The Spectrum Volume 61 Issue 12

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Vol. 61 NO. 12

ubspectrum.com

Monday, September 26, 2011

Technology Takeover: Keeping Students Safe SARA DINATALE Staff Writer There was a time when ‘googling’ someone before a first date was unheard of, and a ‘tweet’ was something only birds could make. Now that same ubiquitous technology is being used to protect students. The UB Alert Emergency Information system has kept up with developments in technology and social media to keep students safe. In 2007, mass text messages and emails were added to the emergency communication program. In the years following, the system expanded to include a website and most recently Facebook and Twitter alerts.

What’s All The Hub Bub MATTHEW PARRINO Editor in Chief The first month of the semester has been one full of adjustments for students. Whether it be figuring out the new financial aid policies or deciding what classes to take in time to meet the new add/drop deadline, it’s certain that stress levels have been at an all-time high.

Bruce Jackson, English Professor at UB, has been waiting for his HUB homepage to load since the start of the semester. Meg Kinsley /// The Spectrum

idea who is behind this piece of villainy.”

Oracle designed the HUB and the university just foots the bill – which is in line with similar projects in terms of cost, according to Director of Media Relations John Della Contrada – as opposed to the previous system that UB maintained itself.

Enter the HUB and enter its $16 million price tag.

According to Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education A. Scott Weber, the old MyUB system was in place for about 18 years and required a great deal of yearly maintenance.

One of the most polarizing concepts currently in the UB community, the HUB – a PeopleSoft product as part of the company Oracle – has been at the forefront of debate circles since its introduction late in the Spring ’11 semester.

Della Contrada said in an email that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to come up with how much the old system cost UB each year. But he did say that the cost for staff alone would exceed the cost of the HUB project.

“I don’t know who the villains of this piece are,” said Bruce Jackson, a Distinguished Professor in English. “I don’t know at what level this thing was designed, made, or implemented…I have no

“The PeopleSoft product was chosen, not for cost but, because of its high degree of functionality,” Weber said. “A transition from [the old] systems to Oracle PeopleSoft [allowed] us to integrate

our many, often duplicative, systems, creating an effective infrastructure with the flexibility, efficiency and capacity that UB needs to realize our vision for the future.”

Many systems were considered according to Weber, but PeopleSoft was chosen because UB thought it best fit its needs. The university Executive Steering Committee accepted the recommendation to go with the HUB partly because the system has worked well for fellow SUNY schools, Albany and Stony Brook. After reaching out to both school’s media relations office, Albany refused “participation” in this article and Stony Brook has yet to get back to The Spectrum after an initial request for information on their experiences with Oracle. Another improvement that Weber highlighted is that the new HUB system offers students realtime information regarding financial actions, class scheduling, and registration. HUB is also

“People today want to receive information right away, and they want to share it with their friends,” said Joseph A. Brennan, associate vice president for University Communications. “We have started sending UB Alert messages via Twitter, knowing that this is one of the many new channels of communication that exist today.”

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Satish K. Tripathi was formally invested as UB’s 15th president Friday. In his inaugural address, he detailed the power of UB while emphasizing that the university’s promise lies in its ability to expand. “Truly, we have many reasons to be proud of our achievements and our contributions to the world around us,” he said. “And yet as good as we are, we must not rest. The people we serve – locally, across the nation and globally – need us to become even better. To see photos from the investiture, check out The

Continued on Page 2 Week That Was photo slideshow on ubspectrum.com.

Stepping Through College RACHEL KRAMER Staff Writer Boom, snap, clap, ba-boom, snap, clap, snap, boom, snap, clap, ba-boom, snap, shhhh.

to be, but as an overall competitor, I think we have come a long way.” Spectators have the opportunity to watch the team compete in annual competitions at Buffalo State

These sounds are only the foundations to a much more complex song played by the bodies of the UB Step Troupe.

A Whirl of Peace “Pinwheels for Peace” featured over 500 pinwheels and helped promote peace throughout the community. Joonbum Park /// The Spectrum

ERIN MAYNARD Staff Writer Last Wednesday afternoon, more than 500 pinwheels had been planted in front of the Student Union to help celebrate the International Day of Peace. Pinwheels for Peace has grown considerably since it was started by two art teachers in Florida in 2005; it has since become a United Nations (UN) initiative. Last year, approximately 3.5 million pinwheels were installed globally. Why pinwheels? The reasons are twofold. First, the pinwheel is a symbol of childhood, meant to remind participants of a time when life was simpler, more joyful and more peaceful. Second, the motion of the pinwheel lends itself to a play on words, according to Hadar Borden, administrative director of Undergraduate Academies. “The pinwheels represent a world of peace – a whirl of peace,” Borden said. The movement has seen continued growth at UB, as well. The inaugural event was held by

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Weather for the Week: Monday: Mostly Cloudy - H: 78, L: 63 Tuesday: Isolated T-storms - H: 70 L: 59 Wednesday: Showers - H: 67, L: 57

The team’s favorite theme from last year was zombies vs. students. Half of the team was dressed in full zombie attire while the other was dressed as regular students. They acted out a story of hungry zombies chasing after the students.

“I love the sound of it a lot and I love the sound of making beats [with my body],” said Justina Theus, a sophomore pre-pharmacy major. “I get all of my energy out from the week, it’s like I’m in a different world from everyday life.”

“[Before competitions] I’m really nervous,” Theus said. “Before I go on, anxiety is just all over my body. But once I get onstage and use that adrenaline, I feel like I can do anything.”

Stepping is both an expression of music and dance. The only melody that is played comes from the percussion made by the unified sound of the team.

Coming up with these captivating routines is not an easy thing to do. It is the job of the team coordinator, Lydia Witherspoon, a sophomore Spanish linguistics major, to choreograph the steps. She studies the rhythm of different songs and choreographs steps to match the beats. Witherspoon has been stepping since her freshman year in high school, but has been a dedicated fan of the UB Step Troupe since she was much younger. “I saw [the step team] at a UB basketball game when I was 12 and I remember everyone not really being receptive to them,” Witherspoon said. “I wanted to come and change it so people would like the step team and want to watch. I think as a club, we aren’t as strong of a presence as I would like us

Incorporating a theatrical trait makes the routines memorable for the members as well as the audience watching them perform. “Step and music are initially the same,” Chan said. “They have the same background to reverberate with everyone’s expectations, likes, dislikes, and everything about that person, just to make it so that they are sharing the feeling of the dancers.”

Since 1992, the club members have been using their bodies as instruments to produce beats and rhythms through the clapping, stomping and slapping of their hands and feet.

“When I step I feel very happy, free and joyous. Though step is a routine and its mechanical, you are still a part of something and you are still a part of a team,” said Jason Chan, a freshman aerospace engineering major. “It’s a rhythm that you have to follow…it’s just wonderful how your stepping with everyone else, like a chorus. You’re singing with everyone else to make this one unified sound that reaches every little note of the soul of the listener.”

theme every year and every competition. We do both theater and step in our shows to make them unique.”

