The Niagara Index - Niagara University
Transcription
The Niagara Index - Niagara University
The Niagara Index The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper Volume 77, Issue 8 February 12, 2007 Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetheart! Please Eavesdrop. Then tell us about it! submit your overheard quote to: [email protected] Girl 1: Awwww... it’s a bunny! Girl 2: Ribbit. Ribbit. - Clet Hall, Dec. 13, 2006. Said in reference to a television comercial. “I can puke in a house, I can puke with a mouse, I can puke here or there, I can puke anywhere.” -Apartment 5A, Feb. 5, 2007 Some Valentine’s Day quotes: “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” - Albert Einstein “Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket, or a holding pattern over Philadelphia.” - Judith Viorst Spiritual week invigorates Vincentian community Adrienne West Staff Writer Vincentian Spiritual Renewal Week was held Jan. 25-30 and was sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry, including the invaluable presence of Vincentians Fr. Aidan Rooney C.M., Fr. Jack Timlin C.M., Sr. Mary Frate D.C., and Sr. Pat Evanick D.C. It was celebrated during what is widely recognized as Vincentian Heritage Week, which served as host to an annual week of activities, focused exclusively on St. Vincent DePaul and our Vincentian heritage as a university. Niagara University sponsored a variety of activities, including educational seminars, worship services and social events based on the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul. This year’s theme was “Xtreme Vincent: Building the Righteous Community” and the events were scheduled around Jan. 25 in light of Founders Day, when St. Vincent DePaul founded the Congregation of the Mission. The series of Vincentian Heritage-based events are an annual tradition, but this year’s efforts were boosted in light of Niagara’s 150th year. “I thought [the week] was a huge success,” said Sr. Nora Gatto. “We tend to think of success by how many people came, but I don’t see it that way. I think that huge success means that people who came seemed to be touched in their hearts. It’s priceless, and I think it was wonderful.” Vi n c e n t i a n Spiritual Renewal Week kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 25, with a Mass by Rev. John T. Maher Fr. Aidan Rooney, which included a new addition to the celebration with the awarding of the Caritas Medal to Dr. David Taylor. Taylor is an assistant professor of criminal justice at Niagara who embodies Vincentian values through his work with various community services programs in Niagara Falls, including ReNU Niagara, a Community Outreach Partnership Center program coordinated by Taylor that focuses on community organizing around the city’s needs. Dr. Taylor was honored because he embodies the spirit of St. Vincent DePaul in his service to the community. “Spirituality is an active word,” said campus minister Fr. John Maher, “it’s about action as well as reflection, which is why we honored Dr. Taylor.” The presentations and seminars were held throughout the week for students, faculty, and staff. “Each session focused on one of the 10 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching from a Vincentian perspective,” said Campus Minister, Jerod Sikorskyj. Fr. Aidan Rooney, a former minister at Niagara, constructed and outlined these thematic principles that were central to the events. “Vincentian Spiritual Week focused on all different aspect of the university and the people who play different roles,” said Sikorskyj. He highlighted the student leadership luncheon for social justice held on Jan. 26 as being a major event, “I thought this to be engaging because we got a crosssection of student leaders from NUSGA and other student clubs… and the conversation really centered on the ten principles.” One of the principles outlined, for example, was ecological responsibility. Issues related to that responsibility and Vincentian values, such as the importance of recycling and caring for our environment, reflect the idea that certain deeds are required of us as opposed to what we think is nice. Also, discussions arose as to the responsibility of students to choose clothing and products made by individuals making a living wage, rather than what is cheapest Continued on page 4 One man’s global search for social justice cations back in Great Britain for six years on the turmoil that was happening yards away from his school. “What a time to go there. I would be preparing scripts Dr. Brian Martin Murphy is not the kind of person that during the day for the radio program, but at night I wrote brags about his accomplishments. The professor’s friendly stories back home regarding the violence happening,” said demeanor and laid back nature have won him a cult fol- Murphy about his experiences in South Africa. lowing from his students and respect from fellow faculty “Our college was right on the Caledon River, which was in the communications department. this muddy, dirty strait that separated Lesotho from South Yet it would be difficult for one to not be fascinated by Africa. Many times we would have refugees, usually antithe life that this Canadian native has lived for nearly 40 Apartheid fighters or protestors, that would come seeking years. It has been a life spent dedicated to the pursuit of shelter by swimming through the river. That was really my social justice in the world. big break in international journalism.” Murphy’s reputation as an investigative journalist has By 1979, Murphy returned to England where he conbeen built by his coverage of events happening in Africa, a tinued to serve as a contributor to London based magacontinent that besides the zines dealing with Afrioccasional story of geno- “With little resources, Murphy helped create one of the can affairs like “The New cide or war, is barely a first computer networks in the South African region African” and “African blip on the radar for many from scratch to coordinate with his correspondents.” Business.” The following mainstream news organiyear, he traveled back to zations. Canada where he received a master’s in journalism from His History - The United Kingdom Carleton University in Ottawa. Ironically, Murphy’s career in international journalism Onward to Zimbabwe started following his graduation from Concordia UniversiDuring the 1980s, Murphy served as a correspondent for ty in Montreal where he earned a bachelor’s degree in his- the Rome-based Inter Press Service (IPS), which led him tory. He traveled to the United Kingdom where this fresh to Zimbabwe. faced reporter began to work for the esteemed University “The IPS had a regional agency in Botswana that was of Edinburgh’s publication in various capacities, including covering news from neighboring South Africa that northat of newspaper designer. mally would be censored by “It was great working for Edinburgh at that time, es- the government. In fact, the pecially when you had people like Gordon Brown there South African army actually who is now being seen as the successor to [British Prime invaded the Botswana and Minister] Tony Blair,” said Murphy. “We actually won an blew it up.” award for having the best designed newspaper in all of With this unfortunate turn of Great Britain.” events, Murphy was assigned Apartheid - South Africa to creating a news network Following his time in Scotland, Murphy moved on to the centered in Harare, ZimbaAfrican nation of Lesotho, located deep within the Apart- bwe. His reports of the oppresheid-ruled South Africa in 1972. He worked for a small sion of the black population college where he served as a radio producer that taught by the white-run government students across the region via “distance education.” This of South Africa did not endear technique is similar to online courses that students who him to the nation, nor did his can not be physically present in class use today. nationality. Besides teaching, Murphy reported to numerous publiAnees Kashmiri Staff Writer / Cartoonist Dr. Brain M. Murphy “Canada is part of the Commonwealth of Nations (CN) which has members that were once colonies of Great Britain. So was South Africa, but Canada managed to pressure the rest of group to actually get it kicked out of the CN. That’s why it was illegal for me to actually go into South Africa,” said Murphy. As head of the IPS news bureau in Harare, a “hub in the Continued on page 4 In This Issue... “What’s old is now new again”................................... pg. 2 “Don’t know much about...”