The Spectrum Volume 60 Issue 46

The Independent Student Publication of the University at Buffalo MONDAY EDITION ❖ January 31, 2011 Vol. 60 No. 46 ❖ ubspectrum.com

Super Bull in Super Bowl MATTHEW PARRINOSenior Sports Editor It’s Super Bowl week. Everybody is stocking up on chips, dip, and pop here in Buffalo in preparation for the big game. Since the Bills are usually out of contention by October, most people usually just tune in for the commercials.

This year, however, people in Buffalo and at UB have another reason to watch the big game, because one

of the community’s own will don the green and yellow. Hopefully for Buffalo fans, former Bulls running back James Starks will help the Green Bay Packers knock off the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

take everything in and just focus on the games. Now I’m just focused on the Super Bowl.”

Former Bulls linebacker Justin Winters has kept in contact with his former teammate and also hopes to make an NFL team next season. He’s dreamt about playing in the NFL since he was a kid, and Starks has told him on several occasions that it’s possible. He told Winters that the guys playing on Sundays aren’t super-human, that they wear pads just like everyone else.

The week leading up to the game is crazy for players, with all of the media responsibilities that come with playing on Super Sunday, but Starks made time to check in with The Spectrum. “[The entire experience] has been so exciting, I’ve been just living it day-by-day,” Starks said. “I get the jitters just thinking about the game already…I have just been trying to

UB and Town of Clarence Partner To Create Initiatives For Students

Starks’ connection to Buffalo and his former teammates is what

The students have “fresher eyes” that are able to see the direct line between new thoughts and ideas to improve standards and practices already in place, according to Gardner. The town government identifies what is lacking, and students respond and meet its needs. The students, in turn, gain hands-on experience that teaches more than a classroom could.

REBECCA BRATEKStaff Writer In light of two initiatives created through the partnership of UB and the Town of Clarence, local students will be given the opportunity to learn about and contribute to local government.

Through this partnership, formed by the Office of Economic Engagement (OEE) and School of Management, students will have the opportunity to intern in a community that is close to school.

This partnership is the first step in what is hoped to be a long and beneficial relationship between the town and university. “[The] community looks for support from UB,” said Carrie Gardner, administrative director of credit-bearing internships and projects in the School of Management. “[There are] a lot of relationships. The [relationship with] the Town of Clarence is just one.”

Currently, the program consists of one internship. Janelle Camesano, a professional MBA student, is leading the student end of the partnership.

Camesano is serving as a bridge between the Town of Clarence and UB. She has the task of interviewing various department heads to find out what their needs are in terms of interns. In response, Camesano will write out job descriptions for these intern positions, which will create more opportunities for future students. Because of her work, the town will be better equipped to create a new set of connections to solicit its own interns.

Camesano, and students following in her footsteps, will be able to have the experience of running a “business” in the form of a town government.

“In the short time I’ve been involved, I have learned a lot about how the governance of a town is similar to that of a business,” Camesano said. “You worry about your costs, and of course your customers, which in this case are the townspeople.”

“Students [get] involved in the local area.

[In turn], a local town is more involved in the university,” said Scott Bylewski, supervisor of the Town of Clarence. “Students gain more experience [and] more students [get] involved in the town. It’s a win-win situation.”

Bylewski got involved with UB after adopting Lean Six Sigma practices in 2009, which are a set of practices that aim to raise performance by increasing efficiency, decreasing costs, and improving customer service.

The town trained employees through The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) and joined forces with Al Hammonds, assistant director for TCIE and the Office of Economic Engagement.

Bylewski and Hammonds discussed the opportunities available through partnerships between UB and local communities.

The Town of Clarence is now working with OEE, UB Career Services, School of Management, and other units within the university.

While Camesano’s work will mainly create opportunities for students in the School of Management and Law School, Bylewski also hopes to see internship opportunities form across the board of academic concentrations. Bylewski hopes to see engineering, architecture, and urban planning students get involved in the community, as well.

Both UB and the Town of Clarence hope for this partnership to last far into the future, creating as many opportunities as possible and getting more students involved in the local community.

For more information on student internship positions, visit Career Services, located at 259 Capen Hall, or the Credit-Bearing Internship Program, located in the School of Management at 308 Alfiero Center. g

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

Both the Town of Clarence and UB are benefitting from this partnership.

makes people hold him in such high regard. Winters explained that he and his teammates never expected anything less than the success that Starks is now finding at the next level.

Every time he touches the ball, phones start ringing, teammates and people from home call me asking, That’s your man? I say, Hell yeah, that’s my man.

“We knew he was going to shine,” Winters said. “Every time he touches the ball, phones start ringing, teammates and people from home call me asking, ‘That’s your man?’ I

Personal Brand Week Offers Students Career Opportunities PricewaterhouseCoopers hosts second annual online event DAVID WEIDENBORNERNews Editor Starting on Feb. 7, students will learn what it takes to stand out in the intensely competitive job market after graduation. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will begin its second annual Personal Brand Week that offers students opportunities to differentiate themselves from the competition and start successful careers.

The virtual event, “Personal Brand Week 2.0,” provides students with the opportunity to establish their own personal ‘brand’ to stand out in the job market. The inaugural “Personal Brand Week” has proven to be very effective with students.

“Students gravitated toward the content and offered their own input,” said Paula Loop, U.S. and Global Talent Leader for PwC. “There was sustained interest from career services offices at colleges and universities throughout the country.”

This year’s event runs from Feb. 7 through Feb. 11, with each day focusing on a key theme.

The first day of the event offers a “Building Your Network” lecture, which gives participants instructions for how to build and maintain a strong personal network using three simple steps.

On the second day, the “You are What you Write” theme stresses the importance of writing and effectively communicating with employers. Developing these talents can really set job candidates apart when competing for a position.

“Personal branding is not just about communication but also about developing the right skills that differentiate job candidates,” said Holly Paul, National Recruiting Leader for PwC. The third day incorporates an “Online Image Makeover” opportunity that focuses on the emerging importance of creating a personal online brand that is appealing to employers.

Tips from PwC’s inaugural “Personal Brand

say, ‘Hell yeah, that’s my man.’ We send him texts, and he calls right away because he’s a humble dude.

He never changed, that’s why I love him.”

Love is the perfect word to describe the feelings that the UB community – and even more so, the city of Niagara Falls – has for Starks. A very devout family man, Starks attributes much of his success to his immediate and community family in Niagara Falls. Seeing everyone back home so happy makes his success all the more rewarding for him.

Continued on Page 7

Week” advises students to Google themselves, keep track of their activity on social media sites, and maintain professionalism in their e-mails.

“View from the Other Side: Getting the Job” is the principle of the event’s fourth day. This is a new addition to the event and will include lessons on what employers specifically look for in job candidates and what employers like to hear from candidates at interviews.

“Students need an ‘X’ factor that makes them unique and sets them apart from the competition,” Loop said. “Utilizing a personal brand to craft a resume and present one’s self can make a huge difference to a potential employer.”

The final day reflects on all of the previous lessons and the personal brand that participants have now created. Titled “Pulling it All Together - Elevator Pitch and Body Language,” this concluding lesson shows how to successfully express and articulate your personal brand.

“In a world where employers are looking for differentiated value, personal branding is a strategic tool to stand out,” Paul said.

