Vol. 61 NO. 50
ubspectrum.com
Monday, February 6, 2012
SA’s Small Concert: A Banging Success BRIAN JOSEPHS and VILONA TRACHTENBERG Arts Editor and Asst. Arts Editor Last Saturday night, Alumni Arena hosted two artists at important points in their careers. Both performers were preparing for big releases, and could have used this concert to further promote their material. But by the end of the concert, it was clear that this one was for the fans. After weeks of anticipation, over 1,000 students and fans crowded the venue to attend the SA Small Concert. The event was headlined by popular hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang, with UB student Trevor Eckman (Bagginz) opening the show. Although, multiple fans reached out to Chiddy Bang through Twitter once they heard that the duo was coming to perform, the two looked nonchalant as they waited by the stage while the SA introduced them. Rapper Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege told the crowd that he was amazed at just how huge it was, despite already performing at 400 colleges. Chiddy Bang’s debut studio album, Breakfast, is set to be released in a few weeks. However, the duo mentioned the album just twice in the latter half of the set. Noah “Xaphoon Jones” Beresin said that performing for the college crowd wasn’t for promotion, but more for entertainment. “Every place you go is important,” Beresin said. “You want to harness the energy, the momentum of the fans, and you want to make new fans.” Longtime fans and newcomers alike left Alumni Arena with their expectations fulfilled, giving the performers ample energy to feed off throughout the show. “That was probably the best concert I’ve ever been to,” said Thomas Darlington, a sophomore environ-
mental engineering major. “Everyone was feeling it, the crowd was bumping and I was crowd surfing. It was great.” Chiddy donned a Sharks fitted cap, black V-neck, and a pair of Jordans, an outfit that exuded a cool demeanor. But his performance was anything but, as he stayed fiery, yet consistent throughout the set. Chiddy’s freestyle over Kanye West’s “Who Gon Stop Me” and his interaction with the audience to prelude “Never” engaged the crowd. Xaphoon Jones was a foil to his counterpart’s intensity. Beresin, who played live drums in addition to his initial production on the tracks, displayed a more casual, relatable personality on stage. The duo’s characters marked the highlights of the night. Xaphoon Jones wore a Chicago Bulls snapback cap lent to him by a fan to impersonate Big Sean to perform “Too Fake,” one of the songs he produced for Big Sean. The duo continuously advised the crowd to “make out with each other, [and] punch each other,” and wanted absolute pandemonium to ensue. Chiddy Bang also performed one of his signature freestyles. Beresin took six random topics from the audience and wrote them down on a paper plate. Chiddy, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest freestyle (9:16.22), proceeded to rhyme all of the topics over Tinie Tempah’s “Pass Out.” The freestyle received rave responses for the audience. “It was great,” said Greg Potter, a junior English major. “It got a response from the crowd. He rapped about Buffalo, an Octopus, and Michael Jordan… just random stuff that the crowd reacted to.” The crowd also came to life when the duo performed the Sufjan Stevens-sampled “All Things Go,” one of its most popular songs. The fans were clamoring for an encore when the duo finally left the stage after playing its biggest single, “Opposite of Adults.” They happily obliged and returned to play the hightempo “Truth” to end the night. Continued on page 2
Meg Kinsley /// The Spectrum
Chiddy Bang and Bagginz performed for their own demographic last Saturday at the Alumni Arena for the SA Small Concert.
In the Hands of God KEREN BARUCH Life Editor
With $15 in his pocket, the desire to fulfill the American dream, and a strong religious faith, David Relan made the decision for his family to emigrate from India to America.
The Bulls overcame their largest halftime deficit of the season (nine) by out-scoring Toledo 41-25 in the second half. Buffalo’s success down the stretch came from strong defense as Toledo shot under 26 percent.
First, the $15 that they had was gone before they even left the airport. His wife, Veena, got sick and they needed to spare their only income on her medication.
“I think determination, instead of strategy, helped us defensively in the second half,” said head coach Reggie Witherspoon. “We got a couple stops and it just started to build. Our effort was so much higher in the second half, and you can see it get better as the game wore on.”
Then, no one wanted to hire a 47-year-old immigrant from India, according to his daughter, Avreeta Sahail.
He washed dishes and took out garbage. He had no car, so he walked four miles back and forth to work another job at a gas station late at night. But that wasn’t enough, so he distributed newspapers from door to door. All for $2.37 an hour.
Weather for the Weekend:
NATHANIEL SMITH Sports Editor
Fortunately for the road team, the bench sparked an incredible second half turnaround as the Bulls (14-6, 7-2 MAC) paralyzed the Rockets’ (10-13, 2-7 MAC) offense, winning 72-65 on Saturday night at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. The victory kept the Bulls’ win streak alive, as they continue to try and erase the deficit caused by a 1-2 start to conference play.
Upon their arrival in America, Relan and his family were faced with many setbacks.
He got the job.
Bulls overcome 13-point deficit to win sixth straight The men’s basketball team faced an uncomfortable and unusual situation in its most recent Mid-American Conference tilt: down 13, on the road, midway through the second half, with its chances of winning a sixth straight game looking very bleak.
Twenty-five years ago, at the age of 47, Relan was prepared to take on whatever obstacles were thrown his way in order to create a new life for his family and help them end up where they are today – owning the jewelry store in The Commons, the Bollywood Bistro on UB’s North Campus, and a restaurant in Niagara Falls.
“I went for an interview to wash dishes [and] they asked me if I had experience dishwashing,” Relan said. “I laughed. I said: ‘To wash dishes you need experience?’”
Resilient Bulls Pop Rockets
Despite being in foul trouble, senior forward Titus Robinson played tremendous minutes off the bench, as he scored 12 of his team-leading 14 points in the second half. His play on offense, While this was happening, 12-yearand defense – which consisted of two old Sahail was starting middle school. blocks and five rebounds – was the spark that the Bulls needed to slowly chip away at Toledo’s lead. “It was a culture shock for me at the beginning – it was hard getting used to,” Sahail said. “Now Buffalo is “He was on the offensive glass, the very diverse, but when I came in the defensive glass, on the floor for loose ’80s, people were not as used to other balls, he blocked two shots, he was so ethnic backgrounds.” active,” Witherspoon said. “I think his energy level was so high, his deterContinued on page 2 Satsuki Aoi /// The Spectrum
Veena Relan and her family took an incredible route to America, and their unbelievable trek has now landed them in The Commons.
Struggling to pay the $280 rent for their two-bedroom apartment, his son David, Jr. – 17 years old at the time – and Veena were forced to work. David, Jr. was able to find a job at Burger King while Veena was struggling to get hired because she only had two years of high school under her belt. As just a housewife back in India, Veena felt like she couldn’t do anything in America.
d
Monday: Mostly SUnny/Windy- H: 41, L: 30 Tuesday: Few Snow Showers- H: 31, L: 21 Wednesday: Cloudy- H: 30, L: 26
Alexa Strudler /// The Spectrum Titus Robinson (30) puts down a big jam in the Bulls’ 72-65 win over Toledo.
mination was so high and he was just huge for us.” Junior guard Tony Watson and senior forward Dave Barnett were also key factors coming off the bench. Watson finished with nine points and two assists going 2-of-4 from the field and sinking all four free-throw attempts. Although he only scored five points, Barnett came through again for the Bulls, as his late 3-pointer with 1:42 left gave the Bulls the lead for good. He also finished with three assists on the night. “[Barnett] was ‘Big Shot Dave’ again,” Witherspoon said. “He did a terrific job against [Toledo sophomore guard Rian] Pierson, making him catch the ball further from the basket. We gave
I N S I D E
Continued on page 8
Opinion * 3 Arts & Life * 4, 5, 7 Classifieds / Daily Delights * 9 Sports * 10
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Monday, February 6, 2012 Continued from page 1: Big Talent, Familiar Crowd
Continued on page 2: In the Hands of God Sahail did not feel accepted by her sixth-grade classmates. “There was a popular girl [named Amy Paul],” Sahail said. “She was not exposed to people of a different ethnicity. She did not like me because I was a different skin color. I went to Amherst High School and there weren’t many people with a different skin color. So she slapped me…and I did nothing.” She felt like the color of her skin was putting a wall between her and others, so Sahail decided to change her personality in attempt to belong. But once high school started and she began to mature, she realized that she no longer cared about impressing her classmates. “It’s not about being accepted, it’s about being human and acting natural around others,” Sahail said. “[Many immigrants think]: ‘I have a different skin color, I’m going to stand out.’ No – just be yourself. When I started being myself and didn’t act strange around others thinking, ‘Oh, I’m a different skin color,’ things got easier.” As things improved for Sahail, they got easier for her family. Relan decided he was done jumping from job to job and opened a catering company. The company was a success, but the hours were long, and he and his wife needed more time to take care of their children. “God helped us,” Relan said. “We got a very good chance [from a friend] to open a store like a Walmart. We sold watches at the store, and from there, we prospered.” Fourteen years ago, he received an opportunity to expand that watch store and they brought it to UB. They began to sell watches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and scarves to students walking through The Commons on campus. Then, four years ago, they received the chance to open the Bollywood Bistro in The Commons as well. This, they believe, is what God had in mind for them. And to them, this was success. Once they got passed the battle of making it to America and maintaining a solid business, they began to work together as a family, in the UB community, in order to flourish.