UB Step Troupe team stomping its way to first place at the 2011 University of Rochester Step Competition. UBST '10 - '11 @ University of Rochester Unity Step Competition 2011 screenshot from YouTube

College, Daemen College and the University of Rochester. These competitions are a major aspect of what brings the step team together. “We are trying to do theatrical performances with full costume and makeup. That’s what makes us stand out,” Witherspoon said. “[Other teams] will all do themes but not all out like we do them. We all are really competitive and we usually win, which makes us want to push harder to keep winning.” The team has always participated in these competitions and performed well, but it wasn’t until the last couple of years that it began winning. “My favorite part of the shows and competitions is when we dress up and wear costumes,” said Nacolle Oneal, junior legal studies major. “It’s a different

In order to master these intricate routines, the team practices hard for at least two days a week, depending on the schedules of the members. However, the complexity of the moves shouldn’t discourage anybody, male or female, from trying out for the team. Most of the members started with little to no experience. “I’ve never done it, I’ve heard of it and seen it and it was very different but I wanted to try it. I was so nervous,” said Zulma Guzman, freshman pharmacy major who just made the team last week. “[The team members] were helpful and there were parts where I was lost. But they pulled me to the side and showed me, then I got it and was able to catch up.” This year, over 20 newcomers tried out for the team and anywhere from 25 to 40 members are expected to be on the team, according to Witherspoon. “I think that people are less likely to try out for the team because they think they can’t,” Witherspoon said. “I think once people do it they realize it’s not hard at all once you break it down.”

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I N S I D E Opinion * 3 Life & News * 4 Arts * 6 Classifieds / Daily Delights * 7 Sports * 8


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Monday, September 26, 2011

Continued From Page 1: What’s all the hub bub

Continued From Page 1: Technology Takeover Keeping Students Safe

available until 2 a.m. as opposed to the old system, which was only accessible until 11 p.m.

UB’s alert system is aimed to keep the university community informed and out of danger. The University Police Department, in compliance with the Clery Act, decide whether or not alerts need to be sent out. The Clery Act requires all colleges to disclose information about campus crimes.

But not everyone thinks that the old system was a significant problem. “It seems to me a technological solution to a problem that did not previously exist,” Jackson said. “It’s made some of my work far more difficult.” Lance Rintamaki, an assistant professor in communication, has struggled getting used to the new HUB system. He likes to print out a class list every semester with each student’s head shot to help with names, but says that isn’t possible anymore with HUB. “Whenever you do such a massive technological overhaul of a system that has been in place for some time, you’re bound to have a whole host of different problems as things get up and running; that’s certainly what we’ve experienced so far,” Rintamaki said. Joe Herman, a senior electrical engineering major, understands the direction UB is going in by implanting the HUB system. He admitted that it seems more organized but also thinks the user interface is horrible and that UB expecting 30,000 people to use a system so user unfriendly is terrible. “It's like the system was made by computer engineering grad students throwing together a project with total disregard to design or ease of use for anyone,” Herman said. “Or maybe they're one of those engineering professors who could tell you how a processor is made, but doesn't understand why YouTube still plays sound when he minimizes Firefox.” Some students – mainly first or second year students that really weren’t as familiar with the old system – like the new HUB system. “It's useful being able to access everything from a central source,” said Kate Mehallow, a freshman environmental engineering major. “I don't have anything to compare it to like the upperclassmen, but from a freshman perspective the HUB is a great way to keep track of everything at once.” The HUB was tested thoroughly and it took roughly three years to

implement completely, according to Weber. He said it will take a complete academic cycle before the HUB will be issue free. Weber also said that student focus groups were used to get feedback on the system, but some students felt there wasn’t enough apparently. “The administration should have gotten the students’ opinion before making these major overhauls,” said Paul Stephan, a sophomore urban and public policy major. “I’m sure that, if any student had had the chance to see the HUB before it came out, they would have suggested some serious improvements. The fact that the HUB is so dysfunctional is evidence enough that no students were given the opportunity to see it before it was rolled out.” Judy Lam, a first year pharmacy student, liked the idea of the HUB, but like Stephan, thought its implementation was “messy.” “The planning of change this large, a change that affects the entire UB population, should have been more thorough,” Lam said. “That way any problems could have been predicted and prevented, and all the delays and trouble this summer and fall wouldn't have happened. The old system was perfectly functional; we all could have used it for another year while HUB was perfected." After talking with dozens of students about the transition to HUB, the main issue they had with the change was the lack of communication during the process from UB. Admittedly by the administration, the communication between UB and its students is an area that needs improvement. “I’m not sure there is any one [communication] mechanism that’s perfect,” Weber said. “So we’re trying to reach out to student groups to see what’s the best way to communicate. I’m looking forward to meeting with student groups… We’re really committed to this.” Additional reporting by Rebecca Bratek and Steven Wrobel.

Email: news@ubspectrum.com

“If there is a crime and the suspect is still on campus, and there is still a continuing threat, that’s when we use the alert system,” said Gerald W. Schoenle Jr., chief of UPD. Text message and email alerts are reserved only for true emergencies and potential or immediate threats to the campus community. The only major alert students have received this school year involved a male on South Campus who escaped custody after being arrested for loitering, on Sept. 11. Schoenle said that this alert didn’t fall under what would be considered a “no-brainer mandatory alert.” Judgment has to be applied in every case to determine if an alert is the appropriate action. “[The South Campus assailant] was only wanted for trespassing but [UB Communications] felt he might cause alarm because he had a handcuff on,” Schoenle said. “They thought it would best to notify because there were police looking for him.” When UPD determines that a mandatory alert should be made, the Office of University Communications prepares and sends out the message, according to Brennan. The UB Police is very careful about how frequently it issues alerts. Minor smoke in a building, like what happened in Clemens Hall on Aug. 31, happens about 20 times a year, Schoenle said. It would be nonsensical to send out a text message and email alert to nearly 40,000 people for a situation that leaves no one in danger and is under control.

“If we sent out alerts for everything it would be like crying wolf,” Schoenle said. The alert system allows students to get informed in the quickest way possible, whether it is via text, email or tweet. In a culture where information is constantly craved, students like to be in-touch with keeping safe on campus. “Surveys of students show that they appreciate being informed about potential dangers and actions they can take to help keep themselves and other people safe,” Brennan said. Caitlin Coeler, a sophomore English major, believes the alert system benefits students. She thinks when students are informed they can help police as well as be more aware of their surroundings. Coeler, an admitted Twitter junkie, thinks the progression the UB alert system has made in social media is fitting. As a Resident Assistant, she is informed when incidents take place on campus. When the last alert was sent out, she received the information in a message to her cell phone before she heard her residents talking about the incident. “It’s instantaneous – if it was a serious emergency, it’s more productive to get it out [by text message] than by having people yelling or there being chaos,” Coeler said. Brennan believes technology plays a crucial role in emergency communications. Still, he doesn’t find it to be a “silver bullet that will always work to reach everybody.” He encourages students to be conscious of what is happening around them. To sign up to receive UB Alerts emails or text messages go to emergency.buffalo.edu. You can also follow the service on Twitter at @ub_alert.

