The Spectrum Vol. 65 No. 31

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T H E I N D E P E N D E N T TSHTEU D NETP E PN UD BE LN I CTA S TT IO NA I VTEI R Y FA T T HBEU U FF E T1 B 9U 50 I NED UN D EO NFT TPH UEB LUI C OSNI T O NA I VLEOR,S S I TI N Y CA FFALO, SINCE 1950

ubspectrum.com

wednesday, November 11, 2015

Volume 65 No. 31

Pressure mounts for UB to take stance on ‘White Only’ art project BRIAN WINDSCHITL SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

Tension between students, faculty and administration still ongoing

Ashley Powell received an ‘A’ on her “White Only, Black Only” art project. And that’s not the only support the graduate fine arts student has received from UB’s Department of Arts, whose faculty say the controversial work is exactly what art is supposed to be: provocative. But student leaders and even some UB officials tell a different story: That Powell’s work was traumatizing and the university must create a policy so students know what is acceptable art and what crosses the line. Nearly two months after the incident in which Powell hung signs reading “White Only” and “Black Only” around campus bathrooms, benches and water fountains for a class project, tensions and discussions are still resonating across the UB community. Some students, especially leaders of the Black Student Union (BSU), are calling for repercussions against Powell and the arts department as well as for UB to create a policy on public art. The arts department has been in full support of Powell and her work. UB administration, caught between the two groups, is trying to find some sort of balance with a policy that would set clear guidelines on expressive art. But now, months after Powell hung the signs, UB administration and the arts department have yet to announce a decision about future policies or officially answer the questions Powell’s project raised. What is the line between creative freedom for artists and the rights of minorities on campus? Did Powell’s project cross that line – as some students believe – or did it not? Can students post anything they want in the public space of a university regardless of the hurt it causes others or the historical weight of words and symbols? A policy committee in the College of Arts and Sciences is still reviewing the incident as leaders from the UB administration, the arts department and student organizations plan to meet again this month. But with students demanding answers, pressure is mounting for the university to take an official stance. Leaders on all sides remain far apart in how they view Powell’s project. Jonathan Katz, the arts department chair, says despite the publicity and ongoing frustration among students – particularly mem-

Art isn't something that is supposed to make everyone feel great or always make people feel happy – if you can make someone feel uncomfortable, if you can make people think about something after looking at your piece, then you did a good thing. ASHLEY POWELL

There must be a policy on the campus. The arts department can come up with a policy that if you are doing any kind of experiment, you register yourself with the art department.

PRESIDENT SATISH TRIPATHI

Regardless of what school it is, that department needs to be responsible because of the fallout and because of the negative impact – the horrible impact – it made on students and on this campus, on a whole. BSU PRESIDENT MICAH OLIVER

bers of BSU – there is no need for the arts department to release a public statement because “an art department stands for the freedom of expression.” That alone, he said, should be understood as the “official” response of the arts department. “We want our students to take positions that are at the far edge of what is considered the social norm,” he said. Katz said he wasn’t surprised by the student reaction to the project, but that many in the arts department faculty were “incredulous that people don’t understand that this work is anti-racist.” He said he’s “shocked” to see what he considers a lack of understanding about what art is. “I think, frankly, [the project] became a cause celeb for a range of real, genuine social and cultural unrests around racism in America, not least, Black Lives Matter – all of which fed the work in the first place,” Katz said. Katz, who also heads the fine arts Ph.D program, said the incendiary reaction to the project was natural because it’s what the work was trying to accomplish in the first place. Katz said he has received furious emails from black students, as well as furious emails from racists claiming the project was race-baiting and creating a race war. “You have black students saying this hurt me, and you’ve got racists saying this hurt me,” Katz said. “That ought to tell you this is doing the right thing.” Powell, who is black and was trying to show her own suffering from racism and create a discussion with the signs, said that if it weren’t for the overwhelming support from the arts faculty, she would have buckled under the anger she faced from the UB community. “All of them supported me, they were emailing me: ‘This is what great art does,’ ‘This is the purpose of art, don’t back down,’” she said. “Art isn’t something that is supposed to make everyone feel great or always make people feel happy – if you can make someone feel uncomfortable, if you can make people think about something after looking at your piece, then you did a good thing.” Powell did the project for her Installation in Urban Spaces class. Warren Quigley, the professor of the class, declined to speak with The Spectrum for this story and he has not commented publicly about the project or the class since the controversy began. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

BRIAN WINDSCHITL, THE SPECTRUM

KAINAN GUO, THE SPECTRUM

KAINAN GUO, THE SPECTRUM

(TOP) Ashley Powell, who has received both criticism and support for her “White Only, Black Only” art project, sits in her art studio in the Center for the Arts.

(LEFT) Protestors from the Black Student Union protest President Satish Tripathi’s State of the University Address.