........................................... pg. 3 “Wacky weather”............................................................. pg. 6 Sports at a Glance............................................................. pg. 7 “We can hear you...”......................................................... pg. 7 Valentine’s Day fun..................................................back page Anti-Valentine’s Day...............................................back page The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper February 12, 2007 What’s old is now new again-rewrapped Marissa Christman Co-Editor Editorial Eyes wide, my 8-year old sister unwraps her first present on Christmas Day 2006. Lo and behold— a laptop. What a lucky girl! Present number two— a digital camera. Finally she can do all of the important assignments that the third grade requires of her on her new laptop. Thank God she can finally take high quality digital photos of her friends as they wipe out on their Heelies. Exactly what she needed. My best Christmas present when I was eight— try Nickelodeon’s Gak and a Chia pet if I was lucky. Change is in the air and it smells like technology. In 2006, the Top Toy of the Year, chosen by the Toy Industry Association (TIA) was the FLY Pentop Computer from Leap Frog. Retailing at $100 (not including its special paper or cartridges), this trinket contains an optical scanner and built-in processor. It solves math problems, maintains your schedule, plays musical instruments, records sound and offers a variety of games. The only thing it does not do on its own is write, though it’s possible, provided its user has the necessary cognitive and motor skills. Ten years ago the top selling toy was Tickle Me Elmo. This stuffed muppet gig- gled and wobbled when squeezed and that is about it. It retailed at $29. Considering inflation, that would be roughly $37 in 2006. Needless to say, today’s children have their sights set high— or don’t they? Marissa Christman I must admit, this top toy test of mine is not 100 percent accurate. Each year, the title of top toy comes from multiple associations and corporations. Marketing, social trends, category and age appropriateness factor into toy awards and my little experiment fails to account for them. There are no doubt cooler toys on the market today than there were 10 years ago; however, they may not be the most popular. Believe it or not, there are just as many old toys on the market as there are new ones. Amazon.com’s number one selling toy as of February 2007 is T.M.X. Elmo, a.k.a. Tickle Me Elmo 10 years later. Runners up include Shutterfly’s Rubik’s Cube, Tamagotchi by Bandai, Scrabble and LEGOS (new editions of course). Beanie babies, yoyos, Pogs— now these are what I call toys. Ah, what sweet memo- mine was. I was militant in my belief that ries I have of Pog collecting, Chia pet grow- my mother was wrong when she said that ing and undressing my life-sized Barbie as I one day Old Navy tech vests wouldn’t be watched “Pete and Pete.” cool and that straight leg jeans would reWhat is it about specific toys that lend turn. The tech vests weren’t cool from the themselves to remarketing decade after start so those didn’t count, but 2006 rolls decade? Polly Pocket, for example was around and straight leg jeans return under first distributed by Mattel in the early 90s. the guise of “skinny jeans.” I must say, Miss Pocket certainly took my I hate when adults, with whom I hap5-year old self by storm— an itty bitty girl pened to disagree, are right. But don’t we in an itty bitty house with itty bitty rooms? all? Then we hypocritically demand respect Revolutionary I tell you! from any kid subordinate to us by age. I’m But it has gotten even better. Reminiscent convinced that the reason for that is this: As of Polly Pocket are Mattel’s Pixel Chix. we get older and look at the children that They have itty bitty houses with itty bitty have taken our place, we realize that hardly rooms but the itty bitty girl and the itty bitty anything is invented anymore. The “origithings she does are nal” things that we digitized. Polly “The funny thing is that each gen- so generously atPocket is probably to our generation thinks that their toys, TV tribute one of the less pereration were stolen, tinent examples I shows, clothes and hairstyles belong adapted, improved, to them and them alone.” could have chorewrapped and sold sen. Power rangagain. ers, Barney, Transformers, American Girl Perhaps that’s what life is— a constant dolls— they are all alive and well. re-claiming, re-adapting and re-selling of And the phenomenon extends beyond the fundamental principles that preceded toys and into music, clothes and hair. The us. A humbling revelation, isn’t it? Whether funny thing is that each generation thinks you buy it or not, consider the possibility that their toys, TV shows, clothes and hair- that almost nothing in life is new and tostyles belong to them and them alone. Our day’s society is both the product of the one generation is no exception. How many girls’ before it and the determinant of that which worlds were rocked when one day it became comes next. uncool to wear any jeans but flares. I know The Index is now online! Comic Corner Visit our link through the Campus Activities website or at www.niagara.edu/cao/TheNiagaraIndex.htm The Index welcomes cartoons of any type from the NU community. We are especially looking for those that pertain to life on our campus. Send your submissions to [email protected]. The Niagara Index 1870-2007 Volume 77. Issue 8 February 12, 2007 By Anees Kashmiri. The Index welcomes cartoons of any type from the NU community. We are especially looking for those that pertain to life on our campus. Send your submissions to [email protected]. Club Advisor: Student Co-Editors: Advertising Manager: Staff Photographer: Layout Assistant: Staff Writers: Angie Bavaro Matthew Reilly Rachel Ward Bill Wolcott Darius Bessette, Marissa Christman Mary Colleen Mahoney Zach Gonyea Chelas Poirier Danielle Hueston Diana Sitarski Adrienne West Anees Kashmiri Kate Somerville Victoria Wolcott To reach us: e-mail: [email protected] phone: (716) 286-8512 fax: (716) 286-8542 stop by: back left hallway, LLGC Printed by Printing Productions, Inc. Submissions are accepted from all members of the Niagara University community. The deadline for the next issue of the Index: Tuesday, Feb. 6 to print Monday, Feb. 12. No submissions can be accepted after this date. Editorials and opinion pieces reflect the views of their respective authors and not necessarily those of The Niagara Index. All feedback regarding printed material should be sent to the Index, not the author. All submissions to the Index (i.e. letters to the editor, articles, reviews. etc.) must be received electronically, either through e-mail or on disk, single-spaced and without tabs. Decisions to print