Email: news@ubspectrum.com

Continued From Page 1: A Whirl of peace the Undergraduate Academies in 2009, and yielded about 25 students making pinwheels in a Richmond Quad locked lounge.

not a political statement. It doesn’t want peace to necessarily be associated with war, but rather emphasize the importance of peace and tolerance in everyday life.

“I remember sitting around, making pinwheels, eating pretzels and drinking Capri Sun,” said Meghann Nielsen, a junior psychology major. “Now, it’s a campus wide event.”

While Nielsen thinks some students may have participated just because it was an eye-catching project, she believes that others really responded to the message of the day.

This year, several of the pinwheels featured the “NOH8” logo, a reference to the recent death of Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old Williamsville North student who committed suicide after being bullied for his sexual orientation. Local students have appropriated the “NOH8” symbol and have written it on their hands as a message that bullying is not okay.

“Sure, some people just do it because it’s cool; others though really get the awesome message of hope,” Nielson said.

Originally the “NOH8” logo was designed as a protest to California’s Proposition 8, which banned the marriage of same-sex couples. “To have this event follow what happened recently in the community is a good way to connect,” Nielsen said. “Let’s make this event more than just the academies, more than just UB. Let’s make it about our community where we live.” The UN makes it clear on its website that the pinwheels are

One such student was Robert Angus, a freshman biomedical sciences major, who not only made his pinwheel, but also volunteered to man one of the craft tables for an hour. “At first I didn’t know what it was about,” Angus said. “But then I found out from another student and decided to get involved.”

Email: news@ubspectrum.com


Opinion ubspectrum.com

Monday, September 26, 2011

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF Matthew Parrino SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR James Twigg EDITORIAL EDITOR James Bowe

HUB Wars: Attack of the HUB UB’s new HUB system costly and lame

It’s been pretty well established that most of us are not fans of the HUB. Let’s get a few things straight first, though.

NEWS EDITORS Madeleine Burns, senior Rebecca Bratek Steven Wrobel ARTS EDITORS Jameson Butler, senior Vanessa Frith Nicolas Pino Edward Benoit, asst.

UB’s former system was older than yo’ momma jokes, and was in serious need of a replacement. The whole thing was just stitched together and barely worked, like a network Frankenstein, and was costing the university some serious cash every year just to keep it running.

LIFE EDITORS Akari Iburi, senior Veronica Ritter Hannah Barnes Keren Baruch, asst.

So, the university decided to start working on a new system. Rather than make something from scratch, they decided to buy software from another company. What they bought is PeopleSoft, owned by Oracle.

SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Mansfield, senior Brian Josephs Scott Resnick, asst. Andreius Coleman, asst.

The bill totaled $16 million, and it’s taken three years to implement.

PHOTO EDITORS Meg Kinsley, senior Troi Williams Nyeri Moulterie Alexa Strudler Satsuki Aoi COPY EDITOR Edward Benoit CARTOONIST Patrick Boyle WEB EDITOR Matthew Parrino

PROFESSIONAL STAFF OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helene Polley

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

But again, the UB administration dropped the ball on communicating massive changes to the student body. Sure, we knew something was coming, but nobody knew anything about what we were getting. It’s a fortuneteller predicting that “something bad” will happen in the future. Thanks for letting us know HUB is coming, but what the hell is it?

Most stunning of all, is the fact that this is not even a new system. The current version of this system, PeopleSoft 9.0, is five years old and the most recent update, PeopleSoft 9.1, is two years old. With this much time out in the wild and running, it’s baffling that Oracle hasn’t fixed some of the most basic functions that people expect for a browser.

It’s starting to feel more and more like the leaders of this university are willing to make things worse for us so that they can enjoy minor benefits. It seems like they know that we won’t be here for very long, and that the freshmen will just be used to it and not care. In a couple years, nobody will even remember the HUB being implemented.

Here’s the kicker: UB can’t really do much about it. The university could possibly relay the information to Oracle and make sure the company knows how purely awful the

Remember this, freshmen. When they do the same to you, you’ll be the ones who need to remember how the school continually treats its students as an afterthought.

Flirting with Disaster

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Aline Kobayashi

September 26, 2011 VOLUME 61 NUMBER 12 CIRCULATION: 7,000

Even after UB bought the bad system, there should have been some sort of testing period. Maybe if we had been given more time to become acclimated to the program, we could have learned the ins and outs of it, and managed to work around the bad design.

This gets to the core of what’s wrong with UB. This system may simplify things for the people at the top and make life a little easier for them, but it makes life that much more difficult for us. The first thought is not about the students – the people whose tuition pays for almost every aspect of this school – it’s for the bottom line of the people at the top, and to ease their lives.

CREATIVE DESIGNERS Nicole Manzo Aline Kobayashi

The Spectrum is provided free in part by the Undergraduate Mandatory Activity Fee.

system is, but the program is not UB’s to play with, it’s Oracle’s.

For such a huge amount of money, you would expect that the system would be perfect. As we have all learned, this is far from the case. Even some of the most basic browser functions don’t work with the new system. Pressing the back button seems to open a time warp that sends you to the beginning of time.

ADVERTISING MANAGER Andrew Angeles

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.

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FEMA at risk of losing funding

The Mayans may have guessed 2012 would be the year the world ends, but 2011 has been a year of massive natural destruction. We’ve had multiple tornado outbreaks, flooding along the Mississippi River, a hurricane hitting the upper east coast, an earthquake, and devastating blizzards. What’s scarier is that hurricane season isn’t even over. The bill from this destruction is at least $35 billion and climbing as more insurance claims come forward. The people affected have been through hell, but it looks like our government is intent on kicking them while they’re down. The egotistical titans in Washington are crossing swords again and in a totally not shocking at all development, a government shutdown looms. Is there a glitch in the Matrix? It seems like we’ve seen this before. Congress is in another battle royale over funding, and this time the helpless group they’re targeting now is FEMA. House Republicans are demanding that every dollar of spending be offset by cuts somewhere else.