(RIGHT) Tripathi says UB must have a policy for displaying art in public spaces on campus.

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EDITORIAL: Events at University of Missouri display power of student advocacy

3

OPINION: There’s more to Christmas than Starbucks’ holiday cup designs

5

OPINION: Two editors give opposing reviews of new Bond film “Spectre”


2Pressure mounts for UB to take

NEWS

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THE SPECTRUM

stance on ‘White Only’ art project

You have black students saying this hurt me, and you’ve got racists saying this hurt me. That ought to tell you this is doing the right thing. JONATHAN KATZ, CHAIR OF THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

KAINAN GUO, THE SPECTRUM

BSU President Micah Oliver, who demands UB take a stance on the project, speaks at an open forum about the issue in September. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Katz said he reached out to Powell immediately when students voiced strong feelings about the project and has met with her several times since. Even faculty members from other departments have supported Powell. Ana Grujic, an instructor in the composition program run through the English department, helped Powell write her official project statement. President Satish Tripathi, in a sit down interview with The Spectrum last week, said UB needs a policy concerning works of art in public places – and that art projects need to be labeled as such. “Arts are going to be controversial,” he said. “But when it’s put on the wall, one should say that this is art. So there must be a

policy on the campus. The arts department can come up with a policy that if you are doing any kind of experiment, you register yourself with the art department.” Tripathi has faced continued pressure from BSU for UB to create a policy. BSU protested Tripathi’s annual address last month, demanding answers about the project. The student organization has also held meetings with university leaders. BSU has asked the university to create a clear policy for future art projects, as well as reprimand Powell and the arts department. Tripathi said UB cannot punish Powell because she did not break any rule in the Student Code of Conduct. BSU President Micah Oliver said that the university and the arts department should

show more responsibility for their students. “As an individual, I think the art department should be held accountable because the implications of the project were under the art department’s watch,” he said. “Regardless of what school it is, that department needs to be responsible because of the fallout and because of the negative impact – the horrible impact – it made on students and on this campus, on a whole.” Oliver, who is also the chief justice of the Student-Wide Judiciary, said the most disappointing thing about the university response to the “White Only, Black Only” project was that “the institution that I love has done something to me in a very negative way.” “The art department is a part of UB – and I love UB. The most disappointing part of the university not responding is that I thought better of the university itself,” Oliver said. Oliver said the responsibility ultimately comes down to the arts department that oversees students’ works of art, like Powell’s. “This happened under a university-sanctioned curriculum,” Oliver said. “And for

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that reason, the department that houses, produces and ensures that the curriculum is taught and experienced by students must be responsible, ultimately.” Powell, caught in a place of student-driven anger and faculty support, is just trying to maintain her own vision. As an artist, Powell said having a set goal – upending racism in society – is the most inspirational and important part of keeping her sane and keeping her driven. Powell said the ‘A’ on her “White Only, Black Only” project didn’t really matter to her. For her, the main indicator of success isn’t the amount of negative feedback she is receiving, rather the discussion about race she has created and the support from the arts faculty she has received. According to Katz, a meeting between Katz, Tripathi and Oliver to create an official statement and perhaps a new policy on public art is set for sometime in mid-November. email: arts@ubspectrum.com


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OPINION

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THE SPECTRUM

Editorial Board EDITOR IN CHIEF

Tom Dinki

MANAGING EDITOR

Alyssa McClure COPY EDITORS

Kayla Menes Renée Staples NEWS EDITORS

Gabriela Julia, Senior Ashley Inkumsah Marlee Tuskes FEATURES EDITORS

Tori Roseman, Senior Dani Guglielmo ARTS EDITORS

Brian Windschitl, Senior Kenneth Kashif Thomas Tomas Olivier, Asst. SPORTS EDITORS

Jordan Grossman, Co-senior Quentin Haynes, Co-senior PHOTO EDITORS

Yusong Shi, Co-senior Kainan Guo, Co-senior Angela Barca . CARTOONISTS

Joshua Bodah Michael Perlman CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Kenneth Cruz Pierce Strudler, Asst.

