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Can you dig it? Garcia can

When a sports fan thinks volleyball, what usually comes to mind are booming spikes and powerful serves.

The Mountain Goats scale new peaks

One of the biggest tragedies of the Tuesday night Mountain Goats show at the Icon wasn't lead singer John Darnielle's heartbreaking lyrics about alcoholism and abuse, but the sparse turnout for such an exceptional songwriter and performer.While the lack of audience was disconcerting, it made for a very intimate performance that enhanced the Mountain Goats' already intensely personal lyrics.On Tuesday night, The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers, Vera and The Mountain Goats played an unforgettable show at the Buffalo Icon.First up was local act Vera.

'Medicated generation' on target

I'm writing in response to the article "The Medicated generation." (Oct. 20) It's about time someone brought this issue into focus (the issue being the depressed state of our generation). Our generation does have a problem, and to expand a little further on what Mr. IIgunas said, we are heading down a wrong road, a road where the easy way out takes the place of the right way, which more often than not involves self-sacrifice, discipline, and self-control.

Swimmers splash into 2005 with hopes of turnaround season

The start of a new season marks a renewed sense of optimism and excitement for the women's swimming team, which looks to reverse last year's misfortunes and show everyone that UB can be competitive.This year UB is a much different team, including a change at the top, as new head coach Scott Vanderzell takes the helm.As an assistant coach for the past five seasons, Vanderzell saw the Bulls finish at the bottom of the Mid-American Conference standings last year with a 3-9 record overall and a measly 0-8 record in conference meets.Vanderzell believes the team will become competitive in the MAC this year."I have a very positive outlook on the season," Vanderzell said.

Protestors rally against Powell

Colin Powell called his errors in presenting WMD to the United Nations a "painful blot" in his career.

UB already preparing for Dalai Lama visit

His visit is still almost a year away, but UB is busy getting ready for the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the most respected and recognizable political figures worldwide.From academics to cultural activities, UB is hoping to live up to the hype surrounding the rare and momentous trip by the Dalai Lama, who will speak at UB in September 2006."Given our very large population of international students and Asian-Americans, a large turnout is anticipated," said John Wood, associate provost for International Education.

Plato's stylish budget philosophy

Somewhere between the Salvation Army and Gucci lies Plato's Closet, the new store in Amherst that's making hand-me-downs hot.

Defining what qualifies as a campus holiday

Students at UB got a brief break last week when classes were cancelled for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but while many enjoyed the time off, others questioned why classes are cancelled for certain religious holidays and not for federal holidays, like Columbus Day.Or for that matter, why UB doesn't halt classes for many other religious holidays, such as Good Friday in the spring semester.John Wu, a senior international social studies major, said he's not happy with which holidays UB decides to acknowledge."It's messed up that UB only caters to Jewish and Christian holidays, while ignoring other ethnic holidays like the Chinese New Year on Feb.

"Helping victims, shaping students through the Red Cross"

Joshua Erizer's first day interning with the American Red Cross was not what he expected. Before he even knew where the bathroom was, Erizer was thrown into a chaotic relief effort to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross is made up largely of UB students, from employees to interns and volunteers.

Corporate mentality hurts UB

I would like to commend your managing editor Evan Pierce for his editorial of Oct. 17 ("The kids are alright"). In countering the misrepresentation that UB students are to blame for the decay of the University Heights, Pierce pointed to the obvious role the university itself is contributing to the state of affairs.Such question gains additional significance in relation to the policies the current Simpson administration seems to pursue under the amalgamation of "excellence." Improving performance and boosting the competitive edge of the university as a research institute are few of the facades this administration is using in its conquest to change how things are done around UB.

Zox hops with bubbly pop

Zox's album "The Wait" sounds like it should be the soundtrack for MTV's reality show "Laguna Beach." The mix of upbeat surfing songs, dark breakup songs and lustful ballads would accompany the show perfectly.This is not to disregard the band's obvious musical talent - it's just that this album is the ideal pop-punk album.

Powell speech incites protestors

Almost every year, UB manages to attract at least one high-profile, and often controversial, political figure for its Distinguished Speaker Series.This year, it's former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a speaker lauded for his topical significance with his role in the lead-up to the Iraq war.

"Ethnicity takes higher profile, but is static at UB"

This is the fourth part in a continuing series, "The changing face of UB," which examines recent student population trends as UB moves forward into the John Simpson era.There's no denying UB is a diverse campus.Go anywhere on North or South and the admissions slogans ring true: students of every creed and color can be found catching the bus to Ellicott or running late to classes in Diefendorf.

The SA entertainers

It's ironic that Kanye West's albums parody college life and getting degrees, because that's about what SA has been doing for years.UB's undergraduate representation basically act as promoters these days.

Column long overdue

Thank you. That's all I have to say. Finally someone has the balls to speak their mind and the truth about the situation that is happening ("The kids are alright," Oct.

Conservative group argues Academic Bill of Rights for SUNY

College campuses have long had reputations as havens of liberal thought, but with the current political climate, the balance of liberalism and conservatism at universities has become a hot-button issue.While conservative students have long decried a bias, now one group is harnessing the national movement to prevent any alleged bias from appearing in classes, and some UB students are on the bandwagon.Students for Academic Freedom, a conservative lobby group headed by political commentator David Horowitz, is currently working to bring an "Academic Bill of Rights" to all SUNY schools.

Ben Sargent Cartoon: 10.18.05

Sidelines

Byler takes MAC honorsJunior forward Braden Byler of the men's soccer team became Mid-American Conference player of week for the first time Monday after putting up standout numbers during last weekend's play.

SA struggles to make voice matter in UB decisions

Dela Yador knows what UB students think about their student government."Crooked. Corrupt. They do two concerts a year and that's it," says Yador, president of the Student Association.

A big fogging stretch

It seems director Rupert Wainwright couldn't see through the haze when remaking "The Fog." The ominous cloud of John Carpenter's 1980 film still hasn't lifted, causing the remake to be weak and unnecessary.A hundred years after a murder scandal upon a leprosy-stricken ship, ghosts come to haunt and kill anyone in their midst in a small island town.