submissions will be based upon legality, appropriateness to subject and date, and adherence to university policies. The Index reserves the right to edit submissions for length, spacing and libel. Please provide name and contact information with all submissions for verification. Names will be withheld from publication on demand, if appropriate, but no annonymous submissions will be considered. For advertising information, call or e-mail editor or advertising. The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper February 12, 2007 Don’t know much about: Venezuela years due to his success at persuading oil producers to lower their production for more profits. Ve n e z u e l a n His personal attacks on President Bush President Hugo are increasingly insulting. He has called Chávez is one of President Bush a “pendejo” or dumb ass the most outspoas well as a devil. He frequently uses his ken opponents weekly talk show, “Aló Presidente,” as a of the United platform to hurl his insults. On one particStates. Chávez ular show, he called Bush a donkey and a has been openly drunkard in response to the White House’s critical of the statement that Chávez is a “demagogue United States’ who uses Venezuela’s oil wealth to destaVenezuelan involvement in President Hugo Chavez bilize democracy in the region.” Iraq, calling it However, not all of Chávez’s relations “neocolonialism.” He also has close ties with the U.S. have been bad. Chávez to Cuba, the States’ long-standing enemy. struck a deal with Massachusetts in NoVenezuela is a member of the Organiza- vember 2005 to provide discounted heattion of Petroleum Exporting Countries or ing oil to lower class residents. Moreover, OPEC, which controls petroleum distribu- in September 2006 he promised to increase tion. Chávez can be partially blamed for oil discounts to Harlem residents. Chávez the rising price of oil over the past few also offered aid in the form of food and oil to Hurricane Katrina vicA rough map of Venezuela and its position globally. tims. However, the aid was turned down. Chávez was reelected in late 2006 with a 63% majority. He began a complete overhaul on his cabinet. On Jan. 31, 2007, an enabling act was passed giving Chávez the power to create laws without the approval of his congress. He promises to use this new power to create a socialist state and to bring Venezuela’s oil companies under government control. The thought of unchecked Victoria Wolcott Staff Writer WINTER PARKING ADVISORY TO THE NIAGARA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY From NOVEMBER 15, 2006 - MARCH 15, 2007, the snow removal policy will be in effect. No vehicles may be parked overnight from midnight to 7:00 AM in the Gallagher, Main, Power Authority and Penrose lots, with one exception --- the Penrose 24-hour parking area. As always, no parking is permitted on roadways! power may be frightening to some but it is a valid law under the Venezuelan constitution. With such an outspoken enemy of the United States having virtually unlimited power, what affect will this have on citizens? According to Dr. Gina Ponce de Leon, Chair of the Latin American Studies Department, not much at all. “Chávez’s ideas are socialist,” she says, “so he really wants to give more money to his people, which is a good thing.” According to BBC, about 60 percent of households in Venezuela are considered poor. “He’s planning to take taxes from companies that are taking the petroleum. I think that it’s mainly going to affect the petroleum companies. For regular people, I don’t think it’s going to have any affect,” says Ponce de Leon. Still the implications for oil companies may not be grave. Record setting profits were achieved last year. Even though Chávez is a notorious opponent of the United States’ policies, who is to say if he will use his new powers to do anything but help his own people. For more information on Venezuela visit: http://www.geographia.com/ venezuela/index.htm Speaking out: President Chávez and the world Chávez on the United States: “The hegemonistic pretensions of the American empire are placing at risk the very existence of the human species.” “We appeal to the people of the United States and the world to halt this threat, which is like a sword hanging over our head.” Quotes from: http://www.gnn.tv/headlines/11312/Venezuela_s_Chavez_Says_World_Faces_Choice_Between_US_Hegemony_and_Survival The world’s response to Spain’s sale of 12 military aircrafts to Chávez for $2 billion: Daniel Duqenal, writing for the opposition news site VCrisis, called the arms deal “another story of Chávez buying foreign sympathies with the oil money of Venezuelan people.” But El Pais (in Spanish), the leading newspaper of Madrid, defended the sale, saying “until a short time ago the USA was the biggest supplier of arms to Chávez’s Venezuela. A different standard cannot be applied to a contract which is in the interest of Spanish industry.” Quotes from: blog.washingtonpost.com/worldopinionroundup/2005/12/venezuela_sale_and_snub.html The Index is now online! Visit our link through the Campus Activities website. Kenmore Development The Key To Fine Apartments Professionally Managed Apartments & Townhouses On those days when snow must be plowed from the other lots (i.e., Butler, DePaul, Kiernan, Timon/O’Shea, Facility Services, University Drive, Eagle Circle, the Penrose 24-hour parking area), flashing blue lights at Perboyre Hall, Facility Services and Eagle Circle will indicate that vehicles must be removed by 5:30 p.m. from these areas. Temporary parking is available in PENROSE (except the 24-hour parking area) and POWER VISTA C while the above lots are being plowed. Do not park on roadways. • 1-2 Bedrooms $430-$500 • 12 Min. Drive from NU • Includes Water • Appliances & A/C • Off Street Parking • Wall-To-Wall Carpeting • Laundry Facilities • On Site Office • Quick Maintenance • Sorry, No Pets Anyone needing a ride from a distant lot may contact Campus Safety by calling ext. 8111 or using a blue light phone to arrange an escort. Vehicle owners away from campus overnight are expected to make arrangements with friends to move their cars to the appropriate lots. Lack of familiarity or failure to comply with snow regulations can result in vehicles being ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. Cars towed to an on-campus site are subject to being towed off campus after 72 hours. In the event that snow falls outside of the snow removal policy period, these procedures also will be in effect. The full policy is posted throughout the campus; copies may be picked up at the Campus Safety Office. Your active cooperation is appreciated. John F. Barker, Director of Campus Safety NIAGARA I & II Redecorated Apartments Just Off Niagara Falls Blvd Near NU 1723 Caravelle Dr., LaSalle • Open Mon-Fri 1-5 Kenmore Development The Key To Fine Apartments 297-1840 • KenDev.com Niagara University Leary Theatre March 2, 3, 9, 10, 8 p.m. March 4, 11, 2 p.m. Tickets for any performance can be purchased through the NU Theatre Box Office at 286-8622, in person at the Dwyer Arena Box Office or through www.ticketmaster.com. -S AV E Niagara University Theater-at-the-church 415 Plain St., Lewiston N O W March 1 - 11 “As You Like It” RE N T Feb. 17 Concert for St. Vincent $3 76 Upcoming Theater Productions • 2 Bedroom Townhouses • 850 sq. ft. From $425 • 4 Min. Drive from NU • Includes Water • Appliances • Off Street Parking • Near Bus Line • On Site Office • Quick Maintenance • Sorry, No Pets NIAGARA III Refurbished Townhouses Off Hyde Park Blvd Near NU 2899 22nd St. (Between Centre & Tennessee Aves.), Niagara Falls • Open Mon-Fri 10-4 Kenmore Development The Key To Fine Apartments 299-1840 • KenDev.com