Professional Staff OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Helene Polley ADVERTISING MANAGER

Nicole Dominguez Lee Stoeckel, Asst. Zach Hilderbrandt, Asst. ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Derek Hosken

University of Missouri students show the power of student advocacy But the administration shows more concern for money than student lives The University of Missouri has made national headlines this week with racial tension and protest dividing the campus. The Missouri Student Association president and members of the Legion of Black Collegians were called the N-word. Swastikas were drawn on the walls of the campus. This and other incidents of racism led minority students at Missouri to demand a response from the university. But they felt Missouri President Tim Wolfe inadequately responded to the racial tension on the campus and they lost confidence and respect in him as a leader, as they should. Black students wanted Wolfe to pay attention to their torment. They wanted him to understand their discomfort. So they took action. Student protestors interrupted the homecoming parade. Jonathan Butler, a black graduate student, went on a hunger strike. He said he would not eat until Wolfe was removed from the university. Officials had to choose: Either

keep an insensitive and incapable president in office or keep the life of one of their students. Butler’s failing organs weren’t the deciding factor in Wolfe’s resignation, which finally came Monday. Instead it was the possibility of paying a $1 million fine. The Missouri Tigers football pledging to not play until Wolfe was removed is what ultimately brought attention to the issue and led to Wolfe’s resignation two days afterward. Had the Tigers not played their scheduled game against BYU Saturday, the university would have been fined $1 million. As former Missouri football player Michael Sam pointed out, “Things change when sports gets involved.” A student who could possibly lose his life wasn’t much of a concern. But Wolfe and the university sure took action once the football team threatened to put a hole in the university’s budget. The Spectrum commends the football team for taking a stance when they could’ve easily continued on with their season with-

out any repercussions. But we believe it is truly unfortunate that it took a financial scare for the university to recognize the inhumane and unjust atmosphere on campus and make one of the first steps to changing that. While taking looking at our own university, we hope UB continues on the path its started on to answering its own questions about race on campus. After the “White Only” sign controversy in September, students like members of the Black Student Union and other student organizations, have demanded a response from UB through open forums, walking out on President Satish Tripathi’s annual address and holding meetings with the administration. Although some progress has been made, UB has yet to come to a final decision or make a new policy regarding the “White Only” incident, and we hope our student leaders continue to put the pressure on. Because if the unfortunate situation at Missouri has taught us anything, it’s that students really do have power.

There are times when peaceful protests are appropriate. There are also times when a hunger strike and refusal to take the field are the only necessary measures to ensure change. And there are times doing so can bring about change. Although people are giving credit to the football team, Butler’s actions have to be admired and acknowledged as well. The Missouri administration might not have cared enough about one’s man health to make a change, but his hunger strike is what showed the nation the severity of the issue and the measures students will take to maintain a safe and inclusive campus environment. Butler has shown us that we aren’t just students. We are leaders. We are fighters. We have the ability to make a change on our campus. We also don’t have to settle for administration that doesn’t properly tend to our student needs and basic human rights. email: editorial@ubspectrum.com

THE SPECTRUM Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Volume 65 Number 31 Circulation 7,000 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.

Red cups should not define your Christmas Starbucks’ holiday design shouldn’t diminish one’s Christmas spirit

The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by MediaMate. For information on adverstising with The Spectrum, visit www.ubspectrum.com/advertising or call us directly at (716) 645-2452. The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 142602100

MARLEE TUSKES NEWS EDITOR

Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. There’s a magical feeling that comes with the holiday season that doesn’t occur at any other time of year. As someone who was raised in a Catholic household, for years I went to religious education where other kids and I learned about the history behind our religion, including the history of Christmas. Not once did I learn that the true meaning of Christmas should be defined by how mega-corporations choose to advertise. I don’t recall a Bible passage that discusses how the three wise men came bearing gifts of Starbucks lattes in a classic holiday cup design the night Jesus was born. But the way people are react-

ing over the recently released Starbucks holiday cup design, one may think that’s exactly what happened. Since 1997, Starbucks has annually unveiled a holiday cup featuring a new design. In the past, the cup designs have included winter themes ranging from snowflakes to snowmen on a red background. This year, Starbucks introduced a simple red cup with an ombré design as its holiday design. Controversy soon followed after the announcement. It first started with one man who posted a video on Facebook of himself talking about how he hates the new cup design, declaring that Starbucks is against Christmas and is contributing to the “war on Christmas.” He even encouraged people to go to Starbucks to order drinks and tell the baristas their names are “Merry Christmas” so it can be written on the cup. Many others have taken to Twitter with the hashtag “boycott Starbucks” in order to voice their displeasure. When I first saw a headline about people being outraged over the Starbucks holiday cups, I laughed. I thought it was a joke. To my disbelief, upon further reading the article I realized it was not sat-

ire – some people were actually offended about how a coffee shop is distributing their drinks. Since when is Christmas about commercial items? I always learned that Christmas was about the birth of Jesus. Are we all so immersed in the commercial aspect of Christmas that we really don’t see the true meaning? Arguably, the other holiday cups never symbolized Christmas either. Last year, the cups had simple brushstrokes of snowflakes and pine tree needles. The year before that, snowflakes and ornaments wrapped around the Starbucks logo. Snowmen have also been a popular staple consumers have seen on their coffee cups during the holiday season. While all of these make me think about Christmastime, these images loosely represent Christmas and ultimately just link the holidays to the winter weather in which they occur. I don’t see how anyone could make a good argument about how a winking snowman represents the birth of Jesus. If a red cup is offensive to you and ruining your Christmas because you don’t believe a corporation is properly celebrating a holiday, you have to look into how you