“I do a lot of beadwork [in the jewelry store] myself and I buy stuff from all over the world,” Sahail said. “I get a lot of my beads from the U.S.; my sterling silver comes from Thailand, there’s stuff from China and India too.” While Sahail runs the jewelry store during the daytime, Veena is in the kitchen of the Bistro each morning cooking, while David, Jr. and Relan switch off helping at both. Five years ago, there was a new addition to the family. Sahail got married and her husband, Shahzad, joined the crew to help in the store and restaurant. According to Shahzad, Sahail’s patience is a major reason everyone has the ability to work well as one unit. In addition to spending each day working together, the five share a home. According to Sahail, after several years of irritation and getting on each other’s nerves, the five have finally begun to give each other personal space and understand each other’s work habits. Sahail respects her parents, although, sometimes she feels they put too much pressure on her. When times become too stressful and she feels as if the burden is too much, she takes a step back. Sahail thinks about the struggles her family has faced, and that is her inspiration to continue. “To this day [my parents] work so hard,” Sahail said. “Who are they working so hard for? They don’t need anything. My mom just officially retired [and] they both collect social security; they don’t need to work so hard. If they can do so much for [me] why can’t [I] do something back? I live at home. They don’t take rent… they don’t take anything from us. So we’re a really close family.” The entire family believes their faith has brought them their fortune. “I’m a born again Christian and so is my whole family,” Sahail said. “I believe without God you can’t do anything. I fully believe that you ask – and he may not give it to you right then and there, he [actually] may not
give it to you at all – [but he listens and] he knows what’s best for you.” Before Sahail and Shahzad got married, they spent four years apart because Shahzad could not get into America from his homeland, Pakistan. Sahail believes that God knew she was not ready to get married yet, and that is why the immigration process took so long. Furthermore, Sahail believes that every hurdle that she has had to leap over in the past has been God testing her faith. Even now, her faith is being tested. “[My husband and I have] been trying to have children,” Sahail said. “We’ve been married for five years and we’ve been trying for four. My faith is tested…sometimes I think: ‘you’re never going to be a mom,’ but deep down I know I’m going to be, even if it’s through adoption.”
“[People will] leave [the show], and whether they’re drawn to it or not is up to their personality,” Beresin said. “But they can’t go and say ‘Oh, I’ve seen another group that sounds like them’ or ‘I’ve seen another rapper that sounds like Chiddy’ or ‘I’ve seen another producer that does what I do.’” Despite his energy and characteristic optimism, Bagginz struggled to win over the crowd. However, Bagginz was humbled by the opportunity to perform in an SA concert, after reaching out to the organization numerous times.
The jewelry store and the bistro will not be Sahail’s last stop in America. She hopes to get her teaching degree within the next year or so and work with children, which is her childhood dream.
“It’s an achievement because I’m honored to be in front of the kids that I share classes with,” Eckman said. “It’s a stepping stone in the sense that I’m opening. I’d like to be in Chiddy’s spot where I’m headlining, but I’m very honored and satisfied with the opportunity to open.”
When she visited India approximately nine years ago, the people of her homeland could tell that she was a foreigner to the country. Sahail’s sense of self has been molded over the past 25 years so much that she considers herself to be more of an American than an Indian. Thus, she does not plan on returning to India permanently.
Eckman was joined by his producer Joey C., DJ ET, and backup dancer Trini Morrison, a senior theatre major, for the set. Bagginz performed tracks off his mixtape It’s Only a Matter of Time and previewed “Let It Be,” a Beatles sampled track off his upcoming release God Bless the Internet.
“[In America] we are taught to say ‘thank you’ and ‘please,’” Sahail said. “When you’re walking down the street, you smile at people even if you don’t know them. People in India aren’t like that because that’s not their culture. You don’t say ‘hi’ to people walking down the street; you don’t smile at them. The concept of ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ is foreign to them.” As for Relan and Veena, they will continue to work in the jewelry store and the bistro as they watch their daughter succeed and prosper.
Unfortunately for Eckman, the crowd had a mixed reaction about the performance. “I didn’t really like him,” said Matthew Munschauer, 18 of Buffalo. “The lyrics weren’t that good, and he really wasn’t getting the crowd going. I was disappointed.” The few who were interested were more supportive toward their fellow UB student. His attempts to hype up the crowd were praised by them, and his freestyle to end his set was met with a small applause.
“It sounded good to me,” said John O’Connor, a sophomore business major. “The freestyle at the end was killer, and he was doing his thing.” Bagginz has opened for rappers Lupe Fiasco, Mac Miller, and Machine Gun Kelly, but has considered this concert just as important as his previous endeavors. Eckman wanted to perform for UB ever since he was a freshman, and Saturday was a hallmark moment in his career. But Eckman humbly expected a lukewarm response from the audience. “People are here to see Chiddy Bang,” Eckman said. “I don’t expect the same reaction. When I went to see Mac Miller with [opening acts], I wasn’t really pumped to see them. But I gave them the time of day…I’m honestly expecting to go out there and get booed. I go out there with thin expectations, because sky’s the limit. I just want to win [the crowd] over.” SA Vice President Meghan McMonagle believes Bagginz’s performance wasn’t necessarily about the students’ reactions. She stated that very few students have ever had the opportunity to open for an SA concert, and believes the experience will help artists like Bagginz realize their potential. She also considers the SA Small Concert a success and thinks the organization will use the momentum from the event to plan a successful Spring Fest, SA’s annual semesterending concert. “We are currently working on bids and contracts with artists for Spring Fest,” McMonagle said. “Our entertainment staff has been hard at work trying to secure a great show for Spring Fest and with some luck this Spring Fest will be even more successful. Our goal as an organization is always to please as many students as possible. We hope Chiddy Bang is only the beginning of a great semester of entertainment.”
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“From here we will see where our destiny will take us,” Relan said.
Email: features@ubspectrum.com
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Chiddy Bang’s set left a resonating effect on the attendees. For Beresin, it was a mission accomplished.
Dosberg
THE 12TH ANNUAL DOSBERG NOTABLE SPEAKER SERIES 2012
@UB
DR. STEPHEN BERK
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Israel in the Danger Zone: Hamas, Iran and the Jewish State Dr. Stephen M. Berk is Professor of History at Union College in Schenectady, NY, former Chair of the Department of History, Director of the Program in Russian and Eastern European Studies and Faculty Advisor to the Jewish Student Organization. He is the author of Year of Crisis, Year of Hope: Russian Jewry and the Pogroms of 1881-1882 (Greenwood Press, 1985). THE AWARD WINNING DOSBERG NOTABLE SPEAKER SERIES CONTINUES AT A NEW LOCATION! ALL EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:30 PM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO’S CENTER FOR TOMORROW JUST OFF MAPLE ROAD IN AMHERST AMPLE FREE PARKING AVAILABLE NEXT TO THE CENTER
NO BACKPACKS ALLOWED AT THIS LECTURE SERIES TICKETS $25 INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $10 STUDENTS $3 WITH COLLEGE ID Tickets may be purchased by mail, phone, fax, at the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo office, or at the door. For more information call 204-2242 or e-mail jbutler@jfedbflo.com.
This program was funded by the Paul P. Dosberg Foundation DON’T MISS… David Makovsky / March 6 / Arab Spring and Middle East Turmoil Rabbi Daniel Gordis / March 26 / Fighting for Israel’s Soul While Fighting Israel’s Enemies
Sponsored by the
In cooperation with Hillel of Buffalo, JSU, JLSA, and SPME
Opinion ubspectrum.com
Monday, February 6, 2012
A Matter of Time
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF Matthew Parrino
Science standards must rise in the U.S.
SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR James Twigg
When you are trying to figure out who is leading the world in technological and scientific innovation, you look to the Nobel Prize. As the most prestigious award on the planet, it acts as a sort of gauge for who is generating the most groundbreaking science.
MANAGING EDITOR Edward Benoit EDITORIAL EDITOR James Bowe NEWS EDITORS Luke Hammill, senior Rebecca Bratek Sara DiNatale, asst. Lisa Khoury, asst.