The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper Murphy draws attention to Africa Continued from page 1 anti-Apartheid movement,” Murphy interacted with members of the African National Congress (ANC), an organization of South African expatriates who were fighting the government both politically and militarily. Some of the members of this underground organization became very instrumental to the fledgling bureau’s success. “We built it up into having two correspondents in nine nations while I had a small staff in Harare. Actually, our chief copy-editor, Barry Gilder, was a bagman who secretly supplied cash for ANC operations.” Barry Gilder would become deputy director general of South Africa’s National Intelligence Agency following the end of Apartheid. With little resources, Murphy helped create one of the first computer networks in the South African region from scratch to coordinate with his correspondents. “All we really had was a laptop while our engineer friends helped by using off the shelf software that we pieced together to get some form of communication going. We also had to train many of our African journalists the basics of computers to make the project work.” An end to the Apartheid era As the 1980s drew to a close, so did the regime in South Africa. According to Murphy, those involved within the anti-Apartheid movement knew that the long imprisoned resistance leader, Nelson Mandela, was about to be released, and the anticipation reached epic heights. Rather than seeing Mandela’s freedom in person, he and his crew witnessed the event via satellite. “Barry and I booked a room at this hotel that apparently was the only one that had satellite television. So there was the two of us in this cramped room with what had to be 20 activists and ANC members.” A doctorate and a direction As “things cooled down” around southern Africa, Murphy returned to the west, and got a position in the United States with the Institute for Global Communications (IGC). He served as co-editor to PeaceNet Headlines which, along with other organizations under the IGC umbrella, was dedicated providing Internet exposure to nonprofit social justice entities. It was around this time that Murphy was awarded his Ph.D. in communications from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Shortly before 2000, Murphy was approached by Dr. James Wittebols from Niagara University to join the communications department. Murphy agreed and the two were intent on changing the curriculum to focus more on media being a tool to address various forms of social injustices in the world. Many courses, most notably Communicating for Social Justice, reflect the themes that have been persistent in Murphy’s career. Murphy is still involved with investigative journalism as he is an African and Mil- itary Affairs analyst for “The Progressive International Media Exchange” (PRIME) and still serves as an advisor for the IPS. In addition to these side projects, Murphy is developing a textbook geared towards undergraduates that is based on the history of alternative media and its many theoretical and practical applications in today’s digital age. The mainsteam problem When asked about the mainstream media’s coverage of Africa, Murphy’s answer is simple and brutally honest, “No one covers Africa, so no one really knows about what’s going on.” Among the few events from the continent that have been discussed in general news was the civil war in Rwanda that occurred in the early 1990s along with the current situation in Sudan. These are two acts of genocide that Murphy feels could have ended differently had there been enough attention paid to the incidents. “With Rwanda, we were all shocked at the sophistication of the killings (perpetrated by rival tribes). It was like another holocaust. I don’t think that nation will ever fully recover,” said Murphy. Based on the lingering tension in Rwanda that led to the mass killings, Murphy and his colleagues knew that trouble was brewing in Sudan almost a year before the major western networks picked up on it, “When we saw what was happening in Darfur we actually made a note of the date, which was around March 2003. It wasn’t maybe until early 2004 that the subject was actually being talked about in the mainstream news.” The future of of a unique culture Besides the violence with which Africa is often associated, Murphy points out its diverse array of rich cultures as being one of the reasons he is still drawn to it. “It’s a shame that nobody really looks at the culture. Some of the food there - whether it’s deer or ostrich meat - is the best I’ve ever had. However, there are places in Central Africa where the food is plain terrible. Their music is unbelievable and can not be matched, although I am probably biased,” he admits. Murphy painted a hopeful picture when asked to describe Africa in the next 20-30 years. “I think there will be large scale commercial development. The need for more resources will draw international investment and allow for further growth in the overall infrastructure. But there still will be social conflicts,” he says. While Dr. Murphy may have eased up a bit on being an investigative reporter, his devotion to social justice is as strong as ever. He sees the media, more specifically independent media, as a tool to bring about reform by using new technology like the Internet to broadcast the entire story or issue. If anything, his teaching will allow for a better understanding of the many triumphs and tragedies that are occurring, not just in Africa, but around the world. Upcoming On-Campus Events Look what Niagara University’s Campus Programming Board has in store for you for this month. Make sure to join them at their great events! IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM HOUSING RE: Apartment Housing Students interested in living in the student apartments for the 20072008 academic year are reminded of the following for apartment placement: On Wednesday, Feb. 21, apartment application packets and lottery numbers will be available in the Housing Office. Current sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students are eligible for the apartments. Both resident and nonresident (commuter/ off-campus) students can apply for the apartments, however, preference will be given to current resident students. The deadline for submission of apartment applications, deposit receipts and signed contracts is Friday, March 23. Spiritual week looks toward future Continued from page 1 or most stylish. These and many other issues arose as practical discussion pieces in light of the Vincentian mission of the university. Discussion became action through “Kids on Campus”, a student-wide service project organized by Monica Saltarelli and Fran Boltz on Jan. 27. Sikorskyj made mention of The Peaceful Classroom: Catholic Social Teaching and Student-Faculty Relationship luncheon for faculty with Fr. Aidan Rooney, C.M. The seminar addressed issues such as whether the classroom is a place where individual students have individual initiative and how to emphasize individual contribution in the classroom to the rest of the surrounding community. “It was cool to see the faculty get excited about ways to do that,” Sikorskyj said. “We got a lot of cooperation from students and staff, and I was happy to see that,” added Sr. Gatto. The end of the week also included a reunion of those who attended the B.A.S.I.C trip for them to reflect on their experiences. “ The Simon School’s M.S. in Accountancy program armed me with essential accounting and business management skills for the corporate world, as well as the accounting profession. E Attend a top-ranked national accounting program. Join us for an Information Reception: E Complete in one academic year on a full-time basis. Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Feb. 16: Live Music Series: “The Rivalry” Plus “Standard of Living” 8 to 11 p.m. Under the Taps March 3: World’s Toughest Rodeo & Dinner 4 p.m. Bus leaves Gallagher E Undergraduate accounting and business majors are eligible. March 6: Open Mic Night 6:30 p.m. Under the Taps E Students who do not possess an undergraduate degree in accounting or business can apply to the 2-year MBA program. For information on these and all Campus Programming Board activites, visit them in LLGC or visit www.niagara. edu/cao. ” David I. Kroll ’06 Davie Kaplan Chapman & Braverman, P.C. Feb. 27: Ice Skating and Ice Cream 6 p.m. Bus leaves Gallagher Feb. 24: “Buffalo Culture Day” 2 p.m. Bus leaves Gallagher Sr. Gatto was pleased with the events saying, “renewal makes you more open to the things that are so important to us, and that is ‘how is my life going to make a difference for those who are poor,’ and ‘how will I apply my education at a Vincentian university to make the world a better place?’” “It was good to heighten awareness of the spiritual nature of the university,” stated Fr. Maher. “It was a good experience for the first time, and there was a lot of interest and cooperation” “We are discussing the possibility of hosting Vincentian Rewnal next year, and are interested in hearing feedback from the NU community,” Sikorskyj said. In February, there will be retreats separately for men (Feb. 24-25) and for women (Feb. 23-24) to reflect what it is to be a spiritual man or spiritual woman. There may also be a senior class retreat for reflection before senior week, although plans are still pending. “[Vinentian Spiritual Renewal Week] is like a time out in a basketball game,” said Sr. Gatto. “By the end of the game, those time outs are so crucial because the coach is saying ‘here is what we do next. ’” M.S. in Accountancy at Simon Feb. 13: Basketball road trip to Canisius 6 p.m. Bus leaves Gallagher Feb. 22 Hypnotist - Joshua Seth 8 p.m. - Dunleavy 127 February 12, 2007 E Registered as LicensureQualifying in New York State for C.P.A. Tuesday, May 15, 2007 5:00–7:00 p.m. Schlegel Hall, Eisenberg Rotunda University of Rochester, River Campus To register, call Admissions at (585) 275-2771 or e-mail: [email protected]. www.simon.rochester.edu/accounting The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper February 12, 2007 “We could have gone anywhere. We chose Florida International University.” Douglas Houghton New York Nursing Megan Bottegal North Carolina Forensic Chemistry Charlie Emerson Connecticut Post Professional Athletic Training/ Sports Medicine Miguel Alonso, Jr. Miami Electrical Engineering Saira Babu John India International MBA FIU’s University Graduate School offers more than 120 degree programs at the master’s and doctoral levels ranging from creative writing, business and education to the sciences, engineering and health professions. FIU ranks among the top 20 best values in public higher education in the country, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine 2006 survey. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching ranks FIU as a Research University in the High Research Activity category in their prestigious classification system. FIU is among the youngest universities ever to be awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most distinguished academic honor society. Visit gradschool.fiu.edu to see what some of our students say about FIU’s graduate programs. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY MIAMI, FLORIDA The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper ‘Major’ Importance: Wacky weather welcomes the weary Pyschology Diana Sitarski Staff Writer Have you ever been interested in studying the human mind and how and why humans behave the way they do? If you want your career to improve the lives of others, you may want to think about the psychology field. Dr. Timothy Osberg, professor of psychology, says, “according to a CNN and Money Magazine poll, psychology is in the top ten of all careers.” Psychology is a field in which there is a lot of educational mobility. “Two-thirds of Niagara’s undergraduates go on to graduate school,” says Osberg. Students majoring in psychology have many options to choose from once they get their bachelors’ degrees. Many, according to Osberg, go on to grad school for psychology or law; some students even go to medical school. Once they are in the field, professionals with a bachelor’s in psychology can do many different things such as conducting research, teaching, counseling or going on to clinical practice. Within the field of clinical psychology, there are still more options. Clinical psychologists may work for the government, a hospital or in private practice. Psychologists could also decide to go into the field of gerontology, which is the study of the elderly. An interesting avenue to pursue is that of forensic psychology, where they can assist authorities in solving crimes. Both of the aforementioned fields show continuous growth and have a pleth- ora of job opportunities. Nowadays, the government recognizes psychology services as a part of the medicine field. Osberg claims that leaves a “concrete place for psychology in the medical area.” The expansion of psychology in the medical field is helping to increase jobs and ensure an increase in the population’s overall health. The importance of mental health is beginning to equal that of physical health these days. The expansion of psychology is also helping to reduce the stigma attached to it. It used to be thought that everyone who went to see a psychologist was crazy. These days, clinical psychology is seen as a more accepted form of treatment with a legitimate purpose far beyond “helping the crazies.” If students are interested and want to become involved in the psychology field, NU offers a psychology club, Psi Chi, which helps promote interest in the field of psychology. Also, the psychology department runs the club, Active Minds, which is a national organization that helps to promote mental health issues on campuses around the country. Their main goal is to inform college students that many adults, including themselves, may have some sort of diagnosable disorder and there is no shame in trying to get help. For questions about psychology and the major feel free to stop by Dr. Osberg’s office in Depaul, room 135, call x8524 or email him at [email protected]. Chelas Poirier Layout Assistant Well winter has finally arrived. It may have come late but it is definitely making up for lost time now. It is common knowledge that over the past few years average temperatures have been higher than normal and increasing steadily. There has also been an influx of bizarre weather patterns all over the world. For example: the Rocky Mountains have had unpredictable snow conditions and a sudden avalanche. Also, in Washington D.C. cherry blossom trees are already in full bloom. The question we must ask ourselves is what is causing all of this wacky weather? Two possibilities scientists are pointing to are global warming and El Niño. Most meteorologists blame El Niño, which affects our temperature regulation jet stream. The jet stream is a river of air in the upper levels of the atmosphere that positions weather systems and actually separates warm from cool air. Lately, the subtropical jet has moved warm and wet conditions across the Golf Coast. It has also carryied strong winds across California. These strong winds carried by the stream have caused destructive storms as they cross Colorado and the surrounding areas. The polar jet stream is the system that primarily