The last day marks the beginning of the Best Elevator Pitch Contest. Once participants have an established personal brand, they may showcase it in a short video contest. The contest is open to all college graduates enrolled in four-year institutions.

“The elevator pitch contest connects college students in a creative, engaging way that not only enables them to practice their own pitch but also see how others are presenting themselves,” Loop said. “The most efficient elevator pitches are concise.”

PwC also hosts online career chats and has recently launched its online career-mapping tool, “Career Explorer.” PwC has been ranked number one in Training magazine’s “Training Top 125” for three consecutive years. The company has also appeared in BusinessWeek’s “Best Internships” and “Best Places to Launch a Career” rankings.

Registration information for “Personal Brand Week 2.0” and the Best Elevator Pitch Contest can be found at www.pwc.com/us/ PersonalBrandWeek and www.pwc.tv. g

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

PHOTO CREDITS: STARKS GREENBAY – SOURCE: ONPOINTSPORTSBLOG.COM, STARKS BULLS – SPECTRUM FILE PHOTO, CROWD BACKGROUND – COURTESY OF FLICKR USER ANNABELLPREUSSLER

ARTS & LIFE :: 5 DAILY DELIGHTS :: 6 CLASSIFIEDS :: 6 SPORTS :: 8 – 7

MON

OPINION :: 3

TUES

NEWS :: 2

WEATHER

WED

INSIDE

B k k

80%

70%

H: 14 L: 9 H: 22 L: 14 H: 20 L: -1

8

ARTS CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION PAGE 5

ARTS NARNIA EXHIBIT PAGE 5

SPORTS BULLS BASKETBALL TEAMS IMPRESS ON SATURDAY PAGE 8

Today in UB History: Feb. 1, 1980

NEWS

Honors program planned for UB ‘Intellectually Elite’ ELENA CACAVASNews Editor An honors program designed for the “intellectually elite” is generally favored by UB administrators, but its direction and focus are questionable as a concrete proposal by two deans may give way to another plan not yet complete.

During the fall semester, Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) Dean John J. Peradotto and Dean of the Colleges Murray M. Schwartz formed an outline for an honors curriculum. Before it was made public, however, University President Robert L. Ketter also suggested a program be established to cater to the “intellectually elite.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. ARMY /// PFC TIMOTHY J. VILLAREAL

News Brief 1/31

U.S. To Start Gay Troop Training After Congress overturned the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that banned gays from the military, the Pentagon has announced its preparations for training gay troops. The program will begin in February and troops could begin serving openly by the summer.

The program will include training commanders to spot signs of unease among troops. After the training, President Obama still needs to certify that the policy change will not hinder military effectiveness.

Department of Defense officials have maintained that sexual orientation is a personal and private matter. In his State of the Union address, President Obama stated, “No American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love.”

Military benefits programs will not change under the new policy. Since U.S. federal law does not recognize samesex marriage, spouses of gay troops will not be eligible for benefits that include medical care, travel expenses and housing allowances.

The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was enacted by President Bill Clinton, and more than 13,000 service members have been dismissed since 1993. g

Peradotto said Wednesday that although his proposal had been submitted to Ketter for review after the president’s announcement, “It is unlikely, I should think, that it will go through.” Ketter announced at the Jan. 16 Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting that a “small group” will be constituted to work out the details of his proposal, but was not available Wednesday for further comment.

Peradotto explained that his program will attract very high quality students to the university. The chief objective of the deans’ proposal would be to develop a “comprehensive view of the natural world, an understanding of the dynamics and vital traditions of western civilization, an appreciation of the uses and limits of reason, and a sound knowledge of either math or of one foreign language.

A private-school gem The idea for the program evolved through Peradotto’s work with Vico College and a “group of faculty working together from a wide variety of disciplines.” He said there was interest in founding some aspect common to all.

According to Peradotto, he and Schwartz planned on springing their proposal on the administration after it was completed. A name other than “honors program” constituted the last preliminary detail. However, prior to their announcement, Ketter made his.

The minutes of the Executive Committee meeting said that the President would proceed to assemble a small group to work out the details for a proposal to be implemented in the near future.

The Peradotto/Schwartz plan outlines a traditional curriculum along the lines of the general education program approved last semester by the Faculty Senate. It calls for an integrated program involving 20 courses, a maximum of 200 students and 20 faculty members.

Peradotto told The Spectrum that he thinks Ketter has in mind a program with more in-

2

NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 ❖ THE SPECTRUM

volvement of, and more gearing toward, the professional schools. “I have looked at many honor curriculums,” the dean said, “and most work with a fairly traditional liberal arts and science base.”

Most other similar programs are in private institutions. Peradotto said that SUNY once proposed a system-wide plan involving scholars at various SUNY branches and students rotating to each, but it reportedly lacked enthusiasm. “What we are talking about is a small group internal to UB,” he explained.

Fully-funded students The formulated honors program includes 50 students admitted per year. Courses will be limited to groups of 25. Students will be required to take either math or a language: Literature and the History of Ideas; The American Experience (Political Science); The Visual experience; a music history course; Science; Epistemology and Practical Philosophy; History and Philosophy of Science.

In any given semester, an honors student would take two honors courses, In addition, lower division students would be housed together on-campus. The chief extra-curricular activity would be semi-monthly informal gatherings of the “intellectuals” from the community and university faculty members to discuss research.

Faculty would be borrowed from departments, which would then be credited with the corresponding enrollments. In addition to regular teaching duties, faculty members would serve as academic advisors for 10 students to oversee “intellectual development and curriculum.”

Trouble with committees?

According to Peradotto, all students participating in the program will be fully-funded, “based on academic ability with no concern for financial need.”

Peradotto explains in his proposal that there could be no guarantee of a select group of highly gifted students without an improved recruitment program and substantial scholarship offerings. He proposes that the university offer to cover tuition, room, board and other supplies, and a monthly stipend for personal use.

Peradotto said that, according to his original proposal, the top students in SAT scoring would be recruited, starting in the range of 1300 to 1400 combined math and verbal. “But we would have to take some other things into account,” he said, citing for example, finalist on the National Merit Tests.

“I have sent letters to people from this group yearly, but have had nothing to offer them except a fine university,” he said. “Recruitment should be successful if we have a big money package plus a concrete program to set them apart from students who have to struggle in registration lines for example,” he continued. g

E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com

OPINION EDITORIAL BOARD

FREE WORK PAYS

EDITOR IN CHIEF

ANDREW WIKTOR Editor in Chief

Andrew Wiktor

MANAGING EDITORS

Luke Hammill, senior Amanda Woods

Internships are useful.

BOOM! (That was me blowing your mind.)

EDITORIAL EDITOR

Well, hopefully not, but I’m going to spend the next 2,000-something characters writing about how an internship I had can be used to generalize why working for free in a recovering economy isn’t as backward as it may sound.

John Hugar

NEWS EDITORS

Lauren Nostro, senior David Weidenborner Dannielle O’Toole, asst.

This past summer, I was a Consumer Frauds Representative at the Attorney General’s office in downtown Buffalo. There, I fielded complaints from Western New Yorkers who were wronged by businesses and sought some form of restitution.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Amanda Jonas ARTS EDITORS

James Twigg, senior Jameson Butler Vanessa Frith, asst.

