The Spectrum Vol. 70 No. 21

VOL. 70 NO. 21 | APRIL 20, 2022

BSU members discuss Allen West’s speech and its aftermath

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950

UB conducting ‘thorough review’ in wake of Allen West controversy

UBSPECTRUM

Coalesce BioArt Lab seeks answers to ethical and scientific ‘conundrums’ via art

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State budget includes funding for new UB engineering building, full-time faculty The new $220 billion budget will bring additional money to SUNY schools JULIE FREY SENIOR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

New York State’s $220 billion budget — which funds everything from updating civil service exams to subsidies for a new Bills stadium — passed on April 7.

The budget includes dedicated money for initiatives intended to elevate SUNY into a “nation-leading public higher edu-

cation system,” according to the state’s briefing book.

As part of the initiatives to make the SUNY system a top public university system, the two SUNY flagship universities — UB and Stony Brook — will receive $68 million each to build a new en-

gineering building on their campuses (UB will now need to fundraise the remaining $34 million). Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget dedicates $53 million for full-time faculty, includes plans to increase the SUNY operSEE BUDGET PAGE 6

Jiayi Zhang / The Spectrum

UB has no plans of requiring masks again, barring a new COVID-19 variant of concern UB shifts COVID-19 strategy, experiences moderate increase in on-campus COVID-19 cases GRANT ASHLEY SENIOR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

UB has no plans to reinstate a mask mandate on campus unless a new COVID-19 variant of concern emerges, according to Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the UB Department of Medicine.

“If a new variant shows up and sort of erodes our immunity, but you just have [the symptoms of] a mild common cold, then we’re probably OK with that,” Russo said. “But if it evades that immunity, and people are getting sick and landing in the hospital and dying… that would probably be the one thing that would bring back a variety of mandates and more aggressive public health measures.”

Such a variant of concern hasn’t been identified at this time, Russo said.

On-campus cases have climbed moderately in the six weeks since UB ended its indoor mask mandate on March 5, according to SUNY’s COVID-19 dashboard. The 14-day rolling positivity rate decreased from 0.95% on March 7, two days after the end of the mask mandate, to 0.24% on March 17, but the rate has since increased to 1.85% as of April 18.

The positivity rate among students, 2.02%, is nearly double that of employees, which sits at 1.16%.

UB has reported 90 positive cases in the past 14 days, although that number is likely an underestimate due to the prevalence of at-home testing.

Some estimates have found that only 7% of COVID-19 cases are being detected in the U.S., meaning rates may actually be 14.5 times higher than reported, according to CNN. Many communicable

diseases, such as the flu, are routinely underdetected.

“We knew there would be some increase — nothing like, of course, the Omicron wave, nothing like the early wave, because our immunity is so much better from the earlier Omicron infection and vaccination,” Russo said, citing spring break, St. Patrick’s Day and loosening restrictions as reasons for the increase. “It’s not really that concerning… What’s maybe driven them to a slightly higher level of infections than I was hoping for is BA.2, [which] is a sub-variant of Omicron that is about 30%, maybe as much as 50%, more infectious [than BA.1].”

Cases are likely to peak in the next week following gatherings during the Easter, Passover and Ramadan holidays, and then be followed by a downward swing in May as the weather gets warmer, Russo said.

The possibility of a permanent end to mask mandates on campus represent a critical shift in the university’s pandemic strategy as it moves from focusing on suppressing cases to reducing severe illness, long COVID-19, hospitalizations and death. In accordance with those new goals, the university has replaced mask mandates and physical distancing requirements with vaccine mandates, educational campaigns, an emphasis on “personal responsibility” and surveillance testing of the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated, Russo said.

“Early on, we thought we would be able to prevent most infections with the early variants, but now since Omicron has shown up, we appreciate that we can no longer do that,” Russo said. “I think we SEE COVID-19 PAGE 2

Mitis and Dylan Matthew to headline second SA Concert Series small show UB will host “Electrofest” on April 23, Spring Fest on April 30 KARA ANDERSON SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

The Student Association has released the dates of “Electrofest” and Spring Fest, the next two shows in its spring concert series.

In an April 11 Instagram post, SA announced that “Electrofest” will take place on April 23, while Spring Fest will take place on April 30. “Electrofest” will feature headliners Mitis and Dylan Matthew and will take place at Baird Point with a 6:30 p.m. start time; tickets are available through the ticket office.

Spring Fest will be held in the Governor’s parking lot, however the lineup has yet to be announced.

Joe Torre, who is colloquially known as Mitis, is a dubstep, dance and electronic artist. Hailing from Pennsylvania, the art-

ist has over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, with his top song, “Moments,” streamed over 14 million times on the platform.

Dylan Matthew is an indie dance pop artist who found his fame through YouTube after beginning his music career as an 18-year-old. At 25, Matthew now has over 4.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify and has performed at events such as Coachella.

Matthew has had three tracks featured on the Billboard Dance Top 50, including his acoustic version of “Love is Gone,” which became a viral hit and was made in collaboration with electronic act SLANDER. The song, which has over 221 million streams on Spotify and has since been awarded gold by the RIAA. Email: kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com

Shubh Jain / The Spectrum Students packed Alumni Arena for Spring Fest 2019.

NEWS

2 | Wednesday, April 20 2022

ubspectrum.com

‘I’m just exhausted’: BSU members discuss Allen West’s speech and its aftermath Members shared feelings about events and made tentative plans for further action at meeting KAYLA ESTRADA ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

One week after campus descended into chaos in response to Allen West’s controversial speech, “America is not Racist — Why American Values are Exceptional,” UB’s Black Student Union held a “town hall” meeting Monday to discuss the aftermath of that day.

The meeting provided a forum for members to discuss their emotions regarding West’s speech and devise a plan for improving UB’s campus for marginalized communities. While there haven’t been any large protests since the event, members say their work is far from over. The meeting started off with what was origi-

nally supposed to be a 15-minute open floor discussion for members to provide their unfiltered feelings and opinions. BSU President Josephina Nimarko, Vice President Sanyia Julie, Treasurer Nakkia Smalls and Secretary Taylor Lewis all stood at the front of the room, moderating these tense conversations.

Lewis, a sophomore political science major, says the meeting was designed this way in an effort to provide a safe space for members to open up about their emotions without judgment.

Showing little hesitance, members quickly began raising their hands in classroom-like fashion, waiting for their turn to speak. After 45 minutes of heated debate and vulnerability, it became clear that

emotions were running high and an hour would not be enough time for everyone to speak.

Lewis says trying to navigate her place on campus and figure out what to do with her complicated emotions regarding West’s speech and its aftermath have been difficult for her personally.

“I feel weird,” Lewis said. “I know that’s kind of a weird thing to say, but I’m in a space where I’m just trying to internalize it and understand everything that’s happened. I’m also trying to figure out where my place is — not only as a member of BSU but just as a human being here on this campus, so that I can eventually move forward.”

Lewis is not the only one feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. BSU members used the meeting to express that they were

concerned for their safety following the demonstration and the Yik Yak threats, which referred to the protesters as “target practice.” Members also described feeling “exhausted,” “angry” and “overwhelmed” during the forum.

J Coley, a grad student studying sociology and president of the Graduate Student Association, is among the “exhausted” members. Coley says that after seven years of attending UB and being a devoted member of BSU, they have seen many different protests over the same issue — racism.

“This is not the first time someone like this has been invited to speak [on campus],” Coley told The Spectrum. “I’m just exhausted. I’m trying my best to use these SEE BSU PAGE 6

Kayla Estrada / The Spectrum Black Student Union members gather for a “town hall” meeting Monday in SU 145.

New bill would reimburse SUNY, CUNY students disenrolled for vaccine non-compliance More than 1,500 students were disenrolled after failing to comply with SUNY’s vaccine mandate JUSTIN WEISS MANAGING EDITOR

A new piece of legislation would reimburse SUNY and CUNY students who were disenrolled from their courses for failing to comply with SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The legislation — S.8755 — is currently in the Senate Higher Education Committee and would amend Section 1 of State Education Law to allow reimbursement to these students.

“I support the vaccine as a personal choice,” the legislation’s lead sponsor, Sen. George Borrello (R-57th district), said in a statement. “If SUNY wishes to restrict this low-risk group then they should refund all fees and expenses. This was a disproportionate, severe sanction SUNY handed down to these students.”

The Assembly version of the bill — A.9565 — was co-sponsored by John Salka (R-121st district), Joe Angelino (R-122nd district), Karl Brabenec (R-98th district) and Marjorie Byrnes (R-133rd district). It is currently in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

One thousand five hundred sixteen SUNY students were disenrolled for failing to comply with the state’s vaccine mandate, according to Borrello. The state system received 8,134 vaccine exemption requests — 7,048 of which were religious and 1,086 of which were medical. Nearly

three-quarters of exemption requests were approved.

UB has granted 792 religious or medical vaccine exemptions, as of March 21, according to Student Health Services data.

Some of these students may have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, although they all did not receive a booster shot. It is unclear how many students were disenrolled from UB as a result of noncompliance with the mandate.

Approximately 97.59% of UB students have received a booster dose, as of March 21.

SUNY schools were able to give students a grace period of no longer than 35 days from the time a vaccine received full Food and Drug Administration approval to either show proof of a completed full vaccine series or submit requests for exemption on medical or religious grounds.

SUNY was one of thousands of institutions to require COVID-19 vaccines. The system enrolled 394,000 students in fall 2020. The disenrolled population represents 0.38% of that total.

The legislation is sponsored only by Republicans, making it unlikely to pass. Democrats have supermajorities in both chambers and control the governor’s mansion.

“More than 1,500 students were forced out of SUNY schools, disenrolled because they were unable to comply with SUNY’s vaccine mandate,” Borrello said. “Many of these students had applied for medical or religious exemptions. It’s unconscionable that SUNY would keep their money after kicking them out of school.”

Email: justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com

COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1

have to accept we’re going to have some infections and we’re going to have bumps in infections at certain times of year. And I think eventually this virus will sort of settle into a seasonal respiratory virus, similar to influenza.”

Frederick Kowal, the president of United University Professions, the union that represents SUNY faculty and professionals, said in a statement that it’s “necessary and prudent” for SUNY to mandate masks again.

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the state due to the spread of at least two sub-variants [BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1] of the contagious Omicron strain, putting indoor mask mandates back in place temporarily will help stem the spread quickly,” Kowal said. “SUNY should act immediately in this regard.”