perceive one of the most important holidays in Christian faith. If you’re reading this and find yourself as one of the people who are angered by the lack of Christmas on your Starbucks cup, I hope you do boycott the company. This is not because I agree with you. I want you to boycott Starbucks because I hope you take that $5 bill you would have spent on a venti coffee and instead donate it to a homeless shelter or buy a toy for a child in need. If you’re that concerned with the lack of Christmas spirit at a corporation, use your own Christmas spirit to help others in need during a time where there’s emphasis on helping one another out. So instead of taking to social media to voice your displeasure at what you feel is the lack of corporations celebrating Christmas, take that passion and follow the true meaning of Christmas by giving to those who are less fortunate and by celebrating the birth of Jesus. In the end, that’s what gives the holiday season that magical feeling – not what design is on your Starbucks cup. email: marlee.tuskes@ubspectrum.com


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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE SPECTRUM

‘One Punch Man’ spoofs anime New anime show mocks superheroes to “Dragon Ball Z” KENNETH KASHIF THOMAS ARTS EDITOR

Whether it was “Dragon Ball Z,” “Naruto” or another cult favorite running on Adult Swim during its prime, viewers have flocked to the TV to see the latest in anime. Recently aired “One Punch Man,” based off the manga of the same name, takes aspects from your favorite animes and makes it obvious how ridiculously cliché they are. The series is written by author ONE, who released the manga for free on his website. “One Punch Man” follows the story of Saitama, a hero that can defeat any foe with one punch. Watching the show, you come to realize how much he might have in common with Gozu from “Dragon Ball Z.” Constantly having to save the world from increasingly stronger enemies, you begin to wonder how long the show will go on. Like many animes and TV shows, “One Punch Man” just keeps on going. We’re first introduced to Saitama when an alien with purple antennae – suspiciously similar in appearance to Piccolo from “Dragon Ball Z” – appears and begins destroying the city in which Saitama lives. As the alien seems like he’s about to kill a young girl, a bald man in a white cape saves her and turns to face the monster. As the show’s name implies, the monster is killed with one punch – which all but liquefies the monster from the waist up. Unlike “Dragon Ball Z,” – in which Goku and Frieza engaged in a notoriously long 19-episode fight – you don’t see fights lasting longer than a single episode in “One Punch Man.” Only six episodes in and Saitama has defeated multiple enemies.

COURTESY OF VIZ MEDIA

“One Punch Man” is a new satirical anime that humorously makes fun of practically every superhero and action anime in existence. The main character Saitama can beat any enemy with one punch.

With over 104 chapters of manga to work from, the show moves along fairly quickly. This was a problem faced by both “Dragon Ball Z” and “Naruto,” both of which produced episodes too fast for the manga to keep up and left viewers with “filler” episodes. “One Punch Man” creates humor from its character interactions and doesn’t rely too heavily on the spoof factor, but those who watch anime or superhero shows often can appreciate the level of satire. In the fight sequence in which Saitama fights Asura Rhino, Saitama explains his workout routine that made him so strong – the same routine that caused him to go bald: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats and a 10-K run. Anyone who as seen at least one episode

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of a fighting anime knows the lengths in which characters go to train for their next fight can border on obsessive and deadly. Compared to Saitama’s basic workout, its like the manga creators are poking fun at every training montage ever made. As expected, the other characters present in the scene don’t believe it. Making the characters self-aware of how preposterous Saitama’s workout is and how powerful the protagonist is gets to the root of what the show is all about. While other anime shows put the viewer in a position to want to know how powerful the next enemy will be, there is only so far it can go until that gets ridiculous. For example, after attaining the powerups “Super Saiyan 1, 2, 3 and 4,” Goku and Vegeta in “Dragon Ball Z” have attained

the power level of “God,” seemingly forcing the writers into a hole – where do you go from “Super Saiyan God?” “One Punch Man” has set the precedent with Saitama. He might get thrown around a bit, but that’s only until he turns his attention to a fight as opposed to thinking about a missed bargain sale at the grocery store. Overall, “One Punch Man” provides a fresh take for anime-lovers, essentially switching the script on character development. A show that makes fun of its genre as much as it makes fun of itself, you’ll find yourself laughing out loud every episode. “One Punch Man” is available via Hulu in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Japanese. email: arts@ubspectrum.com


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

5

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THE SPECTRUM

‘Spectre’ raises the bar The latest Bond installment exceeds spy movie clichés TORI ROSEMAN SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