The $1 trillion spending bill is mostly uncontested. The Senate approved around $6.9 billion in FEMA funding and the House approved roughly $3.7 billion. We’re talking less than a percent of the total spending bill. No big issues, no great amount to be saved, nothing. Yet here we are, standing at an impasse again hoping that the crybabies who hold power over our nation will get their act together. This whole problem stems from Republican political terrorism. They’re taking the most vulnerable, the most needy people in their darkest hour and holding them hostage. Either the Democrats will give them the cuts they want or they’ll pull the trigger and watch the world burn. To the Republican Party, this is how to activate change. They raised no issue about funding FEMA until it came down to the wire, and then they demanded the funding to be paid for. If they had a serious problem with the money being spent before, they should have made an issue about it before.

one-term president at any cost. This latest stunt to flaunt their fiscal muscles demonstrates just how far they are willing to go. They’re actually making a conscious decision to stop helping people whose houses have washed away by a river, or ripped apart by an EF5 multi-vortex tornado. What we’re seeing is the fundamental rift between Republican ideals and Democratic ideals. The Tea Party element has pushed the conversation so far to the right, that they are considering disaster relief frivolous. We’ve heard loud and clear how the Tea Party thinks. They’ve booed an active service member because of his sexuality, cheered the idea of execution, and applauded the death of uninsured people. If Obama doesn’t get his act together, then that is the ideology we can expect in the White House after 2012. Political gun toting has become so commonplace that we now expect it. We’re sure it came as no surprise to anyone, and that is a sad commentary on the state of our government.

The Republicans have made their goals crystal clear: make Obama a

email any submissions to info@ubspectrum.com

LETTER to THE EDITOR An open letter to Spectrum readers: Recently, there have been several articles published in The Spectrum about sex and relationships. If you have read these articles, and have, like me, felt a crushing sense of disappointment in your fellow student, don’t be alarmed: this only indicates you are still sane. Sex is something that should be written about, not placed in a box and hidden away – on this, me and The Spectrum writers are in agreement. But a column that could be such an excellent resource for students, or at least an entertaining piece of philosophy, has instead turned into a three ring circus where bad advice is center stage. I am amazed that UB Health and Wellness is ignoring these articles – I’d like to think that they’re just unaware. In any case, I want to offer a few words of advice of my own. First, it does not matter how you have sex. It doesn’t matter how often, it doesn’t matter who with. It doesn’t matter where or when, or what position. The only thing that matters when it comes

to sex is how you feel – sex should be a positive experience. If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, something needs to change. There are plenty of resources at UB to help talk you through it, to help you figure out what’s wrong and what your next move should be. But sex should always be positive. Keep that in mind, sometimes things get complicated. Second, you don’t need to feel pressured to have sex – and I can’t emphasize this point enough, because it goes both ways. If you want to have sex with 20 people, or if you don’t want to have sex at all, both are the “correct” way to have sex. If you have multiple partners, it doesn’t make you immoral. If you have one or no partners, it doesn’t make you a nerd. Be confident in whatever sexual decision you make. Sex does not define you. Basically, sex is about you, first and foremost. You need to feel comfortable, you need to feel safe. You

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need to have self-respect and you need to be ready. Do what feels right for you, and don’t let advice (including mine!) guide you if it doesn’t agree with your gut. If what you’re doing feels right, it probably is. Obviously, this isn’t a thorough letter. There is a lot that can addressed that I am purposely ignoring for the sake of brevity. I want to get my point across loud and clear To the sluts and the prudes, the whores and the nerds: trust yourself, and you’ll be fine. Cya!

-Melanie Donofrio, a junior English major

Haters Gonna Hate, Rankers Gonna Rank REBECCA BRATEK News Editor

Growing up in Buffalo, I’m used to the negativity and apathy that comes with living in this area. You know the deal: the city is in economic despair, our sports teams are forever coming up too short, and we’re a snow-filled tundra for nine months out of the year. It’s hard to not fall into this mindset and start believing these supposed myths to be true. To compensate for our shortcomings, most proud Buffalonians, including myself, sing praises any time we receive a new prestigious ranking or shout-out. Earlier this month, Newsweek ranked Buffalo as ninth in a list of its “can-do” cities. For a city that is also ranked as No. 8 in Forbe’s top 20 most miserable cities, many Buffalonians are quick to put the former rank first in their minds. But, what makes Buffalo so terrible, yet the best place to live at the same time? What makes this place a frozen tundra in a economic downward spiral, but still one of the best places to settle down and find a job? Newsweek ranked cities in four different categories: sustainability, livability, transportation and infrastructure, and business development. Out of 200 major cities ranked, Buffalo was able to make the cut with a final score of 60.43, beating out cities like Boston, Mass., Philadelphia, Pa., and San Diego, Calif. This can be considered impressive, to say the least. Yet, we can’t forget that our eighth place in the list of most miserable cities kind of trumps that No. 9 spot. We’re described as “the snowbelt city that is still the second largest in New York State, but the population has fallen more than 50 percent in the past half-century as the industrial base has waned.” But, this is no skin off our back as long as we’re doing something right and we’re the first to defend ourselves when the negative comments start pouring in. I was just a baby during the Super Bowl glory years, but I still cringe at any mention of “wide-right.” No matter how many wins the Bills rack up, it’s hard to “billieve” that some day they’ll come out on top. I know that I speak for every Buffalonian when I say I can only take so many ups and downs. Take all the recent press and acknowledgement that UB has been gaining. With two monumental donations announced in one week and the inauguration of the university’s 15th president, it’s hard to ignore the optimistic vibes swelling across campus, and it’s easy to think UB really deserves that No. 54 spot on U.S. News and World Report’s list of public universities. But, the Bulls are 1-3 in the start of the season, students are still facing the backlash of financial aid and HUB changes, and parking continues to be a complete nightmare. I’m not trying to be pessimistic or diminish any praise given, but is one week of accomplishments going to make the negatives go away? Can putting all our worth into one or two lists spewing praise make us forget how much it stings when someone makes a derogatory comment about our hometown? There’s so much more to this university and, more importantly, this city, than any single list can rank. Until we can view our praises and shortcomings with a grain of salt, we should actually try to live up or disprove these silly rankings.

Email: rebecca.bratek @ubspectrum.com


Life & News

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Science Not Appealing to Women Looking for Romance, Study Finds

Yalem Is Gone, But Her Story Lives On

ERN TECK CHUA Staff Reporter

KEREN BARUCH Asst. Life Editor On Sept. 29, 1990 a sophomore named Linda Yalem left her dorm at 12:15 p.m. for her daily run. At 9:30 p.m., when she had yet to return, her roommates grew worried and suspected something was wrong. The fears and suspicions were confirmed when Yalem’s body was discovered. She had been raped and murdered. Altemio C. Sanchez strangled Yalem with a rope, raped her and murdered her. He then left her lifeless body 100 feet away from the UB bike path. When police found a body with a Tshirt with the words ‘Run Like Hell’ on it, they knew they had found Yalem’s body. In a span of 25 years, Sanchez had raped 14 women and murdered three. In 2007, when DNA samples and other leads pointed to him, he was sentenced 75 years to life behind bars. UB hosted its 22nd Linda Yalem run on Sunday, Sept. 25 near Alumni Arena. Families, students, faculty, and organizations joined together to remember and promote awareness about Yalem’s tragic rape and murder. Runners from ages 13 to 89 had their sneakers ready and water bottles on hand to commemorate the life of Yalem. Even participants in wheelchairs, like Mary Lou Terreri from Massachusetts, completed the entire run. “Our numbers are a little down this year, actually, because I know there are a lot of other races [going on],” said Jay Friedman, the co-race director of the run for the past 12 years and associate vice president