By far and away, the U.S. has been the clear frontrunner since the late ’50s. Our dominance in the global science talent market has been the fuel that has put us on the top of the modern global economy. There is another tale lurking, however, behind the simple statistics. Of the 314 Nobel Laureates who won their prize while working in the US, 102, or a third, were foreign born.
ARTS EDITORS Nick Pino, senior Vanessa Frith, senior Brian Josephs Elva Aguilar, asst. Vilona Trachtenberg, asst. LIFE EDITORS Aaron Mansfield, senior Keren Baruch Lyzi White Rachel Kramer, asst. SPORTS EDITORS Tyler Cady, senior Bryan Feiler Nathaniel Smith
But who really cares? Sure, many of our leaders in science are not from here, but what difference does it make? We’re still the best in the world.
PHOTO EDITORS Meg Kinsley, senior Alexa Strudler Satsuki Aoi
Not so fast.
WEB EDITOR Matthew Parrino James Twigg GRAPHICS DESIGNER Haider Alidina Cartoonist Pat Boyle
PROFESSIONAL STAFF OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helene Polley ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Kurtz CREATIVE DESIGNERS Nicole Manzo Aline Kobayashi ADVERTISING DESIGNER Aline Kobayashi Liam Gangloff, asst. 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 news@ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address. The Spectrum is provided free in part by the Undergraduate Mandatory Activity Fee.
February 6, 2012
VOLUME 61 NUMBER 50 CIRCULATION: 7,000 The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by both Alloy Media and Marketing, and MediaMate. For information on adverstising with The Spectrum visit www.ubspectrum. com/ads or call us directly. 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 2011 Buffalo, N.Y. The Spectrum is printed by The Buffalo News 1 News Plaza Buffalo, N.Y. 14240 email any submissions to info@ubspectrum.com
The Art of Hello
BRYAN FEILER Sports Editor
Over the years I have studied the way people say hello to each other from afar. Some might call this creepy. I call it being a good journalist. There are two main factors as to how to say hello: the setting and the person. I’m going to break down the data that I have collected. The “Attention Whores”: This is for those two girls that need to let everyone know they are saying hello to each other. This hello normally takes place in a crowded area such as the Student Union. The two girls lock eyes from across the room and begin to scream uncontrollably. If you witness this happening, expect it go on for three to five minutes depending on how much attention the girls think they deserve and how long it
A report from the Thomas B. Forham institute shows a dark image of the state science standards around the nation. These standards are the base on which teachers build lessons, write textbooks, and determine what skills a student must master at each grade. The report determined, in so many words, that the majority of states
have piss-poor standards. On an A through F scale, only California and the District of Columbia scored an A. Eleven scored an F, and another dozen or so scored a D. So everyone wants to know: who is responsible for this? Of course in this modern age of no accountability, most everyone is looking for a scapegoat to point the finger at. The problem is us. Over the years, science has changed in the public view from being an impressive generator of new ideas that unravel the mysteries of the universe to a big joke. Last year, eight different antievolution bills were introduced by six legislatures. In Maryland, according to the report, state tests intentionally exclude major points about evolution. Evolution is entirely fundamental to our understanding of biology, yet politicians without a lick of knowledge on the subject want to legislate complete garbage into the schools based on nothing but a need to protect an archaic view of the world. Science is, at its core, the rejection of dogmatic thought. It is the ability to accept that what you hold as fact now might be overturned by evidence and testing, and that’s what scares so many people. They feel their way of thinking is being threatened so they resist.
Mathematics has also fallen by the wayside, partly as a casualty of the war on science. The link between math and science is not viewed as important, and left out of many classes. According to the report, states “seem to go to great lengths to avoid mathematical formulae and equations altogether.” We need to do more than just leave the fate of our nation’s future to each individual state. There absolutely needs to be much more strict federal standards for education. Some might find it objectionable, seeing as the constitution doesn’t specifically give the powers of regulating education to the federal government, but the fact is that the modern economy is going to be almost entirely based in science, technology, and math. Without a doubt, that falls under interstate commerce. Our reality is constantly shrinking. We can see more clearly now than ever before the two paths laid before us. One, which we are still on, lies in ignorance and darkness. We can continue to fall behind until the world passes us by, or we can get on the new path, one of imagination and knowledge. As Carl Sagan wrote in his classic book, Cosmos, “Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.”
A Clouded Window
Public hearings should actually be public Some things in particular are quintessentially American. Foods like apple pie, an unnatural fascination with big stuff, and baseball all come to mind immediately, but one thing takes the cake as the most essential to the American experience, and that is a free press. Newspapers played an integral part in the formation of this nation, and as such the founding fathers made it extremely clear that journalism should be strongly protected. Thomas Jefferson went so far as to say, “The only security of all is in a free press.” On Feb. 1, apparently some in Washington didn’t quite feel the same. That day, Gasland director Joshua Fox was getting footage for another documentary on the controversial subject of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Fox’s Oscar-nominated film criticized method of extracting natural gas deposits, which may be dangerous to the environment. Fox and another filmmaker Matthew Sanchez had been attempting to get permission or credentials to record a congressional hearing on fracking for the two days prior. They had become used to being rejected. Over a year and a half, they had consistently at-
has been since their last PDA. Once the eyes lock on target, the two will sprint toward each other, knocking over fellow students, teachers and in rare occurrences, infants, in order to leap into each other’s arms. A spinning or twisting motion will began to take place and the Jaws of Life will be necessary to break them apart. The “Friend of a Friend”: Ever get introduced to someone at party and then see them in the Student Union? Or see your partner from a group activity in that one class pass by in the hallway and you don’t know what to say to them? Well have no fear – use the “friend of a friend.” It is simply a head nod. If you have talked to the person at most one time, then they receive a downward nod with little to no mouth movement. However, if you’ve had multiple oneon-one conversations with them, they should receive an upward nod and a “what’s up” (insert name) or “what’s up man” (if you don’t know their name). You should at least mouth the words clearly enough to have your lips read, but not say the words loud enough to actually be heard. If you are not Facebook friends, this method is your best bet.
tempted to get credentials for similar hearings to no avail.
ies.” Since Fox wasn’t accredited, he couldn’t be there.
So in an attempt to exercise his First Amendment right, Fox simply marched right in when the office of Rep. Andy Harris did not respond to yet another request to film the hearing.
So when Fox wants to be accredited, he is given the runaround, and when he goes in anyway, he gets arrested for not being accredited. Quite the catch-22 the committee’s built.
Soon after entering and setting up his camera, the Republican-led committee had Fox arrested. Rep. Brad Miller, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, asked for the hearing to be delayed for a week in order to sort out the credential problem, which was quickly overridden by the committee chair. Miller’s request to have Fox and his cameras returned also failed. What’s disturbing about this isn’t just the fact that he was arrested. The fact that the committee is hiding itself from public scrutiny makes us wonder: what does the committee have to hide? The Republican-controlled committee said that their rules clearly state, “Personnel providing coverage by the television and radio media shall be currently accredited to the Radio and Television Correspondents’ GallerThe “Bros Before Hoes”: This is best used when a guy is walking in a public area with a girl. You see your bro, you probably saw him before class and you even might have been texting him. But that doesn’t matter – you’re going to walk over and give him the high five you have unspokenly agreed on (men have different handshakes with people depending on who it is). You may have to step in front of your girl to get to him. This may normally be considered rude, but please refer to the title and you will see it is perfectly socially acceptable. You should then talk about any noteworthy updates – i.e., anything pertaining to females or sports – you two may have for one another, and then you may introduce your girl if you like. The “Awkward Kiss”: If you are reading this then you probably shouldn’t be given the awkward kiss on the cheek hello or good-bye. This kiss is used for people over the age of 27 or for family members. My critique may stem from my childhood phobia of kissing relatives at family get-togethers. The smell of old lady perfume and bright lipstick just wasn’t appealing as a 7-year-old. At some point some of my friends started to this and it just rubs me
There was no reason to deny Fox the accreditation to film the meeting. He is a well-known, Oscar-nominated filmmaker who is obviously serious about his work and his documentaries. Denying him access not only makes the lawmakers look like complete idiots, it shows that they’re more concerned about protecting their corporate interests than allowing the public to view our so-called “public” government in action.
