The Griffin: volume 70, issue 09 - Nov. 12, 1999

              See full story, page 11 The football team tried to break its losing streak this weekend. Were they successful? See full story page 13 Viewpoints columnist Shevaun Gentrer says learning your own limits is a necessary lesson. See full story, page 6 That Lang girl is at it again. Check out her take on car trips, family vacations, and—oh yeah— wetnaps in yet another hilarious Lang's World. The Griffin today Gas is guzzling money The Griffin Mil AN L0RINI7 Friday - Mostly Cloudy; High or 48°; Low or 28° i— m Sahjnimv Momiv Ciouoy; High o* 56*; Low of 28° Sunday Showirs I IK .11 < >i *>.| Low of 45° Public Safety is receiving yet another kudo. The latest reason for celebration in the Office of Public Safety is the promotion of status from security officers to that of peace offioers. According to the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control a peace officer is defined as an officer granted the same authority as a police officer with the exception of not being able to serve a warrant, and is restricted to their own geographical jurisdiction. What this means for Canisius is an increase in authority of our Public Safety officers in order to give them better liability protection. News 1 Editorial 4 Viewpoints 6 Features 8 Sports 13 On the Wing 15 http://www.canisius.edu/griffin In commenting upon the promotion granted our Public Safety officers, John Barker, director of Public Safety, said that "it's an important piece of legislation and Canisius has worked for a long time to achieve its passage."Mr. Barker also extended his personal thanks to Senator Volker and Assemblyman Schimminger for their "persistence and vigilance in passing this piece of legislation." When asked about the prospects for Qinisius, Mr. Barker "looks forward to putting everything together in order to service the Qillege better." ccive more advanced training. The promotion of Public Safety officers to peace officers has several implications for Canisius. First and foremost it provides an opportunity to improve the department of Public- Safety. The improvements will be achieved by providing more training for the officers, having access to more equipment and sources of information, and eligibility for grants. All of these improvements arc only available to peace officers, not to security officers. None of these improvements will cause any visible changes to the operation and function of Public Safety, but they will enable Public Safety to be better prepared to provide services. The biggest advantage of these improvements is a better qualified department of Public Safety that has more access to more tools in order to be successful. Canisius has been working towards this promotion since 1984. In order to be recognized as peace officers, a law had to be passed that granted Canisius officers the status of peace officers.The proposed bill was vetoed in 1996 and in 1997, but was passed by the Assembly in 1998. Governor Pataki signed the bill on November 1, and it became effective immediately. Canisius is the first private school in New York to have Peace Officer status granted through the State Criminal Procedure Law under Article 'IVvo. 1 iowever, before Public Safety officers can become peace officers, the College will require them to re- The Weekly Student Newspaper of Canisius College "Serving the Canisius Community Since 1933" by Michael Bridge Griffin News Reporter Fiesta Caliente by William R. St. Jean Director of Public Relations Latin culture took over the Polisano Pavilion last Saturday, Nov. (i as the biannual Fiesta Latina took place. The theme of the night, Noche Tropical, or Tropical Night, set the tone of fun, food, and dancing for everyone in attendance. Over 200 people attended Fiesta Latina, including many Canisius students and faculty members. The event, sponsored by Latin American Students and Friends (LASAF) is held every semester as an attempt to spread Latin culture to members of the Canisius Community. A popular Latin DJ from the buffalo area was brought in to treat everyone to current Latin music giving all in attendance the opportunity to dance. Along with the merengue, bachata, and salsa those in attendance were offered traditional Latin cuisine catered from Niagara Cafc, a Latin restaurant in Buffalo. Leila Escoto '01, president of LASAF, deemed the event very successful, "Everyone seemed to have a great time and there was a great turnout of Canisius students." This event is just one of many that LASAF sponsors throughout the year which include International Fest in the spring and a Latin cook off. Leila Escoto encourages everyone to get involved becuasc, as she promises,"you will have a great time." ill See Gas page 5 Of course, other factors contribute to the increase of gas prices. Many more people are consuming fuels in part due to the record low prices of last winter. The main reason for the increase in prices this year, however, is that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed to cut back on their production of crude oil in March, to prevent the further ero- than normal winter. What you pay for gas depends on Mother Nature's intentions. months ago, the prices, were down to $.97, now I they are up to $1.35." I This statement byl Johanna Black echoes many of the complaint heard around campus. Even a minor increase in price affects everyone. Higher gas prices mean more than the actual cost to fill up your car. What may seem like a small in- jj crease at the end of the ™ week (at current prices) costs you $5 to $ 10. That's the difference between money for a movie ticket or even your ability to get to the movie theater. Some people are optimistic because prices have leveled out for now. But don't expect prices to go down any time soon. The U. S. Department of Energy estimates that prices for gas and other fuels may go even higher this winter as people use fuel to heat their homes and businesses during what is expected to be a colder by Jen Jarman Griffin News Reporter Keeping the public peace There was lots of bold and spicy Latin music at Fiesta Latina Saturday. 3 You seniors are probably chomping at the bit with senioritis. Find out when and where graduation will be. See full story, page 3 "I commute everyday to school... I go through between $15-18 worth of gas a week. 1 don't understand why the gas prices have increased so drastically. Just four Quick. How much are the higher prices at the gasoline pumps costing you? Not sure of the answer? Well, while the answer may depend on whether you're a resident or a commuter, everyone should be aware of what these rising costs mean to their budget. Volume LXX NEWS VIEWPOINTS F EAT U RE S SPORTS FORECAST INDEX Photo by HRIAN LORENT/