Grade: ACompany: Sony Release date: Nov. 6 “Spectre” was everything a spy movie should be. It features a man of mystery who must go on a mission to both save the world and defeat his nemesis. There are plot twists and of course, a beautiful girl who falls for our hero, which puts her in danger. At the end of the day he gets through his missions unscathed because of his wit and athleticism. What sets “Spectre” aside from say, “Austin Powers,” is the craft of the movie itself. Bond is a character that will live forever. He is not your average international super spy – he IS espionage. This is the 24th installation of Bond’s adventures and viewers keep coming back for more. Each movie improves the franchise – it didn’t make as much as “Skyfall” ($117.8 globally versus $1 billion) but “Spectre” still came in as the second highest grossing Bond film. “Spectre” also set a Guinness World Record for the largest film stunt explosion ever in film history. The film is the last of Sony’s Bond trilogy featuring Daniel Craig that began with

“Quantum Solace” and was followed up with “Skyfall.” The opening credits set the pace of the film. They aren’t just words on a black screen introducing the actors – they introduce the theme of the entire movie and present the latest Bond song “Writing’s on the Wall” by Sam Smith. Special effects create the air of intrigue that is so definitive of the genre. Daniel Craig’s portrayal of the hero is effective. He is both entrancing and impressive – his emotions flip from seduction to striking within seconds, flawlessly. Though the plot is inherently predictable, Bond is not. The movie also stars newcomer Lea Seydoux, who creates a new type of damsel in distress – an intelligent one. She plays a doctor, which is a refreshing take on the otherwise mildly pathetic role of women in these films. She’s emotionally strong and takes an active role in Bond’s missions. The film, as many spy movies do, also takes viewers to a variety of locations. They’re beautifully shot and appropriately inserted – it doesn’t seem useless or forced for Bond to be traveling so much, especially at this point in the series. Bond’s crew, which consists of supergenius Q (Ben Whishaw, “Skyfall”) and a new M (Ralph Fiennes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”) isn’t a group of superb friends who have known each other forever. That

troupe is overused in many films and takes away from the beauty of their efficiency. They don’t need to be best friends to work well together – they do because all three are good at their jobs. “Spectre” was a good final film in the trilogy because it wrapped up everything else rather nicely. It left little to the imagination and answered many of the major questions the first two movies posed. Though there were some holes in the plot, overall, it gave explanation for events that may have otherwise been forgotten. It’s worth the watch because of the name, but also because the film was made beautifully – thanks Sam Mendes – accurately and in a manner in which you could enjoy it, even if you’ve never seen Bond in action before. email: features@ubspectrum.com

COURTESY OF EON PRODUCTIONS

“Spectre,” the latest installment of Bond films, features Daniel Craig as the famous international super-spy, bent on saving the world and the girl.

‘Spectre’ falls short “Spectre” falls short James Bond versus Illuminati is more “Quantum of Solace” than“Skyfall”

James Bond versus Illuminati is more ‘Quantum of Solace’ than ‘Skyfall’ AUBREY MCLAUGHLIN STAFF WRITER

Grade: BCompany: Sony Release Date: Nov. 6 If Bond fans enter the theater expecting another franchise-shattering reinvention like “Skyfall” was, I expect them to depart disappointed. “Spectre,” the 24th movie in the Bond franchise and fourth with Daniel Craig from “Layer Cake” as the lead, fails to surprise audiences with fresh material. Instead, he excelled with the old treats: sexy, deadly women along ruthless masterminds kung-fu fighting around the world to help or hinder an MI6 agent with impossible luck only a screenwriter could contrive. Think more deus ex machina than resourcefulness – an early scene has James Bond falling at least two stories in a collapsing building under gunfire to land safe on a couch below. Yikes. To me, and I’m sure many other fans of the series, storytelling laziness fuels the grand scheme of “Spectre.”

Last November’s Sony hack leaked an early version of the script, accredited by some as the culprit for this fumble. The movie opens with 007 going after a criminal we don’t know much about and never get the opportunity to. We have no reason to care about this person, as the movie quickly moves on from his storyline. But to the surprise of no one, he had a beautiful wife played by Monica Bellucci from “The Matrix Reloaded.” Of course, Bond is both the international super spy and the master at seduction. This woman was too easy though – it almost took away from the excitement of Bond’s suave demeanor. Once the job is done, Bond gets “grounded” by his new boss, M (Ralph Fiennes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”). This also comes as a non-surprise – the unpredictable spy is punished for being unpredictable. New character C (Andrew Scott, “Sherlock”) who becomes everyone’s boss, starts making moves to unite the world’s surveillance powers in an effort to keep an eye on everyone. Big Brother, much? You can see from miles away where this is heading. The plot is predictable and only