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Cut the Man Some Slack TYLER CADY Senior Sports Editor
News out of Texas this week was that Rangers star outfielder Josh Hamilton relapsed in his fight with alcoholism. It’s something that he battled with in the early part of his career, having been drafted first overall in 1999 but failing to reach the majors until 2007 because of his struggles with crack and alcohol. Last Monday night, that same beast reared its ugly head. This isn’t the first relapse for Hamilton. In 2009 the slugger saw embarrassing photos surface of him at a bar licking whipped cream off of multiple women that weren’t his wife. It’s been a little over three years since the last time he succumbed to temptations; and in that time he’s endured hardships that most athletes can’t say they’ve been through. Sure, people say it’s hard to feel bad for a guy who makes $12 million a year to play a children’s game. But how many other athletes have the death of a fan on their conscious. In July, Hamilton tossed a ball in to the outfield bleachers – something that he estimates he’s done over 1,000 times in his career. But this time would be devastating as Shannon Stone, a firefighter from Arlington tumbled over the railing to his death in front of the watching eyes of his 4-year-old son. Hamilton has struggled with the alcohol, fought with the drugs, and tossed the ball that inadvertently led to a man’s death. I’m definitely not suggesting that Hamilton should carry no accountability; he needs to be more responsible and not put himself in a vulnerable position. He shouldn’t be in bars if he can’t handle it. But to put yourself in Hamilton’s shoes – watching a man fall to his death, reaching for the ball you tossed. Combine that with his history of being a junkie and you have a recipe for disaster.
Constitutional rights aren’t something you can just eliminate through unreasonable levels of bureaucracy.
He called the organization immediately afterward to tell it of his mistake, and agreed to table the discussions on his contract extension until he goes to Major League Baseball’s substance abuse program.
Sure, it’s completely reasonable to make sure that the people filming aren’t there to cause a scene or be disruptive, but just because you don’t agree with the angle the journalist is taking that doesn’t mean you get to build a brick wall between them and public hearings.
He understands his mistake and to some extent needs to see ramifications from it. But I have much more sympathy for someone who is battling alcoholism and makes a mistake along the way than I do Ryan Braun or Manny Ramirez, who took performanceenhancing drugs.
the wrong way. I feel as though a big ole’ bear hug is a much better sign of affection rather than a peck on the cheek. I am by no means a germaphob, but I hate the residue that is left from Great Aunt Yetta’s kiss. The Shakespeare: “To say hello or not say hello.” This may overlap with the “Friend of a Friend.” Ever pass somebody and not know if you should say hello? Here’s the situation: you’re walking in the hallway by yourself and you can’t scramble your cell phone to avoid eye contact. The two of you lock eyes and you don’t want to be the first to look away. So you start to mouth hello but then she looks away. She looks back and you go for a wave and she looks right through you. Now you are stuck with your hand in the air and a finger up your ass. If you have a hat, this is when you adjust it, if not simply putting your hand through your hair to avoid further embarrassment.
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In fact, I respect Hamilton’s resiliency. Hamilton has battled through it before and most likely will again, but hopefully this time he doesn’t experience any setbacks.
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Monday, February 6, 2012
Thanks But No Thanks, Schussmeisters MAX CRINNIN Staff Writer
“If you don't mind going to those other places that’s fine, but in my opinion they’re too small and you end up spending a lot of time just riding on a lift,” Brennen said. “Kissing Bridge is good if you want a nice terrain park, but to me it seems like a waste especially with the long lift time. I know a couple of guys in Schuss who like it, including my roommate. He’s not from around here, so it’s nice for him to just get out there.”
For the first time in many years, UB skiers and snowboarders are having trouble figuring out exactly where to find snow in the Queen City. But that’s not all. Members of Schussmeisters ski club are also questioning whether or not being a member of the club is worth their money.
Monday and Tuesday just don’t work for many students, according to Brennen. He has a season pass and a cabin at Holiday Valley, so a majority of his winter is spent skiing. Brennen jumped at the idea of getting his usual season pass to the Valley at a discounted price through the school, and his friends probably would too.
Schussmeisters offers an opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests, and also provides a chance to test out all the ski resorts in the area. That being said, not all ski resorts are created equally and students want the best of the best. Some have expressed their discontent with the Schussmeisters weekly schedule and the fact that there is no alternative opportunity offered by UB for winter sport enthusiasts. Schussmeisters offers skiing at five locations weekly, with busing on specific days at specific times. A student club membership runs from $155 to $230 depending on what time of year the membership is purchased. With this Schussmeisters pass, students can ski seven days a week at specified resorts like Holiday Valley, Kissing Bridge, Buffalo Ski Club, Peek’n Peak, and Swain. Of the five resorts, Holiday Valley is a common destination for native skiers/boarders and non-Western New Yorkers alike. With 58 slopes and 13 lifts (including high-speed quad chairs), Holiday Valley is the biggest and highest-elevated resort of the bunch. It’s also not very far away. Just over an hour away, it is convenient for many students. Unfortunately, the club only offers evening passes on Monday and Tuesday for Holiday Valley. For many, this is the busiest time of their week. Stress is high and skiing or boarding isn’t one of the members’ top priorities. Weekend options for the club are Saturday evening at Kissing Bridge or an alternating trip to Swain or Peek’n Peak on Sunday – both nearly two hours away. “If I could arrange the club in any way I would want, the club would go to Holiday Valley on Saturday and Sunday,” said Scott Will, a freshman electrical engineering major.
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Students who enjoy winter sports are reevaluating their membership with UB’s Schussmeisters Ski Club.
Will is a skier and former season pass holder at Holiday Valley. It’s where he first learned to ski last year. Will found Holiday Valley to be the perfect place to progress because of its designated beginner level areas. As his skill increased, he moved on to the more difficult slopes the resort has to offer. Rachel Leitsch, a freshman nursing major, is accustomed to amazing ski conditions. She is a snowboarder and native to the slopes of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY, considered by many to be the premier resort with the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies. “I would definitely recommend joining the club because it’s a way to meet other people who share your interests, which makes it a better option than getting a season pass to Holiday Valley on your own,” Leitsch said. “I don’t know if I'll join next year, though. We’ll see how the rest of the season goes.” Leitsch became interested when the prospect of a discounted season pass to Holiday Valley was brought to the table. “I think I might go for that if it was an option, because I’m not a fan of Kissing Bridge, but you have to go where the club wants you to go,”
Perks include passes for springtime golfing, tubing discounts, and even half-price lift ticket offers for other resorts on the East Coast including Jay Peak and Okemo in Vermont. In other words, by going with this offer, students wouldn’t necessarily sacrifice the perks that come with joining Schussmeisters, like the trips to other resorts at discounted prices because the season pass features similar packages. Alex Brennen, a freshman environmental engineering major, chose not to join Schussmeisters despite his passion for skiing. Instead, he went for the season pass to Holiday Valley and he has enjoyed every winter, even at the steep price he now faces without the club’s discount.
But who’s to say it couldn’t be that way with a discounted price to the premier ski resort in the area, too? Other schools do it, and UB certainly has the ability to negotiate a deal with Holiday Valley similar to that mentioned from Fredonia State, if not better. The pass could be offered as a more expensive alternative to the current schedule. Potentially, it could allow those who wish to save some money and those dedicated to Holiday Valley to exist in the club together, and maintain a connection while having the winter season they really desire. For the shredders and skiers of this campus, making every day a Holiday is something to consider.
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Normally, a season pass to Holiday Valley costs $770, making it the most expensive out of the five resorts. However, high schools in the area and some colleges also offer discounted prices that make a season pass to Holiday Valley more affordable. For example, membership in Fredonia State’s ski club includes a season pass to Holiday Valley at the price of $395. This means students can go to Holiday at any time on any day while enjoying the perks of having the season pass.
With confusion about the scheduling and difficult time schedules, Schussmeisters might not be the best option for those who really want the best skiing that this area has to offer. But the club does offer a reasonable price and a convenient opportunity to meet lots of people who enjoy winter sports.
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Leitsch said.
“I would say that they would probably go for a season pass offered through the school if it was at a decent price,” Brennen said. “At first glance, the club seemed like a chance to go wherever you wanted, whenever you wanted, and that the ‘schedule’ referred only to specific days for transportation. I was psyched at first, but I was wrong about the way it was set up.”
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Monday, February 6, 2012
The Woman in Black Delivers Dark Drama Averagely
Page 5
The SAD Truth about Winter Blues MEGAN DRESSEL Staff Writer Brian, a graduate student at UB, sees his mood drastically change when the days get shorter; he isn’t the same person during the winter in Buffalo. He has been suffering from the winter blues for five years. But contrary to what students might think, this disorder is no joke: there is a lot more to it than the occasional gloomy mood.
Daniel Radcliffe stars as London lawyer, Arthur Kipps, in The Woman in Black.
DELANEY MARSCO Staff Writer Movie: The Woman in Black Release Date: Feb. 3 Studio: Hammer Film Productions Grade: C+
Courtesy of Momentum Pictures
distance the audience from the scary events; the out-of-body film experience does not leave the theater. Unlike 2002’s The Ring, which employs a tangentially similar plot and very similar techniques, The Woman in Black does not translate a historical, localized event to the present.