LIFE EDITORS

‘Dr. Feelgood’ Part of Much Bigger Problem

Jennifer Harb, senior Mike Tyson, asst.

Prescription pills too easy to obtain

SPORTS EDITORS

Last week saw the arrest of Dr. Pravin V. Mehta, a Niagara Falls doctor nicknamed “Dr. Feel Good,” who was known to illegally prescribe substances.

Matt Parrino, senior Carey Beyer Brian Josephs, asst.

PHOTO EDITORS

Clinton Hodnett, senior Megan Kinsley Alex McCrossen Renne Fok, asst.

Sam Zakalik, asst.

WEB EDITOR

Adam Cole

PROFESSIONAL STAFF BUSINESS MANAGER

Debbie Smith

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Helene Polley

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Marissa Giarraputo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jeannette Wiley

ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Aline Kobayashi

The views expressed — both written and graphic — in the Feedback, Opinion, and Perspectives sections of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or spectrum-editorial@buffalo.edu.

The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style or length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it clearly as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number and e-mail address.

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

JANUARY 31 , 2011 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 46 CIRCULATION: 7,000

The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by both Alloy Media and Marketing, and MediaMate For information on advertising 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 2010 Buffalo, N.Y. The Spectrum is printed by The Buffalo News 1 News Plaza Buffalo, NY 14240

In a span of two-anda-half years, Mehta prescribed over three million doses of powerful painkillers such as hydrocodone, and oxycodone. The number of drugs he prescribed was more than every other doctor in Niagara Falls combined. His output was staggering, to say the least.

While we are certainly glad to see Mehta arrested, we believe his work is symptomatic of a larger problem. Quite simply, prescription drugs are too easy to obtain. If someone wishes to get a controlled substance that is not sold over the counter, it is

not difficult to find a doctor who is willing to prescribe it.

In many cases, if a patient has a friendly relationship with his doctor, it won’t take much for him to receive a prescription for a drug he wants, but does not need.

That was one of the biggest issues with the Mehta case. It wasn’t just that he was overprescribing; it was that he was giving these prescriptions to anyone who wanted them, regardless of whether the patient was even the slightest bit sick.

While Mehta may have been the most extreme example of this practice, it is reasonable to believe there are other doctors engaging in these practices.

Due to the high amount

of respect the public has for the medical profession, as well as the sympathy we have for those in physical pain, we tend to not be suspicious in situations like this.

We trust doctors to be ethical and prescribe only the necessary medications, and when people tell us they’re sick, we tend to believe them, and want to see them get the best treatment possible.

As a result, this industry becomes difficult to regulate. It’s not easy to know when a doctor is prescribing too much of something, or when a patient is lying about a sickness in order to receive painkillers for recreational use. The touchiness of the situation makes it difficult to make a determination in these matters.

With that said, we believe there should be more regulation of this industry. If a doctor is giving out a number of prescriptions that seems absurd, investigate him before he gives out three million illegal prescriptions.

There should be a greater attempt to resolve these situations before they get out of hand.

Most doctors are upstanding people, and the “Dr. Feel Goods” are certainly the exception to the rule. Still, the problem is prevalent enough that additional regulation is needed.

When people like Dr. Mehta are not able to hand out unnecessary prescriptions so easily, it will be great day for the medical profession. g

Data Mining Not a Major Issue Risk assumed upon joining networks In recent weeks, a lot of fuss has been made about data mining, in which popular websites like Facebook and Google sell off information about their users to corporations who are looking to gain information about potential consumers.

The general idea of data mining is simply to give corporations an idea of what people on Facebook and other social networking sites are interested in. Unfortunately, it often leads to users’ accounts being hacked.

Anyone who’s ever seen an ad for a seemingly random website appear as someone’s status is aware of how this happens.

Naturally, these frequent errors caused by data mining have caused many to wonder if the whole process can be viewed as a violation of users’ privacy. Is it fair for Facebook users to have corporations actively seeking out their information?

In the view of The Spectrum, it is.

Quite simply, when people create Facebook pages, and digitally sign the terms and conditions agreement, they are agreeing that anything they put on their page is the property of Facebook.

Knowing this, there’s no reason to get mad when the owners of Facebook decide to make money off that property. The risk is assumed the moment the page is created.

Still, it is understandable that users would like to do something to prevent their information from being hacked. It is worth noting that computers using wi-fi connections are more susceptible to being hacked than others.

That is why Google has created stronger security settings, including a second security wall, which makes it so users can’t sign into a Google account from a new computer without also signing in via their cell phones.

This setting could go a long way in preventing hacking, and, if

successful, it is likely that many other popular sites will adapt it.

The issue of data mining is all about attaining balance. It’s hard to sympathize with users who are angry with corporations receiving their information when they’re the ones who agreed to those terms when they joined Facebook.

At the same time, it’s easy to understand why someone whose profile is hacked outright could be upset.

In the end, we believe the responsibility lies primarily with the users. Think before joining a website that will declare anything any user posts as its own property.

If that isn’t strong enough of a deterrent, be sure to have the strictest security settings. While hacking can certainly be a major problem on sites like Facebook, it won’t do nearly as much damage if users simply take the necessary precautions. g

While serving those who: did not have their security deposits returned by their landlords; purchased appliances that were broken before taken out of the box; were harassed by debt collectors night and day for money that they didn’t owe; and so on, I ended up serving myself, too.

Although there was no financial incentive to dedicate 20 hours a week to help fellow New Yorkers, I was able to add a few lines to my resume. More than that, however, I learned a lot of valuable lessons that I can now apply to the real world.

Many of the problems I mediated could have been avoided had the consumers had the knowledge I possessed after becoming an intern. Unbeknownst to many, New York State offers free literature on tenant’s rights, debt collection, scams, identify theft, and more.

Well, kind of free, but nothing comes without a price. (The information is as “free” as roads, education, sanitation, police and whatever else our tax dollars pay for.)

Still, these consumers were at least savvy enough to call their regional Attorney General’s office to complain when they were wronged by a business, something most young adults our age wouldn’t think to do. Granted, we often dealt with people we dubbed “crazies” – those who wanted to file complaints against their dogs for eating a full bag of Iams’ pet food – but at least they had the right idea.

Well, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration (both the dog example and them having the right idea), but I think the point is clear.

I gained valuable information from my internship that I can now apply to different areas of my life, and I feel that’s what makes an internship useful. Maybe you’ll intern in a field that doesn’t interest you; maybe you’ll work for a jerk-of-a-boss and be forced to run mindless errands; or maybe you’ll quit after a week because what’s required of you is too demanding.

But, either way, putting yourself out there and gaining real-world experience can only benefit you in the future and help you prepare to be a better worker at a better job later in life.

If you’ve taken nothing else away from this column, remember this: Next time you’re having trouble with your landlord, are scammed by an international lottery, think someone has committed identity theft against you, or buy a defective product, call the Attorney General’s office and file a complaint.

They can help. g E-mail: andrew.wiktor@ubspectrum.com

CONTESTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

POETRY CONTEST: Submit your love-themed poem for our Valentine’s issue. contest ends 2/9

ILLUSTRATIONS! Love to draw? Calling for all doodlers and serious artists to enter their creations.

