls’ player in a single season since the program joined the MAC in 1998. Boyer is the fourth men’s basketball player ever to earn the distinction of Academic All-MAC, along with Turner Battle (2003, 04, 05), Mark Bortz (2004, 05) and Vadim Fedotov (2009).
Four Bulls named to Academic All-MAC team Joining John Boyer of the men’s basketball team, four members of the Bulls’ indoor track and field teams earned the distinction of academic All-MAC. Senior pole vaulter Tiffany Maskulinski was named to the women’s Academic All-MAC list while junior distance runner Shaun Brummert, senior weight thrower Jake Madonia and senior sprinter Brian Smith were named to the men’s Academic All-MAC list. Maskulinski, who was named to the All-Academic team for a second consecutive year, is an exercise science major with a 3.606 grade point average. Her second place finish at the 2010 MAC Indoor Championships earned her second team All-MAC honors as well. Brummert is a pharmacy major with a 3.762 GPA. He broke Buffalo’s record in the 600-meter run (1:19.28) and helped the Bulls to a school record (9:54.65) in the distance medley relay at the Sykes-Sabock Cup. Brummert was also named the MAC Track Athlete of the Week on Jan. 12. Madonia was named to the All-MAC First Team when he won the MAC title in the men’s shotput at the 2010 MAC Indoor Championships. He is a psychology major with a 3.366 GPA and earned Academic AllMAC honors in 2007 and 2009. Smith, a communication major with a 3.208 GPA, had several top 10 finishes throughout the season. He posted Buffalo’s fastest time in the 200-meter (21.95) and set a personal best in the 60-meter (7.02) at the Doug Raymond Invitational in January.
Schutt and Golba finish as All-Americans at University Nationals
Karen Larkin/ The Spectrum
Diaz strikes out 16 to break school record
SIDELINES
Clinton Hodnett/ The Spectrum
Meet Blitzball, the alternative to one of America’s favorite recreational pastime; wiffleball.
By MATTHEW PARRINO Senior Sports Editor
Since the invention of baseball, the concept of the game has captured Americans across the country. Like any other sport, however, not everyone can play competitively. In 1953, David Mullany created a variation of the game that would later be named wiffleball. Since that time, people (young and old) have swung for the fences in backyards everywhere hoping to generate that rare feeling of blasting a ball into a neighbor’s yard. While baseball hasn’t changed much over the years, wiffleball has gone through several facelifts. It started with a simple ball and a thin yellow bat. Since then, you can walk into any toy store today and find
balls as big as grapefruits and bats that look like they came straight out of “The Flintstones.” The newest enhancement comes in the form of the Blitzball. Crafted to be the most realistic baseball-like experience in the wiffleball community, its shape and design make the ball’s speed and movement unlike any wiffleball experience in the past. Aaron Kim, creator of the Blitzball, has been perfecting his invention for some time now. “I came up with the original Blitzball concept around four or five years ago with the idea that a f lat-sided ball would allow for super curveballs by deflecting airflow, Kim said. “My original see BLITZBALL page 10
The Buffalo wrestling team competed unattached at the 2010 ASICS University Nationals at the University of Akron from April 8-11. Sophomore Taylor Golba and freshman Andrew Schutt both finished as All-Americans in their respective weight classes. Schutt was the Bulls’ top performer after finishing as an All-American in freestyle and greco-roman. He finished fourth in the 138-pound weight class of the university freestyle bracket with a 6-2 record, including a victory in the wrestleback portion over 2010 NCAA National Qualifier, Derek Gillespie of Air Force. Schutt also finished sixth in the 138pound weight class of the university greco roman bracket. He compiled a 2-2 record after falling to Ian Paddock of Ohio State. Golba finished in seventh place in the 138-pound weight class of the university greco roman bracket. He defeated Ryan Lowery of King College to finish with a 2-2 record. Golba also competed in the university men’s freestyle bracket, but did not place.
Rowing to host Harvey Cup on Saturday The Buffalo rowing program will host Eastern Michigan this Saturday in their annual Harvey Cup race. The Novice Eight race will kick off Saturday’s event at 9 a.m., followed by the Varsity Four and Second Varsity Eight. The Bulls are scheduled to defend the Harvey Cup in the Varsity Eight race at 9:35 a.m. The Novice Four race will conclude the competition. Buffalo enters Saturday’s races after receiving seven votes in the national poll and having won the last four Harvey Cups.