The film genre of “horror” has come to include anything from ’80s slasher films to psychological thrillers à la Seven (1995). Daniel Radcliffe’s first post-Potter film, The Woman In Black, teeters toward the latter end of the spectrum, employing standard but effective suspense techniques and an eerie setting of early twentieth-century England.
Another aspect of the film that is both a strength and weakness is the use of a limited setting. Most of the action takes place in a single hallway and a few other rooms in the same house. This method certainly adds to the suspense, because though the audience knows it is the same hallway or room, they also know something must have to happen there. This setting can, however, become monotonous, as the camera angles stay relatively the same.
A London lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II), goes to the countryside to deal with a deceased Mrs. Drablow’s estate that his firm is handling. Kipps is not exactly given a warm welcome by the townspeople, except for one Sam Daily (Ciarán Hinds, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy).
The film does show an adept use of sound effects, which, at times startling, definitely amps up the suspense. The crescendo of music does not always correspond with a frightening action; indeed, it is often aligned with moments of monotony, while frightening occurrences happen in complete silence or in a period of steady sound.
The hostility culminates when a young girl in the town inexplicably swallows lye and dies in Kipps’ presence. Daily then reveals to Kipps the mysterious circumstances surrounding children’s deaths in the town and their connection to the Eel Marsh House Kipps is dealing with. As more children die and his own motherless son becomes at risk, Kipps decides to go to drastic lengths to quell the vengeful spirit of the Woman in Black.
Other effects are not so well done, like the use of green screen. The final scene demonstrates an abysmal use of this technique, something that could have been eradicated with a small portion of the $13 million budget.
While The Woman in Black at times feels like something that has already been done (actually, it has already been done, in Susan Hill’s 1983 novel of the same name and the subsequent 1989 film), it certainly brings something fresh to the table. Among all the horror films that aim to blatantly and overtly scare the audience witless, The Woman in Black employs emotional subtleties and period bells and whistles to amplify the tension in the theater. Small music box toys from the turn of the century and antique architecture add to the atmosphere of terror in a distinct way. While the period-film quality of the movie does act as benefit to the action, it – along with the specialized location – also does something to
But has Radcliffe really become a grown-up actor? The answer is yes and no. While his facial expressions are affecting and mature, his gait, movement, and speech need a bit of refinement. Perhaps this is not the best type of role for him to prove himself a matured and learned actor. Something to keep in mind when viewing this film is how much different (and likely better) the film would be with someone like Ewan McGregor or even Henry Cavill in the lead role. The Woman in Black gives an interesting alternative to the gore and cliché scare tactics of other films in the genre, and among other films like Big Miracle and One For the Money floating around at the box office this week, you can’t really go wrong with The Woman in Black.
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The Sr. Jeanne File
ART HISTORY LECTURE SERIES
Douglas Dreishpoon Senior Curator, Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Creativity and Commerce February 8, 2012, 7:00 PM
About 5 percent of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed every year with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as “winter blues.” Brian falls into that small category, and he’s suffered from the effects. As a long-time sufferer of SAD, he begins to see the switch in his personality in January every year. Even though the days begin to get shorter during the fall, his disorder doesn’t kick in until later in the winter. Also, the transition from winter break to the beginning of the semester brings an increase in stress. “Once all that excitement [of the holidays] calms down, things get more heavy,” Brian said. “I’m much more jumpy – quick to anger. I do feel anxious, like I’m more suspicious that people are judging me.” The symptoms of SAD usually show up when the days get shorter. SAD is not about the weather change or the cold at all, but the increase of darkness that shorter days bring. It can also be caused by an alteration in serotonin levels in the body, according to Dr. Amberly Panepinto. He has never chosen to seek help for his issues. Instead Brian bottles his emotions up – he chooses to deal with the extreme frustration on his own – which he admits is not the best solution to the problem. “I went to a counselor once my freshman year,” Brian said. “But I think the biggest problem was [that] I wasn’t ready to be honest with myself. I went because I knew that something was wrong, but then sitting in the session with the counselor who was very client-oriented didn’t work for me, because I didn’t want to share anything.” Brian doesn’t let his illness control his life. He has been at UB for five years, and finished his undergrad with a social science and English degree. In addition to going to school full time, he also has a job and an internship. “I think that I’m a very social person,” Brian said. “I’m loud and outgoing. I would rather be doing things. I would much rather go on a bike ride, or go camping for a weekend, than just sit and hang out.” His friends have noticed the switch in his personality during the winter months as well. Katie, a senior communication major, has known Brian for eight years. “There are small triggers and then really huge reactions – things that are totally out of character for him,” Katie said. “And then he goes from being really angry about something, to being super apologetic and sad.” He believes that though his emotion may come across as anger, it’s really just sadness.
Nyeri Moulterie /// The Spectrum
For some students, the winter months bring Seasonal Affective Disorder, changing their personality as the temperature drops.
have shown that people are more susceptible to SAD when they’re farther north from the equator. Women are four times more likely to experience symptoms than men are, and a family history of SAD or previous diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder can also increase the risk. There are many signs: unhappiness, irritability, increased appetite or craving carbohydrates, increased sleepiness (especially during the day), decreased energy, decreased concentration, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and social withdrawal during the winter months. These are key symptoms of SAD, and none should be taken lightly. Panepinto has her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has been a counselor at UB for three and a half years. She suggests a few “in home” remedies for students who believe they are showing symptoms, but are not impeding their daily functions: taking walks during daylight hours, especially in the morning, along with exercise, using an alarm clock that has a light associated with it, taking a trip to a warm place, and changing the environment to let in more light. The Counseling Center at UB also has a treatment involving therapy lamps (not to be confused with tanning-bed lamps). “These are sun lamps that are extremely bright, and students would usually sit under them for about 30 minutes a day, usually in the morning,” Panepinto said. “The whole idea is that it simulates sunlight. The light therapy can be really affective.” But for Brian, symptoms don’t go away when the sun starts shining. It usually takes until the end of April or beginning of May for him to start feeling better. While he has never expressed his concerns about himself to Katie, he does talk about his feelings, and recommends that students who are suffering do the same.
“It’s a feeling I can’t shake,” Brian said. “It’s most days, [only] some of the day. I’m not in a constant depression. That’s one reason why I never really went for help.”
“The important thing is to talk about it,” Brian said. “Talk about how you’re feeling any time of the year. Talk about it with your friends, talk about it with your mom and dad, talk about it with your professors even. As far as advice, it’s really just making sure you’re not shutting yourself out to the world.”
SAD is not just a Buffalo thing, either. Studies
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Monday, February 6, 2012
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Monday, February 6, 2012
Page 7
An Underground Art Form Unfolding Kaleidescopika Sean Babineau Staff Writer
The unappealing inward appearance of Mr. Goodbar doesn’t seem like it holds much potential. With its gloomy abstractshaped hallway, many people would not be eager to keep walking down the hall. However, what’s behind the door to the right on the second floor of this ominous building is an interesting Wednesday night comedic experience. The Rust Belt Comedy Open Mic night draws aspiring local comedians to this Elmwood locale with hopes of entertaining their 9 p.m. crowd. The weekly performances feature underground comedic acts, hosted by a mocking comedian who will probably make brief jokes about the attendees being rudely late or the next act being “very funny.” In some cases, despite the sarcasm, the display might be the comics’ first shot at comedic careers, and the results could prove fatal with stuttering, incoherent, nervous jokes. After a brief introduction to the show, the audience has the chance to either laugh hysterically or be completely unenthused; it all depends on who signed up first. The five-minute sets are based on a first-comefirst-served basis and the ability of the comedian is not a factor in being allowed to perform.
Thankfully, the 13 acts are often made up of comedians who have stood the weekly test multiple times.
According to Walton and fellow humorist Kyle Turner, The Rust Belt Open Mic Comedy doesn’t host many recurring acts. Based on one of the performances from this past week, it would seem that these inexperienced comics probably run away embarrassed from the nerve-wracking activity.
It all started with a comedian named Kristen Becker who realized there was no outlet for Buffalo’s funniest demographic. Then, three years ago, the Buffalo native came up with a remedy for the drought.
Walton knows how difficult performing can be by recalling his first set.
In doing so, she created the Doin’ Time Comedy Showcase at Allentown’s Nietzsche’s. In the midst of all of this, her career launched. Becker is the founder of a successful comedy tour called Dykes Of Hazard (DOH), and a past semifinalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She also opened for celebrities like singer Ani DiFranco and comic Doug Stanhope. She leaves a legacy behind her and has inspired her peers to continue the progress.