War on Drugs

Editor,

Most Americans agree: Our Federal Drug Prohibition, aka The War on Drugs, is an ongoing calamity, colossal failure, and a national disgrace.

Due to strongly entrenched vested interests and tightly organized criminal enterprises in all branches and levels of government, public debate and input on this subject has been systematically repressed, and shoved aside for more than 45 years.

I am a 1988 Graduate and wanted to take the time to remember Greg Jarvis on this 25th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. Mr Jarvis is a UB graduate and was chosen as one of two civilians for the ill fated 1986 Challenger Shuttle mission. As a UB student at that time a few classmates and I were disappointed UB did not move right away to name one of the Engineering buildings after him and we took matters into our own hands. We went to the local K-Mart, purchased some wood, stencils and paint and worked on an impromptu sign. We then drove over to the building and figured a way to get up to a higher level on the buidling and posted our memorial. The Buffalo News carried the story but it was never carried by any of the UB press. To this day we are still very proud students and glad our protest led to an official naming. Along with myself the three other students who led to the official naming are Keith Tannenbaum, Little Jeffrey Brenner and Space Mann (yes, really!). May Jarvis Hall live on.

Your artwork could make the front page! contest ends 1/31

Even such simple ideas as allowing individual states the option to try other approaches -- as they have the right to do with alcohol, tobacco, prostitution, gambling, and capitol punishment -- are never seriously discussed.

OSCAR PREDICTIONS Tweet your prediction for Best Picture and get printed!

Although tens of millions of us have been imprisoned, and uncounted tens of thousands killed, legislators and politicians at all levels are terrified to address the issue.

@UBSpectrum | contest ends 2/25

e-mail any submissions to info@ubspectrum.com

We are facing an ongoing, perpetual andeternal War on Drugs. We live in a condition of Federal lock-down on this issue. How do we end this God forsaken war?

Forrest Fyre

Joe Kuperberg (Class of 1988, Communications) Letters to the editor are not edited by The Spectrum.

OPINION MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 ❖ THE SPECTRUM

3

reserve your space for fall 2011

shuttle to campus

resortstyle amenities

716.689.5800 | 283 American Campus Dr

private bedrooms & bathrooms

716.691.9600 | 3751 Nickel Way at Chestnut Ridge Rd

apply online @ buffalostudenthousing.com

4

ADVERTISEMENT MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 â?– THE SPECTRUM

You May Just Get Lucky This Year JENNIFER HARBSenior Life Editor This Thursday marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, ushering all into the Year of the Rabbit.

Generally considered to be a sign of luck, the rabbit is the fourth of 12 featured in the Chinese Zodiac.

This year, the UB Confucius Institute teamed up with the Chinese Club of Western New York (CC-WNY) to present a Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Center for the Arts’ Mainstage Theatre. The performances are free and open to the public.

A dinner party at Imperial Buffet, 2122 George Urban Blvd., from 6:30 p.m. until midnight, follows the performance. This event requires a ticket, which are sold out.

Chinese New Year, which is also called the Spring Festival, is known as a time to reconcile with family members, forget grudges, and wish all peace and happiness. Money and gifts are frequently exchanged, and homes are cleaned in an effort to rid ill wishes.

The UB Confucius Institute involves the Asian studies program in the UB College of Arts and Sciences and the Capital Normal University in Beijing and Hanban, which is the executive body of the Chinese Language Council International and affiliated with China’s Ministry of Education. As one of a 300-institute network, this program seek to promote the study and teaching of Chinese language and culture.

ARTS & LIFE

The CC-WNY is a non-profit organization that has been “leading the local Chinese community in various cultural activities and events,” according to its website at cc-wny.org. The group seeks to cultivate friendships, offer encouragement and support, promote cultural exchange, and foster a stronger relationship with the surrounding community. It is the largest Chinese ethnic organization in Western New York.

“Everyone is welcome to enjoy the Chinese New Year celebration,” said Wenzhong (Eric) Yang, Ph.D., the executive director of the UB Confucius Institute. “Come enjoy the dances, the music, the performance.” g

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

COURTESY OF BUFFALORISING.COM

Chronicles of Narnia Exhibit Excites Fans in Buffalo AKARI IBURIStaff Writer Whether they’re loyal to the books, a fan of the flicks, or are just having a “Lazy Sunday,” Narnia lovers will be captivated by The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition at the Buffalo Museum of Science, a series of displays that will immerse them into a land they have all grown to know so well.

Since the exhibition’s debut in Buffalo last Monday, devoted fans of Narnia have found themselves on a pilgrimage to the Museum of Science to explore the world of their imaginations. The Chronicles of Narnia is a collection of seven explosively imaginary children’s novels written by C.S. Lewis in the 1950s that were introduced into the blockbuster movie scene in 2005 with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, shortly followed by Prince Caspian in 2008, and most recently, Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Though the exhibit’s focus is primarily on the first two films, those who attend this Narnia haven will not leave disappointed.

Displays provide attendees with visual access to fantastical costumes and props. Each object is accompanied by explanations, along with screens that provide a glimpse into some behind-the-scenes footage.

As guests enter the exhibition, they immediately find themselves within the working space of C.S. Lewis, the setting in which the genius of The Chronicles all began. This unique display briefly explains the history of the series’ publication and includes some of Lewis’ belongings such as his personal pipe, glass mug, and the chair and desk at which he would write.

Upon leaving the display, visitors are confronted with the magnificent doors of the wardrobe closet, the magical doors that open into the enchanting world of Narnia.

Attendees are able to waltz through the closet doors and into the rest of the exhibit, provoking a sensation of an actual transition of space and an entrance into a new world.

COURTESY THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

and educates guests on affairs such as engineering, archaeology, geography, and the environment.

“The purpose is to introduce the science behind the films and stories,” said Amy Biber, marketing manager of the Buffalo Museum of Science. “It is a fantasy world, but the exhibit compares the similarities between Narnia and our world.”

A creative replica of the White Witch’s throne allows visitors to sit on the chilled seat and experience the sensation of living in Narnia during 100 years of winter. An adjacent display explains our relationship to Earth’s climate and environment, educating visitors on how humans can impact the world.

Meanwhile, a display of the petrified bear from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is complimented with an array of actual petrified objects that you are able to touch.

An explanation of the process of petrifying adds an intriguing educating element.

Whether you’re young or old, there is no age limit to the enriching experience gained from attending this exhibit. From catapulting lifelike boulders to learning the physics of building an arch, there are many interactive and educational activities that are fascinating for all.

Meghan Farrell, a junior childhood inclusive education major at Fredonia, drove for over an hour after her classes last Friday just to see the exhibit with her friends.

“The exhibit brings to life a magical experience, making you feel as if you are part of the story,” Farrell said. “It also gave me a chance to relate the fictional ideas of the books to real-life experiences.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition will remain at the Buffalo Museum of Science until May 8 and costs $10 for students. g

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com

With a clever combination of content from the films and the teachings of science, the exhibit is not only fascinating for its display of actual props, but it is playfully educational as well. The exhibit raises awareness

Soma Sushi Inc. College ACB Leads to Cyber-bullying Tel: (716)712-7812 Fax: (716)565-3111 www.1somasushi.com email: info@1SomaSushi.com

Welcome Back!!