affects the Northeast in the winter months. This jet stretches far up into Canada and brings the cooler, artic winds down through the region. This year there is an uneven balance of warm and cool air. The imbalance caused the warm air to push down into the eastern part of the country and thus it had created the uncommonly mild temperatures for winter in our area during last December and early January. Some meteorologists predict that the effects of El Niño will not slow down, making it an increasingly hot topic in the next few years. No pun intended. Despite the fact that the average temperature of winter is becoming progressively moderate, there will still be times when we see the frigid cold, unbearably windy and snowy conditions we Buffalonians are used to. The delay of the season has not diminished the sickness and stress that inch their way into life each winter either. One disorder that looms in the wintery clouds is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that can begin late fall and extend until spring. It affects over 10 million Americans every year. People with SAD display many of the symptoms of depression like an increased GET HIRED MONTH February 12 - March 30, 2007 Monday, February 12, 1-3 p.m. Hospitality and Tourism Career Fair Castellani Art Museum Hospitality and tourism management majors meet with representatives of hospitality and tourism employers to discuss employment opportunities. Monday, February 19, Noon - 1 p.m. Dress for Success Fashion Show Lower Level - Gallagher Center Students and faculty model professional dress for the workplace. Wednesday, March 7 Guest Speaker - Burt Nadler 10 a.m. - Noon, LL Gallagher Center Information Table 2:30 - 4 p.m., Dunleavy 127 Liberal Arts Power: Overcoming the Fear of Focus and Facing the Liberal Arts Imperative 6 - 7:30 p.m., Under the Taps, Gallagher Center Ten Steps to Job Search Success: Job Search Made Simple, Not Necessarily Easy SPRING 2007 EVENTS February 12, 2007 Wednesday, March 21, Noon - 2 p.m. Career Expo 2007 Upper Level - Gallagher Center Job fair for students of all majors to meet with recruiters to discuss employment opportunities Tuesday, February 27, 5 - 7 p.m. Dining for Success Etiquette Dinner Heritage Room Learn dining and business etiquette tips for mealtime inter- Wednesday, March 28, DN 127 2:30 - 4 p.m., 7 - 8:30 p.m. views and social occasions. Guest Speaker - Jean-Marc Hachey Itchy Feet? Consider an International Career Tuesday, March 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Author of The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas. Human Services Career Fair University at Buffalo Student Union Thursday - Friday, March 29 - 30 Meet with representatives from local human services Teacher Recruitment Days agencies to discuss employment opportunities. Buffalo Convention Center Visit www.trd.org for complete registration information. Office of Career Development xLower Level Seton Hall x 716-286-8500 x [email protected] desire to be alone, difficulty concentrating, increased need for sleep and weight gain. There are two theories as to the causes of SAD. One theory is that the lack of sunlight in the winter months affects the body’s internal clock, which in turn deregulates mood, sleep and hormones. Another cause could be a brain chemical imbalance. Luckily, SAD is curable through use of light therapy, a treatment where one sits in front of a bright light box that contains white fluorescent light tubes. It is covered with a plastic screen to block ultraviolet rays. The treatment is done for 30 minutes, preferably in the morning. The exposure to light regulates a person’s biological clock and balances the chemicals in the brain to alleviate the mental and physical symptoms of SAD. The importance of understanding the causes of the recent crazy weather and its affects on our health are immeasurable. Get out there and enjoy the winter weather while you can because it will not stay forever. For some non-medical treatment, see the next issue of the Index for winter fun ideas. Here are a few tips to stay healthy and enjoy the winter season: * Stay active; try to get involved in some type of physical activity at least once a day. It can even something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, anything that will keep your blood flowing and your spirits high. * Keep hydrated, the dry, heated indoor air can be very dehydrating. Always have a water bottle with you. * Make healthy choices when it comes to food. Even though it may be easier to stay in your dorm room and munch on snacks, try to make the trip to the dining hall and eat foods that will boost your immune system such as fruit and vegetables, for vitamin C, dairy products for calcium and vitamin D and red meat or poultry for protein. Delivery Drivers wanted for Domino’s Pizza: The Pizza Delivery Experts! Earn $10-$12 per hour with very flexible hours to meet your school schedule. Work just a few hours per week or work full time. Apply in person at 4610 Niagara Falls Blvd. between 11am to midnight. 1 AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE IN GRAND ISLAND, NY (FOR $500 TO $600- UTILITIES INCLUDED). OFFERING HALF-OFF OF FIRST MONTH’S RENT. GRAND ISLAND IS A DESIREABLE AREA LOCATED 8 MILES TO NIAGARA UNIVERSITY. OPEN PARKING. BASEMENT STORAGE AND GARAGES AVAILABLE. CENTRAL HEATING. LAUNDRY FACILITIES. CONTACT SHAWN AT 716-984-7813. The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper February 12, 2007 Sports at a glance “We can hear you...” Darius Bessette Co-Editor Editorial Rivalries are brutal. Rivalries are bitter. They are the life blood of college sports and their intensity only grows with time. The men’s basketball rivalry between Niagara and Canisius is just now reaching its pinnacle with their rivalry being 102 years old. Recently, the ebb and flow of this ageold rivalry seems to be leaning toward Niagara. As of the win Feb. 4, Niagara has won its last eight meetings with Canisius. This past meeting was no less bitter; the clash between student sections was obvious as soon as the first whistle blew. The most intense situations between long-time rivals occur when the games are close and that is the best time for students and fans to take action by cheering loud to help swing momentum towards their chosen team. Niagara games, complete with NZone participants, are no different. But as I was standing, hooting and hollering deep within the fervor of the N-zone, I realized how quickly rivalries can amplify. Canisius’ supporting students went directly for the throat, metaphorically of course, with chants such as “Guilty,” “Who wears purple?” and “Hit a homer,” directly referring to the pre-season fiasco between Niagara’s men’s basketball and baseball teams. I am surprised that nothing got out of hand. Though I suppose victory, Darius Bessette or at least winning at the time, soothes the memories of the turbulent past. Did Canisius’ student section take their chants, those allegedly supporting their own team, too far? Perhaps, though NU participated in similar taunting. Cheers of “We can’t hear you,” “What is a Griff?” and “Wilson,” in conjunction with “Air ball” and “You can’t dunk,” could be heard bellowing across the court from the NZone throughout most of the game. Overall, I’d say that Niagara’s heckling of Canisius was far more decent than the cheep shots that roared from the somewhat mediocre collection of students that Canisius managed to assemble. Granted, there were lapses in judgment – no one likes a bad call, and the refs ought to know it. was the best— N-Zone students celebratPerhaps, I should remove myself from ing with the men’s basketball team, wavmy biased support of Niagara sports