Masks are still required on UB buses and shuttles, but the university’s Health and Safety Committee will discuss the future of that requirement at their next meeting, university spokesperson John DellaContrada said. That discussion follows a federal judge’s ruling declaring a federal mask mandate for public transportation was unlawful, according to The Wall Street

Journal.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority lifted its mask mandate for trains, buses and airports on Tuesday, according to The Buffalo News.

Students and guests attending commencement ceremonies — slated to take place between April 29 and May 22 — will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination and won’t be required to wear masks, according to UB’s Health and Safety Guidelines. The university had originally planned to require proof of vaccination.

Erie County had a 7-day positivity rate of 14.4% as of April 7, up from a low of 1.9% on March 10, according to Erie County’s COVID-19 dashboard.

The 7-day average of new cases in New York State has increased steadily since the 2022 low of 1,639 on March 14, according to The New York Times. The 7-day average was 5,909 on April 18, far lower than the 2022 high of 73,815 on Jan. 10 during the Omicron wave.

Hospitalization rates in New York State have increased by 30% in the last 14 days, reaching a daily average of 1,496 on April 17. Hospitalizations haven’t increased nearly as much as caseloads, Russo said.

Email: grant.ashley@ubspectrum.com

Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Students walk through the connecting tunnel between the Student Union and Knox Hall Monday.

OPINION

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Wednesday, April 20 2022 | 3

‘Hello, friends’ The Spectrum won’t be the same without Reilly Mullen and her halfdrunk Dunkin’ lattes

KAYLA ESTRADA ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

I first entered Reilly Mullen’s office as a wide-eyed staff writer.

Terrified of the idea that my new editorin-chief wouldn’t like me, I walked through her office doors with sweaty hands and shaky legs. As I looked around anxiously, I made eye contact with the miniature Squishmallows adorning her shelves.

They almost seemed as scared as I was, but I could’ve been projecting.

I also took note of the several half-finished Dunkin’ coffees that decorated her otherwise professional-looking desk.

With just a few short glances, I realized that Reilly and I might have more in common than I had originally thought.

But seven months later, after numerous editors’ meetings together, I no longer feel that way.

Reilly and I do not have much in common at all. At least where it counts.

Reilly’s patience level is unmatched.

Constantly surrounded by a whirlwind of half-written articles and rapidly approaching deadlines, she continues to find order

in the chaos. No matter how loud the staff is, or how off topic we stray, Reilly reminds us to stay on task with a stern, yet always friendly, “Hello, friends!”

In moments that I, no doubt, would have let my anger bubble to the surface, Reilly remains seemingly unbothered by the madness of The Spectrum newsroom.

Where Reilly writes beautifully crafted columns, I use The Spectrum’s opinion page to vent. Even when taking on controversial and emotional topics, such as racism or gender-oppression, Reilly is able to turn those emotions into something meaningful. She takes anger, rage and even poison and turns those feelings into something purposeful.

She is never scared to write about race in a predominately white room.

Despite being the only Black editor on staff, she is fearless in her pursuits and forever vulnerable in the way she shares her experiences. Being a writer of color is exhausting, yet Reilly makes it seem effortless.

Reilly is a teacher in areas where I am selfish. When writer’s block torments my tired mind, she is never short on ideas. I’ve grown a lot as a writer this year, but Reilly has ensured that I grow as a journalist and as a person too.

I’ve only known her for seven months, but Reilly has taught me more than any journalism class ever could. I’ve learned too much about frat parties and which ones to attend. I now know what a “garbage plate” is, thanks to The Spectrum’s very own Rochester-native. But most importantly, I know exactly what kind of editor I want to be.

The art of overthinking Our biggest obstacles are often our own thoughts

ANDREW LAURICELLA WEB/COPY EDITOR

It’s 3 a.m. and I can’t sleep.

It’s not like I really want to anyway.

The night provides me with my sole escape from the bouts of social anxiety that plague my day. With everyone else asleep, unable to judge my every movement, the weight of this stress is temporarily lifted off my shoulders.

I toss and turn, running through all the wrong things I said today and all the times I hesitated before speaking, before coming to the conclusion that it wasn’t worth saying anything at all. I always end up second-guessing myself, worrying I’ll say something stupid.

Stop talking; you have nothing interesting to

say.

Don’t text them; they don’t want to talk to you and you’re only going to bother them.

You know that the words aren’t going to come out right and you’re going to get made fun of, so don’t say anything at all.

Thoughts like these come hand-in-hand with every interaction I have and every decision I make throughout the day.

I hate them. They’re exhausting and intrusive and I just want them to go away, so I start scrolling through TikTok to distract myself.

But slowly, they begin to lure back my attention. They make me plan out my conversations for the next day. I make a list in my head of everyone I might talk to and questions I can ask when talking to them, like a general strategically planning the best approach to win the war.

Or at least keep fighting another day.

These thoughts occupy my every waking hour. If overthinking is an art, I am Michelangelo.

Why can’t social interaction come as naturally to you as it does for everyone else? I ask myself.

What is wrong with you?

I want to run outside and scream, but I don’t; someone might hear and I don’t

Reilly Mullen / Instagram Reilly Mullen has been The Spectrum’s editor in chief since December 2020.

We might both have a habit of buying coffee we can’t finish, share a mutual love for Squishmallow collecting and both frequent the same dirty-fraternity house.

But we don’t have much in common at all, at least where it counts.

All I can do is hope that after a few more years of experience, that will change.

Next year, when I enter Reilly Mullen’s old office, I’ll be a wide-eyed senior editor and a teary-eyed sophomore.

The Spectrum won’t be the same without her.

want to embarrass myself. So I push all my feelings down. Deep, deep down. Where no one, not even I, can see them. And I go back to scrolling through TikTok. I constantly try to fix everything I think is wrong with me, and when I continuously fail to come up with a solution, I get upset and overwhelmed and try to force myself to forget that these imperfections exist. But no matter how hard I try, I know they’re still there.

I don’t know why I worry so much about what others think, or why I feel I’m not good enough for anyone in my life.

Or why I’m embarrassed of who I am.

I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s OK. I’m working on embracing all my perceived imperfections, little by little.

Writing this column and joining The Spectrum staff this semester were steps in the right direction. I had initially told myself I wasn’t qualified to work for a newspaper.

I’m an electrical engineering major, not a writer or an editor. But I joined anyway, and was immediately rewarded. I met an amazing and welcoming group of people, and I’m now part of something I really enjoy.

Writing this column was difficult. But I

did it, and I’m really proud of that.

It’s OK if you struggle with social anxiety and self-confidence. Everyone does to some extent. I have incredible friends and an amazing support system, which helps immensely, but I still have my bad days. Don’t worry about being perfect or impressing others. You’ll find you’re a lot happier just being yourself, and that there are a lot of people who love you for who you are.

It’s not easy, but I urge you to step out of your comfort zone. Text that friend you really want to see, or plan that trip you’ve been dying to go on. Once you break the barrier built by the voices inside your head, you’ll find that there are so many opportunities you’re missing out on. Don’t overthink it; if there’s something you want to do, do it. It may just change your life in the best way possible.

Managing social anxiety — and mental health in general — is really hard. I’m still far from where I want to be, but I’m trying my best, and that’s enough. Just remember that you are loved, and you are not alone.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WEDNESDAY APRIL 20, 2022 VOLUME 70 NUMBER 21 CIRCULATION: 3,000

Do you have an interest in journalism, graphic design, photography, social media, advertising, cartoons or copy editing? The Spectrum is always looking for enthusiastic students who want to be part of our team. Join our 45-time award winning independent student newspaper for hands-on, realworld experience in your field.

Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s editorial staff can email Reilly Mullen at: eic@ubspectrum.com.

The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Opinion section of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.

Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or news@ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address.

For information on adverstising with The Spectrum: VISIT: www.ubspectrum.com/advertising EMAIL US: spectrum@buffalo.edu The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100

Reilly Mullen MANAGING EDITORS Justin Weiss Dan Eastman, Asst.

NEWS/FEATURES EDITORS Grant Ashley, Sr. Jack Porcari, Sr. Julie Frey, Sr. Kayla Estrada, Asst.

Kyle Nguyen, Asst.

ARTS EDITORS Alex Falter, Sr. Kara Anderson, Sr.

Email: kayla.estrada@ubspectrum.com

Email: andrew.lauricella@ubspectrum.com

SPORTS EDITORS Anthony DeCicco, Sr. Sophie McNally, Asst.

Kayla Sterner, Asst.

MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Sabrina Akter-Nabi, Sr. Sai Krishna Seethala, Sr. Moaz Elazzazi, Asst.

ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jenna Quinn, Sr. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Paolo Blanchi, Sr. Jiayi Zhang, Asst.

COPY EDITOR Andrew Lauricella

OPINION

4 | Wednesday, April 20 2022

ubspectrum.com

Athletes are people, too “Fans” need to stop viewing athletes only as sources of entertainment

KAYLA STERNER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Two weeks ago, I was headed to the track when a text from my dad made me do a double-take.

“Dwayne Haskins died,” he told me.

“No way,” I thought — until I opened up Twitter.

As I scrolled through my feed in disbelief, my tears were quickly replaced with vexation when I came across ESPN insider Adam Schefter’s breaking news tweet about Haskins’ death: “Dwayne Haskins, a standout at Ohio State before struggling to catch on with Washington and Pittsburgh in the NFL, died this morning when he got hit by a car in South Florida, per his agent Cedric Saunders,” Schefter tweeted.

Schefter later deleted the tweet and sent out a new message that omitted his previous claim about Haskins “struggling

to catch on,” but the damage was already done. The original tweet already had over 20,700 quote tweets and 37,500 likes at the time he deleted it.

It is unfathomable and frankly disrespectful to break the news of a person’s death with such a gross characterization.

A human being died, and all you can think to tweet is that he struggled to catch onto a football team?

The pain Haskins’ teammates, coaches, friends and family are in after their loved one died suddenly is indescribable, so for Schefter to add this analysis is shameful (not to mention that that’s how he chose to open the tweet, which is only more disrespectful).

Schefter is completely unjustified in what he tweeted. Not only was it bad taste, it was misleading. It made it seem like he was breaking the news of a trade, not the tragic death of a 24-year-old.

But it just follows what we have known all along about sports personalities: they view athletes as pawns, not people.

Schefter isn’t the only media personnel who spoke of Haskins as if his sole purpose in life was to throw touchdowns.