We hope your NEW Year is off to a great start!!

Longing for some great sushi?

Stop in at the Soma Sushi Bar in Putnam.

We’re open from 9:30am to7:00pm every week day.

Hope to see you soon.

From Chef Karen and the gang Healthy Foods → Made Fresh Daily

\KEREN BARUCHStaff Writer

Society and mass media seem to associate teenagers and drama more often than not; just think of movies like Mean Girls, books such as The Clique, or television shows like “Gossip Girl.”

Although each of these examples tells fictional stories, similar situations do exist. A website called College Anonymous Confession Board, also known as CollegeACB.com, could be considered the electronic version of the “Burn Book” featured in Mean Girls.

College ACB is the successor to JuicyCampus.com. JuicyCampus, founded on Aug. 1, 2007, allowed students to anonymously post on pages created for over 500 college campuses. The website perpetuated rumors, rants, and gossip and eventually became blocked on all campus computers.

In February of 2009, Matt Ivester, the founder and CEO of JuicyCampus, reported that the website would be shut down due to an “unsteady stream of revenue,” according to Ryan J. Reilly in his article, “JuicyCampus Comes to an End.” Just as students who were verbally attacked on JuicyCampus began to feel as if

they could escape the callous comments, College ACB snuck up on them.

When the founders of College ACB, Aaron Larner and Andrew Mann, handed over the website to Peter Frank, the use of the anonymous website began to soar. Contrary to the use of JuicyCampus, Frank believes that College ACB has a “higher level of discourse” and that his website contains “actual discussion.”

However, some recent posts for “SUNY Buffalo” include “sex- who always puts out?? girll? [sic]” and numerous female names followed by “what do you think of her??”

Such discourse does not stop the half-a-million website views per day.

“At first I didn’t think someone was trying to harm or hurt me, because originally just my name was written down, but several posts later I began to think someone intentionally attempted to harm my reputation and I couldn’t understand why,” said an anonymous student in response to a post about him or her. “It bothers me most when people I don’t even know confront my friends about the validity of the posts. It just hurts that people would post such fake information about me, but it is what it is I guess.”

Last Monday, Frank issued a statement on CollegeACB.blogspot.com saying that he is “selling his stake in College ACB” and that the website will be under new management within a few days. He believes the website has “helped people share feelings and discuss sensitive topics in a sincere fashion that might not otherwise have been possible.”

Frank acknowledges that the site has endured controversy, but that it has deleted over 30,000 inappropriate posts while “preserving the site’s essential identity as an open anonymous forum.” He is excited to see the direction the website takes under new management, who will likely decide the fate of the “largest anonymous college board in the world.” g

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com

Classes start today! kaptest.com GMAT GRE LSAT MCAT DAT OAT PCAT

Get a jump start on your studies by locking in your prep now with this HUGE sale. Classes for the Spring MCAT, June LSAT and GRE, GMAT, DAT, OAT and PCAT spring test dates are starting NOW.

HIGHER SCORE GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK ARTS & LIFE MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 ❖ THE SPECTRUM

5

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED DELIVERY PERSON, $12-15 per hour. Flexible hours. Must know the Buffalo area near Campus. Students/ teacher’s welcome.

585-721-7530. Available immediately!

RETAIL SALES position. $10-14 hour. Flexible hours. Near campus. Student/ teacher’s welcome. Available immediately! 585-721-7530.

LASERTRON INTERACTIVE Entertainment Center has immediate part-time openings. Candidates should be able to work at a fast; detail oriented pace and have excellent customer service skills. Starting at approximately $10.25/ hr., must be available weekends. Stop in and complete at application at LASERTRON, 5101 North Bailey Avenue, Amherst, NY. PART-TIME BABYSITTER needed! Needed Wed, Thurs and Fri from 2pm-6pm for 3 girls ages 11,10 & 5. Reliable car required. Location is Williamsville. Pay is $12/ hr. Contact Miranda at mirandag@mueller-inc.com or 691-4344 x228.

FLOWER SHOP HELPER part-time, fun job, Amherst, 8hrs – 12hrs, 400-4891.

APARTMENT FOR RENT 2 TO 8 BEDROOM APARTMENTS and houses now showing for next academic year. Northrup, Winspear, Merrimac, Englewood, Tyler, Highgate and more! Hardwood floors, laundry, off-street parking, so much more! Call, Text, or email Jeremy Dunn to take a tour.

(585) 261-6609, jgdunn2@msn.com.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED for the 2011 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.

IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY 3 & 4 bedroom semi-furnished apts. at reduced rentals. June 1st rentals available, 691-5710.

GET COZY IN your new home! www.luxuryaptswny.com/UB. 3-BDRM MAIN ST. South Campus. Appliances, carpet $575 month + utilities & security deposit. Call 884-7900.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS. 3-4 bedroom apartments available. $645 - $800 a month. Call 716-884-8213 Today!

4,5,6 & 8 BEDROOM REMODELED apartments to choose from. Located at University at Buffalo Main Street Campus off Englewood.

Beginning June 2011. 32 apts. to choose from

CLASSIFIED ads may be placed at The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union, Amherst Campus. Office hours are from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Deadlines are Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 12:00 for display and 2:00 p.m. for classifieds for the next edition.

Weekly rates are $10.00 for the first ten words and 75¢ for each additional word. All ads must be paid in advance. The ad must be placed in person or send a legible copy of the ad with a check or money order for full payment. No ads will be taken over the phone. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit any copy. No refunds will be given on classified ads. Please make sure copy is legible. The Spectrum does not assume responsibility for any errors except to reproduce any ad (or equivalent), free of charge, that is rendered valueless due to typographical errors. Please call 645-2152 for any additional information.

$275/ bed plus utilities. Washers & dryers included. Contact Bradengel37@gmail.com 301-785-3773, or Shawn 716-984-7813.

Check out our web-site: www.bufapt.com.

UB south at Main & NF Blvd. Rent for completely furnished room starts at $325.00/ mo including all utilities and Internet.

630-300-4228. Immediate occupancy.

sultation – instructorks@yahoo.com.

2-BDRM NEWLY remodeled minutes from UB/ North. Includes: Heat, water, appliances, balcony, new carpet, off-street parking, dumpster pick-up. Laundry in basement, $795, 716-691-7600.

ROOMMATE WANTED

MALE EXOTIC DANCER available for ladies.

Low rates. Call Mr. Brodie @ 716-445-6852.

MERRIMAC 3 & 4 BEDROOM updated kitchen, bath, dishwasher, laundry & off-street parking, $275 per person. Available June 1st, 716-308-5215.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY, magnificent 2+ bedroom upper on Main Street near south campus, $950.00 including all utilities for 2 people $1,100.00 for 3 people, lease through June 1, 2011 or June 1, 2012. This apartment has it all; large rooms, 2 modern bathrooms, modern kitchen with dishwasher, large porch, garage parking at additional cost.

Call Al 716-861-8102.

HOUSE FOR RENT 2 TO 8 BEDROOM APARTMENTS and houses now showing for next academic year. Northrup, Winspear, Merrimac, Englewood, Tyler, Highgate and more! Hardwood floors, laundry, off-street parking, so much more! Call, Text, or email Jeremy Dunn to take a tour.

