News

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Hang up on 'Stranger'

Throw that old "Halloween Sound Effects" tape in the stereo, hit the lights, and press play. If the cackling witches, the rattling of chains, or the man screaming in complete agony lift a few of your hairs on the back of your neck, then you can save your $8.50, the price of admission for "When a Stranger Calls."In the film industry's latest attempt at resurrecting the genre, they dialed the wrong number.

A call for Editor in Chief candidates

Have an interest in running The Spectrum next year? The election for Editor in Chief for the 2006-2007 school year is an opportunity open to any UB undergraduate, not just current staff members.

Human-animal hybrids. Really.

So much for my inter-species dating site, BeastBuds4Ever.com.Eyebrows across the nation were raised, knitted and furrowed in response to President Bush's condemnation of what he called "human-animal hybrids" during last week's State of the Union address.Most viewers were left with visions of satyrs and centaurs bounding through their communities currently populated by people entirely human.

Another view of Sharon's legacy

In "Understanding the Bulldozer" (Feb. 1), Jeremy Burton argues, rightly enough, that other world leaders are guilty of far greater war crimes than is Ariel Sharon.

Scoreboard

M. BasketballTuesday:Ball State67Buffalo60

Clumsy or creative?

Creating an awkwardly clever blend of experimental and indie-rock, Mellowdrone's new album "Box" is unexpectedly fresh.It would be incorrect to define Mellowdrone's sound as relaxing.

Peculiar perspectives at CEPA

Despite the rainy weather and grey clouds cast over the city for the opening reception Saturday evening, the CEPA Gallery brought in a bright atmosphere with a lively crowd of admirers.The current exhibition is composed of three separate galleries, ":18 Project," "Member's Exhibition" and "Underground Video." The current works on display provide a delicate balance of photography and videos to invoke anyone's curiosity.The ":18 Project" by Christine Gatti is a collection of photos that have been captured for the past 12 months.

Transgendered people are not 'self-loathing'

Brian Hibbard's review of the movie "TransAmerica" (Jan. 30) suggests that some transgendered individuals are a "self-loathing abnormality." I can assure you that I am neither self-loathing, nor an abnormality.

Seniors bring relief lessons home

Standing on the edge of a cliff on Thailand's Koh Kho Khao Island for the first time, Kelly Harris and Lisa Stabel could not believe how revitalized the landscape appeared from what they had seen in newspapers and on television nearly a year ago when a tsunami swept through the South Pacific, destroying everything in its path.While studying abroad in Singapore this past semester, the pair of UB seniors saw a newspaper article that sought volunteers to help in the post-tsunami relief effort.

Ben Sargent Cartoon: 2.08.06

Schedule

W. BasketballWednesday: vs. Central Michigan, 7 P.M.

This Week's Theme: Pretentious Titles

Maybe it's just that all the good words have been taken, but for the past five years it seems like song titles have been getting longer and longer, and band names more and more gag-worthy.

When cartoons attack

The Muslim riots currently spreading throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East should not be blamed on the newspapers that ran the cartoons eliciting the negative reaction.

Remember the glory days

"Wait 'til next year," has been the motto for Bills fans over the past 10 years or so, and although it seems like most people wouldn't accept that year in and year out, it works on Bills backers every time.Last week before the Super Bowl, Channel 2-WGRZ aired the same special hosted by Ed Kilgore that it airs every year, "Reliving the Glory Days of the Bills." For the past several seasons, as fans are forced to watch teams from other cities compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy, this local station has shown that broadcast.

A band geek's courage

It takes a lot of courage to enter the music industry as a solo artist. It also takes a lot of courage to do this in the struggling Buffalo music scene and still make an impression.The Highway Beautiful's debut album "The Things that Lights Can Hide" is a breath of fresh air in what is sometimes, by local standards, a stagnant musical atmosphere fouled by clich?

Law revised to give students with drug convictions second chance for aid

Early last week, Congress gave 175,000 students with previous drug convictions a second chance to receive financial aid, revising the Drug Provision Law for the first time in seven years.Until now, the controversial law allowed the government to block aid from students convicted on drug charges.

No one circles the wagons like UB

Allowing former UB officials to collect on hefty salaries while in semi-retirement is simply bad business.

Sidelines

Spoon and crew going full circleESPN has made its announcement regarding Bracket Buster coverage and the Buffalo game against Iona will be aired on ESPN360.

Women's tennis continues shutout streak

In its third shutout of the season, the women's tennis team is still unbeaten in dual meet action.

Sharon not responsible for massacre

In Wednesday's edition of The Spectrum, I was dismayed and disappointed regarding a particular statement made by Jeremy Burton ("Understanding the Bulldozer," Feb.