News

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The American Idol Travesty of 'Johnny Red'

Some might call me an "American Idol Psycho." I prefer to call myself an "American Idol Aficionado." I've been to a total of four American Idol-related concerts in the past year and half, and I watch every episode religiously, analyzing them like a pro with Kelly and Becky, my cousins and partners in crime.We all rooted for Kelly Clarkson the first season, cheered for Clay Aiken the second season (my cousin Becky prefers to be called a "Claymate" herself) but this year, we are having a little more trouble finding an idol to root for.

Into the Lion's Den

After salvaging the final game in their weekend series versus the Ohio Bobcats, Buffalo's softball team travels to the Big Apple to challenge the Lions of Columbia University (15-22, 4-6 Ivy League) in a doubleheader today at 3 p.m..UB received excellent pitching performances over this past weekend by Sophie Barstad (6-5) and Stacey Evans (8-7), who recorded the Bulls lone victory, but will need the offense to arrive if they are to snare a pair of victories.The Buffalo hurlers, Evans and Barstad, combined efforts held the Bobcats' offense to just four runs (none earned) on 10 hits over the 24.1 innings played this weekend.Buffalo (14-18, 5-6 Mid-American Conference) will need similar performances from their two aces in their two-game stint with Columbia.Hopefully the UB bats don't have a similar performance as they did in Ohio.

IQuest Test Prep: UB Graduate Creates Effective Academic and Test Preparation Service

Some of the toughest exams that students face during their college years are those that determine their futures.

Sidelines

UB WrestlingUB wrestling coach Jim Beichner announced Tuesday that the Bulls have signed two more wrestlers for next season.

"Different Mission, Same Enemy"

Last weekend, the UB men's tennis team captured its second Mid-American Conference win of the season, narrowly defeating the Toledo Rockets in Toledo 4-3.This weekend with the stakes raised, the Bulls will have the chance to repeat their past success when they face the Rockets again at the 2004 Mid-American Conference Men's Tennis Championships hosted by Ball State University."We have the confidence we need of knowing that we have beaten these guys; we know we can do it," said junior Nick Zieziula.

"Teaching, Graduate Assistants Protest Proposed Contract"

Over 40 Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants protested for a better contract offer from the state outside the Student Union Monday afternoon.Chants of "We'll teach for food" and "SUNY works because we do" could be heard loud and clear throughout the rally, as the frustrated group of GAs and TAs tried to gain public support for their cause by getting their message out to the public.Many of the protestors carried signs with slogans and informative posters about the Graduate Student Employees Union and the reasons for their frustrations with the proposed contract.There are about 1,200 TAs and GAs at UB.

Union Dispute with Graduate Teaching Assistants

Few things in life not related to dental surgery are more painful than contract negotiations. Currently, teaching and graduate assistants at UB are without a contract, and looking for a new deal with the state.

Is Tupac Dead?

If a tree falls in the middle of a forest and no one is around to hear it, did it make a noise?Or better yet, if a man is shot to death and no one sees him die, is he really dead?Believers of legends say they live forever.

Train of Thought 4.21.04

Rolling Rhinos Duke it Out With Blue Devils

The first impression of junior Peter Wlosinski and senior James Banach, president and vice president of the UB Rolling Rhinos, is that they are notably earnest about the club sport they manage.

All Doubts Aside: Spring Fest 2004

For the past few weeks, there has been a buzz surrounding Spring Fest, and many say it hasn't been positive.Similar to every fest in recent history, some students seem less than thrilled about the scheduled talent for the annual event, which includes acts featured on the MTV Campus Invasion Tour - Hoobastank, Lostprophets and Ima Robot."Hoobastank is old, and I've never even heard of the other bands," said Kayla Wilbert, an occupational therapy major.Keeping opinions like this in mind, perhaps it is possible for the aggravated campus to uncross its haughty arms and open its defiant ears to the three bands, all on tour in support of their latest releases.Hoobastank, a Los Angeles-based group, recently released "The Reason," the follow-up effort to their self-titled debut, which saw success with the singles "Running Away" and "Crawling." Their current single, the title track from the new album, is ranked at No.

President Bush Speaks in Buffalo

President George W. Bush appeared Tuesday morning at Kleinhan's Music Hall with several local law enforcement officials to promote the much-maligned Patriot Act, which is scheduled to expire at the end of next year.

Bush Defends Patriot Act in Buffalo

With his campaign in full swing, President George W. Bush moderated a panel discussion Tuesday morning in Buffalo with local and state officials about the USA Patriot Act.Over 700 first responders from area police and fire departments filled the invitation-only event, held at Kleinhans Music Hall on the city's West Side.Bush took the stage at 9:35 a.m.

Byrned to a Crisp

I'm sorry that you've had to put up with three years of my crappy column, but here's one more for "the Gipper."And no, "the Gipper" is not Larry Appleton from Perfect Strangers.

"At UB, Grade Inflation a Non-Issue"

Princeton University may soon limit the number of "A" grades it permits its professors to issue, but don't look for it to happen here at UB anytime soon, said administration and faculty officials.Princeton is polling its teachers to find out if they support establishing a quota that would cap the number of A's they grant at 35 percent of total grades, down from the 46 percent currently being given.

Between Rock and a Soft Place

Whatever type of sound Gravy is trying to perfect, they haven't found the right recipe yet.Gravy's ingredients include vocalist Todd Schwartz, guitarist Micheal Rev, drummer Nikolaz Schuhbeck and bassist John Delev.

UC Riverside Engineering Dean Named New Provost

Satish K. Tripathi, dean of the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California-Riverside, has been announced as UB's next provost.After a three-month search that narrowed more than 40 candidates down to three, President John B.

Another Year Together For GSA E-Board

After their sweep in this spring's Graduate Student Association elections, Xun Liu and the GSA executive board will have another year in office together.Liu won another term as president last Thursday, defeating Jennifer Halfhill in the only contested election.

Bulls Come Up Short in Weekend Road Trip

With the regular season winding down and the Mid-American Conference Championships right around the corner, UB's women's tennis team was looking to end on a high note on their weekend road trip, but unfortunately came home with a pair of goose eggs.Sitting at the bottom of the Mid-American Conference standings, Buffalo was looking to make some noise before the MAC Championships that begin this Thursday.Last Friday Buffalo squared off against Toledo in what was a very winnable match for the Bulls, as Toledo (3-15, 1-7 MAC) was riding a 14 match-losing streak.

"The War in Iraq, WMD's and DMB"

As of April 16, 2004, 689 American Servicemen have died in Iraq. No, freedom isn't free.On March 20, 2003 following a bombing barrage of unprecedented magnitude, American forces invaded Iraq.