Opinions - The Spectrum

OPINION

"Make new sites, but keep the old"

By Editorial Board | Oct. 7, 2014

Transforming sections of a historic church garnished with stained glass windows and Romanesque architecture into modern apartment units may seem unorthodox. But in Buffalo, renovating and repurposing historic buildings is actually a booming business ? one which is accomplishing the admirable task of preserving the city?s impressive architecture and ensuring the public gets to enjoy the space, rather than just the view. The project at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church is the most recent of an influx of these developments.

OPINION

My top-5 greatest sports moments at UB

By OWEN O'BRIEN | Oct. 7, 2014

Spectrum File Photo I spent my first four semesters at UB like any other Bulls fan. I spent fall Saturdays, when it was warm at least, waking up groggy at noon, recovering (in a way) from the night before and drinking a ?Gatorade? on my way from South to North Campus.

OPINION

"In need of white knights, and not just male ones"

By JORDAN OSCAR | Oct. 5, 2014

When a game developer is afraid to go home at night, fearing someone might follow her there and harm her; it?s time to reflect on the tragic misfortune that has become the face many people think of when they hear the word ?gamer.? People can say the trolls of online forum Reddit aren?t part of the gaming community at large or that the vile things people say to women attempting to find a place in and enjoyment from the games industry and its community are a minority.

OPINION

"Dallas, we have a problem"

By admin admin | Oct. 5, 2014

Just a few weeks ago, The Spectrum called upon the United States to do more to combat Ebola in Africa.

OPINION

New York says 'yes' to yes

By admin admin | Oct. 5, 2014

In an encouraging legislative move, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered the SUNY system to revamp its sexual assault policy, revealing that sexual assault remains on the forefront of lawmakers? minds. It appears that, finally, this issue is being taken seriously even after it fades from headlines (though this new development has brought the topic back to the front page), and lawmakers are generating long-term, permanent solutions that allow for greater optimism than ever before. The new, statewide policy requires that New York?s public universities include an affirmative consent rule on all campuses.

OPINION

A missed opportunity for the UB Bulls

By OWEN O'BRIEN | Oct. 4, 2014

It would be too easy to blame Buffalo?s 36-35 loss to Bowling Green Saturday on Patrick Clarke?s 33-yard missed field goal in the fourth quarter. It would also be an inaccurate statement. Football is the ultimate team game.

OPINION

Letter to the editor

By admin admin | Oct. 2, 2014

Editor?s note: This letter is written in reference to an article published titled ?Students to pay higher mandatory student activity fee,? which ran Sept.

OPINION

Open for the taking

By Tom Dinki | Oct. 2, 2014

Spectrum File Photo This year?s Buffalo football team has a better chance at a Mid-American Conference championship than last year?s team. Yes, last year?s team had No.

OPINION

"When it comes to wage increases, the bar is set low"

By Editorial Board | Oct. 2, 2014

State governments are beginning to chip away at the economic inequality that plagues the country, at a painfully gradual pace. In the past year, 13 states and four cities raised their minimum wage, including Seattle?s dramatic adoption of a $15-per-hour minimum.

OPINION

"Patience is a virtue, Marrone: Decision to bench Bills QB EJ Manuel is hasty and ill-advised"

By Editorial Board | Oct. 2, 2014

Apparently Bills head coach Doug Marrone has forgotten there are 16 games in an NFL season. It?s about the long haul, not the short term. Or maybe Marrone was overcome by delusions of grandeur after the teams? glorious and surprising 2-0 start to the season.

OPINION

"Animals deserve protection, but Andre Robinson doesn't deserve jail time"

By admin admin | Sep. 30, 2014

Andre Robinson may go to prison after he kicked a stray cat with enough force to send it flying about 20 feet.

OPINION

The Laws of the LSAT

By SHARON KAHN | Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum File Photo On Saturday, I took the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Needless to say, my entire life has changed since I?ve taken it. I couldn?t remember what it was like to do absolutely nothing for an entire day until this past Sunday.

OPINION

Finding the light within the madness

By GISELLE LAM | Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum File Photo I woke up Sunday morning to find out the place I had called home for the majority of my childhood was in complete chaos. News of the protest in Hong Kong took over varying news distribution channels, from CNN to The New York Times ? and Buzzfeed for those eager 20-something year-olds trying to stay in touch with current news. My relatives in Hong Kong were switching their Facebook profiles to photos of a yellow ribbon, representing a wish for universal suffrage by pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong.

OPINION

Letter to the Editor

Sep. 30, 2014

Dear Editor, We are writing in response to The Spectrum’s editorial “In Prison for Parenting: Inaccessibility of legal abortion options leads to unnecessary risks and repercussions” published on Sept.

OPINION

Cultural icon or corporate image - Labatt logo on grain silos a questionable choice

By Editorial Board | Sep. 30, 2014

With breweries, bars, wine trails and tailgates, Buffalo is a city with plenty of options for alcoholic indulgence (and considering the recent performances by the Bills and the Sabres, there?s no shortage of reasons to knock back a few beers). Now, with decommissioned grain silos redecorated to look like a giant six pack of Labatt Blue, Buffalo?s relationship with beer has ascended to a whole new level. The bright blue color is certainly an improvement over the previous shades of dirty, industrial grey and the new look will undoubtedly attract the public?s attention, generating greater awareness for the renovations going on in the area. The silos? redesigned exterior brings new character to an unattractive building and transforms what was once industrial into a humorous and iconic tribute to Buffalo?s love of beer. But even though this is a clever use of the silos design, and a relevant image for the city, this iconic image is still undeniably commercial. Turning a 100-foot tall landmark into what is essentially a three-dimensional billboard reeks of commodification and invasive corporate involvement.

OPINION

A matter of 're2pect'

By Jordan Grossman | Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum File Photo Derek Jeter has been considered one of the most influential people in New York for 20 years.

OPINION

UB hits 'undo' on a mistake in the making

Sep. 28, 2014

The people of Buffalo have spoken and in a surprisingly pleasant turn of events, they?ve been heard. After years of emotional contention and unproductive discussion, UB has decided that it will not purchase McCarley Gardens, a low-income apartment complex within the borders of the university?s expanded medical campus.

OPINION

In prison for parenting

Sep. 28, 2014

Courtesy of Amber Silter With a few clicks online, Jennifer Whalen helped her daughter end an unwanted pregnancy ? and committed a felony in doing so. The 39-year-old mother of three living in rural Pennsylvania is currently in jail serving a nine to 18 month sentence after ordering mifepristone and misoprostol.

OPINION

Don't Ask Anne: Dining halls and space-saving

By ANNE FORTMAN | Sep. 28, 2014

Spectrum File Photo Editor?s note: This article is a satire piece and should be taken as such.

OPINION

Sweet revenge: Anthone Taylor totals 222 yards against Miami Ohio

By OWEN O'BRIEN | Sep. 27, 2014

Anthone Taylor doesn?t like Miami Ohio and he has a pretty good reason not to. Taylor, who is from Huber Heights, Ohio, grew up fewer than 60 miles from Miami Ohio?s campus.