“[The first time] surprisingly went well, but the fourth time was brutal because I finally noticed how many people weren’t laughing,” Walton said. “It seems to be an agreed upon milestone between many comedians, but once you get over that part, it’s awesome.” There are some gems to be found in a night full of amateurism. The final act presented a fifth-time performer whose risqué jokes consisting of fat women and suicide received inordinately gigantic bursts of laughter. Putting a new angle on the crude topics made his ironic and witty twists garner the praise of the audience.
This group of Becker’s friends has fostered the idea and introduced it to a new venue at Elmwood’s Mr. Goodbar. They call it the “B open mic” in regards to the original hotspot at Nietzsche’s. “I’ve been doing this for five years and it’s exciting to see it progress,” said Mark Walton, a member of this original crew.
At the end of the hour, the comedians leave the stage and close another successful night of comedy at Mr. Goodbar, until a slew of new comics show their talents the next week.
He and fellow comic Chet Wild are the primary organizers of the Wednesday night gig, and their routines are nothing short of hilarious.
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SATSUKI AOI /// THE SPECTRUM
LehrerDance performed a diverse collection of dances in Kaleidescopika last Thursday at the CFA.
on the performers’ lithe and muscular bodies. This opening piece also showed a disengaged understanding of the musical score, as the choreography seemed neither aligned nor at odds with the music, a weakness that could leave the audience feeling disconnected.
DELANEY MARSCO Staff Writer Color, music, and movement came together in a one-of-a-kind show Thursday night at the Mainstage Theater. Kaleidescopika: The Art of Unfolding is a collaborative effort by musical group Cordis and modernfusion dance company LehrerDance. Cordis is a unique ensemble of traditional instruments and “one-of-a-kind creations” that combine to create their “signature sound.” LehrerDance is a group that aims to translate “three main elements of movement” to their choreography: circularity, 3-dimensionality, and momentum. From the outset of the show, the visual setup of the stage is jarring. Those expecting a traditional dance experience are shown four sets of musical instruments impeding upon the dance space in the shape of an obtuse diamond, leaving a limited area for unrestrained movement. Those expecting a traditional music experience are instantly thrown off balance by the spatial relationship of the instruments as well as the type of instruments being used, including a cimbalom and xylophone alongside the traditional cello and piano. The musical strengths were evident from the show’s beginning; well before it was disclosed that cimbalom player and Artistic Director of Cordis, Richard Grimes, and cellist Jeremy Harman composed all of the songs.
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Wednesday’s open mic nights at Mr. Goodbar ranges from startled beginners to outrageous recurring acts.
The diverse music ranged from quasi-discordant to almost symphonic, not only from song to song, but also from note to note. The juxtaposition of usual orchestral instruments against the very unfamiliar ones gave the music an almost otherworldly sound that was grounded only by the hearty percussion. The wielding of the cello was especially adept and affecting, and this instrument was the backbone of many songs. The movement of the LehrerDance dancers illuminated modern dance conventions as well as a poetic blend of ballet-inspired fluidity and Martha Graham-like angularity. Lisa Kaemmerlen, a freshman dance major, noted that this fusion was particularly intriguing.
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“I believe that strength was present among every dancer all the time,” Kaemmerlen said. “Even if the movements were meant to be soft and slow, they were done with a lot of power.” The first piece featuring the dancers seemed to be the low-point of the medley among the typically strong choreography. Characterized by angular and directionless arm movements, this number failed to highlight the obvious technical and physical strength of the dancers, and the movement seemed awkward and contrived
As the show progressed, however, the relationship between dancer and music became better defined. The choreography employed an impressive use of shape and a consciousness of level that corresponded to the musical progression and its unpredictable quality. One of the strongest numbers was a quartet of the four female LehrerDance dancers. The visual quality of the movement in this piece demanded perfect synchronization – something the dancers achieved with absolute beauty. Liquid yet pedestrian, light partner work and precise canons characterized this piece and although the stage space was limited, the dancers managed to use all four quadrants of the stage. This was a refreshing change from many other pieces that were restricted to the downstagemost panels of marley. Another notable performance was a male-female duet that featured intense partner work. Showcasing sheer athleticism and muscular development, the dancers performed almost superhuman feats. While one partner lay on his back with his feet to the ceiling, the other would place her entire body weight on the pads of his feet. The roles were also reversed: the woman partner would balance the entire male’s weight on just her hands. Complex variations on classic partnering moves, like the “bluebird” lift, also characterized this powerhouse piece. The primary weaknesses of Kaleidescopika were mainly technical. Tacky lighting effects that one might find in a middle school choir concert dominated the back scrim – green spider weband finger print-like filters being a few such effects. The other potentially problematic issue was the placement of the musical instruments, which did at times seem constraining for the dancers. Otherwise, the show displayed artistic talent at its finest. “I believe this show was the best I have seen from the group,” said Kaemmerlen, who has seen LehrerDance before. “The way each movement connected into another and the way the dancers interact with each other is so pleasing to the audience.” As for the musical interaction, she said, “the live music on stage just added more depth to the show.” Kaleidescopika proved to be an amazing way to connect to music and dance. Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
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Page 8
Continued from page 10 : Bulls Struggles continue in conference play to someone else to make a call,” Beichner said. The performance by Waste was impressive but “We’ve got to be smarter and we have to find ways the Golden Flashes would not allow the upset to to win.” take place.
Continued from page 1 : Resilient Bulls Pop Rockets him specific instructions, and he followed it to a ‘T.’ We wanted him to make his catches harder and when he did it, he did it with determination, and that’s the key.”
Having been named MAC player of the week two weeks prior, Smith’s defeat Friday was a disappointing one. Regardless of the Bulls’ frustrating season, Smith (25-7) has been able to seal his fate as one of Buffalo’s all-time greats with over 100 career victories.
Much of the bench minutes came out of necessity because of foul trouble. However, sophomore forward Javon McCrea was able to shake off a foulridden first half. He was the only other Bull in double figures, finishing with 12 points.
The hopeful replacement to Smith’s absence after this season, freshman Jake Waste, continued to impress with another strong performance. He won his match 4-3, improving his record to 20-7 this season.
Senior forward Mitchell Watt finished with less than 10 points for the first time in the team’s winning streak, ending the night with nine. But Watt was dominant on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds. Sophomore guard Jarod Oldham also chipped in on the rebounding front for the Bulls, securing nine boards to go along with his six assists. Buffalo out-rebounded the smaller Rockets by an astounding 50-32 margin, and was able to grab 18 offensive rebounds off of missed shots. Pierson, who finished with a gamehigh 26 points and added eight rebounds, led Toledo. His tremendous scoring night wasn’t enough to keep the Bulls at bay, as he was forced to take tough shots late due to the defensive effort of Barnett. This victory marked the first time that Buffalo was able to win three consecutive road MAC games since their inception into the conference. The Bulls look to extend that streak to four, as they continue their MAC West road tour in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to take on the reeling Central Michigan Chippewas (7-15, 2-7 MAC). Tipoff for the game is Wednesday at 7 p.m. Email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Monday, February 6, 2012
“He’s doing really [well], he’s going out there controlling the match and the pace,” Beichner said. “He’s just wrestling really well right now.” Continued from page 10: suddenly defensive, the bulls knock off Ball State “We didn’t shoot the ball well [in the second half], but they really struggled to score,” said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. “I attribute that to our defensive effort.” The Bulls proved that they are capable of playing well defensively, an area of concern throughout the season. The 37 points scored by the Cardinals was the least allowed by Buffalo since 2006, when it held Albany to only 35 points. The Bulls get a short respite in their schedule this week, as they have no scheduled games until next weekend. The long layoff gives coach Linda Hill-MacDonald some time to work on things that have been plaguing the team this season. “We are going to continue to work on defense, definitely,” Hill-MacDonald said. “I think rebounding is another one [of the things we need to work on] and we are going to take a ton of free throws. Our free-throw percentage has to improve. Fifty-seven percent from the free throw line is not going to win close games.” The Bulls return home next Saturday at 3 p.m. to take on Central Michigan (12-11, 4-5 MAC). Email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Hoops for Hearts
LYZI WHITE Life Editor
This past Saturday, fraternities Zeta Beta Tau and Alpha Epsilon Pi along with sorority Alpha Phi hosted their second annual Hoops for Hearts charity basketball tournament. The event’s proceeds benefited the “Save a Child’s Heart Foundation,” an Israeli based, nonprofit organization that helps raise money to provide heart surgery to children in developing countries. Forty teams of up to five people competed in the basket tournament, 25 men’s and 15 women’s. The tournament ran single elimination and
operated under a 3-on-3 format. Unlike last year, when the event was located at Clark Hall on South Campus, the tournament moved to Alumni’s Triple Gym on North Campus, which allowed the event to be more spread out and more efficient. Just like the first Hoops for Hearts, this year’s benefit raised $4,000 through contributions, entry fees, and raffles. Businesses such as University Village at Sweethome and SkyZone (an indoor trampoline park) each contributed $1,000 each, while the Center for Student Leadership contributed $500. Email: features@ubspectrum.com
The Bulls made a strong counter after having lost their first four matches. A spark was provided by freshman Wally Maziarz, who won by decision, 3-2. Sophomore Clay Reeb and Waste followed up Maziarz’s victory with back-to-back wins. The Bulls’ momentum wouldn’t last long, though. Kent State would shortly grab control once again by winning the final three matches to take the contest. Buffalo’s key starter, junior Mark Lewandowski, did not participate in Friday’s match due to a knee injury and was clearly missed, but Beichner was impressed with some of his younger wrestlers’ performances.