Former Dallas Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Gil Brandt took to the radio to display his even more disgusting take on Haskins’ passing: “He was a guy that was living to be dead,” Brandt said on NFL radio. “Maybe

if he stayed in school a year he wouldn’t do silly things [like] jogging on a highway.”

Not only was Brandt’s statement inaccurate — Haskins was not taking a casual stroll on the side of the highway, as Brandt said; his motorcycle ran out of gas, so he went to look for a gas station nearby — it was also disturbingly insensitive.

Brandt’s comment was pure crass. How was a man who was chasing his dreams living to be dead? And, more importantly, how do you refer to a man who is no longer with us in such a negative, careless way?

Both men have since issued public apologies, but their comments say everything we need to know about how people view athletes.

We view them as entertainment value, not people.

Time and time again, we see athletes judged for every move they make, but we never allow them to take off their jersey and just be… people.

It wasn’t just Haskins who was so poorly and disrespectfully treated; his former teammate, Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool, received massive amounts of hate for a post he made after Haskins’ death.

“It’s OK to not be OK,” Claypool said in his tweet, which was attached to a video of him crying. “Allow me to be the example.”

Unfortunately, his courage to display his mental health resulted in backlash. Instead of being given the time to grieve and heal like anyone else, keyboard warriors immediately voiced their opinions.

“New era of society is very strange nowadays, this is how we grieve now? Seems like some soap opera move to me y not call his family and cry with them not randos on social media,” one user wrote.

“Idk why people record themselves crying, it’s like ‘oh I’m sad let me take out my phone and get the angle right and hit record and show everyone I’m crying, hopefully I don’t stop the video too soon or drop my phone and have to start over.’ I personally find it funny honestly,” another one said.

But there’s nothing funny about Claypool’s grief. And these reactions to it are unacceptable, plain and simple, and highlight yet again that we view athletes’ sole existence to entertain us on game days.

When did we become so disconnected as human beings that we can’t let someone grieve? We all have emotions — it’s basic biopsychology.

We need to reevaluate the way we talk about athletes.

Athletes are people, too.

Email: kayla.sterner@ubspectrum.com

Don’t settle for people who don’t appreciate you On knowing your selfworth and the value of finding new friends

DYLAN GRECO STAFF WRITER

I am so excited.

Today is my day. The cool crisp smell of autumn fills my nostrils as I crack open my bedroom window.

It’s Halloween, and nothing can possibly go wrong.

For 24 hours, I will marvel at all the colorful costumes, stomp on crunchy autumn leaves and receive all sorts of treats.

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday and nothing can ruin this day.

Or so I thought.

The year is 2015 and I have my Donald Trump costume laid out on my bed. I try on my itchy, blonde wig in the mirror

The

and repeat the word “Huge” in my best attempt at a Trump impression.

It’s nearing 3:30 p.m. and my friends still haven’t texted me our plans yet. “Not to worry,” I tell myself. “They’re probably just getting ready.”

Another hour goes by and I’m now in full costume. I check my iPod, only to see that I still haven’t received a text from my friends.

At this point I think, “You know what, I’ll just text them first. They must be having trouble with their costumes or something.”

But, deep down, I know full well this isn’t the case.

That’s because this isn’t the first time they have excluded me. After all, the “popular” kid in the group doesn’t like me; he’s always made it his mission to make me feel inferior.

It’s now 5:30 p.m. and I still haven’t gotten a response to my text. The sun’s starting to set and Halloween is pretty much halfway through. My heart has sunken into my chest. I’m finally coming to the realization of what’s happening here.

“I don’t want to believe it,” I tell myself.

problem

The toxic words, unfaltering arrogance and total partisanship of today’s right-leaning news hosts

SOPHIE MCNALLY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

“These children.”

“They’re obviously misguided and they’re idiots.”

“The woke mob.”

These words all flowed from the bombastic mouths of Fox News hosts in response to the Allen West protests on Thursday, April 7.

Such baseless accusations and ignorant stereotyping have become the lynchpin of mainstream “unbiased” right-leaning media.

with

It’s disturbing and unethical.

As our screens become increasingly littered with the spit and sarcasm of these overly-manicured oracles, modern-day reporting is beginning to truly destroy the values of news outlets.

Maintaining a high standard of objectivity is the first thing I learned when I stepped foot into my college journalism classes and The Spectrum’s newsroom.

Yet some of the most established names in conservative American media — from Fox News to One America News Network to Newsmax — seem to have no concept of this.

Scathing remarks laced with (primarily) right-leaning agendas leave viewers with few facts and a predisposition to interpret said facts in the way the news host wants them to.

From loaded and leading questions to sensationalized takes on everyday happenings, partisan media on the right is making a farce of journalism.

It’s shameful.

And the arrogance and self-entitlement behind these news hosts’ biased takes and cutting words only adds insult to injury.

“I don’t want to accept it. It’s not true.

It can’t be true. On my favorite holiday?

They wouldn’t do this to me, not on Halloween.”

7:30 p.m. rolls around and I’m sitting on my bed, in full costume, with my head in my hands. I’m distraught.

I walk downstairs, where my mom’s having a snack. She turns around, looks at me and, without saying a word, knows what has occurred.

“You going trick or treating Dyl?” she asks.

My eyes start to well up with tears and my voice starts to shake. “M-my friends haven’t gotten b-back to me yet but I think I’m leaving s-soon,” I say.

My mom gets up out of her seat, walks over to me and gives me the tightest, most sincere hug.

At this point, I’m drenched in my own tears. I sob and sob and sob.

“Dyl, you need to be with people who want to be with you,” she says.

It resonated so much that I needed to say it again.

“You need to be with people who want to be with you.”

There’s so many layers to that statement.

You need to surround yourself with people who enjoy your company; people who enjoy you.

It’s important to realize your own selfworth. Never let others — let alone your “friends” — treat you like an accessory or a punching bag.

You are valuable, and if you are friends with people who don’t see that value or recognize you for it, then those people aren’t your friends.

They’re sugar-coated enemies.

Remember, It’s OK to cycle through friends and friend groups; it’s necessary if you want to find the right circle.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known people or the history you have with them.

If your relationships are toxic, and you know deep down they will never change, you owe it to yourself to leave.

It’s important to be unapologetically yourself, no matter the circumstance.

There are people out there who will like you, for you; if someone doesn’t like you, they’re not worth your time!

Email: arts@ubspectrum.com

conservative No media outlet should be able to affiliate with any bias or political stance.

Republican or Democrat. Left or right.

Pro-this or anti-that — any bias should be left unspoken.

News anchors are supposed to report the story; they shouldn’t be the story.

But when they are, it falls foul of every principle at the core of journalism.

Opinionated news personalities like Harris Faulkner and Todd Piro are genuinely scary.

With opinions bigger than the newsrooms they sit in, their judgements are harmful and inspire ignorant narratives filled with half-truths and venom.

Every profession that can influence public opinion has a responsibility to remain impartial on current affairs and politics.

Your job is to report the news, not be the news.

The classroom demands it, so why doesn’t the newsroom?

This expectation certainly doesn’t mean reporters should forfeit their First Amendment rights or be unwillingly silenced, it just guarantees that the public can forge their own beliefs before someone beats

media

them to it.

Of course, there is a time and place for opinion-based media, — I’m not disputing that in any way — but it must be just that: a time and a place.

Programs delving into political commentary exist on both sides of the aisle — from the left leaning “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” to the right’s “The Sean Hannity Show” — but these shows are just that: commentary.

Commentary and opinion should never merge with hard news reporting or daily coverage, and certainly shouldn’t be the pillar of any news station or paper.

The news is supposed to be something for the public to interpret and bring meaning to themselves. Journalists, reporters and hosts are simply tasked with communicating that information.

No more than that.

These professionals have a responsibility to inform, not to push their personal agendas onto viewers.

So it’s about time right-leaning media outlets give viewers the objective information they’re owed.

Email: sophie.mcnally@ubspectrum.com

ubspectrum.com

FEATURES

Wednesday, April 20 2022 | 5

UB conducting ‘thorough review’ in wake of Allen West controversy University and UPD are investigating reports of harassment and online threats KYLE NGUYEN ASST. NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

UB has commenced a “thorough [internal] review of events and activities” surrounding Lt. Col. Allen West’s controversial on-campus speech on April 7, according to a university statement.

University Police are also conducting their own parallel investigation.

The announcement follows anonymous online threats made toward student protestors on Yik Yak and allegations of violence made in the aftermath of the event.

“These events do not define who we as a university are, nor do they define who we aspire to be,” Barbara Ricotta, UB’s dean of students, said in a statement on April 8. “As a university community, we will continue to strive to be a place where all students can express themselves, be heard and live their lives in a welcoming and safe environment that values diversity and inclusion.”

To that end, the university is trying to engage the student body in an open dialogue over its speaker and protest policies, UB spokesperson John DellaContrada told The Spectrum in an email.

“As part of its review, the university is meeting with student leaders to discuss their concerns and the university’s expectations and policies regarding public events and peaceful protest,” DellaContrada said.

Young Americans for Freedom, an SArecognized conservative student organization, invited West (R-TX), a former U.S. Representative and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, to deliver a speech titled “America is not Racist — Why American Values are Exceptional.”

Dozens of students rallied and marched through the Academic Spine on the afternoon of the speech to voice misgivings about the rhetoric on campus.

The event garnered national attention, with YAF student organizers alleging that some protestors assaulted them following the speech, according to WCIV. However, no formal report of assault has been made since the event. Three reports of harassment have been filed to campus police, DellaContrada said.

YAF president Therese Purcell declined an interview request with The Spectrum.

University Police are also investigating threatening Yik Yak posts made against student protestors prior to the speech.

Campus police have also reached out to the FBI’s Hate Crime unit for assistance.

The university defends its decision to allow YAF to invite West to speak on campus, saying that SA-sponsored organizations have the freedom to “invite speakers

Paolo Blanchi / The Spectrum

of their choosing” as long as they abide by university guidelines and corresponding state laws. UB also says it does not “take a position on the views expressed by those who visit its campus.”

University administrators cited limitations set in place by the First Amendment, which prevents public universities from prohibiting registered student organizations and their guests from speaking on campus, even for hate speech. “True

threats” — speech that can be perceived as an immediate threat to one’s physical safety — incitement of illegal activity, and harassment are not protected under the First Amendment .