becomes more so as the movie progresses. Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds”) frustrated me most. For an actor beloved by so many for his ability to dig into complex roles with wit and humor, these concepts are abandoned by the actor in his role. The real divine intervention is Waltz leaving little mark on his impression of an infamous Bond villain, instead substituting the clever for the cliché. His backstory is weak and his delivery is weaker – you can’t tell if he’s evil, or smart or looking for revenge. His plan is so unclear – you almost want the cliché reveal. His character reminded me of “Quantum of Solace” Dominic Greene: all evil, no human. The parallels between “Spectre” and “Quantum” don’t end there. These not-soshining moments of the James Bond universe both seem to be chasing the mysterious – a staggering, deeply rooted conspiracy of the rich and greedy – to ultimately share with the audience few real answers. It left the audience in a depressing confusion that we could have in our own mundane lives, which is not why I wanted to see a James Bond film. email: features@ubspectrum.com


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FEATURES

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THE SPECTRUM

stop after he left it there. 7:37 p.m. – A UB student reported a suicide attempt and that a male student was going to drive his vehicle into a tree. The student reported the male may have been having a seizure. 8:13 p.m. -­ A UB student reported his iPhone was taken from Law Library. 9:29 p.m. – A Center for the Arts employee called patrol after a personnel lift rolled over her foot.

11/6 All information according to University Police.

11/3 12:36 a.m. – A caller reported hearing dogs in distress at Kunz Stadium on Augspurger Road. 3:40 a.m. – A caller reported his roommate was smoking marijuana in his dorm in Spaulding Quad. Patrol didn’t find anything. 10:14 a.m. – According to University Police, the dorm theft case of basketball players Justin Moss and Mory Diane was finalized. Moss was expelled and removed from the men’s basketball team in August for his role, while Diane is still on the team. Bulls player Raheem Johnson was also involved, but was not named in the Nov. 3 report. 3:01 p.m. – Dispatcher saw a male and fe-

male on the camera system rolling marijuana in a parking lot. Patrol reported the male placed all items in passenger glove compartment. 7:24 p.m. – A student reported a suspicious note was left on her vehicle in the Richmond B parking lot.

11/4 11:28 a.m. – A UB student was arrested in Baldy Hall for stealing from Tim Hortons. 12:22 p.m. – A UB student reported dropping his wallet in the Student Union flag room. The wallet was returned but $120 cash was missing. 1:56 p.m. – A UB student reported getting struck by a car while sitting in her vehicle in Jacobs B parking lot. 5:43 p.m. – A UB student reported his bike was stolen from the Main Circle bus

Who has the edge? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

so the edge goes to the Bulls.

Linebackers: Buffalo Buffalo has one of the better linebacker groups in the MAC. Senior linebacker Nick Gilbo is stout in the middle, placing second on the team in tackles with 76 to go with his 3.5 sacks on the season. Senior linebacker Okezie Alozie leads the team in sacks with five, while junior Brandon Berry has a team-leading 80 tackles and nine tackles for losses. Northern Illinois’ linebackers are led by senior Boomer Mays (62 tackles and one interception), junior Sean Folliard (47 tackles,

one sack and one interception) and freshman Renard Cheren (38 tackles and one sack) but Buffalo clearly has the more productive group.

Secondary: Northern Illinois Huskies sophomore cornerback Shawun Lurry may be the best cornerback in in the country, with seven interceptions and 19 pass deflections on the season with three games still remaining. Alongside Lurry are safeties Marlon Moore, a senior who leads the team with 67 tackles, and sophomore Brandon Mays, who has one interception and five pass deflections. Buffalo has junior cornerback Boise Ross, who has two interceptions and an impres-

12:03 a.m. – A caller reported a raccoon in the stairs of Crossroads Culinary Center. 7:24 a.m. – A UB employee reported a person taking bottles from recycling bins in Hadley Village. The employee told the subject they could not take the bottles because it’s money for the university. 8:55 a.m. – An RA reported the glass was punched out in the vestibule in Clement Hall. 12:13 p.m. – A UB student reported a suspicious person with a grey beard smoking something and pulling his shirt up. The student said the man didn’t seem to have control over his body. 2:25 p.m. – A UB student reported black smoke coming from Harriman Hall. 4:56 p.m. – A UB employee called for a welfare check on a student in Goodyear Hall. The student had been missing classes

sive 16 pass breakups on the season, and the recent play of sophomore Ryan Williamson has helped stabilize one of Buffalo’s safety positions. Northern Illinois ranks fourth in the MAC in pass defense, while Buffalo ranks seventh. But the play of Lurry alone is enough to give the Huskies the edge.

Special teams: Buffalo Senior punter Tyler Grassman was awarded the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. His punting has been stellar as of late, consistently punting the ball inside the 20-yard line and pinning opposition back into deep territory. Throw in freshman kicker Adam Mitcheson, and this may be the most dangerous special teams unit in the conference.

and was in “a horrible cycle of life.” 8:41 p.m. – A UB student stated she found a used insulin shot and requested assistance in disposing it.