Monday, September 26, 2011

for Alumni Relations. “But we’re really good with the marketing, the T-shirts are still selling, and we’re definitely still getting the message out.” Friedman stressed that the importance behind the annual run is to be sure that everyone is aware of what happened to Yalem and to be sure that it never happens again. With over 1,500 runners and 600 volunteers, it was evident that the message was received. The site of the run was filled with energy and the atmosphere was upbeat. Participants banded together to both run and support the cause. “It’s really important that people attend these events provided by the school. [Inter Greek Council] mandates 70 percent of all student organizations to attend these runs, and if they don’t meet this criteria they’re fined $50,” said Jacquie Kreckel, a sophomore biology major and IGC representative for the on-campus sorority Alpha Phi. “That’s how you realize, ‘wow this is really important and people need to become aware.’” Not only did students run in the race, but each volunteer received a plastic bag and helped out the UB community by picking up the garbage that surrounded the area. Yalem was not fortunate enough to escape the cruelness of the Bike Path Rapist, but her story continues to raise awareness and encourage others to take precautions while jogging in public spaces.

Email: features@ubspectrum.com

The verdict is in, and the stereotype has been true all along; science and romance do not go hand in hand for women.

masculinity, while femininity is more commonly associated with the arts, according to Park.

Women who are striving to be romantically desirable show less interest in academic disciplines related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), according to a study conducted by Lora Park, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at UB.

Tom Beall-Schwab, a first year graduate student in education, believes that the situation might be skin deep and rooted in a society’s culture.

“Much of our behavior is goal-directed, even if at times we don’t think of it that way,” Park said. “Our attitudes and behavior can be influenced not only by our own personal goals and values, but also by environmental cues and the people we come into contact with.” Park’s study enlisted more than 350 participants in three separate experiments, detailing their attitudes toward STEM subjects after being exposed to a set of images and two different recorded conversations. A fourth experiment involves keeping a daily journal. The first experiment involves letting participants view neutral and romantic images, then giving them a set of questionnaires measuring their interest in STEM. In the second and third experiments, participants were asked to listen to two sets of recorded conversation. The first set contains a romantically conditioned conversation and an academically conditioned conversation. The second set includes a romantic conversation and a friendship conversation. The results of these experiments were consistent. Women showed significantly less interest towards STEM after being exposed to images and conversations related to romance, but men are unaffected. In the final experiment, women already in STEM majors were asked to record their daily activities in a journal. The data collected showed that on days where romantic events took place, less time was spent on STEM related activities. The same is true vice versa. This phenomenon demonstrates that a goal conflict exist in most girls.

“The general stereotype of nerdiness does not always hold true,” Beall-Schwab said. “But there is an ideal in my mind that prefers artistic women.” However, Beall-Schwab does concede that people are too unique and individualistic to think in these characteristics. “There is a girl who is an engineering major that I am attracted to, so it certainly isn’t the case that I can’t be attracted to [girls in STEM fields],” Beall-Schwab said. According to Yanhui Wang, a junior medicinal chemistry major, women who avoid STEM because of love might be missing the point. “Physical appearance plays a bigger part instead of one’s major,” Wang said. “Guys I think pay less attention to academic backgrounds anyway.” A strong and successful female role model in the public consciousness could be the perfect antidote, Park suggested. “We are currently conducting several studies to examine if women's performance, attitudes, and interest in math and science might shift if we have women look at counter stereotypic profiles of women doing well in math/science fields,” Park said. Nevertheless individuals differ, and that not everyone is affected equally by the same events or cues in their environment. An individual’s values and beliefs accounts for a lot in their own decision making process, according to Park.

Email: news@ubspectrum.com

“The idea for this line of research came from various observations I had while growing up,” Park said. “In middle school I noticed that girls who had previously been doing well in school became less and less interested in doing well academically and more interested in being popular with the boys.” Research has shown that people associate hard sciences with

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Arts

Page 6

Monday, September 26, 2011

ubspectrum.com

The Good, The Bad, And the Very, Very Ugly

Agents McCall, Guerra and Evans are determined to take down the Mendoza Cartel, that is if they don’t kill each other first.

Courtesy of ubisoft

GRADE: D-

NICOLAS PINO Arts Editor

Call of Juarez: The Cartel is like a really good drug. In the beginning it looks like a great group activity and you can easily ignore the side effects, but like any bad trip Cartel heads south quick. Before you know it, you’re lost, confused and can’t remember why you started in the first place. But this isn’t Call of Juarez’s first time on the street. No, The Cartel represents developer Techland’s third attempt to contribute a game to the densely-packed first-person shooter genre. This attempt being the least formidable contender of the bunch. The game lacks many fundamental gameplay mechanics that make its competitors so successful, and although it hit shelves only one week ago, The Cartel feels outright dated. From the lack of a true cover system to a completely illogical button layout, Juarez is likely barking up the wrong tree for most gamers. Firefights, the center point of the game, often feel like a clunky PS2 shooter more than they do frenetic tactical combat.

Even the artificial intelligence (A.I.) knows there’s a problem. When it isn’t berating the player for his or her lack of firearm skill, the NPCs have a polarized response of “Hey, leave some for us.” Besides being unable to correctly assess a player’s proficiency, the A.I. manages to misread the battlefield every chance it gets. 042348B_Layout 1 it9/20/11 PM Page 1 “This area’s clear!” shouts, 4:20 as a thug on a machine gun puts round after round into its chest. Moreover, the game only proceeds to worsen after the bullet storm. Cutscenes have a script that, taken out of context, seems both racist and idiotic. At times it feels like a child wrote the entire game, and Cartel’s often misMATE spelled subtitles onlyMEDIA furthers thatLLC theory.

10.6250are x 9.56 The game’s protagonists law enforcement agents of varying degrees, but at times they seem more like thugs than the actualbaf officers they’re meant to portray. Players are given a choice of three “incredibly unique” (Read: No play-style difference) characters. Ben McCall, the rough, gruff member of the LAPD, supposedly claims specialty

over revolvers and heavy machine guns, while Kim Evans represents the FBI and rocks the realm of the rifle. In game however, neither of these claims are supported.

A Brave Old World

The Shannons take on the past in search of a better future on Terra Nova.