Other universities that have attempted to ban speakers for hate speech were met with legal backlash. In 2017, Auburn University, a public institution in Alabama, decided to cancel a speaker event organized for white supremacist Richard Spencer.

A federal court overruled the decision, deeming it unconstitutional. Spencer was permitted to speak.

Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Lt. Col. Allen West addresses attendees at a speech in the Student Union on April 7.

Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Protesters congregate outside Lt. Col. Allen West’s speech in the Student Union on April 7.

Instances of hate speech and hate crimes constitute growing issues at UB and on campuses nationwide. Reports of hate crimes on college campuses have risen by about 57% over the past decade, according to a survey by the Federal Office of Postsecondary Education’s Campus Safety and Security. At the end of the last semester, University Police opened investigations into anti-semitic and racist posters found on campus.

Email: kyle.nguyen@ubspectrum.com

FEATURES

6 | Wednesday, April 20 2022 BSU FROM PAGE 2

feelings and turn them into something productive, but something that Black students need to remember is that it’s not our job to fix the issues here on campus. UB

ministration major and BSU member, says there are ways UB can uphold the rights to assembly and speech guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, without disrespecting marginalized groups.

“I feel like everyone should have the

resenting diversity in terms of teachers and protect minority students by not inviting people like Lt. Col. Allen West to come speak at the school.”

Smith emphasizes what he sees as UB’s hypocrisy and hesitance to stand up for

The school puts students who look like me on the pamphlets and they got us on the posters, commercials and videos — saying, ‘Hey look, we’re diverse,’ and then they slap us in the face by inviting someone to speak who invalidates experiences about racism and discrimination. isn’t paying us to protest, or paying us for the labor we are doing to make UB a more inclusive place. At the end of the day, it is not our responsibility. The administration gets paid to do stuff like this. Remember, we pay their bills. They need to get up and do something. BSU does a lot for this campus and the university should recognize that.”

GSA released a statement on April 11 emphasizing that it stands “in solidarity with Black and POC students at UB” and “condemns the anti-Black hate speech promoted by Allen West’s presence on campus on April 7, 2022, as well as the attacks on Black and POC student protesters the same day.”

Students also expressed their opinions on West’s speech through short essays that they later posted on social media. Students described feeling “ignored” and demanded that the university take action.

“We must bring attention to the need for Black and minority students to be heard and respected,” Morgan Ross, a sophomore communication major who attended the BSU meeting, said in an Instagram post on her personal account. “While we are allowed to disagree on political views, we must acknowledge the harm in invalidating Black students and Black people across the U.S. We deserve better from our university.”

Smitty Smith, a senior history and ad-

right to freedom of speech, but the person you invite to speak and you give that platform to matters,” Smith told The Spectrum. “Representation is bigger than what types of food you put in front of us and the concerts you throw, or like extending financial aid — we need to actually be rep-

BUDGET FROM PAGE 1

Report found a need for more state funding to support the growing student population. The report also stated that between 2008 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, state funding to UB had dropped or stayed unchanged from year to year.

UB receives most of its $850 million operating budget from tuition revenue (38%), followed by direct state tax support (18%) and fees (14%). The report noted that the university’s decreasing international student population is affecting its revenues.

“It takes three resident undergraduate students to replace the lost tuition revenue from one student in all other tuition groups (e.g., international students),” the Annual Operating Report notes.

UB currently has two major ongoing initiatives — Top 25: More Than a Number and its Ph.D. Excellence Initiative. The Top 25 initiative is aimed at elevating UB to one of the top-25 public universities in the country — it currently stands at No. 38 in the U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking. The Ph.D. Excellence Initiative seeks to solve problems related to Ph.D. candidacy at UB by recruiting high-performing Ph.D. candidates and “embracing the diversity of doctoral programs.”

ating budget by $1.5 billion over five years and earmarks $2 million for SUNY and CUNY mental health initiatives.

Hochul’s plan also intends to “help two thirds of New Yorkers earn a postsecondary credential.” She aims to accomplish this by increasing funding for childcare centers and expanding the tuition assistance program for part-time students enrolled in public institutions across the state.

Currently, the state “university systems” receive just over $6.4 billion in funding, which will increase by $116 million in the 2023 fiscal year to just under $6.6 billion.

UB spokesperson John DellaContrada said in an email that the university is looking forward to continuing its partnership with Gov. Hochul after UB was designated a flagship SUNY earlier this year.

“We are pleased that the NYS budget includes increases in capital funding, and investments in TAP [New York State Tuition Assistance Program] and student mental health programs,” DellaContrada wrote.

“The budget also provides funding opportunities for strategic investments (such as improving academic programs, enhancing student support, modernizing operations) and funding to hire new faculty.”

UB’s 2021-22 Annual Operating Budget

Black students and other students of color.

“It’s all definitely concerning, going to a PWI [primarily white institution] that markets diversity,” Smith said. “The school puts students who look like me on the pamphlets and they got us on the posters,

ubspectrum.com commercials and videos — saying, ‘Hey look, we’re diverse,’ and then they slap us in the face by inviting someone to speak who invalidates experiences about racism and discrimination. He [West] just came here saying that racism isn’t real. They’re not respecting students of color the way they should be.”

After over an hour of discussion and debate, BSU members were unable to construct a concrete solution to solve these complicated issues.

But there appears to be a desire for further action among rank-and-file BSU members.

“Racism does not end,” James Resnick, a senior history major and BSU member, told The Spectrum. “Like any idea, it just keeps taking a new form. That’s why we need to get politically active and have our own opinions.”

Allen Williams, the program coordinator for the Intercultural Diversity Center, told students that the IDC was there to support them and that it’s not students’ responsibility to change campus — they just have to get administrators to listen to them.

The e-board sent out an exit form to BSU members at the end of the meeting, to ensure that everyone got a chance to “give prescription” on what BSU should do moving forward.

“This is just the first step to many more steps to debunk all the microaggressions, racism, prejudice, everything on our campus,” Julie said.

The town hall was streamed on BSU’s Instagram account.

Email: kayla.estrada@ubspectrum.com

I’m in a space where I’m just trying to internalize it and understand everything that’s happened. I’m also trying to figure out where my place is — not only as a member of BSU but just as a human being here on this campus, so that I can eventually move forward.

Email: julie.frey@ubspectrum.com

Wayne Penales / The Spectrum UB’s Student Union, located in the middle of North Campus.

It takes three resident undergraduate students to replace the lost tuition revenue from one student in all other tuition groups (e.g., international students).

ubspectrum.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 20 2022 | 7

When art and science collide, philosophy and ethics thrive

Coalesce BioArt Lab seeks answers to ethical and scientific ‘conundrums’ via art KARA ANDERSON SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

Walker Tufts spends his days placing his face in dirt.

While most people tend to avoid exposing their body’s most delicate skin to soil, Tufts has embraced this unconventional action.

Why? For art and science, of course.

“Faceplant,” as Tufts named his project, represents an experiment in transferring facial bacteria to soil, and vice versa. But it’s also an exploration of the philosophy behind cleanliness, and the manner in which “dirt” represents a kind of “ungodliness,” Tufts told The Spectrum in an interview.

Tufts, a Master of Fine Arts candidate, isn’t alone in examining the intersection of art, philosophy and science.

He is just one part of an entire lab dedicated to this collision of disciplines.

Coalesce BioArt Lab, located in Hochstetter Hall, is part of the Genome, Environment and Microbiome Community of Excellence, established in 2015. Directed by professor Paul Vanouse and managed

by Solon Morse, the lab began as an “audacious” attempt to bring artists together in an interdisciplinary space. The lab’s original and continuing purpose is to provide possible solutions to problems such as climate change, global pollution and the ethical dilemmas that come with these issues. Now, the lab, one of only a few of its kind in the world, hosts courses in biological art, outreaches to the Buffalo community and supports multiple international residencies.

Vanouse’s vision for a bioart center in Buffalo sprang from international inspiration. After completing a residency at SymbioticA, which Vanouse affectionately dubs as Coalesce’s “big sister” in Perth, Australia, and then another residency in Helsinki, Finland, Vanouse knew that Buffalo, too, could become a centerpoint of bioart innovation.

When former provost, Charles Zukoski, put out a call for “communities of excellence” — academic spaces that would focus on “leadership and creative engagement” — as part of the UB 2020 plan, Vanouse understood that this was his opportunity to create that innovative space using his own experience with bioart labs.

“I have these really good models before me, but still it feels there is something really interesting about knowing that [Co-

alesce] exists here,” Vanouse said. “That wasn’t inevitable. That happened because of a really nice kind of convergence of the way in which the university was looking to reward innovation.”

Vanouse was not new to the bioart scene when Coalesce first began to plant its roots on UB’s North Campus. For years, Vanouse utilized biological processes and concepts such as electrophoresis and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to create artwork that centered on DNA and DNA imaging.

However, with the creation of Coalesce, Vanouse was able to move his studio from his solitary attic to a place that invited a structure of conversation and philosophizing.

For Laura Marris, Coalesce’s writer in residence and a UB adjunct instructor, this carefully crafted “intellectual climate” has been a source of progression for her current work, a book of essays about landscapes in which “ecological and personal loneliness overlap and inform each other.”

More than that, as a translator, Marris has found the interdisciplinary nature of the lab to be particularly effective in producing creativity and free thinking.

“It’s a special kind of lab that can enable [translation across disciplines] for people,” Marris said. “I think that combination of making and more radical processes of thought is pretty amazing to be around.”

Yet, the benefit of this cross-section between art, biology and writing extends beyond Marris’ own work, and even beyond the lab itself.

Former Coalesce BioArt Lab teaching assistant and UB alum Darya Warner cites the lab as a major reason she obtained her current job teaching photography and art and science collaborative practices at the United States Airforce Academy in Colorado.

“They [the Airforce Academy] wanted someone who would be able to connect different departments,” Warner said. “I’m working with the biology department, the engineering and mechanical departments and building a 3D printer.”

As she implements the skills she learned at Coalesce, Warner recalls her days in Buffalo’s bioart lab with great fondness.

“I felt like I was going there [to the lab] for a date with the love of my life every day in terms of the environment,” Warner said. “[It] was so appealing, and so friendly and understanding and just supportive, you know?”

Warner attributes this “appealing” en-

Courtesy of Paul Vanouse Lab manager Solon Morse (far left) with resident artists Sabrina Merayo Nuñez and Gunes-Hélène Isitan in 2018.

vironment to how encouraging Vanouse and Morse are. She says this enthusiasm is not often found in labs that lack Coalesce’s creative edge, because many other scientists deem certain artistic explorations as “unnecessary.”