(585) 261-6609, jgdunn2@msn.com.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED for the 2011 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.

SOUTH CAMPUS housing 14 properties to choose from. 1,3,4,5,6,7 & 8 bedroom homes.

Available June 1st 2011. Call Dave 716-445-2514 or go to daveburnette.net to view all properties.

ENGLEWOOD, MERRIMAC, Heath, Winspear 5,6,7 & 8 bedrooms, $325.00/ per person, utilities included, 870-8100.

“OUR NICEST HOMES rent now! Newly remodeled 3-8 person homes on W. Winspear, Englewood, Tyler, Heath & Merrimac. Amenities include O/S parking, whirlpool Jacuzzi bathtubs. W/W carpeting, new SS appliances, free laundry. Live the Sweethome life on south!

Visit www.ubrents.com or call 716-208-4308.”

ROOM FOR RENT FANTASTIC LOCATION across the street from

DAILY

DELIGHTS

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

Sudoku – Difficulty 2/5

Crossword

6

24 Hairpin curve 25 Cuba, to Castro 26 Wrong moves 30 Kauai dances 35 Alley from Moo 36 Pro — (for now) 37 Susan Lucci vamp 38 Unity 41 Harass 43 Like a tablet 44 CD- — 45 Med. specialty 46 Did something 47 Mining refuse 50 Loafing

CLASSIFIEDS MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 ❖ THE SPECTRUM

53 Hitchcock’s title 54 Knives 58 Uttered 62 Resound 63 Kitchen enticer 66 Mad emperor 67 Diet spread 68 Philanthropist 69 Amtrak driver 70 Went down 71 Fishlike 72 Ensure failure

3 Late-night Jay 4 Held up 5 Attitudes 6 The Plastic — Band 7 Utmost degree 8 Stumbles 9 Bellhop’s milieu 10 Painter Chagall 11 Hodgepodge 12 Pear variety 13 Be “it” 21 Language suffix DOWN 23 Oohed and — 1 Bona — (genuine) 25 Tenet 2 Party cheese 26 Money, in slang

AMHERST – SOUTH CAMPUS/ safe side of Main. Quiet Junior Architect students looking for serious male roommate. Excellent condition, private bedrooms, big closets, laundry, parking & dishwasher. Available now & May. 5 minute walk to Crosby Hall. $295.00+ share of utilities. 716-400-9663.

ADVERTISE IN THE SPECTRUM

SERVICES CITY A1 drivingschool.com. Beginners & brush-up driving lessons. 5 hr. class $30.00, 716-875-4662.

UB WRITING INSTRUCTOR, editor & tutor: Dissertations, research, theses, esl – free con-

DO YOU HAVE FACE PAIN?

call 716.645.2152

movie nights

UB School of Dental Medicine is seeking adults ages 18-44 who have facial pain to participate in a research study.

Participants who qualify will be compensated for their time and travel.

Do You Qualify?

Contact 716-829-2984

To see what events are happening at CV, visit

www.CVwny.com 716-833-3700

student apartments

SPONSORED BY The Undergraduate Student Association

Crossword

ACROSS 1 Toppled over 5 Period of time 10 Crowds around 14 Light bulb, in comics 15 Speaker’s need 16 — vera lotion 17 Rather and Aykroyd 18 Pitcher’s dream game (hyph.)

19 Swell, as a river 20 Chewed the scenery 22 Fan spreader

2-BDRM TONAWANDA NY. $400/ month w/ deposit. Free heat. DSL & cable. email: davidbel@buffalo.edu, 716-799-9211.

UNCLASSIFIED (misc.)

27 Column type 28 Shelled out 29 — Moines 31 Ending for depart 32 Pep up 33 Doing great on 34 Flavors the popcorn 39 “Neigh” homophone 40 Goggle-eyed Cantor 41 Mae West accessory 42 Courier 44 Country addr.

48 Rim 49 Did a laundry chore 51 Tows along 52 Melody’s words 54 Business VIPs 55 ASU rival 56 Soon after 57 Appearance 59 Vegas game 60 Cogito — sum 61 Benchmark 64 Zoologist’s eggs 65 Ferrer or Tillis

Follow us @UBSpecSports

Where Loyalties Lie MATTHEW PARRINO Senior Sports Editor

The Buffalo Braves are coming back to Buffalo.

No, not really. But wouldn’t it be nice?

You may be unfamiliar with the sport of basketball, considering you live in the land of puck and pigskin. But at one time, hoops happened in Buffalo, and we had a pretty good squad.

Back when Bob McAdoo took the NBA by storm and dazzled all who came down to “The Aud” to watch him play, Buffalo was a part of the basketball landscape.

But hockey won out and the team moved.

After a short stint in San Diego, the team was moved to Los Angeles and is known today as the Clippers, the ultimate laughingstock.

Well, fasten your seatbelts, because by the end of this column, I’ll fully expect you to join me as a member of Clippers nation.

First off, the last year has seen Buffalo’s professional sports hit rock bottom. The Bills are picking third in this year’s NFL Draft, and the Sabres are likely to miss the playoffs. So you’re going to need something to watch until training camp

begins. Why not the Clippers?

Blake Griffin has taken the NBA by storm, and he has quickly become a national sensation. He literally is a human highlight reel and is averaging 22.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game as a rookie. He’s competing in the Sprite Slam Dunk contest during All-Star weekend and should electrify at the Staples Center, where he also plays his home games.

Buffalo knows something about having once-in-a-lifetime athletes.

We had O.J. Simpson, Jim Kelly, and Dominik Hasek. The Clippers have Griffin.

Just think, when it finally becomes available, how cool would it be to rock a Buffalo Braves Griffin jersey? He could be like our adopted son.

The Clippers are basically half our team anyway. They started here, and the franchise record for wins in a season is still 49, set by the 1974-75 Braves. The only MVP in team history was McAdoo, in 1975.

One of the most compelling reasons to start cheering for the Clippers is because they are such an underdog story, and nobody gets behind an underdog like the Queen City. Aside from Griffin and upstart guard Eric Gordon, the team is littered with a roster full of guys nobody wanted.

Baron Davis is the poster child for overpaid has-beens, but, suddenly, the former All-Star has found the fountain of youth playing alongside Griffin. If you follow March Madness, you probably remem-

ber the names Randy Foye, Ryan Gomes, and Craig Smith. All three players were standouts for their alma maters but have yet to find their way in the NBA, until now.

Foye has been filling in for the injured Gordon and has really been great for the Clippers. He will provide some nice depth for head coach Vinny Del Negro down the stretch.

Somehow things are just working for the Clippers. Sure, they started off the season 1-13, but look at what they’ve done since.

They’re 17-15 in their last 32 and only 6.5 games back of the eighth-place Blazers.

With Brandon Roy out for the season for Portland, the Clippers have a legitimate shot to challenge for the final spot.

The Clippers have won eight in a row at home and since the turnaround have knocked off some of the NBA’s elite, including the Lakers, Heat, Spurs, and Bulls.

Another reason to cheer for the Clippers is because they win in spite of their joke of an owner, Donald Sterling.

Considered by some to be the worst owner in professional sports, Sterling literally tries to lose by not paying for top talent and scouring the free agent wire for bottom-of-the-barrel talent so he can end every season in the black. There have been rumors swirling already that he’ll try and trade Griffin to avoid paying the

mega-deal he’ll indeed garner when he becomes a free agent.