Then there’s Eddie, a Drug Enforcement Administration officer who spends more time involved in the sale of drugs than he does trying to put a stop to them. He’s as crooked as this game’s half-baked plot. After the game’s explosive opening, the mission is clear: destroy the Cartel through clear, unbridled inter-gang warfare. This, however, will be a challenge as, like any good Tony Montana rip-off, the Cartel’s got its hands in a plethora of extremely illegal (and some quite laughable) activities. Players will traverse every imaginable terrain southof-the-border, from dense national forests to ragged Mexican ghost towns to the always-charming ghettos full of stereotyped angry inhabitants. Some of the most unforgettable set pieces are the many strip clubs that inhabit the world. Graphic? Yes. Unnecessary? Probably. But if Duke Nukem Forever can do it, Call of Juarez was not to be out-exposed. But beyond the game’s subpar graphics, terribly scripted dialogue, dysfunctional controls and atrocious A.I., the game just isn’t that much fun. Players who invest the eight hours of in-game time to beat the title feel worse than when they picked it up, and for that the game just can’t stand on its own two feet. Buggy characters both online and offline shatter any hope of redemption. While the game’s online mode is acceptable, a standard death-match just doesn’t cut it in 2011. While this experience is one best left unshared, players can’t even do so on the same screen; a total miss for gamers still lacking a not entirely ubiquitous online connection.

VANESSA FRITH Arts Editor The year 2149 is a world of grime-streaked metal, moonless nights, and far worse smog than any LA native has ever experienced. As overpopulation and environmental degradation collide, earth is quickly becoming uninhabitable, but there is one hope left for humanity. Unfortunately for the characters of Fox’s new series – Terra Nova – that hope lies through a rip in spacetime: a separate timeline of earth 85 million years in the past. For the Shannons, all that stands in their way is one maximum-security prison break out, one portal break in, and one smuggled child. No problem. However, while the other side holds clean air and a shot at a new beginning, it also contains friendly neighborhood carnivorous dinosaurs, a rival colony led by members of the Sixth Pilgrimage, and the secret of the true mission of Terra Nova. Two years after Jim Shannon (Jason O’Mara, Your Bad Self) is arrested and sentenced to six years in prison for having an illegal third child, his wife, Elisabeth (Shelley Conn, Marchlands), is recruited for the Tenth Pilgrimage to the colony of Terra Nova. The problem? Only 17-year-old Josh (Landon Liboiron, Degrassi: The Next Generation) and 15-year-old Maddy (Naomi Scott, Lemonade Mouth) are allowed to accompany her, leaving 5-year-old Zoe (Alana Mansour) and Jim behind to continue a bleak existence in the future.

Whether the game’s mistake was moving the series Such trivial matters are complexly resolved, and CH042348B 9/26/2011 from a western shooter to Modern Warfare 1 contender, or the Shannons go off to build a new life under the the serious lack of polish that makes the game feel halfdirection of Commander Nathaniel Taylor (SteALDI000016 SALVAREZ complete, the end result is more misery than anything phen Lang, Conan the Barbarian) while they fight else. And while the game has a lot of substance, none of nature and the rebel, Mira (Christine Adams, The it is truly worth playing. The Cartel is one title best left in Grocery Whole Truth), for survival. the discount box. The brainchild of multiple big-name executive produces – from Brannon Braga (24) to Justin Email: arts@ubspectrum.com

Courtesy of Fox

Falvey (Falling Skies) to Steven Spielberg (Falling Skies) – the two-hour premiere, “Genesis,” clearly shows what such a creative collaboration can form. The show also boasts a large creative team – a definite plus in a project of this scale and magnitude. While Spielberg and company do an excellent job creating the series’ setpieces – from a primitive dinosaur paradise to the sprawling Coruscant-esque metropolis of the title scene – the plot and flow of the premiere isn’t exactly seamless. As with most series premiers, the initial episode leaves you trying to fill in random gaps that writers either didn’t feel like elaborating on or are keeping intentionally unclear until a later date. Terra Nova’s producers seem to be especially stingy – a strategy intended to keep viewers both guessing and watching, a la Lost. The plot rushes along in the beginning – at times too fast to include helpful information – only to hit a wall as the episode rolls into hour two. The cast’s motivations and abilities are not nearly as fleshed out as one would hope, as characters undergo random leaps in knowledge and trust without ostensible provocation. However, the show’s main draw lies in neither the acting nor the visual effects, great as both may be. The plot, with its inevitable twists and complexities – which is comparable to the Spielberg’s summer project Falling Skies – is what will keep the ratings up. Add to this the show’s sprinkling of light humor and healthy dose of action sequences, and Fox has a solid Monday night competitor. Terra Nova premiers with a two-hour episode Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.

Email: arts@ubspectrum.com

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Monday, September 26, 2011

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Visit ubspectrum.com/games for our online game of the week Also see the crossword and Sudoku answers from last issue

MonDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Crossword of the Day

FROM UNIVERSAL UCLICK

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation that requires you to ask for help in a way that doesn’t come naturally to you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Your hard work may not be appreciated in the way you had hoped -- but someone is likely to come to your defense when the need arises.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You are nearing the end of a busy and difficult phase. Do you know what your next move will be?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You are likely to gravitate toward someone who shares your affinity for that which is not easily understood. You both love a SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Now mystery. is the time for you to put your money ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Don’t where your mouth is. Action will get distract yourself. You must stay on task things done. in order to come through for someone else on time and under budget. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You

may not know whom to ask for assistance, but you must reach out before the TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You’ll be thinking about money matters more opportunity to solicit help passes. than you have in the recent past -- but that’s because a solution is near at hand.

Edited by Timothy E. Parker September 26, 2011 LEGAL START By Kenneth Holt ACROSS 42 Gymnastics equipment 1 Boardwalk refreshments 47 Earhart, who flew solo across the Atlantic 5 Attack a la Norman Bates 48 Big name in building-block toys 9 “Don’t tread on me,” e.g. 49 One way to stand 14 ___ Blanc 52 Chess action 15 “Safe!” or “Out!” 54 Throw away (with “of”) 16 Atom with a negative charge 56 Airport-shuttle vehicle 17 It’s terrifying if it won’t open 59 “I’m ready for another customer” 19 ___ B. DeMille 61 Sainted Mother 20 Star of France 62 Napoleon, for a time 21 “Drat!” is a mild one 64 Leeches, e.g. 23 Adjective for a fox 66 “Nine o’clock and ____ well” 24 Three-dimensional man-made scene 67 The E in QED 26 Ship’s backbone 68 Kind of shaft 28 NYC time frame 69 Major industrial center near Manchester 29 Bring on the decorator 70 Kent’s girl Lois 31 Cheap cigar 71 Play parts 35 John Milton classic 37 Uses a straw 40 “I wouldn’t touch that with a ___-foot pole!” 41 Buddhist monk