“We [artists] are just curious, and just trying to figure out things like the notion of play and ability to be able to use that space,” Warner said.

Now, as Vanouse continues to craft an environment curated to curiosity, he does so with COVID-19 on his mind.

Vanouse says the focuses of artists accepted into the lab tend to follow similar trends with one another. At the moment, Vanouse states there is a particular emphasis on the cultural notions of the gut microbiome. Previous trends have included sustainability and biodegradable living materials.

Though Vanouse has not seen a response to COVID-19 yet in these trend cycles, he hopes to be “proactive” in garnering “pandemic art.”

To do so, he plans on holding workshops that implement viral materials.

“It’s been hard for artists to address this partially because viruses are so tiny,” Vanouse said. “How do you somehow mani-

fest something interesting in the space of a gallery that might involve them?”

As Vanouse and others at Coalesce explore this emerging artwork and response, he promises that harmful viruses will not be used in the lab.

In the meantime, Vanouse is working on his own response to pandemic complications involving Coalesce’s outreach programs.

With COVID-19 restrictions putting a halt to interactions with Buffalo Public Schools, including high schools visiting Coalesce for bioart workshops, Vanouse seeks to keep the lab connected to the Buffalo community.

Part of this direction will involve recruiting a greater number of local Buffalo-based residents to the lab and focusing on the manner in which Coalesce’s interdisciplinary structure can proliferate other areas of UB, Vanouse says.

“There’s all these ways in which learning and knowledge has a material and physical dimension,” Vanouse said. “I want to make this kind of experimental space something which is also available to my colleagues across the institution.”

Email: kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com

Courtesy of Paul Vanouse Resident artist Nicole Clouston works in the teaching lab.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

8 | Wednesday, April 20 2022

ubspectrum.com

It’s a woman’s world UB’s all-female a cappella group strives to empower women through song and dance KARA ANDERSON SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

From laughing about their difficulty learning dance moves to discussing the movie “Camp Rock,” the members of The Royal Pitches have cultivated a friendship that oozes with comfort and ease.

In an interview with The Spectrum, four of the group’s members sat next to each other and tossed jokes back and forth, finished each other’s sentences and delved into their time with the a cappella group together.

Yet, this atmosphere of familiarity, which seems to radiate from the air itself, was not built without effort.

Through common interests in singing, women’s empowerment and a focus on making the group feel like a “family,” The Royal Pitches have made it a mission to create a safe space for women’s voices to be heard through music as UB’s all-female a cappella group.

Founded in 1996, the 15-member group is one of three a cappella clubs on campus. With semesterly performances; openings for on-campus speakers such as John Legend, Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama; and annual performances at Take Back the Night, a walk that supports survivors of domestic violence, The Pitches have an extensive history on the stage. Now, looking toward the future, The Pitches have their sights set on the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and “Pitches’ Elegance,” their spring semester concert.

The upcoming spring concert is a major one for The Pitches — it’s one of their first performances since taking a break from spring 2020 until last semester as a result of COVID-19 (other groups chose to hold online concerts). This decision was made out of concern for members’ mental health, they say.

“We didn’t want to put anything too strenuous on people,” Sara Grossman, a senior media studies major and The Pitches’ PR manager/music director, said.

“And, honestly, it worked out the best because we really built ourselves back up.”

The Pitches also wanted to avoid bringing new members into their group without having a better picture of their future.

With the uncertainty of in-person concerts, The Pitches felt it was unfair to have someone audition, only for them to never see a stage.

Now, as they return from their hiatus, The Pitches say the time off helped them form a closer bond with one another.

Where their group chat used to run dry, Sari Arrow, a junior psychology major and Pitches assistant music director, says she is always “cracking up” at the different texts her group members send.

The Pitches attribute this shift in their group to a more receptive relationship between members and the e-board, as well as

the desire for connection brought on by the pandemic.

“I feel like when it [The Pitches] was taken away, we all missed it,” Rebecca Meyer, a pharmacy student and Pitches president, said. “I think a lot of people use The Pitches as stress relief.”

Maintaining this dynamic remains especially important for The Pitches since a third of their current members joined just this year, and another third will be graduating at the end of the semester.

The Pitches pride themselves on the diversity of personalities that make up the group. The result of having 16 unique members allows for productive disagreement and conversation that pushes the group on their journey forward.

“I think that [the disagreements] make it that much stronger of a group because we are able to work through that,” Grossman said. “I feel like whenever you agree with everyone about everything, it’s not a productive situation. You want to put yourself in situations that challenge you.”

Still, despite these minor disputes, one goal ties each member together: empowering women.

With feminism at the forefront of their minds, The Pitches seek to instill confidence in all women, whether they’re “feminine” or “masculine,” because “they’re still a woman.”

In pursuit of this agenda, The Pitches have selected songs superseding topics like love and men for their upcoming concert.

“I feel like we used to sing songs that

Noah Wadhams / The Spectrum Royal Pitches members attend a rehearsal last week.

were always like, ‘Woe is me. I love men, but they don’t love me. Men control my life,’” Grossman said, laughing.

In making this change, The Pitches’ setlist at “Pitches’ Elegance” will include covers of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and “abcdefu” by Gayle, songs The Pitches feel better reflect their group’s message.

The Pitches say they are often rewarded by other women congratulating them and finding inspiration from their concerts, as a result of their women’s empowerment and independence-focused ballads.

“They’ll come up to me and be like, ‘Oh my god, your song was so cool. Like it was amazing to see you guys all up there,’” Meyer said.

Sarah Meyer, a senior biological sciences major, says she found herself feeling inspired while she watched her older sister, Rebecca, perform on stage.

“I was like, ‘That’s such a cool thing for a young girl to be able to look up to and aspire to,’” Sarah Meyer recounted, as she explained why she became a Pitch.

Sarah Meyer says that since joining The Pitches, she has been able to come out of her shell and find the confidence to perform on stage, despite having been “pretty shy.”

The Pitches also describe themselves as “fun, quirky and relatable” — three terms that unite members together.

The Pitches say these characteristics

Courtesy of The Royal Pitches The Royal Pitches pose in Norton 112, after their March 12 concert titled, “Unplugged: No Mics. Just Voices.”

come out during more intimate performances, such as “Unplugged” — the group’s annual Norton Hall performance — where they don’t use lighting or microphones.

“At ‘Unplugged,’ we actually have to listen to each other,” Arrow said. “It’s raw.

It’s real. It’s there.”

Now, as they near the end of the semester and prepare for their spring concert — scheduled for May 7 in the Student Union Theater — The Pitches look forward to continuing their legacy and passing the torch onto a new generation of singers.

One of their main goals is to compete in the ICCA, a feat that has often been challenging for The Pitches due to the time commitment required to compete in such a competition and the dedication many Pitches have to their schoolwork.

But The Pitches are confident that these aspirations will come to fuition and allow the members to “break barriers as a women’s a cappella group.”

With these goals in reach — especially as a new e-board takes the reins in light of the graduating seniors, which include Grossman, Sarah Meyer and Rebecca Meyer — The Pitches look forward to even brighter years to come.

“You always want to leave something better than you found it,” Grossman said.

“That is what we’re doing.”

Email: kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com

ubspectrum.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 20 2022 | 9

Why ‘Bojack Horseman’ is the most creative piece of storytelling in the streaming era Few shows of this quality have flown so low under the radar ALEX FALTER SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

Few tales are told as uniquely as “Bojack Horseman.”

Telling the story of a washed-up anthropomorphic equestrian actor in his mid50’s, “Bojack” is so many shows wrapped into one. It’s a comedy, a drama and a love letter to all things Hollywood. Showcasing a blend of anthropomorphic animals and humans that coexist in a most hilarious fashion, the series truly is a concept that could only work in animation.

But the lighthearted concept and colorful animation are more than just tools used to craft a creative world: they are a façade to pull viewers into one of the darkest stories in the history of television.

Bojack does not pull his life together like other washed-up protagonists. Not even close. “Bojack Horseman” follows a series of increasingly bad decisions. Bojack’s struggles with addiction, childhood trauma and the results his toxic habits have on his loved ones is anything but glorified, as the protagonist’s view on the world becomes more skewed with each season.

Yet somehow, not even a story this depressing can stifle a boatload of laughs.

Where one moment, viewers could be treated to some of the darkest television ever put to screen, mere seconds later they may find themselves laughing uncontrollably — an unimaginably perfect balance of genres.

But the show has one quality which sets it above the rest: its“out-of-genre” episodes.

It’s a concept as old as television itself.

Whether it be a Christmas special that centers on a less important character’s point of view, or a retrospective, nearly every television series has ventured out of its style to tell a story differently.

But for the writers of “Bojack Horseman,” this is the comfort zone.

While the first and second seasons are relatively traditional in the realm of adult cartoons, the series begins to shift at the end of the second season.

Initially, it just seems that the show is about how dark a plot of this tone can curate in certain situations, so anyone who doing a few “different” types of episodes. produce some of the loudest laughs ever finds themselves easily triggered by deRanging from a flashback depicting all the put to the small screen, but it’s true. Even pressing events should go into the series characters in 2007 to an episode where crazier to think is how dumb these comical with caution. the characters are unable to speak (utiliz- moments are, especially when put next to That’s not to say there isn’t a light at the ing sound and visuals in a most beautiful topics as serious as depression and abuse. end of the tunnel. Maybe the show doesn’t elegance), it seems by the show’s end, that Yet somehow, the writers manage to weave give every character the ultra-happy end“out-of-genre” is the genre. plotlines like the desperation for achieving ing fans may have hoped for, but the way Even some of the darkest and most piv- validation with hilarious stories like start- in which their arcs are wrapped up feel otal moments in some characters’ arcs can ing a company that sells spaghetti-strainer- fitting in the lessons they teach, and give be masked by a cheerfully funny out-of- hats (yes, that is exactly what it sounded enough closure to leave viewers satisfied. the-box concept. One episode in particular like) in seamless form.