and ing rally towels and balloons and jumping look at it from an outsider’s point of view. around with the excitement of a big win. To Clearly, throughout the second half of my right was the worst— an (undoubtedly play, the N-Zone repeated their favorite smaller) group of students still taunting cheer of the afternoon, “Wilson” in refer- Wilson and booing the rest of the Griffs as ence to forward, Darnell Wilson. After Ca- they walked off the court. It was unbecomnisius’ leading scorer for the game missed ing. four free throws and a dunk, he was ragged Rivalries are brutal and, at times, meron by the student ciless and unforgivCheers of “We can’t hear you,” section for the rest of ing. The one Niagara the game, regardless “What is a Griff?” and “Wilson,” shares with Canisius of whether he was could be heard bellowing across the is healthy and alive actually playing or with a passion uncourt from the N-Zone. sitting on the bench. like any other. Most It was clear to the N-Zone that their chant cheers and leers shared between student worked to unsettle a team who, at the time, sections are only from two schools bursthad kept it a competitive match. ing with competitive spirit and are mostly Perhaps this chant was a little too effec- taken in stride with a light heart. However, tive. Towards the end of the game many I find it unacceptable to let this excitement spectators, including myself, witnessed create an atmosphere where students beCanisius’ coach consoling Wilson. It was gin to lose grasp of the fine line heckling obvious he was upset and that the game walks. Yelling remarks about one’s past was going to be won by Niagara, however and teasing a player about a few shots (that the chant continued. are insignificant in the long run) approach As the teams were returning to their that fine line. I just hope that neither school respective locker rooms, I observed the dares to cross it. best and worst parts of a healthy rivalry, ironically on either side of me. To my left Super Bowl ads - a mediocre bust? Among the funniest were: Sports.aol.com featured a poll in Rachel Ward 1. Budweiser - Rock, paper, scissors, which thousands voted for their fa- Staff Writer shoot. Let’s not live in denial, anyone getvorite ads in each quarter of the Su- The Chicago Bears and the Indianapo- ting hit with a rock, especially over beer, is per Bowl. lis Colts battled it out in the pouring rain amusing. The results are as follows: First Quarter Blockbuster: Mouse - 46% Bud Light: Rock, Paper, Scissors faceoff - 15% Snickers: Mechanic Love - 11% Doritos: Crash - 9% Bud Light: Auction Wedding - 7% Second Quarter Budweiser: Dalmation - 31% Bud Light: Learning English Classroom - 16% GMC: Robot Dream - 12% Bud Light: Slap Happy Fad - 9% Doritos: Cheesy Cashier - 8% Third Quarter Bud Light: Gorillas - 33% Taco Bell: Lions, “Carne” - 19% Emerald Nuts: Office - 12% Coke: Fantasy Assembly Line - 9% Coke: Rebirth - 8% Fourth Quarter Bud Light: Hitchhiker - 33% Budweiser: Crabs in awe - 22% Nationwide: K-Fed Dream - 15% T-Mobile: My Fav. - 8% FedEx: Ground - 6% on Feb. 5 in Miami, Florida. Although the Bears got off to a fast start, the Colts ultimately took the victory 29-17. As is usual, those with no vested interest in the game or in either team tuned into CBS for the highly anticipated Super Bowl commercial extravaganza. Over the decades, this precious commercial time, in between plays of football’s biggest event, has evolved into an annual marketing event. Companies pay top dollar, about $2-3 million, for a 30-second time slot to market their product better than their competition during the Super Bowl. These commercials usually setup (or quickly end) marketing campaigns that will extend throughout the year. There is a downside to having the largest captive audience though -- the companies are marketing their products to a much larger number of critics as well. It’s a hit or a miss with these ads and, like always, some companies ran advertisements that were complete successes, while others floundered and stunk like week-old salmon. Companies that aired commercials this year include Budweiser, Frito-Lay, FedEx, Career Builder, Chevy, Toyota, Sierra Mist, Snickers, Coca-Cola, Sprint, just to name a few. To the critic’s delight, this year’s ads fall into the category of so-so. Some were brilliant while others just plain missed the mark, failing to top those of 2006. At least there were still some laughs to be had. 2. Doritos - Live the Flavor. Although it is a little far-fetched, it gets the point across and all the while manages to include airbags, painful falls and a romantic epiphany. It’s almost unbelievable that the average Joe from across the street created this fantastic ad. 3. Bud light - The sheer idiocy of picking up a hitchhiker on the side of the road with beer and an ax that he conveniently declares is a “can opener,” deserves a commercial. Plain and simple. Too bad persons with chainsaws don’t get the same luxury. 4. FedEx - Don’t take it literally. Or in this case, do. 5. Chevy - Is it hot in here? Somehow this catches your attention. Whether it is because of the dancing men or because it is not your ordinary car commercial, it still makes this list. Amazingly enough, this commercial was created by a University of Wisconsin student, Katie Crab, who participated in a advertising contest. On the left is a sports.aol.com featured poll. If you’d like to place a vote of your own just visit the website and place a vote where prompted. Or, if you’d like to view or re-view these commercials, visit www.cbs.com and follow the links to get to the 2007 Super Bowl ads. 2007 Super Bowl ad reviews are also featured on such sites as www.humor. about.com and www.cnn.com. Check them out and enjoy the post-game hype! Upcoming sport schedules Men’s Hockey Feb. 16 & 17 - at Wayne State, 7 p.m. Feb. 23 & 24 - Robert Morris, 7 p.m. Mar. 2 & 3 - at Ala.-Huntsville, 8 p.m. Men’s Basketball Feb. 13 - at Canisius, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 - Liberty, ALL DAY Feb. 23 - Loyola MD, 7 p.m. Men’s Tennis Feb. 18 - at Colgate, 10 a.m. Mar. 3 - at Manhattan, TBA Mar. 4 - at Binghamton, 8 a.m. Women’s Hockey Feb. 16 & 17 - at Robert Morris, 7 p.m. Feb. 23 & 24 - Mercyhurst, 7 p.m. Mar. 2 & 3 - CHA Championship, TBA Women’s Basketball Feb. 16 - St. Peters, 7 p.m. Feb. 18 - Manhattan, 2 p.m. Feb. 23 - at Siena - 7 p.m. Feb. 11 - at Canisius, TBA Women’s Tennis Feb. 17 - at Colgate, 9 a.m. Feb. 23 - Duquesne, 6 p.m. Feb. 25 - Loyola, 1 p.m. NU Sports Scores Men’s Basketball Jan. 14 - at Rider - Win - 80-79 Jan. 18 - Marist - Loss - 91-86 Jan. 20 - Iona - Win - 81-80 Jan. 26 - at Marist - Win - 83-75 Jan. 28 - at Fairfield - Loss - 56-68 Feb. 2 - Manhattan - Win - 81-70 Feb. 4 - Canisius - Win - 79-61 Women’s Basketball Jan. 19 - Loyola - Loss - 91-53 Jan. 22 - Canisius - Win - 62-59 Jan. 26 - at Fairfield - Loss - 70-81 Jan. 28 - at Marist - Loss - 59-80 Feb. 1 - Siena - Win - 72-68 Feb. 3 - Loyola Md. - Loss - 55-65 Men’s Hockey Jan 19 - Quinnipiac - Win - 5-2 Jan 20 - Quinnipiac - Win - 3-2 Jan. 26 - Wayne St. - Win - 4-2 Jan. 27 - Wayne St. - Win - 4-3 Feb. 2 - at Robert Morris - Loss, 1-7 Feb. 3 - at Robert Morris - Loss, 2-5 Women’s Hockey Jan. 26 - at Quinnipiac - Win - 5-0 Jan. 27 - at Yale - Loss - 0-1 Feb. 2 - at Mercyhurst - Loss - 1-3 Feb. 3 - at Mercyhurst - Loss - 2-7 Men’s Tennis Jan. 27 - at Robert Morris - Win, 7-0 Jan. 28 - at Duquesne - Loss - 3-4 Feb. 2 - at Cleveland St. - Loss - 3-4 Women’s Tennis Jan. 27 - at Robert Morris - Win, 7-0 Feb. 3 - at Cleveland St. - Loss - 1-6 The Nation’s Third Oldest College Newspaper February 12, 2007 Anti-Valentine’s Day: The anti-holiday for independence Adrienne West Staff Writer Where will you be spending Valentine’s Day? Rachel Ward Staff Writer That day is rapidly approaching, the one with the flowers, candy and butterflies. Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, a Wednesday this year. There are many different stories that attempt to explain the origin of this holiday. Valentine was a priest who served in Rome. Emperor Claudius II declared that single men made better warriors than those with lovers or families. Thus, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine refused to accept it and defied the emperor. He continued to perform marriage ceremonies in secret for young lovers. Claudius discovered his actions and condemned him to death. Perhaps Valentine’s Day originated as a day to commemorate this martyr. Another story is that Valentine received the first Valentine’s Day greeting. It is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who had visited him during his confinement in prison. Before his death he wrote her a letter that he appropriately signed, “From your Valentine,” an expression still used today. The accuracy of these stories is impossible to prove but at the very least, Valentine was heroic, romantic and a popular figure in France and England. Not everyone enjoys this holiday of love, especially those who are involuntarily single. But students in relationships find it hard to not participate in the festivities. Ben Norris, a student at NU said, “Spending time with the people you love and care about is the most enjoyable part of Valentine’s Day.” Kaitlyn Barker agreed and added that she likes, “spending it with the people I love…and chocolate.” If gifts are a pressing problem for you, there are many options available to you. Something classic like flowers or candy will melt any heart. On the other hand, something original or wacky can be surprising and endearing. A-team group “Be my Valentine” cards anyone? Not to mention, crafts are a breeze and things from the heart will always hold special meaning to you and the receiver. Some easy and fast, however semi-pricey ideas are candles, perfume/cologne or jewelry for example. What matters most is that you don’t forget; don’t break your valentine’s candy coated heart. Spending quality time with a special someone is a must on this special day. Sophomore Dan Lomb said, “Spending time with my girlfriend,” is what he enjoys about the day. To make the day memorable, get dressed up and go out for a night on the town. There are plenty of restaurants around, especially some good ones in Canada near the beautiful scenery of the Niagara Falls. Some restaurants to be considered include: The Skylon Tower and The Secret Garden Restaurant in Niagara Falls, Canada. The Skylon Tower is open year round. Winter hours are from 11 am to 9 pm. If you get there at the right time you will be treated to a lighting of the falls as well, which makes it a perfect place to dine for a romantic evening. The Secret Garden Restaurant is tucked away overlooking a lovely garden and a full-frontal view of the falls. Its seclusion makes is a nice quiet place to dine with your valentine in a foreign country. For more information visit, http://www.secretgardenrestaurant.net. Those are just a two of the restaurants around the area. Look into these options as well as otehrs and you won’t regret your night out. Valentine’s Day is a simple holiday, but nonetheless a fulfilling one. Erica Hoskins states bluntly but surely, “I like the love,” and the love is all around this year. So make this holiday count, for the benefit of friends, lovers and family. What Mahatma Gandhi says is true, “Where there is love, there is life.” Here’s to hoping everyone has a great Valentine’s Day this year! The Index is now online! Visit our link through the Campus Activities website or at www.niagara.edu/cao/TheNiagaraIndex.htm Thanks to Bill Newton and the Office of Alumni Relations for their work on getting us on the web. Does the thought of oversized chocolate hearts and talking stuffed animals leave you with a queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach? Do you feel bitter, depressed and cynical as the dreaded February 14th holiday draws near? You’re not alone. It’s difficult enough to get through Valentine’s Day without all of your committed friends flaunting their so-called perfect relationships and their uncanny ability to make you uneasy with their public displays of affection. Some sappy couples take Valentine’s Day even more seriously than “actual” holidays while hopeful singletons pray for their dreamboats to confess an undying passion. Luckily, there are some more stable individuals choose to recognize the insanity floating above the others’ heads over a silly confection of card stores nationwide. Forget that cupid stuff. Why set high expectations that will only let you down when your beau neglects to get the 48” bear and settles for the 36”? Instead, celebrate your independence from the media-hyped hysteria and treat Feb. 14 simply as a day to assert your strength and superiority over it all. If you need a fast break from your mushy, face-sucking peers, consider an Anti-Valentine’s day party! There’s no better way to loathe the holiday than to do so with other miserable individuals. Anti-Valentine’s Day parties are sprouting up all over the area to give people a reason to party without the need to have a date. Even the Niagara University Campus Programming Board sponsored an Anti-V-day party at Boston Pizza on Feb. 9. So if you’d rather not deal with the angst of Valentine’s Day, celebrate your independence with other cranky nonconformists. Happy Anti-Valentine’s Day! A Valentine’s Day poem for you “How Do I Love Thee?” By Elizabeth Barrett Browning How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace, I love thee to the level of everyday’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle light. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints,-I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. Spring 2007 Schedule Month January Fri 19 Tues-Wed 23-24 Fri 26 Tues 30 Event Time & Location Live Music Series CSI Niagara Live Music Series NU Deal or No Deal Game Show 8pm - UTT 11am-2pm - Gally 8pm - UTT 8pm - UTT February Tues Fri Sat Tues Fri Tues Wed Thurs Sat 6 9 10 13 16 20 21 22 24 Ice Skating & Ice Cream Live Music Series Medieval Times Basketball Road Trip - Canisius Live Music Series Sabres vs. Flyers Noon Tunes Hypnotist Joshua Seth Buffalo Culture and Sports Day 6pm 8pm - UTT 4:30pm 5:30pm 8pm - UTT 5:30pm 12pm - Gally 8pm - Dun 127 2pm March Sat Tues Fri Wed Thurs Fri Sat Fri 3 6 9 21 22 23 24 30 World’s Toughest Rodeo & Dinner Open Mic Night Live Music Series Moonlight Bingo Money Tree Game Show Live Music Series 150th Anniversary Student Ball Relay for Life 4pm 6:30pm - UTT 8pm– UTT 10:30pm - Clet 12pm - Gally 8pm - UTT TBA TBA April Sat 14 Horseback Riding & BBQ @ Letchworth Mon 23 Niagara Climbing Center Fri-Sat 27-28 Disorientation Sun 29 Stomp Out Stigma 5K Run & Walk 10am 6pm TBA 9am - Kiernan May Wed Fri-Sat 8pm - O’Shea Yard TBA 2 Drive in Movie 4-5 White Water Rafting @ Black River On Sale Date Jan 22 Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 12 Feb 19 Mar 19 Apr 10 Feb 19 ****************************************************************************************************** Check out our website at www.niagara.edu/cao & on AIM at: NU Activities *Event Dates & Times are subject to change.* All tickets are sold in the Campus Activities Office. If you have a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation, please contact the Office of Campus Activities at (716) 286-8510. A courtesy of two weeks notice is requested, and all requests are kept confidential.