DOWN 1 Obstruct 2 Raccoon relatives 3 Implant 4 Word with “case” or “step” 5 Conniving sort 6 T, in Greece 7 Range above tenor 8 Dreary 9 Bushwhacker’s tool 10 ___-two punch 11 Involuntary contractions 12 “Double, double ___ and trouble ...” 13 “If I ___ Had a Brain” 18 Barton or Bow 22 Thomas Hardy heroine 25 “... ___ which will live in infamy” (F.D.R.) 27 Loafs about 30 Digby of “The Life of Riley” 32 “Can you ___ little faster?” 33 Doctrine 34 Metal core? 35 Sacred song

36 Comfy place to have breakfast 37 Aromatherapy setting 38 “___ ... I Said” (Neil Diamond song) 39 Vent opening? 43 Part of the pride 44 Wash 45 Cause to be excited or roused 46 Popular Valentine’s Day gift 49 Type of justice 50 Give the OK 51 Needles 53 Kick out 55 ___ donna 56 Meat department purchase 57 Support shaft 58 White or Blue in Egypt 60 “American Pie” actress Reid 63 Part of a jack-in-the-box 65 Took off on foot

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Prospects are good, but you may not see the obstacle that is lying in your path. Heed warnings received by those who have been in your shoes. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You may be surprised at the response you get to the request for assistance you have only recently made. You can dig yourself out of this hole. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- An emotional situation is likely to be resolved as you come to a timely realization about yourself and the other people involved. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Protecting yourself and your family is your number one priority. You can achieve much through creative thought and action.

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Sports Page 8

Monday, September 26, 2011

ubspectrum.com

Falcons Stun Bulls on Late Goal

Is This Normal?

Nathaniel Smith Staff Writer

The defense of the women’s soccer team found its kryptonite last Friday.

SCOTT RESNICK Asst. Sports Editor

The Bulls (7-2, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) hosted Bowling Green (4-6, 1-0 MAC) to open up MAC competition. Buffalo held the Falcons scoreless in the first half, but Bowling Green forward Alyssa Zuccaro took command and scored two goals in the second half to put the Bulls away, 2-1.

I’ve been reliving the horrors of the Giants’ 2010 collapse against the Eagles all week long. It felt as if every time I turned on ESPN, there was footage of DeSean Jackson’s infamous punt return against the Giants last December.

Zuccaro, who earned a hat trick in last year’s 4-0 victory against the Bulls, scored her first goal of the game in the 64th minute. She settled the ball at the top of the penTrue Blue has increased fan support with the new True Blue Avenue. alty box and shot it over the head of sophomore goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon. It was Buffalo’s first allowed goal in four games. Head coach Michael Thomas still has a lot of faith in Wheldon.

Troi Williams /// The Spectrum

A Road Paved in Blue

But Justin Tuck suited up that day. He was out on the field at MetLife Stadium playing his heart out for Big Blue.

BRYAN FEILER Staff Writer

Beer pong tables, KanJam and In“She would like to have that one crediBull pizza boxes litter Amherst back but she made a save in the first Manor Dr on Saturdays before home half that absolutely kept us in the football games. Then, though, the game, and goalkeepers just need to street is known as True Blue Avenue. have a short memory,” Thomas said. “She has been good for us all year and we expect her to come out [next And this is True Blue’s block. game] and be good for us.” True Blue continued to strengthen Zuccaro struck again with just over its role in the Buffalo athletics community when it unveiled True Blue a minute left in regulation. She Avenue this semester. True Blue took a pass from the midfield, then snaked through the Buffalo defense Avenue allows all fans of Buffalo’s to slip a goal past Wheldon for the football team, regardless of univereventual game-winner. sity affiliation, to come together and tailgate prior to home games. True The Bulls couldn’t get anything Blue has been the principle contribugoing after senior forward Aubrey tor to tailgating at Buffalo. Stahl scored her first goal of the season 45 seconds into the game. The organization was established in Bowling Green barely allowed any 2007 when two students were unhappasses past the midfield, and domipy with the poor support of Buffalo nated ball possession. athletic teams. Paul Hutchings and Jeseph Myers saw skimpy, isolated The Falcons outshot the Bulls by a tailgating at Buffalo’s football games staggering 23-6 margin. and realized that something had to change. Thomas was not willing to blame the rainy conditions for the team’s lack of offensive output. After establishing the Special Events lot as True Blue territory, there was “Both teams were playing in the an increase in support for the football conditions,” Thomas said, “We just team. The increased fan support didn’t get a 90 minute effort from arguably led to results on the field, them. We got up early and decided as the Bulls won the Mid-American to take a big second of the game off, Conference football championship and we were punished for it.” the following year. The Bulls still managed to maintain The next few years were filled with a one-goal advantage going into the half, partially due to Wheldon’s some trial and error. performance. She made 14 saves on True Blue established a point system the night. that would award prizes to members Two players went down with who attended more events. There injuries in the loss. Sophomore also was a fee to be a member. But midfielder/defender Courtney Gross True Blue officers felt that students and sophomore midfielder Lauren were being forced to go to games, Coviello both suffered lower leg inand it was not an effective way to juries during the game. Coviello was maximize the number of people that eventually wheeled off on a cart by attended events. the training staff, and the injuries’ severities were unknown. The officers got together and tried to figure out how to make their club Read Wednesday’s edition of The participation grow. They decided Spectrum for coverage of Sunday’s that tailgating was one aspect they game against Miami (Ohio). needed to improve. Their first thought was to move their location Email: sports@ubspectrum.com

closer to the stadium. After going through some options, they decided on the field adjacent to Bissell Hall. Kelsey Burglund, True Blue’s president, believes the new location allows more room and a more comfortable feel for fans. “It creates a better environment and it’s not just in a parking lot,” Burglund said. “It’s more of just a festival.” Burglund also described True Blue Avenue as “a big block party.” The large field, section of the road, and the grass-covered median now make up True Blue Avenue on game day. Performances by the UB Jam Club and the Royal Pitches serenade fans scattered about the Avenue. WRUB provides DJ entertainment between performances. Senior member Jeff Herendeen explained that, although the club has gained in numbers during his time at Buffalo, there is more camaraderie among members. “I think the whole club itself, as far as just the structure and membership, has grown,” Herendeen said. “People were a part of True Blue but there really wasn’t any unity and you just showed up to games.” The highlight of the tailgating is the players’ walk from the team buses through “Victory Lane,” and into the stadium about two and half hours prior to game time. Their first stop? True Blue Avenue. The band, cheerleaders, spirit squad and coaches lead the players through True Blue Avenue, and players and fans are rewarded with high fives and words of encouragement.