“Bojack Horseman” may never receive — season 4 episode 9: “Ruthie” — starts It feels like a big shame that “Bojack the recognition of shows like “Breaking off with a concept that would fit into any Horseman” ended when it did. Yes, six Bad” and “The Sopranos,” but that has Disney movie: a child giving a class pre- seasons is a healthy lifespan for any series. nothing to do with its quality. For all insentation on her grandmother — one of And yes, every character unquestionably tents and purposes, “Bojack Horseman” the show’s main characters — and an aw- received the ending they deserved. But a is one of the greatest television shows of ful day she had. While this at first appears show with this much creativity could easily all time, acting as a masterful example of to be just another episode using a gimmick have lasted for many more years. blending genres to tell a story in a remarkto keep the plot moving, the story tumbles For anyone who has never seen the se- ably creative way. into unexpectedly heart-wrenching themes ries before, it is worth mentioning that the as the character’s day gets exponentially show’s darker themes can be painfully ac- Email: alex.falter@ubspectrum.com worse, forcing the audience to wonder how the show could ever use such a weirdly positive episode setup for something so messed up.

The show’s more adventurous episodes do more than just change the way the story is told however, with many instances even utilizing alternative art styles to tell the story.

One such example comes in the form of season 4 episode 8: “Stupid Piece of S—t,” an installment which focuses on Bojack’s self-loathing internal dialogue. The saddeningly accurate voice in Bojack’s head is complemented anytime it speaks with a crude art style depicting the people he thinks about. Like the internal voice, the art feels lowly and improvised, helping to amplify the negativity Bojack sees Courtesy of Netflix within himself.

Netflix’s “BoJack Horseman,” featuring Todd (left) and BoJack (right).

It feels comical to think

The best movies to watch for 4/20 Sit back, relax and enjoy the show ALEX FALTER SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

KAYLA STERNER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

There are countless holidays surrounding alcohol consumption. From St. Patrick’s Day beers to champagne on New Year’s Eve, drinking has become a large part of holiday celebration.

But for those who prefer a joint over a shot, there’s one day dedicated to all things ganja: April 20 (commonly referred to as 4/20).

Born out of a declaration by Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh that 4:20 p.m. is an acceptable time of day to toke, 4/20 has morphed into a day to celebrate the joys of Mary Jane.

Here’s a list of the top six movies to throw on while you’re sparking up this Wednesday:

“Mac & Devin go to High School” (2012)

If you dabble in the devil’s lettuce and you haven’t seen this movie, you are committing a sin. Starring Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, this R-rated film has it all — comedy, drama and friendship.

This motion picture tells the story of an unusual chemistry project pairing: Devin (played by Wiz Khalifa), a brainiac future Ivy Leaguer, and Mac (played by Snoop Dogg), who’s been a high school senior for 15 years. The two form an unlikely bond through the use of marijuana.

Be sure to take Slow Burn’s advice in the beginning of the movie — this is a masterpiece that was made to be watched when you’re high.

“Scarface” (1983)

Based on the 1929 novel of the same name, “Scarface” revolves around themes of immorality and greed to tell the tale of Tony Montana (played by Al Pacino), a Cuban immigrant who rises to the top of the cocaine game in Miami.

Killing anyone standing in his path and creating many enemies in the process, Montana will pay any price to clutch power. But, his ego proves to be the cause for his downfall after he loses everyone around him.

This movie provides a healthy dose of adrenaline that will excite any viewer, but be ready for 170 minutes of violence and blood.

“Spirited Away” (2001)

When 10-year-old Chihiro and her par-

ents stumble into a seemingly abandoned amusement park, their reality shifts.

After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro realizes she and her family are in danger. The evil witch, Yubaba, plans to keep trespassers stranded on her fantasy island as workers — including Chihiro and her parents. Chihiro must rely on her new friend, Haku, to get her and her family home safely.

Between the detailed animations and Chihiro’s various issues, this is the perfect film for a little mindless wandering.

“Goodfellas” (1990)

Not for the faint of heart, “Goodfellas” presents the violent saga of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his time with the Lucchese crime family. Backed by a rock-heavy soundtrack and standout performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, the film has no shortage of memorable moments that will keep audiences glued to their screens.

At 146 minutes, the film is sure to occupy any friend group looking to pass some time, and is complete with a seamless blend of perfect filmmaking and a captivating tale. Regardless of the time or place, “Goodfellas” will always be a film for adult audiences to enjoy, regardless if it’s their first or hundredth viewing.

“The Other Guys” (2010)

Few films are as likely to have friends laughing as much as “The Other Guys.”

Telling the story of NYC detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) as they’re caught in the biggest investigation of their careers, the film follows the duo as they go from atodds partners to best buds.

There isn’t enough room to list every scene here, but the film boasts an impressive amount of quotable moments that are sure to get stuck in the heads of first-time viewers for years to come — ensuring dozens of subsequent rewatches.

“Castle in the Sky” (1986)

Looking for something adventurous?

Look no further than the Studio Ghibli classic, “Castle in the Sky.” Released at a time when director Hayao Miyazaki still had much to prove, the film’s relaxing animation is sure to excite, as viewers get to watch one of the most innocent yet captivating adventures in the world of anime.

The fictional worlds are beyond beautiful and the young protagonist on his quest to find the titular castle will undoubtedly win over the hearts of any viewer.

Email: kayla.sterner@ubsoectrum.com Email: alex.falter@ubspectrum.com

10 | Wednesday, April 20 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Greatest anime openings of all time You can’t make a first impression twice!

KARA ANDERSON ALEX FALTER SENIOR ARTS EDITORS

JENNA QUINN SENIOR ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

Few mediums take their title sequences as seriously as anime. Typically running 90 seconds, these openings have become eponymous with the culture as a whole.

These mini music videos are crucial to setting the stage — sometimes in a most misleading fashion — by displaying characters and moments that (if done right) will perfectly define the series, even if the viewer doesn’t know it yet.

Whether you’re looking for a tale of crime, monsters or romance, The Spectrum’s list of compelling introductions are sure to lock you into your next anime binge:

“Cowboy Bebop” “Tank!”

“3, 2, 1 let’s jam.”

As these lyrics are uttered, first time “Cowboy Bebop” viewers have no idea what is about to follow: an onslaught of aggressive jazz and colorful silhouettes of Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed and Ein. The use of “Tank!” by the Seatbelts only adds to the sequence’s excitement with some of the most bombastic jazz ever recorded. With the imagery timed to the beat of the music, culminating in an epic finale, newcomers will be thankful to know that high-quality jazz of this caliber can be heard across the entirety of “Cowboy Bebop’s” 26-episode run.

Perfectly encapsulating the series’ highoctane energy while displaying each member of The Bebop in a particularly aesthetically pleasing fashion, “Cowboy Bebop’s” opening effortlessly sets up the show while casting viewers into the unknown, which gives them a subtle taste of what’s to come.

“Baccano!”

“Gun’s & Roses”

Much in the vein of the introduction to the Guy Ritchie-directed film “Snatch,” “Baccano!’s” opening introduces the series’ whole cast. With each character only given a few seconds of screen time, the writers and artists use their time wisely to make sure they give off the proper first impression, whether it be friendly, cowardly or menacing.

With Paradise Lunch’s “Gun’s & Roses” serving as the sequence’s backdrop, every frame feels expertly crafted, smoothly hinting at character arcs without a single spoiler.

But best of all, the various scenes of vastly different characters and locations showcase the plethora of ideas that are about to be weaved into the epic tale of crime that is “Baccano!”

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

No introduction has ever felt so misleading, yet so fitting.

The introduction of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” is hard not to smile at. With an upbeat song in the form of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” and exciting action shots of the many characters — human or not — the unknowing viewer is likely expecting an adventure of action, love and humor.

That is the greatest strength of this introduction.

The smile-inducing sounds and colors of the opening do nothing to prepare the audience for the chaos that befalls each episode. Be it mental trauma or excruciatingly violent fight sequences, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” is an all-too-real tale, not of the heroes imagined in fairy tales, but of the genuinely flawed characters who make up our population. Gone are the teen heroes with unstoppable drive and power. In their place, “Evangelion” features a far more realistic portrayal of how a human teenager would feel if they were humanity’s only hope to fight monsters of epic power: scared, lonely and powerless.

This stark contrast in mood between the

Courtesy of Netflix “Cowboy Bebop,” an animated television series streaming on Netflix.

show itself and its opening only highlights the desolate feelings shared by its characters.

“Ouran High School Host Club” “Cherry Blossom Kiss”

“Kiss Kiss, fall in love!”

The first words you hear when watching “Ouran High School Host Club” are so catchy that you just have to sing along to. The lyrics are so compelling that you’ll naturally ignore the quasi-incest of the actual anime (did we mention it’s rated PG?).

The show, an obvious romantic school comedy, follows the Ouran Host Club, where “the school’s handsomest boys with too much time on their hands entertain young ladies who also have way too much time on their hands.”

The intro perfectly captures the Wattpad-esque writing and the main characters’ immaturity. The line “maybe you’re my love” embraces main character Haruhi’s multiple love interests throughout the show, from a young gang leader to the princely host club president. It may seem cringey at first, but the anime deals with mature situations and has surprisingly progressive views.

Haruhi Fujioka, a “commoner” who tested into the school, is welcomed into the club’s “world of beauty” after breaking a vase worth eight million yen ($72,600).

At first, the club mistakes her for a boy and has her pay back the debt as the host club’s “dog.” But as they slowly realize her potential — and her gender — she goes undercover as a host, and entertains other female students to pay back her debt.

If you were a Wattpad kid, or are looking for a fun anime to pass the time with, this is definitely the show for you.

“Ping Pong the Animation” “Tadahitori”

From the first scream, “Tadahitori” sets the stage for a high-intensity sports anime.

The kind of song that would be perfect for one’s cardio playlist, “Ping Pong the Animation’s” opening simply demands attention.

While the anime itself often focuses on steadily growing emotional intensity, “Tadahitori” presents its audience with lightning-paced and in-your-face physical intensity.

Set against the backdrop of “Ping Pong’s” easily recognizable hand-drawn style, “Tadahitori” is just as unique as the artwork itself.

“Beck Mongolian Chop Squad” “Hit in the USA”

With its catchy chorus and unapologetically 2000s style, “Hit in the USA” is the best earworm an anime opening can offer.

Capturing the spirit of a scrappy band with high hopes, where “Beck Mongolian Chop Squad” lacks luster in animation, it makes up for in its sound.

For an anime focusing on music and the

process of forming a band, it delivers in its opening with a song that has potential as an easy radio hit.

One listen, and you too will be singing, “I was made to hit in America.”

“One Punch Man” “The Hero”

“In exchange for power, maybe I’ve lost something that is essential to being human.”

