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Opinions

OPINION

The right to an HPV-free life

Teenagers in Erie County and across the United States have access to one of few vaccinations that can protect them against cancer. But in Buffalo, only around 30 percent of girls ages 13 to 17 have received the shot that can protect them from the human papillomavirus (HPV).


The Spectrum
OPINION

Despite attendance issues, Winterfest earns an A

This university may not cancel classes as often as students would like, but at least they manage to make sub-zero temperatures enjoyable every now and then. With its sixth-annual Winterfest following the decades-long tradition of winter festivals, UB once again established that snow and ice isn’t all bad – and that students here occasionally manage to enjoy Buffalo’s admittedly unenjoyable winters.


The Spectrum
OPINION

Erie County deputy's mistake is irreparable and inexplicable

The innocence or guilt of four individuals accused of committing murder in 1998 is yet to be determined, but the incompetence of an Erie County deputy who disposed of evidence crucial to the case has been proven beyond a doubt. Former Deputy Douglas Burke, now retired, explained to a federal judge that he gave away murder evidence to an auctioneer four years after the initial crime. The evidence in question, which the auctioneer sold, was far from incidental.


The Spectrum
OPINION

Buffalo's homeless can't come in from the cold

As Buffalo continues to be pummeled by snow and sub-zero temperatures, UB students? trek to campus has arguably surpassed mere inconvenience as they drive on icy roads and trudge along in wind chills far below zero to get to class. But at least UB students have somewhere to go. The homeless population of Buffalo remains outside, even as temperatures break cold weather records that residents would rather see left alone. Newcomers to Buffalo are typically quick to pick up on the winter weather uniform necessary to stay safe in the cold ? heavy coats and as many accessories as possible. Because when the temperature drops below zero, wearing enough layers and exposing almost no skin makes it possible to almost feel warm. But the homeless of Buffalo often make do with just a jacket. This was the case for Ronald Hunter Jr., who was homeless, mentally ill and just 21 years old when he died of hypothermia on Bailey Avenue on Jan.


Emma Janicki, standing in front of the Brandenburg Tor.
Sara DiNatale, The Spectrum
OPINION

Darkness shapes the light

Emma Janicki, standing in front of the Brandenburg Tor. Sara DiNatale, The Spectrum My fingers fumbled around my friend?s fingers as her relatively steady hand grasped the round bottom of what must?ve been a clear glass water bottle, dangerously filled with sparkling water.


OPINION

Cold feet

Arbeit Macht Frei. ?Work Makes you Free.? I stared at the 76-year-old metal gate taking in those infamous words and tried to prepare myself for what I was about to walk into. The temperature seemed to drop as soon as I stepped into the daunting open field at Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum concentration camp, which was used by the Nazis from 1936 to 1945, and the Soviets until 1950.



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