Sterling has been accused of racism in the past and has been seen verbally harassing his own players from his seats at courtside. He questions everything from their toughness to their manhood, and nobody can stop him.

It makes it that much sweeter that the Clippers are now winning, even with this idiot. If I was a fan at these games I wouldn’t let this moron hear the end of it, but I don’t have enough frequent flyer miles to attend home games.

Sterling is really in trouble because youngsters Eric Bledsoe, Al-Faroq Aminu and DeAndre Jordan are decent now, but have a chance to be All-Stars in the future. Trust me, this whole Clippers thing is meant to be. Backup forward Ike Diogu was actually born in Buffalo.

So the Braves won’t be gracing the court at HSBC Arena anytime soon, and the Clippers are a country away, but haven’t I at least made you want to watch the next game?

If not, enjoy the off-season full of golf and watching Daniel Briere play in the playoffs for the Flyers. I’ll be watching “The Video Game” [Blake Griffin] continue his assault on the NBA, and will not stop until I find that Braves jersey. g

E-mail: matthew.parrino@ubspectrum.com

Super Bull in the Super Bowl

only the fifth UB player to participate in the Super Bowl.”

Continued from Page 1

Current Bulls head coach Jeff Quinn came to Buffalo after Starks had already played his final game for the Bulls. But he, too, is able to see what a great person Starks was just by the way people talk about him.

With national signing day quickly approaching, Quinn has been hard at work on the recruiting trail in hopes of finding the next James Starks for the Bulls. He says that it never hurts to be able to use Starks as an example to help bring young men into UB to play football.

COURTESY OF HOST.MADISON.COM

“My family is really excited,” Starks said. “Everybody from Niagara Falls is excited, they have pictures and everything hanging up [around town]. They have a nice dinner set up for my family and they’re all going to be watching the game. Everybody’s just really happy.”

Starks has taken a unique route to national prominence.

The Bulls’ all-time leading rusher was an afterthought in last April’s NFL Draft after missing his senior season at UB due to a shoulder injury. His former head coach and current Kansas head coach, Turner Gill, thought that Starks’ determination helped the former high school quarterback make it past the injury.

“I am proud of him for persevering through the ups and downs of the last two years,” Gill said. “He was well-prepared when the opportunity was presented to him. He demonstrated that hard work and dedication pays off and you have to be ready to take advantage of your opportunities when they come.”

Gill and athletic director Warde Manuel were the architects of the successful turnaround of the athletic program at UB. Both men were able to watch Starks’ growth throughout his career at UB. Manuel is thankful for the exciting moments that Starks has provided (and will continue to provide) for UB fans across the country.

“It brings instant credibility and great excitement to a program when a young man makes it to the next level and gets a chance to play,” Quinn said. “Plus, he is a Western New York guy. We have a verbal commitment from his younger brother [Niagara Falls native Dale Stewart]…Whenever you hear ‘James Starks from the University at Buffalo’ [on TV], it just brings a tremendous amount of pride.”

Mark Pereira, a graduate student in the school of economics, has been watching Bulls football since he was a freshman. He will tell anyone who will listen that UB has the potential to be a top athletic university. Players like Starks continue to put the school on the map.

“National impact is really more about an individual’s ability and not so much UB’s ability to put guys in the NFL,” Pereira said. “I felt from the start that Starks was legitimately on a different level. Gill did a great job helping him realize that potential, and I believe Jeff Quinn can do the same thing if he is able to get more guys like Starks who have that innate ability.”

Starks may have left Buffalo to play in the NFL, but he still holds the city close to his heart. He made it a point to display his appreciation for UB and everyone who has been a part of his journey. “[To everyone back at UB], thanks for all the support,” Starks said. “I love ya’ll and I really appreciate everybody being there for me and showing me all the love in the world.” g

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

“It has been a joy to have seen his perseverance and hard work rewarded in such a positive way,” Manuel said. “I’m proud of James for becoming the second starter on a Super Bowl team in the history of UB football, and

LEARN TO DRIVE F R E E S H U T T L E F RO M N O RT H CA M P U S T O O U R N YS 5 H O U R C O U R S E

834-4300 10% DISCOUNT WITH UB STUDENT ID www.buffalodrivingschools.com

expires 4-30-11

www.QualityThingsForLess.com

Special Offer: Save 10% on our already great low prices!

Save every time you visit from now until May 31st.

Enter this code at checkout: UB11

Expires 5/12/11

SPORTS MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011 ❖ THE SPECTRUM

7

SPORTS

Forecast: Filzen Makes It Rain MATTHEW PARRINO Senior Sports Editor The Xavier Silas show was supposed to take center stage at Alumni Arena on Saturday afternoon, but senior guard Zach Filzen stepped in and stole the NBA prospect’s spotlight.

Buffalo (13-6, 5-2 Mid-American Conference) extended its season-best win streak to five games in a 63-52 victory over Northern Illinois (7-12, 3-4 MAC).

Filzen electrified the 2,347 fans in attendance throughout the game with his 3-point shooting.

He added five more 3-pointers to his MAC-leading total (67) and finished with 21 points to lead all scorers.

Head coach Reggie Witherspoon really liked how his team moved the ball and especially the way his players used screens in the game.

Clinton Hodnett /// The Spectrum

Zach Filzen (5) led the Bulls to a 63-52 win over conference rival Northern Illinois.

“I though Zach’s movement without the ball made it difficult for our opponents,” Witherspoon said. “These guys are prepared to make open shots and it’s a bit risky to go under

ball screens with guys that can shoot, like Zach.”

Every time the Huskies came within striking distance, Filzen was right there to break their hearts from behind the arc. His lethal shooting touch is something he’s worked on but tries hard not to think too much about.

“I’m just trying to [let the game] come to me and take shots when I’m open,” Filzen said.

“I put a lot of work in on my own…I focus on defense and rebounding and let everything else just happen.”

Freshman guard Jarod Oldham may have had the toughest assignment in the game. He guarded Silas down the stretch when everyone in the arena knew the nation’s second-leading scorer was coming after the Bulls.

Silas got his numbers, finishing with 20 points, but it came on 4-of-15 shooting and he never really seemed to get in a rhythm. He scored 12 of his points at the free throw line, and although he claimed not to be affected by any one player, Oldham’s performance tells a different story.

Head coach Reggie Witherspoon knew Silas would not be an easy problem to solve but was confident that his team could slow him down.

“Playing against Jimmer Fredette helped us,” Witherspoon said. “When guys [like Silas] score that much they’re always looking to score…You have to always be alert…Understanding this guy is going to attack you every time he has the ball [is important].”

The Bulls are almost unbeatable when winning the battle of the glass. They are now 11-1 when they outrebound their opponent and Witherspoon felt his team did a good job keeping the Huskies off the glass.

Buffalo tied a season-best with only 10 turnovers in the game.

Witherspoon has been preaching to his team the importance of playing smart.

“We’ve been really working on [limiting turnovers],” Witherspoon said. “Some of it is decision making, some of it is controlling adrenaline, and some of it isn’t forcing things that aren’t there. If we trust each other and trust the movement we’ll get shots.”