That return completed one of the most epic collapses in NFL history and subsequently ruined the Giants’ playoff hopes. As Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said, “That play will stay with me until I die.”

dinarily well. Players attend freshmen orientations over the summer and are active in True Blue presentations. The players and True Blue officials constantly meet to brainstorm ideas. “They support us and we support them, it’s a great interaction,” Herendeen said. The parents of players are also excited about True Blue Avenue. Bill Sales, the father of Buffalo football player Trevor Sales, does not miss a game despite living in Indiana. Sales is impressed with the strides that True Blue is making and he feels the team is getting a huge boost from the student support. For his dedication, Sales was given two of the 19 True Blue reserved parking spots for his truck and trailer, which are decorated with Buffalo football logos, and of course a No. 71 for his son. However, head coach Jeff Quinn is True Blue’s biggest fan. Quinn loves the effort of the fans and is consistently citing them as a major reason for the Bulls’ success on the field. Cody Breite, True Blue’s Vice President, has enjoyed Quinn’s reaction to True Blue’s upgrades. True Blue Avenue also creates a safe environment for people to tailgate, in part because it is located next to the university’s police station. True Blue allows drinking, but it does not sell or distribute alcohol to anyone. True Blue officials have talked to police and university officials, and have made sure that True Blue Avenue is not breaking any university policies.

Me? I was sitting in my apartment with a couple of cold ones, some Duff ’s wings, and my Giants jersey on. With that said, is it weird that I feel the same way as Tuck? Is it in the slightest bit odd that I also feel that play will haunt me for the rest of my life? Definitely not. I’m a diehard sports fan, and chances are that if you’re reading this column you are, too. We invest so much energy and faith in our teams that when they succeed we feel a sense of accomplishment ourselves. On the flip side, when our teams falter, we become depressed, moody, and even heartbroken. As a life long fan of the Giants, Mets, Knicks, and Islanders, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about soul-crushing moments. I was at Shea Stadium in 2006 for game seven of the NLCS. I watched in shock as Yadier Molina disposed of Aaron Heilman change-up into the visitor’s bullpen. And I observed in sheer agony as Carlos Beltran took a called third strike to end the game, the season, and all hopes of October glory for the Mets. I’m man enough to admit that I cried my eyes out in the car on the way home that night. But it was that fateful, rainy autumn night when I came to the realization that I am a diehard sports fan. That’s the sort of relationship diehard fans have with their teams. We give and give and give, and in return all we want is to be rewarded. I would do absolutely anything to see my teams succeed. I’m the guy that’s yelling at the television and punching innocent objects when things go badly. As diehard fans, we take the good with the bad, and the happy with the sad. Yeah, it’s devastating when our teams squander a big lead or just play poorly, but those trying times reaffirm our fanhood.

True Blue officers are also making sure that everyone is acting in a mature and responsible manner.

It might not be normal, but being a diehard fan is something to be proud of. So go hang posters, wear jerseys, yell at your television, and be completely irrational.

Burglund handed off the True Blue flag to one of the players – which was returned to her at game time – continuing another True Blue tradition.

However, True Blue is not done yet. It is still unsatisfied with the student attendance numbers and is already planning to expand.

Enjoy it while you can, because sooner or later, your spouse won’t let you get away with it the way your college buddies do.

The players have responded extraor-

Email: sports@ubspectrum.com

Email: scott.resnick@ubspectrum.com

MIA : Buffalo Bulls’ Offense

AARON MANSFIELD Senior Sports Editor

This one meant more. It was homecoming weekend and Buffalo desperately wanted to dispel the belief that Connecticut had its number. Unfortunately for the Bulls, not a single one of the 18,215 fans in attendance could locate the Buffalo offense. Two mammoth UConn passes on a worn-down Buffalo defense were the difference in the ballgame, as the Huskies pulled out a 17-3 victory on Saturday night. Buffalo (1-3, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) and UConn (2-2) took the field on a gorgeous, 70-degree homecoming evening. The Bulls played the Huskies tough through the first half, but Connecticut took over in the second half – bringing back sorrowful memories of Buffalo’s losses to UConn last year and in the 2009 International Bowl. The Buffalo offense has generally carried its squad this year while the defense has struggled, but a severe lack of offensive firepower led the Bulls to this disheartening loss – the second in a matter of two weeks. Senior quarterback Chazz Anderson struggled under center. He threw for 193 yards on 18-of-39 passing, tossing no touchdowns and one interception. That interception proved to be costly. In the third quarter, a dominant 11-play, 80-yard drive – which included a 45-yard pass to sophomore receiver Alex Neutz – appeared to have the Bulls headed for a 10-10 tie. But on the UConn 2-yard line, Anderson was intercepted by UConn linebacker Yawin Smallwood, who returned the pick for 28 yards.

“Quarterback play was not where we needed and there were a couple moments in this game where I feel like we had a shot,” said head coach Jeff Quinn, who added that the interception took the Bulls out of rhythm. Sophomore running back Branden Oliver, who has carried the Buffalo offense this year, struggled to get through a stout UConn defensive line as he rushed for 84 yards on 23 carries – an average of 3.7 yards per rush. Oliver was averaging 119 yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry coming into the contest. He was asked what the Huskies did to stop him that other teams haven’t been able to do this year. “They weren’t doing anything special,” Oliver said. “We just weren’t executing our plays.” A 64-yard pass from UConn quarterback Johnny McEntee to running back Nick Williams (UConn’s longest pass play this season) put the Huskies in position to score again late in the first half. McEntee completed a four-yard touchdown pass to UConn running back Mark Hinkley just two plays later to finish the drive and the opening half.

Chazz Anderson and the Buffalo offense struggled on Saturday.

pass from McEntee and ran past an evidently fatigued Buffalo defense for a 49-yard touchdown.

Troi Williams /// The Spectrum

his left hand.

“Those two [passes to Williams] were the difference in the game,” Quinn said.

The blocked kick was, interestingly enough, Buffalo’s first since the 2009 International Bowl game against UConn.

Sophomore defensive back Najja Williams appeared to have Williams wrapped up on the 49-yard pass, but the running back slipped out of his arms.

Buffalo’s receivers continued to be a bright spot for the team this year, as Neutz caught five passes for 83 yards and senior receiver Marcus Rivers hauled in nine passes for 94 yards. Standout sophomore forward Javon McCrea of the basketball team was crowned homecoming king during halftime.

The Buffalo defense continued to hold strong; the offense just couldn’t get anything started.

“We were in man coverage on that play, and that was my man and I missed the tackle,” Williams said. “We talked all week about making the play when your number is called and the opportunity is there, and I had a chance and I missed it. I let my teammates down, my coaches down, and myself down.”

UConn faced a crucial third-and-seven in the fourth quarter, and the Huskies went to Williams once again to seal the victory. He caught a short

UConn attempted a field goal, but senior defensive end Steven Means burst through the offensive line and elevated, blocking the kick with

The touchdown pass was the first of McEntee’s career, and it gave Connecticut momentum heading into halftime. The Bulls looked to show some resiliency, but Smallwood’s interception came on Buffalo’s best drive of the second half.

Buffalo will have its next shot at getting back in the win column on Saturday against prestigious Southeastern Conference power Tennessee (2-1, 0-1 SEC). The matchup is set to get underway at 12:30 p.m.

Email: sports@ubspectrum.com


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