These words are uttered by main character Saitama, also known as “One Punch Man,” in the first episode of the anime.

Throughout the show, Saitama seeks a worthy adversary to rekindle his love for battle — making this line a perfect encapsulation of the show.

“The Hero” balances between the goofiness of the actual anime and the seriousness of Saitama’s situation. The fist that is first shown is often the last sight that Saitama’s enemies see, while in other shots the enemies look into the camera as if facing the viewer. The powerful cinematography puts viewers in both the villain’s and “One Punch Man’s” positions and implies that the viewer will never understand Saitama’s boredom. In almost every scene, Saitama can be found alone, which introduces and alludes to his feeling of loneliness throughout the anime. Overall, the anime and the intro perfectly complement each other in a way no other intro could.

“Samurai Champloo” “Battlecry”

Only a show this good could get lo-fi Nujabes to head its soundtrack. As the opening notes of “Battlecry” begin, the three protagonists — Mugen, Jin and Fuu — are introduced with exciting shots that display their coolness, but try not to betray too much about them.

Alternating action shots of samurai Mugen and Jin are displayed, backed by lyrics from rapper Shing02 that boast the same intensity as the show. The art style and beat perfectly blend to show the two character’s alternating combat styles.

Shing02’s lyrics are remarkably fitting: “Though my mind’s at peace, the world’s out of order / Missing the inner heat, life gets colder.”

As the lyrics fade on the relaxing beat, the trio is seen walking on their journey, before closing out on a beautiful vinyl.

“Death Parade” “Flyers”

Giving “Neon Genesis Evangelion” a run for its money in terms of deceptive introductions, “Flyers” presents viewers with a cheery and energetic opening set against an enticing bar filled with tempting gambling games.

Yet, while the main characters of “Death Parade” seemingly party and perform kickline routines in the opening, the actual anime turns far more psychologically intense as the recently deceased play differ-

ent games that will determine the fate of their souls.

For a show that can often be heavy, “Flyers” provides much-needed levity and irony for its viewers.

If nothing else, the silly dance moves and colorful sequences will have viewers bobbing their heads and singing, “Everybody put your hands up!”

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” “Golden Time Lover”

The third opening to the much beloved series, “Golden Time Lover,” perfectly reflects the growing intensity and darkness of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.”

Synth-sounds serve as the increasingly urgent backdrop to main character Edward Elrics’ outstretched arm, as he stands among a field of white flowers as a dark gray sky looms overhead.

The imagery comes full circle as the opening concludes with Edward’s hand crashing to the ground, revealing an uncrushed flower between his fingers.

It’s a bright spot of hope among the chaotic and demoralizing landscape that “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” has become at this point in the plot.

As a result, “Golden Time Lover,” is an immaculate representation of this balance between everlasting optimism and perseverance against the corrupt forces of this anime’s world.

Honorable Mentions:

ALEX: “Mushishi” — “The Sore Feet Song” “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” — “Period” “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” — “Rain” KARA: “Kakegurui” — “Deal with the Devil” “Sailor Moon” — “Moonlight Densetsu” “Demon Slayer” — “Gurenge” “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” — “Again” JENNA: “Jujutsu Kaisen” — “Kakai Kitan” “My Hero Academia” — “The Day, Peace Sign,” “ODD FUTURE,” “Make My Story,” “Polaris,” & “Starmaker” “Big Windup!” — “Dramatic” “Haikyuu” — “Imagination,” “Ah Yeah!!,” “I’m a Believer,” “Fly,” “Hikari Are” & “Phoenix” Email: kara.anderson@ubspectrum.com Email: alex.falter@ubspectrum.com Email: jenna.quinn@ubspectrum.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, April 20 2022 | 11

The Blondie rundown The 11-time grammy winner’s 11 most iconic lyrics

SOPHIE MCNALLY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Miss Taylor Swift.

The singer whose illustrious career and artistry has done enough to earn her a place as America’s musical Statue of Liberty.

Across her nine studio albums, 206 songs and two album re-recordings, the artist has traversed the genres and defined a generation.

From the curly-haired country-singing teenager, to the buoyant popstar and indie slow pacer, Swift has managed to excel at every stage of her career and refine her songwriting — no matter the era or genre.

Swift has shined on everything from acoustic guitar twangs on her 2006 selftitled debut, to heartfelt breakup ballads in “Red,” to unapologetic backlashes at public critiques and tabloid tales in “reputation,” and finally, on her latest slow-burning letters to love, loss and ivy-wrapped tales in “folklore” and “evermore.”

Her lyrics are simultaneously haunting and mesmerizing, adding color and genuine meaning to already melodic vocals and upbeat instrumentals.

With double entendres and “scarlet letters” lining her work, each song feels as if it’s forged in fire and chiseled from marble — making the choice of her top lyrics difficult, to say the least.

Though some horrific blips (*ahem* “Hey kids! / Spelling is fun!” *ahem*) definitely make the choice easier, a top-10 list wasn’t enough, so we’re going to take a look at Swift’s top-11 lyrics to mirror her 11 Grammy wins thus far.

Here’s a look at Taylor’s best — primarily breakup based — lyrics: 11. “Death By A Thousand Cuts” — Lover (2019) “I ask the traffic lights if it’ll be all right / They say, ‘I don’t know.’”

OK yes, there really isn’t much to this lyric. But that’s what’s so great about it.

Simply put, Swift summarizes all the moments of hurt we experience after a breakup in a vulnerable and straightforward way — a plain glimpse at our helpless search for reassurance that we’ll feel alright tomorrow.

The imagery of traffic lights morphing into safe havens and confessionals for a broken heart are so incredibly pretty, shedding light on how the flooding memories and “cuts” of any broken relationship catch us off guard everywhere we go.

On top of this, the “all right” wordplay is just another brilliantly subtle flourish to Swift’s lyrical penmanship.

10. “Clean” — 1989 (2014) “You’re still all over me / Like a wine-stained dress I can’t wear anymore.”

This entire song is a raw testament to the emptiness felt after losing a close relationship — romantic, platonic or otherwise.

Most breakup songs skip over that feeling of nothingness, choosing instead to focus on deep angers or hurt.

But “Clean” embraces all the aimless mental and physical wandering you can go through after a breakup.

In lengthy metaphors involving addiction and abuse, Swift comes to terms with the long days and nights one spends getting over someone, and acknowledges severing a part of yourself to become whole again.

These lyrics (again) plainly express the ineffable.

The depths of saying goodbye to someone you loved, as remembrance of them is enough to physically tarnish whatever’s in your wardrobe.

9. “cowboy like me” — evermore (2021) “And the skeletons in both our closets / Plotted hard to f–k this

up.”

Pointed words elevate these lyrics, as Swift tracks feelings of inevitably and disappointment in fractured relationships.

Her exploration of this poisoned chalice through our past experiences, insecurities and baggage is beautiful.

She transforms the known idiom into something recognizable for listeners, and gives us a captivating visual of the predestined graveyards and inadvertent pollution all the way from flings to marriages.

8. “right where you left me” — evermore (2021) “Friends break up, friends get married / Strangers get born, strangers get buried / Trends change, rumors fly through new skies / But I’m right where you left me.”

The rhyme scheme? Brilliant.

The style and flow? Fantastic.

The sentiment? Love.

Swift holds up a cracked mirror to the passage of time and its surface level ability to gloss over personal wounds. It’s vulnerable, and almost effortlessly sums up the finite nature of life itself and our attempts to slot into that.

Also, the continuation of this murder mystery-turned-cautionary tale with “no body, no crime” and this bonus track is sublime.

Sehome Bay / Wiki Commons Taylor Swift performs onstage in 2007.

7.”Picture To Burn” — Taylor Swift (2006) “There’s no time for tears / I’m just sitting here planning my revenge / There’s nothing stopping me / From going out with all of your best friends.”

This throwback to Swift’s acoustic guitar and “yee-yee” aura is more than deserving of seventh place.

These might not be the most refined or meaningful lyrics you’ll ever see, but try shouting them at the top of your lungs in your best country accent to see where it gets you.

Everything about these words embodies the early Swift era, and makes you feel like you’re a teenager who’s just put their ex on blast over Blackberry Messenger.

The nostalgia and feel-good factor is everything, and blaring this in the car is a fix-all cure to any bad day.

6. “All Too Well” — Red (2012) “And you call me up again just to break me like a promise / So casually cruel in the name of being honest.”

It is finally here: The infamous line from Swift’s quintessential breakup song.

Aside from the fandom pushing Jake Gyllanhaal and his scarf into compulsory silence, this line (and Swift’s near-shouting of it) is unbelievable.

It’s cutting, empowering and painful all in one breath.

This entire song — and its 10 minute counterpart released on “Red (Taylor’s Version)” — is filled with lyrical gems, like “You kept me like a secret / But I kept you like an oath.”

But this lyric and its faultless rhyme scheme give people a reason to clutch at their chest when they belt it aloud.

5. “my tears ricochet” — folklore (2020) “And if I’m dead to you, why are you at the wake?”

Swift’s words here are absolutely gorgeous.

She again manages to twist and turn motifs of morbidity into something incredibly heartfelt, which gives an immediacy to the grief we can all feel after a relationship breaks down.

Subtle undertones of irony soothe Swift’s scathing bite back at the physical and emotional scars of lingering exes.

The lyrics, and the haunting tone that they’re sung in, serve to transport the listener to that exact moment she’s in, with those exact same heartache afflictions.

4. “tolerate it” — evermore (2021)

UltimateWarrior13 / Wiki Commons Taylor Swift performs on her Reputation Stadium Tour in May 2018.

“I made you my temple, my mural, my sky / Now I’m begging for footnotes in the story of your life / Drawing hearts in the byline / Always taking up too much space or time.”

This song, and its reflection on complacent love, is truly heart-wrenching.

Swift’s look into unrequited affections and the desperate want to pull someone into your life who’s already pushed their way out of it is brilliant.

Palpable apathy and torment permeate the song, as listeners can physically feel the sad outpourings of unreturned warmth, intimacy and passion.

3. “champagne problems” — evermore (2021) “Sometimes you just don’t know the answer / ‘Til someone’s on their knees and asks you / She would’ve made such a lovely bride / What a shame she’s f–ked in her head.”

Again, from start to finish, the lyrics in this song are first class.

Swift tackles the topic of a called-off engagement, and the difficulties of trying to be with someone who seemingly has no flaws aside from the fact that you just can’t love them back.