11/7 1:26 a.m. – A caller stated males were fighting in front of the Student Union. 2:03 a.m. – Call stated a Richmond resident was assaulted off campus and wanted a welfare check. The victim did not wish to pursue charges. 2:08 a.m. – A caller reported a male and female yelling at each other across from Flint Village building 306. 5:58 p.m. – A UB student reported his unattended hoodie and wallet were stolen from Alumni Arena gym.

11/8 12:54 a.m. – A bus operator requested a welfare check a student with an alcohol overdose. 10:59 p.m. – Caller reported a glass door in Red Jacket Quad was shattered. 11:52 p.m. – A victim called to report a domestic incident that occurred in Hadley Village parking lot on Saturday.

11/9 10:55 p.m. – A caller reported receiving threatening messages on Instagram. email: news@ubspectrum.com

Northern Illinois has a solid duo of sophomore kicker Christian Hagan and junior punter Jacob Ambrose, but we give the edge to Buffalo.

Coaching: Northern Illinois Leipold has the Division-III accolades, but Northern Illinois head coach Rod Carey has quietly put together a very impressive resume over his first three seasons in DeKalb, Illinois. After taking over for former head coach Dave Doeren in the Orange Bowl during the 2012 season, Carey recorded back-toback seasons with at least 10 victories and a MAC title in 2014. This year, he already has the Huskies bowl eligible yet again with six wins and looking to repeat as conference champions.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THE SPECTRUM

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8

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

One more win

THE SPECTRUM

Buffalo looks to become bowl eligible, will have to do so against MAC powerhouse JORDAN GROSSMAN SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The Buffalo football team is one win away from being eligible for its second bowl appearance in three years. All Buffalo has to do is win one of its remaining three games. First up: perhaps the hardest opponent it will face all season. The Bulls (5-4, 3-2 Mid-American Conference) seek their all-important sixth win of the season when they take on MAC West powerhouse Northern Illinois (6-3, 4-1 MAC) at UB Stadium Wednesday night. Buffalo, which has made just two bowl games since returning to Division I in 1999, and other FBS teams need six wins to be considered eligible for a bowl bid at season’s end. But the Huskies, the reigning MAC Champs, will present a challenge. “They’re just a complete football team,” said head coach Lance Leipold. “I think when you’re looking at the things we want to be in the long run, I think they have a lot of those thing going for them right now. Big physical offensive line, physical defense as a whole … it’s very apparent why they’ve been as consistent as they have … it’s a great challenge for us.” Leipold doesn’t shy away from the Huskies’ talent. He acknowledges they’re a complete and advanced team. Northern Illinois ranks in the top-5 of nearly every offensive and defensive category in the MAC with many upperclassmen filling the starting slots. But there is no player more decorated nor

COURTESY OF NIU CREATIVE SERVICES

Northern Illinois junior running back Joel Bouagnon searches for a hole in a game against Central Michigan on Oct. 3. Bouagnon ran for 104 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns.

impressive on the Huskies than their nationally acclaimed running back. Junior Joel Bouagnon could be considered for the Heisman Trophy if the selection committee didn’t overlook Mid-Major programs. The Northern Illinois prospect is one of the most aggressive north-south runners in the nation and his statistics – including 15 touchdowns – back it up. His 949 yards rushing lead the MAC and are good for 26th in the nation. But Buffalo has two power rushers. Junior running back Jordan Johnson and senior running back Anthone Taylor have

been a huge lift Buffalo, which was previously on a three-game losing streak before its recent successful run. Johnson, who filled in as the main back for an injured Taylor for two weeks, has been a revelation in the backfield. A win over Kent State last week was the first time Taylor and Johnson were healthy in the same backfield in nearly a month. There’s no clear-cut leading back, according to Leipold. But he noted it’s a great problem to have. “We’ve never had it designed that, ‘This guy needs to get 75 percent of the carries

PREDICTIONS: NORTHERN ILLINOIS (-6.5)

and 80 percent of the yards,’” Leipold said. “When games get close and you have fresher bodies and fresh legs in the fourth quarter, you have a chance to be successful. Both of those guys have handed it very well. Whoever has the hot hand, or there are certain plays are certain situations that gonna put one guy in the game over the other, they seem to embrace that.” Buffalo may also get one starting guard back. Sophomore Brandon Manosalvas will be a game-time decision to play after missing last week. Leipold said he was practicing and practicing well. But there wasn’t much good news about the other starting guard. Senior Dillon Guy will miss the remainder of his season due to an apparent knee injury, Leipold confirmed on Tuesday afternoon and called it unfortunate for Guy. The Bulls are entering Wednesday with a huge confidence boost. Last Thursday, Buffalo overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Kent State (3-6, 2-3 MAC) to win its third straight game. Leipold wants his senior class to go out on top. “As we strive for consistency, to continue to be better and do the things we talked about from the day we got here,” Leipold said, “and that is to give our seniors the best chance for success and put them in a position to put them in a bowl game and build a program that’s going to consistently be in bowl games.” The game will be aired on ESPNU on Wednesday night. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. email: sports@ubspectrum.com