“A few of the guys [wrestled] well tonight,” Beichner said. “We have a tremendously young team and they’re working hard and they’re showing some improvement.” Kent State’s dominance in the MAC is nothing to be overlooked. Its victory Friday earned a share of the MAC regular season championship, its third in the last four years. With only a few weeks left until MAC Championships, the Bulls will take to the road again, traveling to Ypsilanti, Michigan to face Eastern Michigan (12-5, 2-1 MAC). The match will take place Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Email: sports@ubspectrum.com
News Briefs
Egypt to Put 19 Americans on Trial
Mitt Romney Wins Nevada Caucus
Egyptian authorities will try 19 Americans and 24 others in criminal trials as part of an investigation into foreign financing of nonprofit groups that have weakened the 30-year alliance between the United States and Egypt.
Mitt Romney won the Nevada presidential caucus Saturday, solidifying his status as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
The 43 people being put on trial are charged with “violating restrictions on the foreign financing of nonprofit groups,” according to The New York Times. The Obama administration and senior congressional leaders have been sending warnings to Egypt’s military rulers because the investigation may compromise the expected $1.5 billion of American aid. The State Department must certify that Egypt is making progress toward democracy before the money can be released. However, State Department officials’ investigations show that criterion has not been met. Among those being tried is Sam Lahood – the Egypt chief for the International Republican Institute and son of Ray LaHood, the United States secretary of transportation. The International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute are two of the independent nonprofit groups that have ties to congressional leadership and promote democracy. They are high-profile target of the investigation. Neither of these institutes received a license from the Egyptian government, but were invited as official observers of parliamentary elections. Freedom House and a journalism institute are also a part of the investigation, as are many Egyptian organizations that rely on foreign financing.
Romney’s win was his second in a row in four days, following his Florida victory on Tuesday. He finished well ahead of his three opponents, increasing his momentum. Nevada does not offer a significant amount of delegates for the Republican nomination. It was a symbolic triumph more than a practical one. It also provided Romney an advantage over his rival Newt Gingrich. Romney used his victory celebration to put down President Obama’s handling of the economy. He addressed the improvement of joblessness was a result of business innovation, “and not you, Mr. President.”
Student Firefighters Get Up to 100 Percent Tuition Aid at Community Colleges Higher Education Learn Plan (HELP), a new statewide program from the Firemen’s Association of New York, pays volunteer firefighters’ tuition at their local community colleges. Student firefighters who are “members in good standing” at the fire company can receive up to 100 percent of their tuition to a community college, depending on their grades. Student/volunteer firefighters must reapply each semester, with no restrictions on full-or part-time basis or type of degree. Awards only apply to student firefighters who do not already have a college degree or have not taken 80 credits or more. This spring semester, the deadline to apply is Feb. 15.
The suspects charged have been barred from leaving the country.
Monday, February 6, 2012
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APARTMENT FOR RENT 1,3,4,5,6,7&8 BEDROOM homes and apartments available June 1, 2012. To view go to www.daveburnette.net or call Dave at 716-445-2514. 1,2&3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS. Walking distance UB South campus. Tom- 716-570-4776. EVERYTHING YOU NEED for the 2012 academic year. Great 1 to 8 bedroom houses & apartments. Near South Campus. Off-street parking, laundry, dishwashers, & much more! Please call: Andy to schedule a showing 716-308-4881. 4, 5, 6, & 8 BEDROOM Remodeled Apartments to choose from: located at University at Buffalo Main Street
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2 to 8 BEDROOM HOUSES AND APARTMENTS at UB South: dozens in prime locations on Winspear, Northrup, Englewood, Merrimac, Highgate, and more! Most have large bedrooms, hardwood floors, offstreet parking, laundry. Local, responsible landlord with maintenance staff. Call, text, or email Jeremy Dunn, (585) 2616609.
2 to 8 BEDROOM HOUSES AND APARTMENTS at UB South: dozens in prime locations on Winspear, Northrup, Englewood, Merrimac, Highgate, and more! Most have large bedrooms, hardwood floors, offstreet parking, laundry. Local, responsible landlord with maintenance staff. Call, text, or email Jeremy Dunn, (585) 2616609. ENGLEWOOD 5-BDRM off-street parking. Updated kitchen/w dishwasher. 1 1/2 baths. Washer/dryer. insulated windows & doors. Great front porch. June 1st. 716-799-9605.
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Page 9
CANISIUS UB APARTMENTS available now. 1-Bdrm $500 + electric includes other utilities. Please call Frank at 716-374-0464.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED for the 2012 academic year. Great 1 to 8 bedroom houses & apartments. Near South Campus. Off-street parking, laundry, dishwashers, & much more! Please call: Andy to schedule a showing 716-308-4881.
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Daily Delights
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HOROSCOPES
Visit ubspectrum.com/games for our online game of the week Also see the crossword and Sudoku answers from last issue
MONDay, FEBRUARY 6 FROM UNIVERSAL UCLICK
Crossword of the Day STEVEN WROBEL
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- If it's bargains you're looking for, you can certainly find some today -- but you may have to look in some unusual places.
Life Editor It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a…weather balloon.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You're seeking a way out of a current situation, but you may be acting prematurely. Things have a way of working out -- and they will soon.
While many students spend their weekends partying, studying, and hanging out with their friends, one club at UB spent its weekend studying the outer realms of Earth’s atmosphere.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Contact from an old friend reminds you of something that has been missing for some time. Today is the day to get it back.
UB Students for the Exploration and Development Space (UB-SEDS) is a club that sets its ambitions skyward to generate interest and activism in the community for any and all space-related topics, according to Sean Lyons, a senior aerospace engineering major.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Unusual behavior on your part is likely to spark criticism from some, and others are likely to mount an investigation of sorts.
Lyons was the project manager of the Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 6, 2012 club’s High-Altitude Weather Balloon Project (HAWB). The CLEAN project’sPUNS goal By Joel Portman was Across to send a weather balloon into 41 Uses a towel the sky to measure temperature and 1 Game with trump cards 42 Start of many titles 5 Spread pressure. with cocktails atmospheric In addition, the 43 Operate properly West Indies island pictures and team9wanted to capture 44 Clouded, as vision 14 Name on many jeans' labels video15footage 45 Highlands headgear Laid up,to sodocument to speak the trip and measure the atmospheric boundary 46 Hairstyle 16 Passover month 47 Tattletales before the age of appliances? layers. 17 "Once ___ a time ..." 54 Veranda, in Hawaii 18 Yin's complement 55 African plant 19 "God bless us ___ one" 56 Worshipped figurine “This20project one of the most chalPart of aisCopenhagen cleaning cycle? 57 Add decorations to 23 Open-faced sandwich cheese lenging yet rewarding featswith of my 58 Self-satisfied 24 Lubricate career,” Lyons said. undergraduate lived 59 "... with the greatest of ___" 25 New York city where Mark Twain “The28 lessons I have learned and [the] 60 Thickly packed Gull-like predator success of this project have given me 61 Snack of Spain 30 Silent 62 Duck with a large white crest an inspiration no course offered at this 33 Raccoon relative 34 Makecould the initial university everbet provide.” 35 Destiny 36 They are clean when they come marching in? Is a cast member The 39 launching of the balloon last 40 ___ d'oeuvre Saturday, Oct. 22, was the culmina-
tion of many hours of planning. The group had to not only raise the funds to take on this project, but it also had to develop the means by which to perform all the desirable functions. UB-SEDS procured $1,100 in funding from sponsorships from local companies and from Sub Board I Inc.