It’s brutally honest and gives a refreshing new take on the breakup genre, taking the lens of someone who wishes they could love another but just can’t bring themselves to.

2. “mirrorball” — folklore (2020) “I want you to know / I’m a mirrorball / I can change everything about

me to fit in.”

These lyrics are beguiling.

Swift constantly outdoes herself in vocalizing her unpolished sincerities in a few words to pierce through her feather-soft vocals and mellow instrumentals.

A humbling tribute to personal insecurities and imposter syndrome, this song evokes the feeling that your only trait is impersonating someone else.

Swift’s purposefully pretty composition and poignant lyrics give depth to the impostorship the artist takes on.

It’s beautiful.

1. “this is me trying” — folklore (2020) “They told me all of my cages were mental / So I got wasted like all my potential.”

This line is flawless, from start to finish.

It encapsulates the helplessness we may feel at any stage in our lives, and Swift’s ability to rhyme and condense these different facets of worthlessness is astounding.

Swift’s rain-punctured chords and crestfallen words amount to lyrical perfection.

The artist bottles the exact feeling of trying your best to do better, be better and feel better when you just can’t manage to, no matter how hard you try.

That feeling of never being enough.

If there’s any song you cry to, make it this.

Long story short, Swift deserves a civil engineering degree for her bridges, and the lyrics the singer boasts are second-tonone.

Email: sophie.mcnally@ubspectrum.com

SPORTS

12 | Wednesday, April 20 2022

ubspectrum.com

SOFTBALL SWEPT BY CONFERENCE-LEADING MIAMI (OH) Last week in UB Athletics

BECKY BURKE LANDS FIRST TWO RECRUITS

Despite winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament and making it to the Big Dance in 2022, women’s basketball will need to regroup and recruit.

Former head coach Feslisha Legette-Jack left Buffalo for Syracuse in late March, and took MAC Freshman of the Year Georgia Woolley, freshman guard Saniia Wilson and former MAC Freshman of the Year Cheyenne McEvans with her.

Junior guard Dyaisha Fair (uncommitted) — the nation’s fourth-leading scorer — senior forward Adebola Adeyeye (Kentucky) and junior forward Loren Christie (uncommitted) have also entered the transfer portal in recent weeks.

But new head coach Becky Burke has been busy working the lines, and has already secured two new recruits for the 2022-23 season. Here’s a look at the newest members of the women’s basketball team:

CHELLIA WATSON

Former USC Upstate guard Chellia Watson will rejoin Burke in Buffalo next fall.

Watson started all 30 games during the 2021-22 season for the Spartans and earned All-Big South First Team honors. The Winder, GA native averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game during her sophomore season.

Watson finished 20 games in double figures — 10 of which she netted at least 20 points — and was sixth in the Big South in scoring.

“Chellia is one of the most dynamic scorers that I have seen at any level,” Burke said. “Her ability to score at all three levels is rare and something that will make her an immediate impact player here at UB and in the MAC. I am extremely thankful that Chellia has decided to stay with me and come to Buffalo. UB fans are in for a treat with this one!”

UB softball (15-16, 6-7 MAC) was swept this weekend by Mid-American Conference-leader Miami (OH) (24-12, 15-2 MAC).

The Bulls now find themselves in seventh place as they angle for one of the coveted four spots in the conference tournament.

The Bulls kicked off the weekend with a doubleheader loss on Friday afternoon at Nan Harvey Field in Buffalo. The Bulls dropped the first game 3-0 score and the second game 11-7.

Junior pitcher Alexis Lucyshyn had seven strikeouts and two walks in the first game. The Bulls struck out seven times and only managed two hits. The second game saw a similar result. UB clutched a 2-0 advantage after the first inning courtesy of a home run from sophomore infielder Rachel Steffan. But the Bulls’ bats fell quiet as the RedHawks crushed four home runs and managed 14 hits to take an 11-2 lead heading into the seventh inning.

Senior catcher Olivia Kincanon reached base on an error, before freshman pitcher Marissa Calloway and sophomore infielder Ally Sobaszek’s singles set the stage for junior infielder Brianna Castro to hit a grand slam, but the late rally still wasn’t enough.

The Bulls lost their Saturday afternoon contest 9-0. Lucyshyn was in the circle for five innings and gave up four home runs and eight hits.

Six UB batters struck out and the team only managed three hits — two of which came off the bat of Aguon.

The Bulls are currently engaged in a three-game midweek series against the Akron Zips (13-24, 8-8 MAC).

GABRIELLA AKOPYAN STAFF WRITER

LATRICE PERKINS

Perkins signed with the Bulls after spending four years at the College of Charleston. The 5-foot-11 guard averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 31 contests during the 2021-22 season. Perkins has the potential to be a leader on offense; she netted 20-plus points in five games and scored in double figures in 19 of 31 games last season.

As a sophomore, Perkins earned All-Colonial Athletic Association third team honors and ranked fifth in the CAA for steals (53) and third in scoring (13.5 points per game). She only played three games her junior year, due to injury.

The Winder, GA native was the first athlete to commit to UB under Burke.

“Trice is a long, athletic, extremely versatile player on both ends of the floor,” Burke said. “She takes pride in sitting down and guarding the opponent’s best player and rebounds both offensively and defensively at a very high level. I am thrilled that Trice has decided to join us at Buffalo, and I know she will make our team better both on and off the floor.”

RE’SHAWNA STONE

Stone, the 2022 Mountain East Conference Player of the Year, committed to UB Tuesday after spending her undergraduate years at Glenville State. The Waynesville, MO native earned All-MEC first team in 2021 and 2022.

As a senior, the 5-6 guard averaged 17 points and scored in double figures in all but five matches, despite never playing more than 30 minutes. Stone led the league with 62 steals and was fifth in the league in scoring and field goal percentage (52.0).

DYLAN MCDUFFIE TRANSFERS TO GEORGIA TECH After a back-and-forth that saw him enter and withdraw from the transfer portal, UB junior running back Dylan McDuffie announced Sunday he will play football at Georgia Tech next season.

McDuffie took over as the feature back and led the Bulls in rushing with 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. His 1,049 yards were good for fourth in the Mid-American Conference.

The local Sweet Home High School product initially entered the transfer portal on Dec. 31 before withdrawing his name in January. But after two additional months in the Queen City, McDuffie once again entered the portal on March 31.

He received offers from big name programs such as Oklahoma State, Duke and Virginia before ultimately deciding to play for the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta.

A third-team All-MAC selection a year ago, the former Bull has two years of eligibility left as he looks to make his mark again in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

McDuffie will reunite with former UB running backs coach Mike Daniels, who accepted the same position at Georgia Tech this offseason. Former UB strength and conditioning coach Lewis Caralla is also at Tech in the same position.

SOPHIE MCNALLY

KAYLA STERNER

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

What to know about the UB football players looking to go pro

A rundown of UB’s top prospects heading into the NFL Draft ANTHONY DECICCO SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

With the 2022 NFL Draft just eight days away, a number of UB football players are hoping to hear their names called on the weekend beginning April 28.

While this year’s UB class doesn’t have the star power of last year’s group — which included record-breaking rusher Jaret Patterson and third-round draft pick Malcolm Koonce — a couple of Bulls are still looking to seize the opportunity to make an NFL team.

Here’s a rundown of UB’s top prospects heading into the NFL Draft:

Kadofi Wright

Position: Linebacker Class: Redshirt fifth-year Wright is the most coveted prospect in this year’s UB draft class for a multitude of reasons.

To start, his measurables match that of the modern NFL linebacker. Wright recorded a 4.61 40-yard dash time and a 10’3” broad jump at the UB Pro Day in March. At 6-foot-3, 230 lbs., Wright has the versatility to contribute in both the run and pass games.

He thrived in coverage while paired with graduate linebacker James Patterson last season. The Bulls kept Patterson primarily in the box, which allowed Wright to roam the field on passing downs. Wright’s highlights primarily come in the open field, as his sideline-to-sideline quickness allows him to track down ball carriers.

UB’s use of Wright in the “overhang” position (a linebacker lined up in between the defensive end and the nearest slot receiver) also makes him an intriguing prospect. Pro Football Focus says that Wright

“could easily qualify for the ‘wildcard’ spot in this class,” thanks to his ability to impact so many aspects of the game.

“The ability to cover tight ends or slot receivers or running backs who run 4.4,” Wright said when asked what he could bring to a professional team at the UB Pro Day. “That’s scarce in the NFL because everybody’s 245 lb. or 250 lb. and I’m 230 lb., so I’m able to run with the faster guys.”

Wright also displayed a nose for the ball during his time at UB. He recorded four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over a six-year career in the Queen City.

Last season was Wright’s best, as he recorded career-highs in tackles (49), tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (2.5).

Expect Wright to sign with a pro team as an undrafted free agent.

Moaz Elazzazi / The Spectrum Redshirt fifth-year senior linebacker Kadofi Wright is a prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Kevin Marks Jr.

Position: Running back Class: Senior After three exceptional seasons (including a 1,000-yard rushing season as a sophomore) as the complimentary back to current Washington Commanders running back Jaret Patterson, the 2021-22 season saw a regression for senior running back Kevin Marks.

After multiple nagging injuries, Marks lost the starting job to junior Dylan McDuffie (who transferred this week to Georgia Tech) and rushed for just 414 yards and five touchdowns last season (both career-lows). The regression from pivotal offensive piece to rotational back isn’t a great look for the Norfolk, VA native, especially in a Group of Five conference like the Mid-American.

But Marks made a great impression on scouts at UB’s Pro Day, where he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash and looked sharp in position drills.

“Showcasing my hand tracking to the

Alexander Brown / The Spectrum Senior running back Kevin Marks Jr. is a prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.

ball, seeing the ball and getting in and out of my breaks,” Marks said when asked what he wanted to show scouts during the event. “I’m showing my speed, showing that I’m versatile, too. I’m an every-down back.”

Marks excelled as the physical presence in a thunder-and-lightning duo with Patterson for three seasons, accumulating 2,621 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns over that time. While Marks struggled on

the field and was in-and-out of the lineup last season, scouts will continue to look at his first three seasons as a reference for what he is capable of.

Marks was at one time considered a potential Day 3 draft pick, but he will likely have to try out for an NFL team as an undrafted free agent thanks to his poor recent showing.

Email: anthony.decicco@ubspectrum.com