VS. BUFFALO

Tom Dinki

Jordan Grossman

Quentin Haynes

@tomdinki

@jordanmgrossman

@Haynes_Spectrum

NIU: Buffalo will drop this one to the superior team. They’ll get the wins to be bowl eligible later.

NIU: Good run, Buffalo. But your streak will likely end to one of the best MAC opponents on the schedule. Bowl berth will come soon.

10::24 PM - 10 Nov 2015

1:03 PM - 10 Nov 2015

Buffalo: Buffalo has played well the last three games, showing an improved defense to go with a solid all-around offensive attack. I see the Bulls barely pulling it out, giving them their sixth win of the season. 10:37 AM - 10 Nov 2015

Who has the edge? The Spectrum’s scouting report as the Bulls take on Northern Illinois QUENTIN HAYNES SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The Buffalo football team (5-4, 3-2 MidAmerican Conference) enters Wednesday night’s game at UB Stadium looking to become bowl eligible for just the third time since the program rejoined Division I in 1999. But the Bulls will face the reigning MAC Champs, Northern Illinois (6-3, 4-1 MAC), which also knocked off formerly unbeaten No. 24 Toledo (7-1, 4-1 MAC) two weeks ago. The Spectrum has your scouting report on who has the edge in Wednesday’s matchup.

Quarterback: Draw

COURTESY OF NIU CREATIVE SERVICES

Junior running back Joel Bouagnon runs the ball up the middle during the Oct. 3 matchup against Central Michigan. Buffalo meets Northern Illinois on Wednesday night as Buffalo seeks its fourth straight win.

It’s about a dead heat between the two quarterbacks. After a so-so start in head coach Lance Leipold’s offense, senior quarterback Joe Licata has thrown four touchdowns to two interceptions and completed more than 63 percent of his passes over the past three games. No coincidence – all three games have been Buffalo wins. On the season, Licata has 12 touchdown passes, eight interceptions and 2066 passing yards. On the other side, Huskies’ junior quarterback Drew Hare has put together a similar season, completing 63 percent of his passes, 14 touchdown passes and four interceptions and has also been a threat to run.

Running back: Northern Illinois The Huskies have the best running back in this game, even with Buffalo’s dangerous 1-2 combo. Northern Illinois junior Joel Bouagnon has been one of the better running backs in the country, running for 949 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Behind him, sophomore Jordan Huff has made the most of his carries, running for 388 yards and five touchdowns at 7.3 yards per carry in a reserve role. Buffalo’s two-man rushing attack of senior Anthone Taylor and junior Jordan Johnson is solid and the lynchpin of the Buffalo offense, with both backs having run for more than 600 yards this season, but the combination of Bouganon and Huff has been better.

Wide receivers and tight ends: Buffalo The Bulls enter the game with the better players on the outside. Senior tight end Matt Weiser has been a reliable target for Licata this season with 45 receptions on the season. On the outside, senior receivers Ron Willoughby (40 catches) and Marcus McGill (33 catches) have provided Licata with a trio of skill players, capable of taking over any game. Northern Illinois has the top receiver in junior Kenny Galloday, who leads the Huskies with 801 yards and five touchdown re-

ceptions. But there’s more of a drop off in production after that, such as Huskies’ senior tight end, Desroy Maxwell, who has just 14 catches and 130 yards on the season. We’ll give Buffalo the edge.

Offensive line: Buffalo The Buffalo offensive line has kept Licata upright for the last three games and the likely return of sophomore guard Brandon Manosalvas should only assist the Bulls in keeping Northern Illinois’ defensive line in check. Northern Illinois’ offensive line has allowed just 18 sacks on the season, four more than Buffalo on the year. It will be a battle of two decent offensive lines, looking to keep their starting quarterbacks upright and open holes for their talented running backs. But Buffalo gets the slight edge.

Defensive line: Buffalo Buffalo’s line has been on fire recently. Junior defensive tackle Brandon Crawford has had a presence in the middle, with 27 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for losses. Young defensive ends like sophomore Demone Harris and freshman Charles Harris have both played well as of late. Northern Illinois has a line consisting of senior defensive ends Perez Ford and Cameron Clinton-Earl and defensive tackles Corey Thomas, a junior, and William Lee, a sophomore. Buffalo ranks just above the Huskies in both sacks and rushing defense, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6


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