“The idea for this came about in either October or November of last year, when we saw a video of a father-andson team that sent an iPhone aboard a balloon and recovered it, becom-
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You may feel as though your privacy is being threatened. Now is no time to run and hide, however; express your objections directly.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Someone in charge may be trying to fit you into a mold that is ill-fitting and quite uncomfortable for you. Explain what you'd rather do.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You can learn a great deal today from watching others do what should not be done. Even a negative example is better than no example at all.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You may feel as though time is running short, but you actually have plenty of time to do what you have promised to do. Don't panic!
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You've been surprised at the content of your dreams of late -- and today you have the chance to analyze imagery and symbols in some detail.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -You are working closely with a partner to reach a new agreement of some sort. Don't make the mistake of assuming anything.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You are not comfortable with the instructions you've been given, and yet you know that you must follow them if progress is to be made.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You are ready to forge ahead, but first you must deal head-on with certain issues that have yet to be resolved to your satisfaction.
Sudoku DOWN 1 Speak indistinctly 2 De Gaulle headgear 3 Shakespeare's river 4 Certain metalworkers 5 Bribery of sorts 6 Toward the stern 7 Be inclined 8 Border 9 Lack of get-up-and-go 10 Measure up to 11 Exploitative type 12 Tree part 13 "Pick a card, ___ card" 21 Spookily strange 22 Animal, vegetable and mineral 25 Dazzle 26 Aquarium cleaner-fish shot 27 Filmmaker's special effects 28 Flint-striker's creation 29 Coral islets
30 Wild enthusiasm 31 Express audibly 32 Unpleasantly difficult 34 Skunk's defense 35 Lightning bugs 37 Parallelogram with four equal sides (var.) 38 Deviate from the script 43 Woman from Waikiki 44 Neighborhood grocery 45 Ivan the Terrible et al. 46 Coughing cause 47 Walk in water 48 Without a name, briefly 49 Kiln 50 ___ mater 51 "Bonanza" brother 52 Big name in home theater systems 53 Killed, in Judges 54 Young man
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Page 10
Sports ubspectrum.com
Monday, February 6, 2012
Victor E. Bull: Behind the Mascot
NATHANIEL SMITH Sports Editor
When it comes to the physical aspect, the constant toll of being in a huge costume can be a lot for a person.
It’s game day in Buffalo. The biggest Bull of them all stampedes into the locker room. He’s the one that gets the team fired up and gets the fans into the game.
“Three hours in a hot, heavy, large mascot uniform is taxing on your body,” Victor said. “You constantly dance, run up and down flights of stairs, and make obnoxious gestures and movements to convey things to your audience without the use of your voice.”
First, the uniform. Then, the sneakers. Finally – the horns and hooves? Victor E. Bull is one of the most recognizable faces on Buffalo’s campus. At each meet, game, and event, you can be assured that the big blue mascot will be on the sidelines, dancing and showing school pride. But few people know what it takes, mentally and physically, to enter Victor’s world.
There is also the taxing aspect that Victor needs to make his presence known at a number of different sporting events. From swim meets to football games the big blue Bull is seen everywhere. And unlike the athletes who can wear different clothing depending on the weather, Victor is always consistent.
By putting on the mascot head you physically become Victor, but for those in costume there is a mental component that goes with being the face of the university.
From the cold fields of UB Stadium in the late fall, to the hot, humid climates of the natatorium in Alumni Arena, every game is a new adventure and a new challenge, and Victor has learned to adapt to the various changes.
“The worst thing is when I notice these people around campus and I’m ready to run up to them and say ‘hey,’” Victor said. “It is just then that I realize that they do not know me. It happened once that I tapped someone on the shoulder and said hello, before I realized I was not the person they knew me as. It’s frustrating, but I have to be careful.”
“Within four minutes [of being in the costume] I’m sweating,” Victor said. “So I have to work out. I’m running stairs – I have to stay in shape. In the last couple of weeks, I did the wrestling match for Takedown Cancer event, I did the swim meet for Hope Floats and that was really hot. So I hit the gym, I run, and I make sure I eat and drink right.”
The most current student to wear the Bull’s head knows firsthand the preparation and stress that goes with the territory. But for the person in costume, it’s something that allows them to escape the everyday rigors of regular life. “In being Victor, I allow myself two nights a week to go out and not study, watch a basketball game, and maybe, just maybe, go to bed early without falling asleep on [my] books,” Victor said. “Every college student needs to live two lives, and Victor does that for me. I like that he allows me those two lives. He lets me step back from the first life, and jump into the second.”
The key, according to Victor, is to have those two separate lives, something that he believes that all students have – just not all students wear a big blue costume and dance in front of thousands of fans.
Mentally, Victor believes that being the character is something that was with him all his life.
Training for being the school’s mascot is unique in that it’s all up to the person playing it. Each
Vicotr E. Bull gives a thumbs up to the fans. But it takes more than that to put this costume on.
Meg Kinsley /// The Spectrum
person brings something unique to the costume, and the most recent Victor is no different. “At first, it seemed like it was a lot of stress,” Victor said. “My first game (a men’s basketball game on Dec. 3 against St. Bonaventure) was very crazy. It was shocking, but fun. I eventually learned to make it my own; to make it into my own show.”
Victor may not be part of the game, but the preparation involved in becoming the persona rivals the dedication that the athletes put into their craft. With no credit to the person who’s in costume (his name has been withheld to protect the mascot’s identity), being the Bull is a thankless job – but Victor doesn’t care. He’s enjoying his time in the suit just as much as the fans in the stands enjoy the shenanigans of their mascot. Email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Bulls Struggles Continue in Conference Play JONATHAN GAGNON Staff Writer
After a strong showing in the New York State Collegiate Championships and a tough loss to Ohio, the wrestling team traveled to Kent, Ohio on Friday evening to face one of the Mid-American Conference’s toughest foes. The red-hot Golden Flashes (11-4, 4-0 MAC) welcomed Buffalo (5-13, 0-3 MAC) and weren’t a gracious host. Kent State was able to jump out to an early lead, and it never looked back, taking the contest 26-9. The Bulls, still looking to record their first victory in the MAC, became the latest victim of Kent State’s eight-match winning streak. Things went the home team’s way early, as it took the first two The wrestling team lost to the co-MAC champion Kent State.
Hanul Ryou /// The Spectrum
matches. It wouldn’t get any better when the Bulls’ star senior took the mat. Kevin Smith dropped his contest with only seconds remaining. Smith held the lead until just before the buzzer. But a delayed call and conversation among the referees resulted in Smith losing the match, 4-3. “It came down to a little scramble at the end, the buzzer ran out and the referee did not call a take down,” said head coach Jim Beichner. “The second official came in and made the call and called it a takedown – pretty controversial finish.” Although the possible momentum change by a Smith victory was not to be, Beichner acknowledged the referees are never to be blamed for a defeat. “You can’t put yourself in a position to be like that; you can’t leave it up Continued on page 8
Suddenly Defensive, the Bulls Knock Off Ball State BEN TARHAN Staff Reporter The women’s basketball team limped into Muncie, Indiana with few reasons to smile. It had had an abysmal defensive showing on Thursday against Western Michigan (6-17, 3-7 Mid American Conference), even though its offense had kept the team in the thrilling 102-92 loss. None of that mattered on Saturday, as the Bulls (7-17, 2-8 MAC) picked up just their second conference win of the season with a dominant defensive performance in a 61-37 win at Ball State (8-15, 3-7 MAC).
The game was close early on. But, with the game tied at 10, the Bulls went on a 20-5 run in the final 11:20 of the first half to take a 30-15 lead into halftime. Ball State would cut the Bulls lead to 10 points in the second half, but that was as close as it got as Buffalo strung together a few offensive rallies and put the game out of reach. Senior guard Brittney Hedderson continued her star-role for the Bulls. She led Buffalo with a game-high 17 points and added eight rebounds. Other standouts for Buffalo included sophomore forward Nytor Longar, who finished with 16 points and nine
rebounds, and senior forward Beth Christensen who had a game-high 12 rebounds. After being our-rebounded by the Broncos on Thursday, the Bulls’ dominated the glass against the Cardinals, coming away with 50 rebounds while Ball State could only snatch 32. Buffalo’s offense carried momentum over from its 92-point performance against Western Michigan into Saturday, shooting 44.4 percent overall and 54.2 percent in the first half. The Bulls’ hot scoring slowed in the second half but the defense picked up. Continued on page 8
Courtesy of Corey Ohlenkamp Margeaux Gupilan dribbles between two Ball State defenders in route to 61-37 win.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH
uB Basketball double header Women’s Basketball vs. Central Michigan
@ 3pm
Alumni Arena Free for UB students
Pack Alumni Break the student attendanCe reCord!
Men’s Basketball vs. Western Michigan
@ 6pm
First 1000 fans receive a Free UB Basketball shirt