Senior guard Byron Mulkey has become a second-half sensation for the Bulls in recent games.

For the third straight game, Mulkey turned it on in the final 20 minutes and scored 12 of his 19 points. He combined with Filzen to grab 11 rebounds in the game.

Northern Illinois kept the score

close for most of the game but never held a lead in the contest. As a team, the Huskies only shot 36 percent and just 2-of-12 from beyond the arc.

Huskies’ forward Nate Rucker was the only other Northern Illinois player to score in double digits. He had 11 points and grabbed six rebounds and showed some impressive post moves against one the most feared post defenders in the MAC, junior forward Mitchell Watt.

Watt scored six points and had a game-high eight rebounds, but the MAC blocks leader went without recording a single rejection in the win.

For the second straight home game, the student section was rocking at Alumni Arena. Filzen showed appreciation for the fans that came out after the game.

“We love playing in front of crowds like that,” Filzen said.

“It’s an incredible advantage.

We need them to keep coming out because I’m really excited about this team and I think everyone should be.”

The Bulls are home once again on Wednesday night when they host Toledo (4-16, 1-5 MAC) in their next game. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. g

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

Bulls Go Bird Hunting ANDREIUS COLEMANStaff Writer Saturday wasn’t a good day to visit Alumni Arena if you were wearing anything other than blue and white.

Just days after senior forwards Kourtney Brown and Jessica Fortman made history in a huge win over Central Michigan (12-7, 4-3 MidAmerican Conference), the Bulls (11-10, 4-4 MAC) trampled the Ball State Cardinals (9-12, 4-4 MAC) by a score of 77-61.

The Cardinals seemed to be overwhelmed in the opening minutes, when Brown scored nine of Buffalo’s first 11 points to put the Bulls ahead. Buffalo led for the entirety of the game in which Brown, Fortman, and senior guard Ashley Zuber scored 60 of the Bulls’ final point total.

In light of the Bulls’ recent record-breaking play, it would be understandable if the team began to buy into its own hype. Head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald believes that her players have maintained the focus that they need to win.

Alex McCrossen /// The Spectrum

Local businessman Tunney Murchie made a generous $50,000 donation to the club ice hockey team at his company in Clarence, N.Y.

“I don’t know if [the team success is because of] the personal accolades for the players,” Hill-MacDonald said. “I think that the thing that’s motivating the team right now is [themselves]. As long as we’re winning, [it wouldn’t matter] if we didn’t have any milestones.”

What’s 50 Grand Among Friends?

CAREY BEYERSports Editor The men’s ice hockey club team does not usually get the attention that it deserves on campus; however, the $50,000 check that it just received suggests that at least one person knows that the club exists.

said. “This isn’t the first time he’s donated to the club team. He’s been a benefactor and has given money and support to the hockey program for many years. His love of the situation at [Buffalo] and what it’s done for him is quite evident.”

That person is Hamilton, On. native Tunney Murchie.

The donation made by Murchie will go a long way in helping the club as it moves forward, but the sizeable contribution makes one wonder how far the team can actually go.

Murchie is the owner and president of Lackawanna Products Corporation as well as a UB alumnus. On Thursday evening, the local business tycoon made a generous donation that will help the ice hockey team expand in years to come.

It was not that long ago that the team competed as a Division I varsity team. The Bulls have held club status since 1988. The hockey club has experienced success at its current level, but the amount of support that exists behind it begs the question, “Why not DI?”

“It’s obviously a great thing,” said club president Kenneth Wojnowski. “It’s going to help us a lot with next year. We can expand our schedule.

We’re hoping to take a trip to central Oklahoma next year. So it will help a lot with travel and hotel fees.”

The club’s website claims that the group’s overall goal is to restore the team to its rightful place on the Division I level. That sentiment is echoed by those associated with the club.

Murchie played for the Bulls when the team skated at the Division I level in the early 1970s.

Since he graduated in 1975, Murchie has maintained a close relationship with the university.

This is not the first donation that Murchie has made to Buffalo athletics. Early last year, he donated $220,000 to the athletic department to name Alumni Arena’s newly renovated triple gym after longtime UB faculty member and former head coach of the Bulls’ ice hockey team Edward L. Wright.

Wright recruited Murchie out of Ontario to play for the Bulls in 1971. He was the sport’s first and only full-time head coach from 1970 until 1982. Although he is no longer directly associated with the club, his name is still synonymous with ice hockey at the university.

He was one of the people invited to the donation ceremony, which was held at Murchie’s company in Clarence, N.Y. Wright emphasized the spirit that permeates Buffalo’s athletics. He talked about the effect it had on Murchie as the reason for his support. “[Murchie] came to [the university] and managed to take advantage of the situation here when the only thing we had for scholarships was a foreign student tuition waiver,” Wright

“[Moving back into Division I] is definitely a possibility,” Wojnowski said. “It would be great for the school to get a hockey team because we are so close to Canada. We would be able to recruit Canadians. I can definitely see it happening in the near future.”

Wojnowski does admit that even if the club could find the financial support to grow, it would take some time to develop the team enough to compete at the next level. The first step toward a move, of course, would be to secure the hefty fiscal commitment that comes with a varsity hockey team, because it is very likely that the team would need a new home.

“The key factor right now is financial,” Wright said. “If [varsity hockey] were to come back now it would be a serious commitment because a facility is the number one [concern]…I don’t think the [Northtown Center] would be ideal for Division I hockey.”

It seems that the road to Division I hockey returning to UB is a long one. As long as there are people like Tunney Murchie in the community, however, there may come a day when we see the Bulls regain their former place in Buffalo athletics. g

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com

Alex McCrossen /// The Spectrum

Ashley Zuber and the women’s basketball team continued their winning ways against Ball State.

Zuber was key to the Bulls’ victory. She set a career-high in scoring for the second consecutive game. After dropping 15 points against CMU, she contributed 16 points in the win against the Cardinals and shot 67 percent from 3-point territory.

Despite scoring a career-high, Zuber credits the entire team’s effort for the win.

“It just feels good to win, that’s our goal… as long as we get a win I’m happy,” Zuber said. “A lot of people contributed, and our team is very unselfish. It doesn’t matter who puts the ball in the basket.”

Brown turned in another great performance as well. She earned her fifth straight double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds, adding to her career total of 1,009 boards.

The Bulls took a 15-point lead with just under 12 minutes remaining in the first half and went into the locker room on top by 20 points.

The Bulls knew that they could not become complacent. Hill-MacDonald and the Bulls were aware of the Cardinals’ success during the second half and were well prepared to hold off a comeback attempt.

“We know that Ball State has been a second-half team this season,” Hill-MacDonald said. “Coming into this game, they scored 200 more points in the second half than they had in the first. We knew that they were capable of big runs. We talked about the need to match the intensity that we had in the first half.”

Saturday’s victory marked Buffalo’s first win against the Cardinals since 2001. The triumph also marked the Bulls’ first MAC win at home this season.

“I didn’t realize it was our first conference win at home,” Hill-MacDonald said. “It feels wonderful. Getting a win anywhere feels good at this point, but getting it at home makes it even sweeter.”

The Bulls seek to continue their win streak Thursday night against Western Michigan in Alumni Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. g

E-mail: sports@ubspectrum.com